Thailand Live Monday 26 Dec 2011

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Thailand Live Monday 26 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 Sunday 25 Dec 2011

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Today's Thailand weather and forecasts:

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

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111 banned Thai Rak Thai Party executives return won't have big impact

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....ave-big-impact/

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High waves strike southern provinces, tourists stranded on island

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Debate on referendum hotting up

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....ng-up-thailand/

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2011 was an uninspiring year for Thai lawmakers

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....thai-lawmakers/

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Forty internationally acclaimed Thais

The Nation

Who are the world's most famous Thais? Big-name stars and politicians hit the headlines of the Thai press, but are they famous outside Thailand? Which Thais are well known to the average man on the street in, say, London, New York or Tokyo?

More often than not, the world's most renowned Thais are not nearly that famous in Thailand. Many Thais who are well-known internationally, even household names, are relatively unknown in their native land.

For The Nation's 40th anniversary year-end issue, we take a look at 40 internationally acclaimed Thais from different spheres of life, encompassing politics and public service to arts and the sciences, business, sports, media and more.

Our criteria in selecting the 40 are quite simple - their degree of exposure in international media, particularly in websites such as Wikipedia - the online encyclopaedia - but also in books and other publications, television and in our own newspaper, The Nation. The stories of many of these high-achieving Thais are heart-warming and inspiring, and in many cases have helped promote the cause of Thais and Asians in the international arena.

The list covers individuals from various fields, from former prime minister Anand Panyarachun, social activist Mechai Viravaidya, better known as "Mr Condom", Fly Now founder Somchai Songwattana, national artist Thawan Duchanee, golfer Thongchai Jaidee, Krisana Kraisintu or "the gypsy pharmacist", Unesco Prize winner for human rights education Vithit Muntarbhorn, ballet dancer Charin Yuthasastrkosol, Chumpol NaLamlieng - former president of Siam Cement, to director Apichatpong Weerasethakul.

A free copy will be distributed with your newspaper on December 28 as a token of gratitude and a New Year's gift to all subscribers. The Web version will be launched after New Year.

-- The Nation 2011-12-26

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Year of hardships for all business sectors in Thailand

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....rs-in-thailand/

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EDITORIAL

Change in mindset: Thai opinion

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....t-thai-opinion/

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Thai Government gets poor rating for honesty

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....ng-for-honesty/

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Phuket thrives once more, but beware its dark side

Seven years after the tsunami

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....-its-dark-side/

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BMA focuses on flood management

The Nation

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is reviewing its 2012 budget plan in the wake of the flood crisis - to give greater emphasis to water management.

"We have to do everything possible to prevent flooding," Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra said yesterday.

He said some projects might be put on hold to prioritise work related to flood prevention.

"It's important that we solve water-related problems," he said, adding that he did not want to see such a big flood recur.

This year, one of the worst floods in the country's history ravaged dozens of provinces including Bangkok. More than 600,000 Bangkok residents suffered direct impacts.

The flood this time was not a result of downpours over the capital, but massive run-off from upper parts of the country.

"Our current water-drainage system is designed to deal with rainfall and some overflowing rivers or canals. It can't cope with the huge amount of run-off water from upstream provinces," Sukhumbhand explained.

Ongoing projects such as giant tunnels would continue because though not designed to deal with run-off, they would help facilitate the flow of water.

"But I hope we can work with the central government in creating flood-ways," Sukhumbhand said.

The governor said it was possible to create flood-ways outside Bangkok to direct run-off east into the Bang Pakong River and west into the Tha Chin River.

"But the government must take care of people in Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi and Chachoengsao who may be affected by the flood-way," he said.

Deputy Bangkok Governor Pornthep Techapaiboon, meanwhile, said that there were between 20,000 and 30,000 tonnes of excess garbage in the capital now.

"We will seek help from the armed forces' development units," he said, "Together, we should be able to clear the excess garbage within 20 days of the joint mission starting".

Most of the excess garbage was in flood-ravaged areas such as Don Mueang, Sai Mai, and Bang Khen, he said.

-- The Nation 2011-12-26

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STREET WISE

Give yourself the best New Year blessing for 2012: Thai opinion

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....2-thai-opinion/

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CHALK TALK

Some important questions for 2012

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Social-media contest for students

The Nation

Students are invited to show their ability to utilise social networks in promoting the network of Thailand Community-based Information and Communication Technology Learning Centres.

The Information and Communication Technology Ministry is hosting the contest to build public awareness through social media of its 1,879 Telecentres located across the country.

Each team of contestants, which must have three to five members, will have to choose one of the centres and study its roles and duties and the benefits for local people.

The team will then draw up a social-media plan to stimulate interest among the public and implement the plan.

