Thailand Live Sunday 25 Dec 2011

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Thailand Live Sunday 25 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 Saturday 24 Dec 2011

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Today's Thailand weather and forecasts:

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

[Lite Beer]

PM backs referendum on changes to 2007 charter

THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said amending the Constitution would be the responsibility of Parliament, but that she agreed with holding a referendum to let people decide on the issue.

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__4933425

[Lite Beer]

91% of flood-hit areas back to normal: Witthaya

The Nation on Sunday

Public Health Minister Witthaya Buranasiri yesterday revealed the progress of post-flood rehabilitation in 65 provinces, announcing that 13 million people in the provinces had been affected, but 91 per cent of the areas had returned to normal.

Flood water remained in Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Bangkok, he said. Witthaya said 96 per cent of flood-affected provinces had seen no disease outbreaks, which he said was a great success in the face of four-month-long floods. He said health officials assessed 125,800 flood victims and found 7,555 people under tremendous stress and 1,753 others at risk of committing suicide. Psychiatrists and mental health personnel would continue to check on them, he said.

Witthaya's announcement that water remained in the capital was at odds with a declaration on Friday by Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra that the capital was dry.

The governor also said officials should clear all remaining 11,666 tonnes of trash in Don Muang, Lak Si, Bang Khen, Sai Mai, Bang Khae, Nong Khaem, Thawee Watthana and Taling Chan districts by tomorrow, though it might take until Wednesday to remove the waste in Nong Khaem.

-- The Nation 2011-12-25

[Lite Beer]

Case audit reveals flaws in legal system

Don Pathan

The Nation on Sunday

Pattani

The Office of the Attorney General and the courts need to be more active and do more to hold law-enforcement officials in the deep South accountable, academic and legal experts said, pointing to the high number of cases that are dismissed.

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/521390-case-audit-reveals-flaws-in-legal-system/page__view__findpost__p__4933429

[Lite Beer]

Flood measures unveiled for short, long-term

The Nation on Sunday

Urgent measures to be taken before next rainy season - including large water-holding areas - will cost Bt13 bn

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/521391-flood-measures-unveiled-for-short-long-term/page__view__findpost__p__4933434

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL

Round and round we go, amending the constitution

The Nation

Charter reform has become part of an inevitable cycle after each coup but people continue to try to avoid the law

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/521392-round-and-round-we-go-amending-the-constitution/page__view__findpost__p__4933439

[Lite Beer]

LESE MAJESTE CASES

Text SMS messages 'are easy to forge'

Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation on Sunday

Expert argues that phone notes are not reliable evidence

SMS messages should not be acceptable as evidence are not reliable evidence to be used in court as they can be easily forged, Internet and mobile-phone expert Wason Liwlompaisarn said.

"Every hacker knows this. The International Mobile Equipment Identity [iMEI] number can easily be doctored. Anyone who leaves his or her mobile phone unattended faces this risk, and this is no secret," Wason said at a recent seminar on citizens' rights and electronic evidence in relation to the recent 20-year jail sentence given to 61-year-old Amphon Tangnoppakul.

Amphon was convicted of lese majeste after the court found him guilty of sending four defamatory SMS messages about Her Majesty the Queen and the monarchy institution.

Wason said that in places like MBK Centre, one could easily have an IMEI number doctored. "So we're all at risk now. Any mobile phone repairman in Thailand can do it."

Amphon was tried under both the lese majeste law and the Computer Crimes Act (CCA). Arthit Suriyawongkul, coordinator of the TNN, said the group will introduce a people's version of the Computer Crimes Act next year in order to push for an amendment of the law, which it deems draconian and undemocratic.

"We will gather 10,000 signatures to push for the bill to be taken up by Parliament," said Arthit, referring to the minimum number of signatures needed to introduce a new bill.

The TNN released a report earlier this month urging that authorities not criminalise the clicking on the "Like" button on Facebook pages deemed critical of the monarchy institution.

The report cited a Canadian court's ruling that such actions cannot be considered a crime as online content can easily change.

The group called on the government and society to recognise that exchanges through social networks are a form of information sharing and that any attempt to cripple or instil fear in people who may want to share information is detrimental to Thai society's creativity, innovation, economy and learning opportunities.

The report cited China's failure to totally block all anti-Chinese content on the Internet despite huge investment in the attempt.

It also urges the courts not to indefinitely block websites deemed offensive to the monarchy, but to review the content again after a certain period of time.

