Thailand Live Thursday 28 Jul 2011

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Red Shirt Group Might Take Action After Jatuporn Fails to be Endorsed by EC

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North, Northeast warned of heavy rains during 30 Jul-3 Aug

BANGKOK, 28 July 2011 (NNT) – The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has cautioned residents of the North and the Northeast of heavy rains from 30 July to 3 August while coordinating closely with its officials in the concerned areas.

Based on a forecast of the Meteorological Department, DDPM Director-General Viboon Sanguanpong reported that a powerful monsoon trough would be sweeping through the northern and northeastern regions of Thailand during 30 July-3 August. As a consequence, heavy rainfalls are expected with high chances of flashfloods and mudslides across the affected areas.

Therefore, the DDPM is coordinating with its local offices in Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Sakon Nakhon, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Lampang, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani and Chiang Rai on the prevention of possible dangers. Relevant authorities have been assigned to maintain their vigilance over the situation and also make sure that all equipment will be ready for use in case of emergency.

People troubled by any kind of natural disaster can seek assistance from Hotline 1784 around the clock.

-- NNT 2011-07-28

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Crackdown on Forest Encroachment in East and Northeastern Provinces

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Pheu Thai Urges EC to Clarify over Endorsement

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Sukhothai Ready for Re-Election, Yala to Recount Ballots

Sukhothai Constituency 3 by-election candidates are campaigning ahead of this Sunday's re-election.

Meanwhile, the Yala Election Commission office will be recounting the votes for Constituency 2 after approval was granted by the central Election Commission.

Following the Election Commission's yellow card against Pheu Thai Party candidate Chakawan Chaiwiratnukul, a new election for Sukhothai's Constituency 3 has been scheduled for this Sunday and campaign efforts have been heating up once again between Chakawan and Chart Pattana Pheu Pandin candidate Somjet Limpaphan.

Candidates traveled across the area and met with constituents. Chart Thai Pattana is confident that they will win the seat as sports stars Yaowapha Burapholchai and Paradorn Sirichaphan have been helping him campaign over the last three days.

Meanwhile, Yala Election Commission Chief Boonyasit Suwanarat commented on their preparedness for a ballot recount in Yala's Constituency 2, saying that the Pheu Thai candidate has filed for a recount with the Yala EC office.

An investigation was launched and substantial evidence was gathered, which was presented to the Yala EC office and forwarded to the central Election Commission office.

The central Election Commission Office has approved the recount which is scheduled for this Sunday and will start at 9 A.M.

There will be a total of 59 sets of ballot counting officials with each set containing five counters.

All involved officials will be attending a course on July 29.

Boonyasit said that the errors made by the responsible department on the July 3 election date is another matter as he must await the result of the recount and if a there is a difference, the Election Commission's operations will be questioned.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-28

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Event to Remember Country Singer at Bangkok Temple

An event will be held to commemorate the death of a renowned country singer who died of liver cancer three years ago.

In 1975, the song “Jodmai Jak Naewna” written by composer Chonlatee Thanthong made Yodrak Salakjai famous and one of the most popular country singers in Thailand.

Throughout his career he recorded more than four thousand songs, many of which are all-time favorites.

In addition to his many albums, Yodrak starred in 16 movies and six TV drama series.

The last movie he filmed before his death, called Esom Somwang, hit theaters in 2007 and his last album was called “Yodrak Yod Luk Thung Thai”. He died of liver cancer on August 9, 2008.

Since his death from cancer three years ago, tributes to the legendary singer have poured in.

Memorial services for the legendary crooner over the past two years were held at Had Tangmo Temple in Phijit Province and Rai Khing Temple in Nakhon Pathom Province.

This year, Yodrak's son Kriangsak Praiwan joined hands with Chuan Chom music label to organize a grand event to commemorate the third anniversary of the death of the famed country singer at Komut Phutarungsee Temple in Bangkok.

A replica of Yodrak made of brass and copper will be shown at the event, and a variety of shows will be performed by fellow comedians and top-notch Thai country music singers.

They are Tossapol Himmapan, Suda Srilamduan, Rung Suriya, and Peter Sareewong as well as popular comedians.

The event will also include a singing contest with a cash prize worth over 40,000 baht.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to the temple.

The latest model was made by sculptor Prom Pichit who also made the first replica of Yodruk.

After the event, the model will be kept at Chuan Chom record label.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-28

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Bright future expected for revenue collection

BANGKOK, 28 July 2011 (NNT) – The Ministry of Finance is set to adjust the income target for 2011 fiscal year after revenue collection is expected to exceed the target by over 200 billion baht while foreseeing a bright future for the revenue collection next fiscal year.

