Thai Provinces Launch Road Safety Centers

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....safety-centers/

SET closed midday break down by 2.75 points at 1,025.63 with value at Bt4.72 bn /TANN

Red Shirt Leader Arisman Released on 6 Million Baht Bail

Follow this link:

Thais happiest about King’s birthday celebration, recovery: Survey

BANGKOK, Dec 28 – This year’s happiest moments shared among Thais was the national celebration of His Majesty the King's 84th birthday on Dec 5 and his recovery from illness, while the flood crisis provided the unhappiest news of the year, according to an opinion poll released on Wednesday.

The Bangkok University Poll (BU Poll) conducted by the Bangkok Poll Centre on 1,113 persons aged over 18 in provinces nationwide Dec 21-25 found over half, 55.1 per cent of the respondents, voted for news reports on the monarch’s birthday celebration and his recovery as bringing their greatest joy in 2011.

On surveying "The Most in 2011," 87.4 per cent of respondents said their unhappiest news was the flood crisis and the massive damage from the severe inundation, while 68.1 per cent said the news which appealed most was flood crisis coverage and related reports on responses and rehabilitation.

Soldiers who provided tireless assistance to flood victims won much praise from 47.2 per cent of respondents.

On the contrary, Yingluck Shinawatra government was rated the most upsetting group of persons by 31.5 per cent of the respondents, followed by Thai politicians 19.9 per cent and the government-run Flood Relief Operations Centre (FROC) 8.6 per cent.

Some 42 per cent of those respondents however voted Prime Minister Yingluck as their most favourite politician, while opposition Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva got the approval of 28.3 per cent of those surveyed.

Listed as the most desired New Year's present, 18.2 per cent said they wanted the government to improve the economy, and to reduce the cost of living and consumer product prices.

Regarding sports, 31.6 per cent voted volleyball as the most outstanding sport while football was shunned as worst performing in 2011 for 85.5 per cent of those polled. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-12-28

Weeding out hype in Phuket's health-conscious market

Phuket Gazette

Thanyamundra Organic food is distributed in Phuket by Pura Organic. Co ltd.

Fresh produce being picked at the Thanyamundra Organic farm.

Follow this source: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/522134-weeding-out-hype-in-phukets-health-conscious-market/page__view__findpost__p__4939811

Foreign Min Denies Thaksin's Involvement in Myanmar Oil Talks

The foreign minister denied Thaksin's involvement in PTT Group's negotiation of oil deals with Myanmar, as alleged by the Opposition.

Foreign Minister Surapong Towijakchaikul dismissed the opposition's allegations that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was in Myanmar to sign a benefit agreement related to potential oil deals between the neighboring country and PTT Group, in which he has shares.

Surapong said if this were true, he would ask the former premier to pass the benefits to the Opposition parties.

He also called on the Opposition to stop false accusations, as everything the government is doing is in the interest of the nation.

The foreign minister added that there have been discussions regarding further concessions for oil exploration and production in Myanmar, but no agreement has been signed.

He said Thailand may be at a disadvantage if it does not act quickly.

Meanwhile, Surapong acknowledged his moniker given by the press and reiterated that he would never do anything that is beyond his power or against the law.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-28

RED MOVEMENT

Third time lucky: Arisman makes Bt6 million bail

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__4939969

Govt to Push Populist Policies to Boost Econ

The government insists it will move forward with the implementation of populist policies even though some have been disrupted by the flooding.

It expresses confidence that the policies will offer long-term benefits to the Thai economy.

Commerce Minister Kittirat Na Ranong said the government takes pride in its populist policies because they are centered around the people, who are the most important element of democracy.

He added any policies that are intended to bring citizens happiness will be prioritized, especially ones that aim to increase people's incomes, reduce expenses and narrow economic and social disparities.

Kittirat said the government's populist policies have delivered satisfactory results since their implementation in October.

The rice pledging scheme is able to offer prices that reflect the actual production cost, while the minimum wage increase for both public and private organizations is expected to be adopted officially in April next year despite the tripartite committee's suggestion that it could start as early as January.

He added the government will move forward with the tax rebate programs for first-home and car owners although the manufacturing sector has been hit by flooding, which he regards as a short-term problem.

The commerce minister noted more labor will be needed in the future as the government will ramp up investment in the country but assured that inflation will not go up.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-28

RT @mpoppel: BREAKING -- Passenger plane crashes at Osh Airport in Kyrgyzstan, local media reports

RT @mpoppel: Kyrgyzstan media reports at least 2 people taken away on stretchers after TU-134 airliner crashed at Osh Airport

RT @mpoppel: Kyrgyzstan news agency says at least 2 injured, no reports of fatalities after passenger plane crash-lands at Osh Airport

House to Decide on Immunity for MP Named in Murder Case

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__4940086

SET index closed at 1028.19, down 0.19; Bt/USD31.40; GBP49.05; AUD31.77; EUR40.91; CAD30.60; HKD4.03; SGD24.06; JPY40.13

Sprinter train collides with pick-up truck in Prachuab Khiri Khan causing a blaze which killed 1 and injured 124 /TANN

Bangkok named Thailand’s most popular city among tourists

Follow this link:

Train Collides into Pickup Truck; Kills 1, Injures Over 120

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....jures-over-120/

AFP: Thai court frees 'Red Shirt' leader on bail

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__4940262

Wanted Frenchman Nabbed in Thailand

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

Police detain Red Shirt Arisman after brief release

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__4940468

Two Thai spies jailed in Cambodia withdraw Appeal complaint

PHNOM PENH, Dec 28 (Xinhua) -- The two Thai "Yellow-Shirt" activists jailed in Cambodia for espionage appeared in the Court of Appeal on Wednesday to withdraw their complaint against the verdict of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court of First Instance.

The pair are Veera Somkwamkid, one of the leaders of the People 's Network against Corruption and a high-profile activist in the Thailand Patriot Network, and his secretary Ratree Pipatanapaiboon.

The Phnom Penh Municipal Court of First Instance, on Feb.1, convicted Veera and Ratree of illegal entry, unlawful entry into military base and espionage and sentenced them to eight years and six years in jail respectively.

In later February, the two Thais lodged an appeal against the verdict.

Speaking before the Court of Appeal on Wednesday, the pair said they decided to withdraw the complaint without reason explannation.

Meanwhile, the Appeal Court Judge Samrith Sophal agreed the withdrawal and said that the duo could seek Cambodia's King for royal pardon after they have served two thirds of the jail term.

The duo's appearance in the Court of Appeal was just a day before the visit of Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul to Cambodia.

Speaking to reporters at a short break at the Court, Veera said in the prison, he has been given good care from the guards and inmates, adding that he missed his homeland very much.

Veera and Ratree were arrested on Dec. 29, 2011, along with five others including Democrat Party Member of Parliament Panich Vikitsreth, after they illegally entered Cambodian territory to observe border demarcation process.

The five were released in late January after Cambodian court suspended their sentences of nine months in jail. (Xinhua)

-- TNA 2011-12-28

Red Shirt activist Kwanchai gets prison for Udon Thani assault

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/522205-red-shirt-activist-kwanchai-gets-prison-for-udon-thani-assault/page__view__findpost__p__4940565

to continue:

Thailand Live Thursday 29 Dec 2011

Follow this link: