Thailand Live Saturday 30 Jul 2011

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Thailand Live Saturday 30 Jul 2011

News, Bits and Tweets

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Keep up to date with live updates from the news, hour by hour.

For breaking news,national, regional and international news updates on a daily basis only, this thread is closed to commentary so that those who wish to follow the news can find it here...

Commentary is still open for Thailand news in the relevant thread posted in News Clippings.

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Related topic: Thailand Live Friday 29 Jul 2011

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Today's Thailand weather and forecasts:

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EC defers decision on endorsing MP-elect Jatuporn until Monday

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Thai-born woman among victims of Norway massacre

By The Nation

A Thai-born woman was among those killed in last week's massacre in Norway, the Thai Foreign Ministry said yesterday.

Pornthip Adam, 21, was among the 68 victims of a gun rampage on July 22 that took place on the Norwegian island of Utoya, which is about 50 kilometres from capital Oslo.

Anders Behring Breivik, a 32-year-old Norwegian, has admitted to carrying out the shootings on Utoya and a bomb blast in Oslo that killed another eight people.

The Thai Embassy in Oslo had reported Pornthip's death to the ministry, reported the ministry's website (www.mfa.go.th).

According to her mother Sawanya Adam, Pornthip was a naturalised Norwegian. She was born in Thailand to a Thai man and Sawanya, who took her to Norway at the age of two after the mother got married to a Norwegian man.

The Thai Embassy will hold a religious ceremony today at a local Buddhist temple to make merit for Pornthip and other victims of the rampage, the ministry said.

-- The Nation 2011-07-30

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Thaksin no longer banned from Germany, says Noppadon

By The Nation

Ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is no longer banned from entering Germany, his legal adviser Noppadon Pattama said yesterday.

"The entry ban was imposed earlier because German authorities received biased information from the Thai government," he said.

Noppadon claimed that Germany had lifted the ban after realising that information it had received did not correspond to the facts.

He said he expected more countries to welcome Thaksin after learning about the distortion.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya called for Germany to justify differing and conflicting treatment of Thaksin. The entry ban had been enacted because of Thaksin's fugitive status, but that stand was apparently revised to reflect the "improved political situation" in Thailand, he said.

"The German government says the case between Walter Bau and the Thai government is strictly in the hands of the judiciary, but in the Thaksin case it cites the political climate for its decision," he said, referring to a dispute over monies allegedly owed by Thailand to bankrupt German contractor Walter Bau.

Germany is obliged to answer why it appears sensitive to 15 million votes cast for a party to take power but ignores opposing votes, he said.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he had not been informed of the German decision on Thaksin, adding that he had no details other than what he had read in news reports.

Attorney-General Julasing Wasantasing said it was Germany's right to decide whether to allow Thaksin to enter the country. The Thai government could not interfere, he said.

However, be believed the decision would not affect the extradition of Thaksin as a fugitive, Thai-German relations or any other cases involving the two countries.

-- The Nation 2011-07-30

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'Bring case to Thailand'

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Liquor-maker settles with US in bribery case

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Spirits worshipped for Royal Barge Procession

By The Nation

The Royal Thai Navy and Fine Arts Department hosted a ritual to worฌship the holy spirits of the Suphannahongsa Royal Barge and two other Royal Barges at the auspicious time of 7.45am yesterday.

The Royal Barges will feature in the Royal Kathin Barge Procession to present monastic saffron robes and other necessities at the Temple of Dawn and mark HM the King's 84th birthday anniversary on December 5.

Navy commander Kamthorn Phumhiran presided over yesterday's rituฌal, which was also attended by Fine Arts Department chief Somsuda Leyavanija.

Rear Admiral Apiwat Sriwattana, chairman of the preparation commitฌtee for the Royal Kathin Barge Procession, said the Royal Thai Navy hosted the ritual to worship the holy spirits of the Suphannahongsa, Ananta Nagaraj and Anekchatbhuchonge Royal Barges as well as four other cereฌmonial barges.

They invited the barge spirits to join a series of rehearsals, starting from August 26.

One of the grandest spectacles in Thailand, the Royal Barge Procession on the Chao Phraya River will use 2,089 rowers and feature 52 barges including the three mentioned above and the Narai Song Suban HM King Rama IX Royal Barge, said Somsuda.

This will be the sixteenth time the Royal Barge Procession has been held during His Majesty's reign.

-- The Nation 2011-07-30

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Boosting skills of brave soldiers should be priority; Thai opinion

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Revamped Don Muang Terminal Ready for Service

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Attorney-General decision on DTAC's 3G service

By THE NATION

The Office of the Attorney-General is expected to advise CAT Telecom within two weeks on whether Total Access Communication (DTAC) can launch a commercial third-generation wireless broadband service under its CAT concession, Attorney-General Julasing Wasantasing said yesterday.

