Thailand Live Friday 23 Dec 2011

[webfact]

Thailand Live Friday 23 December 2011

News, Bits and Tweets

with webfact

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.

FOLLOW US:

You can also follow us on

- Twitter: http://twitter.com/georgebkk

- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ThaiVisaNews

- Google+: http://plus.google.com/116866638430460700577/

- Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/564113621/

- Breaking News via SMS text messages to your mobile phone or handheld device

To subscribe dial *424010011 on AIS, One-2-Call, DTAC or True Move networks

14 days complementary subscription for Thaivisa members.

If you have questions about the Breaking News SMS service,

email: sms [at] thaivisa.com

________________________________________________________________________________

Thailand's current weather and forecasts: http://weather.thaivisa.com/

________________________________________________________________________________

Related topic: Thailand Live Thursday 22 Dec 2011

[webfact]

Today's Thailand weather and forecasts:

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

[webfact]

SHINAWATRA GOVERNMENT

Ex-PM Thaksin is not a threat to Thailand: FM

THE NATION

Follow this link:

[webfact]

THAI-KHMER TIES

Troop pull-out requires Parliament approval

Follow this link:

[webfact]

SAUDI CASE

Key witness located in Cambodia

Follow this link:

[webfact]

CONTROVERSIAL ROCK STAR

Anti-drug office gives Thai rock star Sek Loso a week to talk and enter rehab

Follow this link:

[webfact]

QUIZZING AN AMBASSADOR

UK Ambassador to Thailand Asif Ahmad replies to your questions

Follow this link:

[webfact]

FOOTBALL

Chelsea, Utd join hands with Singha for flood relief

Jintana Panyaarvudh

Nutdanai Charasjirawat

The Nation

Singha Corporation, a global partner of both Manchester United and Chelsea, conducted an auction of the memorabilia donated by players of both the clubs and raised Bt 1.68 million at the Crystal Design Center yesterday.

The money will be handed over to a charitable fund to help flood victims in Thailand.

There were 37 items from both clubs including shirts signed by players such as Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, Nani, Ryan Giggs, Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba and Juan Mata, footballs signed by all firstteam players of each club, boots and armbands.

The highlight of the auction was Nemanja Vidic’s captain armband, which was bought by Piti Bhirombhakdi, group marketing manager and regional marketing director of Singha Corporation, for Bt120,000.

The most expensive item was a Manchester United shirt signed by all first team players at Bt155,000. The shirt was successfully bid by Sanae Jaruwarapirom, the owner of sporting goods company Nationman. His bid was worth Bt375,000 for a total of five items.

Another highlight of the auction was the boots of Fabio Da Silva, who wore it in the Champions League final against Barcelona in 20102011. It was bagged by an unknown bidder for Bt105,000.

"We feel good to have a chance to do something for Thai soccer fans," the Manchester United players said in a message to Thai fans.

Piti said that it was a fine opportunity for Manchester United and Chelsea to join hands and do something good for the society.

"The disaster affected many Thai people. Our company tried in our own humble ways to rehabilitate the people," he said.

Thailand was severely hit by the worst flood in half century that caused more than 700 deaths.

-- The Nation 2011-12-23

[webfact]

Chalerm denies charter amendments only meant for Thaksin

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Thai PM Yingluck sets lifecycle plan for everyone

Follow this link:

[webfact]

NATIONAL CHIDREN'S DAY

Premier plans surprise for children

The Nation

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is preparing a surprise for children on upcoming National Children's Day.

Held to mark the importance of children, it falls on the second Saturday of each January, which next year falls on January 14.

"I am not going to tell you about it now. I want to give children a surprise," Yingluck said when asked about gifts she had prepared for the young members of Thai society.

Yingluck yesterday unveiled the motto for 2012 National Children's Day: "Unity, Knowledge, Wisdom, Thainess and Technology Savvy".

The prime minister said she hopes the motto will encourage children to embrace unity, seek knowledge and wisdom, conserve their Thai character, and know how to use technology.

Yingluck has said her government would not be able to hand out tablet computers to children under the One Tablet PC per Child policy by National Children's Day.

"We are working on content for children's learning. The handout should start in the next academic semester," she said.

Asked whether her son would join the special activities to be held for children at Government House on January 14, Yingluck said, "I think so."

She did not confirm whether children would be allowed to sit on the prime minister's desk this year.

"I think there should be some surprises for the children," she said.

Yingluck said she planned to attend the National Children's Day activities at Government House on the morning of January 14, before heading to Chiang Mai for her government's first mobile Cabinet meeting.

