Thailand Live Saturday 7 Jan 2012

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Thailand Live Saturday 7 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 Friday 6 Jan 2012

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Today's Thailand weather and forecasts:

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74-Year-Old American Expat Faces Deportation Over Loan Sharking: Phuket

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

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NBTC to inspect DTAC sites as network problem recurs

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....ecurs-thailand/

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US ambassador: We love your King

THE NATION

American Ambassador Kristie Kenny has reiterated that the United States would never interfere in Thailand's political affairs, and that controversial Article 112 is a legal matter to be sorted out by Thais only.

Clarifying her embassy's and her own roles regarding the so-called lese majeste law that recently led to a jail sentence for a Thai-American, the envoy said her and the embassy's reactions to the case were strictly that _ a response to an individual case, and no more, no less.

"We love your king," she told a small group of newspaper editors meeting her at her residence. The ambassador stressed that she appreciated each country's need to have its own laws.

The US Embassy's Facebook page had been overwhelmed with angry remarks, some of which expressed in obscenities, after the United States' reaction to Joe Gordon's 20-year jail sentence was seen as America siding with the anti-lese majeste movement here. Street protests were held. Ambassador Kenny also bore the brunt of the wrath, with furious messages and some profanities sent to her Twitter account.

She said her Twitter chat with her followers the day after Joe Gordon sentence was handed down had been planned in advance, and the embassy could not have known exactly when the verdict was going to come out after delays and postponements. The issue of Joe Gordon and lese majeste came up during the Twitter chat, and although she took diplomatic lines in answering questions, attacks on the embassy's Facebook page began after the Twitter forum.

"I felt very bad about it," she said, repeating that Americans are friends to Thais on both sides of the political divide.

-- The Nation 2012-01-07

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UPDATE:

Van crash claims six lives, seven injured

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__4960695

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WATER MANAGEMENT

Scheme targets 17 flood-prone sites: Thailand

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....sites-thailand/

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H5N1 OUTBREAK

Thailand at risk as birdflu breaks out in Vietnam

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

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CHARTER REVIEW

New panel be set up for Thai charter changes: NRLC

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New Phuket City Police chief to tackle drugs, traffic woes

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....s-traffic-woes/

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UPDATE:

Families of turmoil victims may get Bt5m each

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__4960718

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Tony Blair to deliver address at BOI's confidence-boosting CEO forum

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....-forum-bangkok/

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Couple shot in Sungai Kolok; business conflict suspected

The Nation

A husband and wife were seriously injured after gunmen opened fire at their pickup truck in Narathiwat's Sungai Kolok district yesterday morning. The husband later succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators said the window on the driver's side was completely shattered.

Police said the attack took place on Prachawiwat Road, Soi 21 in Sungai Kolok municipality.

Lohaya Jehda, a 32yearold teacher at Ban Lalae School, and her husband, Abdul Awae, 51, were driving to the municipality when two men on a motorcycle approached their vehicle and shot at them five times with an 11mm handgun, before fleeing.

Lohaya was shot in her right arm but her husband, who was driving, took the bullets in his chest and torso.

Police suspect the attack involved a business conflict.

-- The Nation 2012-01-07

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Khanchit fails to show gun

The Nation

Democrat Party MP Khanchit Thabsuwan, the lone suspect in the fatal shooting of a Pheu Thaiaffiliated politician in Samut Sakhon last month, failed to submit his handgun for forensic inspection yesterday. Police say that since he has violated the deadline, they will take the case to Parliament next week so he can be summoned for indictment.

Police spokesman Pol MajGeneral Piya Uthayo said the national police bureau would not just rely on the inspection of a .40calibre handgun registered under his name, which matched the characteristics of the murder weapon and the spent cartridges found at the scene.

"Police also have other types of evidence available for indictment," he said.

Records show that seven Samut Sakhon residents own a handgun of this sort and that four of the owners have handed theirs to police for inspection, senior commander Pol LtGeneral Harnphol Nitwibool said. In addition, he said, the police firearms registration division is considering 11 requests for the ownership of the same sort of handguns.

Meanwhile, he said, police would no longer interview Khanchit, since he had insisted that he was innocent and said that he would only give his testimony in court.

"I do not believe that anybody who shoots someone in public, in front of many witnesses, can escape justice despite the lack of evidence on the murder weapon and the escape vehicle. The [other] evidence police have now is more than available," the officer said.

He added that police had acknowledged the existence of a love triangle involving the suspect, victim Udorn Kraiwatnusorn and a woman, saying that bitter relations among the three had lasted for more than two years, and that police would not want to summon the woman as a witness.

