Thailand Live Thursday 14 Jul 2011

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Thailand Live Thursday 14 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 Wednesday 13 Jul 2011

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Today's Thailand weather and forecasts:

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Thai Red shirts warn Election Commission of backlash

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ANALYSIS

Thai opinion: A new storm brewing?

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Thai Army chief Prayuth prefers military officer for defence minister

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Thailand's Major Cineplex promises action after complaints about high ticket prices

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Thai lawmakers behind land encroachment

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Top rural doctor award won by 'a great role model'

By Duangkamon Sajirawattanakul

The Nation

Dr Pakdee Suebnukarn has been named the outstanding rural doctor of 2010 for his 24 years of dedicated service at Somdej Phra Yupparat Dan Sai Hospital in Loei.

He is the 37th doctor to receive such an honour since the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital established the award in 1973.

The award also came with cash prizes: Bt100,000 from the faculty, Bt50,000 from Bangchak Petroleum, and Bt20,000 from Terumo, a medical-products company based in Japan.

"He is a great role model for other doctors," Dr Anuphan Tantiwong said yesterday in his capacity as the chairman of the selection panel for this prestigious award.

Anuphan said 17 rural doctors had been nominated for the 2010 award and Pakdee had emerged as the most outstanding.

"The hospital is in a risky area but he has the courage and the heart to stay there and serve locals."

Creating sustainable healthcare

He said that by reaching out to local people and colleagues, Pakdee made it possible to create sustainable healthcare development for the community.

Pakdee said: "The award has added to my inspiration to serve the public. It makes me want to get back to work at the hospital as soon as possible."

Growing up in a town, the doctor recounted he had never intended to work in remote areas. However, just like graduates from state medical schools, he was posted to a hospital through a system of lots for the first few years.

"But after I saw how locals lived, I have never wanted to go back to town," Pakdee said. "I have worked in Loei ever since."

Now in his 50s, this outstanding rural doctor intends to work in Loei until his retirement.

'Lucky to have such a family'

Upon receiving the prestigious award, Pakdee thanked his family for not pressuring him to return to town.

"I am very lucky to have such family," he said.

He also thanked Khon Kaen University's faculty of medicine for giving him the skills and knowledge to become a doctor. Pakdee is the first graduate from that institute to be named the outstanding rural doctor.

"My thanks also go to my team

and Dan Sai people," he said.

Pakdee admitted he had made mistakes during his service at the hospital - but local people were very understanding when he explained what happened.

"They have trusted me. They have allowed me to continue treating them," Pakdee said.

He urged fresh graduates from medical schools to spend at least a few years working in remote areas. "Then you will understand the feelings of the underprivileged."

Pakdee said he was happy the government had provided a healthcare system that would prevent medical costs driving patients into bankruptcy. However, he agreed with the co-payment idea to ensure that the country would not plunge deeper into debt over medical expenses.

-- The Nation 2011-07-14

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EDITORIAL

Pheu Thai's Wage hike doesn't add up for Thailand

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Kanit Commission: Truth must come before amnesty: Thai Talk

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Iranian arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport with 15 kilos of 'ice'

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Bangkok CentralWorld witness describes 'Molotov cocktails'

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Coal-mine protesters block Rama II road

By THE NATION

Samut Sakhon

About 1,000 environmentalists opposed to coal operations in their area blocked Rama II Road near the City Hall in Samut Sakhon's Muang district for three hours yesterday, causing severe traffic jams.

Using pickup trucks to block Rama II Road completely from 10am, the demonstrators led by Samut Sakhon Fishery Association resident Kamjorn Mongkoltrirak called for an end to the transport of coal around Samut Sakhon Bay and the Tha Chin River.

They also called for the permanent suspension of permits for any more coal factories; better control of existing coal factories to meet international standards; a ban on their location on "green areas" or farmlands or near community areas, temples or schools; up-to-standard transport of coal by well-covered trucks; and the punishment by immediate shutdown of coal operators who keep ignoring rules and disturbing the community.

