Thailand Live Thursday 22 Dec 2011

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Yuthasak: sympathetic but not my duty to bail Arisman

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PM Pushes for Constitution Amendment

The prime minister insists the constitution amendment will take place if the majority of voters support the move.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra claimed yesterday that the Pheu Thai Party has not yet discussed the constitution amendment during its party meetings.

Earlier, there was a rumor that her party stressed the importance of the constitution amendment.

However, Yingluck did point out that the amendment might take place early next year.

She added that the new Reconciliation Commission for Constitution Reform must carefully consider which charter should be amended.

Nevertheless, she pledged that any amendments must be supported by the majority of the people.

Yingluck fled the media immediately when she was asked whether the Pheu Thai Party has reached a decision on whether to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Code regarding the Lese Majesty act.

Meanwhile, the Opposition Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said the government should not push for the amnesty decree for a second time, as it would drag the country back into a political deadlock.

Abhisit said a new Reconciliation Commission for Constitution Reform must be comprised of appropriate members.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-22

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Another tax package for Cabinet approval

Wichit Chaitrong

The Nation

Finance Minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala said today a new tax package for flood victims both firms and individuals would be submitted for the Cabinet's approval within one or two weeks.

In the package, the Finance Ministry will offer tax allowance for machine depreciation up to 125 per cent of machine value, from normal rate of 100 per cent. Eligible firms are those buying new machinery to replace the one damaged by floods.

Meanwhile, households can get tax deduction for home repair up to Bt100,000 each. Those who had their damaged vehicles fixed could get tax deduction up to Bt30,000 each, Thirachai said.

Individual flood victims must present home or car repair bills to the Revenue Department for the allowance entitlement, he added.

-- The Nation 2011-12-22

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Floods take toll on industrial confidence

Nalin Viboonchart

The Nation

Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TISI) in November dropped for six consecutive months.

The index in November plinged to lowest level in 29 months at 87.5 from 89 in October due to the severe flooding, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

FTI Chairman Payungsak Chartsuthipol attributed the fall to the low confidence among Thai industrialists.

Orders, sales, production output, operating costs, and operating results were affected directly from the floods, he said.

TISI in the auto parts, agricultural machinery, and electrical appliance and electronic industries were the lowest level. The index in auto parts sector sank to 57.1 from 59 in the previous month, whereas that of the electrical appliance and electronic industries fell to 66.2 from 80.9 in October.

As Honda’s assembly plants were submerged and several others sufferred from supply-chain disruptions, auto production in November plunged to the lowest level in 12 years to 23,695 units.

Surapong Paisitpattanapong, spokesman of the FTI’s Automotive Industry Club, said that the monthly plunge pulled down the 11-month output to only 1.3 million units, down by 10 per cent from roughly 1.5 million units in the same period last year.

The auto export volume also dropped to the lowest level in 12 years to 6,258 units in November.

Surapong admitted that this year’s auto production would not reach the target of 1.8 million units.

-- The Nation 2011-12-22

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PM Wishes Thai Residents Leaves Misfortunes Behind and Celebrate New Year

The prime minister has ordered officials from the Interior Ministry to mobilize and collect all wastes in Bangkok's nine districts within a week, in order to accommodate Thai residents celebrating the New Year.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has reportedly ordered Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit to speed up the process of waste collection in Bangkok and its perimeter.

Yingluck expects that all waste will be collected within a week, in time for the New Year.

The Interior Ministry has ordered provinces to pair up to help in collecting waste in Bangkok.

In addition, nine provincial governors have been ordered to send teams to help collect waste in flood-hit areas and clean public areas.

Officials and volunteers have prepared cleaning equipment, including six and ten-wheeled trucks and backhoes to clean flood-hit areas in Bangkok's nine districts.

This begins from today and will go until December 27.

Residents who need sand and sandbags can contact district offices in these nine districts, and the officials will tell them where to get them.

However, residents must prepare their own equipment to cart them.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-22

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Deputy Senate Speaker Endorses Article 291 Change

The deputy senate speaker expressed support for the government's plan to amend Article 291 of the Charter to pave way for the appointment of a new constitution drafting assembly.

Meanwhile, the Opposition parties are planning to consult with each other to determine their stance on the issue.