"Netizens ought to realise that the Internet is a space for knowledge and diverse views. The Internet contains things that all of us will hate, one way or another. Blocking things you dislike will eventually lead to the total shutdown of the Internet," the TNN report stated.

"The most appropriate way to deal with content that you dislike on the Internet is to be patient."

-- The Nation 2011-12-25

[Lite Beer]

Former tambon official shot dead in far South

The Nation on Sunday

A former Tambon Administrative Organisation official was shot dead in Narathiwat's Rusoh district yesterday afternoon.

Following a report of a homicide at 4.30pm, police found the bullet-ridden body of former Tambon Lalo TAO vice president Halibaha Salae, 38, in front of his mother's home. A police investigation found that he had been visiting his mother and was about to leave for home when two or three gunmen on a pick-up truck parked opposite the house and shot at him with M16 and AKA rifles, before fleeing.

After receiving intelligence that insurgents had stashed some weapons on a rubber plantation in Rusoh district, a 100-strong combined security force at raided the plantation at 1 pm. Using metal detectors, they dug up two M16 rifles, one AKA rifle and over 500 bullets as well as 16 green scarves similar to those worn by the attackers of a military post in Ra-Ngae district recently. The weapons were reportedly buried by suspected insurgents planning to create violence during the New Year holidays in Rusoh and Raman districts.

-- The Nation 2011-12-25

[Lite Beer]

Police homewatch project, New Year

The Nation on Sunday

Holiday makers could travel carefree, as police yesterday launched a project to provide security for their homes.

Deputy police chief Pol Gen Pongsapat Pongcharoen said the "Fak Ban Wai Kub Tam Ruad" (trans. leaving houses' to police care) project would start from December 25, 2011 to January 3, 2012 to supervise houses whose owners left them to police's while travelling to other provinces. People wishing to join could call police and told them information- date of departing and arriving. The police would keep the owners' telephone numbers and the information as a secret. They would report situation of the houses to the owners every day and give the owners suggestion of valuable possessions and infrastructure in the houses.

Regarding the security during the New Year holidays, Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Pol Lt Gen Winai Thongsong said that city police got help from 200 border patrolling polices, 100 policemen from the Central Investigation Bureau, and 200 provost guards to patrol key communities and public transport stations, while checkpoints would be set up from 8pm to 4am daily throughout the period.

-- The Nation 2011-12-25

[Lite Beer]

Ties with China good

The Nation on Sunday

Stretching in good relationship between China and Thailand still continuously increase, while Thai government has changed, said Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva after meeting Chinese Vice-President Xi-Jinping at Shangri-la Hotel.

Abhisit said expanding trade and investing especially High-Speed Train project was signed to widen connection between China and ASEAN.

He said China gave assistance and visiting to flood areas. But, to solve flood problems was not suggested, since coordination to assist with the two coun?tries has been provided to each other.

-- The Nation 2011-12-25

[Lite Beer]

Filipino pair held

The Nation on Sunday

Two Philippines nationals were arrested for allegedly drugging several tourists to steal their valuables at Bangkok attractions, while a Cambodian man and a Vietnamese man were arrested for pick-pocketing, Tourist Police Division Commander Pol Maj Gen Adis Ngamjitsuksri told a press conference yesterday.

Following complaints filed by Japanese tourists that they were drugged and robbed by some Philippine people in Chatuchak Market, Carren Dizon Dolorito, 29, and Bernabe Mark Jerald Carreon, 22, were identified in photos by victims and were arrested at Fashion Island Mall on Friday along with 10 tablets of Alprazolam. The search at their home in Beuang Kum area also yielded some stolen valuables. They reportedly confessed to police and said they would befriend Japanese women and lured them to play cards at home before drugging them and stealing their valuables. As for Vietnamese Nguyen Ngoc Tri, 34 and Cambodian Yan Tree, 58, were arrested on Friday for pickpocketing others at Siam Square BTS station.

-- The Nation 2011-12-25

[Lite Beer]

Blaze at old market

The Nation on Sunday

A fire broke out at the 120-year-old market on the bank of Tha Chin River in Chai Nat's Han Kha district yesterday morning, damaging 30 shophouses. The initial fire damages were said to be worth Bt100 million.

Following fire report at 7.30am, police and rescue work?ers along with 30 fire engines rushed to the scene and it took three hours to put out the fire. No injury was reported. Police suspected the fire resulted from a short circuit at one of the shops.

Resident Thawatchai Vetchang, 64, said he saw the smoke coming from the second floor of Songprach Osot Shop, a former pharmacy turned into shop selling monk products, groceries including fireworks. He said the fire quickly spread to nearby shops, mostly made of wood.

