Thailand Live Wednesday 7 Sep 2011

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Wage Hike Policy to Benefit Credit Card Market

The Bank of Ayudhya believes the government's policy to increase the daily minimum wage to 300 baht across the nation will lead to a rise in the number of credit card holders.

Executive Vice President of the Bank of Ayudhya, Thakorn Piyapan said the bank has launched a new product, the Krungsri Debit First Choice Card, that functions as a credit card, an ATM card, and a tool for installment payments, targeting individuals whose income is not less than 8,000 baht per month.

In the meantime, Nayanee Peaugkham, vice president of Ayudhya Capital Services' Personal Loan and Sales Finance Division, said that she believes the Pheu Thai-led government's policy to raise the daily minimum wage to 300 baht nationwide will encourage the expansion of cardholders and heat up competition in the credit card market.

Nayanee noted that the Bank of Ayudhya has issued a total of three million ATM and debit cards and expects the number of new credit cards issued by the bank to reach 850,000 by the end of this year.

-- Tan Network 2011-09-07

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North, Northeast, East to see heavy rain while BKK will see scattered thunderstorm/

Veteran politician Sanan celebrates 76th birthday will politicians such as Banharn and Abhisit showing up with well wishes /

Former Natl Security Council chief Tawil expresses disappointment with transfer; to file complaint with Civil Service Commission /

DPM Chalerm claims PM asked him to expedite Thaksin's royal pardon; aiming for Dec 5; claims law doesn't require serving of jail term /

/TAN_Network

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Excise Tax for First-Car Buyers on Awaits Cabinet Approval

Finance Ministry plans to propose details of the excise tax for first-time car buyers for the Cabinet's approval by next week.

The excise and revenue departments had many issues on the agenda for their meeting yesterday.

They reached a consensus on the policy in which Pheu Thai-led government promised tax cuts of up to 100,000 baht for first-time car buyers.

The Excise Department will be in charge of the tax refund.

Tax reductions will be calculated on the basis of the factory gate price.

However, the department has yet to finalize whether it will pay by cheque or coupon cash.

The department noted that the car buyers will still have to pay the tax, after which the department will give a gradual rebate within the next three years.

Deputy Finance Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom said the rebate will allow car buyers to get their tax back directly.

Under the scheme, the government plans to offer an excise tax deduction on the purchase of any new vehicle for first-time buyers valued at no more than one million baht.

The policy is applied to all types of cars, and is not restricted to pick-up and fuel-efficient cars or eco-cars, as the Pheu Thai party proposed during its election campaign.

To be eligible for the refund, the purchase must be made by the end of next year.

In addition, the Land Transport Department will strictly monitor that the buyers continue to use the cars for at least five years, to ensure that the policy truly benefits first-time car buyers.

A proposal is expected to be submitted for the Cabinet's approval by next week.

Currently, annual car production of cars worth less than one million baht stands at 570,000 units.

In the event that there are 300,000 first-time car buyers eligible for the program, the government's revenue would drop drastically, by at least ten billion baht.

-- Tan Network 2011-09-07

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Environmental Concerns Halt Phuket Exhibition Center Project

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Revenue Department Chief Avoids Questions Over Tax Return to Shinawatra Family

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New Thai Film Celebrates Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon

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Flooding Spreads in Pichit, Chiang Mai, and Ubon Ratchathani

Heavy downpour coupled with rising water levels at various river basins continues to ravage various provinces across Thailand.

The flood situation in Pichit Province is still critical after non-stop torrential rain and run-off from Phitsanulok and Sukhothai provinces, which caused the Yom River to overflow to flood four districts in the two provinces with two-meter deep floodwater.

Phichit Governor Suwit Watcharotayangkoon said the flooding is expected to continue for approximately two more months owing to the continued run-off from the North, which will double the amount of flooding in Pichit.

Boats are now in short supply due to excess demand.

However, the price of boats has not been risen as was done in the past.