The contest aims at introducing Telecentres to middle-class people, who usually search for knowledge and information via the Internet and social media.

The deadline for applications to the contest is January 15.

The winning team will be presented a Bt50,000 cash prize and a special plaque of honour.

Cash prizes of Bt30,000 and Bt15,000 and will plaques be given to second and third places.

Five special prizes of Bt10,000 cash will be given to teams with outstanding performance from each region of the country.

For more details, visitth-th.facebook.com/ictcontest.

-- The Nation 2011-12-26

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Songkhla evacuates seaside residents in Ranot district as high waves pound shore

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__4935112

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Phang-nga, Phuket, Krabi hold tsunami remembrance ceremonies /MCOT

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Bangkok's minimum temperature drops to 16 C

The Nation

The minimum temperature in Bangkok from Monday morning to Tuesday morning is expected to drop to only 16 Celsius degree, the Meteorological Department announced.

In its morning forecast for 6 am on Monday to 6 am Tuesday, the department said the minimum temperature in the capital would range from 16 to 18 Celsius degree.

The department said the temperature could drop by two to four degrees in the upper part of the country due to an intense high pressure ridge from China.

The mercury over northern mountaintops could fall to 4 degree as the minimum temperature there could range from 4 to 10 degrees.

The temperature on the lowland in northern provinces could range from 10 to 14 degrees.

Meanwhile, the minimum temperature on northeastern mountaintops could range from 5 to 11 degrees compared with 9 to 13 degrees for lowland areas in the region.

-- The Nation 2011-12-26

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Financial markets in Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, New Zealand and Malaysia are closed on Monday for public holiday /MCOT

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,041.42, up 4.05 points /MCOT

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PM Greets Thai Nationals in New Year Festival

The Prime Minister presided over a religious ceremony in Sisaket Province yesterday.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday visited Wat Sri Bueng Boon Temple in Sisaket Province to preside over a religious ceremony at which they cast the largest golden chime in Thailand.

Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit and Transport Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat also accompanied her.

In addition, the Premiere also paid homage to the Buddhist Statue.

The Premiere said she really appreciated being able to attend the holy ceremony, pointing out that the chime is the eighth largest in the world.

She also wished Thai nationals a very happy new year, good health and well being.

In addition, the Premiere reiterated that the government will provide compensation for all flood victims as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, she insisted that the government establish an economic policy to stimulate the domestic economy and to create jobs in the wake of the flooding.

She insisted that the government will fulfill the promises they made during their election campaign.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-26

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Parliament Journalists Gives Designations to Thai Politicians

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....ai-politicians/

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Army chief is proud poll shows Defence Ministry had most achievements, assures soldiers will help police with NY security /TANN

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Police Reshuffle to be Discussed Today

The Deputy Prime Minister in charge of police affiars revealed that the police committee will finalize the name of the newly appointed Deputy Police Chief today.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung who is in charge of police affairs stated before attending the Police Committee meeting, saying that the committee will consider the reshuffle of Deputy Police Chief today.

Chalerm ensure that the police reshuffle is carried out transparently without any political interventions.

In addition, he affirmed that he is capable to work with anyone who has been appointed as the new Deputy Police Chief.

He said that it is the first time that the name lists of appropriated persons will be proposed before the committee today to review the candidates' qualifications and capabilities thoroughly.

Earlier, the name lists have been publicized.

In response, Chalerm said that name lists have yet to finalize.

The final decision would be announced after today's meeting.

Furthermore, Chalerm added the committee will not appoint the new Provincial Police Region 1 in place of Police Major General Sriwara Rungsiphromkul since the interdisciplinary trial have not been concluded.

Consequently, Police Major General Kamronwit Toopkrajang is now acting in the position.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-26

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Thaksin's Legal Adviser Denies Thaksin Owns PTT Shares

Thaksin Shinawatra's legal advisor challenged the Democrat Party to investigate the ousted premier's property, insisting that he does not hold any of PTT Group's shares.

Thaksin Shinawatra's legal advisor, Noppadon Pattama, yesterday reiterated that Thaksin nor his family held any shares in the PTT Group as claimed by Democrat spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut.

Noppadon challenged Chavanond to clarify the truth and to reveal related evidence, saying that the Shinawatra family is ready to donate all shares toward the welfare of the Mentally Retarded Foundation, should it be discovered that they do own shares.

Noppadon also blasted the Democrat Party of trying to discredit Thaksin.

Three years ago, it accused Thaksin of being given the Cambodian oil and natural gas concession.

However, there is no concrete evidence to prove this claim.

He insisted that Thaksin has no conflict of interest with the PTT Group.

