Foreign Election Interference in the US 2024 Election!

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Major New York City-area airports to reopen on Monday

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Transport Min cuts fare of ferry,non air-conditioned bus by 50 stg,air conditioned bus by Bt1/interval,provincial bus by 2 stg/km on Sept 1 /TANN

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Suthisan Police to be Questioned over Gambling Den

The Police Force has vowed to punish the Suthisan Police Station's high-ranking officers over the controversial gambling den that has been offering bribes worth two million baht a day.

Chairman of the fact-finding panel looking into the gambling den in the Suthisan Area in Bangkok, Police General Sathaphon Laothong, said he has questioned some of the station's officials, and more of them will soon be questioned at the Police Force headquarters.

He insisted that police officers found to be involved will face punishment and the den's owner will be prosecuted too.

He concluded by saying 10 witnesses have been questioned to date, and police officers will provide protection to witnesses who have requested it.

-- Tan Network 2011-08-29

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FLASH: Japan's Noda wins ruling party election to pick PM /via@Reuters

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Lampang Locals Kidnap 2 Employees to Stop Lignite Mine

Lampang Province will reconsider a lignite mining concession after locals protest against the project.

Recently, Lampang Deputy Governor Utan Chavametee negotiated with the leader of a protest group in Lampang's Ngao District.

Locals protested against Kiew Lueng Company, which received mining concessions for lignite in the area.

The negotiation lasted a half an hour amidst heavy security.

Ban Haeng villagers have prevented the company from administrating and accessing the area, demanding that the state reconsider granting the concession permits at a hearing that would seek to assess community consensus as to whether the lignite concession should be granted.

However, the locals' demands were ignored as the state gave the green light for the company to continue its lignite mining project without consideration.

Consequently, locals kidnapped two company employees as a means of getting the state to negotiate the matter.

Locals are urging the state to clarify the site of the controversial land, while the company must not obstruct locals from taking part in the project.

In addition, the state and the company must not file any lawsuits against locals.

After Utan pledged to meet people's demands, the locals released the two detained employees unharmed.

-- Tan Network 2011-08-29

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Thailand destroys US$100 million in counterfeit intellectual property

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Transport Minister cuts BMTA metro bus fares by Bt0.50-1; Transport Co interprovincial bus fares by Bt0.02/km; effective Sept 1 /MCOT

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Metropolitan police given 3 days to rid Bangkok of casinos, or other agencies will assume the task, DPM Chalerm said /via@Biz_TheNation

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Farmers rally at Government House to demand farmland

Some 400 landless farmers rallied in front of the Government House Monday morning to demand Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to provide farmland.

The members of the so-called People's Council from 4 Regions rallied on the Phitsanulok Road at 7 am.

They occupied one lane of the traffic on the road outside the Government House until the Chamai Maruchet Bridge.

They used a sound truck as a stage and put up tents for cooking.

Their leader, Singsuwanporn Sakhonpraisathan, said the farmers would disperse if Yingluck heeded their demand.

-- The Nation 2011-08-29

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Liverpool Legends stop in Phuket canceled

It was with a heavy heart that tour creator Cris Rosenbergs announced

the cancellation of the highly anticipated event.

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FLOODS

Yingluck observes flood in Udon Thani

By The Nation

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Monday continued her visit in Udon Thani proivnce to inspect the flood situation, following up operations of the newly formed flood relief centre under the "Bangrakam Model" project.

Yingluck is scheduled to visit the flood diversion ditch in the Udon Thani municipality in provincial seat. She will return to Bangkok in the afternoon.

The prime minister arrived here Sunday afternoon and chaired a meeting with local officials on local flood prevention measures.

Udon Thani Provicial Administrative Oganization President Hanchai Teekatananon reported to the premier that the water management plan in the province was carried out properly and effectively provided short term flod alleviation.

However, Hanchai proposed a longer term flood management plan focused on controlling the volume of water entering the municipality, with more water pumps installed to drain water to the Mekong River via Nong Khai's Phon Phisai district.

Yingluck praised what she called the 'Udon Thani Model' to effectively respond to flooding problems, but she said further study should be implemented on the proposal to build a permanent pumping station at Huai Luang as it may affect other provinces such as Nong Khai.

The premier said that the province should consult with the Royal Irrigation Department on its plans to build an additional reservoir to retain water during floods to be dispersed during the dry season.

On Sunday, Yingluck visited Phitsanulok to inspect progress of the "Bangrakam Model'.

The pilot project has a command or operational centre being set up by the Interior Ministry to deal with flooding in the area through integrated operations of all concerned agencies. The project is expected to be the model for solving flooding countrywide.

-- The Nation 2011-08-29

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Court postpones lese majesty case hearing against red-shirt leader to next Monday

The Criminal Court Monday postponed a hearing in a lese majesty case against red-shirt leader Yoswaris Chuklom to next Monday after Yoswaris had his lawyer tell the court that he was not well.