Prices remain in the range of 2,500 to 15,000 baht.

The leader of the fire and rescue department of Chiang-Mai Komson Suwana-umpa said heavy rainfall throughout the night in Chiang-Dao District has caused the water level in the Ping River to rise.

Several areas in Mae Tang District have been flooded.

Over a thousand homes are also at a risk of a landslide.

In Uthaithani Province, run-off from the Chao Phraya Dam has flooded over 200 homes and more than 3,000 rai of farmland.

The water level of the Chao Phraya River continues to rise.

Furthermore, in Ubon Ratchathani Province, excess water from Moon River cut-off roads between Tha Bongmung Village to Hard Saun and Suansuk villages, forcing villagers to have to travel by boat.

Most people are in need clean drinking water, which has caused a shortage and the price of water to go up, from 10 baht per tank to 15, as the flood is creating difficulties for delivery.

-- Tan Network 2011-09-07

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Army Chief Downplays Defense Minister's Request for Clarification on Role

The army chief has downplayed the defense minister's attempt to seek an interpretation of the minister's power in relation to the appointment of officials.

Army Chief, General Prayuth Chan-ocha said it is at the discretion of Defense Minister General Yutthasak Sasiprapha to ask the Council of State to interpret Section 15 of the Public Administration Act for the Defense Ministry, which concerns the role of a defense minister in the appointment of officials.

Prayuth added that the appointment of officials involves legal matters and therefore must be handled carefully.

In response to criticisms about strong military presence in the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, the army chief said most military officials elected into the NBTC are already retired, and it is their right to continue to serve the country at the agency.

Prayuth insisted that the army does not aim to exploit the commission, but rather to protect national interests.

He added that this country still has laws, and it would be impossible for any wrongdoing to be done without justice being served.

-- Tan Network 2011-09-07

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Buying of telecom shares prompted SET to close midday break up by 9 points at 1,064.60 with value of Bt14.35 bln /TAN_Network

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Thaivisa Launches Dedicated Koh Samui Information Portal

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Thawil to appeal against transfer

By The Nation

Sacked National Security Council chief Thawil Pliansri vowed Wednesday to file an appeal against his 'unfair' transfer with the Merit System Protection Commission.

Thawil accused Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung of overextending his power to remove him as the NSC secretary-general.

The Cabinet on Tuesday announced that Thawil would be transferred from his post as NSC secretary-general to become an adviser to the PM's Office. Thawil, whose transfer is awaiting royal endorsement, will be replaced by National Police chief Pol General Wichean Potephosree.

Thawil was speaking at a press conference at the NSC head office.

Thawil said he was sorry that Chalerm had sought to use the position of NSC chief as a tool to solve a political problem.

Wichean agreed to leave the post of top cop to become the new NSC chief.

"I am sorry that the position of NSC secretary-general was used to solve a political problem and a certain politician has overextended his power," Thawil said, apparently referring to Chalerm.

Thawil said he was sorry that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra took no action to defend him, who was a direct subordinate of her.

He said he has performed his duty straightforwardly and has never served any political party.

He said his transfer was not caused by any mistake in his responsibility.

"So, I will use the channel of the Merit System Protection Commission law to demand justice from the prime minister, who was my direct superior, as soon as possible," Thawil said.

"There is a law of karma. Anyone who persecuted me will face the law of karma."

-- The Nation 2011-09-07

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UPDATE

Complaints mount against British fraud suspect in Phuket

Paul Ridden being comforted by a visitor to the jail this morning.

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Floods-related death toll rises to 69

The on-going flooding has so far killed 69 people, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department announced Wednesday.

Phanu Yaemsri, the director of the Disaster Mitigation Centre, said so far 12 provinces were still being affected by floods.

Abut 460,000 people from some 146,000 families in 2,367 of the provinces were still suffering from the floods.