Demonstration leader Thongnak Sawekjinda said toxic coal pouring into canals and the sea was decreasing marine life. Fruit farmers were suffering from lower produce yields and tainted fruit. People were affected by dust caused by the reckless transport of coal.

He said that despite prohibition of a coal facility being built on green areas, one was under construction on such an area of tambon Tha Sai, prompting people to gather and protest yesterday.

Samut Sakhon Governor Julapat Saengchan, senior officials and police went to negotiate with the demonstrators.

Julapat reportedly agreed that from yesterday, the province would have the Marine Department suspend coal-transport ships in the area and watch for violators.

It would require coal operators to conduct a public hearing before beginning operations, as well as having related agencies strictly enforce the law and control coal operators.

The provincial governor copied a letter of the agreed details for the demonstrator leaders, who then announced them on a megaphone. The protest broke up around noon.

-- The Nation 2011-07-14

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Tak 'still faces labour shortage'

By PONGPHON SARNSAMAK

THE NATION

Mae Sot, Tak

The Federation of Thai Industries in Tak province is disappointed with the new round of registrations for illegal migrant workers, saying the process has failed to solve labour shortages for industries in border provinces.

"Registration of migrant workers has not stopped migration from border provinces to provinces that pay higher wages," federation secretary Chaiwat Vititamwong said yesterday.

He was speaking at the "Migrant Workers and Benefits from Registration" seminar organised by the Rak Thai Foundation and Action Network for Migrant Workers.

The federation wants the new government to implement the 2008 Migrant Worker Bill, which would allow migrants to work in 22 provinces on the border and would help industry control migrant labourers in factories.

Since the government started registrations for migrant workers in 2004, most of the workers |have moved to bigger cities, rather |than staying in border provinces.

"After they register, they work with us to develop skills for a while, and then leave to get higher pay in other cities," he said. "This is why we are still facing a 30 to 40 per cent labour shortage every year."

Most of the industry in Tak's Mae Sot district consists of small and medium-sized manufacturers producing garments and shoes.

As of today, the final day for worker registration, about 30,000 migrants in Mae Sot have registered with Tak Employment Office. The figure does not include migrant workers in the agricultural sector. Authorities estimate that about 100,000 migrants work in Mae Sot.

Chaiwat said the number of registered migrant workers had fallen drastically from 50,000 in 2004.

"Most of them have travelled to Bangkok to seek higher salaries," he said. He said the industries in Mae Sot would face bankruptcy in the near future because of the new policy to increase daily minimum wages.

To solve the problem in the long term, Chaiwat said the government should set up a national panel comprising various stakeholders to draw up a blueprint for migrant workers. The plan would reflect the real situation in handling migrant-worker problems in local areas. In the past, the government's migrant-worker policy had changed constantly and never clearly implemented, he added.

Meanwhile, Action Network for Migrant Workers coordinator Satient Phanporm said he agreed with the federation in asking the government to implement the Migrant Worker Bill.

He said the bill would allow all stakeholders to draw up a master plan to resolve migrant worker issues.

However, migrant workers should have the right to travel, he added.

Ma Ei, a 28-year-old migrant who has worked in Mae Sot district for 11 years, said she did not agree with the federation's recommendation.

"The right to move to other areas to seek higher salaries is fundamental for human beings. If you want to move to other areas, so do I," she said.

She doubted she would benefit from the increase in daily minimum wages, pointing out that migrants already received less than the minimum set by law.

-- The Nation 2011-07-14

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Appeals denied in Australian auditor Michael Wansley murder case

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Invalidate July 3 vote, impeach Thai EC, say activists

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BURNING ISSUE

Good reasons for Thai elite to accept reality

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Why elected Thai MPs weren't endorsed

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3 students still in critical condition

By The Antion

Ten schoolchildren who survived a fatal road accident on Monday in Surat Thani, which involved their van and a truck, are now out of danger, but three others remain in critical condition, doctors said yesterday.

The three young victims are suffering from severe brain trauma and remain unconscious, while the 10 others are still in hospital for further treatment.

Eight students and the driver of the van died in the accident.

