Thailand Live Tuesday 6 Dec 2011

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Thailand Live Tuesday 6 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 Monday 5 Dec 2011

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Put aside conflict, King says

The Nation

His Majesty urges subjects to work together to ease suffering in birthday address

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in his birthday address yesterday called for the utmost in collective efforts to ease people's suffering from the devastating flood and urged agencies to forget conflicts for the nation's wellbeing and security.

The revered monarch made a rare appearance on the balcony of the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall at 11am to grant a public audience on the auspicious occasion of his seventh birthday cycle. He was joined by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and members of the Royal Family.

The audience included privy councillors, Cabinet members, state officials, foreign diplomats, members of Parliament, top brass of the three branches of the Armed Forces, police and the general public.

In his speech, His Majesty, who turned 84, said those in important positions, civilians or military, knew well that national security was predicated on the people's wellbeing, so all parties had the duty to work together to the best of their ability for the people's welfare.

Especially now when the people have been tormented by the flood disaster, everyone should cooperate to solve the crisis as soon as possible.

Longrange, the focus must shift to sustainable waterresources management.

Agencies could consider the various watermanagement projects that he has offered as advice or suggestions, not commands, because they might be useful and doable, he said.

The important thing is that there should be no conflict and divisiveness among them, the monarch said. They should encourage one another so that their work would bring about the Thai people's happiness and the nation's security.

Before the King's speech, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn offered good wishes to the King and on behalf of all people vowed to perform useful deeds to the fullest extent.

He expressed gratitude and loyalty to the King for the Thai people's happiness and national security.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra offered best wishes on behalf of the Cabinet, officials and Thai citizens, followed by House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont and Supreme Court President Pairoj Wayuparb.

Supreme Commander General Thanasak Patimakorn led the royal guards to renew their oath of allegiance in front of the King.

Admirers, mostly dressed in pink and yellow and carrying national or royal flags, had camped out since nightfall along the royal motorcade route from Siriraj Hospital to the Grand Palace to get the best vantage point to view their beloved monarch. They also cheered "Long live the King" and whooped with joy as the royal motorcade passed by.

Before the public audience, Yingluck led officials, military officers, foreign envoys and representatives of independent organisations to write birthday greetings for the King at the Grand Palace's royal house hold pavilion. The Royal Household Bureau allowed the public to sign albums for the King at the royal household pavilion and Sahathai Samakhom pavilion until today.

Around the country, loyal subjects joined meritmaking ceremonies and grand celebrations for the royal birthday.

In Phuket and Ranong, the governors led state officials and residents to offer alms to 85 Buddhist monks, while many Phuket people donated blood and signed living wills to donate organs. The activity is to be held throughout the month.

In Nakhon Ratchasima, the governor led about 500 officials in making merit, while 3,000 whiteclad residents of Nong Bua Lamphu province practised dharma and recited Tri Pitaka prayers 85 times at Sanam Naresuan Maharat in front of the Muang District Office from Sunday to yesterday.

At Trai Phum Temple in Kalasin's Sahatsakhan district, 500 residents attended the Mahayana branch's Tri Pitaka recital, a ceremony hosted for special occasions by Buddhist monks in Tibet and India, in front of the King's portrait, which was also an annual event hosted from December 16 at the temple since 2006.

At Siripongsawas Temple in Chaiyaphum's Chatturat district, two Swedish men aged 49 and 54 were ordained as Buddhist monks. They will practise dharma for a week before returning to their homeland.

-- The Nation 2011-12-06

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Reason For Abrupt Cancellation Of Light And Sound Show Still Murky: Bangkok

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Mass candle-lighting ceremony marks King's 84th birthday

BANGKOK, Dec 6 – Millions of Thai people across the country joined the annual evening candle-lighting ceremony to pay tribute to their beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who turned 84 Monday, and to offer prayers and blessings for the King.

In the capital, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra presided over the auspicious ceremony at Sanam Luang ceremonial ground to mark the seventh-cycle birthday anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol, the world's longest reigning monarch.

The premier said on behalf of cabinet members, civil servants and all Thais that the crowds were pleased to gather here to express their well wishes and homage to their beloved monarch.