He added that DTAC might be deemed in breach of the concession contract if it goes ahead with the launch without waiting for his office to reply to CAT on the issue.

DTAC last week announced it would launch the 3G service in Bangkok on August 15.

It is confident that the launch can be made under the permit it secured from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to install and use the 3G base stations to provide the service.

However, some NTC commissioners last week said that permit was only for the installation of the base stations, while the actual service launch depended on an agreement between CAT and DTAC.

DTAC has been waiting for a CAT permit to launch the commercial 3G service for years, a change from the current permit to operate it on a non-commercial trial basis. The second-largest cellular operator is anxious to launch the commercial 3G service as its rivals have already launched and expanded theirs.

-- The Nation 2011-07-30

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Media group urges Thailand to free 'Red Shirt' editor

BANGKOK, July 30, 2011 (AFP) - A media rights group on Friday urged Thailand to free the former editor of two now-defunct "Red Shirt" magazines, who faces up to 30 years in prison for allegedly insulting the monarchy.

"We call on the relevant Thai authorities to release Somyot Prueaksakasemsuk and to drop the anti-royal charges filed against him," said Shawn Crispin, senior Southeast Asia representative of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Somyot, a prominent political activist arrested in April, was charged under the country's controversial lese majeste law over two articles deemed critical of the Thai royals.

Lese majeste -- insulting the monarchy -- is a serious offence in Thailand punishable by up to 15 years in jail for each charge.

The CPJ said Somyot had refused tell the authorities who wrote the articles, which were published under pseudonyms.

"He told the police that he did not know the real name of those authors," Somyot's lawyer, Suwit Thongnual, told AFP.

Suwit said the articles were published in February and April 2010 in the Voice of Thaksin -- a magazine that supported fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

It ceased publication under pressure from the authorities during the anti-government Red Shirt rallies in Bangkok in April and May last year that turned deadly.

Crispin said a "growing use of lese majeste charges to stifle free expression has greatly undermined Thailand’s democratic credentials".

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 83, the world's longest-reigning monarch and revered as a demi-god by many Thais, has been in hospital since September 2009.

Prime Minister-elect Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin's sister, stopped short of saying she would reform the law after winning the July 3 election.

But Yingluck, whose party contains senior Red Shirts facing lese majeste and terrorism charges, said the rules should not be abused.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-07-30

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Agency warns of tropical storms, heavy downpour in Thailand

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Rewarded for keeping Thai alive

By The Nation

Outgoing Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday that spoken Thai was no longer pure because far too many foreign words had been introduced. Hence, he said, Thais should be proud of their heritage and conserve the language in response to His Majesty's concerns about its deterioration.

Abhisit made this comment at an award ceremony held to mark the National Thai Language Day 2011 at the Thailand Cultural Centre. This year, 13 people were honoured for their contribution to the language, including Phra Dharma Kosajarn. Seventeen others were recognised for using the language correctly, including songwriter Nitipong Hornak, TV host Sanya Kunakorn, writer Prapassorn Sevikul and US Ambassador Kristie Kenney.

The nine outstanding users of a Thai dialect included Phra Ratchaprasittikhun and singer Pongthep Kradonchamnan. Two "Phetch Nai Pleng" awards were given to 20 singers for outstanding lyrics, while 13 others were honoured for promoting the language among youth.

-- The Nation 2011-07-30

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Crime Suppression Division helps probe killing

By The Nation

A team from the Crime Suppression Division was sent to Samut Sakhon yesterday to help local police investigate the killing of leading anticoaltransport demonstrator Thongnak Sawekjinda on Thursday. Police are offering a Bt50,000 reward for clues leading to the gunman's arrest.

Crime Suppression Division commander Supisal Pakdinaruenart said the officers were not focusing on the anticoal protest as a motive because the pistol used was a collector's item and that only about 100 people had registered a yellowandblack Yamaha Meo 125 GTX, which was used as the getaway vehicle. People are being urged to call Pol Colonel Chamchai Purathananon at (081) 310 1198 if they have any information.

Meanwhile, outgoing Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva urged officials to keep a watchful eye on the anticoaltransport protesters in tambon Tha Sai and take action against people threatening others' right to organise protests.

Kampol Thongchew, another leading demonstrator, said police had allowed some of the protest leaders who had also received death threats to carry guns for selfprotection.

As for the coalbusiness issue, a fiveparty committee will inspect coal storage and operations on Wednesday, said Santi Banterngjit, director of the Samut Sakhon Natural Resource and Environment Office. An order by the Tambon Tha Sai Administrative Organisation's to close a coal company has been submitted to Santi.

