Thailand Live Saturday 2 Jul 2011

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Thailand Live Saturday 2 Jul 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 Friday 1 2011

[webfact]

Today's Thailand weather and forecasts:

Follow this link: http://weather.thaivisa.com/

[Lite Beer]

Thaicom names new CEO

Thaicom's board yesterday announced the appointment of Suphajee Suthumpun, former managing director of IBM Thailand, as the chief executive officer of Thaicom, replacing Arak Chonlatanon, who will retire from the post.

The appointment is effective August 1.

Arak will become chief adviser of Thaicom from August 1 until September 30.

'Rethink LPG hike'

The Federation of Thai Industries has reiterated its position that the industrial sector should be given time to adjust to a planned increase in the price of liquefied petroleum gas.

It was initially believed that the new pricing policy of LPG for industrial use was to be implemented yesterday, but it did not go into effect. FTI chairman Payungsak Chartsuthiphol said yesterday that if the existing government had not formulated the policy, the federation wanted the next administration to rethink the issue.

TrueMove bolsters

TrueMove yesterday gave more information to the Central Investigation Bureau on its complaint against Total Access Communication (DTAC) on its rival's alleged breach of foreign business law.

On June 14, TrueMove filed the case at the Crime Suppression Division but |the latter has no authority |to receive the complaint, |so it was transferred to the Central Investigation Bureau, which had already set up a panel in May to probe the complaint.

Contract for Laos

Nawarat Patanakarn has secured a US$30million (Bt922 million) contract to construct a hydropower plant in Laos.

The 14megawatt Nam Sana power plant on the Nam Sana River will take 32 months to complete.

Janome sales jump

Win International, the sole distributor of Janome sewing machines in Thailand, expects to see a 25percent increase in sales this year after last year's impressive growth, said managing director Siriwan Vilasakdanont.

The company has been making sewing machines for nine decades.

-- The Nation 2011-07-02

[Lite Beer]

Media to probe Pheu Thai bribery accusations

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/479531-media-to-probe-pheu-thai-bribery-accusations/

[Lite Beer]

PAD makes final plea in 'Vote No' campaign

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/479532-pad-makes-final-plea-in-vote-no-campaign/

[Lite Beer]

Minute-to-minute poll coverage from Nation Multimedia

By The Nation

With a team of 500 reporters and the help of nearly 10,000 students from three universities, Nation Multimedia Group is ready to deliver minutetominute coverage of tomorrow's election through a variety of media.

Live radio and television reports from Nation Radio and Nation Channel run from 8.30pm tonight to midnight on Monday to give the audience the latest updates on every event before and during tomorrow's vote. Realtime news feeds from all media websites under the NMG are also available.

With support from more than 9,000 students from Sri Pathum University stationed at polling booths throughout the country, exit polls will begin immediately after 3pm tomorrow, which is the end of voting. Constant updates of vote counts from the Election Commission and the Royal Thai Police will be fed through all our broadcast and online channels.

The NMG election coverage is also available through an allied channel, Asean TV, and on its website www.aseantv.net, as well as on True 99, and to subscribers of all local cable channels in the provinces. The website of The Nation newspaper at www.nationnewmedia.com also features fullpackage coverage of the poll, with reporters in the field delivering live coverage in addition to stories in the print version the morning after.

Mobile channels for people on the go are easily obtained through the Nation Super News app, which can be downloaded from www.nationnewmedia.com, while socialnetworking services at @ThaiElection @ThaiElection11, through Twitter and Facebook respectively, deliver reports in English.

-- The Nation 2011-07-02

[Lite Beer]

'Revoke Preah Vihear as World Heritage Site': Suwit

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/479533-revoke-preah-vihear-as-world-heritage-site-suwit/

[Lite Beer]

TAT sees steady growth

By Suchat Sritama

The Nation

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set a target of attracting 19.5 million tourists generating revenue of Bt760 billion for 2012.

The target revenue from forฌeign visitors is an increase of 9 per cent from this year's projection.

Meanwhile, local people are expected to undertake 93 million trips next year and bring in revenue of Bt453 billion, a 5per cent increase from this year. For this year, the authority projects foreign arrival numbers at 18 million.

TAT governor Suraphon Svetasreni said the agency would continue the successful "Amazing Thailand Always Amazes You" campaign to encourage international markets. "Tourism should grow in the next few years despite global and local conditions," Suraphon said.

