Thailand Live Tuesday 13 Sep 2011

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Thailand Live Tuesday 13 September 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 Monday 12 September 2011

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Today's Thailand weather and forecasts:

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Thaksin's return is overdue: Yongyuth

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Thaksin to visit Cambodia on Friday: Hun Sen

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FLOOD

Fear as flood peak looms: Thailand

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UPDATE

4 killed, 1 hurt in building collapse

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No forethought in mitigating effects of extreme weather: Thai opinion

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SINGAPORE TRAIN VICTIM

Brave girl learning to walk again with 'new legs'

By The Nation

Five months after losing both legs in a serious accident in Singapore, 14-year-old Nitcharee Pen-eakchanasak is now learning to walk again.

"It hurts when my flesh rubs against the prosthetic legs. Yet, I am so glad I am able to walk around now", the Thai girl said.

While a student in Singapore, Nitcharee fell from a platform of the underground rail system and was hit by an incoming train on April 3, losing both legs.

Nitcharee received help from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who instructed the Department of Medical Sciences (DMS) to fit her with C-leg prostheses. Each C-leg costs Bt1.2 million.

"She is now able to walk safely for a distance of a few hundred metres," DMS chief Dr Rewat Wisarutwet said yesterday.

Nitcharee has undergone physical rehabilitation at the Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Centre every day. The sessions are designed to ensure she will be able to use the prosthetic legs safely.

"I think she'll be able to walk almost normally and with greater confidence within six months," Dr Pansak Tansakul said, in his capacity as doctor in charge of Nitcharee.

The girl's father Kitthanet Pen-eakchanasak drives her to the school where she has found happiness amid caring relationships with teachers and classmates.

"They are helpful. The school is much fun," Nitcharee said.

Her father is suing the rail operator in Singapore, seeking $3.4 million in compensation. But he has faced a counter-suit and it was reported that the island-state's rail operator may sue Nitcharee.

Kitthanet said Nitcharee would need to get new prosthetic legs every five years, which would require a lot of money.

-- The Nation 2011-09-13

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Plethora of issues related to former PM Thaksin

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First post-election visit by UK minister

By The Nation

The UK's Foreign Office Minister, Jeremy Browne, will visit Thailand today - his second visit in his role as a Minister of State, and the first of a UK minister since the election of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Jeremy Browne will meet the deputy prime minister and interior minister and the minister of commerce .

He said "I am delighted to be back in Thailand again … I look forward to meeting members of the new government and discussing how we can deepen relations between the UK and Thailand."

During his visit, the minister will also meet members of the resident British community and Thai companies investing in the UK.

-- The Nation 2011-09-13

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Bangkok Police involved in drug dealing face punishment, Priewpan warns

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Military transfers to be known when PM returns

By THE NATION

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday said she would look into the military transfer lists after returning from her visit to Indonesia.

She left the Don Meuang military airport for the Indonesian capital of Jakarta on an official aircraft early yesterday morning and was scheduled to return to Thailand in the evening.

When asked if she had looked into the annual transfer lists, the prime minister said: "Not yet. I will look into it after returning from the trip."

Outgoing armed forces supreme commander General Songkitti Jakkabatra yesterday said he did not know if the prime minister would make any changes to the military transfer lists submitted by the Ministry of Defence. "I don't want to comment about this," he said.

Songkitti said he was convinced the proposed transfer lists would be acceptable to the armed forces and the public.

He also denied any conflict between armed force leaders and Defence Minister General Yuthasak Sasiprapha about certain positions on the transfer lists, particularly the new permanent secretary for defence. He said the Defence Council had made its decision about the positions already.

"I don't think this matter will sour ties between the armed forces and the government. The armed forces have to follow government policies," he said.

At the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy yesterday, a parade of guards of honour was organised for the armed forces supreme commander, who is to retire at the end of this month.

Songkitti told a gathering of the academy's cadets that they should remain united to serve the nation, the religion, the monarchy, and the people. He also said they should retain professionalism and prepare themselves to become commanders in the future.

