Thailand Live Wednesday 6 Jul 2011

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Reds hopeful for Cabinet job but no pressure: Kwanchai

By The Nation

The red shirts will not demand their inclusion in the Cabinet although it remains hopeful that one or two might get ministerial appointments, Udon Thani red movement leader Kwanchai Praipana said on Wednesday.

"The red shirts have no specific demands about the Cabinet and would leave it up to the decision by the Pheu Thai Party executive board," he said.

Kwanchai said in his personal view, red leaders like Jatuporn Promphan and Natthawut Saikua should be included in the Yingluck Shinawatra government.

Jatuporn should secure a ministerial portfolio while Natthawut should be the government spokesman in order to act as Yingluck's shield, he added.

He said those red shirts who became first-term MPs, such as Weng Tojirakarn, should focus on legislative work.

-- The Nation 2011-07-06

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Police Keeps Close Eye on Election Aftermath

The national police chief has urged officers to deter violence after the General Election.

Police General Pongsapas Pongcharoen said that national police chief has instructed all officials to deter any violence that may break out following the General Election.

There have been no reports of violence so far.

Pongsapas insists that all ballot boxes have been heavily guarded by the Royal Thai Police, and that it's unlikely any of them could be replaced without their knowing.

Recently, there have been complaints calling for a recount of ballots in Bangkok, Nakorn Ratchasima, and Yala provinces.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission or EC is investigating each case thoroughly.

He said police will facilitate every part of the process.

At the same time, Pongsapat said that police would file a lawsuit in the case of any violation of the election law.

National Police Spokesman, Major General Prawut Tavornsiri discussed the restructuring of security agencies in the restive South saying that the national police office will assign the provincial police region 9 to maintain law and order, instead of the central command center.

He said the new structure will facilitate police to be more effective in tackling daily insurgency in the area.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-06

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DSI Director-general Ready to Work With New Govt

The Department of Special Investigation director-general has expressed readiness to work with the Pheu Thai-led government and is prepared for possible reshuffling.

Meanwhile, one of the fugitive red-shirt leaders has kept quiet after surrendering to the authorities two weeks prior to the election.

The Department of Special Investigation or DSI, Director-general Tharit Pengdit said at a press conference that following the Pheu Thai Party's landslide victory, he is prepared to work with Yingluck Shinawatra-led administration.

Tharit said that if the government feels he is unfit for the DSI director-general post, it may consider a reshuffle.

He will not contest the government's decision as it is a common bureaucratic process.

He added that if he is trusted to continue his DSI duties, he is fully committed to his responsibilities and will strictly adhere to the law.

Tharit praised Yingluck's priority on national reconciliation, stating that it is the right direction to move Thailand forward, and the law must be respected along the path to reconciliation.

He is confident the DSI will not be targeted for vengeance by the red-shirt movement.

The DSI director-general suggested the new government and the Justice Ministry upgrade the DSI to make it a large agency, similar to the National Security Council and the National Intelligence Agency, to ensure stability when there are changes in government.

Tharit commented on the preparation by red-shirt movement caretaker Thida Thavornseth to scrutinize the Center for Resolution of Emergency Situation or CRES, for the dispersal of the red-shirt demonstration, saying that any complaints must be filed with the National Anti-Corruption Commission to launch an investigation.

Meanwhile, hardline red-shirt leader Arisaman Pongruangrong was prepared to turn himself in to police two weeks prior to the election; however, he has yet to contact the authorities following the election.

If Arisaman turns himself in to stand trial, the Court will determine whether he will be granted temporary bail.

As for the 19 red-shirt attorneys who are suspected of violating lese-majeste laws, they have postponed their hearing and claim that because the charges are very serious they need more time to gather witnesses.

Investigators have agreed to the request and will convene today to discuss a new hearing deadline.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-06

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PTT Urges New Government to Reconsider Scrapping State Oil Fund

The PTT management group urges the new government to reconsider dissolving the State Oil Fund, as it is an essential tool for managing the country's energy prices.

The PTT President and CEO Prasert Bunsumpun said the rising stock prices clearly reflect that investor confidence has risen after the smooth election.

He added that investors are interested in who will take which positions in the Cabinet, especially the position of energy minister.

He urges the Pheu Thao-led administration to reconsider its plan to abolish the State Oil Fund, as it is an essential tool for controlling the country's energy prices.

He said dissolving the fund will lower Benzene and Diesel prices while pushing up LPG and NGV gas prices.

Prasert said PTT will offer the new government a proposal concerning the adjustment of NGV prices to better reflect their true market cost.

He said NGV costs 15 baht per kilogram, but is currently being sold at 8.5 baht per kilogram, costing the Oil Fund 4 to 5 baht per kilogram.