The authority has lined up six strategic plans for next year: promoting "tourism balance" in various dimensions, focusing on sustainable tourism, strengthening the Thailand brand image, developing creative tourism, workฌing with more alliances, and optimising internal management.

TAT has also prepared eight specific marketing plans to take advantage of various opportunities, including the luxury market, repeat travellers and an increase in online marketing as well as stimulate the domestic market.

Suraphon added that the local market would be a major focus of attention next year.

TAT will also focus on regional markets by expanding distribution channels on new media into neighbouring countries. He added this weekend's general election would generate positive impact to the industry. "The private sector has proposed tourism guidelines suitable to whoever comes to power," he said

-- The Nation 2011-07-02

[Lite Beer]

Abhisit: It's us or chaos

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/479535-abhisit-its-us-or-chaos/

[Lite Beer]

Yingluck: We'll reconcile

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/479536-yingluck-well-reconcile/

[Lite Beer]

Singha boosts forecast on beer sales growth

By Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn

The Nation

Singha Corp is more optimistic about growth of its beer sales this year, now predicting a 5percent gain, up from the 3 per cent it forecast previously.

"The overall beer market, worth more than Bt100 billion, is expected to be positive this year because of the coming election, which will result in better cash flow in the market," marketing director Chatchai Wiratyosin said. "Without any surprising incidents after the election, I believe the overall economy and the beer industry will be quite positive."

Chatchai said the company achieved 2percent growth in beer sales last year, which was in line with the growth of the overall Thai beer industry.

"We expect to increase our market share from 64 per cent currently to 65 per cent by the end of this year," he said.

He added that Thai Beverage's Chang beer, its closest competitor, posted a market share of 31 per cent.

"The local beer market, however, has been pressured by the government's strict regulations and ban on advertising."

Chatchai said the overall beer marฌket achieved nearly Bt50 billion in total sales in the first five months of this year.

Singha Corp yesterday held a oneday event at CentralWorld to celebrate Manchester United's success last seaฌson in claiming a record 19th Football League title to become the most successful club in English soccer.

"We invited [Rio] Ferdinand, the world's most expensive defender, to the country as the club's representative to thank Thai fans for the strong support they have always given to the team as well as offering them a chance to join in title celebrations," Chatchai said.

"The Thailand visit is part of Manchester United's Asian Trophy Tour by its stars Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and Park JiSung, who will make separate visits to particular markets in Asia to meet and greet the club's fans.

"As United's global partner, we want to tighten the ties between the club and local fans, who play a crucial part in taking Manchester United to a record 19th league title," he said.

Chatchai said that at the oneday event, about 200 Thai fans would have the chance to meet Ferdinand on a first come, first served basis.

-- The Nation 2011-07-02

[Lite Beer]

PTT plans stations with malls

By Watcharapong Thongrung

The Nation

PTT plans to invest between Bt300 million and Bt500 million on each unit in the country's first combined petrol stations and community malls.

The project was announced yesterday. The group previously failed to acquire the Thai operations of Carrefour, the French retail chain.

Sarun Rungkasiri, PTT senior executive vice president, said the new retail project had been approved by the policy board.

"We are in the process of appointing a design company to create patterns for both the fuel station and the community mall, which will be developed inside the station. It will be different from the existing PTT petrol stations, PTT Standard, PTT Platinum and PTT Park," he said.

Sarun said that the new PTT stations with community malls will require investments of between Bt300 million and Bt500 million each. PTT itself already has land available for the first station.

Sarun said consumers would be able to buy goods, relax and fill up with petrol at the new stations. He added that the concept had been quite successful in Europe.

He said PTT previously wanted to acquire the Carrefour outlets in Thailand to develop the petrol station/shopping mall concept but lost out to Big C Supercenter.

"We need to adjust the pattern of our new PTT petrol stations with community malls to be in line with the government's policy and our business process. With the new project, the petrol station will be only part of the retail complex. Most of the revenue will be conฌtributed by nonoil products.

"We are studying whether we will open the first of the new retail projects in Bangkok or somewhere in the east of the country. That decision will also depend on the recommendation of the design firm. PTT wants the new outlets to fit in with their local communities."

