Thailand Live Sunday 1 Jan 2012

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Thailand Live Sunday 1 January 2012

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 31 Dec 2011

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Today's Thailand weather and forecasts:

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

[Lite Beer]

King wishes happiness and success to all Thais

The Nation on Sunday

His Majesty the King yesterday delivered his 2012 New Year's television message to the people, while his New Year's card to Thai subjects showed the King with his pet dog, Khun Thong Daeng, by his side.

In his traditional New Year's address broadcast last night, His Majesty thanked his subjects for celebrating his seventh-cycle birthday appropriately and beautifully.

Citing the recent flood disaster as a reminder that people often encounter suffering, dangers and obstacles in their lives, he urged all to always be prepared for such trouble with caution, with reason, with principle and with Dhamma for unity. Urging people to maintain heedfulness with consciousness and wisdom at all times, the King said people with duties should speedily complete their work. He said the achievements would make them happy and prosper, while also making the country secure and helping it move forward in happiness and prosperity. He also extended his wishes for Thais to be protected and to enjoy happiness and success in the coming year.

His Majesty's 2012 New Year's card also included the following quotation from his book, "Phra Maha Chanok": "Although I can't see the coast, I have to swim in the ocean because things can't be achieved merely by thinking." The King urges Thais to be diligent like King Chanok, as all benefits could be achieved by doing, not merely by thinking.

-- The Nation 2012-01-01

[Lite Beer]

GOVERNMENT AGENDA

PM seeks economic recovery, unity

The Nation on Sunday

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__4946981

[Lite Beer]

ANALYSIS

Politics to heat up in 2012

Kittipong Thavevong

The Nation

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/522932-politics-to-heat-up-in-2012/page__view__findpost__p__4946986

[Lite Beer]

Abhisit: Govt holds key to stability

The Nation on Sunday

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__4946990

[Lite Beer]

12 killed, 15 hurt in Buri Ram road accident

The Nation on Sunday

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/522816-death-toll-reaches-94-on-second-of-seven-new-years-dangerous-days-thailand/page__view__findpost__p__4946992

[Lite Beer]

New Year wishes

January 1, 2012 1:00 am

PM Yingluck Shinawatra "May Thailand take steps toward unity. With the power of sacred and respected spirits in Thailand, may the Thais be happy, healthy and help bring Thailand to success and all good things."

House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont

"May 2555 [b.E.] be the year that Thais join hands and have unity."

Supreme Court president Pairote Wayupap

"May I… wish all Thais happiness, prosperity, physical and mental energy as well as the wisdom to overcome any obstacles to the prosperity of the country."

Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva

"May the country move forward with all people happy and prosperous. Everyone please do good things so that 2555 [b.E] is a good year for Thai society."

Buddhist nun Mae Chee Sansanee Sthirasuta

"Take good care of body and mind. Use Sati and Panya [consciousness and wisdom] in dealing with the world. However it is, you won't suffer from it."

-- The Nation 2012-01-01

[Lite Beer]

DSI to crack down on illegal foreign-run businesses

The Nation on Sunday

Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief Tharit Pengdit said yesterday his office would crack down on foreigners using Thais as nominees to buy land and run businesses from which they are legally excluded

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/522934-dsi-to-crack-down-on-illegal-foreign-run-businesses/

[Lite Beer]

Prediction of threat to Bhumibol Dam triggers panic in Tak

The Nation on Sunday

A prediction that an earthquake will destroy the Bhumibol Dam in Tak's Sam Ngao district on New Year's Eve has created confusion and anxiety among the local people, especially those in the district and nearby areas.

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/522935-prediction-of-threat-to-bhumibol-dam-triggers-panic-in-tak/page__view__findpost__p__4947000

[Lite Beer]

2012 the Year of the Dragon: In with a mighty roar

Eugenia Last

Other years might seem to drag on, but the Year of the Dragon has the potential to breathe life-shaping fire, to be magical, even mythical. Keep one eye on the calendar and the other on the stars.

ARIES March 21-April 19

Prepare to make interesting and life-altering changes. The limitations of the past are lifting, and it's vital that you position yourself strategically to take advantage of opportunities that arise. It's what you do during the first half of the year that will determine the end results. A new job, a higher earning potential and love are all highlighted during the second half of the year.

Love: Your romantic diversity brings long-lasting love.