He said the Dubai crude oil price should stand around 100 U.S. dollars per barrel, and the fuel price should stand around 120 U.S. dollars per barrel.

He added that the fluctuation of domestic fuel prices will depend on the new government.

PTT Senior Executive Vice President Sarun Rungkasiri said if the government decides to terminate the State Oil Fund, he suggests the process be done gradually, as all energy sectors will need time to adjust to the true cost of production.

He added that if the fund is to be abolished, the government needs to set a clear plan as to where the LPG and NPG subsidies will come from.

He said PTT could announce a rise in fuel prices in the next one to two days if world oil prices rise.

The marketing price for oil is currently at 1.2 baht per liter.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-06

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Chalerm denies requesting post from Pheu Thai

BANGKOK, 6 July 2011 (NNT) – Former Pheu Thai MPs Chairperson Police Captain Chalerm Yubumrung has dismissed a rumour that he was requesting a ministerial post from the Pheu Thai Party.

Speaking at his residence in Bangbon area, Police Captain Chalerm stated that he, as a Pheu Thai MP, would like to congratulate the party on its landslide victory in the 3 July election as well as Ms Yingluck Shinawatra upon receiving voters’ mandate to be the next prime minister.

The Pheu Thai heavyweight added that he was neither involved in the selection of qualified people to sit in the cabinet nor asking for any position from the Pheu Thai Party. He pointed out that placements of persons in key jobs are only based on the decision of Ms Yingluck and party executives.

Police Captain Chalerm has been speculated to be appointed to several important posts such as the new house speaker, interior minister and justice minister.

-- NNT 2011-07-06

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Applause For Abhisit

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Smog from Indonesian forest fire covers Songkhla and Satun and warning issued for fishing trawlers about visibility /TAN_Network

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Survey Checks Confidence of Thais in First Femal Prime Minister

The people have expressed confidence in the likely-to-be first female prime minister.

Suan Dusit Poll has conducted research on public opinion about Thailand's likely-to-be first female prime minister.

Some 70 percent of respondents are receptive to the election result.

Around 17 percent said they are waiting to see the new prime minister work, while 12 percent believe Yingluck Shinawatra lacks political experience.

In addition, 33 percent said having a female prime minister is starting a new page of political history.

More than 17 percent strongly believe this is a fresh beginning for democracy in Thailand, as women have proven to be of equal status in politics.

Meanwhile, some 50 percent of respondents said Yingluck is indecisive, and 28 percent said she is Thaksin's nominee.

Overall, it is apparent that 36 percent of respondents are confident in Yingluck Shinnawatra due to her education and business administration experience.

Many ask only that she fulfill the promises she made during her campaign.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-06

Meanwhile, some 20 percent of the respondents do not believe in her ability to govern the country.

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Noppadon Denies Rumor of Thaksin Becoming Trade Envoy

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Upper Central Region Face Flooding

Upper central provinces are still greatly affected by floodwater from the Yom River.

Roads are said to be completely cut off in many districs and vast areas of farmland have been already been destroyed.

The representative of HRH Princess Somsavali Phra Vararaja Thinadda Mart, Air Chief Marshal Anupan Sanitwong Na Ayudhaya, has distributed 1,100 relief packets to flood victims and Buddhist monks in Muang District of Sukhothai Province.

He also offered free meals and medical services for residents at Wat Latsaimoon in the same district.

Meanwhile, the flooding in Pak Phra and Pak Kwae sub-districts of Muang District has subsided.

Remaining flood-hit areas are Sam Mun Village, where the water level is 30 centimeters high, and Sukhothai-Bangrakam Road.

In Kongkrailat District, flooding from the upstream district of Muang is still wreaking havoc in the area.

Officials say the inundation is still affecting nine districts and nearly 100,000 rais of farmlands.

In the same region, the Yom River stretch in Bangrakam District of Phitsanulok Province now stands at 41 centimeters high, 16 centimeters higher than the crisis limit.

Officials have warned rice farmers to brace themselves for flooding, as the crops will be ready for harvest soon.

While flooding is common in Thailand, many locals are saying that the monsoon season has come early this year, catching many of them off guard.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-06

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PTT to Expand Restaurant Chain at Gas Stations

PTT is planning to open restaurants in their gas stations to attract more consumers.

Aside from its oil retail business, PTT has its own convenience store chains at PTT gas stations and has continued to improve the food business.

PTT's Retail Management Company is the operator of Jiffy convenience store and Jiffy Kitchen restaurants, which recently opened its fifth Jiffy Kitchen at the PTT Headquarters on Viphavadhi Road.

More than eight million baht is invested in each restaurant branch.

There are also plans to expand the restaurant chain to shopping complexes and community malls.