"Reports about the love triangle have hurt her enough as a woman," he said.

Police are reviewing remaining footage from a few other security cameras, while also secretly tracking Khanchit's aides and relatives who might be in possession of the handgun and the vehicle he had been driving before the attack.

Jongrak Juthanon, chairman of the Senate committee on police affairs, said yesterday that Parliament should not grant immunity to Khanchit when further police action is taken against him.

-- The Nation 2012-01-07

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Two volunteers killed in South attack

The Nation

Insurgents attacked a security outpost in Narathiwat on Thursday, killing two civil defence volunteers and wounding three others.

The attackers also took five assault rifles and munitions from the outpost's armoury, where a dud hand grenade was found and a homemade bomb was defused. The wounded people have undergone surgery and are now safe. Those killed were identified as Boreheng Yusho and Asran Abu.

Rusoh district police said there were three teams of ten insurgents each participating in the attack - with one team attacking the outpost, another blocking a nearby police station to stop officers from helping the victims while the last group bringing down several trees to block a road.

-- The Nation 2012-01-07

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Democrat leader Abhisit visits Nakhon Si Thammarat to help with clean up after floods /TANN

Saensaeb Canal boat to increase fares by Bt1/interval from today onwards due to the higher fuel price /TANN

From today onwards Bangpo Pier to be closed off for construction of Blue Line electric train /TANN

Sripathum Univ holds graduation ceremony at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani from 7am-5pm /TANN

Thai Chamber of Commerce Univ on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Rd holds graduation rehearsal today and tomorrow and actual ceremony next Sat-Sun /TANN

Foreign Ministry examination at Horwang School from 9am-3.30pm, 3,000 people expected /TANN

Blaze at 1st floor kitchen of Shangarila Hotel on Charoenkrung Rd, slight damage but no injuries /TANN

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PM to visit flood-hit Nakhon Si Thammarat on Jan 8

BANGKOK, 7 January 2012 (NNT) – The prime minister is scheduled to make a quick visit to flood-hit Nakhon Si Thammarat in the South on Sunday.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is visiting Nakhon Si Thammarat, one of the flood-ravaged provinces in Thailand's South on January 8.

The Premier is set to leave Bangkok from the Don Mueang Royal Thai Air Force Base at 11.30 am and to arrive at the Nakhon Si Thammarat airport an hour later.

PM Yingluck has set a plan to visit the Ban Pak Long child care center in Nopphitam District to distribute financial aid and give moral support to flood victims before flying back to Bangkok at 4 pm.

According to Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor Viroj Jiwarangsan, severe flooding has affected more than 120,000 people in 14 districts. The initial cost of damage on basic infrastructure is estimated at not less than THB120 million.

-- NNT 2012-01-07

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Bkk Governors opens office to kids on Children´s Day

BANGKOK, 7 January 2012 (NNT) - Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra will offer children a tour to his office as a treat on the upcoming Children’s Day.

As the Children’s Day comes round every second Saturday of January, children will this year have a chance to sit on the governor’s seat and get a glimpse of how the governor’s office at Bangkok City Hall is like.

Aside from the once-a-year experience at the governor’s office, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will be giving limited edition books to the young visitors.

M.R. Sukhumbhand will preside over the opening ceremony of the Children’s Day event at the Thai-Japanese Youth Center in Din Dang District. As for fun-filled and entertainment activities which used to be held at the Wachirabenchatat Park, the event will be moved to Rama VIII Bridge in Bang Plat District so that those living on the Thonburi side can celebrate the Children’s Day conveniently as well. The food and drinks are free of charge.

To stress that children’s wellbeing is one of the BMA’s priorities, special activities will further be held between January 13 and 22 at all the 37 youth centers under the BMA.

-- NNT 2012-01-07

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Thailand to organize 2012 National Dairy Fair on Jan 17-19

BANGKOK, 7 January 2012 (NNT) – The Dairy Farming Promotion Organization of Thailand has announced a plan to host an annual event for the dairy industry later this month. This year, the 3-day fair is intended to honor His Majesty the King and his contribution to the development of dairy farming in the country.

The Dairy Farming Promotion Organization of Thailand (DPO) President, Mr. Thavatchai Samrongwatana, revealed that the 2012 National Dairy Fair will take place during January 17 and 19 at the DPO headquarters in Muak Lek District, Saraburi Province.

Mr. Thavatchai said that this year's fair will be grander than ever as it is also the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Thai-Danish Dairy Farm. Moreover, the DPO wants to make the event an opportunity to show gratitude to His Majesty the King for the creation of dairy farming profession for Thai farmers since 1962. His Majesty's vision became a turning point for a large number of local farmers to have a secure and sustainable source of income after all these years.

