Thailand Live Wednesday 21 Dec 2011

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Thailand Live Wednesday 21 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 Tuesday 20 Dec 2011

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Today's Thailand weather and forecasts:

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Grammy terminates Sek Loso's contract

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Thailand will only reunite if the reds are disbanded, Abhisit says

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Hundreds of victims sue premier, govt officials over flood ordeal: Thailand

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Frost on Doi Inthanon as cold sets in

The Nation

Temperatures dropped to minus 2 degrees Celsius on Doi Inthanon mountain in Chiang Mai yesterday, causing the peak to be covered in frost.

Somkid Tuaboontham, chief of the Doi Inthanon Park rangers, said the frost could be seen from Kew Mae Pan Park to the top of Doi Inthanon and had been occurring for three consecutive days.

Meanwhile, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department yesterday warned people in the Southeast to prepare for heavy rain and the danger of floods from today to December 25.

People living near hillsides and waterways in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat should prepare for heavy rain, flash floods and possible landslides, it warned.

There will also be strong wind and high waves in the Gulf of Thailand, and hence all ships should proceed with caution and small boats should stay ashore until Sunday, the department said.

-- The Nation 2011-12-21

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The end of an era

Watchiranont Thongtep,

Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn

The Nation

Amid rising competition, dwindling magic, Channel 7's 'Big Sister Daeng' shown exit

The end has come quite unceremoniously, not in the way soap operas supervised by Surang Prempree have always been known for. Bangkok Broadcasting and Television (BBTV), operator of the country's largest free-TV station - Channel 7 - brought the curtain down on her 26-year reign at the TV channel operator with a brief statement, and that was it.

The TV industry was left speculating on what could have caused Channel 7 and "Big Sister Daeng" to part ways, what direction the TV station will now take, and what challenges lie ahead in the face of rising competition from Channel 3.

Yesterday, Krit Ratanarak, the captain of the Ratanarak family, who own a majority stake in BBTV Channel 7, endorsed a major reshuffle. He decided not to renew the annual employment contract of Surang and appointed Saran Virutamavongsa, director and deputy managing director, as acting managing director. The decision comes into effect on January 1.

According to a source in the local advertising industry, the obvious reason for dumping Surang is a huge drop in the channel's ratings, particularly programmes that used to be the prime-time money-making machines for Channel 7. There were times when Surang worked her magic by turning a bland soap opera into an unlikely big hit, or turned clueless actors or actresses into household names overnight. Apparently, her ability to create miracles is thought to have waned.

"These programmes are vital for all marketers and brands with nationwide coverage. The loss of TV stars and major producers to Channel 3 probably is another reason, as a station and programmes without stars is not competitive. I feel that Channel 7 is not competitive enough in either prime-time news, soap operas or local drama programmes," the source said.

An industry watcher, however, questioned why Surang, who has a 20-per-cent stake, should be away from Channel 7 permanently, though in the past couple of years there were similar rumours at least twice. However, she continued to remain in power.

"BBTV Channel 7 may need big changes so that the company can be well prepared for tougher competition from key rivals such as ThaiTV3 as well as an industry revamp after the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission implements the broadcasting-frequency reallocation plan," he said. He believes that the latest decision might have been for that reason.

Additionally, he believes that as a highly experienced banker and investor, Krit wants to improve business performance and restructure BBTV Channel 7 to generate more profits, not only from the entertainment business and TV-programme production, but also from many other sources, including entertainment, news, sports and events.

Meanwhile, Workpoint Entertainment plans to move its two popular game shows "Ching Roi Ching Larn" and "Kon Aud Phee" to ThaiTV3 next year.

Parames Rachjaibun, chairman emeritus of the Advertising Association of Thailand and chief executive officer of Turnaround Focus, described Surang as "symbolic" of Channel 7. He said that Surang's departure might affect advertising and media agencies' confidence to buy advertising with Channel 7 even though it is the largest free-TV station.

Surang is technically retired but still works for the company on a special contract, which must be renewed on an annual basis.

There have been reports over the past few years that Surang's days at BBTV were numbered. Since 2007, when the Ratanarak family sold its stake in Bank of Ayudhya and focused on the entertainment business, Krit has introduced big changes in the BBTV management. In 2008, he appointed Surang as managing director, taking away her control over the channel's programming.

