Thailand Live Tuesday 27 Sep 2011

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Thailand Live Tuesday 27 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 26 September 2011

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Today's Thailand weather and forecasts:

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

I am in no rush to come home, says fugitive Arisman

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Bt40 bn needed for longterm solution, PM Yingluck says: Flood crisis

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TRC says think hard before prosecuting: Thai opinion

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Interior reshuffle waiting on Thaksin

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Two Thais jailed in Cambodia: No transfer for Veera, Ratree

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Two Thai men fighting extradition to Australia to face trial for murder

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Police charged over bribes to ignore trafficked migrants

Two police from the Anti-Human Trafficking Division, accused of taking regular bribes from business owners and construction contractors using migrant workers, will be prosecuted by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).

DSI Bureau of Foreign Affairs and Trans-national Crime’s special case officer Pol Capt Khemachart Prakaihongmanee said that yesterday investigators took three suspects – Pol Sen Sgt Maj Patipan “Darp White” Samapan, his supervisor Pol Lt Senee Sriboonreung, and “money collector” Saneh Sukkhanon – to the special case prosecutor for a lawsuit against the two police for allegedly collecting bribes and abuse of authority.

Khemachart said the bureau had received complaints from entrepreneurs about officials collecting bribes to avoid being arrested for using migrant workers. He said the “Darp White” group collected bribes related to migrant workers hired in the North, Bangkok and Pattaya.

Evidence of bribe-taking had been found in Tak and Kamphaeng Phet, while monthly bribes were said to be taken people in the entertainment business in Pattaya and construction contractors.

Saneh is in detention while the two police, who turned themselves in, were temporarily released

-- The Nation 2011-09-27

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Anti-coup moves designed to help Thaksin, Democrats say

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Former navy officer among drug gang suspects

Police seized nearly 300,000 amphetamine pills in two major hauls last week, while arresting four suspects, one of who was a former navy officer.

On September 24, police arrested relatives Weerasak and Ekkachai Wunjaroen in a sting at a superstore in Nakhon Pathom’s Sam Phran district, following tip-offs by the US Drug Enforcement Agency.

Police said Weerasak served as a navy officer deployed with a Mekong patrol unit, and later turned to dealing drugs with his unidentified Burmese girlfriend, before asking Ekkachai to help them.

Prajuab Huayhongthong and Thanat Kanlaya were arrested, and 135,800 tablets worth about Bt40 million seized along with a pickup. Weerasak said later he only transported the tablets and contacted couriers or clients via the phone.

Police said Weerasak’s group constantly changed their phone numbers, with his contacts using pre-paid mobile sim cards, to make tracing difficult.

On September 18, Taling Chan police seized 160,000 tablets, worth around Bt32 million on the street, at the south-bound bus terminal from a bag left by a passenger who fled when bus conductors asked him to declare his cargo.

The man, aged between 35 and 40 years, was travelling to Nakhon Si Thammarat. Police have secured an arrest warrant for him after producing a sketch based on footage from security cameras.

-- The Nation 2011-09-27

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EDITORIAL

Can we learn the lessons from tragic accidents?: Thai opinion

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Phuket Vegetarian Festival blasts into 2011

Firecracker smoke clouds the gate to the Kathu Shrine, the 'original home'

of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Photo: Pimwara Choksakulpan

VIPs, including Culture Ministry Deputy Permanent Secretary Prorop Laovanit

and Pheu Thai Party spokesman Phrompong Nopparit, declare the Phuket

Vegetarian Festival officially open.

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Chinatown to see road closure from Odeon Circle to Chalermburi intersection from 3-9pm for opening of Vegetarian Festival /TAN_Network

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Thai student Nazi dress-up day causes outrage

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PM reveals HM the King lent moral support for her work and gave advise on how to tackle flooding which she'll discuss with Cabinet /TAN_Network

Farmers affected by flooding travel to BKK in 6 pick-up trucks and gather at Royal Plaza to seek help from govt /TAN_Network

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Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 928.45, up 24.39 points /MCOT

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Commerce Minister: No Need for Measures to Deal with Plunging Bourse

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Vegan Fest Kicks Off in Thailand

The Vegan Festival has kicked off in many provinces, especially in Phuket, where streets have been adorned with yellow flags to mark the start of the annual Vegan Festival.

Many Phuket residents donned traditional white outfits and took part in the Vegan Festival, which has taken place annually for over a hundred years.

