Thailand Live Friday 2 Dec 2011

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Yutthasak to attend GBC meeting in Cambodia on Dec 21

Defence Minister Gen Yutthasak Sasiprapha will join a meeting of the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee in Phnom Penh on December 21, Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul said Friday.

Surapong said Yutthasak will come back to report the meeting's results to the Cabinet and any agreement might have to be approved by Parliament in line with Article 190 of the Constitution.

-- The Nation 2011-12-02

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Grand Public Audience and Celebrative Performances Marking His Majesty the King’s 84th Birthday

His Majesty the King will appear on the balcony of the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall within the Grand Palace in a grand public audience on Monday, 5 December 2011, at 10:30 a.m., as part of the celebrations of His Majesty’s 84th birthday.

His Majesty will proceed to the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, in a motorcade, from Siriraj Hospital, where he has stayed since September 2009.

The grand public audience affords an opportunity for members of the Royal Family, the royal entourage, the Privy Council, the Cabinet, the National Assembly, the diplomatic corps, government officials, and the general public to attend. On this occasion, 480 royal guards will participate in the ceremony of taking the oath of allegiance.

Before the grand public audience for the offering of felicitations to His Majesty, a procession will be formed at 7:30 a.m. to bring the golden, silver, and gold-silver and copper alloy water jugs containing consecrated water to be presented to His Majesty. The water, which was drawn and consecrated at significant sites in all provinces, will be transported from Wat Phra Chetuphon, or Wat Pho, to the front of the Chakri Throne Maha Prasat Throne Hall.

Then, at 10:30 a.m., Their Majesties the King and Queen appear at the open balcony of the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, the Prime Minister, the President of the National Assembly, and the President of the Supreme Court, respectively, offer felicitations to His Majesty. His Majesty the King then makes a royal address in response and takes leave. The whole event will be carried live on Television Pool of Thailand, with television screens set up at significant junctures and streets to bring the event to the general public as extensively as possible.

The general public will also be provided with a variety of celebrative performances free of charge at Sanam Luang and surrounding areas, from December 3 to 9. According to the Special Advisor to the Bureau of the Royal Household, Mr. Ratanavudh Vajarodaya, the Bureau of the Royal Household and the Government are joining hands in organizing a light and sound and multimedia presentation on a large stage at Sanam Luang, with more than 150 performers. This performance is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. each night during the seven days of celebrations.

Another special show is the film “84 Years of the Prosperity of Rattanakosin,” projected in the form of panoramic multimedia on the 200-meter wall of the Grand Palace on Na Phra Lan Road. The film runs for 20 minutes and will be repeated from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

As part of the celebrations, the Bureau of the Royal Household will also open an opportunity for the public to enter the Grand Palace and appreciate the beauty of the palace at night time, 6:00 p.m. to midnight, between December 5 and 9.

Foreign Office, The Government Public Relations Department

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Oath-Taking Ceremony in Honor of His Majesty the King

As part of the Celebrations on the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King’s 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary 5th December 2011, an oath-taking ceremony will be held in honor of His Majesty.

The event is scheduled on December 5, the birthday of His Majesty, at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall within the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

It will be joined by members of the three armed forces, namely the Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy, and Royal Thai Air Force, and the Royal Guards. Organized by the Royal Thai Armed Forces, the ceremony of taking the oath of allegiance is meant to show the loyalty and discipline of the Thai military.

For more than 65 years, because of His Majesty’s dedicated hard work, foresight, and wisdom, Thailand has achieved much in terms of economic growth, general well-being of the people, and security of the country. His achievements have been recognized nationally and internationally, evidenced by honorary degrees, awards, medals, decorations, and citations made by universities, associations, and clubs both in the public and private sectors.

In gratitude for all he has done, the Royal Thai Armed Forces organizes the ceremony each year, when soldiers from every unit in the three services come together as one to take the oath of allegiance. Members of the three services and the Royal Guards, in their bright and colorful uniforms complete with plumed hats, also take this opportunity to humbly offer their best wishes to His Majesty the King on his birthday.

The Royal Guards, the King’s own bodyguards, were first established in 1868, the year King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), ascended the throne. In the past, the ceremonial parade of the Royal Guards was performed occasionally, at the order of the Royal Thai Army.