-- The Nation 2011-07-02

[Lite Beer]

Workers' pension fund to accept members next May

By Wichit Chaitrong

The Nation

The National Savings Fund, a new pension fund designed to cover all workers, will begin accepting members next May 8, said Naris Chaiyasoot, its newly appointed secretary general.

Those aged between 15 and 60 years are eligible to apply, said Naris, who is also director general of the Fiscal Policy Office.

"Although the fund was initiated by the Democratled government, the new government will have to implement it," said Naris, referring to the administration to be formed after tomorrow's election.

The new government may choose to accept fewer members if it has a limited budget to implement the National Savings Fund law, he said.

In the first year of the law, people over 60 years old will also be able to apply for membership but may stay in the fund for only 10 years. They also have to apply between next May 8 and May 6, 2013.

The government will contribute to the fund an amount based on the age of each member and his or her contribution, while individual members must contribute at least Bt50 per month, but not more than Bt13,200 per annum, he said.

The government's contribution will be 50 per cent of a member's contribution for those aged between 15 and 30 years, but will be no more than Bt600 annually.

Government's contribution is 80 per cent of a member's payment for those aged between 31 and 50 years, to a maximum contribution is Bt960 per annum.

The government's contribution will be 100 per cent of the member's contribution for those aged 5160 years, to a maximum government payment of Bt1,200 per year each.

The government guarantees the investment return of the fund will not be less than an average 12month deposit at the Government Savings Bank, Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives or the five biggest commercial banks.

Individuals who reach 60 years of age will receive a monthly pension for life. In case of death or disability, they or their descendants will be paid a lump sum.

Areepong Bhoochaoom, permanent secretary for the Finance Ministry, said the fund would cover 35 million workers, or 53 per cent of the country's population who currently are not covered by existing pension schemes - the Government Pension Fund, the Social Security Fund or private provident funds. They work in informal sectors, such as street vendors, taxi drivers and farmers.

-- The Nation 2011-07-02

[Lite Beer]

Cambodia reinforcing troops near Surin: Thai military

By The Nation

Troops and weapons of the Cambodian army have been reinforced in border areas not far from Ta Kwai and Ta Muen Thom ancient temples in Surin province, prompting fears over a new round of border fighting in the wake of Thailand's withdrawal from the World Heritage Commission.

Seven units of formidable M21 multiple rocket launchers are employed in addition to a number of them already at the ready at Ta Kwai temple, while new troops are mobilised at Ta Muen Thom, Thai military sources said.

Evacuations and emergency drills have been conducted at many schools in Surin and border provinces on a weekly basis while many schools have asked for more shelters.

-- The Nation 2011-07-02

[Lite Beer]

Food prices hike June CPI figure

By Petchanet Pratruangkrai

The Nation

Thailand's Consumer Price Index (CPI) in June rose 4.19 per cent year on year, mainly on higher food prices, though fuel costs were down.

The Commerce Ministry yesterฌday reported that yearonyear inflation in the first half of the year was 3.56 per cent, well within the authorities' expectations of 3.23.7 per cent this year. Month on month, inflation was 0.13 per cent.

Yanyong Phuangrach, permanent secretary of the ministry, said the inflation rate was steadier, reflecting stable economic growth.

"However, possible increases in oil prices, agriculturalgoods prices and interest rates may further boost the cost of goods and raise inflation in the remaining months of the year," he warned.

The Bank of Thailand plans to increase the policy interest rate in the second half of the year to bring down inflation. The policy rate was raised to 3 per cent early last month.

The BOT is targeting headline inflation of 35 per cent this year, given higher food and fuel prices.

The ministry expects the CPI to grow slowly in the third quarter of this year, at an annual rate of about 3.5 per cent. Yanyong said prices in the second half would not rise sharply as it was expected that the new govฌernment would be reluctant to allow consumer goods manufacturers to increase retail prices immediately after the government took office.

Last month, prices in the food and beverage sector grew 7.76 per cent year on year, with eggs and milk rising 4.17 per cent, fruits and vegetables 5.6 per cent and meat and poultry 11.49 per cent. The prices of nonfoodandbeverage items rose 1.81 per cent on higher transport costs.

The ministry reported that the average Dubai oil price was US$105.43 per barrel in the first half of the year, while it projects the fuel price for the year at an average of $78$88 per barrel. The exchange rate is now at Bt30.41 against the US dollar, while the average exchange rate was expected at Bt30-Bt33.

