Thailand Live Friday 29 Jul 2011

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PM to hold special cabinet meeting next Mon

BANGKOK, 29 July 2011 (NNT) – Outgoing Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will convene a special meeting of the cabinet early next week in order to discuss a royal funeral arrangement for Her Royal Highness Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda.

The princess passed away on 27 July at Siriraj Hospital due to infections in bloodstream. Prime Minister Abhisit will chair the special cabinet meeting on 1 August although its final meeting was held on 12 July.

The Prime Minister’s Office has already issued an announcement asking all government places, state enterprises and educational institutions to fly the national flag at half-mast for 15 days, starting from 29 July, except on 12 August, which is Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday.

Officials, employees and staff of government units and state enterprises are also requested to dress in black or white to mourn for the princess for 15 days from 29 July onwards.

HRH Princess Bejaratana, born on 24 November 1925, was the only daughter of King Vajiravudh or King Rama VI and his royal consort HRH Princess Suvadhana.

During her lifetime, the princess was the patron of many academic institutions and public health organisations in the kingdom such as Prince’s Royal College in Chiang Mai, Sainampeung School in Bangkok and the Thai Red Cross Society.

-- NNT 2011-07-29

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Repair work of bomb-damaged sections of rail track in Narathiwat expected to complete this evening; rail services set to resume Saturday /MCOT

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Democrat Party to Broadcast Leadership Selection Live

The Democrat Party is set to select its new party leader and members of the executive board on August 10.

The event will stream live through the party's Facebook page.

Democrat Party Secretary-General Suthep Thaugsuban said the selection of a new party leader and executive board members will take place on August 10, with a total of 348 party members eligible to cast their votes.

The selection came after the resignation of Abhisit Vejjajiva as party leader of the Democrat Party after being defeated in the July 3 election.

Suthep added the party will broadcast the event via a live stream on Facebook.

Meanwhile, he took no offense at remarks by Rak Thailand Party Leader Chuwit Kamolwisit on a delay in the leadership selection, saying that his party has procedures to follow.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-29

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Yingluck reveals Cabinet line up should be ready by mid-Aug; claims there is no pressure from various factions /

EC to discuss Jatuporn's case again today; chairman hints they might go ahead and endorse him for time being /

Weather alert for all 4 regions of Thailand; heavy rain, possible flash floods between Jul 30 - Aug 2 /

ASTV: Two monitor lizards show up at Parliament Building as newly endorsed MP's report for duty; reporters scramble to take pics /

/TAN_Network

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EC to Decide on Fate of Red-shirt Leader Today

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Weather Remains Volatile in Provinces

The weather continues to fluctuate in many parts of Thailand while some provinces are still experiencing flooding.

Twenty soldiers from the 31st Military Circle, Jiraprawat Military Camp in Nakhon Sawan Province, helped villagers in Tha Din Daeng Village in Bang Phra Luang District lay sandbags to bar floodwater from the rising Bang Phra Luang Canal from running into paddy fields.

Villagers said flooding always occurs in the Bang Phra Luang Sub-district as it is lowland, but it happened earlier than usual this year.

As a result, they had to build a sand bag wall to prevent further overflow and protect their rice plantation.

Meanwhile, the heavy rainstorm that raged through Pak Chom District of Loei Province on Wednesday night has toppled big trees and damaged a rubber plantation.

Many electric poles collapsed, causing a blackout in the area.

The rainstorm also completely destroyed a home of Marisa Hiraishi.

In Prachin Buri Province, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office has warned villagers living along the Prachin Buri River to closely monitor the situation and brace themselves for possible flash flood.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-29

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Two Burned Alive in Oil Truck Tragedy

Two people were killed in an oil truck accident which overturned in Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

On Highway 304 in Wang Nam Kheo district in Nakhon Ratchasima province, two people were burnt alive in a fire that engulfed an overturned oil truck.

Witnesses said the vehicle, containing 50,000 liters of oil, was traveling at a high speed heading for Rayong Province while going down a hill.