The truck driver also suffered injuries in the crash and will be questioned by police when he recovers further.

Police said the accident occurred because there were not enough warning signs to caution motorists about road-repair work ahead.

Surat Thani Governor Theerayuth Iamtrakool has responded by ordering more warning signs to be erected.

Police and other authorities have not yet decided whether to file criminal charges against the contractors for their failure to put up sufficient warning signs.

-- The Nation 2011-07-14

Related topic:

8 Students Killed In Road Accident In Surat Thani

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North, Northeast, East, Southwest have been warned of flash floods; BKK to see windy conditions /TAN_Network

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TRUEVISIONS

TrueVisions in major expansion of HD services

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Yingluck to welcome ambassadors of India, Canada, South Africa who will be giving their congratulations for her victory at Pheu Thai Party /

Foreign Ministry spokesman says no reports of Thais injured from 3 simultaneous blasts in Mumbai last night /

/TAN_Network

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Thai stock index opens on Thursday at 1,079.14, up 1.74 points /MCOT

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Transport Co to add 30% more buses during Buddhist Lent

BANGKOK, 14 July 2011 (NNT) – The Transport Co, Ltd is prepared to increase the number of buses by 30 percent to accommodate more commuters during the upcoming Buddhist Lent holiday while also planning to open new routes to Luang Prabang in October.

Speaking of the preparation for large crowds of holidaymakers during Buddhist Lent this weekend, Chief Executive Officer of the Transport Company Wuthichart Kalayanamitr stated that all 3,000 buses would provide their services as usual, running 1,000-1,500 trips per day. Besides, he said the company would also have 30 percent more buses standing ready in case they became necessary even though tickets had not been fully booked in advance. He then expressed confidence that the services would be sufficient for all passengers.

In addition, Mr Wuthichart disclosed that the company was planning to launch two new bus routes from the northern provinces of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang, Laos, in October this year.

-- NNT 2011-07-14

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Abhisit urges new govt to focus on national development

BANGKOK, 14 July 2011 (NNT) – Outgoing Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has suggested that the Pheu Thai Party should focus its attention on national development after it takes over the administration.

Speaking at Government House, the outgoing prime minister admitted that the Pheu Thai Party is facing with a number of challenges, especially how it could fulfil the promised policies and the expectations of people in a democratic manner.

Mr Abhisit also warned the Pheu Thai Party not to let conflicts of interests in the national administration. He also said the election had passed already; therefore, the use of crowds and protest groups should cease as well.

The acting Democrat Party leader noted that the Pheu Thai Party has close relationship with the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) and therefore should stop using the group’s movement as a tool to pressure other organisations.

Asked if UDD villages in the northeastern part of the country should be dissolved, Mr Abhisit agreed with the idea, saying social divisions should end if all sides want reconciliation in the country.

-- NNT 2011-07-14

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Thai FM to attend UN court's decision on Cambodian border clarification measures

BANGKOK, July 14 -- A Thai delegation led by outgoing Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya will leave Bangkok Saturday for The Hague to be present at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN's highest court, on Tuesday (July 18) when it is scheduled to issue clarifications on Cambodian border measures, according to the Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

The ICJ is set to rule at Cambodia's request to issue provisional measures to force Thailand to withdraw troops from the disputed area near Preah Vihear temple and banning military activity there following sporadic deadly clashes between troops of both countries.

A public sitting would take place at the Peace Palace in The Hague and the President of the Court, Judge Hisashi Owada, will read the court’s order.

Thani Thongphakdi, Director-General of the Department of Information and Foreign Ministry spokesperson, told the media that Mr Kasit and his entourage, including Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, secretary to the foreign minister, Theerakul Niyom, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ittiporn Boonpracong, Director-General of the Department of Treaties and Legal Affair and representatives from Royal Thai Army Survey Department, the Office of the Attorney General and Fine Arts Department will leave Thailand July 16 for The Hague.

The court is scheduled to announce its decision on July 18 at 10am local time or 3pm in Thailand.

