Thailand Live Tuesday 24 Jan 2012

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Govt owes Bt52.1bn to social security fund

The board of the Social Security Office (SSO) Tuesday "reminded" the government of more than Bt52.1 billion it has not yet given to the SSO in accumulative state contribution, citing worries that it would have been a fiscal burden becoming heavier on the government in the following years.

Board spokesman Chawalit Arkhomthon said Tuesday that the board "had been concerned" that the unpaid amounts would burden the government in the next years. Of Bt62.532 billion in SSO coverage in seven payments which would be contributed through government subsidy to beneficiaries, the SSO has received only Bt10.432 bilion.

The government’s contribution of Bt10.432 bilion was last received by the SSO in May 2010. The SSO has not received Bt26.111 billion in the entire 2011. The SSO is supposed to receive another Bt26.670 billion in the entire 2012.

-- The Nation 2012-01-24

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Finnish tourists unharmed in Phuket bus fire

A Karon Municipality douses the flames following Phuket's latest tour bus mishap. Photo: Sappawat Wannasangkham.

The damage to the engine compartment after the blaze was extinguished. Photo by Phuket Gazette reporter Atchaa Khamlo.

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Two Thais killed, girl injured in shooting near Thai-Myanmar border.

The Thai authorities tightened security at the Thai-Myanmar border in Tak province on Tuesday after unknown gunmen shot two Thai nationals - a man and a woman - and severely wounded a Thai teenager.

-- TNA 2012-01-24

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Police probe into terrorist plot progressing

BANGKOK, 24 January 2012 (NNT) - Deputy National Police Commissioner-General Pansiri Prapawat said police have discovered where the recently-arrested suspect of terrorism had purchased the containers for explosive materials.

According to Pol. Gen. Pansiri, the investigative officers have been able to pinpoint the place from which Mr. Atris Hussein, Lebanese terrorist suspect, purchased the supplies for containing explosive substances. If Mr. Hussein is identified as the buyer, the police would immediately lay another legal charge against him.

The suspect was arrested a day after the U.S. embassy had issued a terrorist alert in Bangkok. He was found in possession of ammonia nitrate and urea during the police raid and has been charged with violation of the Arms Control Act.

Pol. Gen. Pansiri added that further investigation on the case will be needed to verify if all witnesses and evidence point to the same suspect. The Deputy Police Chief assured that more details can be expected within this week as Mr. Hussein is being interrogated over his connections with Hezbollah, a Shi'a Muslim militant group and political party based in Lebanon.

-- NNT 2012-01-24

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Supoj acknowledges unusual wealth charge

BANGKOK, 24 January 2012 (NNT) – Former Permanent Secretary for Transport Supoj Saplom has acknowledged the charge of unusual wealth from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) while insisting that only 5 million baht was stolen from him.

Mr. Supoj, who has been transferred to an inactive post at the Prime Minister’s Office, reported to the NACC headquarters yesterday to acknowledge the charge pressed against him for being abnormally wealthy following investigations on an earlier burglary at his residence.

Upon leaving the NACC, Mr. Supoj gave a short interview to the press, stating that he has been given 15 days to defend himself against the charge. He also insisted that only 5 million baht was taken away from his house by the intruders.

Meanwhile, Mr. Preecha Lertkamolmart, member of the NACC and the subcommittee investigating this case, disclosed that Mr. Supoj is still required to submit more evidence to clarify some ambiguous points.

Further investigations are being carried out to determine if Mr. Supoj would be charged with malfeasance as well.

-- NNT 2012-01-24

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Commemorative books to be published for Royal Cremation of HRH Princess Bejaratana

BANGKOK, 24 January 2012 (NNT) - The Fine Arts Department under the Ministry of Culture is designated to publish commemorative books on the occasion of the Royal Cremation of HRH Princess Bejaratana which is scheduled for 9 April 2012.

Following a meeting of the committee on the publication of commemorative books and historical records for the Royal Cremation of Her Royal Highness Princess Bejaratana, Minister of Culture Sukumol Khunpleum announced that the Fine Arts Department has been tasked with the duty of publishing a series of four commemorative books.

The responsibilities were given to the Office of National Museum to publish a book of royal decorations, the Office of Literature and History to publish a book of poetry in honor of the Princess, the National Library of Thailand to publish a book of musical comedy scripts of nine stories written by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), and the National Archives of Thailand to publish historical records of Princess Bejaratana.

Furthermore, the Fine Arts Department will produce 500,000 booklets to be given to people, who visit the Royal Crematorium during 10-17 April 2012, as souvenirs on the occasion of the Royal Cremation.

-- NNT 2012-01-24

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Thailand Live Wednesday 25 Jan 2012

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