Thailand Live Sunday 4 Dec 2011

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Thailand Live Sunday 4 December 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 Saturday 3 Dec 2011

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Today's Thailand weather and forecasts:

Follow this link: http://weather.thaivisa.com/

[Lite Beer]

Capital clean-up in full swing

THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/516748-capital-clean-up-in-full-swing/page__view__findpost__p__4889249

[Lite Beer]

Ancient Ayutthaya temples at risk, Unesco warns

Pakamas Jaichalard

The Nation on Sunday

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/516749-ancient-ayutthaya-temples-at-risk-unesco-warns/page__view__findpost__p__4889255

[Lite Beer]

Abhisit, Suthep to meet police this week

The Nation on Sunday

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/516750-abhisit-suthep-to-meet-police-this-week/page__view__findpost__p__4889260

[Lite Beer]

Police deny Suphoth heist leader held in Laos

Thawee Aphisakulchat,

Somphot Sombat

The Nation on Sunday

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/516751-police-deny-suphoth-heist-leader-held-in-laos/page__view__findpost__p__4889263

[Lite Beer]

German, 47, dies after drinking beer

The Nation on Sunday

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/516752-german-man-dies-after-drinking-beer/page__view__findpost__p__4889269

[Lite Beer]

Surapong's passport move 'just a bid to save his job'

The Nation on Sunday

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/516753-surapongs-passport-move-just-a-bid-to-save-his-job/page__view__findpost__p__4889275

[Lite Beer]

Democrats urge action against red-shirt leader over sluice gate

The Nation on Sunday

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/516755-democrats-urge-action-against-red-shirt-leader-over-sluice-gate/page__view__findpost__p__4889282

[Lite Beer]

Medicines imported to make drugs seized

The Nation on Sunday

Police have seized 2 million cold-medicine tablets that can be used to produce drugs and arrested three men who imported them, Justice Minister Pol General Pracha Promnok told a press conference yesterday.

He said the quantity of the medicines could be used to produce 7 million tablets of ya ba worth Bt1.4 billion. They were to be sent to the North for drug production, the minister alleged.

Police arrested Anat Pholyothee, 30, Watcharin Phumrat, 30, and Prasong Prasopchok, 60, who allegedly imported the tablets from Singapore.

The medicines contain pseudoephedrine, which is illegal for possession.

In related news, Army and police officials yesterday seized 2,000 bottles of cough medicine and arrested a man in Songkhla they alleged was transporting them to the southernmost province of Yala to produce drugs.

Suchart Un-ob, 35 was arrested while he drove a truck transporting the medicines to Yala. He was hired for Bt5,000 to transport the medicines, they said.

-- The Nation 2011-12-04

[Lite Beer]

Cambodians stopped over bomb documents

The Nation on Sunday

Thai rangers yesterday stopped 11 Cambodians for interrogation at Sa Kaew's Aranyaprathet border checkpoint after they were found carrying bomb-making documents.

The Cambodians claimed they were on their way to Taiwan to work in a local company there that defuses bombs.

The rangers later allowed the 11 Cambodians to continue their journey after their investigation found no suspicion or link with the southern insurgents or transnational terrorist organisations.

-- The Nation 2011-12-04

[Lite Beer]

Disaster officials may be named as witnesses

The Nation on Sunday

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is considering naming Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department (DPMD) officials as witnesses in the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption in the procurement of flood-relief items, which would conclude on Wednesday.

DSI chief Tharit Pengdit said the investigation had found two companies that won the bid to provide relief-bag items were lobbied to buy certain items by DPMD officials. He also said suspicions that officials bought cheap goods at exaggerated prices were confirmed. The DSI was probing if this could be linked to national politicians. It intends to name some DPMD officials as witnesses, he said.

The fact-finding team leader would report the probe results on Wednesday. According to the report, those accused of wrongdoing were civil servants ranked lower than deputy director-general. The DSI would send the part about state officials' wrongdoing to the National Anti-Corruption Commission, while the DSI would look into the private companies' wrongdoing.