He also pointed out that in the event that the PTT Group wins the gas concession in the neighboring countries, it would help develop energy stability and benefit the country as a whole.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-26

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Thaksin's Legal Adviser Denies Thaksin Owns PTT Shares

Thaksin Shinawatra's legal advisor challenged the Democrat Party to investigate the ousted premier's property, insisting that he does not hold any of PTT Group's shares.

Thaksin Shinawatra's legal advisor, Noppadon Pattama, yesterday reiterated that Thaksin nor his family held any shares in the PTT Group as claimed by Democrat spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut.

Noppadon challenged Chavanond to clarify the truth and to reveal related evidence, saying that the Shinawatra family is ready to donate all shares toward the welfare of the Mentally Retarded Foundation, should it be discovered that they do own shares.

Noppadon also blasted the Democrat Party of trying to discredit Thaksin.

Three years ago, it accused Thaksin of being given the Cambodian oil and natural gas concession.

However, there is no concrete evidence to prove this claim.

He insisted that Thaksin has no conflict of interest with the PTT Group.

He also pointed out that in the event that the PTT Group wins the gas concession in the neighboring countries, it would help develop energy stability and benefit the country as a whole.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-26

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Govt Urged for Flood Prevention Measures

The Bank of Thailand, or BOT, reported that most investors hope that the government puts effective flood prevention and water management systems into place.

Bank of Thailand's Office of Macroeconomics Director Songtham Pinto said the BOT has dispatched officials to investigate the damage at the flooded industrial estates.

He stated that many business operators requested a clear cut strategy from the government regarding future flood prevention and water management plans.

Most operators emphasized that that the government must prioritize natural disaster prevention plans.

Consequently, the government should communicate its ability to deal with natural disaster management to create investor confidence, otherwise they could relocate elsewhere.

Songtham said that many countries that have also suffered from catastrophes, such as Australia's Queensland State, which was flooded for two months from December 2010 to January 2011.

Australia's Gross Domestic Product, or GDP, dropped by 2 percent during the first quarter of 2011.

However, their GDP increased 5.6 percent in the second quarter due to the nation's quick flood rehabilitation efforts.

Elsewhere, Japan's GDP shrunk by 6.6 and 2 percent in the first and second quarters of 2011 respectively after a tsunami and a nuclear power plant explosion devastated the country.

However, this figure rose by 5.6 percent in the third quarter.

As for Thailand, the production and export sectors are expected to recover within 1 to 6 months.

Meanwhile, tourist and domestic consumption are expected to go up rapidly in the 2 months.

Songtham pointed out that the government's spending and its policies play a key role in the country's rehabilitation.

He reaffirmed that provided that the government administration is in line with the private sector's plan, it would be a benefit to the country's economy.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-26

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Taxi Operators Demand Fare Hike over Rising Fuel Costs

Taxi drivers are not concerned about losing passengers if their starting fare rises from 35 baht to 50 baht, while most taxi commuters said the hike is acceptable as long as it is gradual.

Taxi drivers and operators are demanding an increase to the start fare from 35 baht to 50 baht, in anticipation of rising gas prices.

The government is set to gradually raise the price of natural gas for vehicles, or NGV, by a total of 6 baht over the next year, or by 50 Satang every month, starting from January 16.

As a result, the NGV price will go up from the current 8.50 baht per kilogram to 14.50 baht at the end of next year.

Many taxi drivers are unconcerned with the prospect of losing passengers due to the price hike, saying that taxi is still a very convenient transport option.

However, most of them admitted that a flag-fall rate of 50 baht might be too expensive for commuters who travel a short trip.

They suggested that the increase should be gradual or be imposed on the distance traveled, from the current rate of two baht to three or four baht per every kilometer.

Most taxi commuters do not oppose a fare hike, but prefer it to be progressive rather than one-time.

Regarding the government's response towards the issue, the Transport Ministry said the Land Transport Department may authorize a fare increase should it find that taxi operators are facing a higher cost burden from the rising gas prices.

At the same time, the department will need to ensure legal compliance among taxi cooperatives as many of them have previously violated the rules by leasing the vehicles to drivers who do not have proper licenses.

The Energy Ministry, meanwhile, regarded a new start rate of 50 baht too costly and it is considering assistance measures for taxi drivers and operators following the NGV price hike.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-26

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Telecom Panel: 3G Auction to Be Carried out in 2012

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....ed-out-in-2012/

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South warned of high waves from Dec 30-Jan 2; 22 provinces declared cold disaster zones /TANN

PM not discouraged by Parliament journalist's designation of her as 'dying star' and seeks time to prove herself /TANN

4m high waves hit Tapsakae, Prachuab Khiri Khan causing land subsidence; in Pattani & Nakhon Si Thammarat, strong waves cut off roads /TANN