Money: Market what you have to offer and reboot.

Health: Minor health issues and injuries can be expected.

TAURUS April 20-May 20

As the year progresses, you will find it increasingly easier to fix any mistakes or situations that were problematic. The effective use of your networking skills during the first half of the year will pay off in terms of experience and knowledge you accumulate. Don't be afraid to use a little muscle to get what you want. Accept the inevitable and you can make it work to your advantage.

Love: Rely on experience to help you choose wisely.

Money: What you learn can be turned into a prosperous pastime.

Health: Physical and mental headaches can be expected.

GEMINI May 21-June 20

Don't be slowed down by the little aggravations that challenge you. Discipline and hard work will bring greater rewards, peace of mind and sweet revenge. Love is highlighted, along with expanding your plans for the future. Nothing is impossible if you express your goals knowledgeably and implement them with moderation. Success will be the result if you allow your imagination to be the conduit for your willpower.

Love: Free-spirited, no boundaries and plenty of action.

Money: A serious budget and conservative investing.

Health: Overdoing + overindulgence equals poor health.

CANCER June 21-July 22

You will have to exert your will if you want to get things accomplished. Put a little extra muscle behind your every move and you will make a convincing argument that will help raise the support you need to achieve your goals. Change will be inevitable, and the sooner you accept and move on, the easier it will be to get your own plans up and running. Live life and be a participant, not a spectator.

Love: Use your imagination. Routine will not suffice.

Money: Invest in you, your surroundings and your future.

Health: Discipline will help you stay in shape.

LEO July 23-Aug. 22

Your thirst for knowledge and lifestyle change will lead you in a new direction. Reinventing who you are and what you do will bring you up to date and put you where the action is. Helping others will expand your interests as well as your friendships. Greater stability will come from chaos, followed by transformation. Expect the unexpected and accept the inevitable. You will master moderate extremism.

Love: Flighty, flirty and fun-filled. No boundaries, no promises.

Money: Easy come and easy go. Empty promises and disillusionment.

Health: Poor diagnosis warrants a second opinion.

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22

Consider what you have to accomplish and stick to your game plan. As the year progresses, you will be tempted to take on unrealistic ventures that could end up costing you emotionally, financially or physically. Use your creativity wisely and keep what you do simple, moderate and perfectly balanced. Focus your energy on work and family to ensure that both are protected from outside influences.

Love: An imaginative approach will keep your lover engaged.

Money: Moderation and a strict budget will be key.

Health: Simple pleasures. Overindulgence is the enemy.

LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22

Your insight and hard work will start to pay off. What you have learned from experience will pave the way to your success. The tables are turning, and you will finally get your chance to explore the benefits of being the flavour of choice. Prepare to pursue those long-awaited changes with fervour. Fear of failure is the enemy; bravery is your friend.

Love: You make the rules and set the stage.

Money: Your intuition will lead to riches.

Health: Confidence, enthusiasm and participation equal good health.

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21

Don't be fooled by what others do or say. Your intuition is kicking in, and you must follow your gut when it comes to personal decisions that can affect your lifestyle and financial investments. It's your turn to call the shots and to put pressure on those you feel owe you. A strong alliance with an old friend or partner will make your goals easier to obtain.

Love: Passion will follow if you show your strengths and your weaknesses.

Money: Think outside the box, offer something unique and you will prosper.

Health: Listen to your body. Immediate attention will deter problems.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21

Be careful what you wish for. Change can be a two-way street. Confusion is likely to lead you down the wrong path. Talk to a trusted friend before you make a move you cannot reverse. Excessive behaviour and financial, physical or emotional temptation will be your downfall. Bide your time, observe, listen to good advice and make the smart choice. Patience will be your saving grace.

Love: Hot, inviting and intense. Volatile and unconventional.

Money: Less is more. Saving and budgeting are a must.

Health: Minor setbacks due to overindulgence and injury.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19

Take stock of your assets and liabilities so you can add the finishing touches that will bring your situation greater stability. Being responsible and using unique methods will grab attention and make an impression that leads to success. Do your due diligence during the first half of the year, and once everything is in place, you will be able to coast along and enjoy the ride.

Love: Aggressive action will bring passionate results.

Money: Know your limits, calculate strategically and play to win.