-- The Nation 2011-12-04

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL

Probe of Japanese cameraman's death is worrying

The Nation

Chalerm's assurances count for little in this poisoned political environment

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/516757-probe-of-japanese-cameramans-death-is-worrying/page__view__findpost__p__4889309

[Lite Beer]

HIS MAJESTY'S BIRTHDAY

PM invites public to join celebrations

Pakamas Jaichalard

The Nation on Sunday

Highlight of the coming week is tomorrow's public audience at Grand Palace

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday invited Thai citizens to join various activities to be held over the coming week in celebration of His Majesty the King’s 84th birthday tomorrow. Yingluck extended her invitation to the Thai public during her weekly address, "The Yingluck Government Meets the People".

She urged all sectors of society to join a grand public audience, which will be a highlight of the activities celebrating the King's 7th-cycle birthday this month.

His Majesty the King has granted permission for a grand public audience to be held so people can pay tribute to him on his birthday. In the ceremony, the King will appear at the front balcony, or "muk det", of the Chakri Maha Prasart Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace compound at 10.30am tomorrow, when he will greet well-wishers.

The prime minister said yesterday that the government and state agencies have planned many celebration activities to commemorate the auspicious occasion between yesterday and December 9. The activities will take place at the Sanam Luang ceremonial field, along Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the Royal Plaza, Ambhorn Gardens and the Sanam Sua Pa compound.

The premier yesterday chaired a ceremony to worship Lord Buddha's tooth relics from Bhutan at Sanam Luang.

The relics will be placed in Thailand temporarily for people to worship to mark HM the King's birthday.

Culture Minister Sukumol Kunplome yesterday presided over a merit-making ceremony at Sanam Luang and representatives from five major religions chanted and prayed for HM the King to mark this auspicious occasion.

Light-and-sound shows, exhibitions and performances to honour His Majesty were scheduled from yesterday to Friday at Sanam Luang, the Grand Palace, along Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the Royal Plaza, Ambhorn Gardens and the Sanam Sua Pa compound.

To mark this special occasion, between Thursday and tomorrow, people have been allowed to admire magnificent places inside the Grand Palace at night.

At the merit-making ceremony, Sukumol, other officials and members of the public offered alms to 109 Buddhist monks. The merit-making ceremony will be organised every morning from 6.30am to 8am until Friday.

-- The Nation 2011-12-04

[Lite Beer]

Chanasongkram police asks those taking part in King's birthday activities at Sanam Luang,Grand Palace to use public transport as no parking/TAN_Network

BMA speeds up cleaning all 436 schools under its jurisdiction in time for opening of new semester on Dec 6; traffic police expects traffic/TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

Mae Sot checkpoint reopening Dec 5

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/516761-mae-sot-checkpoint-reopening-december-5th/page__view__findpost__p__4889399

[Lite Beer]

HM the King has endorsed 2011 Royal Pardon Decree on the occasion of His birthday/TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

Dusit Poll: majority of respondents feel conflicts cause concern for HM the King, asks conflicting parties to retreat 1 step each/TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

BKK governor confident all water drained from capital by New Year,add pumps to Annex housing est in Saimai,Setthakij housing est in Bangkae/TAN_Network

PM to visit Ayutthaya this afternoon to take part in cleaning and hand out compensation to flood victims/TAN_Network

Royal Household Bureau relocates well wishing for HM the King from Siriraj Hospital to Sahathai Samakom Pavilion in Grand Palace/TAN_Network

Napralarn Rd closed from Dec 5-11 for King's birthday event/TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

National Father’s Day 2011 Coinciding with the Celebrations of His Majesty the King’s 84th Birthday

December 5 each year is regarded as a very significant day in Thailand, as it marks His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday. Since he is recognized as the “Father of the Thai Nation,” his birthday, December 5, is also observed as Thailand’s National Father’s Day.

Thai people are happy under the benevolence of His Majesty, whom they regard as their devoted father. His Majesty is regarded as the protector of his people in every respect. He has become the symbol of unity and social harmony in Thai society. He is also recognized as a source of inspiration and wisdom for the Thai people.

Each year on National Father’s Day, a number of model fathers are named and presented with certificates and plaques of honor, in the same manner as that on National Mother’s Day, August 12, which is Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday, when a number of outstanding mothers are selected and honored.

This year His Majesty turns 84, the completion of the seventh 12-year cycle. For Thais, the 84th anniversary is considered an important milestone of life, deserving of special celebrations. The deep reverence felt by all Thais for their King is perhaps unique in the modern world. Each year on His Majesty’s birthday, festivities are held throughout the Kingdom; lights decorate households, government offices, public places, and private businesses everywhere. The love, respect, homage, and joy pouring forth from Thai people to honor His Majesty are wonderful to see.