-- The Nation 2011-12-23

[webfact]

House gives nod to bill protecting children

Follow this link:

[webfact]

SOUTH CRISIS

Security tightened in South after spate of attacks

NAKARIN CHINWORAKOMOL,

PARES LOHASAN,

SUPITCHA RATTANA

THE NATION

Police in the three southernmost provinces are being forced to beef up security during the New Year holidays after 10 bomb and gun attacks in Yala and Pattani killed three people and injured 20 others.

On Wednesday, insurgents launched attacks in Yala's Bannang Sata, Than To and Krong Pinang districts and in Pattani's Ma-Yor, Kapho and Sai Buri districts. Also on Wednesday morning, a police flat in Narathiwat's Si Sakhon district came under a bomb attack but nobody was injured.

Karin Ma, 54, one of the three villagers wounded in the attack on a military post in Yala's Bannang Sata district, was pronounced dead at 1.24am yesterday. However, his 17-year-old son, Muhammadnuma, is showing positive signs of recovery from gunshot wounds in his shoulder and hand.

The two others killed were defence volunteers Kodech Manhor and Kumakuta Waba, who were ambushed and fatally shot by insurgents while riding a motorbike home in Pattani's Kapho district on Wednesday. Police have collected 20 spent cartridges from the scene.

Pol Lt-General Paithoon Chuchaiya, chief of the Police Operation Centre for Southern Border Provinces, said yesterday that in addition to the five attacks each in Yala and Pattani, suspected insurgents had also aimed M79 grenades and M16 assault rifles at Muang Yala's Lammai police station, resulting in a brief gunfight. A similar attack was reported at a military outpost in Bannang Sata district, resulting in three villagers getting injured from stray bullets, and at a border patrol police outpost in Than To district, he added.

Paithoon also cited a major attack in Pattani's Ma-Yor district, when suspected insurgents shot shopkeeper Sujinda Seubseng at 7.10pm to lure police and security officials to the scene before detonating a hidden bomb, which injured more than 20 people, including 10 police officers, four defence volunteers and five soldiers. Three of the policemen injured are in serious condition.

Another policeman was shot and injured in a separate incident in Muang Pattani district on Wednesday.

Saying that police was investigating the attacks, Paithoon revealed that since insurgents often launch violent attacks during the New Year holidays, the police had no choice but to beef up security.

Pattani police chief Maj-General Pichet Pitisetpan said Sai Buri, Kapho and Ma-Yor districts were the active areas of Runda Kumpulan Kecil (RKK) chief Masore Deurama and Muhammad Jajayarang, but added that police needed to probe further before confirming if the group was behind the attacks. Police also suspect that drug traffickers might be behind these attacks, because Kapho has seen drug dealers being arrested and war weapons being seized.

In related news, spokesman of the Region 4 Internal Security Operations Command, Maj-General Akara Tiparoj, initially said the attacks might be an attempt by the insurgents to cause chaos and discredit security officers. Akara said an urgent meeting had been held among senior officers of the three southernmost provinces to assess the situation and ensure that security measures are more efficient.

-- The Nation 2011-12-23

[webfact]

Scientists examine effects of flooding in Ayutthaya estates

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Mekong leaders' new 10-year plan

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Vocational students, teachers provide free services

The Nation

Some 56,700 teachers and students under the Office of Vocational Education Commission (Ovec) will check vehicles free of charge to ensure that most motorists travel safely during the New Year celebrations.

The project, officially launched by Ovec yesterday, involves the setting up of 300 checking stations at Ovec educational institutions across the country. The checks at these stations will be provided until December 28 from 8.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays, except public holidays. Later, an additional 250 checking stations will be set up along highways and other major roads, and services will be provided round the clock every day from December 29 to January 4.

Motorists are advised to look out for orange tents along the roads, where check-up and maintenance services will be provided for free. People will also be provided with information about routs, tourist destinations, accommodation and restaurants, in addition to a free-of-charge massage service.

Students studying to become auto, refrigeration, electric and electronics technicians, as well as those studying home economics, business administration and tourism, will be on duty at these centres.

Emergency help can also be provided on site or by calling 1156.

Call (02) 281 5555 extensions 1394 or 1712 or visit www.vec.go.th for more information.

-- The Nation 2011-12-23

[webfact]

Chinese vice president arrives Thailand, meets PM Yingluck

BANGKOK Dec 23 – People’s Republic of China Vice President Xi Jinping on Thursday arrived Thailand on a three-day official visit to the kingdom as guest of the Royal Thai Government.

Mr Xi Jinping was greeted by Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at Government House and held bilateral talks there, followed by a dinner hosted by the Thai premier.

The discussion covered a wide range of topics from Sino-Thai cooperation, regional, and international cooperation and other issues of mutual interest to both parties.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on the development of high speed train between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, development of a railway system connecting ASEAN member countries, and a complete water management and cooperation to lay out flood and drought prevention measures.

