Thailand Live Tuesday 13 Dec 2011

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The magic of the lens

Book Featuring The Photographs Of His Majesty The King

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SET index midday down 2.37 pts, 0.23 pct

Thai composite stocks index (SET) at midday Tuesday stood at 1,031.63, down 2.37 points, or 0.23 per cent in line with regional shares amid light trade of Bt12.21 billion.

Blue chip SET-50 index was at 724.30, down 1.62 point, or 0.22 per cent.

Top five active (value) stocks: PTTGC, KK, KTB, PTT, CPALL.

-- The Nation 2011-12-13

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Central bank to unveil new Bt50 banknote in Jan to prevent fake notes and be more durable /TANN

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New School Term Causes Traffic Jam in Bangkok

Many parts of Bangkok are experiencing severe traffic congestion, as it is the first day of the new academic year for many schools.

The Traffic Police are reporting that in most parts of Bangkok, including Petchburi Road, at the Asok Junction heading to Bang Plad, at Rama 7 Bridge, and Charan Sanitwong Road are crippled with severe traffic congestion, as it is the opening school day for the new academic year.

Traffic is expected to be especially heavy during the morning rush hour.

Close to the BTS, where there is construction work going on at Charan Sanitwong Road, traffic congestion escalated.

In other areas, a section of the Ramkamhaeng Road that leads to Rama IX Road and Khlong Tan District has high traffic volume.

Officers have also opened special lanes over the Krung Thon Bridge, which crosses over the Bang Plad Junction to ease traffic.

Meanwhile, a large number of people were left stranded at the Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, as they have returned from a long weekend trip, and there were not enough available taxis to service their passengers.

Officers are now rushing to let taxi drivers know that they are needed at Mo Chit Station.

In addition, the San Saeb Boat has reopened for service from Sri Boon Ruang Pier to Pan Fah Bridge.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-13

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Police Links Recent Discovered Bomb to 2007 Blasts

Police investigators determined that the explosive device recently found near the Government Lottery Office is similar to the bombs that were used in 2007's multiple blasts.

Police Major General Ronnasilp Phusara spearheaded the investigation concerning the explosive device that was discovered near the Government Lottery Office on December 6, announced that authorities are currently collecting evidence and are trying to identify the perpetrator.

Ronnasilp pointed out that there are some similarities between the recently discovered bomb and those that were detonated in front of The Royal Army Headquarters, at Major Ratchayothin Mall and on Soi Ratchawithi 24 back in 2007.

However, the police have not found a link to the 2006 New Year's Eve bombings.

Ronnasilp declined to speculate on what the motivation might have been for the attempted bombing, noting that the investigation is still ongoing.

Meanwhile, Police Colonel Kanitchai Mahintarathep, the head of the Metropolitan Police Division 1 Investigation Unit, reported that the investigation team is currently reviewing video footage from surveillance cameras in the area for possible clues.

However, the officer stated that they have yet to identify the culprit on the video.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-13

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Phuket 'Colourful Countdown' to ring in 2012

Phuket Gazette

New year celebrations in Phuket Town will celebrate the cultural mix of the town's residents and is expected to generate 200 million baht for the local economy.

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/518763-phuket-colourful-countdown-to-ring-in-2012/page__view__findpost__p__4909271

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Thailand is stepping up tourism campaigns in the aftermath of the recent severe floods to restore tourist confidence, especially during the high season.

Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Sports, Suwat Sidhilaw, and Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Suraphon Svetasreni, spoke about Thailand’s present tourism situation and new campaigns to attract tourist arrivals.

In the first half of this year, the number of Thais traveling in the country rose by 11.8 percent over the same period of last year. Following the flood crisis in the second half of 2011, the number of local tourists is likely to drop by 5 percent.

