Thailand Live Monday 15 Aug 2011

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Thailand Live Monday 15 August 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 Saturday 13 Aug 2011

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Today's Thailand weather and forecasts:

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DTAC

DTAC to go ahead wIth 3G launch this week

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Japan allows Thaksin visit

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Jatuporn wants Bt10m paid to families of 91 killed during political turmoil

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10 officials investigated over forest land scandal

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Sukhothai villagers warned more floods on way

By The Nation

Heavy flooding still threatens Sukhothai as the Yom River continues to overflow - but authorities say urban areas in Phitsanulok are safe from highlevel inundation after the Naresuan Dam discharged water in time.

Five Sukhothai districts through which the Yom River flows Sri Satchanalai, Sawankhalok, Sri Samrong, Muang and Kongkrailas are still under high floodwater threat, with residents told to get ready for anticipated evacuations.

The hardesthit areas in Sukhothai are riverside villages in tambon Wang Thong of Sri Samrong district, with a twometre flood level.

In Phisanulok, the Nan River is easing after heavy rain ceased and water drainage from the Naresuan Dam was effective in keeping flooding below a critical level. However, an irrigation office has warned of anticipated heavy rain during next week which may mean the risk of flash flooding in lowlying areas.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday made inspection visits to both provinces along with Phichit and Uttaradit, all located in the lower North, before flying to Ubon Ratchathani in the far Northeast for a brief trek.

She said large chunks budget approval would be made next week for emergency assistance while provincial authorities were allowed to spend smaller amounts available to them under existing regulations. Many flooddamaged roads in Mae Hong Son will be repaired under direct supervision of the Transport Ministry.

Flooding is also hitting the lower Northeast, including Ubon Ratchathani and Mukdahan following heavy rain. Flooding in many urban areas in Mukdahan is receding, allowing huge renovation and repair work to follow, provincial authorities said.

-- The Nation 2011-08-15

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Science and technology fair spurs interest

By Wannapa Khaopa

The Nation

Schools setting projects to boost students' visits

Ideas and inspirations have been boosted at the National Science and Technology Fair while teachers and students are enjoying learning from eyecatching and exciting science and technology shows.

There are interesting activities and displays at the fair that are not too complicated or difficult for teachers to imitate and show at schools to arouse students' scientific learning.

"Our teachers have got some new ideas from the fair to apply with our school's science camp. The fair's exhibitors have given them some scientific tools to teach the students at schools too," Oravan Dumdang, director of Tedsaban 1 Watjang School (TWS) in Chachoengsao, said.

The school has taken students to visit the annual fair for the last four or five years.

Kasinee Jeerawattanakul, a biology teacher from Aranyaprathet School (AS) in Sa Kaeo, said she would imitate a science quiz game at the fair with her school's science week activities. Further, she applied ideas and knowledge obtained from the fair with her science project teaching.

"Science projects by university students presented here have been done from different good and creative ideas. After learning from them I can suggest some of the different and creative ideas to my students who are studying science projects with me. So, they will see different and creative thinking, and learn to use new and different ideas to do their own projects," she said.

To ensure that students acquire firsthand learning from various activities and exhibitions during their visit to the fair, both schools gave their students assignments to do.

Orasa Mingchai, deputy director of TWS, said it gave students worksheets with questions so they had to find the answers from the fair. They also had to write down what they found interesting there.

Oravan said students had to present or tell what they had learnt and what impressed them at the fair.

Kasinee had her students note what knowledge they picked up and write reports on what they were interested in, then hand the reports to her.

Boonpitak Pradujprom, a 16yearold student from AS, said: "My group will do a report about the evolution of aviation. I personally also liked a 4D movie about climate change, because it made me feel as if I was in the world's disasters. It made me aware of the ruined environment.

"This is my first time to see the fair. I just heard what my friends told me about coming here last year, but being here myself is much more exciting. There were many experiments at the science fair that I'd not seen. I got new knowledge. I hope I will have a chance to come here again," Boonpitak said.

The 4D movie also impressed Kannika Pratoomsara, 18, Suwatjanee Thongsak, 18 and Nontawat Choopasert, 17, from Triam Udom Suksa Nomklao School in Bangkok.

Kannika, who had her first visit to the fair when she was in Matthayom 2 (Year 8), invited Nontawat and Suwatjanee to experience the fair.

The National Science Museum provided Bt10 million to create the dynamic science and technology fair, which is expected to attract some 1.2 million visitors.

Lots of attractions are being exhibited, including the 4D movie. To celebrate International Year of Chemistry, there are exciting bubble shows and many experiments that help to show visitors how amazing chemistry is.

The "Grandfather Tree" is looking forward to seeing young people to tell them a story of a forest in a bid to encourage them to preserve forests. This is to celebrate International Year of Forests.

At Digital World booth, virtual technology will help visitors learn about planets, frog operation and so on.

