Thailand Live Thursday 19 Jan 2012

[webfact]

Thailand Live Thursday 19 January 2012

News, Bits and Tweets

with webfact

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.

FOLLOW US:

You can also follow us on

- Twitter: http://twitter.com/georgebkk

- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ThaiVisaNews

- Google+: http://plus.google.com/116866638430460700577/

- Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/564113621/

- Breaking News via SMS text messages to your mobile phone or handheld device

To subscribe dial *424010011 on AIS, One-2-Call, DTAC or True Move networks

14 days complementary subscription for Thaivisa members.

If you have questions about the Breaking News SMS service,

email: sms [at] thaivisa.com

________________________________________________________________________________

Thailand's current weather and forecasts: http://weather.thaivisa.com/

________________________________________________________________________________

Related topic: Thailand Live Wednesday 18 Jan 2012

[webfact]

THAIVISA CONNECT

Thaivisa Forum Apps for your mobile or tablet

"Thaivisa Connect" for iPhone, iPad and iPod:

iTunes App Store:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/thaivisa-connect-thailand/id492600537

"Thaivisa Connect" for Android:

Android Market

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.quoord.tapatalkthaivisa.activity

OR

For QR code just go here with your desktop or mobile:

http://apps.thaivisa.com

[webfact]

New minister on US blacklist

THE NATION

PM's Office Minister Nalinee sanctioned by Treasury Dept office for dealings with Mugabe regime

Follow this link:

[webfact]

NARCOTICS WAR

1.2 million Thais are addicted to drugs

ONCB guarding some 60,000 villages from gangs and crime

Follow this link:

[webfact]

TERROR PLOT

US embassy maintains terror threat warning on its website

THE NATION

The US Embassy sees American citizens in Thailand still facing the threat of terrorism and will keep the warning on its website even though the Thai government is insisting that Thailand is not a target for international terrorists, a senior embassy official said yesterday.

Follow this link:

[webfact]

The new faces in the Yingluck Cabinet

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....ngluck-cabinet/

[webfact]

Reshuffle lends no benefit to Thailand's education

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Wounded elephant

The Nation

A five-year-old elephant wounded during a gunfight between authorities and a wildlife smuggling ring in Ratchaburi's Suan Phung district on Tuesday will be sent to Lampang for treatment.

Damrong Pidech, director-general of the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, said yesterday that an investigation found that a Suan Phung policeman's son and a local politician from a neighbouring province were involved in the ring's operation.

The ring was also suspected of having a connection with the slaughter of an elephant in Phetchaburi, said Damrong, who was visiting the wounded elephant at Khao Prathab Chang Wildlife Centre in Chom Bung district.

While trying to deliver the young jumbo to Saraburi through Suan Phung, the gang, believed also to hunt elephants in Phetchaburi, ran into officials and the gunfight ensued.

Officials say they will search for the remaining gang members and another elephant.

-- The Nation 2012-01-19

[webfact]

Educate people on risk of diaster : Seameo told

WANNAPA KHAOPA

THE NATION

With severe natural disasters affecting many parts of the world, Asean countries and Timor-Leste are being encouraged to provide education on the reduction of disaster risk so people can protect themselves.

In a bid to achieve this, the 34th Seameo (Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation) High Officials Meeting yesterday endorsed the proposal to run a competition between member countries and motivate primary and secondary schools to offer their ideas on reducing disasters.

Japan will fund this project in collaboration with Seameo. Schools can submit their entries between April and July, and the winner will get a chance to go on a tour in Japan to learn and share best practices with schools there.

The project, entitled Seameo-Japan ESD (education for sustainable development), will focus on disaster-risk reduction in the first year.

"People are paying attention to disasters. We have to think how to teach our children about the issues," Assoc Prof Witaya Jeradechakul, director of the Seameo Secretariat, said.

The delegates also followed up on the progress of one of the organisation's key missions - Reaching the Unreached. This project aims to provide every child equal access to education.