Speaking after meeting with Finance Ministry executives, Permanent Secretary for Finance Dr Areepong Bhoocha-oom stated that the ministry estimated that revenue collection for both 2011 and 2012 fiscal year will be better than that projected earlier .

For the 2011 fiscal year, the ministry expected to collect over 200 billion baht in excess of what it had projected earlier, while the revenue collection target for the 2012 fiscal year was earlier set at 1.9 trillion baht, but the actual figure might rise to 2 trillion baht, said Dr Areepong.

The better-than-expected revenue collection assessment has already taken into consideration the diesel tax collection and reduction of corporate income tax collection policies of the new government.

However, the Ministry will re-assess the policies of the new government before being able to say if the implementation of the policies announced during Pheu Thai's election campaign will lead to a budget deficit of 350 billion baht for 2012 despite the rise in revenue collection.

-- NNT 2011-07-28

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Mali national arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport with 3kg 'ice' valued at Bt10 million hidden in car shafts, believed destined for drug ring in Thailand /MCOT

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VENICE FILM FESTIVAL

'Uncle Neaw' goes to Venice

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AFP: Australia's Jetstar denies exploiting Thai staff

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Germany lifts travel ban on fugitive Thaksin

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Red shirts threaten to sue EC for failing to endorse Jatuporn

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Govt announces 15-day official mourning for late Princess Bejaratana; government, state enterprise offices to fly flag half mast beginning Friday /MCOT

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Staff of UK paper closed by News Corps amid phone-hacking scandal offered job with Fox in Siberia - Independent http://ind.pn/rml92o /via@BreakingNews

I'm sure the NOTW employees will love to move to Siberia /via@mpoppel

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Foreign Ministry issues statement expressing disappointment on German govt's intervention in case with Walter Bau /

Court suspends 2-yr jail term for police officers who accidentally killed a young boy while on a shootout with suspected drug dealers /

First Area Army chief visits Bell 212 crash survivor; voices support for purchase of new helicopters /

Yingluck affirms new House speaker will be chosen on Aug 1 /

PM to head special Cabinet meeting on Aug 1 to discuss funeral of HRH Princess Bejaratana /

/TAN_Network

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HRH Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn turns 59

BANGKOK, 28 July 2011 (NNT) – His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn was born to Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit at Dusit Palace on 28 July 1952. He turns 59 today.

HRH Prince Vajiralongkorn was on 28 December 1972 proclaimed the Crown Prince and Heir Apparent to the throne of the kingdom. On that day, HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn took an oath at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha vowing to perform royal duties for the sake of the nation and the betterment of his Thai citizens.

HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has been following in royal footsteps of TM the King and Queen in promoting the well-being of Thai people. He has also been performing many royal duties promoting public health, social welfare, foreign affairs, and education, as well as religious and legal functions. Some of them have been performed as designated by TM the King and Queen.

As for his roles in military affairs, HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has been in the military service since 9 January 1975, serving in many positions.

On the most auspicious occasion of HRH Prince Vajiralongkorn’s birthday, NNT is pleased to join with all Thai people in extending our most respectful wishes for a very happy birthday anniversary, good health, and happiness.

-- NNT 2011-07-28

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Politicians Raise Funds in Football Match for Victim of Chopper Accident

Politicians and journalists took part in a friendly football match yesterday to raise money for the family of the television cameraman who was killed in a military plane crash.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva took part in a charity football competition held to raise funds for the family of Sornwichai Kongtannikul, a Channel 5 television cameraman who was killed in a Black Hawk helicopter accident last week.

The match took place at the Super Kick futsol facility in the Wangthonglang area and was attended by a number of familiar politicians and political journalists.

Among the incumbent Cabinet members participating in the event were Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Polabutr, and Democrat MP for Songkhla Sirichoke Sopha.

The event also drew participation from notable figures from the Pheu Thai Party, such as Bangkok MP Jirayu Huangsap, Deputy Leader Wicharn Meenchainant and Admiral Anudit Nakkornthap.

Spokesperson for the Chart Thai Pattana Party, Watchara Kannikar and Rak Thailand Party leader Chuwit Kamolwisit also hit the turf.

A donation box was set up at the venue and it will not be opened or counted until being presented to Sornwichai's family.

The game kicked off at 5.30 P.M. The team of journalists netted the first goal just five minutes after kick-off by a Channel 5 reporter.

The politician team leveled the game with an equalizer from Sirichoke and moved ahead with a goal scored by the outgoing prime minister.

The premier left at halftime before the second half resumed.