The affected provinces are Sukhothai, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Ayutthaya, Angthong, Chainat, Ubon Ratchathani, Singburi, Nakhon Pathom, Suphan Buri, and Nonthaburi.

-- The Nation 2011-09-07

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Frenchman ordered to pay wife damages for lack of sex

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German high court upholds country's participation in eurozone bailouts - AP /via@BreakingNews

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Former Finance Minister Raps Govt's Oil Policy

The former finance minister lashes out at the Pheu Thai-led government's oil policy.

Former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij criticized the government's policy to temporarily suspend the state Oil Fund contribution from the sales of gasoline and diesel, saying that it did not thoroughly consider the policy before implementing it.

He wondered whether the government has a hidden agenda in carrying out the policy.

Korn pointed out that after the policy kicked off, the price gap between gasohol and gasoline lessened. Consequently, consumers have opted for and will continue to switch to gasoline instead.

Korn reiterated that the Democrat-led government tried hard to widen the price gap between gasohol and gasoline in order to persuade consumers to switch to gasohol.

He also opposed the government's attempt to float the price of liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG, in the future.

He explained that floating LPG price would have an adverse affect on the transportation sector and the general public due to the steep price hike from 260 baht per 15 kilograms to 560 baht.

Korn also suggested that the government collect levies from gasoline 91 and 95 users to help subsidize the gasohol fund in an effort to lessen the burden to low-income consumers.

-- Tan Network 2011-09-07

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Northeastern workers ignore 300THB wage scheme for jobs in North Korea

UDON THANI, 7 September 2011 (NNT)-Thai workers ignore the 300 THB wage and 15,000 THB salary to seek job opportunities in North Korea while they are warned of the scam which promises them marks to pass the Korean language test.

The Department of Employment in Udon Thani said since the 11th application process for employment in North Korea had begun, hundreds of workers from the Upper Northeast had arrived to apply for jobs.

According to Mr. Boonsong Kitsumret of Udon Thai DOE, North Korea is seeking foreign workers overseas for its 5,000 jobs available in various industries. Among them, 2,000 are in the construction sector while 1,500 others are in farming and 1,000 positions each in animal husbandry and fishery.

The application centers have been designated in Nakhon Ratchasima and Udon Thani by the DOE while workers in the Northern provinces can apply by themselves in Lampang and Bangkok for those in the Central region. The DOE will announce the names of those who are qualified to take a test on 20 October 2011. The day of the test is on 30 October which will be held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Lampang and Bangkok.

-- NNT 2011-09-07

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Chalerm to take NBTC selection to DSI

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Yellow Shirt Element Charged with Airport Protest Case

A member of the yellow-shirt movement is denying the legal charges against him that he staged chaos during his group's airport protests in 2008, after officials visited his home to inform him of the charges and interrogate him..

Investigators from the Crime Suppression Division today met with a man affiliated with the People's Alliance for Democracy, Pramote Nakhonthap, at his home in Nonthaburi Province to acknowledge charges against him for assembling more than 10 people and intending to create chaos as part of the case regarding the group's protests at Don Muang and Suwannaphum airports in 2008.

The investigators interrogated Pramote about his role in the airport protests, but he denied all allegations.

Pramote argued that their summons and arrest warrants were not issued in compliance with regulation, given that they were sent to his other residence in Nongkhai Province and he does not know the person who signed for their receipt.

Pramote used the post of former deputy air force chief Air Chief Marshal Therdak Sajjararak as bail during the case's investigation stage.

Staff from the Nonthaburi police station yesterday used a search warrant issued by the Nonthaburi Provincial Court to enter and inspect Pramote's home, but they were not able to locate him.

-- Tan Network 2011-09-07

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Flooding still causing misery

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Wednesday visited flood-affected areas in Chai Nat, Angthong and Ayutthaya to distribute flood relief supplies and listen to reports on the flood situation.

Yingluck and her team, including Deputy PM Yongyuth Wichaidith, returned to Bangkok in the evening.