The vice president is the highest level representative of the Chinese Government to visit Thailand after the formation of the new Thai government. He is expected to visit rehabilitation centres and shelters in the aftermath of the kingdom's severe flooding and will visit the Confucius Institute at Chulalongkorn University.

China's state media Xinhua reported Thursday that the vice president is also scheduled to meet Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the heads of the Privy Council and National Assembly of Thailand during his stay Thursday through Saturday.

Mr Xi Jinping was quoted by Xinhua as saying in his statement that China and Thailand are good neighbours, partners, friends and relatives who enjoy a longstanding friendship and that his visit to Bangkok is aimed at consolidating bilateral good-neighbourliness, enhancing strategic mutual trust and advancing pragmatic cooperation.

The Chinese vice president had just completed an official visit to Vietnam before coming to Thailand, the last stop of his ongoing Asia tour. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-12-23

[webfact]

Lopburi solar power plant begins commercial operation

BANGKOK, Dec 23 - Lopburi solar power plant, one of the world’s largest solar photovoltaic (PV) projects, on Thursday started commercial operation with capacity of 73 megawatts in the central province of Lopburi, about 150km north of Bangkok.

It will help the country reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by over 1.3 million tonnes throughout the 25-year project period and cut fuel imports by over 35,000 tonnes per year, said Sahust Pratuknukul, board of directors' chairman of the Natural Energy Development (NED), who is also president of the Electricity Generating Public Company Limited (EGCO).

NED Managing Director Woramol Khamkanist said that the Lopburi Solar project began in July 2010 taking 18 months from beginning construction to initiation of commercial operations today.

Second phase development to expand capacity to 84 megawatts will be completed in June, while an on-site learning centre is being built on 760 square metres as a knowledge transfer site on natural energy and sustainable energy use. The museum will be opened for free public use in mid-2012.

NED is an equal joint venture in which CLP Thailand Renewables Ltd., Diamond Generating Asia Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation and EGCO, each hold one-third ownership.

The Asian Development Bank granted a long-term loan of US$70 million (some Bt2 billion) for construction of the Lopburi solar power plant.

It is the first project for which ADB has given support under its plan to promote alternative energy consumption around the region in a bid to help reduce global warming. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-12-23

[webfact]

Young dad dies in high-speed Phuket crash

Mr Boonrit died instantly in the crash, police said. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo

Phuket police said the car spun off the road and slammed into the power pole. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo

Follow this link:

[webfact]

MMA fighter Junie Browning surrenders to Phuket Police

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....-phuket-police/

[webfact]

Earthquake of 5.9 magnitude struck near New Zealand city of Christchurch, no immediate reports of damage or casualties /MCOT

[webfact]

RT @mpoppel: BREAKING -- New Zealand police say no serious injuries or widespread damage reported at this stage. #BNONews.

[webfact]

Phuket official stabbed by accident

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Thai stock index opens on Friday at 1,044.65, up 2.13 points /MCOT

[webfact]

Abhisit Agrees with Govt Negotiating Cambodia to Remove Troops from Disputed Area

The Opposition Democrat Party leader agrees with the government in having a meeting with Cambodia regarding the withdrawal of both Thailand's and Cambodia's troops from the demilitarized zone.

Meanwhile, the government was urged to focus more on the country's interests rather than its politics.

Opposition Democrat Party Leader and former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva talked about the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee, or GBC, meeting, saying that he agreed with the government having a meeting with the Cambodia regarding the withdrawal of both country's troops from the the 4.6 square kilometer overlapping territory around Preah Vihear Temple.

However, Cambodia should follow and respect the 2000 Memorandum Of Understanding, or MOU, by removing their soldiers from the overlapping territory.

Furthermore, an appropriate framework must be established for non-participant observers from the third country and Abhisit also disagreed with the involvement of the third country during the removal of both country's troops from the disputed area.

Abhisit insisted that the government should not repeat its mistakes again by failing to send a representative to join the International Coordinating Committee, or ICC, to examine the Preah Vihear compound, as it could affect the country's reputation and the World Court's decision about the border dispute.

Furthermore, Abhisit urged the government to focus more on the relationship between countries and the country's interests rather than its politics.

He also asked the government to stop considering about the business benefits that involve former Prime Minster Thaksin Shinawatra.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-23

[webfact]

Foreign Min Defends Reissue of Thaksin's Passport, PM's Visit to Mekong Summit

The Foreign Minister responded to a fresh question at the House meeting yesterday, defending the plan to reissue a passport for convicted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's participation in the Mekong Subregion Summit in Myanmar.

At yesterday's House meeting, Democrat Party list MP Ong-ard Klampaiboon raised a question about whether the government is acting in the interest of the nation or of a particular individual, as it is apparent that ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been trying every possible way to rise above the law.