At the end of the competition, the politician team ended up victorious with a match score of 5-3.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-28

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14 rail routes in southern border provinces still halted

NARATHIWAT, July 28 – Rail services in this restive southern border province remained suspended Thursday for repair work amid tight security following Wednesday's bombing of State Railway of Thailand tracks in Rangae district.

As of Thursday morning, services on 14 rail routes converging on Sungai Kolok station, remain closed as officials are repairing the bomb-damaged sections of rail track at Salowkadae and Maruebo railway stations.

At present all trains from Bangkok must stop at Yala province due to the disruption caused by this week’s bombs.

State Railways of Thailand (SRT) southern director Somsak Thongthavorn said local security authorities are tightening security in the bomb-hit areas to prevent further incidents which may take place when SRT workers repair the damaged rail tracks.

Mr Somsak said the SRT expects to resume train service to Sungai Kolok this afternoon.

Meanwhile, Pattani station chief Suriyan Chivanitchakorn said six train routes from Pattani to Bangkok still operate as usual despite the railway track incidents in the adjacent province.

Mr Suriyan added he believes the passengers are confident regarding their safety during the journey.

The estimated five-kilogram homemade bomb placed near the rail line between Salowkadae and Maruebo railway stations was detonated at 5.30am by unknown persons in Rangae district. The explosion destroyed two sections of track, paralyzing the railway operations in the three southern border provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat were paralysed.

Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 Deputy Director Maj-Gen Akara Tiproj said the blast is believed to be the work of a narcotics trafficking ring after railway security personnel seized 60,000 methamphetamine pills and arrested two suspects in Hua Hin.

The alleged drug gang detainees were identified as being from Bangkok and Rangae, with their case being heard by the court on Tuesday. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-07-28

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Yingluck confident EC to give justice to Jatuporn

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15-day National Mourning for Princess

The prime minister has issued a PM's Office order requiring state offices and schools to fly flag at half mast for 15 days to mourn Her Royal Highness Princess Bejraratana's passing.

Acting Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva issued PM's Office order following the Royal Household Bureau's announcement on the death of Her Royal Highness Princess Bejraratana yesterday.

A statement issued said that the government is deeply saddened by the Princess's passing and has ordered government offices, state enterprises and every school to fly flag at half mast for 15 days, beginning tomorrow.

Civil servants, government officials, state enterprise workers and employees of all state agencies have also been ordered to wear mourning attire for 15 days.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-28

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Royal Ceremony Set for Late Princess

The Bureau of the Royal Household has published the schedule of public sessions during which the public can pay their respects to the body of Her Royal Highness Princess Bejraratana at the Sala Sahathai Samakhom at the Grand Palace.

The Bureau of the Royal Household announced that members of the public will be allowed to pay homage to the body of Her Royal Highness Princess Bejraratana between 1 P.M. and 4 P.M. from today onwards at the Sahathai Samakhom at the Grand Palace.

Her Royal Highness Princess Bejraratana was pronounced dead yesterday afternoon after being admitted on Saturday for a septicemia-related ailment at Siriraj Hospital.

Today, Their Majesties the King and Queen are set to attend a bathing ceremony at the Grand Palace at 5P.M.

The Bureau of the Royal Household is asking the general public to use great care in how they dress, as women must not wear short skirts and men cannot wear jeans.

The Royal Family and members of the royal court will observe a 100-day mourning period.

The Royal Urn will then be installed in the Dusit Maha Prasart Throne Hall, and given highest honours according to the wish of His Majesty the King.

Princess Bejraratana was born to King Vajiravudh, or King Rama the Sixth, and Queen Suvadhana in 1925.

During World War II, she moved to the United Kingdom before settling in Thailand in 1959.

She resided at the Ruenrudi Villa on Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok.

She dedicated her time to various social work projects such as Vajira Hospital, and the Sanam Chan Palace Restoration Project, among many others.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-28

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Bhum Jai Thai Set for Opposition Role

Bhum Jai Thai Party MPs led by Chawarat Charnvirakul have traveled to the Office of the National Election Commission to receive the letter of endorsement.

Chawarat said that his party is prepared to perform its duty as the Opposition.

After the National Election Commission has endorsed 496 MPs, many newly-elected lawmakers have traveled to poll panel's office to receive the letter of endorsement including those from the Bhum Jai Thai Party.

Bhum Jai Thai Party leader Chawarat Charnvirakul said that the party is prepared to perform its duty as the Opposition.

He did not comment on the new government, saying that the party will wait until its policies are officially announced.

Chawarat also asserted that his party has never been asked or invited to join the Pheu Thai-led coalition.