-- The Nation 2011-07-30

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SRT labour union leaders to appeal ruling

By The Nation

Sawit Kaewwan, president of the State Railways of Thailand (SRT) labour union, and six other union leaders will next week appeal against the Central Labour Court's ruling to have them fired and pay SRT Bt15 million plus annual 7.5percent interest for damages caused by a strike in 2009.

Sawit said yesterday that the group would have its lawyer take the case to the Supreme Court next week and that they still worked for the SRT because the case was continuing.

"I respect the Labour Court's ruling. However, I confirm that the union committee did what was best for the country, and we want SRT to take care of the safety of workers and train passengers," he said.

He also called on the public to check on a train accident in Prachuap Khiri Khan in which seven people were killed. The Criminal Court sentenced the train driver to two years in prison for manslaughter, while the Civil Court ordered the driver to pay Bt5,000 per month to the dead passengers' families for 10 years and the SRT to pay Bt1 million in compensation.

-- The Nation 2011-07-30

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Roadside bomb in Narathiwat injures four soldiers

By The Nation

Four soldiers were injured when suspected insurgents detonated a roadside bomb in an apparent ambush after an attack against an Army post in Narathiwat with M79 grenades yesterday morning.

Three bombs were detonated near two military and police teams after the grenade attack against the base of Peaceful Development Unit 316 in Ban Johkoh village in tambon Bukit, Joh I Rong district.

The first explosion occurred at 8.40am in front of a Muslim graveyard in Ban Johkoh village while a military truck with four soldiers returning from inspecting the scene of the grenade attack, but no one was injured. The bomb damaged the truck and created a 60centimetrewide hole with scattered pieces of bomb and mobile phone.

However, the second bomb, which went off at 10.10am on a road in Parelubo village in tambon Maruebook, injured four troops as the sixstrong team was heading to investigate the grenadeattack scene and the subsequent roadsidebomb scene.

The blast wounded Major Samatthachai Plaengsai, deputy commander of Narathiwat Task Force 31; Captain Adisorn Khamchuay, commander of Company 1511; Sergeant Sirichai Trisat; and Sergeant Thirapong Boontam. They were taken to the district hospital. The 20kilogram homemade bomb made a metredeep hole in the middle of the road; the crater was 180cm across.

At noon, while bombdisposal officials were checking the second explosion scene, suspected insurgents detonated another 5kg bomb nearby, but no one was injured.

In related news, the head of the Southern Region's Railway Office, Thanongsak Pongprasert, announced that the 14 train services to the three Southern border provinces between Songkhla's Hat Yai district and Narathiwat's Sungai Kolok district would resume today, after the completion yesterday of repair work. The railway was damaged by bomb attacks on Wednesday. Security officers have cleared the route for safety.

Narathiwat Governor Thanon Vejkornkanont had urged quick resumption of the train services, which were suspended for three days, inconveniencing residents greatly.

-- The Nation 2011-07-30

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Phuket parents furious over teacher hitting young children

Parents Sompis Petthongnang and Jaruni Janjem are furious over the incident.

A screenshot from the video showing 'Kru Kiew' with hand raised about to

strike one of her students.

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Phuket tourism operators warned to prepare for AFTA

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Briton Who Faked His Own Death Found Living In Thailand

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INN: male Yala resident calls n threatens Chiangmai bound train; 300 passengers get off in Lampang Province for thorough search of boogie /TAN_Network

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Seven police & villagers wounded in bomb attack by suspected insurgents on motorcycle at tea shop in Pattani /MCOT

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Suthep confirms he will not return to post of Democrat Sec-Gen; says he's rooting for Yingluck's gov't to stay the full term /TAN_Network

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MOPH orders hospitals to gear up for upcoming floods

BANGKOK, 30 July 2011 (NNT) – The Ministry of Public Health has instructed all hospitals to be prepared to provide services amidst anticipated heavy flooding after stormy conditions were forecast by the Thai Meteorological Department.

Previously, the Meteorological Department issued a warning that Thailand would be facing several storms this year and torrential rains and flashfloods similar to last year could be seen in all regions. As a response, Permanent Secretary for Public Health MD Paichit Warachit stated that the Ministry had tasked its flood war room to follow up weather reports and the overall situation nationwide closely.

The Permanent Secretary stressed that all hospitals in flood-prone areas, particularly those located along the Chao Phraya River, must find ways to prevent possible inundation, such as building a floodwall, in order to be able to continue providing medical services for patients. Other hospitals in dry areas will also have their emergency medical teams on standby in case help is needed in flooded zones.

Moreover, MD Paichit elaborated that up to 100,000 sets of medicines for water-borne diseases had been prepared while more were being rapidly produced by the Government Pharmaceutical Organization.