Yoswaris was charged with violating the King and expressing his hatred toward the King while speaking during a red-shirt rally on 29 March 2010. He was accused of violating Article 10 of the Criminal Code.

On August 3, Yoswaris pledged guilty so the court asked him to submit his written guilty plea within 15 days. However, Yoswaris retracted his guilty plea on August 8 last year, so the court scheduled the firs hearing Monday.

But Yoswaris sent his lawyer to tell the court that he was suffering from intestine bleeding and could not attend the hearing.

-- The Nation 2011-08-29

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Democrat leader Abhisit expresses concern that charter amendment may further social rift and warns govt not to help Thaksin /TAN_Network

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Yingluck's Hometown Sets High Expectations

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is the second Chiang Mai native, after her brother Thaksin Shinawatra, to rise to the top post of the country's administrative branch.

It's no surprise seeing Chiang Mai residents and businesses hope for special treatment from Yingluck Shinawatra's government.

The business sector in Chiang Mai regards the rise of Yingluck Shinwatra to the prime minister post as a good opportunity to push for development projects in the province, whether it be the Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai motorway, the opening of the Kewphawok border pass in Chiengdoa District or the Chiang Mai-Bangkok highspeed railway.

Meanwhile, a group for conservation and urban development in the province expects a resolution to its long-standing problems, whether it be encroachment on public lands, waste management or city planning.

Several parties still see the need to accelerate the push for efficient city rail transport and they hope the project will gain support from Yingluck Shinawatra's administration.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's hometown certainly have high expectations for her to fill.

Whether or not she can fulfill these expectations will certainly be key to her success as the first female prime minister of Thailand.

-- Tan Network 2011-08-29

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PM Launches Drainage Canal Project to Solve Flood Problems

The prime minister is planning to implement a drainage canal project to prevent reoccurring flood problems.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra presided over the opening ceremony of a drainage canal project, initiated to solve the repeated problem of flooding in Udon Thani Province.

Afterward, Yingluck announced that she is planning to implement the same project in other parts of the country that also suffer from recurring floods.

Meanwhile, the prime minister also commented on the annual police reshuffle, denying the involvement of Pojaman na Pombejra, the ex-wife of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Yingluck added that Pojaman has had nothing to do with politics for quite some time now.

Regarding the issue of energy, the prime minister said that she is planning to meet with the energy minister after fuel prices have been lowered.

Yingluck believes that transportation costs must come down, which will in turn bring down goods prices.

Meanwhile, Deputy Public Health Minister Torpong Chaiyasarn pointed out that the ministry has devised a four-phase plan to handle the flooding problem for before, during and after the event.

The plan has incorporated long-term flood prevention measures.

At the moment, the Public Health Office in Udon Thani Province has been ordered to work with the local administrators and the private sector in restoring the damaged areas and preventing any possible epidemics.

-- Tan Network 2011-08-29

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Wichien visits Prem, denies under pressure to resign

Police Commissioner-General Pol Gen Wichien Pojphosri led a team of senior police officers to visit Privy President Gen Prem Tinsulanonda Monday.

Speaking to reporters after the visit, Wichien said he led police officers to wish Prem a happy birthday on the occasion of his birthday anniversary on Friday.

Wichien said he had not been told by the government or former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to step down as reported.

He said he had no plan to resign as the police chief.

-- The Nation 2011-08-29

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Good Prices Unlikely to Fall Despite Fuel Price Cut

Manufacturers have insisted that good prices will not be lowered despite a cut in gasoline and diesel prices, saying there are other costs involved in production.

Federation of Thai Industries, or FTI, Vice Chairman Tanit Sorat said a drop in gasoline and diesel prices will directly benefit motorists and the logistics sector.

He added a three-baht decrease in the retail diesel price would result in a decrease of four percent in costs related to logistics.

However, Tanit noted that the lowered logistics costs are not enough to bring good prices down because they represent just ten percent of total production costs.

The FTI vice chairman said the diesel price cut is a boon for the agricultural sector as farmers can save money on fuel used for their trucks.

The reduction in both gasoline and diesel prices will also encourage more consumption while its impact on inflation could be evident when economic figures for September are released.

Likewise, vice chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Pornsilp Patcharintanakul, said the gasoline and diesel price decrease may lower production costs to a certain extent but good prices will remain unchanged because there are other predominant costs involved in production, such as the cost of raw materials.

However, he noted that in general, it does allow businesses to enjoy more stable logistic costs.

-- Tan Network 2011-08-29

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UBON RATCHATHANI

Flood warnings as river levels rise

By The Nation

Authorities in Ubon Ratchathani province on Monday told residents to prepare for evacuation to higher ground as the water level in the Chi river and its tributaries continue to increase following heavy rains.