Surang was ranked the 14th-richest Thai in 2011, according to Forbes magazine, with a fortune of US$790 million (Bt24.7 billion). The previous year, her ranking was 15th.

-- The Nation 2011-12-21

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Rangers raze two resorts in Tablan

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Flood run-offs affect Samut Sakhon fishing

THE NATION

Samut Sakhon

Clam breeders and fishermen in Samut Sakhon have been badly affected by seawater getting dirty and diluted since October, when unusually high volumes of fresh water from flooded provinces started being directed to their area.

Coastal environmental conditions have also deteriorated as many types of marine fish have migrated or reduced reproduction, making fishery operations more difficult and expensive, conservation activist Worraphol Lomduangjan said.

The fishing industry is suffering financial problems due to a drop in catch volumes caused by pollution, he added.

Worraphol said he believed that environmental problems and poor seawater conditions would continue until next June before returning to normal and that most breeders had been advised not to invest further.

Several clam breeders, who generate most of their income from seafood restaurants in the province, have been heavily affected because clams die almost instantly when water conditions change.

Possibly tens of thousands of rai of clam and mussel farms along the coast of Samut Sakhon have been affected, as have cockle farms, which is resulting in cockles being sent in from neighbouring provinces.

Fishermen and environmental groups will meet on January 9, and another meeting on behalf of the National Fisheries Association of Thailand is scheduled for January 23.

The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources said that in its weekly inspection of seawater along the coast of Samut Sakhon it had found that the condition was getting worse.

"The condition is deteriorating but it is not yet in a condition considered severe," director-general Bunchob Sutthamanaswong said. "It should not take long for the seawater condition to return to normal, and the Agriculture Ministry should help solve the problem."

-- The Nation 2011-12-21

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Our 'best charter' will remain a thing of the past: Thai opinion

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Teach Thai students to use English, expert says

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Prayers to ring in 2012

The Nation

The New Year will be welcomed with Buddhist prayers being said at temples in Bangkok and the rest of the country.

The prayers are aimed at boosting the morale of flood victims, as well as blessing the country and His Majesty, Phra Phrome Mathee, assistant abbot of Wat Samphanthawong, said yesterday.

So far, around 30,000 temples in Thailand and about 300 temples overseas have agreed to take part. Prayer sessions outside Bangkok will be sponsored by the ThaiHealth Promotion Foundation, while those in the capital will be supported by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

The main event will be held at Sanam Luang, where 32 senior monks will lead prayers from prestigious temples from 1pm on December 31 to 1am of New Year's Day.

Apart from this, seven other events will be held at Sanam Luang, including cultural shows related to Buddhist teachings and a public display of a Buddha image built in honour of the King.

"About 10 million Buddhists are expected visit Sanam Luang," Udomsil Srisaengnam, chairman of ceremonies, said.

Meanwhile, iPhone, iPad and iPod users can obtain a digital version of the prayers, while Twitter users can follow the events at #PrayforLife. More information is available at www.thaihealth.or.th.

-- The Nation 2011-12-21

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Wat Arun cave-in not serious: Sukumol

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Police find weapon cache in Rusoh

The Nation

Police yesterday recovered a number of weapons and ammunition from a shack in a rubber plantation in Narathiwat's Rusoh district after a tip-off from a member of the Runda Kumpalan Kecil (RKK) group, who surrendered on December 19.

Abdulromae Hare, who surrendered after clashing with a police and military unit on Monday, led the police to a rubber plantation near Kuyi village in tambon Lalo this morning.

Police recovered from the shack four M16 rifles, one HK33 rifle, one carbine as well as more than 200 rounds of assorted ammunition, two bullet-proof vests and 94 firecrackers.

Rusoh police chief, Colonel Sathanfa Wamasing, said some of the weapons recovered were stolen from four soldiers who were killed in a clash on September 28 while escorting teachers of Lamo School in Rusoh district.

-- The Nation 2011-12-21

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Japan presents more help

The Nation

The Japanese government on Dec 21 will present necessary items to help control disease in Thailand.

The items worth 6.8 million yen (Bt2.7 million) to be presented to the Public Health Ministry through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) include 120 litres of insecticide, 5,000kg of temephos and30 spraying devices.