The first ceremony of taking the oath of allegiance of the Royal Guards on the occasion of His Majesty the King’s birthday took place on December 5, 1961. Later, it is performed every year and has become one of the most colorful events in Thailand to mark His Majesty the King’s birthday. His Majesty the King is the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

The Royal Thai Armed Forces have specific roles and duties in safeguarding the independence and sovereignty of the state, the security of the monarchy, national interests, and government administration under a democratic regime with the King as Head of State. In addition, the armed forces have a role in developing local communities in many aspects, including helping the people, both domestic and international, when natural disaster strikes, while playing a part in solving social problems.

Foreign Office, The Government Public Relations Department

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39 factories close due to flood; 10,000 workers unemployed

BANGKOK, Dec 2 – Thailand’s flood crisis has initially forced 39 factories to shut their doors, leading to unemployment for more than 10,000 workers, according to Minister of Labour Phadermchai Sasomsab.

Mr Phadermchai said that the factories are located in various industrial estates and parks and are mainly automobile spare part plants, resulting in unemployment for 10,957 workers.

However, the minister said, there is nothing to worry about as the workers are protected under their employment contracts, and they will be compensated and received added benefits.

Moreover, the ministry is currently listing over 100,000 job vacancies, he said.

The ministry and the industrial entrepreneurs also have agreements that if any factories request assistance from the government, they cannot lay off their staff, said the minister.

Mr Phadermchai said the problems the ministry has foreseen was the shortage of labour because some workers are reluctant to return to work being worried that flooding may occur again, and they don’t have confidence that the entrepreneurs would continue their businesses.

Four of seven flooded industrial estates and parks in the central provinces of Ayutthaya and Pathum Thani are already drained, while the three others are pumping floodwater from their areas.

All seven estates and parks were expected to resume full operations soon. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-12-02

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Strong winds leave Phuket King’s Cup triple-champ beached

Phuket Gazette

The 44-foot yacht 'Ichi Ban', regularly raced in the Phuket King's Cup Regatta, stranded on the beach at Kata this morning.

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/516539-strong-winds-leave-phuket-kings-cup-triple-champ-beached/page__view__findpost__p__4886318

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Thaksin to receive new Thai passport as New Year gift: Surapong

The Thai government will soon re-issue a passport for fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as a New Year's gift, the foreign Minister said Friday.

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Phuket police yet to ID male motorbike crash victim

The motorbike was found in a roadside ditch. Photo: Wichai Witthawat

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Highlights of Annual UNICEF Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The arrival of December marks the beginning of one of the most festive times of the year.

As part of the festivities, UNICEF has joined hands with the Peninsula Bangkok to organise its annual Christmas-tree lighting ceremony.

December is traditionally the most colorful and vibrant month of the year, when all around town Christmas decorations are being put up to mark the beginning of this festive time.

Former Prime Minister and UNICEF Ambassador Anand Panyarachun presided over the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the Peninsula Hotel in Bangkok.

Anand shared that UNICEF aims to help unfortunate children around the world. He added that with the help and support of kind-hearted people, children all over the world will benefit.

Anand further shared that all the funds given to UNICEF will help alleviate the suffering of Thai children.

General Manager of the Peninsula Bangkok Nicolas Belieard shared that the hotel is very pleased to be collaborating with UNICEF in its annual Christmas Tree Lighting and charitable programs to help raise funds for UNICEF.

Belieard added that he really feels it's worth the effort to put up a fresh pine tree for everyone to enjoy a wonderful Christmas spirit.

The beautiful Christmas tree stands more than five meters tall and was imported from Canada in a refrigerated container by boat.

The Director of Purchasing for Peninsula Hotel took more than three months to select, cut and bring the beautiful fresh pine tree to the hotel's lobby.

Students from St.Andrews Choir also joined in the special event, to entertain everyone with Christmas carols.

Slattery also shared how he enjoys the presence and beauty of the fresh pine Christmas tree.

Anyone who wishes to enjoy a wonderful time with your family, and at the same time support UNICEF, can contact the hotel for reservations for a charity afternoon tea event on December 17 and 18.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-02

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RT @BreakingNewsUK: German Chancellor Merkel: European financial crisis solution a process that 'will take years' - AP

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Surapong faces impeachment over Thaksin's passport

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Democrat files impeachment motion against eight Pheu Thai MPs

The Democrat Party submitted an impeachment motion against eight Pheu Thai MPs, alleging them with violations of the constitution by interfering in the flood relief operations.

The motion was sponsored by 150 Democrat MPs and was submitted to Senate Speaker Gen Thiradej Meepian.

The eight MPs were accused of violating Articles 265 and 266 of the Constitution.