As for foreign visitors, the number for 2011 is estimated at 18.4 million, a decline from the original projection of 19.5 million. The markets that have been most affected include Europe, America, and Asia, especially China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

In order to ensure a quick recovery in tourism after the floods, TAT has invited members of the media from all over the world, in order to provide them with updated information about the current situation. It also plans a road show in December 2011 to visit three major cities in China, namely Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou. It is expected that Thailand will begin to see more Chinese tourists in January and February next year. Special promotions with airlines and tour operators have also been offered.

A report from TAT said that a recovery campaign, called “Beautiful Thailand,” had been launched to make it clear that Thailand’s tourist destinations were welcoming tourists as always and the country is open for business and visitors. The campaign involves engaging media from key markets worldwide. According to the report, although the flooding mainly affected provinces in the central region, it had a minor impact on tourist attractions throughout Thailand.

Meanwhile, the ancient city of Ayutthaya, which is one of Thailand’s major tourist destinations, is undergoing rehabilitation to ensure that the city is ready to welcome back visitors following the flood crisis. All transportation is operating normally and most services and activities for tourists are available as usual. As for historical sites damaged by floods, the Cabinet has approved a budget to restore them.

Tourist arrivals in Thailand next year are expected to reach 19.55 million, bringing in 766 billion baht in tourism income. The TAT Governor believes that from the year-end holiday period until March 2012, the second half of the high season, the tourism sector will have recovered. In the past, he said, the Thai tourism sector recovered quickly when faced with similar situations. This clearly shows travelers’ preference for and loyalty to the “brand” of Thailand

Foreign Office, The Government Public Relations Department

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Cabinet announces Tuesday Jan 3 as additional New Year holiday; Cabinet retreat to start in Chiang Mai on Jan 15-16/TAN_Network

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Red Shirt leader Arisman's lawyer submits bail request to Court 2nd time, using MP status of Arisman's wife, Bt4 million cash, as bond/ MCOT

Deputy PM Chalerm orders police on high alert during New Year celebration; Bomb attempt near Government Lottery Office politically motivated/ MCOT

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Former policeman jailed 38 years for firing RPG rocket at Defence Ministry

The Criminal Court Tuesday sentenced a former policeman from Sakaew to 38 years in jail after convicting him in firing an RPG rocket at the headquarters of the Defence Ministry last year.

The court ruled that public prosecutors had strong evidences and convincing witnesses to prove that Pol Lance Corporal Banthit Sitthithoom, 44, in firing a rocket-propelled grenade at the Defence Ministry on March 20 last year.

The court convicted Banthit in five counts of charges and sentenced him to a total of 38-year imprisonment.

-- The Nation 2011-12-13

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RT@Biz_TheNation: Intel lowers Q4 sales by 7% as computer makers cut back production due to shortages of hard disks from flood hit Thai plants

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Govt officials get extra holiday on Jan 3

Government officials will get an extra holiday for the upcoming New Year as the Cabinet on Tuesday added January 3 as an official holiday.

Therefore the New Year official holiday will be four days starting from December 31.

-- The Nation 2011-12-13

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First Yingluck mobile Cabinet meeting to be held in Chiang Mai next month

The Yingluck Cabinet will go to Chiang Mai in its first mobile cabinet meeting in the middle of next month.

The cabinet will meet in the province between January 15 and 16. The province is considered the stronghold of Pheu Thai and now defunct Thai Rak Thai parties as it is the hometown of the Shinawatra family.

-- The Nation 2011-12-13

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Belgian fraud suspect brain dead in Phuket

Phuket Gazette

Belgian Yvon Van Eyersen has been declared brain dead by staff at Vachira Phuket Hospital.

The scene at Easy Fitness Center in April 2009, when the club's equipment was seized for failure to pay rental fees.

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CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR

Demand for flood info boosts TV news duration/social media

The Nation

Duration of daily news on TV increased by 25 per cent from flood-free September as floods hit the Capital City and drove all to seek updated information, according to an analysis.

The analysis by consulting firm Nielsen showed that six out of the ten programmes with top-ratings were Prime-time News on major Free TVs, while the other four were News Discussion programmes. Bangkok’s evacuation announcement for residents in Don Muang, Sai Mai, and Bang Plad areas received the public's greatest attention with the spike in viewership of daily news programmes on October 27 to 27 per cent.