At this year's event, various activities will be held to showcase the progress of dairy farming and Thailand's dairy industry during the past 50 years as well as a special exhibition on His Majesty the King's creation of Thai dairy farming. In addition, fair-goers will also get to enjoy several entertainment programs throughout the 3-day fair.

-- NNT 2012-01-07

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PM Yingluck to chair 2012 National Teachers Day celebrations on Jan 16

BANGKOK, 7 January 2012 (NNT) – The Teachers' Council of Thailand has announced its plan to organize the 2012 National Teachers' Day on January 15-16 under the theme that encourages all teachers to follow in the footsteps of His Majesty the King who has been proclaimed Teacher of the Nation.

The Minister of Education, Mr. Woravat Auapinyakul, said that this year's National Teachers Day celebrations will expand into 2 days, including January 15 and 16 at the Secretariat of the Teachers' Council of Thailand.

He said this year's event, which is the 56th of its kind, will be held under the theme “Good Teachers: Follow in the Footsteps of His Majesty the King, the Teacher of the Land”.

The opening ceremony of the event on January 15 will be chaired by the Minister of Education himself and will focus on the presentation of honorary certificates to a select group of educators, who are noted to be “One Good Teacher” from across Thailand.

On the second day, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will join the event, which mainly involves the ceremony to show respect to His Majesty the King and all teachers.

According to Mr. Woravat, similar celebrations will also be organized nationwide on both days.

-- NNT 2012-01-07

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Chatuchak weekend market opens crowded as normally after SRT takeover from City Hall; Police provide security after fire at book section Wed night

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Phuket ‘Pla wan’ stabbing: ‘I’m sorry,’ says pub owner

Phuket Gazette –

Rachada pub owner Sawat Prueksakij vowed to investigate the incident that left Vorasit ‘Pla-wan’ Issara stabbed in the stomach and hacked in the neck with an axe. Photo: Warisa Temram

The Rachada pub in Phuket Town has been ordered closed for 90 days. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/524409-phuket-pla-wan-stabbing-im-sorry-says-pub-owner/page__view__findpost__p__4961653

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Government is confident economic growth this year will hit 7%

BANGKOK, Jan 7 -- Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Kittirat Na Ranong affirmed Thailand's economy remained strong, despite the country facing a massive flood crisis late last year, and he was confident the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) could expand more than 7 per cent this year.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Saturday was absent from her weekly TV and radio programme, "Yingluck Government Meets the People," but assigned Mr Kittirat, who also represented the premier as chair of the Strategic Committee for Water Resources Management, along with the Strategic Committee for Reconstruction and Future Development chairman Virabongsa Ramangkura, to clarify the water management plan and Thailand's economic prospects in 2012.

Mr Kittirat said that he believed that this year could be a golden year for Thailand despite the flood crisis because there would be investment and development to make up for the damages caused by the one of the worst floods in recent history.

More investment would be carried out in flood prevention and response as well as to fight drought, so employment could increase, he said, adding that he was confident that Thailand could achieve 7 per cent GDP growth in 2012.

Mr Kittirat said that the master plan for updated water management programme could be implemented immediately when the 2012 budget bill was approved by Parliament, with more than Bt29 billion to be initially spent on the repair and rehabilitation of water sluice gates and dykes that were damaged by the flood.

Moreover, he said, legislation would be promulgated to mobilise more than Bt350 billion in funds to spend on the management of 25 river basins.

Mr Virabongsa, former finance minister, said that since he assumed the position, he visited many countries including England and Japan to hold talks with insurance companies, investors, business leaders and leaders to assure them about Thailand's rehabilitation plan and preparation to tackle future flood.

He said that business leaders have confirmed that they would not move their production bases from Thailand, but wanted the government's assurance that there would be no further flood crisis.

Mr Virabongsa said he has convinced them that there would be no more disasters like the flood crisis of last year. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-01-07

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Abhisit meets flood victims in South

BANGKOK, 7 January 2012 (NNT) – Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and Democrat party MPs have flown down South to meet flood victims in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Abhisit and his team have also planned to join the big cleanup with authorities and the public at local fresh markets in the municipal area of Nakhon Si Thammarat.

The Opposition leader and the MPs are also scheduled to visit Tha Sala Hospital before moving on to Phitam District to offer moral support to the flood-hit people there.

-- NNT 2012-01-07

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Flood situation in Surat Thani eased , many villages in Kanchanadit district still cut off by landslides, strong current cut off bridge /MCOT

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to continue:

Thailand Live Sunday 8 Jan 2012

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/524450-thailand-live-sunday-8-jan-2012/