-- The Nation 2011-09-13

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Thawil files petition against Yingluck

By The Nation

Thawil Pliensri, who was recently transferred by the Cabinet from the post of National Security Council secretary-general to become an adviser to the premier, yesterday filed a petition against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra with the Merit Systems Protection Board to protest the move.

Thawil said he filed the petition against the prime minister because she is his direct supervisor, and because he viewed her decision regarding his transfer as violating the merit system.

"Next, I am going to wait for a decision by the board, which may ask me to provide further information," Thawil said. "I hope the board will ensure justice for me. I don't expect to win or lose; I just want justice."

The Merit Systems Protection Board, which forms part of the Civil Service Commission, considers complaints from permanent officials to protect the merit system of promotions in the civil service.

Thawil said he had reported to his new adviser's job as per the Cabinet's decision, and as ordered by the prime minister.

-- The Nation 2011-09-13

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Bt300 wage push will hit Social Security Office contributions, Thai govt warns

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Senators reject push for new panel to probe April 10 violence

By OLARN LERTRATANADAMRONGKUL

THE NATION

Senators had a wide-ranging discussion yesterday before deciding not to set up a new panel to investigate the turmoil that erupted in Banglamphu in Bangkok on April 10 last year during the red-shirts uprising.

They eventually voted 46 to 32 not to appoint an investigative committee. Eight senators abstained and one did not vote.

Appointed Senator Vicharn Sirichai-ekkawat proposed setting up the panel, saying the Abhisit Vejjajiva government's move to reclaim the red shirts' protest base in Rajdamnoen on April 10 caused death and injury to many people.

Vicharn said a new panel would have a mandate to summons people for inquiries. It should be able to find out if the former government followed procedures set out by the law for handling such situations. It would also be a case study to help prevent violence in the future.

Si Sa Ket Senator Jitipot Viriyaroj said all incidents related to the April 10 and May 19 turmoil should be investigated. This would lead to understanding and the healing of wounds in people's hearts, the senator said.

Miscommunication was a key flaw, he said. The Senate at that time also tried to put an end to the violence when former senator General Lertrat Ratanavanich talked to the protest leaders. But the Abhisit government had set a deadline earlier. Finding out what really happened and explaining the details to the public should be useful to society, he said.

Appointed Senator Somchai Swangkarn disagreed with the move for a new panel, saying many investigative panels had been set up and the work could be redundant.

-- The Nation 2011-09-13

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Apinan, Apichatpong win French honour

By The Nation

France has honoured two Thais with the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of the Arts and Letters).

They are Cultural Promotion Department director-general Apinan Poshyananda and film director Apichatpong Weerasethakul, whose "Lung Boonmee Raluek Chat" ("Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives") won the Palm d'Or at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.

The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres has three grades: commandeur, officier and chevalier. Apichartpong and Apinan have been awarded the officier class.

According to Apinan, only one Thai - HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana - has ever been awarded the commandeur grade. Only two other Thais have been given the officier award: Manich Jumsai na Ayutthaya and Samitti Siripat.

However, all three prominent figures have already passed away.

France began bestowing the order on people who have made significant contributions to the arts and literature, or the propagation of the arts, in 1957.

-- The Nation 2011-09-13

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DARE Announces Incredible One Million US$ in Prize Money for MMA Fighters

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Slow down, enjoy the North: TAT campaign

By Suchat Sritama

The Nation

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is promoting its "My Slow Day Campaign" to encourage local people to travel to the North from now until the end of this year.

"The main objective is to stimulate people into learning and experiencing more about the local culture, ways of living and natural sites in various provinces," Suraphon Svetasreni, governor of TAT, said yesterday.

The campaign was created to boost local arrivals at 10 selected destinations in nine provinces in the region.

Activities include cycling in the old town in Phrae, visiting an organic farm at Sukhothai Airport, staying at a royal project in Chiang Mai and food-tasting in Uttaradit.

TAT expects the campaign to increase visitors by 10 per cent from last year's 20,000-30,000 during the four-month period and generate more income in the communities.