A 3D theatre will feature details about the Sufficiency Economy of His Majesty the King - Father of Thai Technology and Innovation.

An exhibition about King Mongkut (Rama IV), known as the Father of Thai Science, who helped bring Western science and technology and for it to be adapted in Siam, is shown on a giant animation wall.

Technology from many leading countries is also on display, including devices from China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, UK, France and Germany.

The biggest science and technology show will run until August 21 at Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre.

-- The Nation 2011-08-15

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EDITORIAL

Surapong should represent Thailand, not ex-PM Thaksin

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Surapong unfazed over survey

By The Nation

Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul said yesterday that he is not sorry to be named as the most disappointing member of the Yingluck Cabinet in an opinion survey.

The survey by Suan Dusit Poll found that 51.89 per cent of respondents named Surapong when asked which Cabinet member they felt disappointed with.

Surapong said he did not feel discouraged, but that the survey result would become a driving force for him to try to prove his performance.

He said he consulted with former foreign minister Noppadon Pattama and has learnt something about the working of a foreign minister.

He said he would also meet another ex-foreign minister, Surakiart Sathirathai, to seek advice on how to promote trade among different countries.

Surapong said he has not selected a secretary and advisers yet, and it would be up to the Pheu Thai party to select his staff.

-- The Nation 2011-08-15

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CORRUPTION

Lack of political will is a major obstacle in improving Thailand's transparency

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Mae Sot municipal waits to become special administrative zone

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What people feel about new Cabinet

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Officials on alert for power pole bombs

By The Nation on Sunday

The Army is on the lookout for terrorists in the far South who are plotting to destroy local infrastructure systems, Fourth Region ISOC deputy director Maj-General Akara Tiparoj said yesterday.

He was speaking after insurgents planted bombs to destroy power poles three times this month.

He said the insurgents intended to spark chaos by creating a blackout. Officials would step up security to prevent such incidents and make contingency plans in case of emergencies.

-- The Nation 2011-08-15

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Power company, university work together to improve energy supply

By The Nation

Generating company Ratchaburi Holding is collaborating with Kasetsart University's Faculty of Engineering in the development of electricity generation and power plants to boost and improve industrial efficiency and effectiveness

Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the faculty to study and develop energy sources for electricity power generation and power plants. The MoU was signed on behalf of Ratchaburi Holding by Peerawat Pumthong, chief operating officer, and on behalf of Kasetsart by Associate Professor Thanya Kiatiwat, dean of the faculty.

Peerawat said "Ratchaburi Holding and the faculty obviously realised the importance of a potential development of the engineering and related academic fields in driving the buildup of energy sources for electricity power generation and the power plant development. Achievements both at the macro level, which is to sustainably respond to the growing power demand, and also at the micro level, which is the fulfilment of the company's vision: "To become the leading independent power producer in the region trusted by the public".

Peerawat said the faculty would study development of energy sources for electricity power generation and power plant development, as well as conduct research to boost efficiency and productivity of several types of power plant.

"I am confident this project will be a key factor to create value in human resources development, and bring about a positive impact to electricity generation. Eventually, it will lead to national growth and prosperity. This project also allows academic people, researchers, and students to experience real cases during onthejob training, apart from theoretical knowledge in classroom," Peerawat said.

The MoU between the two parties aims for improved efficiency and increased productivity in several types of power plant, leading to a secure and reliable energy supply for the country.

-- The Nation 2011-08-15

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Fashion students excel in China World design contest

By The Nation

Nakhon Si Thammarat Vocational College has won a design contest at the China World Fashion Design Contest 2011.

A team of three students from the college -Phusit Jaidee,Wanida Sukchuai and Piyaphat Muangmeesri -beat 52 teams from 20 vocational colleges nationwide.

The fashion contest was organised under the concept "My World, My Inspire" late last month at Chinaworld Wangburapa shopping mall.

Ten teams used raw materials sold at the mall to create the dresses they designed to compete in the final round.

The winning team's dress was named "the Architecture of Thailand" and earned a cash prize, free BangkokHong Kong round trip air tickets and free hotel rent worth Bt176,500 to study fashion design.

The second prize went to Chiang Rai Vocational College students - a Bt19,000 cash prize and Bt1,500 gift voucher for shopping at the mall. The third prize went to Chiang Mai Vocational College

students who were awarded a Bt14,000 cash prize and gift voucher.

Nakhon Pathom Vocational College students won the Popular Vote - an Bt8,000 cash prize and the gift voucher

The ten finalists were trained by a university lecturer on how to use their ideas and creative thinking to make their dresses attractive.

Creatively designed dresses created by the ten finalists are now on display at the mall until August 31. The dresses will also appear in Kulsatree magazine published this month.

