Thailand Live Wednesday 16 Nov 2011

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AFP: Thai cabinet endorses Thaksin amnesty plan: reports

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Bangkok flood situation improving, Lat Phrao 5-way junction expected to dry at weekend

BANGKOK, Nov 16 -- The flood situation in Bangkok is gradually improving as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is confident that if there is no added water inflow from the north of Bangkok, the Lat Phrao five-way intersection would be dry at the weekend, according to Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra.

Mr Sukhumphand told reporters Tuesday after inspecting flooding at Kamphaengphet and Phahonyothin roads, from Chatuchak Park through the Lat Phrao junction that water at the BTS Skytrain Chatuchak station is significantly reduced and many areas gained no more water.

At the Lat Phrao intersection, water about 10cm deep and small vehicles could pass, he said.

The water level on Phahonyothin Road, from Central Plaza Lat Phrao to Soi Suea Yai Uthit, was falling, but Ratchayothin intersection was under 30-50cm water and water quality was deteriorating. BMA workers are using microorganism treatments to improve water quality.

The governor said that overall, the flood is improving and if no more water arrives from the north, he is confident that Lat Phrao’s five-way intersection will be free of water by the weekend.

East of Bangkok, RamaII Road until now has been spared from significant flooding with only 5cm of water over some sections but deep water remains at Soi 69 as residents have gradually evacuated. The flood is creeping toward Central Plaza Rama II.

In related developments, police on Wednesday began towing double-parked cars on expressways after the deadline passed for owners to move them, after being allowed temporary parking privileges to avoid the flood.

Police gave motorists until Tuesday night to move their vehicles, but many are still double-parked. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-11-16

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AMNESTY

Govt refuses comment on "Thaksin amnesty"

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Flood death toll rises to 564 with 2 still missing; more than 5.3 million residents affected in 20 provinces /TANN

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RT @RichardBarrow: The popular Ploenchit Fair will take place on 26 Nov at Shrewsbury Int School In Bangkok - http://ploenchitfair.com/

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BMA Puts Bangkai Communities on High Alert

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has put Wang Yai, Wang Som, Samakee Pattana, Lumsalee, and Lumsalee Pattana communities on alert for flooding. Yoosabai and Mutcha housing developments as well as the Pracha Ruamjai community in Hua Mark sub-district of Bangkapi District are also on alert.

-- Tan Network 2011-11-16

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Dept of Highway: Highway 340 will be open by tmr and will be ready to drain water this evening

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to hold joint press conference today, Gov't House 1:30 PM

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to hold joint press conference today, Gov't House 7 PM

UN Sec Gen Ban Ki Moon will visit flood-affected Northern Bkk in Don Muang, Thammasat Rangsit Uni to Navanakorn Industrial estate

US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton will visit flood victims at Rajamangkala sports stadium shelter in Huamak

/TANN

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Ladprao district Chief: Water decreases continuously, Khlong Ladprao down 3-4cms, Chok Chai 4 Rd. to Wang Hin also sees water down -ThaiPBS

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Thai flood run-off threat to marine life

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PM Visits Bali For 19th ASEAN Summit Meeting

The prime minister has scheduled a trip to attend the 19th ASEAN Summit meeting in Bali, Indonesia.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra disclosed that she will take the opportunity to rebuild investor confidence in Thailand during the 19th ASEAN Summit meeting in Indonesia.

She will present remediation measures for economic revival, household compensation, and rebuilding the country's infrastructure as quickly as possible.

Long-term flood prevention and restoration measures will also be addressed to rebuild investor confidence in Thailand.

The prime minister will use this opportunity to consult with ASEAN countries about solving future flood problems, as many countries have also suffered from flooding in the past.

-- Tan Network 2011-11-16

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If you can't find your car on the tollway, contact 1543 or 02 792 6300, 02 511 2664 /TANN

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4 Nakonpatom amphoe's still flooded, Buddhamonthon 100% under water, Sampran Royal Police Cadet Academy water at 30-50cms via Thairath /TANN

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RT @mpoppel: Secret Service: This morning, damage to an exterior window was discovered at the White House. #BNONews

RT @mpoppel: Secret Service: It was found a round was stopped by ballistic glass behind the historic exterior glass. #BNONews

RT @mpoppel: Secret Service: One additional round has been found on the exterior of the White House. #BNONews

RT @mpoppel: MOSCOW (AP) — A manned spacecraft has successfully docked to the International Space Station.

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RT @tulsathit: Chalerm: Royal amnesty decree is not final yet. Committee will still have to look into legal matters.

RT @tulsathit: Chalerm admits the amnesty issue was discussed at a closed door Cabinet meet, but insists nothing not been finalised. via @Neaw_NBC

RT @tulsathit: Democrats threaten to censure govt if amnesty covers Thaksin. - TPBS

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RT @nationnews: “@veen_NT: Central Ladprao and Future Park Rangsit will be opened on Fri 18 Nov. (10 am -9 pm).”

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SET index flat at midday

Thai composite stocks index (SET) at midday Wednesday stood at 984.91,down 0.06 points, or 0.01 per cent in line with regional shares amid light trading volume of Bt9.83 billion.