All of a sudden, it lost control at a corner and slammed into a pole on a traffic island.

The driver honked to seek help from residents nearby, but nobody dared to step in as the blaze was too strong.

Several explosions also went off minutes later.

Witnesses added that leaked oil led to a trail of fire on the highway. Vendors panicked and ran away in fear.

Officials said it took two hours for 15 fire and foam trucks to successfully control the fire.

The accident caused a 10-kilometer traffic jam.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-29

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Military base in Narathiwat attacked by M79 grenade; twin bombs in Cho-airong district, wounding four soldiers on patrol /MCOT

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Narathiwat rail service to resume Saturday after repairs completed

NARATHIWAT, July 29 - Rail services in this southernmost province are set to resume Saturday if no further violence occurs after the repairs to bomb-damaged sections of track is complete, according to a senior rail official.

Stationmaster Manop Muanpreecha at Tanyongmas station in Rangae district said Friday that railway workers will enter the bombed areas today to repair sections of the track damaged by Tuesday's blast.

Repairs should be finished by this evening, said Mr Manop, and if no violence reoccurs, rail services will reopen for the public on Saturday.

Numbers of intending passengers appeared Friday morning at Tanyongmas train station to ask State Railway of Thailand officials when services will resume. Trains have been disrupted since Tuesday when a 5 kilogram bomb severed the rail links between Salowkadae and Maruebo stations.

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

-- TNA 2011-07-29

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Schools urged to promote Chinese language learning

BANGKOK, 29 July 2011 (NNT) – The Ministry of Education is urging schools nationwide to promote Chinese language study as it has been regarded an important tool to support educational development to the international level.

Deputy Permanent Secretary for Education Churairat Sangboonnum on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Beijing Normal University on a project to promote Chinese language education in Thai schools.

Speaking after signing the MOU, Ms Churairat told the press that Thailand has been receiving cooperation from China and other countries in the development of teachers, students and school executives.

The deputy permanent secretary elaborated that China is now one of the economic superpowers and has been providing supports to research projects on Chinese language study as well as teacher training in Thailand continuously.

Ms Churairat noted that the ministry hence has a policy to encourage schools nationwide to promote Chinese language as one of the alternative subjects for students. She said the project will be piloted in ten schools in Bangkok after before being expanded to other schools nationwide.

The deputy permanent secretary believed that Thai students in the future will have knowledge and ability to communicate in Chinese which will benefit their career prospects.

-- NNT 2011-07-29

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People urged to refrain from alcohol in Buddhist Lent

BANGKOK, 29 July 2011 (NNT) – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has encouraged people to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages during this Buddhist Lent as a tribute to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej upon this 84th birthday anniversary.

Deputy Bangkok Governor Medical Doctor Malinee Sukvejvorakij on Thursday presided over an activity campaigning people to refrain from alcoholic beverages during the Buddhist Lent at Pracha Niwet Market in Chatuchak district in Bangkok.

As part of the campaign, the deputy governor joined others in signing a pledge to abstain from alcoholic beverages during the Lent. Other activities featured a mini play reflecting ill effects from alcoholic beverage consumption as well as consulting sessions for alcoholic people.

Medical Doctor Malinee stated that the BMA gives importance to the campaign encouraging people to refrain from alcoholic beverages since the habit can lead to accidents and crimes, and damage health of consumers as well as the mental health of surrounding people.

The project to discouragage people at market places from alcoholic drinks has started on a pilot basis during this Buddhist Lent and will be continued as long as possible. The campaign will be launched at 17 fresh markets in Bangkok receiving the diamond standard certifications and will be expanded to others with the gold standard recognition next year.

-- NNT 2011-07-29

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ASTV: 2,000 farm grown pigs have died in Lampoon Province from infection; officials claim they now have the situation under control /TAN_Network

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Anchalee, Raywat confirmed as Phuket MPs

Democrat Anchalee Vanich Thepabutr will join Parliament's first session as a Phuket MP.