Asked about higher prices of liquefied petroleum gas, which will increase by Bt3 per kilogram this month and are expected to increase by Bt12 a kilo this year, Yanyong said this would have a very small impact on the inflation rate. LPG prices are weighted at just 0.05 per cent of total inflation.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and fuel prices, was 2.55 per cent year on year and 0.18 per cent month on month. In the first half of the year core inflation was 1.91 per cent. The BOT projects the figure at 0.53 per cent for the year.

-- The Nation 2011-07-02

[Lite Beer]

Kittima lifts three more medals for Thailand

By The Nation

China's Chen Xiaoting made a clean sweep of the gold medals as Thailand's Kittima Sutanan claimed three bronze in the women's 53kg event at the IWF World Junior Weightlifting Championships in Penang yesterday.

Chen bagged the first gold with a lift of 97kg in the snatch event, leaving North Korean Choe Hyo-sim (89kg) and Kittima (83kg) in second and third. The Chinese girl continued her superb form with a 116kg lift in the clean and jerk. Kittima (105kg) lost out to Choe (108kg) in the battle for silver. Chen's gold-medal hat-trick came with an Olympic Total of 213kg, with Choe (197kg) and Kittima (188kg) making up the medal places. After two days of competition, Thailand have six medals, including one gold and two silver from Wipada Sirimongkhon in the women's 48kg division.

-- The Nation 2011-07-02

[Lite Beer]

Both Abhisit and Yingluck campaign in BKK today; campaigning allowed only until 6pm / TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

Abhisit confident Democrats will win 250 seats in election; asks Thais to be 'decisive' with their votes / TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

Flooding still seen on some roads in BKK and vicinities from last night's rain such as Srinakarin and Bearing / TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

Morchit bus terminal continues to see huge number of people returning home to vote in tomorrow's election /TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

PAD leader says dismantling of stage will take 4-5 days while warning PAD will return to streets if Thaksin is granted amnesty / TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

At one red shirt village near Khon Kaen, group says IF the Pheu Thai govt is also bad, they will chase them out as well. / Via@Saksith

[Lite Beer]

Yingluck expresses concern about transparency of election and says too soon to talk about govt formation while adding Thaksin has no say / TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

Sukothai sees floodwater recede but there are concerns about more rain; polling stations in 7 districts moved to dry area / TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

We will work w Govt formed after Thai elections, w opposition and with non partisan civil society, as we do now./Via@KristieKenney (U.S. Ambassador)

[george]

Bangkok traffic info: BTS skytrain Sukhumvit Line has technical problems. Trains run only every 20 min.

[Lite Beer]

Grandmom of former Thai tennis star Paradorn killed in road accident in Nakhon Ratchasima / MCOT

[Lite Beer]

Thais face jail if they send campaign Tweets during poll

(Reuters) - Thais face jail if they campaign during Sunday's election on social media sites such as Twitter, with more than 100 police monitoring sites to make sure the law is enforced.

-- Reuters 2011-07-02

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/01/us-thailand-election-tweets-idUSTRE7600YI20110701

[Lite Beer]

PAD calls for dissolution of 5 parties

BANGKOK, 2 July 2011 (NNT) – The People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has petitioned the Election Commission (EC) for the disbandment of five political parties for their violation of the electoral law.

PAD core leader Praphan Khunmee submitted a letter with the EC and the political party registrar, asking them to consider dissolving a total of five political parties, namely Pheu Thai, Democrat, Bhumjaithai, Chart Thai Pattana and Chart Pattana Puea Pandin. He claimed that they had breached the electoral law, prohibiting persuasion of people to vote or not vote for certain parties by promising to benefit them financially.

Mr Praphan elaborated that many campaign policies of the aforementioned parties could be considered as handing out money to people. He cited as examples Pheu Thai’s corporate income tax reduction, increase of village funds and pay raise for civil servants and state officials as well as the Democrat’s diesel and LPG price retention, free medical services, free education and senior pension fund.

In addition, the PAD core leader pointed out that the Democrat Party’s final major campaign at the Royal Plaza was also against the regulation of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) as the site was located within the palace compound. He thus urged the EC to look into the issue.

-- NNT 2011-07-02

[Lite Beer]

OPINION: VENUS' VISION

A scary prospect

By Veena Thoopkrajae

When I go into a polling station I get frightened

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/479585-voting-is-a-scary-prospect/