The Chui Tui Taobokeng Shrine, the oldest and largest Chinese temple in the province, was bustling with visitors who go to pay homage there.

A ceremony to raise a lantern pole was held in the evening and was presided over by statesman Palakorn Suwanrat.

In Trang Province, pole raising ceremonies were held at two famous Chinese temples to mark the beginning of a nine-day vegetarian festival.

In Nakhon Sawan Province, many locals shopped for vegetarian food at the markets while free vegetarian dishes were offered at almshouses.

Meanwhile, vegetable prices have spiked because of the increased demand during the festival and depleted supply after crops were damaged by flooding.

At the Buan Heng Tua almshouse in Saraburi Province, a ceremony was held in homage to seven past Buddhas and the Bodhisat.

The Vegan Festival in Chanthaburi Province is in full force, with many people gathering at almshouses to enjoy vegetarian food.

Shops selling vegetarian items are also packed with customers.

At Pattani’s Lim Kor Niew Shrine, yellow flags, tents, and food stalls have been set up for the festival.

-- Tan Network 2011-09-27

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Senate to set up monarchy protection committee

BANGKOK, 27 September 2011 (NNT) - Senators have agreed to set up a special committee to ensure that the Monarch is well respected.

During their meeting, the senators voted 67 to 11 for the appointment of the special body, which will consist of 20 senators and 10 non-senate members. The idea was proposed by senator Somchai Sawangkarn.

In the first place, the committee will monitor execution of laws, study and fix loopholes of the existing eight laws regarding the Monarch. The panel will also give suggestions to those executing the laws to make sure that the laws are enforced properly.

The panel will be given 180 days to do the job. The tenure can be extended by 60 days twice.

-- NNT 2011-09-27

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Phuket prisoners to observe Vegetarian Festival

Phuket Prison Director Rapin Nichanon. Photo: Warisa Temram

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Siam Niramit Phuket set for December opening

Construction continues on Phuket's Siam Niramit theater complex, set to open by the end of the year.

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PM Fires Back at Critics of Rice Mortgage Scheme

The prime minister has urged critics of the government's rice mortgage scheme to be receptive to the policy, saying it will directly benefit farmers.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra lashed out at former Deputy Prime Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula after he urged the government to ignore the rice mortgage scheme and to use appropriate means to avoid a huge loss.

The budget spending to subsidize the program is estimated at 250 billion baht.

Yingluck argues that the government’s rice mortgage scheme ensures that farmers will benefit directly.

Meanwhile, Commerce Minister Kittirat Na-Ranong said he is ready to clarify the government’s rice pledging scheme to those who oppose it.

At the same time, he welcomes all criticisms to improve the policy.

He insisted that all processes are transparent.

He expressed confidence that the policy will not damage the country, but said it will, on the other hand, increase rice prices.

Earlier opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva voiced concern that flood-affected farmers will have no crops to gain from the policy.

Kittirat insisted that the government will provide aid for the affected farmers.

-- Tan Network 2011-09-27

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Foreign Minister Assures UN Chief About Thai-Cambodian Relationship

The foreign minister has assured the United Nations secretary-general that relations between Thailand and Cambodia are improving.

At the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul assured United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that relations between Thailand and Cambodia are beginning to return to normal after Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's official visit to Phnom Penh on September 15.

Surapong said the Prime Minister received a warm welcome from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Last Sunday, Surapong met Ban at the Thai-UN bilateral talks.

Surapong insisted the two countries will strictly abide by the International Court of Justice ruling, issued last July, and will adhere to the court’s future rulings on map interpretation.

He said Thai-Cambodian relations will not sour after the court's ruling, which is expected by next year.

Moreover, Surapong invited Ban to visit Thailand before the ASEAN Summit in Bali in mid-November.

Surapong added that Yingluck will visit Beijing late next month.

It's expected that the prime minister will sign the Joint Action Plan on Economic Development from 2012 to 2016.

He said that Thailand is prepared to host the tripartite meeting of the Director-General of Legal and Treaties Affairs between Bangkok, Hanoi, and Kuala Lumpur in solving the overlapping zone conflict in the Gulf of Thailand.

-- Tan Network 2011-09-27

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Military Step Up Anti-Narcotics Efforts at Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge

The Mae Sot military has put a barbed wire fence around the public island under the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, to prevent the smuggling of drugs or any illegal goods.