-- The Nation 2011-08-15

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Passengers at Onnuch BTS station can't get on trains as carriages are full since Bearing station; less traffic on Sukhumvit from Bangna /TAN_Network

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Abhisit still gets death threats

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Six stabbed to death on British island of Jersey

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Thai diplomacy: Where personal, national affairs can't mix; Opinion

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A Matichon article has slammed calls for Yingluck to stop calling herself "Pou" when speaking officially or publicly. /via@tulsathit

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,074.17, up 12.10 points /MCOT

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THB to move 29.80-30.20 THB/USD this week

BANGKOK, 15 August 2011 (NNT) – Kasikorn Research Centre (KResearch) has estimated that the Thai baht this week (from 15 to 19 August 2011) will move in the range of 29.80-30.20 baht per US dollar with some trade and economic figures as the major focus this week.

KResearch reported that the baht had been weakened last week after the US lost its AAA credibility rating for the first time in the history. The currency depreciated as investors shifted to more secured assets for investment, which could also be seen in the stock market as investors sold Thai shares.

The baht depreciation however was limited in the end of last week before the market closed for long holidays from 12 to 14 August. The baht closed at 29.89 per US dollar on Thursday, compared with 29.84 baht per US dollar a week earlier.

As for this week, the baht is expected to move in the range of 29.80-30.20 baht per US dollar. The international trade figures of Thailand should be monitored for domestic factors.

Meanwhile, external factors that should be focused are still concentrated important economic figures from the US.

-- NNT 2011-08-15

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Yingluck starts working at PM's office

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra started working at the PM's office at the Government House Monday morning.

She arrived at the Government House at 9:19 am in a black Volkswagen van, which parked in front of the Thai Kufah Building.

She entered the building after exiting the van. A moment later, she walked downstairs to pay respect to the shrine in the Government House compound.

-- The Nation 2011-08-15

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Swedes Caught With 'Ya-Ice' in Pattaya

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PM Yingluck has denied asking Interpol to withdraw arrest warrant for his brother Thaksin :INN /via@tukky_nt

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Thaksin to Lecture in Japan, PM Denies Plan to Return Her Brother's Passport

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PM Visits Flood-hit Provinces

The prime minister yesterday traveled to inspect the flood situation in the North and Northeast and pledged to help flood victims in any way she can.

At Khong Chiam Wittayakhom School in Ubon Ratchathani's Khong Chiam District, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday met with locals, who are having to deal with heavy flooding following an overflow of water from the Mekong River.

Yingluck has vowed that the government will do all it can to assist the flood victims.

She distributed 1,500 relief kits to people in flood-hit subdistricts, particularly for Ban Dan Sub-district, where the situation remains critical and over 144 households have been seriously affected.

The prime minister then held a meeting with provincial governors from nine northeastern provinces hit by floods in order to follow up on the situation and discuss ways to tackle the problems.

After the meeting, she traveled to inspect the flood situation in Phitsanulok and Phichit provinces.

Meanwhile, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Preecha Rengsomboonsuk traveled to follow up on the situation in the northeastern province of Mukdahan after all seven districts in the province were hit by floods.

They are-- Muang, Don Tan, Nong Sung, Wan Yai, Kham Cha-i, Nikhom Kham Soi and Dong Luang.

The situation is expected to return to normal if there is no more rain in the near term.

In Phitsanulok Province, the water level in the Nan River remains stable, but residents along the river banks are still reeling under the flooding.

Villagers in Plai Chompol Sub-district in Muang District have joined efforts to repair road damaged by floods to ensure safety for travelers.

-- Tan Network 2011-08-15

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Mudslide Make Aid Delivery to Northern Flood Victims Difficult

Officials rush to provide aid to flood victims in northern provinces. However, relief operations have been obstructed by a mudslide blocking the main road.

They have resorted to using elephants to reach the areas.

Mae Hong Sorn Red Cross has been dispersing disaster relief packages to distressed locals in the Mae Sarieng and Sob Meau districts.

At least 100 locals have been affected in the latest floods and landslides.

Mae Hong Sorn Governor, Kamthorn Thavornsatit said that although the flood situation in both districts has improved, providing aid to flood victims is difficult because the recent mudslide has blocked main roads.

The authorities have been using elephants as an alternative means of distributing food and necessary items.

In Phichit Province, the flood situation is still worrisome. Water levels in the Nan River have been increasing rapidly.

Villagers around Phichit railway are facing flood waters as deep as 20 centimeters.

Recently, Phichit Municipality has been rushing to distribute sandbags and install pumps to prevent inundation in Municipal market which is an important economic zone.

-- Tan Network 2011-08-15

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Police arrest 8 suspects,seize Bt10 mln worth of drugs;suspects confessed to being paid Bt400,000 to transport drugs for Rayong inmates /TAN_Network

PM's Office Minister Surawit states PM's TV show will be resumed for Yingluck; he'll be meeting various media groups to clarify stance /TAN_Network