PTT's Retail Management Company Managing Director Krisanapol Komolboon said the first four Jiffy Kitchen branches have brought in satisfactory revenue at an average rate of 100,000 baht at each branch per day.

Jiffy Kitchen was established to meet the demands of white-collar office workers.

It offers Thai and international cuisine and a Cafe Amazon coffee shop.

The restaurant chain has plans to open six additional branches each year.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-06

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Haze from Indonesian forest fire blankets southern Thai provinces

SONGKHLA, July 6 – Thailand’s southern provinces of Songkha and Satun have been blanketed in haze from current Indonesian forest fires.

Thin haze covers a number of areas including a road linking business district of Hat Yai and the Muang Songkhla district, causing poor visibility.

It is believed that the smog came from forest fires in Indonesia swept by the monsoon to the South of Thailand.

The local meteorological department in Songkhla has checked the weather conditions and the fire situation in Indonesia.

According to the department, hundreds of forest fires occurred in the mid- and lower parts of Sumatra. The southwest monsoon, covering Thailand’s southern region, is possibly blowing haze to the lower South of Thailand.

Pol Lt-Col Banjerd Manavej, Inspector of the marine police division said haze has also blanketed Satun province for several days and became intensified on Tuesday. Fishing boats are warned to proceed with caution. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-07-06

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Kantaraluck police to forward against 3 spies of Cambodia to court within this month despite change in administration /TAN_Network

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AFP: Thailand's PM-to-be denies job for Thaksin

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Lese majeste indictment for 19 red shirts postponed a month

The Department of Special Investigation has agreed to postpone the indictment of 19 red-shirt leaders, including Jatuporn Promphan, for lese majeste and sedition in connection with Jatuporn's April 2 rally speech.

"The defence has sought and received the DSI's permission for addition time to collect evidence for rebuttals," DSI director general Tharit Pengdit said on Wednesday.

-- The Nation 2011-07-06

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Jatuporn's MP status validated: Natthawut

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Arisman denies reports that he plans to turn himself in to the DSI and says he has not committee any wrongdoing /TAN_Network

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Yingluck: New cabinet appointments made on merit basis

BANGKOK, 6 July 2011 (NNT) – Thailand’s Prime Minister-elect Yingluck Shinawatra has stressed that her consideration of cabinet members will be based solely on individual capabilities.

Ms Yingluck brushed off a rumour that she would appoint her brother ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as a trade ambassador, saying that she did not know how the rumour came from. She noted that her brother had not demanded any position but only gave her the moral support.

Ms Yingluck said that at present she wanted time to focus on the drafting of policy guideline in accordance with the promise she gave to the people, adding that the formation of the cabinet would be clearer after the Election Commission has certified the election results.

Ms Yingluck admitted that she has no one in mind for the defence minister’s portfolio, but the candidate must be able to work with the military. As for those to work in economic related ministries, she said people in her party will be considered first but opportunities are still opened for outsiders.

The prime minister-designate noted that the new foreign minister must be knowledgeable, has adequate capabilities, is able to coordinate with government officials and must be accepted by the international community.

Asked if key leaders of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) will be appointed to the new cabinet, Ms Yingluck responded that capabilities of each figure will be the main criteria for consideration, not individual appearances; otherwise, formation of the new cabinet will be difficult.

-- NNT 2011-07-06

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Suthep vows not to accept Democrat sec-gen post

BANGKOK, 6 July 2011 (NNT) – Outgoing Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs Suthep Thaugsuban has firmly announced that he will not accept to be the secretary-general of the Democrat Party, after having resigned from the post recently.

The acting secretary-general stated that many people in his Democrat Party, including Democrat Party Chief Advisor and ex-Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, did agree that outgoing Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva should be reappointed the Democrat Party's leader.

Mr Suthep however insisted that he will not take the position of secretary-general of the party once again although he will be re-elected by the party’s meeting. He said he will ask the meeting’s chairperson not to nominate him to the new set of Democrat executives.

The acting secretary-general noted that there are many capable people in his party to perform in his post while he is ready to be one of the party advisors to assist in other affairs. He added that the party should adjust its strategies to build more supporters similar to the Pheu Thai Party.

Mr Suthep voiced no concerns over the task of his party as the opposition although the number of opposition MPs is smaller than the other side. He affirmed that his party will work its best to protect interest of people and will not resort to street politics like the Pheu Thai Party used to do.

-- NNT 2011-07-06

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Bhum Jai Thai Denies Joining Govt

The Bhum Jai Thai Party MP chief has denied a claim that some of the party's MPs will team up with the Pheu Thai-led administration.

Bhum Jai Thai Party MP chief Prachak Kaewklahan insisted there will be none of his party's MPs to ally with the Pheu Thai Party as his party is in harmony.

He also stressed on strong ties between him and the party's helmsman Newin Chidchob despite a big election defeat in many constituencies.