In a statement from the Embassy of Japan Bangkok, Sumitomo Chemical Co Ltd which supplied the items would also donate 1,000 mosquito nets.

It said though the flood level has receded, many areas severely suffer from mosquitos.

-- The Nation 2011-12-21

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Thai PM meets Myanmar opposition leader Suu Kyi

YANGON, Dec 20 - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Tuesday met Myanmar's democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, saying she supported the neighbouring country’s democratic process.

After attending the 4th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit 2011 in the Myanmar capital, Naypyidaw, Ms Yingluck flew to Yangon to meet Aung San Suu Kyi at the Thai ambassador's residence at around 5.30pm.

Thitima Chaisaeng, government spokesman, said Ms Yingluck praised Ms Suu Kyi’s spirit and strong determination to boost democratic development in Myanmar constructively, particularly the decision of her party--the National League for Democracy (NLD)--to join the upcoming by-elections. The NLD registered as a party again after boycotting last year's parliamentary poll.

Ms Yingluck reiterated that Thailand was an ally and a close neighbouring country of Myanmar and wants to see its neighbour’s development in every field. Myanmar’s stability and prosperity are also seen as Thai stability and prosperity. Thailand is ready to cooperate with Myanmar for further progress, Thai government spokesman said.

The Thai premier also gave emotional support to Ms Suu Kyi and the people of Myanmar to succeed in developing a strong and sustainable democracy as well as a society and economy concretely beneficial to the Myanmar people. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-12-21

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Machine gun seized in Phuket meth raid

Pornthep “Tung” Sombun, 22, with the assortment of firearms found in a house by Phuket police during a drugs raid today.

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Phuket Gov to give 'key to City' away for Red Cross Fair

KEY TO THE CITY: Governor Tri Augkaradacha and his wife Nalinee, president of the Phuket Red Cross, pose with the Honda City sedan that will be the first prize at this year's event.

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Fitch downgrades DTAC's rating

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FM Surapong accused of failing to protect Thailand's interest

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Indian National Arrested With 3kg Of Ketamine At Suvarnabhumi

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21-year-old Swede found dead on superyacht in Phuket

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Stolen Suphoth cash linked to transport project bidders: NACC

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Tul to impeach Foreign Minister Surapong

THE NATION

Multicolour-shirt leader Tul Sithisomwong yesterday moved to impeach Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul for issuing a passport to fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Tul met Senate Speaker Teeradej Meepien to formalise his intent to seek Surapong's dismissal as per the Constitution.

He accused Surapong of abuse of power in repealing the passport ban so that Thaksin could be returned the travel document in October, an offence under Article 157 of the Criminal Code.

A campaign would be launched to collect 20,000 signatures from voters for an impeachment petition to be lodged with the Senate for forwarding to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

If the NACC's investigation finds grounds to suspect foul play, the impeachment trial would commence.

-- The Nation 2011-12-21

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Metropolitan Police Bureau chief leads crackdown on illegal gambling den at Tao Poon; 200 gamblers arrested, gaming equipment confiscated /MCOT

[george]

Forum maintenance downtime today Wed Dec 21 from 10pm onwards

Due to software upgrade and forum maintenance we will perform work on the servers on Wednesday December 21, 2011 in a window between 22.00 and 01.00 Bangkok time).

Forum will be down for a period of approx. 2 hours.

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Thida supports 66/23 policy for reconciliation

The Nation

Red-shirt chairwoman Thida Thawornseth on Wednesday voiced support for using the 66/23 policy as road map to bring about reconciliation.

"The red shirts have a clear stand for justice and are willing to heed the views from all sides," she said.

The 66/23 policy was implemented by the Prem Tinsulanonda government to grant amnesty for students, symphatisers and communists who fled to the jungle to join the armed struggle following the October 9, 1976 bloodshed at Thammasat University.

The amnesty provisions applied to violations committed under the Anti-Communism Act and not criminal offences.

Pheu Thai MP Wattana Muangsuk circulated the idea of reviving the policy as an amnesty model for the red and yellow shirts involved in the political disturbances in the wake of the 2006 coup.

Reacting to Wattana's remarks, Thida said in her personal view, the policy was a good measure but everything would hinge on the acceptance by the majority of the people.