Viewing time rose to 186 minutes a day in October from 171 minutes in September. In November, viewership dropped by 80 per cent due to a massive evacuation from the capital city. Also, a considerable drop in TV Commercial spots (-37 per cent) and a staggering decline in Media Spending on TV (-36.8 per cent) from October to November reflected a significant strategic pause in manufacturers/retailers' media spending. Nevertheless, amongst all media, TV is still the top platform with the biggest media spending, followed by Newspaper and Magazine.

The analysis also showed that social media was a vital source of informal information sharing online, with "Roo Soo Flood" clip on YouTube ranked as the number 1 "hot topic"

While daily news updates is the main type of information consumed via television, the topic that received the most attention online during October to November was not "news" from websites, but a humorous yet informative video clip called "Roo Soo Flood", according to Nielsen's social media intelligence tool (BuzzMetric). Launched on YouTube on Oct 25, the clip explained the flood situation with the help of an overnight sensation ("blue whale" cartoon) and resulted in a significant spike in online "buzz", making Oct 25 the date when online discussions of flood-related topics were most active.

"The flood crisis certainly changed the lives and habits of consumers in the Greater Bangkok area. Along with a spike in the duration of daily news segments across all TV channels, consumers also flocked to social media to find information that is less formal, as well as to connect with the broader community. As Greater Bangkok geared up to "survival" mode, Ready-to-Drink beverages, and Instant Porridge flew out of the retailers' stores, leaving alcohol and tobacco on the shelves," said Yongyut Ongwattanapat, Associate Director of Nielsen Retail Measurement Services Thailand.

Consumers' purchasing behaviour during the months of September and October was not surprising, and reflected a "back to basics" mentality - basic necessities were favoured over non-essential items. Food and snack categories saw the highest sales growth at 16.2 per cent and 13.6 per cent respectively compared to last year. Within these categories, Instant porridge was the clear winner, enjoying a skyrocketing sales growth of 121.7 per cent. Beverage leveled out at -1.1 percent decline due to severe stock shortages of drinking water and a significant sale decrease in Functional Drinks. In contrast, Ready-to-Drink Tea recorded an impressive 44.6 per cent sales growth.

Sales of Alcohol and Tobacco suffered the most, with a 16 per cent decline from last year, with whiskey and Cigarette taking the heaviest declines of 22 per cent and 17.7 per cent respectively.

"This number clearly reflects the sudden shift in consumers' lifestyle during crisis," explained Yongyut, "People tend to fall back to the basics in the face of uncertainties and stocking up on what is needed, not wanted. We conducted a similar analysis last May during the political unrest and - despite the nature of both crises being very different, interestingly, our findings then also indicated that consumers have a strong bias towards necessities. It will be interesting to see how soon consumers will start to shift from the current 'survival' mode back to normal."

-- The Nation 2011-12-13

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Police to Watch for Burglary Gangs after Flooding

Pathum Thani police have stepped up security in the province ahead of a local election.

All police stations have also been told to carry out more patrols to crack down on criminal gangs during the post-flood period.

Pathum Thani police chief Police Major General Wattana Ketsamut has ordered all police stations to step up security in the province ahead of a local election.

Security alert was raised by interim Provincial Police Bureau 1 Commissioner Police Major General Kamronvit Thoopkrachang.

He ordered police to be on the lookout for violence in 30 risk areas ahead of the local election.

The Pathum Thani police chief also urged provincial election candidates to notify police if they feel they are being threatened.

Police will also be on a lookout for criminal gangs who have become more active after floods have subsided.

All police stations have been ordered to carry out stricter operations and increase patrols to deter crimes.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-13

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Temporary Dump Site Set for Post-flood Trash

Faced with the unusually large amount of garbage after floods have subsided in Bangkok, the city authority has designated a temporary garbage collection point underneath the Watcharapol Tollway.