The Seameo High Officials Meeting is an annual event that serves as a forum for discussion on priority issues, review of proposals and presentation of accomplishments.

Education Minister Woravat Auapinyakul presided over the opening of the meeting yesterday, which actually kicked off at Bangkok's Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Hotel on Tuesday and will run until tomorrow.

The sixth Asean Senior Officials Meeting on Education and the Asean+3 Senior Officials Meeting on Education will be convened as soon as this meeting wraps up.

-- The Nation 2012-01-19

[webfact]

Cabinet reshuffles: Catch us if you can: Thai talk

Premier Yingluck Shinawatra says her first Cabinet has "already" been in office for six months. It's time to review, evaluate and shake things up.

Follow this link:

[webfact]

-- The Nation 2012-01-19

[webfact]

Molester's 37-year prison term

The Nation

The Appeals Court yesterday upheld a 37-year prison sentence for a Dutch man convicted of sexually molesting a 12-year-old boy.

On July 16, 2009, Willem Gerard Knoppien, 54, was handed the 37-year jail term and his accomplice Thanes Bualuang, 35, got 26 years and eight months.

The two had been accused of taking the minor away from his parents, procuring him for molestation and abusing him on four occasions in Prachuap Khiri Khan's Hua Hin district in March 2007.

Thanes lured the boy with a cleaning job to Knoppien's house, where Knoppien sexually molested the boy on four days. Each time Knoppien paid Thanes Bt200 and the boy Bt120.

The Appeals Court agreed that the victim's testimony was clear and Thanes's confession to police carried weight, while Knoppien's defence was not convincing.

-- The Nation 2012-01-19

[webfact]

Woravat happy with new Cabinet seat

Wannapa Khaopa

The Nation

Education Minister Woravat Auapinyakul said yesterday that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's decision to make him a PM's Office Minister did not surprise him.

"In the new position, I will be in charge of the budgets. I had told the premier before she gave me the education minister's job that I would help her take care of budgeting because I am experienced in that field.

"I am pleased with the new job, because it is crucial to linking up many different administrative levels," he said, adding that he would help improve flaws in the system.

Woravat also said his successor, Suchart Thadathamrongvej, would be able to continue with his projects, especially since they had worked together before.

Asked if he was worried about some of his projects getting halted, Woravat said he had no such concerns because the projects he had initiated were based on Pheu Thai Party's policies and that Suchart would be able to take them over.

He said the party's three main educational policies include developing knowledge to boost Thai competitiveness, implementing technology for education and boosting communication skills in a foreign language.

Woravat added that he wanted Suchart to focus on upgrading competitiveness in order to help Thais survive once the Asean Economic Community kicks off in 2015.

-- The Nation 2012-01-19

[webfact]

Hospital offers free checks

The Nation

Chulabhorn Hospital is providing 1,000 free physical check-ups, and an online service for people to assess their risk of cancer, to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen's 80th birthday.

Since early detection can often lead to better treatment, the online questionnaire in Thai offers a convenient way for people to learn about their individual cancer risks and study disease prevention.

The hospital also gathers information on the cancer situation in the country for use by researchers planning future cancer prevention measures.

Cancer treatments often do not yield good results since most cases are diagnosed when the disease is already widely spread. The hospital three years ago opened a risk-assessment clinic, developed a database and designed a system to screen for cancer based on age and personal situations.

Respondents to the online questionnaire showing a certain level of cancer risk were advised to make an appointment for a free follow-up examination at the hospital.

-- The Nation 2012-01-19

[webfact]

New evidence about the killing of red-shirt 'Seh Daeng'

Pheu Thai party-list MP Khattiya "Dear" Sawatdipol yesterday presented new evidence to police about the killing of her father, red-shirt Khattiya "Seh Daeng" Sawasdipol.

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Is The Big Boss Thaksin Doling Out Goodies?

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....ng-out-goodies/

[webfact]

Yingluck denies Thaksin influence in reshuffle

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Daily News newspaper's Rayong office attacked by drive-by gunmen on pickup truck firing AK-47; no one hurt /MCOT

[webfact]

BOI Fair extended to end on Jan 22 from original end date of Jan 20, fair on at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani /TANN

[webfact]

Cabinet reshuffle appropriate: PM Yingluck

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__4989748

[webfact]

Two American doctors and an Australian paediatrician will receive Prince Mahidol Award 2011 on 25 January

BANGKOK, 19 January 2012 (NNT) – Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will represent His Majesty the King in presenting the prestigious Prince Mahidol Award 2011 to two American doctors and an Australian paediatrician on 25 January.

The Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, together with Secretary-General of the Prince Mahidol Award Foundation under Royal Patronage Clin. Prof. Supat Vanichakarn and President of Thailand Post Anusara Jitmitrapharb, gave a press conference on the 2011 Prince Mahidol Award Presentation Ceremony, scheduled on 25 January 2012 at 8pm at the Chakri Throne Hall.

A winner of the 2011 award in the field of medicine is Prof. Aaron T. Beck, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry from the University of Pennsylvania in the United States. He discovered the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to treat depression patients. The other winner in the same category is Dr. David T. Wong, Adjunctive Professor from the Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Wong has found fluoxetine which effectively cures depression with small side effects.

In the field of public health, Dr. Ruth F. Bishop, Professorial Fellow from the Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, won the award for 2011. In 1973, the doctor discovered that the cause of diarrhea in children younger than six years old was “Rotavirus.” Her discovery has led to the development of vaccines against diarrhea in small children nowadays.

At the press conference, Ms Anusara said that Thailand Post has created stamps on the occasion of the 120th birthday anniversary of HRH Prince Mahidol of Songkla the Prince Father in recognition of his exemplary contribution as “The Father of Modern Medicine” in Thailand. The stamps have been sold since 1 January. Thailand Post has also issued special sets of personalized stamps or “I Stamp” for the Prince Mahidol Award Foundation to commemorate its 20 years of establishment.

The 20 Year Prince Mahidol Award Foundation “I Stamp” are available for purchase at Thailand Post’s postage stamp section, tel. 02-831-3856 and 02-831-3876 during operating hours.

-- NNT 2012-01-19

[webfact]

Thai stock index opens on Thursday at 1,057.80, up 6.16 points /MCOT

[webfact]

Swiss Ready to Help Tackle the Southern Unrest

The Swiss Ambassador and the Pattani Governor held a talk together to exchange views regarding the southern unrest in Thailand.

Yesterday, Pattani Governor Thira Minthrasak welcomed Swiss Ambassador Lukas Gasser and Peace Policy Office Director Ronald Salvlsberg from the Political Affairs Division IV of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs during the officials' visit to the province.

The provincial governor discussed his view with the Swiss representatives regarding the southern unrest in the three southernmost provinces.

The talk aimed to promote understanding of the situation in the border provinces among locals and foreigners.

The Swiss representatives insisted they are prepared to cooperate with Thailand to solve the daily unrest and to develop the southern provinces to increase local people's wellbeing, especially to develop the lives of women and youths.

In addition, Switzerland expressed interest in promoting peace and working to strengthen human rights in the provinces, particularly regarding the rehabilitation of those affected by the daily southern unrest.

-- Tan Network 2012-01-19

[webfact]

National police office to step up security measures during Chinese New Year festival

BANGKOK, 19 January 2012 – The Royal Thai Police are warning the public to watch out for threats of theft and extortion as well as fire accident during the upcoming Chinese New Year festival.

Royal Thai Police spokesperson, Police Major General Piya Utayo, said that a number of gangs of crooks, including the dragon dance groups and the donation collection groups, will likely be causing troubles around the Chinese New Year festival period.

While asking for immediate reports of such activities, Police Major General Piya affirmed that the police will be out in force to provide security service to the public.