Meanwhile, Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said he ordered all army units to be ready to help flood victims around the clock.

The military will be the first agency to respond to local residents in flood-stricken areas. Gen Prayuth said he had received reports that 10 provinces were hard hit and that flooding is tending to increase due to northern run-off flowing to the lower central basin.

Military deployments can be made to fill in areas with insufficient local manpower. Local residents were also asked to volunteer to help soldiers making sandbags.

Regarding the flood situation, in the River Yom Basin in Phichit's Samngam district, more than 1,000 houses are under water. Locals are stressed as all roads have been cut off.

In the eastern province of Prachin Buri, the riverside market in the municipality is flooded. Local traders are selling their goods standing in the floodwater.

Roads are 50 centimetres under water and the business area is quiet.

In Ang Thong's Chaiyo district, heavy rain and strong winds caused a large tree to fall on a house but no one was injured.

In Nakhon Sawan provincial seat, the Chao Phraya River overflowed its banks and flooded almost 400 homes by as much as two metres. Local residents were forced to move to tents on higher ground near the railway tracks.

Villagers took turns to guard against looting and venomous animals washing up with the floodwaters.

The Cabinet also approved the budget of more than 886 million baht for 170,000 households affected by floods. Each household will receive 5,000 baht. Moreover, a 15 million baht budget will be given to mudslide victims.

-- The Nation 2011-09-07

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Rescued Elephant Calf Back to Phu Luang

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Party Time! – Thaivisa 24 September Party in Hua Hin

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Swedish Automobile, owner of Saab, says it is filing for bankruptcy protection

Swedish Automobile, owner of beleaguered carmaker Saab, says Swedish brand is filing for bankruptcy protection amid towers of unpaid bills and salaries

-- TNA 2011-09-07

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SET index closed at 1068.72, up 13.12; Bt/USD29.83; GBP47.64; AUD31.52; EUR41.90; CAD30.06; HKD3.82; SGD24.55; JPY38.37

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FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE

Fellowships for four female researchers announced

By The Nation

The four female researchers who won fellowships in the ninth "For Women in Science" awards programme were announced today.

The awards commemorate the involvement of Thai women in Science by L'Oreal Thailand, with the support of the Thai National Commission for Unesco. The fellowship programme was established in Thailand in 2002, offering four fellowships per year; two in Material Science and two in Life Science. Each is valued at Bt200,000.

This first fellowship in the Life Science category was awarded to Dr Natini Jinawath from the Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi hospital, Mahidol University, for her study in "Genemewide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array as a clinical diagnostic tool for unexplained developmental disabilities and congenital anomalies". The second went to Dr Saengchan Senapin, National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BTOTEC) whose research focuses on the "Study of shrimp molecular biology using yeast twohybrid technique."

In the Material Science category, fellowships were granted to Dr. Uracha Ruktanonchai from the National Nanotechnology Centre (NANOTEC) for her contribution to "Development of Encapsulation technology based on lipid nano carries for bio applications" and to Assistant Professor Dr. Hathaikarn Manuspiya from the Petroleum and Petrochemical College, Chulalongkorn University, for her study on the "Development of Mesoporous Materials for entrapping heavy metals and gases in packaging for a better quality of food and water."

Attending the presentation ceremony was Professor Dr Ada E. Yonath, who received the 2009 Nobel prize in Chemistry for studies of the structure and function of the ribosome and the Laureate of L'Oreal-Unesco Award for Women in Science in 2008.

-- The Nation 2011-09-07

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Matichon quits as PCT member

Matichon has quit as member of Press Council of Thailand, as fallout from Pheu Thai email scandal continues to cloud Thai media.

Matichon announced its decision to leave the press professional group as the PCT had allowed the email issue to be politicized, leading to victimization of its own founding members.

-- The Nation 2011-09-07

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Man Arrested Following Attempted Sexual Assault On Young Boys On Pattaya Beach

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Thailand Live Thursday 8 Sep 2011

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