With the help of the Expressway Authority of Thailand, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, or BMA, has set a temporary location to collect garbage from Bangkok residents underneath the Watcharapol Tollway.

However, there will not be any BMA officials to sort the garbage before it transferred to the Sai Mai garbage dump.

The BMA assured that all garbage left over after the widespread flooding will be removed before the New Year.

Furthermore, the Provincial Administration Organization and related offices from Uttaradit Province will coordinate with the BMA to help transport the garbage to the dump site in Sai Mai District.

Residents affected by the floods can leave their garbage at the temporary collection point until the end of December.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-13

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PM Thinks Positive about Challenges

The prime minister admits her work has been tough but vows to view the challenges with a positive mindset.

However, she promises to do her best to serve the public.

Before the Cabinet meeting today, Nitcharee Pen-ekchanasak who lost both her legs in a subway accident in Singapore presented "Suk Khid Thee Khid Buak", her self-authored pocket book to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

The book's title roughly translates as "happiness lies in positive thinking".

Nitcharee said the prime minister is facing a lot of pressure and she wanted to give Yingluck moral support.

Yingluck also spoke words of encouragement to Nitcharee.

She added that there's a solution for any problem.

The premier agreed that positive thinking is an important key to overcoming challenges.

She's promised to do her best to serve the public.

Speaking about news reports of an impending Cabinet reshuffle, the premier denied a Cabinet reshuffle will occur anytime soon.

Meanwhile, Deputy Education Minister Bunruen Srithares remarked the decision to reshuffle the Cabinet will be made by the prime minister and key members of the ruling Pheu Thai party.

However, she insisted she is best suited for a position dealing with education since she has been teaching for 40 years.

Bunruen maintained her meeting with ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra during a recent merit-making ceremony in India did not have anything to do with the reassignment of ministerial posts.

Also before the Cabinet meeting, a group of Hmongs involved in the preservation of culture and environment from six upper northern provinces met with the prime minister.

The group donated 20 tons of rice and 42,500 baht in cash to help flood victims.

The group urged the PM to speed up solving land disputes involving Hmong's land located on national reserves.

Several of these reserves may soon be declared national parks and, therefore, render their claims of ownership invalid.

They also demanded that Hmongs be fairly represented in the news, saying some media agencies have reported that Hmongs are involved in drug activities.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-13

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Cabinet announces New Year holiday Dec 31-Jan 3

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SURVEY

Thais' average online spending at Bt19,600

Online shopping, file photo. Source: wikimedia

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SET index closed at 1030.61, down 3.39; Bt/USD31.07; GBP48.42; AUD31.25; EUR40.90; CAD30.15; HKD3.99; SGD23.74; JPY39.68

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Thailand jails ex-policeman over grenade attack

BANGKOK, December 13, 2011 (AFP) - A court in Thailand on Tuesday sentenced a former police officer to 38 years in prison for attempting to fire a grenade at the defence ministry during political unrest in Bangkok last year.

Retired Lance Corporal Bandit Sitthitum was convicted at the Criminal Court in Bangkok of conspiring to commit a terrorist act as well as illegal possession of a firearm and explosives, a court spokesman told AFP.

"The suspect's actions destabilised the country at a time when a number of acts of sabotage occurred against government facilities," he said, quoting the court verdict.

State prosecutors said that Bandit had aimed to fire a rocket-propelled grenade at the defence ministry on May 20, 2010, but missed the target and wounded one person.

Following the incident, the head of the justice ministry's department of special investigation, Tarit Pengdith, accused Bandit of links to the "Red Shirt" protest movement loyal to fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

More than 90 people, mostly civilians, were killed and nearly 1,900 were wounded during a series of street protests in the Thai capital in April and May 2010 that drew about 100,000 Red Shirt demonstrators at their peak.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-12-13

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PATRA MAHARAJ THAI BANKNOTES

Banknote exhibition honours the Monarch

The Nation

Bank of Thailand exhibition "Patra Maharaj Thai Banknotes", organised for the King's 84th birthday until January 13, showcases the Kingdom's history and development of paper currency from 1902 that well depicts the King's hard work for Thai people's happiness.