Ms Yingluck then led the public in lighting candles and singing the royal anthem at the auspicious moment.

Meanwhile, Thais countrywide also joined the auspicious moment at home or at designated venues in all provinces.

In addition, cultural and art performances were held nationwide, particularly in Bangkok’s old city area where a grand series of special activities took place to celebrate and honour the King’s life and times as well as life-long contributions for the well-being of his subjects.

As part of the celebrations, the Bureau of the Royal Household gave an opportunity for the public to enter the Grand Palace and appreciate the beauty of the palace during the night time, from 6pm to midnight.

The celebrative events will run through Dec 9 at Sanam Luang ceremonial ground and its surrounding areas.

Earlier, people upcountry offered alms to Buddhist monks and participated in varied public charity activities in the morning to make merit and to celebrate the occasion.

Prominent figures, the prime minister and the cabinet members, military top brass, senior government officials, the diplomatic corps and the public thronged the Grand Palace to sign the well-wishing books on the occasion of His Majesty’s birthday. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-12-06

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346 outstanding dads recognised by HM

The Nation

National Counter Corruption Commission member Klanarong Chantik, wellknown businessman Prayuth Mahagitsiri, former Sattahip Navy Base commander Vice Admiral Chatcharin Chusri, National Artist (Literature) Sombat Plainoi and legendary journalist Manit Suksomjit were among 346 outstanding fathers honoured on National Father's Day yesterday.

The outstanding fathers received certificates of honour from His Majesty the King's representative Privy Councillor Air Vice Marshal Khamthon Sintawanon at Suan Amporn.

One award recipient, Ramathibodi Hospital director Dr Thanya Subhadrabandhu, said good fathers must set positive examples for their children in all aspects, adding that he personally encouraged his children to apply His Majesty's teachings, especially the sufficiency economy philosophy.

Nakhon Ratchasima farmer Phan Jampapho, 81, raised six children, ensuring that they all received a good education and found respectable jobs. He said he himself reached Prathom 4, but believed that instilling the importance of education was his true and only legacy to his children.

Nakhon Nayok driver Saweang Pheukngam, 62, said he taught his five children to study hard and not to get involved with drugs.

-- The Nation 2011-12-06

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POST-FLOOD SEMINAR

Failure to develop water plan not an option: manufacturers

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FROC admits drying Bangkok's west a tough task

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TELECOM

NBTC approves trial run of 4G cellular broadband service in Thailand

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Ivorian held for 'bilking' woman of Bt5.3m in 'black money' scam

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AFP: Fake malaria drugs a growing problem: experts

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UAE says it will boost ties with Thailand despite Thaksin issue

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BURNING ISSUE

Politics impedes implementation of King's advice: Thai opinion

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BMA schools open for the new semester today; traffic expected to be congested /TANN

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'Big Cleaning Day' on Phaholyothin inbound around Future Park Rangsit and Major Rangsit from 10am onwards /

All Chao Phraya express boat routes resume today except for Pakkred-Ratburana route which will resume on Dec 13 /

Meteorological Dept: Thailand sees cooler temperature while South continues to see heavy rain

/TANN

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Traffic slow on roads--particularly near schools--on first day of new semester after flood delays start of new school term /MCOT

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Cabinet starts weekly cabinet meeting, more flood rehabilitation measures top agenda, especially added budget items /MCOT

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Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,035.87, up 6.50 points /MCOT

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Despite Floods, Thailand Poised for Tourism Record

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RT @ASEAN_NEWSROOM: Myanmar people flock into Thailand after Mae-sod - Myawaddy border checkpoint in Tak province reopened TR @nnanews

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Private investigative report on Japanese cameraman

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RT @ThanongK: Bloomberg -- Standard and Poors said Germany and France may be stripped of their AAA credit ratings.

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Disaster Relief and Mitigation Dept: Flood death toll at 684 with 3 people missing. 15 provinces are still inundated, including 2 southern provinces (agencies)

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Bombings at ATM booths in two Pattani municipality locations; one woman wounded /MCOT

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Democrat MP Urges PM to Close Facebook Page

A Democrat MP calls on the prime minister to shut down her Facebook page following a mistake in putting up an image on the occasion of the King’s birthday.