-- The Nation 2011-12-25

[Lite Beer]

Children given free operations to correct cleft lips, palates

THE NATION ON SUNDAY

To bring smiles back to the faces of children with cleft lips and palates, 100 surgeries were performed on such children free of charge in Tak's Mae Sot district recently.

Representatives of the XanGo brand of mangosteen juice accompanied Operation Smile Foundation (Thailand) staff to the district in support of medical volunteers who performed 100 cleft-lip and cleft-palate corrective surgeries on the children.

The young patients were the children of farmers who grow mangosteen, the source of XanGo's success, the firm said. Its "season of smiles" will conclude with a July mission to Ulan Ude, Russia - a country in which the company started doing business last year - to perform 50 more surgeries.

XanGo founder and board chairman Aaron Garrity said the firm had supported Operation Smile for several years.

"We've grown our philanthropic partnerships alongside the global expansion of our business. Just last week, the company received recognition from Utah Governor Gary Herbert for continued support of Operation Smile. The success of the XanGo missions with Operation Smile is truly a testament to our distributors, whose efforts to build their independent businesses make it all possible."

The medical volunteers were from Chulalongkorn Hospital, Lerd Sin Hospital, Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital, International Eye Centre or Buddhist Temple, Chon Buri Hospital, Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital, Children Hospital, Police Hospital, Charoenkrung Hospital and Nakhon Pathom Hospitalwho make these patients see that this world is still the better place to live. One of their smiles, bringing a happy smiling family, and with many smiles from the surrounding people.

"With their unceasing energy and enthusiasm for doing good, the XanGo community shares with Operation Smile a common commitment to the children of the world," said Operation Smile Co-Founder Bill Magee. "Operation Smile is honoured to be a part the XanGo family and truly grateful that this shared passion continues to grow and change the lives of children and their families across the globe."

XanGo routinely provides monetary donations, advisory board participation, volunteer programmes and partnerships in medical expeditions, community education and humanitarian efforts. Of particular interest is improving the lives of children around the world and mobilising to address disasters and crises.

-- The Nation 2011-12-25

[Lite Beer]

PM visits Sisaket today to preside over religious ceremony at a temple/TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

VN, Thai parliaments urged to boost ties

Hanoi, – The parliaments of Vietnam and Thailand need to increase the exchange of legislative experience and information on economics, trade, investment and socio-culture, said a top legislator.

National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung made the suggestion at his talks with President of the Senate of Thailand Teeradej Meepien, in Hanoi on Dec. 23.

He also suggested the promotion of bilateral cooperation in regional and international frameworks, such as the Non-Aligned Movement, ASEAN, the Asia-Europe Meeting, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the East Asia Summit and the Greater Mekong Subregion.

The Vietnamese leader said the two countries should work more closely on the issue of Mekong River water resources and the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, to ensure peace and stability in the East Sea.

The two parliaments need to closely coordinate in supervision activities to accelerate programmes and projects between the two countries, as well as exchange visits of delegations at all levels including parliamentarians, contributing to fostering friendship between the Vietnam National Assembly and the Thai Senate and the two peoples, he said.

At the talks, Chairman Hung said he was happy with the growing multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries and thanked the King, parliament, government and people of Thailand for their creation of favourable conditions for overseas Vietnamese to live and work in Thailand.

He expressed his sympathy to the Thai people over heavy losses of humans and property caused by recent floods. He said he hoped the Thai government and people would soon overcome the effects of the natural disaster.

In return, Thai Senate President Teeradej Meepien said his visit aims to boost ties between the two parliaments and foster friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The Thai Senator thanked the Vietnamese National Assembly, Government and people for providing support to the Thai people in overcoming consequences of the recent floods.

He affirmed the continuity of support and favourable conditions for Vietnamese people living, working and studying in Thailand.

Host and guest agreed that the two legislative bodies should further their linkages in all fields, especially in external relations.

The Thai Senator took this opportunity to invite Chairman Hung to visit Thailand and the invitation was accepted with pleasure.

-- TNA 2011-12-25

[Lite Beer]

New species of pit viper confirmed in Phuket

Phuket Gazette

STOCKING STUFFER? A juvenile Phuket pit viper. Photo by Montri Sumontha courtesy pauwelsolivier.com

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/521416-new-species-of-pit-viper-confirmed-in-phuket/page__view__findpost__p__4933677

[Lite Beer]

Minimum temperature on northern mountaintops drop to 4 C, Bangkok 18 C

High pressure ridge form China caused the temperature in Thailand to drop between 2 to 4 degrees Sunday with the minimum temperature on northern mountaintops ranging from 4 to 10 Celsius degrees, the Meteorological Department reported.