Thai kings' portraits first appeared on banknotes in 1934 - several decades after paper money was introduced here - and that royal presence continues today. From 1992, His Majesty personal projects have been depicted on the banknote to illustrate his effort to improve people's well being.

In "The Unique Banknotes of the Ninth Reign" zone, visitors you can view an archive of royal projects as depicted on bills of various denominations, including one that showed in detail how a commemorative banknote was printed.

And there are notes with auspicious production concepts. In 1995, a banknote marking the 50th anniversary of His Majesty's accession to the throne was 9.1cm wide, the "9" for Rama IX and the "1" to signify the first Thai king to have reigned so long. A note issued on June 3, 1987, represented a new initiative to honour the King on his 60th birthday. It's 15.9 centimetres square: The "1" represents the first banknote ever created, the "5" is for the fifth birthday cycle, and the "9" stands for King Rama IX. The Bt1,000 note in the 14th series, issued on June 30, 1992, honoured the King for his benevolence to citizens. It depicts the King and Her Majesty the Queen surveying a reservoir in Narathiwat.

Among the rare banknotes is the Bt1,000 note issued in 1952. After printing 500,000 copies with limited circulation, the Bt1, 000 notes didn't appear again until 1996.

The exhibition is at the Somdej Residence at the Bang Khun Prom Palace. The Currency Museum is in the adjacent building.

Call (02) 356 7787 or (02) 356 6778 for more information.

-- The Nation 2011-12-13

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TERRORISM CHARGE

Court to consider Arisman's bail Wed

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Suthep Calls Chalerm 'Mr Know It All'

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Thai Cabinet extends emergency decree in southern border region

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Police send Japanese cameraman's case to prosecutors

Police have already concluded the investigation report on the death of Japanese cameraman Hiro Muramoto, who was gunned down during the clash of red-shirt demonstrators and soldiers in Bangkok last year.

The report was forwarded to public prosecutors Wednesday afternoon.

Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner Maj General Anuchai Lekbamrung disclosed that the case was backed with evidence in the forms of still photos and video recordings.

-- The Nation 2011-12-13

Case of Japanese Cameraman Hiro Muramoto's Death Forwarded to Prosecutors

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Yingluck confident no coup against her

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra Wednesday voiced confidence in the mutual trust between her government and the military, ruling out concern about being ousted by a coup like her brother Thaksin.

"I have confident in myself for striving to serve the public and no one should speculate on my ending because only the people could be the judge," she said.

Yingluck talked to reporters following her introductory visit to the Supreme Command headquarters.

-- The Nation 2011-12-13

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Three troops killed in Sa Kaeo explosion

An anti-tank minefield exploded in the border province of Sa Kaeo Wednesday afternoon, killing three soldiers and seriously injuring another of a bomb-disposal team.

The team went there to dispose the minefield, which was planted along the borderline since the Cambodian Civil War.

When the bomb suddenly went off, Lt Krissana Yapila, Sgt Major Konganan Boonaram, and Sergeant Pichit Wongbor were killed instantly. Another member of the team, Master Sergeant Sittichai Waicharoern, sustained critical injuries.

Sittichai is now being treated at a local hospital.

-- The Nation 2011-12-13

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Pheu Thai to push for national reconciliation next year

The Pheu Thai Party is expected to designate the national reconciliation as a top legislative agenda next year, red-shirt leader Kwanchai Praipana said Wednesday, arguing all parties involved in the political turmoil would benefit.

"The legislation on reconciliation will apply to all sides, unlike a pardon or amnesty law," he said in reference to the criticism that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra appears to be the sole beneficiary of pardon, if granted.

Kwanchai said Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung would spearhead the reconciliation which would cover all parties and individuals, such as Democrats Abhisit Vejjajiva and Suthep Thuagsuban for their involvement in the 2010 bloodshed.

-- The Nation 2011-12-13