He affirmed that security plans to be executed this time will be similar to those used during the New Year holidays.

The Royal Thai Police spokesperson also warned the public to be on alert about possible fire accidents, with several Chinese New Year practices involving incense sticks and joss paper burning.

Regarding the grand Lunar New Year celebration in Yaowarat on January 23, Police Major General Piya said that maximum security program will be implemented there, as Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will chair the official opening ceremony at 4.30 pm.

He stated that six companies or around 500 police officers will be on duty in Chinatown from 6 am of next Monday.

-- NNT 2012-01-19

[webfact]

Police insists Thailand not terrorist target

BANGKOK, 19 January 2012 (NNT) - The National Police Bureau insists that Thailand is not the terrorist target, saying the large cache of bomb-making materials found in Samut Sakhon is only the storage.

After interrogating Swedish-Lebanese terrorist suspect Atris Hussein, National Police Spokesperson Piya Utayo insisted that Thailand was not the target, saying the suspect told him the bomb-making materials were stored in Thailand before being sent to the Middle East.

Although Thailand is not on the target list, the police still intensify their security measures and keep a watchful eye on intelligence information.

The police are still after three other suspected gang members who are said to have already left Thailand.

According to the spokesperson, Mr Atris said there was another safe house in Samut Sakhon province besides the house where the bomb-making materials were stored, but he could not remember its exact location. The suspect said he and three other members were using the safe house to plan attacks.

Currently, the police only charge Atris Hussein for the possession of ammonia nitrate without permission.

-- NNT 2012-01-19

[webfact]

Red-shirt hardliner Arisman enters monkhood at Sampantawong Temple; red-shirts gather to show support /TANN

[webfact]

Democrat MP Deems Nalinee's Appointment to Cabinet Inappropriate

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__4989966

[webfact]

16 Year Old Girl Trading Sex for Meth

The arrest of the motorcycle taxi driver on drug trafficking charges as led to the discovery of three teenage girls who were holed up at his residence exchanging sex for methamphetamine pills. Drug suppression police arrested 40 year old Prasarn Yimyai for selling drugs in the Bang Sue District of Bangkok. He confessed to the charges and admitted that he continued the trade after serving a two year jail sentence for the same offense. At the time of the arrest, Prasan had 18 methamphetamine pills in his possession.

During a search of his home, police were surprised to find three 16 year old girls. One of the girls told authorities that she had met the suspect in a karaoke bar and he lured her to his apartment, saying he would give her drugs.

Officials from the Children and Women Protection Sub-Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau were called in to investigate.

It was discovered that the suspect did indeed meet the girl at a karaoke bar. After arriving at his apartment, the girl said they had sex once before he gave her two methamphetamine pills as compensation. According to the first victim, the other two underage girls were not involved in the transaction, but had come to find out if she was alright.

Prasarn later confessed that he normally sells his drugs to teenagers in the Prachachern area at the price of 140 baht per pill. He claims to profit around 500 baht a day in the trade. Police are charging him with drug trafficking as well as engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor.

Translated from www.manager.co.th

-- Tan Network 2012-01-19

[webfact]

Justice Ministry prepares budget to bail political prisoners

BANGKOK, 19 January 2012 (NNT) - The Justice Ministry has prepared a 43 million baht budget to be used as bails for 57 political prisoners alleged to have taken part in political protests.

The cabinet earlier granted 43 million baht budget on January 10th for sureties for the temporary release of 57 out of 61 political prisoners. The request came from the Justice Ministry who was acting in line with the advice of the Truth for Reconciliation Commission of Thailand (TRCT).

The commission asked for a temporary release of political prisoners whose crimes were related to political conflicts.

The Rights and Liberties Protection Department has advised the lawyers of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) members now on remand in eight different prisons and their relatives to prepare documents for the release.

-- NNT 2012-01-19

[webfact]

Deputy PM Chalerm confident authorities can handle terrorism threat; denies meeting ex-premier Thaksin in Hong Kong /MCOT