Meanwhile, acting Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai, a Bhum Jai member, commented on the electoral complaints filed against her, saying that she did not look to slander anyone and believed that the election body will be impartial on the matter.

In any case, Porntiva pointed out that in the next few days, the party will start campaigning for a by-election in Sukhothai Province after a Bhum Jai Thai candidate was issued a yellow card.

At the same time, spokesperson to the Bhum Jai Thai Party Supachai Jaisamut claimed that many complaints filed against the party are simply slandering.

About the rumor that the party has attempted to bribe election officials to dismiss the complaints, Supachai said that it was simply unfounded and praised the poll panel for performing its duty straightforwardly by endorsing the MPs in a timely manner.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-28

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PATTAYA NEWS

Pattaya City Security Officer detained following incident on Walking Street:

German tourist, victim of transsexual theft on Pattaya Beach:

Suspicious fire at furniture factory in South Pattaya:

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SET index closed at 1134.38, up 3.67; Bt/USD29.61; GBP48.25; AUD32.48; EUR42.42; CAD31.02; HKD3.79; SGD24.45; JPY37.74

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Buri Ram Police Hunt for Red-Shirt Guard

Buri Ram police have launched a manhunt for a red-shirt guard who is at large and wanted on terrorism charges.

Buri Ram police chief Police Major General Sombut Kongpibul said he has ordered all units under his command to look for Surachai Thewarut, 27, a red-shirt security guard and close aide of late army specialist General Kattiya Sawasdipol.

Surachai has an arrest warrant out against him and is wanted on terrorism charges stemming from his role in last year's red-shirt protests.

He is also wanted by Bankruad district police station for allegedly assaulting his own father-in-law.

The search began when Surachai and his bail guarantor Bunsita Kasemsuk did not show upfor the Narong Distirct Court's verdict reading on July 25.

An arrest warrant for Bunsita has also been issued by the court.

Sombut said Surachai could be hiding in Satuk District, or the vicinity so he has instructed police agencies in those areas to work together in tracking down the suspect.

He asked anyone who spots Suracahi to report to any police station in Buri Ram.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-28

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3 cops guilty in 9-year-old boy shooting case

The Criminal Court Thursday sentenced three Bang Chan policemen to two years in jail - suspended for two years - and a fine of Bt10,000 each for manslaughter in a shooting that killed a nine-year-old boy in a sting operation to arrest drug suspects in 2003.

Pol Sr SgtMaj Pipat Saenin, 42, Pol SgtMaj Panumas Chanakham, 37, and Pol Sgt Anusorn Thaensuwan, 37, faced charges of murder and attempted murder.

The prosecution submitted that on February 23, 2003 the three policemen opened fire on a car driven by Pornwipa Kerdboonruang with intent to kill her.

The bullets went into the car and Chakraphan Srisaard, alias Nong Fluke, Ms Pornwipa's son, was hit twice in the back and the chest. Nong Fluke died later in hospital.

Ms Pornwipa was not hit and narrowly escaped death.

The court found the three policemen had been assigned to arrest drug suspects when they opened fire on the car. Three bullets hit its tyres and bumper and the defendants claimed they intended only to stop the vehicle.

-- The Nation 2011-07-28

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Would-be PM Still Undecided on Cabinet Line-up

The prime minister-to-be says she and the government coalition partners will discuss the Cabinet line-up only after she officially takes office.

Pheu Thai's prime ministerial candidate Yingluck Shinawatra said her meeting with the government coalition partners should take place after the House opens on August 1 and she is officially voted prime minister.

On the selection of the new House speaker, Yingluck said the decision is really a matter of credibility, understanding and experience regarding parliamentary disciplines.

Yingluck went on to say she cannot confirm speculations that three candidates have been shortlisted for the speaker post.

The three who have been alluded to are all from Pheu Thai, namely MP for Khon Kaen Somsak Kietsuranont , MP for Ayutthaya Witthaya Buranasiri and party-list MP Apiwan Wiriyachai.

Yingluck said the names of other MPs will also be considered.

The prospective premier said her Pheu Thai Party's legal team will see how to respond to the Election Commission's refusal to endorse the MPs who are red-shirt core elements, including Jatuporn Prompan, who is in prison after his bail was revoked.

Yingluck said she believed the red-shirt group will not take disruptive action to protest the EC's decision as the group's members are rational and have respect to the law.

Yingluck today visited Nong Khai province to help with the by-election campaign for the candidate who was given a yellow card by the poll panel after the July 3 election.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-28

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Thailand Live Friday 29 Jul 2011

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