Health: A fast pace will keep you fit and out of harm's way.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18

Prepare to reassess, review and redo. A serious look at your past, present and future will help you put your life in perspective and set realistic goals. You will advance quickly once your direction is clear. New beginnings and projects will confirm that you are on the right track. Greater success will unfold as you take advantage of the opportunities that are offered to you.

Love: An abundance of opportunities and choices may lead to confusion.

Money: Knowledge will lead to greater wealth.

Health: Discipline and strength of character will equal good health.

PISCES Feb. 19-March 20)

Work and personal partnerships must be looked at carefully. Consider what you give and what you get back from the people you deal with daily. Cut your emotional, physical and financial losses in order to move on to more rewarding times. Too much of anything will work against you. Find ways to get the most for the least. You must put your own needs first.

Love: Verify what's offered and what you'll give back.

Money: Settlements, hard work and good negotiations pay off.

Health: Do what you are told and avoid repercussions.

2011 UNIVERSAL UCLICK

-- The Nation 2012-01-01

[Lite Beer]

Union to meet as Hoya announces flood-related layoffs

The Nation on Sunday

The Electrical and Electronic Appliances Labour Union will hold a meeting on January 9 to discuss Hoya Glass Disk (Thailand)'s announcement that it will lay off 1,606 workers effective January 31 due to a drop in orders in the wake of the floods.

Union president Akkaradech Chobdee said the January 9 meeting at Wat Phra Yeun in Lamphun's Muang district would gather names of those who didn't participate in Hoya's voluntary-resignation scheme and look for ways to assist the laid-off workers. Participants in the voluntary scheme will get compensation on top of 75 per cent of their salary.

Meanwhile, Lamphun social security officer Udom Buathong urged workers under 55 who have paid into the SSO fund for at least six months to register within 30 days of job termination to get up to six months' compensation from the SSO in case of unemployment, as well as vocational training.

Those over 55 would be entitled to compensation. Call the SSO hotline at 1506 for details.

-- The Nation 2012-01-01

[Lite Beer]

RECYCLING

Waste banks in schools

Nalin Viboonchart

The Nation

Map Ta Phut, Rayong January 1, 2012 1:00 am

The success of the first Waste Recycle Bank project in Ban Nong Fab School, Map Ta Phut, Rayong province has encouraged Indorama, the world's leading manufacturer of integrated polyester chain, to expand the project to cover two more schools in Rayong next year.

Richard Jones, head of investor relations and corporate communications, recently said that as a manufacturer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a raw material for manufacturing plastic drinking bottles, Indorama can support the recycling to reduce waste.

The recycle project was launched in Rayong where Indorama's manufacturing plants such as TPT Petrochemicals are located.

Indorama started the project in November, 2010, in Ban Nong Fab School. Following the success of the maiden project, the company now plans to run waste recycle banks in two more schools in Rayong province next year. Wat Krok Yai Cha School will be the next location while Indorama is in the process of selecting the other one, said Jones.

"This project is different from other Corporate Social Responsibility projects. We don't give them [students and teachers at Ban Nong Fab school] stuff, books, stationery or sports equipment, but we encourage the students to know how to generate revenue from waste. At the same time, we can save our environment. This way is more sustainable than just giving," he said.

Indorama has supported the school by inviting experts in waste recycling to educate the students and teachers on how to select and screen garbage. Meanwhile, teachers in the project have coordinated with recycling companies in the province to buy waste from the bank.

Boonpa Kaewdecha, a senior teacher at Ban Nong Fab School who handles the project, said Map Ta Phut was the country's petrochemical complex, where many workers come and live in the nearby communities. One problem of the industrial communities is waste, which is very difficult to get rid of if people in the communities do not realise this problem.

She said despite a lot of waste and garbage in Map Ta Phut's communities, the school is confident that this problem can be managed with the well-planned project. It foresaw that most of workers who move to work here are poor. Thus, if they can generate revenue from litter, they can increase their income while saving the environment. The project was born out of this idea.

To educate students about the first process of recycling - to select and separate waste - the sixth and fifth-grade students in the recycling club were asked to serve voluntarily on the project committee. Six students serve on the committee as managers for selecting and separating waste, waste weight measurement, and accounting. Boonpa helps the committees in checking the money in members' bank accounts and all the processes.