Pheu Thai MP Natthawut Saikua said he would not comment on the issue until he could learn more details.

-- The Nation 2011-12-21

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Govt Urged to Heed Reconciliation Panel's Advice on Red-shirt Detainees

The Opposition leader is calling on the government to follow the Independent Truth and Reconciliation Commission's suggestions on the treatment of red-shirt detainees.

Democrat Party and Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said that the Independent Truth and Reconciliation Commission clearly defined a political crime as a crime involving a violation of the State of Emergency law during a political protest, and that it does not cover criminal cases and other offenses committed before the protest.

Abhisit said the government should respond to the panel's suggestions accordingly.

He added that it would be a double standard and a disregard of the panel if the Corrections Department takes all red-shirt detainees as political prisoners without justifiable reasons.

Regarding the Pheu Thai Party's proposal that the Cabinet resolution No.66 of 1980 be used as a guideline for the reconciliation process, Abhisit said the resolution was intended to persuade the armed communist group in the past to surrender and help promote democracy and develop the nation.

He noted that in this case, the red-shirt group should stop activities and join the effort to develop the nation.

The Opposition leader also agreed with the committee's plan to seek opinions from the Council of State on a reconciliation bill.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-21

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Abhisit Suggested Yingluck to Focus More on Govt's Management Rather Than Its Process

The Opposition Democrat Party leader warned the prime minister to be aware of the government's bureaucratic process before disbursing money for the flood-relief compensation budget.

He also told her to keep watch on the ministers working on the mission.

Opposition Democrat Party Leader and Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was dissatisfied at the Cabinet meeting regarding the delay in the disbursement of a 20-billion baht flood-relief budget.

He added that the prime minister must consider that the delay in the compensation is not linked to the state regulation or its process, but to the ineffective management of the government.

He further suggested that Yingluck focus more on making ministers quickly complete their work.

Regarding the government's offering to pay flood-relief compensation to flood victims before the situation normalizes, Abhisit said it's not possible, since the damage must be examined before paying any compensation.

Abhisit stated that since the government is planning to loan more than 200 billion baht, the key aspect is to watch how the money will be spent by the government.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-21

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Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 1,046.04, up 12.75 points /MCOT

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SRT to Take Over Management Rights of Chatuchak Market on Jan 2

The State Railway of Thailand will replace the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in managing the Chatuchak Weekend Market from January 2nd, as the BMA contract expires on the New Year's day.

About 7,000 vendors have booked their stalls.

Deputy Transport Minister Police Lieutenant General Chat Kuldilok said the State Railway of Thailand will take over the rights from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration or BMA to manage Chatuchak Weekend Market from January 2nd.

The BMA's contract will expire on January 1st and the SRT will manage the well-known market through a newly established subsidiary which will have SRT executives on its management board and officials from the Transport Ministry as advisers.

The establishment of a new subsidiary is subject for approval from the SRT board and the Cabinet.

The deputy minister added that the ministry has received bookings for 7,000 stalls out of the total 8,000 available.

He said the new lease rate is expected to be finalized this week.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-21

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Deputy PM Assures New Year Security

A deputy premier pledges the upcoming New Year long weekend will be safe from any mayhem.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung said the national police chief has already briefed him on security measures during the New Year long holiday.

He instructed the police to do their best to pre-empt any potential attacks.

Chalerm then asked the public to help the authorities monitor the situation.

The deputy premier is confident there will not be a repeat of the 2007 simultaneous bomb attacks in Bangkok,

The deputy premier went on to say he will tone down his remarks about the potential blasts in the city at the suggestion of tourism business operators, but insisted tight security measures must be placed.

Chalerm remarked the investigation into the bomb-related incidents at three spots in Bangkok is still underway.

He insisted the suspect in custody is not a scapegoat.

On the renovation of the Lak Si holding facility, Chalerm said the relocation of political prisoners to the temporary facility is not designed to favor the red-shirt detainees.

Chalerm claimed he did not know when the the detainees will be transferred to the new holding facility.

The matter is to be decided by the justice minister and the Corrections Department chief.

He also commented on the move to amend Article 112 of the Criminal Code, dealing with lese majeste issues.

He said the lese majeste law should be maintained as the Monarchy is a crucial element of the Thai society.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-21

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Red shirts threaten to rally for Arisman's bail

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