Besides royal ceremonies, many activities in support of public charities are held to celebrate this important event. As part of His Majesty’s 84th birthday celebrations, the general public has been provided with a variety of celebrative performances free of charge at Sanam Luang and surrounding areas, from December 3 to 9.

From the day His Majesty the King ascended the throne as King Rama IX, on 9 June 1946, to the present day, the words have not been found that can describe his immense kindness and compassion toward his Thai subjects. His Majesty has not only fulfilled the duties of a constitutional king in a democratic regime, but has also offered effective support to the work of the government, especially in cases of public disasters.

The royal activities cover education, science and technology, foreign relations, water resource management, soil conservation and development, forest resource conservation, religious affairs, and medicine and public health, not to mention more than 4,000 royally initiated projects.

Regarded as a role model for Thai people, His Majesty the King has made numerous speeches and given profound advice on various occasions. He deserves to be called a “paternal monarch” for his great devotion and unbounded love toward his subjects.

Foreign Office, The Government Public Relations Department

[Lite Beer]

Taweewattana District gathers soldiers, officials and volunteers to help clean up buildings and structures affected by flooding in district/TAN_Network

Water drained at Air Force base in Don Muang, clean up of area and salvage of submerged vehicles so base can open on Dec 6/TAN_Network

Army sprays and distributes 6,000 liters of EM liquid in Nongkhem District to help disinfect flooded structures/TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

ABAC Poll: majority of respondents want to see ministers improve themselves and do good to make merit for HM the King/TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

2011 Royal Pardon Decree contains clause from 2010 version that states those eligible for royal pardon must have served part of jail term/TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

RT @ThaiPBS Songkhla, Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani, Trang and Satun warned of lingering floods until year-end due to monsoon season/TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

Bangkok governor presides over giving alms to 185 monks at Sanam Luang royal ceremonial ground on eve of King's birthday./MCOT

[Lite Beer]

Web helps Bangkok's flood-hit pets find relief

Focus by Cat Barton

BANGKOK, December 4, 2011 (AFP) - When the floodwaters came up to her chin, Karuna Leuangleekpai knew she had to abandon her house on the outskirts of Bangkok. But she had no idea what to do with her seven dogs.

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/516781-web-helps-bangkoks-flood-hit-pets-find-relief/page__view__findpost__p__4889684

[Lite Beer]

Pairoj Wayuparb receives royal endorsement appointing him as new Supreme Court president to replace deceased Montri Yodpanya/TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

Bangkok governor reiterates Bangkok flood free before year-end

BANGKOK, Nov 4 - Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra on Sunday reiterated that the capital will be flood free before December 31 as a New Year gift for Bangkok residents.

After presiding over alms giving to 185 monks at Sanam Luang royal ceremonial ground on the eve of His Majesty the King's birthday, the governor said the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is working to block flooded areas and pump water out to clear remaining waterlogged areas.

Sunday afternoon, the governor said he would go to Soi Annex in Saimai district to oversee an operation to pump flooded water into Khlong Song.

In the most worrying area in western Bangkok, the governor said the BMA will install more water pumps to speed up drainage as the water level in two main canals –Khlong Thawi Wattana and Khlong Mahasawat remains high.

Meanwhile, flooding in Bang Khen district has eased with main roads turning dry. As some floodwaters remain in alleys, the district office is pumping floodwater into Khlong Bangbua.

Watcharaporn Kawayapanik Bang Khen district chief said the district is also working to pump out water from flooded Bang Khen underpass to open to traffic soon. The work has caused floodwater from the underpass to overflow to the surface of Laksi roundabout. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-12-04

[Lite Beer]

Phuket Property: Corrupt land ownership cannot be 'revoked'

Phuket Gazette

Government corruption empowers some while neutering Phuket's men in brown.

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/516814-phuket-property-corrupt-land-ownership-cannot-be-revoked/page__view__findpost__p__4889884

[Lite Beer]

Noppadon, Thaksin's legal aide, says Thaksin's been informed of Foreign Minister Surapong's attempt to reinstate passport;leave to process/TAN_Network