Boonpa said that all the students of Ban Nong Fab school, about 200, the teachers and residents of the nearby community can join the project by having their own waste bank accounts. Even manufacturing plants in the Map Ta Phut area can have bank accounts. There are currently 223 members and they can bring their waste to the bank every Wednesday from 1.30pm to 2.30pm and sell the litter collected by them to the bank. All members have already been educated on the waste-separation process as they have to screen garbage before they come to the bank.

The garbage accepted by the bank includes paper, plastic drinking bottles, and drinking cans. The purchasing price for each waste is different. Pieces of paper, for instance, get Bt2 per kilogram, general plastic garbage can be sold for Bt7 per kilogram, while PET drinking bottles fetch as high as Bt14 per kilogram.

Kantaporn Duenjam, a sixth-grade student who is the waste recycle bank manager, said the committee works together every Wednesday afternoon to purchase garbage from members and go through the deposit process. The money is not paid to the members directly, but is credited in their bank accounts. The members can withdraw the money whenever they want. Many students save the money to fund their high school education.

Meanwhile, private companies that have bank accounts here make deposits as scholarship for poor students at the school.

Kantaporn said that after one year of the bank's operation, all the waste totalling 11,118 kilograms could be sold for Bt40,012. All the money will be added to the members' savings.

"After we started running the waste recycle bank, the waste in our communities is obviously less than in the past. I and my friend have learnt that we can generate revenue from waste, while taking care of our environment," she said.

-- The Nation 2012-01-01

[Lite Beer]

Upper Thailand still cold and foggy so motorists urged to be careful, BKK still cool, Lower South sees heavy rain/TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

Phu Kradueng National Park to Allow No More 5,000 Visitors Per Day

BANGKOK, 1 January 2012 - Thailand's popular Phu Kradueng National Park is putting a cap on the visitor number during the New Year holidays to avoid overcrowding while suggesting travelers to try other winter destinations.

Phu Kradueng National Park Chief, Mr. Sanong Kaew-Ampai, said that no more than 5,000 travelers will be allowed each day on this famous natural tourist destination, located in the northeastern province of Loei, during the year 2012.

Mr. Sanong said, during the New Year holidays, it has been expected that a large number of visitors will be flocking to enjoy the cold air on the hilltops. The officials are now urging holiday-makers to switch to nearby destinations, including the Phu Ruea National Park, the Phu Pha Man National Park in nearby Khon Kaen Province and the Nam Nao National Park in Phetchabun Province.

However, travelers are still encouraged to make way to witness and indulge into the beauty of nature by making advance reservation at the Department of Natural Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation's website, www.dnp.go.th.

Interested visitors can also directly contact the Phu Kradueng National Park Office for reservation or more information at 0-4287-1333 and 0-4287-1458. Available accommodations include bungalows, tents and space for putting up tents.

In addition, officials are advising visitors to bring only travel necessities in order to avoid cases of lost or forgotten items after the holidays, while food and beverages are assured to be made available throughout the park area.

-- NNT 2012-01-01

[Lite Beer]

Doctors recommend tea to warmth seekers

BANGKOK, 1 January 2012 (NNT) - Doctors have warned the public to refrain from drinking alcohol during winter as such a warmth-seeking practice is deadly.

Not only has alcohol long been blamed for road accidents, it is also a top killer during winter. As cold weather already makes blood viscous, drinking alcohol during the cold season can lead to heart attack as it causes the heart to beat faster. Alcohol can also increase secretion of urine, and causes dehydration which in turn leads to a decrease in immunity.

Instead of drinking alcoholic beverages, doctors suggest that the public opt for tea to keep themselves warm thanks to its various benefits. Freshly brewed tea has anti-cancer properties, boosts the free radical-preventive system in humans and promotes longevity.

-- NNT 2012-01-01

[Lite Beer]

Thais crowd Sanam Luang to give alms to 185 monks on New Year, temples nationwide also see alms giving/TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

PM Yingluck: Govt Will Continue Economic Stimulus Policies

BANGKOK, 1 January 2012 - The Thai prime minister has pledged to keep up with promises on more economic stimulus policies after the country's worst flood crisis in decades is over.

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/522944-pm-yingluck-govt-will-continue-economic-stimulus-policies/page__view__findpost__p__4947150

[Lite Beer]

King urges Thais to live with consciousness

BANGKOK, 1 January 2012 (NNT) - All Thais should take the disastrous deluge occurring in late 2011 as an important reminder not to live in negligence, His Majesty the King said in a New Year message to the country last night.