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Pollution Threatens Tourist Spots in Phichit

Famous tourist destinations in Phichit Province are being threatened by severe pollution.

The third largest marsh in Thailand and a once popular tourist spot, Sri Fai Marsh, Phichit Province has become heavily polluted.

Large numbers of weeds and hyacinth are polluting water and sending a foul odor all around the area.

A number of aquatic animals have also been found dead.

The surrounding attractions such as Sri Fai Aqurium, Lotus Garden, Crocodile Farm, and Bird Observatory have been abandoned as the total number of tourists has drastically plummeted.

Recently, Phichit Province received 10 million baht from the interim government to dredge all weeds and hyacinth to improve the water quality at Sri Fai Marsh.

However, locals said that officials ignored the problems, leading to severely polluted water.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-29

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4 troops injured in Narathiwat bomb attack

By The Nation

Narathiwat

Four troops were injured when insurgents detonated a roadside homemade bomb to ambush them following an attack against an Army post in Narathiwat with M79 grenades Friday morning.

The insurgents detonated three bombs to ambush two military and police teams following the M79 attack against the base of Peaceful Development Unit 31-6 in Baan Johkoh village in Tambon Tongbukit in Joh I Rong district.

Insurgents bombarded the unit with M79 grenades earlier in the morning.

The first team of troops and police escaped the bomb attack unhurt but four troops in the second team were injured.

The first explosion occurred at 8:40 am in front of the Muslim graveyard in Baan Johkoh village.

The bomb damaged a pick-up truck in which Joh I Rong district police chief Pol Col Suthon Sukwiset was travelling with some police and troops.

Suthon team was leaving the base by about 20 metres after inspecting the peaceful development post when the bomb exploded.

The second explosion occurred at 10:10 am on a village road in Parelubo village in Tambon Marubo-ok while a team of six Army officers was heading to the attacked base.

Maj Samatthachai Plaengsai, deputy commander of the Narathiwat Taskforce 31, Captain Adisorn Khamchuay, commander of Company 1511, Sgt Sirichai Trisat and Sgt Thirapong Boontam, were injured and rushed to the district hospital.

While bomb disposal officials were checking the second explosion scene, insurgents detonated another bomb nearby at noon but no one was injured.

-- The Nation 2011-07-29

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DNP commemorates Tiger Conservation Day

BANGKOK, 29 July 2011 (NNT) – The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) is holding a special seminar on the occasion of the second International Tiger Conservation Day on 29 July 2011.

In line with the St Petersburg Declaration on Tiger Conservation aiming to double the tiger population worldwide within the next 12 years and designating 29 July of every year as the International Tiger Conservation Day, the DNP has today opened a seminar on the effort to preserve tigers within Thailand. Guest speakers at the event include experts from the Wildlife Conservation Society and the DNP.

In cooperation with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), a campaign activity for tiger conservation is also being held at Kasetsart University in a bid to raise students’ awareness of the significance of tigers and encourage them to find ways to help protect the endangered animals.

According to DNP Deputy Director-General Theerapat Prayurasiddhi, the population of tigers around the world currently stands at 3,500. About 250 of them are in Thailand, mostly living in western forests of the country, such as in Kaeng Krachan National Park and Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary. However, Thailand has been named the country with the highest rate of tiger poaching.

The DNP has thus set a goal to implement the policy of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to connect all forests across the country and turn them into a single conservation area. In addition, people are encouraged to help by reporting any poaching activities or forest encroachments at Hotline 1362.

-- NNT 2011-07-29

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CHANNEL 3'S NAVIGATOR

Actor in hot water over filming in prohibited area

The National Park Department is seeking police action against a wellknown actor and TV documentary host for allegedly filmed his programme in a protected national forest without permission and for violating officials' orders.

Kanjana Nittaya, chief of Phu Khieu wildlife sanctuary in Chaiyaphum's Konsarn district said that she had filed the complaint with police on July 20 against Jessdaporn Pholdee, host of Navigator programme, which is aired on Channel 3.