Mr Thani said he could not predict the direction of the order but it was expected to be in one of the three prospects -- the court will issue provisional measures as requested by Cambodia, it will decide that it has no jurisdiction and drop the case, or the court may order both Thailand and Cambodia to jointly carry out actions.

In 1962, the court ruled that Preah Vihear temple belongs to Cambodia. Thailand complied with the ruling but argued that the verdict covered only the sandstone ruins themselves while the area around it belonged to Thailand.

Since then, both sides have built up military forces along the border and periodic clashes have occurred, resulting in the deaths of troops and civilians on both sides.

On April 28, Cambodia asked the ICJ to interpret its 1962 judgment to establish if the land in the temple's vicinity also belonged to it. The application was accompanied by its urgent request to indicate provisional measures. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-07-14

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Natthawut warns EC of 'big trouble' if it fails to endorse MPs-elect

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Thai-American Joint Army Training Underway

The armed forces of Thailand and the United States are working together in joint security operations by continuing their joint program called Balance Torch11-7.

Region 6 Army Deputy Commander, Colonel Tarakorn Thammawintorn, along with American troop commanders, presided over the opening ceremony of the joint army training. The program will be completed by September 8.

This year, Thailand takes its turn as host of the event.

The two armed forces will be trained to help solidify the relationship between Thailand and the United States, as a strong alliance in security efforts.

The program is also an opportunity for the two nations to exchange military techniques that will benefit them both.

Meanwhile, Surin Deputy Provincial Governor Yuttana Wiriyakitti, presided over the construction of new houses for war victims in Kaccheng District along the Thai-Cambodia border following damage from the latest armed confrontation.

Part of the donation came from the Princess Pa Foundation.

One of those who have been affected by conflicts, Pornchai Jongkot, says he really appreciates the royal clemency and all Thais, who have encouraged him.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-14

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Tesco's Rollback Campaign to Help Slash Cost of Living

Although Tesco Lotus has expressed concerns over the wage hike policy, it will continue to push its cost of living reduction policy and slash prices for over 400 products, and it expects to face a deficit of 255 million baht and hopes the new government can improve investor confidence.

Tesco Lotus Marketing President Kurt Camp said Lotus is politically neutral and fully prepared to work with the new government on product pricing and other policies, which should not hurt consumer confidence.

He stated that the minimum wage hike policy will definitely have an impact on the country's economic development progress, but the severity of the effect will depend on the details and conditions of the policy when it's implemented.

As for the rice guarantee scheme, the new government will attempt to increase rice prices in the market, and, for packaged rice in bags, Camp Tesco's rice bags will be sold under the rollback campaign at 97 baht per bag until October 5.

Tesco Louts recently launched its annual rollback campaign to help reduce the high cost of living by slashing prices for over 400 products including rice, vegetable oil, and fish sauce, among other products.

Tesco has invested 255 million baht in the campaign.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-14

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Deputy Commerce Minister Rules Out Political Intervention in DTAC Probe

The outgoing deputy commerce minister insists his instruction to hand the DTAC case over to the police to file charges against DTAC for breaking the Foreign Business Act aims to ensure clarity in the case and standardize the foreign investment law in Thailand.

Outgoing Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Polbutr said his order for Business Development Department Director-General Banyong Limprayoonwong to forward the results of the investigation of the shareholding structure of Total Access Communication or DTAC to police, after evidence was found that DTAC is in violation of the country's cap on foreign investment in telecom operators, is the most suitable action.

Alongkorn further said it's normal to have different opinions about solving the problem and affirmed that the investigation of DTAC has nothing to do with politics.

In the meantime, outgoing Commerce Ministry Permanent-Secretary Yanyong Puangrat said that he believes relevant agencies will finally solve the problem.

He noted that the delay in submitting the case to police is not a problem.

Alongkorn reportedly sent a letter to officials of the Business Development Department earlier, insisting that he never interfered in the work of the team chaired by Banyong established to investigate the shareholding structure of DTAC.

He affirmed that the team worked independently, and he did not change the investigation results.

He added that when the findings suggested that DTAC is in breach of the Foreign Business Act, he only wanted to see enforcement of the law.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-14