His Majesty said last year’s floods had caused danger and troubles to people in many provinces and brought damages that seemed to be more severe than any other time. He also reminded what he had mentioned several times that nobody could live only in bliss. So he urged Thais to prepare their mind and body for any trouble ahead and to solve it with mindfulness, reasons, knowledge and unity.

His Majesty called on Thai people to live with consciousness all the time and to implement their duties without delay so that the achieved results would bring them happiness and progress, as well as stability and prosperity to the country.

His Majesty the King also thanked the people for organizing a beautiful and suitable celebration to honour him on his seventh cycle birthday anniversary.

-- NNT 2012-01-01

[Lite Beer]

Price control list to be adjusted early Jan.

BANGKOK, 1 January 2012 (NNT) - The Internal Trade Department has planned to adjust the list of items under price controls early next year in accordance with the actual demands.

Eight items will be removed from the price control list including soap, shampoo, dish-washing liquid, laundry detergent, yoghurt, garlic, instant coffee and Kraft paper as their pricing is already competitive thanks to the high number of manufacturers.

Meanwhile, eight other items will be added to the list. They are water pumps, tractors, combine harvesters, moisture meters, rice testing machines, flour moisture meters, agricultural service fees, and tissue papers. The inclusion of agricultural tools in the price control list stems from the fact that their capital costs have not been controlled yet. Tissue papers have also been added to the list due to a rising demand.

The adjustment keeps the total number of goods and services in the price control list to stay the same at 41.

-- NNT 2012-01-01

[Lite Beer]

ABAC Poll: King’s health best news for 2011

BANGKOK, 1 January 2012 (NNT) - Heartwarming developments on His Majesty the King’s health have been found to be what Thai people love to hear most in 2011, according to a recent ABAC Poll.

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/522947-abac-poll-kings-health-best-news-for-2011/page__view__findpost__p__4947185

[Lite Beer]

Wildlife-feeding visitors at Khao Yai to be fined

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, 1 January 2012 (NNT) - Khao Yai National Park is set to impose a penalty on any visitor found to have fed wild animals as a way to prevent animal attacks on humans.

Animal-feeding habit of visitors has long been a big problem for Khao Yai National Park because of its ill effects. The problem worsens during the long holidays when the Park is filled with vacationers.

Khao Yai National Park chief, Krissada Homsud said many visitors driving in the park often stop to offer monkeys and deer with food in order to lure them to come closer. However, such a habit has aroused aggression in monkeys, which can result in an attack on humans when their demand for food is ignored.

Unlike domestic animals, monkeys see those feeding them as their subordinates because inferior monkeys are tasked with providing food to their chief.

The ban on animal-feeding has therefore been put for the visitors’ own safety. Anyone found feeding wild animals, intentionally or not, will be fined 1,000 baht.

-- NNT 2012-01-01

[Lite Beer]

Southern provinces celebrate New Year under rain as seven districts of Songkhla are inundated, particularly in Sadao, Hat Yai/MCOT

[Lite Beer]

Heavy rain in Songkhla causes flash floods in 8 districts; Yala warns those living on bank of Saiburi River to be ready to evacuate/TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

PM leads ministers and armed forces leaders in writing well wishes for the King on the occasion of the New Year at the Grand Palace/TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

Metropolitan police arrest suspect in Bt400,000 robbery of Kasikorn Bank Ratchadapisek branch, Bt300,000 recovered/TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

3rd day of 7 danger days for road accidents see 164 deaths and 1,818 injuries/TAN_Network

165 deaths, 1,782 injuries in 1,605 road accidents reported in the first 3 days of 7-day travel period of New Year holiday: Road Safety Centre

/MCOT

[Lite Beer]

ABAC Poll: respondents favor PM and Abhisit; most don't believe amending Constitution will help with reconciliation/TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

A New Year’s message from the Phuket Governor

Phuket Gazette

Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__4947418

[Lite Beer]

Phuket's 'Persons of the Year': A Sailor’s Salute

Phuket Gazette

Phuket King’s Cup Regatta stalwarts (from left): Duncan Worthington, Santi Kanchanabandhu, Pamuke Achariyachai and Simon James. Photo: Dean Noble

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/522978-phukets-persons-of-the-year-a-sailors-salute/page__view__findpost__p__4947434