Deputy of Special Army Bureau 4, General Prasan Sangsiriluck of Mae Sot District in Tak Province has ordered soldiers to set up barbed wires starting from the 'Sudprajim' signboard at the Thai-Myanmar border, as well as up over the bridge, around the public island under the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge.

The wires were set up to prevent the smuggling or trade of drugs and illegal goods.

The wires will not affect the tourism industry nor Burmese residents at the public isle.

Only one entry point has been established for military officials and local guards to inspect travelers.

Prior to this, the Thailand Township Border Committee or Thai TBC, from Mae Sot to Meaw Dee, informed the Burma TBC that Thailand would rearrange such system within the Thai border.

The island under the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge is an area where officials have often arrested amphetamine traders and smugglers of other illegal goods.

-- Tan Network 2011-09-27

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Move to revise lese majeste provision doubtful: Army chief

The move to amend the lese majeste provision by legal scholars, known as Nitirat Group, should be scrutinised by society, Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Tuesday.

“In my opinion, I see no justification to revise the offence against the monarchy,” he said, casting doubt on the true intent to tamper with the country’s revered institution.

In regard to the group’s call for expunging records, decrees and judicial decisions involving the 2006 coup, Prayuth said he would rather not comment on the issue but let society draw its own conclusion.

Parties concerned, including those responsible for the judicial process, should check on the legal validity of expunging the power seizure, he said.

He was speaking before departing for an inspection trip to the South.

-- The Nation 2011-09-27

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Amnesty International condemns indiscriminate murder of civilians by insurgents in Thailand's far South, saying killings amounted to war crimes /MCOT

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Checks on 13 deaths from last year

The forensic checks on 13 victims killed in the last year

“The 13 cases are very complicated,” he said.

Anucha, also deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said he would involve the public prosecutors in solving the 13 cases.

Investigators were reviewing the cases in order to map out how to collect additional evidence, including the interview of witnesses, he said.

He also dismissed the concern about political meddling, arguing that police were obligated to follow the legal procedures on forensic checks.

The 13, including six found at Wat Pathum Wanaram, were killed during the anti-riot operations. The Department of Special Investigation claimed its jurisdiction over the cases linked to the red-shirt rallies.

The DSI subsequently uncovered that the killings might involve state officials and returned the cases to police.

Under the Criminal Procedural Code, the forensic checks on unexplained deaths suspected to involve state officials are under the police jurisdiction, paving way for the judicial inquest on the cause of death.

-- The Nation 2011-09-27

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Opposition Raps Thaksin's Lawyer for Meddling in Foreign Affairs

The Democrat Party spokesperson has criticized the legal adviser to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra for announcing that Thailand will not withdraw as member of the World Heritage Committee despite not having an official position in the government.

Spokesperson to the Democrat Party Chavanond Intarakomalyasut has criticized Noppadon Pattama, the adviser to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, for announcing that Thailand will not withdraw its membership from the UNESCO's World Heritage Committee.

Chavanond noted that the remark was inappropriate because Noppadon is not a state official and may cause confusion to the public.

Chavanond added that only the prime minister and foreign minister are responsible for setting foreign policies.

The Democrat spokesman also criticized Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul's report to the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon that Thailand has already pulled out its troops from the disputed area around the Preah Vihear Temple as ordered by the International Court of Justice.

Chavanond said it was distortion of the truth because Thai soldiers are still in the area.

The Democrat spokesperson said that the foreign minister was misinformed and could greatly damage Thailand's case with the International Court of Justice.

-- Tan Network 2011-09-27

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Northeast, East and South to brace for Storm Haitang

BANGKOK, 27 September 2011 (NNT)- The Meteorological Department has warned 24 provinces in the northeastern, eastern and southern regions to brace for tropical storm Haitang during September 27-28.

The storm, which has weakened into a depression while reaching Vietnam, is now 300 kilometers away from eastern Mukdahan province. Haitang is forecast to reach the northeast today.

The storm is predicted to bring widespread thunder showers to the eastern and lower part of the northeast, the eastern and western part of the south. Residents in mountainous and waterfront areas are advised to brace for flashfloods and mudslide.

Twenty four provinces are expected to feel the effect of the storm during September 27-28. Provinces likely to be affected are Mukdahan, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Phanom, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Ranong, Phang-Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun.

Large fishing boats are advised to exercise caution. Small boats should refrain from going out to the sea during this period.

-- NNT 2011-09-27