Deputy Senate Speaker Nikom Wairatpanit has commented on the Pheu Thai-led government's attempt to amend the charter, saying it has been planned since the election campaign, and differing opinions on the issue are expected.

To avert possible conflicts, a committee chosen by the people must be appointed to oversee the whole process.

In any case, Nikom has expressed support for the setup of a new constitution drafting assembly.

However, he refused to comment on which articles of the charter should be amended, saying it should be decided by the drafting assembly.

The deputy senate speaker also suggested that the selection of the assembly members should be supervised by a panel of experts from different backgrounds chosen from each province.

Nikom believes Article 291 should be the starting point for the charter change, while other amendments should be left alone.

He added that the some senators have already begun to discuss how to address the country's prolonged problems.

Meanwhile, the Opposition parties are planning to consult with each other.

Naris Khamnurak, the secretary of the opposition whips, said there should not be any problem if the charter change is intended for the greater good, but that it might be problematic if it is initiated only to benefit a particular individual.

He proposed that the drafting committee could be selected directly by the people in order to avert some resisting sentiment.

Nevertheless, he raised concern that the assembly could still be politically interfered with.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-22

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1m long steel beam falls near school located near Preah Vihear Temple in Phumisarol, Sisaket; Cambodia denies involvement /TANN

SET closed down by 6.22 points at 1,037.53 during midday break with value of Bt8.44 bn /TANN

DTAC: system failure was due to info transfer to new system, assures glitch has been fixed; to exempt charges 24 hr before and after failure /TANN

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Explosion at paper processing factory's warehouse in Chon Buri caused a blaze; 13 people injured with 2 in critical condition /TANN

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Govt dominance over CDC feared: opposition whip

The Nation

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/520762-govt-dominance-over-cdc-feared-opposition-whip/

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Thaksin not a threat to Thailand: FM Surapong

The Nation

Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul on Thursday explained his decision to repeal the passport ban for fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, saying he was justified to reissue the passport because Thaksin was not a security threat.

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__4928424

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RT@tulsathit: Chalerm: Govt has no plan to amend Article 112.

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Five suspects arrested for Wednesday attack in Yala

YALA, Dec 21 -- Five suspects were arrested in Yala provincial seat while the police searched a target following several attacks in the province.

Lammai district Deputy Superintendent Pol Lt-Col Chakkrit Wongprommate led police to search a targeted area in the Yala provincial seat and apprehended five men aged 19-26 hiding in a house.

During the initial questioning, the five gave ambiguous statements and after a record check, all were found with outstanding arrest warrants under the emergency decree and it was believed that they may have been involved in the attack on Lammai police station on Wednesday night. M79 grenades and assault rifles were used in the attack.

Police detained the suspects for further investigation.

In related developments, one of four villagers who were seriously injured in the attack on a military post in Bannang Sata has died in hospital.

Identified as Karin Ma, 54, he suffered multiple gunshot wounds on her torso and legs.

Three other victims are still being treated at Bannang Sata and Yala hospitals.

In Yala, four assailants fired M79 grenades at Lammai police station in Yala before firing M16 assault rifles. A similar attack was reported at a military outpost in Bannang Sata district and a border patrol police outpost in Than To district.

Regarding the attack at the Lammai police station, investigators believe that Runda Kumpulan Kecil (RKK) insurgent head Ahmad Tuenga and Sasa Dara, both active in the Yala provincial seat, planned the attacks. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-12-22

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TR@Biz_TheNation: SET index midday Thur at 1,037.53,down 6.22 pts,0.60% in line w/ regional shares amid light trade of Bt8.44 bn

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Phuket's labor shortage critical

Phuket Gazette

Analysts have estimated there are up to 4,000 job vacancies in Phuket.

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Bangchak Increases Price of Benzene 40 Satang

Bangchak has announced that it will be increasing the price of benzene fuel by 40 satang a liter. E85 will be increased 20 satang while diesel will be increased by 30 satang per liter. The changes will take effect on December 23.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-22

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Motorway Fees Exempted During Holiday

The Transport Ministry has announced that expressway fees for the Motorway leading East will be exempted from December 27 to January 3. Fees for the Burapavithee Expressway, which leads from Bangna to Chonburi, will be exempted from December 28 to January 3.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-22

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Health Minister confirms Thailand free of bird flu; health authorities nationwide closely monitor, no patient for over 3 years /MCOT

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SOUTH CRISIS

Two defence volunteers killed and 27 others injured

The Nation

Two defence volunteers were shot dead and 27 government employees and civilians were wounded in series of attacks at military and police posts, and shootings in Pattani and Yala on Wednesday.