In its daily forecast for 6 am Sunday to 6 am Monday, the department said the minimum temperatures on the lowland in northern provinces range from 10 to 14 Celsius degrees.

It said the minimum temperature in Bangkok ranges from 18 to 19 Celsius degrees.

The minimum temperature on mountaintops in the Northeast range from 5 to 11 degrees and the minimum temperature on the lowland in northeastern provinces range from 9 to 13 degrees.

-- The Nation 2011-12-25

[Lite Beer]

Respondents give PM score of 7.08 out of 10 for her determination on the job in assessment of 4-month performance of govt: Suan Dusit Poll/MCOT

[Lite Beer]

RT@Biz_TheNation: Flood casualites update: 760 dead,3 missing in the floods which hit Bangkok and central,southern provinces

[Lite Beer]

Phuket Opinion: Taking a gamble on cruise ships

Phuket Gazette

Port of Phuket: Expansion could open quick access to legal gambling for Phuketians and their tourists.

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/521449-phuket-opinion-taking-a-gamble-on-cruise-ships/page__view__findpost__p__4933878

[Lite Beer]

Japan foreign minister heads to Myanmar

TOKYO, December 25, 2011 (AFP) - Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba on Sunday left for Myanmar, in the latest high-profile diplomatic trip looking to encourage reforms in the isolated nation, Tokyo's public broadcaster reported.

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/521451-japan-foreign-minister-heads-to-myanmar/page__view__findpost__p__4933892

[Lite Beer]

People satisfied with PM's determination on job: Suan Dusit Poll

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/521462-people-satisfied-with-pms-determination-on-job-suan-dusit-poll/page__view__findpost__p__4933943

[Lite Beer]

Dept of Business Development: at least new 66,000 businesses expected to be registered in 2012, an increase of 10% from this year/MCOT

[Lite Beer]

Festive season starts in Thailand

BANGKOK, Dec 25 - Thai people enjoyed the festive season on Sunday, Christmas Day, ahead of the long New Year holiday with a large number of crowds shopping for food and gifts as well as booking tickets to return to their homes upcountry.

All northbound trains were fully booked from Dec 27 through January 4, next year. Some residents in the northern province of Phichit were disappointed, as there are no reserved tickets left, and they may have to resort to third-class carriages if there are seats or space available.

In the northeastern Si Sa Ket province, the Thai-Cambodian border town turned lively as Cambodian people crossed over at Chong Sa-ngam border crossing to buy goods in preparation for New Year festivities amid temperatures dropping to below 10 degree Celsius.

Down in the South, Christmas and New Year celebrations are also in full swing. Some homestays on the resort island of Yo in Songkhla province have been fully packed with tourists since last Friday until after the New Year period.

Meanwhile, the ABAC Poll Happiness Center on Sunday revealed the well-being index of Thais in term of economic conditions, indicating it has improved, but remained lower than the benchmark of 100 points.

For the social aspect, the respondents well-being index was above average, at 175.4 points, as they saw an expression of loyalty to the monarchy.

The poll said the overall happiness index however found Thai people are "almost" happy with the scores at 98.3 points and that they wanted all parties to help maintain a good political situation and to prevent more conflicts which could disrupt the happiness of citizens. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-12-25

[Lite Beer]

5m waves hit 3 subdistricts in Langsuan, Chumphon causing damages to homes, locals being evacuated/TAN_Network

5-metre wave strikes, damages some resorts in Langsuan district of Chumpon province, about 10 tourists stranded on Phitak Island/MCOT

[Lite Beer]

ABAC Poll's happiness index finds people stressed about econ, political, social issues and most happy about love for King/TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

PM gives New Year blessing, wishes all Thais good health, pledges to continue implementing all policies from election campaign/MCOT

[Lite Beer]

High waves strike southern provinces, tourists stranded on island

CHUMPHON, Dec 25 – High waves hit hundreds of houses in southern provinces with several dozen tourists stranded on an island in Chumphon.

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/521484-high-waves-strike-southern-provinces-tourists-stranded-on-island/page__view__findpost__p__4934166

[Lite Beer]

Army helicopter from Lopburi conducted emergency landing at Trang School en route to Pattani due to bad weather, 5 officers on board safe/TAN_Network