The campaign's concept was carefully picked to suit the local character of the North, where people tend to move slowly in their daily lives even when speaking.

There are many second-tier attractions in the region that need to be promoted to holidaymakers in other regions.

"No need to hurry when travelling to the North. We should do something slowly. This is the global trend in travel right now," Suraphon said.

More than 20 operators in the region have already joined the campaign by offering special deals to consumers, with more businesses expected to participate.

This year, TAT is aiming at 91 million domestic trips contributing Bt432 billion in revenue.

Similar campaigns are planned for other areas such as Amphawa district in Samut Songkhram as well as Bangkok to encourage local tourists to stay longer and spend more.

The campaigns could also attract international tourists off the beaten paths.

The flooding has bypassed key attractions and tourists still visit scenic places. "Up to 15 per cent of all the attractions in the North are affected, but remain open," Suraphon said.

All of TAT's domestic offices are monitoring the situation and will evaluate the impact soon.

-- The Nation 2011-09-13

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Miss Thailand Universe receives 3rd place for national costume at Miss Universe pageant /TAN_Network

Scroll down the page. That costume doesn't do it for me. http://bit.ly/rok0yd /via@terryfrd

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Thai Govt Pledges No Extrajudicial Killings in Drug Crackdown

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War On Drugs - Nightmare Must Not Return: Analysis

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Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,045.39, up 4.56 points /MCOT

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Miss Thailand, Chanyasorn Sakhonchan, contestant in this year's Miss Universe beauty pageant in Brazil, fails to reach 16 finalists; Thai traditional costume wins 3rd place

/MCOT

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Explosion at nuclear plant in France kills 1

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Govt Urged to Clarify Stance on 2011 MoU with Cambodia

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Thailand and Cambodia shoot for football diplomacy

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AOT Launches Environmental Management Project

The Airports of Thailand is joining hands with several other agencies in organizing an environmental management project.

The Airports of Thailand, or AOT, Deputy Director-General Nirun Theeranartsin said the AOT is collaborating with the Environmental Quality Promotion Department and the National Office of Buddhism to carry out an environmental management project in communities in Samut Prakan Province.

Nirun has promised to extend the AOT's support for the project which aims to promote contributions to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

The project is being held in honor of His Majesty the King's 84th birthday.

The project is aimed at encouraging more people to be involved in environmental management to improve quality of life and strengthen society.

-- Tan Network 2011-09-13

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Thai PM hails Indonesian visit as successful

BANGKOK, Sept 13 -- Thai Prime Minster Yingluck Shinawatra described her visit to Indonesia as a successful trip with the two countries mutually agreeing to strengthen bilateral ties and boost trade for the benefits of their people. Ms Yingluck on Monday had a one-day official visit to Jakarta to foster relations between the two members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The Thai first female prime minister was received an official welcoming ceremony by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono before both leaders had a full discussion on a wide range of topics, covering bilateral, regional and multilateral issues.

Indonesia, as ASEAN chair, said it wanted to see a good atmosphere between Thailand and Cambodia and expressed confidence that the relations between the two ASEAN member countries will improve, Ms Yingluck said.

"I informed the regional bloc chair that I plan to visit Cambodia and Laos," Ms Yingluck said. The action pleased Indonesia which earlier worried over the row between the two countries as it showed that Thailand is putting effort into creating good environment among the ASEAN members, leading to the strengthened regional bloc, the Thai premier said.

Ms Yingluck said she and the Indonesian President expressed satisfaction with their economic cooperation as both are important trading partner of each other.

"...both the president and I agree that there are other ways to expand our economic cooperation and trade, especially in the areas of energy and tourism," Ms Yingluck was quoted by Agence France Presse (AFP) as saying.

She said the two leaders believe the volume of trade between the two countries will increase, while Indonesia in addition sought more Thai investment in its halal food processing industry and wanted to import more Thai rice in response to the rising population in the world’s largest Muslim population country.

"Thailand and Indonesia are determined to contribute to regional food security. We hope to continue cooperation in the rice trade," the Indonesian president was quoted as saying.