The eight MPs are Justice Minister and party-list MP Pracha Promnok, Bangkok MP Karun Hosakul, Bangkok MP Surachart Thienthong, Samut Prakan MP Worachai Hema, Uttaradit MP Thanusak Lekuthai, Bangkok MP Wicharn Minchainun, Bangkok MP Jirayu Huangsup, and party-list MP Jarupong Rungsuwan.

-- The Nation 2011-12-02

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Only 174 bank branches closed

The Nation

Standard Chartered Bank (Thai), Kiatnakin Bank and LH Bank have resumed the operations of all bank flood-hit branches, according to Bank of Thailand.

As of Dec 2, a number of 174 branches belonging to 11 commercial banks, a retail bank and 1 finance company remained closed, or one fourth of the peak level of 631 registered on Nov 8.

Last Friday, the number dropped by 117, as flood level receded in Bang Khae, Phetkasem, Nong Khaem, Ram Intra and Don Muang areas as well as in Bangkok’s peripherals like Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom and Samut Sakhon. None in the South suspended operations.

Of total branches closed, 78 are in Pathum Thani, 33 in Bangkok, 29 in Nonthaburi, 16 in Nakhon Pathom, 9 in Ayutthaya, 6 in Samut Sakhon and 3 in Nakhon Sawan.

-- The Nation 2011-12-02

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PTT Offers Free Engine Inspection in Flood-hit Provinces

PTT is preparing to phase out gasoline 91 by October 2012 and increase the number of alternative fuel service stations.

Also as apart of flood relief efforts, the company is offering free engine inspection services in 21 provinces affected by the disaster.

Energy Minister Pichai Naripthaphan has pointed out that due to a large number of vehicles damaged in the floods, PTT has joined hands with the Office of Vocational Education Commission in offering free engine inspection services in the 21 provinces affected by the flooding.

The services will be provided between December 1 and 20.

It is expected that about 40,000 cars will be brought in for inspection.

The program could be extended if met with high demand.

Each of the vehicle inspection will be done on 27 points including the engine, electrical, brake and transmission systems.

In addition, many PTT products such as lubricants, will be available at discounted prices.

The free inspection services are being offered at PTT service stations and more than 100 ProCheck centers in the flood-hit provinces.

Meanwhile, President of PTT Pairin Chuchotetavorn has announced that the company is prepared to comply with the National Energy Policy Committee’s decision to phase out gasoline 91 by October 2012 in order to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign oil import and promote alternative fuel.

Pairin said that until then, the company will improve the quality of its alternative fuel and open more natural gas service stations to accommodate growing demand.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-02

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Tesco Lotus opens "Extra" store in Khon Kaen

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Democrats unveil evidence of FROC purchasing relief bags at higher than market price; to file complaint with NACC on issue /TANN

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RT @veen_NT: CNN will air a rare exclusive interview with HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on its network on December 5 at 7am.

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PM refers issue about Thaksin's passport reinstatement to Foreign Ministry; ready to be probed for flood-related graft /TANN

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn talks to CNN

The Nation

In a rare interview with the international media, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn talks to CNN on Thailand's recovery from its worst floods in decades and her charity work supporting schools in the country's poorest areas.

The interview is to be aired on CNN on December 5 at 7am as part of the network's special programme "Eye on Thailand". CNN correspondent Paula Hancocks spent a day with the Princess and travelled to the Northeast of Thailand where the Angel Princess, as she is affectionately known to the Thai people, supports schools run by border police.

"Sometimes they live in a very remote area and they have some medical problems and it is very difficult to visit the hospital because of the problem of transportation," the Princess tells CNN.

The Princess recently toured evacuation shelters to talk to victims of Thailand's worst floods in 50 years.

Also on December 5, CNN correspondent Anna Coren will be reporting live from outside the Grand Palace as Thailand unites to celebrate His Majesty the King's 84th birthday. The King's birthday marks the first day of CNN's special "Eye on Thailand" programming, which includes live daily reports and features.

The series also looks at the rise of Muay Thai as CNN goes ringside with Buakaw Por Pramuk, a legendary Muay Thai boxer. It will also interview former Liverpool star Robbie Fowler as it features the surge of popularity of Thailand Premiere League. On business front, the network will look into how the hotel and tour operators are coping with the flood aftermath as well as the medical tourists from Arab countries coming to Bangkok.

-- The Nation 2011-12-02

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SET index closed at 1029.37, up 10.22; Bt/USD30.72; GBP48.08; AUD31.26; EUR41.27; CAD30.12; HKD3.95; SGD23.78; JPY39.21

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World Court's Preah Vihear Trial Likely in Mid-2012

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BMA Further Opens Floodgates

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has further raised a sluice gate in Sai Mai District to 1.5 meters to bring down the level of floodwater in nearby areas.

Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said the sluice gate at Phrayasuren Canal in Sai Mai District has been opened wider to 1.5 meters from 1.4 meters after the flood situation in the eastern and western areas of the capital are clearly improving.

The move is in line with the demand by flood-weary protesters seeking to get the gate opened at 1.5 meters high.

Sukhumbhand said the sluice gate of Saen Saeb Canal in Minburi District will also be raised to 1.5 meters from 1.3 meters.

The Lam Bung Kwang sluice gate will be lifted up to 1.3 meters from 1.2 meters in order to drain floodwater in Pahtum Thani Province.

The sluice gate at the Thawee Wattana Canal is still being kept open at 50 centimeters high as water in the western side of Bangkok remains high.

The governor said the sluice gates at three other canals, namely Khunsri Burirak, Soi and Kwai, are open at one meter each.

The governor went on to say the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, or BMA, will seek discussions with the Flood Relief Operations Center over the Administrative Court's order for the two bodies to work together over raising and lowering floodgates along the Mahasawat Canal.

He stated the sluice gates at the Nakhon Chaisri and Chimplee drainage stations, operated by the Royal Irrigation Department, will be opened wider to reduce the volume of water flowing down Mahasawat Canal.

The water in Saen Saeb Canal today came down between two to four centimeters.

In the Prawes Canal, water is down between three and four centimeters.

The Premprachakorn Canal shrank by three centimeters.

Water in the Bang Khen Canal fell by between two and four centimeters, while water in the Bang Sue Canal fell by one to four centimeters.

Floodwater lingering in the lower Hok Wa Canal just outside Bangkok today receded by six centimeters.

On the issue of garbage cleanup, the BMA collected 12,000 tons of waste yesterday alone, but Sukhumbhand said tons of trash remain in many areas.

He said the BMA will mobilize personnel to rid Bangkok of garbage before His Majesty the King's birthday on December 5 while inviting people to help volunteer in the BMA's cleanup campaign starting tomorrow.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-02

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Deputy PM Unaware of Cabinet Reshuffle

The deputy prime minister refuses to comment on a possible Cabinet reshuffle or provide any self-assessment as he does not know any details about this subject.

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit said he did not know anything about a possible Cabinet reshuffle so he was unable to disclose any details on the topic.

Yongyuth also declined to make a self-assessment of his performance as deputy prime minister and interior minister.

However, he asked reporters to conduct a survey on others.

Regarding the submission of report on what he has achieved in the past three months, which was ordered by the prime minister, Yongyuth refused to provide any details on the matter.

However, he said he does not feel discouraged as he is happy to work for the country and its people for as long as he can.

He went on to say he has never discussed the issue of his performance with any Pheu Thai Party MPs since the matter is personal.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-02

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Forgive Me Please, I Don't Want to Be A Jailbird: Thai opinion

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Two arrested for allegedly luring flood donors to credit their account

Two suspects have been arrested for stealing donation money via their manipulation with a television programme's cellphone services.

The suspects were identified as Rungroj Maddeen, 31, and Marisa Ranjuanjit, 25.

Police said Rungroj pleaded guilty to the charges of public fraud.

Rungroj said he contacted the cellphone-service operator claiming that he was a crewman for the "Ratcharot Ma Koey" programme, which was produced by the Workpoint Entertainment, and needed to transfer calls to another cellphone number because his cellphone battery ran out.

"The programme has asked for donations to buy boats for flood victims. When calls were transferred to Rungroj's cell phone, he gave them the bank account's number of his relative's instead," Crime Suppression Division commander Maj General Supisal Pakdeenareunart said. Marisa is Rungroj's relative.

The real crew for the TV programme soon found out what happened, and filed complaint with police.

-- The Nation 2011-12-02

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RT@terryfrd: Hour-long features on Dr Seri & Darin tomorrow at 17:30 on TPBS & following Saturday. Today's segment devoted to HM King's flood projects

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Russian man run over by Phuket parasailing boat

Phuket Gazette

Phuket rescue workers tend to Russian tourist Nikolai Nefedov after he was run over by a parasailing speedboat at Kata Beach. Photo: Royal Thai Navy

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/516587-russian-man-run-over-by-phuket-parasailing-boat/page__view__findpost__p__4887065

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RT@Biz_TheNation: Dont forget free MRT service on Dec 5 for fathers communiting with their children. Show up at ticket booths for free pass.

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to continue:

Thailand Live Saturday 3 Dec 2011

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