The actor and the crew had sought permission to film in the sanctuary and her office had permitted them to film in some parts of the sanctuary, which are open to the public and for filming.

"They were notified that filming was not allowed in other areas, as these are considered sensitive," Kanjana said.

She identified the prohibited area as "Phu Khing."

However, the actor and the crew entered and filmed in Phu Khing, which is in Kasetsomboon district of Chaiyaphum. This area is closed to the public and for activities under a 1992 wildlife reservation and protection Act.

"Khun Jessadaporn and the team could not say they did not know because they had already been informed of the prohibition," she said.

Her office thus decided to seek police action. "If the programme about Phu Khing is aired, all officials of the Phu Khieu wildlife sanctuary and the National Park director general would face serious disciplinary punishment," she said.

Many television programmes have been filmed inside the sanctuary in the past, with their presenters and crew informed of the prohibited areas. There have no violations like Khun Jessadaporn's case, she said.

Her office has already informed the actor's team that the programme filmed inside the prohibited sites cannot be aired. The team has promised to adjust the programme accordingly.

Meanwhile Pol Lt Col Sarayuth Daojang of Kasetsomboon said that he was gathering evidence and information concerning the case and this is expected to be complete by the end of this month.

Police will then summon Jessadaporn to acknowledge the allegations.

-- The Nation 2011-07-29

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1,650 police assigned to Nong Khai Constituency 2, Sukhothai Constituency 3 Sunday to ensure smooth election rerun /MCOT

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100 YEARS OF MACHU PICCHU WORLD REVELATION

Stepping up to Peru

By The Nation

An exhibition celebrating 100 years since the discovery of Machu Picchu opened yesterday at the Emporium, making this weekend the perfect opportunity for viewing the photos and tasting some Peruvian food.

The Peruvian Embassy and the Emporium Shopping complex are responsible for bringing this special show to Bangkok. Entitled "EmporiumPeru: 100 Years of Machu Picchu World Revelation", the exhibition offers a collection of photos of this hallmark of Inca civilisation and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. On display for the first time in Asia are 30 photographs of the ancient site taken by Beatrice Velarde, one of Peru's foremost photojournalists.

Other activities running concurrently with the exhibition include a showcase of Inca handicrafts and costumes such as lucky clay dolls, pottery and painted gourds, which are also for sale, and a presentation of Peruvian dishes including ceviche or fish salad, causa, potato pie with chicken, tuna or seafood filling, and choros a la chalaca, the most popular appetiser along Peru's coastal line.

You can also sample wines from Peru's leading vineyards and the national beverage Pisco, an alcoholic grapebased drink that's perfect for cocktails.

The exhibition, which runs until Monday, can be found in the mall's 1st floor Fashion Hall. Admission is free.

-- The Nation 2011-07-29

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US ambassador awarded foreigner with outstanding Thai-language skill

US Ambassador to Thailand Kristie Kenney was Friday awarded one of 17 foreigners with outstanding Thai-language skill of the year.

She received the reward from outgoing Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjjajiva as a ceremony held to mark the Thai Language Day at the Cultural Centre of Thailand.

-- The Nation 2011-07-29

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Police Prepare for By-elections in Nong Khai, Sukhothai

Over one thousand police officers have been prepared to maintain security for the by-elections in Nongkhai and Sukhothai provinces as well as the ballot recount in Yala this Sunday.

Senior Police Adviser Police General Pongsapat Pongcharoen, who is in charge of overseeing security for the election, said 1,650 police officers will be deployed to maintain order during the by-elections in Nongkhai and Sukhothai provinces as well as the ballot recount in Yala Province.

Following the Election Commission's yellow cards against two Pheu Thai Party MP candidates, new elections for Nongkhai's Constituency 2 and Sukhothai's Constituency 3 have been scheduled for this Sunday.

A ballot recount in Yala's Constituency 2 has been ordered following a complaint filed by a Pheu Thai MP candidate, claiming the vote counting process was not transparent.