Democrat MP for Nakhon Si Thammarat Thepthai Senapong said he could not believe that there could be a mistake on the Facebook page of a prime minister concerning the wrong image being posted on the occasion of His Majesty the King’s 84th birthday.

He slammed both Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her team for making the mistake. He said it is good that she is writing to the Royal Household Bureau to seek royal pardon for the issue but noted she should also apologize to the public as this is a sensitive case that may offend many.

Thepthai commented that the prime minister should consider shutting down her Facebook page and Twitter account until she leaves office because she cannot afford to make such a mistakes again, as it affects not only her personally, but also damages the image of the prime minister of Thailand.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-06

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HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn presides over merit-making for King's birthday at Amarin Vinijchai Throne Hall /TANN

PM to take HM the King's advise on sustainable solution to prevent flooding; orders Deputy PM Yongyuth to inspect areas still flooded /TANN

Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Dept: flooding still affects 15 provinces, death toll at 684, 3 missing, 4.6 mn households affected /TANN

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Flood crisis creates Thai Airways Bt3 billion Q4 loss; passenger load falls to 61% from 72% year-on-year in November: THAI president /MCOT

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ASTV: Prof Narong Petchprasert who's planning to sue PM and govt for flood mismanagement was sent threatening letter /TANN

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TAT to Revitalize Chinese and Japanese Markets

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is ramping up marketing and public relations campaigns to reinvigorate the Chinese and Japanese tourist markets, following a slowdown in tourist arrivals due to the nationwide flooding.

Tourism Authority of Thailand, or TAT, Deputy Governor for Asia and South Pacific Sansern Ngao-rangsee said the TAT prepared plans to revive the Chinese tourist market by sponsoring charter flights from ten Chinese provinces. As of now, there are no direct flights to Thailand.

In addition, the TAT will also provide funding for qualified tour companies to support their marketing and promotional programs.

The TAT will also organize special events focusing on the Chinese middle and top-market tourists and increase safety measures for Chinese travelers.

The tourism authority, in cooperation with the Chinese Embassy and the Tourism Police, has set up a working committee in charge of tourist safety. The committee has signed an agreement with the China National Tourism Administration to monitor tourist safety, solve problems, and compile reports.

Regarding the plan to stimulate the Japanese tourism market, Sansern said the TAT will send invitations to the media and executives of tour companies to explore Thailand's attractions.

It will also launch a three-month 'Beautiful Thailand' campaign from January to March to promote tourism in the southern region. Local tour companies will be allowed to design their own tour programs, with the TAT providing funding for advertising.

Sansern said the TAT will place more focus on the elderly Japanese, becuase according to a recent survey, as a group, they have the highest spending power and are likely to travel more than young people who prefer to spend their money on IT products.

As for other markets such as eco-tourism, the TAT will launch a bird watching program and increase promotions.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-06

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Govt Urged to Invest in Bt500m Upgrade to Mae Sot Airport

Local administration and business leaders in Tak's Mae Sot District are proposing a 500-million-baht expansion of the Nakhon Mae Sod airport to accommodate the growing border trade and tourism.

Nakhon Mae Sod Mayor Terdkiat Shinsoranant, along with Tak Chamber of Commerce Chairman Banpot Korkiatcharoen, and Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries' Tak office, Chaiyuth Seneetantikul , have together submitted a letter to the personal adviser of the Foreign Minister Phromphong Nopparit .

The letter was urging the government to invest 500 million baht in upgrading the Mae Sot Airport so that it is an international airport. Phromphong was on his way to preside over the opening of the Mae Sot–Myawaddi border crossing.

Terdkiat said that currently the airport's runway is only 1,500 meters long, which is too small to accommodate aircrafts that contain more than 70 seats.

He added that the runway must be at least 2,100 meters long, while the airport area should be expanded by 200 to 300 rais.

Phromphong agreed to forward the matter to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra for her consideration. The proposed expansion aims to respond to growing border trade and tourism in the province.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-06

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RT @USEmbassyBKK: Your chance to chat with Ambassador @KristieKenney! Your questions answered on Twitter this Fri http://on.fb.me/ambkkchat