When asked if party leader Chawarat Chanwirakul will step down from the post, Prachak said he has not been informed of the matter and this is up to the leader's decision.

He added many Bhum Jai Thai core figures are in the provinces to assess how and why the party lost the poll race in a large number of constituencies.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-06

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Phuket man killed instantly in motorbike crash

The scene of the accident on Thepkrasattri Road in Phuket's Thalang

district last night.

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Plans to Upgrade Provincial Airports under Review

The Transport Ministry has ordered the Department of Civil Aviation to review the management plans for 28 provincial airports, saying that they are not attractive enough to private contractors.

Deputy Permanent Secretary for Transport Sornsak Saensombat said the working group on management of 28 provincial airports found the plans proposed by the Department of Civil Aviation, or DCA, lacking clarity, particularity the one aiming to attract private contractors to manage nine airports that remain without commercial flights.

The airports include those in in Pattani, Tak, Chumphon, Phetchabun, Nakhon Ratchasima, Hua Hin and Mae Hong Son.

Sornsak said the panel has asked the DCA to revise the plans with a focus on commercial and safety plans, pros and cons comparison as well as how private firms can manage the airports.

The panel expects the DCA to get back to them by July and will submit a proposal for the Cabinet's consideration in August.

DCA Director General Somchai Chanrod said the plan to revamp 28 provincial airports will consist of two parts.

The first part, which is construction of basic infrastructure and maintenance, will be overseen by his agency, while the other part, which is on operation and management, will be undertaken by private companies.

Somchai said he personally thinks that the most feasible plan is transfer management of provincial airports to the supervision of the Airports of Thailand, but the plan is faced with opposition.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-06

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Court rejects bail bid by UDD leader Nisit Sinthuprai, says his terrorism case is serious, warrants severe punishment /MCOT

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Suthep Blasts Plan to Appoint Thaksin Trade Ambassador

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Chart Thai Pattana to Join Coalition Govt

The Chart Thai Pattana leader says the party's board meeting has agreed to join the Pheu Thai-led government, but more clarity about Cabinet posts will be revealed after the poll results are officially approved.

Chart Thai Pattana Party leader Chumpol Silpa-archa held a press conference after the meeting of executive board members that the party has resolved to join the Pheu Thai-led administration.

Chumpol went on to say that the meeting also assigned him to represent the Chart Thai Pattana to negotiate on forming the new government with other coalition partners.

Asked about Chart Thai Pattana's ministerial posts, Chumpol said the matter is too soon to be discussed as all parties will have to wait for official endorsement of the election results.

The atmosphere at the Chart Thai Pattana's headquarters was lively as members of the press have been stationed there to closely monitor the party's move.

Chart Thai Pattana chief adviser Bunharn Silpa-archa has ordered the party's feng sui to be adjusted by removing palm trees in front one of the party's buildings.

Bunharn also ordered workers to turn on a fountain in front of the party headquarters around the clock to welcome good luck.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-06

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Tourism Prospect Positive after Election

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is pleased that all parties are respecting the election results and say that this will help boost foreign confidence as more than 19 million tourists are expected to visit Thailand this year.

Tourism Authority of Thailand, or TAT, Bangkok Office Director Yianyong Chairat said after presiding over the 2011 Crab Festival that each political party has respectfully accepted the election results, demonstrating to the international community that Thailand is ready for peace and reconciliation.

He added that the smooth proceedings and peaceful outcome of the election will help boost tourism confidence.

Yianyong is confident that there will be a minimum of 19 million tourists visiting the Kingdom this year and that he must wait for the new government to appoint the new tourism and sports minister, who will implement policies and guide the tourism sector.

Central Pattana Marketing Department Assistant Managing Director Nattakit Tungpulsinthana feels the economy and politics will improve if the government is accepted by all parties and carries out its campaign promises with transparency.

He believes every party wants to pave the way for reconciliation following the election so that the country can finally progress, adding that the government must quickly resolve economic woes and monitor the inflation rate.

Regarding the 2011 Crab Festival, the event is a joint effort between Bang Khun Thian Subdistrict Office and Central Plaza Rama 2.

Over 1,000 seafood products from 300 shops are offered.

The Crab Festival will kick off on July 19 and run until July 24 at Central Park at Central Plaza Rama 2.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-06

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Snoh opposes appointing reds to Cabinet

Incoming MP Snoh Thienthong on Wednesday voiced opposition on a move to award the red-shirt leaders with Cabinet seats.

"I have talked to senior figures in the red-shirt movement and they agree not push for ministerial appointments," he said.

-- The Nation 2011-07-06

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EC has reportedly cleared way for Jatuporn to serve in Parliament. /via@tulsathit

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Canadian drugged and robbed in Sriracha

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