In the July 3 general election, the final tally showed that he had only 48 votes less than the Democrat MP candidate. In addition, 9,733 invalid ballots were found.

The recount is expected to be completed by midday.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-29

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ASTV: Acting Democrat Leader Abhisit will not nominate anyone to compete for House Speaker post in Monday's first House session /TAN_Network

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Baht Appreciation Worries Industry Council

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MPs Start New Term

The atmosphere at the Parliament building was lively as newly endorsed MP's reported for duty.

As the first House session is set to kick off on Monday, the former House speaker suggested that his successor be someone who has the capability to control other MPs.

This morning, the atmosphere at Parliament was quite lively with the presence of newly-endorsed MPs.

House of Representatives Secretary-General Pitoon Poomhiran said he is ready to issue an official statement calling for the first House meeting after His Majesty the King endorses all process.

Regarding the nomination of the House speaker during the first session, former House speaker Chai Chidchob will be in charge as interim speaker as he is the eldest MP.

Chai said the next House speaker must be supported by the Pheu Thai MPs.

In addition, the next speaker should have enough charisma and clout to control all MPs.

He said that all three possible candidates named by media reports, Somsak Kiatsuranont, Colonel Apiwan Wiriyachai and Wittaya Buranasiri, are appropriate for the post.

Chai also suggests that his successor must be a mediator to bar any inner rift that could break out.

However, he said, in the end, it depends on PM-to-be Yingluck Shinawatra and the Pheu Thai consensus to decide on the next House speaker and other ministerial posts.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-29

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SET index closed at 1133.53, down 0.85; Bt/USD29.66; GBP48.21; AUD32.33; EUR42.25; CAD31.06; HKD3.80; SGD24.47; JPY37.98

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Phuket 'luggage truck' in fatal collision

Witnesses said there was no helmet found at the scene of the accident this morning.

Photo: Wichai Witthawat

Mr Wannawut said he regularly used his pickup to transport luggage from the airport to local hotels.

Photo: Wichai Witthawat

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INN: Attorney General's Office says it has prepared funds in case Thailand loses it's case against Walter Bau; documents requested by Aug 16 /TAN_network

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Red-shirt Group Names Choice of House Speaker

Red-shirt supporters back Apiwan Wiriyachai as the next House speaker.

The PM-to-be insists the Pheu Thai Party will nominate someone who is fit for the job.

Red-shirt supporters have sent a letter to the prime minister-to-be demanding Colonel Apiwan Wiriyachai be nominated as the next House speaker.

Falling short of denying their request, would-be prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra expressed her own opinion that the Pheu Thai Party would vote for someone who is suitable for the post.

She believes that red-shirt supporters would understand if Apiwan is not that person.

In addition, Yingluck agreed with a comment made by former House speaker and Bhum Jai Thai senior executive Chai Chidchob that the next speaker must have a charismatic character in order to control diverse voices in the House.

She also asked every party to have faith in the next House speaker's capability.

Yingluck went on to deny reports that the Pheu Thai Party offered ministerial post to former Siam Commercial Bank director Wichit Surapongchai.

She said the party has not yet discussed the issue.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-29

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MURDER

Police urged to speed up into killing of leading coal protester

By The Nation

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Friday urged police to speed up investigation into the kiling of a leading protester against coal transport in Samut Sakhon province.

Thongnak Sawekjinda, 47, was shot nine times at his hom by two men on a motorcycle on Thursday in Tambon Thai Sai of Mueang district.

Police had revealed the victim had told them two weeks earlier about a phone death threat he'd received for his involvement in the protest movement.

The victim's wife Jomkwan Sawekjinda said Thongnak had testified before the Administrative Court on Wednesday in a lawsuit against a local coal operator.

Jomkwan on Friday came to receive her husband's body at the Police Hospital in Bangkok.

-- The Nation 2011-07-29

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Pattaya Officially Changes Name to ‘The Infamous Seaside Resort of Pattaya’

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