In response to the question, Foreign Minister Surapong Towijakchaikul denied that the government is helping any particular person, and claimed that Thaksin was the victim of false accusations by the previous administration.

He affirmed that it is permissible to reissue a passport to the former prime minister because there has been no objection from the court, police, or civil officers.

Surapong said he cannot see what Thaksin has done to harm his own nation and told the Opposition to stop playing politics and start being constructive.

He also denied that there is a conflict of interest with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra participating in the Mekong Subregion Summit in Myanmar, saying there is no discussion about her family's business matters.

In addition, the foreign minister reported on his achievements, highlighted by the opening of a new border crossing in Taks's Mae Sot District.

However, Democrat party-list MP Kasit Biromya said Surapong should not claim credit for it because a lot of progress was made during the previous administration.

Meanwhile, Democrat MP for Songkhla Wirat Kalayasiri, as a member of the Democrat Party's legal team, said there is evidence that the Department of Special Investigation had issued a warrant for Thaksin on terrorism-related charges.

Therefore, it is illegal to reissue his passport.

He added that an investigation by his party also found that the Department of Special Investigations, or DSI, has erased Thaksin's warrant from its database.

Wirat said his party is gathering evidence to petition for the removal of Yingluck and Surapong, as well as against the reissuing of Thaksin's passport.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-23

[webfact]

Dep PM Advises Govt Not to Touch Lese-Majesty Law

A deputy prime minister says he believes the government will not bow to the red-shirt group's pressure on the amendment of the lese majesty law.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobmrung said he cannot speak for the government regarding the request for the amendment of Article 112 of the Criminal Procedure Code, but he believes the government is wise enough to keep the law intact despite the red-shirt group's push for the change.

Chlaerm said he doesn't think the red-shirt group will stage a street rally to pressure the court to release one of its core members, Arisman Pongruangrong, on bail.

Arisman has been held on remand in response to a terrorism charge against him.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva suggested government's members, particularly Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, make it clear that the revision of the lese majese law is not among its polices to prevent potential conflicts between the people.

Abhisit said the prime minister cannot claim she has no idea or nothing to do with the matter, as it is a public issue.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-23

[webfact]

Commerce Ministry to Float Prices Next Year

The Commerce Minister insisted the ministry will float goods prices next year.

Commerce Minister Kittirat Na-Ranong said next year the ministry will leave goods prices to float accordingly with market forces and leave the private sector to compete against each other.

However, the ministry pledged to closely monitor the prices to ensure that consumers will not face unfair pricing.

Kittirat also reiterated that he can curb the inflation rates at an average of 3 to 3.5 percent.

The Commerce Minister reaffirmed that the ministry plans to hold an event titled 'Thais Trade Fair' from December 22 to 28 at the IMPACT Arena Muang Thong Thani.

He said people hit by the floods can purchase discounted goods at the event.

Various items include blue flag items, and OTOP goods.

Kittirat pointed out that the event will provide a chance for entrepreneurs, especially Small and Medium business owners, to restock with goods.

At least 1,300 entrepreneurs are expected to participate in the fair and 400,000 people will attend the event.

There will also be repair centers for electrical appliances set up in the fair to help flood victims.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-23

[webfact]

Carabao New Year Expo Kicks Off

File photo: Yuenyong Opakul, leader of the band Carabao. Source: wikimedia

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Military Officers Urged to Follow King's Guidance

The defense minister has ordered agencies under his ministry's direct command to put His Majesty the King's guidance to practice.

Meanwhile, 400 to 500 military police will be dispatched to help police ensure safety and security during the New Year celebrations.

Defense Ministry spokesman Colonel Thanathip Sawangsaeng said after the Defense Council meeting that Defense Minister General Yutthasak Sasiprapa has ordered the heads of agencies under his ministry's direct command and the armed forces commanders to pass along His Majesty the King's guidance following his 84th birthday to their subordinates.

The defense minister quoted a part of His Majesty's speech, citing that national stability will only be achieved when the people in the country are living happily.

Consequently, if people are living with hardships, then it is everybody's responsibility to work at their full potential to correct that problem.

At the same time, agencies under the Defense Ministry's direct command and the armed forces commanders were instructed to crackdown on the distribution of illegal information across the networks, particularly lese-majeste websites.

The defense minister also ordered tightened security at all military bases and instructed military officers to be alert for possible disruptive activities by unidentified parties.

About 400 to 500 military police will be dispatched to assist police in providing security at government offices and in public areas.

He ordered the armed forces' command center to closely monitor the situation.

Military officers must immediately report to their commanders if irregular activities are found.

Military intelligence units were instructed to team up with the Royal Thai Police to closely monitor intelligence information.

The public has been asked to cooperate with the authorities by providing useful information and tip-offs about any suspicious actions.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-23