The Thai premier said Indonesia will assign its foreign minister to discuss with Thailand on cooperation to add value to local handicrafts, while Indonesian tourists are also confident to travel in Thailand as tourism is proved to be in better condition after the July 3 general election.

The value of trade between the two countries in 2010 reached US$13 billion and both sides agreed that there is more opportunity to expand tade and investment, particularly in the halal food industry, energy, tourism and fisheries, she said.

Ms Yingluck also praised Indonesian on its role as current chair of ASEAN, as it had successfully led the regional grouping to play an outstanding role in the regional and international arenas, to pave the way for the formal initiation of the ASEAN Community in 2015.

She said Thailand is committed to cooperate with Indonesian as ASEAN chair and is confident that the 19th ASEAN Summit in Bali, Indonesia in November will be a success.

The Thai premier thanked Indonesia as the world’s most populous Muslim country as a member of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) that has supported and helped improve international understanding toward resolving the violence in Thailand's three southernmost provinces--Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala.

Indonesia also granted scholarships to Thai students from the three southernmost provinces.

She thanked President Yudhoyono for coordinating and supporting the process of finding a peaceful solution to the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. She said the Indonesian leader believed that relations between Bangkok and Phnom Penh would gradually move into positive way.

"In this regard, I express my deep appreciation to the president for his support and understanding of the Thai government's policy in resolving the situation on the southern border provinces," the Thai premier told the media.

Ms Yingluck began her whirlwind tours to four ASEAN countries on Saturday with travel to Brunei where she had an audience with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and had bilateral discussions. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-09-13

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Thailand to promote tourism cooperation with Indonesia

BANGKOK, 13 September 2011 (NNT) - Thailand will promote tourism cooperation with Indonesia after leaders of the two countries have agreed on the move.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said after her return from a day-long trip to Indonesia that President Susilo Bambang Yodhoyono welcomed positive developments of the situation in Thailand and expressed greater confidence as well as his wish to see wider cooperation on tourism between the two countries.

Other aspects of cooperation discussed were on halal food, fisheries, and agriculture, particularly rice which Indonesia wanted to import more.

Ms Yingluck said the Indonesian President was also pleased to learn that the Thai leader was going to visit Cambodia and Laos because the move would improve and strengthen intra-regional relationship in ASEAN. Touching on Indonesia’s plan to send observers to the Preah Vihear Temple disputed zone, Ms Yingluck said the plan was likely to continue as planned, and she believed that her visit to Cambodia would help improve bilateral relations.

She also denied her knowledge about the plan of her exiled brother, ex-prime minister Pol Lt-Col Thaksin Shinawatra, to visit Cambodia at the end of this week. She asked the public not to make a presumption that Pol Lt Col Thaksin’s return would only bring chaos to Thailand as it would be too soon to analyse the situation in that way. The Prime Minister also reiterated she would work for the people as committed.

-- NNT 2011-09-13

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Blue Flag Project Relaunched to Alleviate Living Costs

The commerce ministry is continuing programs to help reduce the public's burden, especially for victims of the current flood crisis.

Commerce Ministry Permanent Secretary, Yanyong Puangraj said the Internal Trade Department would bring back the state sponsored “Blue Flag” project to help lower the burden on the public as many provinces continue to suffer from continued flooding.

Yanyong pointed out that the most recent flash floods damaged large amounts of crops and will eventually cause crop prices to skyrocket.

The permanent secretary said the project aims to promote Thai products among Thais, and to boost the domestic economy at the same time.

Goods sold at the fair will include consumer items and other discounted goods including eggs, oil, sugar, pork and jasmine rice.

Blue Flag goods will be sold at a discounted price of between 20 and 40 percent.

The fair is expected to generate 300 million baht in total sales and benefit more than 350,000 shoppers, reducing people’s living costs by around 130 million baht.

The ministry is planning to relaunch the fair at Impact Arena in Muang Thong Thani Complex from September 14 to 18, from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. every day.

-- Tan Network 2011-09-13