In Pattani, two gunmen fired at Sujinda Saeseng, 40, in front of her home in Mayo municipality. She was severely wounded and rushed to hospital. Later, when police inspected the scene, a bomb hidden in a flower pot was triggered by a cell phone, wounding injured ten police officers, five soldiers, four defence volunteers and three civilians.

In Pattani's Kapho district, two defence volunteers were shot dead by an unknown number of gunmen while riding a motorcycle home. An M79 attack was reported at a marine outpost in Sai Buri district. No one was wounded or killed in the incident.

In Yala, four attackers fired M79 grenades at Lammai police station in Yala before firing M16 assault rifles. A similar attack was reported at a military outpost in Bannang Sata district and a border patrol police outpost in Than To district. Four civilians were severely wounded.

Intelligence agency said that three incidents are linked and coordinated by Masae Useng. The agency warned local security officials to be on alert and to set up checkpoints on roads to prevent untoward incidents ahead of the New Year celebrations.

Regarding the attack at the police station in Lammai district, investigators initially believe Runda Kumpulan Kecil (RKK) insurgent head Ahmad Tuenga and Sasa Dara, active in four sub-districts in Yala provincial seat, planned the attacks.

Both men were earlier involved in killing an army ranger, bombing, and attacking Si Sakhon police station in Narathiwat. Joint police and military patrols are searching areas where the attackers might be seeking shelter.

-- The Nation 2011-12-22

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Police to Replace Troops at Preah Vihear Border

The defense minister says troops at the Preah Vihear border will be replaced with police officers as a result of the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee meeting.

Defense Minister General Yutthasak Sasiprapha said the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee meeting has resolved that the two countries will readjust their security presence around the overlapping Preah Vihear border.

Yutthasak stated police officers will replace troops in those border areas as designated by the International Court of Justice as a demilitarized zone.

The minister remarked the move should not be termed a troop withdrawal, but should be called a readjustment of security presence given concerns over the effect of the move on the country's sovereignty.

On security during the New Year long holiday, the general said he has instructed all the three armed forces to assist the police in providing security.

He said some 400 to 500 soldiers will be assigned to support the police's security work.

The minister believes there will be no violence during the New Year festival.

He said he still has received no contact from the lawyer of red-shirt core element Arisman Pongruengrong, who is being held on remand for terrorism, over the latter's request for him to use his post as defense minister as bond for his temporary release.

The court has rejected bail for Arisman twice already but his lawyer said he will post another appeal for bail next week and will ask the defense minister or possibly the prime minister to help guarantee to the court that his client will not jump bail.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-22

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Narcotics police summon singer Sek Loso to clarify narcotics involvement; he must report in 7 days or face 6-month jail and fine of Bt10,000 /TANN

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Transport Co estimates over 226,000 passengers will use buses Dec 30, highest number during New Year period, more buses prepared to meet high demand /MCOT

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SET index closed at 1042.52, down 1.23; Bt/USD31.20; GBP48.80; AUD31.37; EUR40.62; CAD30.25; HKD4.00; SGD23.94; JPY39.74

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Tsunami no longer a factor in Khao Lak tourism: Survey

A fishing boat lies tied up at Bang Niang Beach, near Khao Lak. A recent survey indicates that memories of the 2004 tsunami no longer affect travel to the area. Photo: Bjoertvedt

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....tourism-survey/

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CHRISTMAS

Gift to Thailand from Australia's Christmas Island

The Nation

Australia's Christmas Island has raised over Bt323,000 (A$ 10,427.60) for Thais affected of the recent flood crisis.

Christmas Island is a small island community located in the Indian Ocean under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia. The island's population is only around 1500 people, predominantly of South East Asian descent with a small number of Thai nationals.

The Christmas Island Women's Association (CIWA) and the Christmas Island Thai Community recently organised a Thai Flood Appeal Fundraising Dinner to raise money for Thais affected by the recent floods.

The event included a visual presentation of the flood situation in Thailand followed by a Thai traditional dancing a singing performance by the island's Thai residents. The dinner was sponsored by the Shire of Christmas Island along with several local businesses.