Provincial governor Surapon Saipan said he has issued an alert of water possibly overflowing the riverbanks in Muang district.

Residents living along the Mool and Chi rivers in the district are informed to prepare for evacuation as there were many areas along the river that were already under the water.

On Monday, some roads in Ban Ta Boh village in Jaeramae precinct were inundated while some others were inaccessible.

The flooding has already destroyed 20,000 rai of farming land and damaged 12 precincts and 69 villages in Ubon Ratchathani.

-- The Nation 2011-08-29

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UN warns of possible resurgence of deadly bird flu virus

UN warns of possible resurgence of deadly bird flu virus, urges greater surveillance as mutant strain of H5N1 avian influenza, which can apparently sidestep defenses of existing vaccines, is spreading in China and Vietnam

-- TNA 2011-08-29

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AFP: Thailand to crackdown on illegal casinos

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Husband hangs himself after jealous fight with wife in East Pattaya

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Wheelchair-bound lottery ticket vendor arrested on drug offences in Sattahip

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SET index closed at 1055.63, up 18.41; Bt/USD29.86; GBP48.84; AUD31.56; EUR43.25; CAD30.39; HKD3.83; SGD24.59; JPY38.70

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PTT, Bangchak raise gasoline prices by Bt0.60, effective Tuesday; Caltex increases all oil product prices today /MCOT

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Police Chief Unfazed by Dismissal Rumors

The national police chief insists he has no plans to resign even if he may be dismissed from his post.

National police chief Police General Wichien Podposri said he did not want the speculated dismissal of him to sap the morale of police officers and maintained he has not think about resigning.

Wichien insisted he is committed to working for the country and His Majesty the King.

He maintained the government has never asked him to resign as police chief.

Wichien and other police top brass today presented a vase of flowers to Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda on the occassion of his 91st birthday last Friday.

The police chief stated Prem urged him to remain loyal to the country and to protect the Monarchy.

Wichein stated the Privy Council president also told him to act as a role model for police officers.

-- Tan Network 2011-08-29

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Deputy PM Yongyuth says charter amendment will be carried out in time for the next election but won't be done for the benefit of one person /TAN_Network

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Supreme Commander Assures Clean Military Reshuffle

The supreme commander insists that the list of annual military reshuffle was deliberated with transparency and without political interference.

He points out that he will submit the list to the defense minister once summoned.

Supreme Commander General Songkitti Jaggabatara said that the ideal candidate who will succeed him in October once he retires must be able to coordinate with all the armed forces so as to work together effectively.

About the list of annual military shake-up, Songkitti said that he has already received the list and reaffirmed that it has been deliberated with transparency and without political interference.

He said he will forward the list to the defense minister soon.

Songkitti also asked everyone to remain confident that the armed forces' leadership and the defense minister are working toward the same direction to strengthen the military.

Songkitti this morning presided over the commissioning ceremony for Bell 412 ET transport helicopters which will be used in survey and rescue operations in time of natural disasters.

-- Tan Network 2011-08-29

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Supreme Command gets two new Bell helicopters

Published on August 29, 2011

Two new Bell 412 EP helicopters were handed over to the Supreme Command Monday.

The two helicopters were delivered to retiring Supreme Commander Gen Songkitti Jakkabatra in a ceremony at the Supreme Command Monday.

Songkitti said the helicopters will be used for flying Royal Survey Department officials to various spots to update the military maps.

The helicopters can also be dispatched to fly victims out of disastrous zones, he said.

-- The Nation 2011-08-29

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German man still in ICU after dispute with Phuket tuk-tuk driver

Mr Trotnow refused to pay 100 baht for a tuk-tuk ride from Aroonsom Plaza

to Tai Pan, a distance of about 800 meters.

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Police arrest 4 in Bt5m ya ba bust

Four Hmong men were apprehended while trying to deposit some Bt5 million they allegedly earnt from smuggling ya ba (amphetamines) at a bank in Chiang Dao, police said Monday.

Police presented the four at a press conference: Noppadol Songsitthicharoen, 33, Wanwichit Chatnapalai, 29, Charin Songsawatwong, 31, and Wongsakorn Phupakampanat, 30, along with Bt3.599 million in cash, a Toyota Vigo pickup, four bank account books and two ATM cards.

Provincial Police Region 5 chief Pol Lt General Chaiya Siriamphankul said they had followed the gang they suspected had smuggled ya ba from the North to central Thailand many times before.

When the suspects were depositing the alleged drug money to a cash deposit machine at Krungthai Bank's Chiang Dao branch last Thursday, police searched their pickup and found Bt3.599 million in cash and 184 ya ba tablets.

-- The Nation 2011-08-29