Blue chip SET-50 index was at 691.39, down 1.64 points, or 0.24 per cent.

Top five most active (value) stocks: TRUE, PTTGC, KBANK, JAS, TOP.

-- The Nation 2011-11-16

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Apple appoints successor to Steve Jobs

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Metropolitan Waterworks Authority prepares measures after water recedes

The Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA) is preparing measures to check water quality after the flooding situation eases and vows to produce standardized clean water for the public.

Charoen Passara, MWA Chief, says after efforts in preventing flood water entering into the Prapa canal and investing over 150 million baht in water management, as of now MWA has distributed 4.5 million cubic meters of water per day which is 5% less than the average amount distributed due to less usage of water after evacuation was announced in many areas.

The Metropolitan Waterworks Authority is also planning to install liquid oxygen filler machines that are new technologies from Germany to be used for the first time in Thailand to improve water quality after the floods.

-- Tan Network 2011-11-16

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“We Care Ayutthaya”

With the floodwaters having receded from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya, 86 kilometers north of Bangkok, a major clean-up was launched this week and more will be held in other provinces as the situation shows significant signs of improvement.

The ancient Thai capital city of Ayutthaya, famous for the ruins of its various historical palaces and temples, is a popular stop on the tourist itinerary. It was one of the worst hit by the recent floods.

However, as the waters have now all drained off, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) joined hands with the Ayutthaya Provincial Authority and related agencies to hold a major clean-up day under the theme of “We Care Ayutthaya” on 10 November 2011 at Wat Yai Chai Mongkol.

According to Mr Somchai Chompunoi, Executive Director for the TAT Central Region, “Although a number of provinces in the Central Region of Thailand were unaffected by the floods, such as Kanchanaburi, Samut Songkhram, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan, it is true to say that Ayutthaya did suffer quite a lot of damage.

“However, there is no doubt that the situation is now well on its way to recovery. There is tremendous public enthusiasm to get back to normal as soon as possible. We hope to be back on the tourist itinerary in a few weeks.”

Ayutthaya is one of Thailand’s historical and majestic highlights. The former capital of Thailand, then known as the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya was glorified as one of the biggest cities in Southeast Asia and a regional power for 417 years.

Visitors marvel at its grandeur reflected through numerous magnificent temples and ruins concentrated in and around the city, which is located upon an “island” surrounded by the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak, and Lop Buri rivers.

Although there are numerous attractions, the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park in the heart of Ayutthaya city, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Floodwaters are slowly receding from numerous other provinces. Most important, central and inner Bangkok remains entirely flood-free. Thai authorities are hoping to have the entire city back to normal and clear of debris and flood damage well before 5 December 2011 when the nation will mark the auspicious 84th birthday of His Majesty the King.

Foreign Office, The Government Public Relations Department

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RT @tulsathit: Chalerm admits the amnesty issue was discussed at a closed door Cabinet meet, but insists nothing not been finalised. via @Neaw_NBC/via@tukky_nt

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PM to depart for Indonesia tonight, so she won't attend House meeting & answer question regarding royal amnesty decree tomorrow via @NochiPH/via@Tulip_Oum

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SMEs concerned over part imports

Wichit Chaitrong

The Nation

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the automotive industry express concerns over the impacts on their products, as large-sized firms are importing parts.

As some suppliers suffer from floods and could not resume normal operations following the nation’s worst floods in decades, large firms are now importing components and parts, according to Alliance for Supporting Industries Association’s president Prasert Thammanookul.

The floods have affected about 891 factories in industrial estates, according to the Thai Industrial Estate and Strategic Partners Association.

Some of SMEs could relocate their machinery or hire other firms to manufacture parts, he said.

In response to the Finance Ministry’s import tariff break given until the situations are back to normal, Prasert urged the ministry to set a specific tax-break period for such imports or this will affect local manufacturers.

-- The Nation 2011-11-15

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MOTORCYCLE

AP Honda provides free maintenance services

The Nation

AP Honda Co Ltd, the biggest player in the motorcycle market joins forces with its business partners to offer free maintenance service after the flood recedes in six provinces in the Central region.

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1. From what BP understands, Cabinet approved in principle the Royal Decree, but it now goes to a 20 member committee (according to Chalerm)

2. and then has to go to the Council of State (according to the Office of HM Principal Private Secretary (OHMPPS)).

3. Then it has to go back to Cabinet to be passed (per OHMPPS).

via@bangkokpundit

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ROYAL AMNESTY

Justice Ministry to study royal amnesty details: Chalerm

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RT @TAN_Network: UN Sec Gen Ban Ki Moon and PM Yingluck meet http://on.fb.me/uKMvJK

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Former Justice Minister Slams Amnesty Decree

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Saimai police station reports locals trying to bring down BigBag barriers, in negotiation process at the moment. js100 reports /TANN

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UN Sec Gen, Ban Ki-moon in joint press conference with Thai PM, praises Thai government's handling of flood crisis, assures UN ready to support Thailand /MCOT

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AFP: Thai opposition anger at Thaksin pardon reports

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