The event demonstrated the strength in spirit of Australia's Christmas Island community and resulted in a Christmas gift to those people affected by Thailand's flood when it was most needed.

The total money raised will be donated to Thailand via 'Save the Children Australia'.

-- The Nation 2011-12-22

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Phuket blitz on booze-free New Year gift baskets

Gift baskets at the Tops supermarket at Central Festival get the thumbs up from Phuket Public Health Office chief Dr Sak Tanchaikul. Photo: Warisa Temram

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....r-gift-baskets/

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Arrest warrant for Thaksin still in effect: DSI

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Phuket job fair offers little respite for hotel labour shortage

Phuket Gazette

'I studied here in Phuket and want to get a good job here,' said Mariya Wangphon from Krabi. Photo: Chaiyot Yongcharoenchai

A handful of job hunters check the boards at the job fair in Phuket Town. Photo: Chaiyot Yongcharoenchai

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__4929304

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MMA fighter Junie Browning surrenders to Phuket Police

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http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/520846-mma-fighter-junie-browning-surrenders-to-phuket-police/

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WD Thailand participates in the BOI Fair 2011

Showcases the 6 Miracles that Contribute to the Most Prestigious Recognition in Industrial Excellence

Western Digital will showcase its hard disk drive technologies and consumer electronics and storage innovations at the upcoming BOI Fair 2011, held at Impact Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani (IMPACT) from January 5th to 20th, 2012.

The BOI Fair 2011 is Thailand's largest exhibition fair organized by the Office of the Board of Investment (BOI). The Fair was originally scheduled to be held in November, but has been postponed to January 2012 due to the recent flood crisis. The theme of BOI Fair 2011 is "Going Green for the Future", with objective to combine economic development and environmental preservation to achieve sustainable development of the country. It also aims to encourage economic growth and domestic investment; and to restore Thailand's stability to all Thais and the global.

BOI Fair 2011 encompasses both outdoor and indoor areas on totally 240,000 square metres. Western Digital will be exhibited at the HDD Clustering Zone in the Challenger Hall 3.

WD booth is designed under the concept of "The Heart Disk Drive", meaning the hearts of WD team to the hearts of every customer which represent the company's remarkable principle and foundation of the success. WD will showcase its miracles that contribute to the most prestigious recognition in industrial excellence since it has started business in Thailand nine years ago. The 6 miracles are 1) Green & Clean Technology Today & Future; 2) Thailand Prime Minister Best Industry Award in 2011; 3) In-depth R&D Collaboration with the Government and Universities; 4) Happy Workplace; 5) First Full Product R&D in Hard Disk Drive in Thailand and 6) Size - Thailand and the World largest hard disk drive manufacturer with the largest market share. These miracles will be presented through multimedia tools inside the booth.

The recent massive flood caused significant impact on WD's hard disk drives operations and the company has announced the suspension of its operations in Navanakorn and Bang Pa-in Industrial Park in mid-October. WD overcame the difficulties and brought the systems back online and on November 30, WD has re-started production of hard drives in one of its buildings in Bang Pa-in. The "Flood Recovery Corner" will present the company's recovery efforts, team collaboration as well as contributions from WD employees around the world to help Thai people rebuild their lives and restore their communities.

Furthermore, WD will introduce the personal cloud storage, a solution which allows users to keep all digital content in one safe place on their home network by using the My Book® Live™ network drive. Besides, the connected life concept will demonstrate how easy it is for users to access their content stored in the home network within and outside the home from any devices and at any time with WD Photos™ and WD 2go™ apps.

"It's an honor to be a part of the BOI Fair 2011, the largest exhibition fair in a decade. It shows the country's investment potentials where the state-of-the-art technologies from leading Thai and international companies are exhibited," said Dr. Sampan Silapanad, Vice President, Western Digital (Thailand) Co., Ltd. "Moreover, it's also a stage to boost up investors' confidences, and enhance the country's investment image after the massive flood. To WD, BOI is our dear friend, our intimate alliance, as well as our patron. We are readily willing to take this BOI fair to its highest success and demonstrate the potential and achievement of Thai industry and help boosting international confidence and trust in the country."

-- The Nation 2011-12-22

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Thailand Live Friday 23 Dec 2011

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