-- NNT 2011-07-30

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Yingluck has new house speaker’s name in mind

BANGKOK, 30 July 2011 (NNT) – Incoming Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has announced that she has the name of the person to perform as the new house speaker in her mind while the House is expected to pick its speaker on 2 August 2011.

Ms Yingluck told the press that if possible she wants the voting for the new house speaker to take place on 2 August 2011, but the matter must be coordinated with the Secretariat of the House of Representatives for related procedures.

The incoming prime minister admitted that she has a suitable candidate in mind for the post and she will consider this issue with Pheu Thai Party Leader Yongyth Wichaidit again.

Ms Yingluck stressed that there is no negotiation for the house speaker post as everyone understands the operation of the party well and wants everything to turn out as best as possible.

The incoming prime minister noted that the cabinet line-up should be clearer in the middle of August. She said she will seek talks with her coalition partners on the cabinet formation after the House has elected the house speaker and the prime minister.

-- NNT 2011-07-30

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Suthep: Outsiders not needed for Democrat sec-gen post

BANGKOK, 30 July 2011 (NNT) – Acting Democrat Secretary-General Suthep Thaugsuban is confident that many members of the party have enough potential and are suitable to be his successor, so outsiders are not needed.

Mr Suthep downplayed reports of intervention by some groups of Democrat members in the selection of the party’s new executive board which might cause internal conflicts. He said there would be no controversy within the party as the election of key members was a normal and democratic process.

Regarding possible defections of some Democrat MPs, the acting secretary-general deemed the move normal, citing as example the cases of Major General Sanan Kajornprasart, Mr Pradit Pataraprasit and Mr Veerakarn Musikapong who resigned as Democrat secretary-general and later quit the party. He added that those who stay with Democrat must have the same political ideal.

Major General Sanan and Mr Pradit are now key members of the Chart Thai Pattana Party while Mr Veerakarn is the former chairperson of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship.

Mr Suthep also admitted that he has no knowledge about rumoured efforts to bring in former Foreign Minister Prasong Soonsiri and core figure of the People’s Alliance for Democracy Prapan Koonmee as contenders of the new secretary-general post.

The acting secretary-general believed that party members have adequate capabilities to sit in the position while the selection will be up to the decision of party members to be made during their meeting on 6 August.

-- NNT 2011-07-30

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BoT: Thai auto industry getting stronger

BANGKOK, 30 July 2011 (NNT) – The Bank of Thailand (BoT) expected that the automotive industry, especially production and exports, would be expanding continuously while the national inflation rate would remain high.

BoT Domestic Economy Department Senior Director Mathee Supapong stated that the country’s economic condition in June had been expanding thanks to growing domestic and foreign demands. He continued that car production and exports were also growing after the auto part shortage as a result of the Japanese disasters was solved.

Nevertheless, Mr Mathee pointed out that the inflation rate was still high and would possibly be moving up further following the expected higher spending of the public sector in the future.

Regarding an overall economic condition in the second quarter of this year, the senior director reported that private sector investment had slow down while the domestic production sector also dwindled in accordance with the smaller production volumes of car, hard disk drive as well as textile and garment. Inflation remained high in the quarter.

-- NNT 2011-07-30

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Thai students win 5 medals from IOI 2011

BANGKOK, 30 July 2011 (NNT) – Thai students grabbed two gold, one silver and one bronze medals from the 23rd International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2011) hosted by Thailand from 22 to 29 July 2011.

Presiding over the closing ceremony of the IOI 2011, president of the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPTS) Assoc Prof Dr Thatchai Sumitra said the academic competition would help stimulate computer education as well as support curriculum management in information technology in the kingdom, which was the goal of the competition arrangement.

There were a total of 306 students from 78 countries participating in the IOI 2011 organised at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort in Pattaya City.

Regarding the result of the competition, Thai representatives won a total of four medals, comprising two gold medals by Mr Pasin Manurangsi from Bangkok Christian College and Mr Sorawit Suriyakan from Mahidol Wittayanusorn School, one silver by Mr Witchakorn Kamonpornvichit from Trium Udom Suksa School, and one bronze by Mr Laphonchai Jirachuphun from Trium Udom Suksa School.

Mr Pasin gained 524 marks out of 600 in the competition, making him the 14th in world ranking while Mr Sorawit obtained 483 marks or the 24th in the ranking. The world’s number one who had earned full marks was Mr Gennady Korotkevich from Belarus.

-- NNT 2011-07-30

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Weather warning for Phuket

A satellite image taken early this morning showing tropical storm 'Nock Ten' (center)

and 'Muifa' (right) forming in the South China Sea, prompting the Thai MET to issue

a weather warning.

Winds over the Andaman are expected to gust from 30 to 40kmh.

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AFP: Thai police say 71 freed in human trafficking raid

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