Thailand Live Friday 3 Feb 2012

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Foreigners eyeing Thai tourist market

BANGKOK, 3 February 2012 (NNT) – President of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) Charoen Wangananont has revealed that more foreign tourism promotion agencies are now keen on penetrating the Thai tourist market.

Mr. Charoen stated that foreigners view Thai travelers as quality tourists with high spending power. Therefore, many foreign tourism promotion agencies have expressed their interest in joining in the upcoming Thai International Travel Fair 2012.

Japanese agencies have reportedly reserved up to 40 booths in the fair, which is the highest number compared to other countries. Meanwhile, India is expected to be the second largest exhibitor with 10 booths reserved so far. Other countries also taking part in the event include South Korea, Hong Kong and China.

It is estimated that 6 million Thai tourists will be traveling abroad this year. However, due to the postponement of the summer school break as well as the arrangement of weekend classes, there is expected to be low activity in international traveling during the beginning of this year.

The Thai International Travel Fair will be held during 23-26 February at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The fair will feature over 1,100 booths from travel agencies, hotels, airlines, car rentals and international tourism promotion organizations. It is expected that at least 800,000 visitors will be attending the fair, generating a circulation of around 1.3 billion baht.

-- NNT 2012-02-03

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Authorities search Bang Kwang Prison in drug busting operation

BANGKOK, Feb 3 -- Much drug apparatus, many mobile phones, SIM cards, and quantities of cash were found stashed in varied locations in the capital’s Bang Kwang Central Prison following a search operation conducted as part of an effort to crack down on drug syndicates.

More than 400 personnel from the Departments of Corrections, Provincial Administration, Provincial Police Region 1 and Office of the Narcotics Control Board searched Bang Kwang Central Prison in Nonthaburi, a maximum security prison for men, beginning at 3.30am today.

The search combed sections 2, 6, 8 and 10 of the main prison compound including dormitories, exercise ground, bathing and washing hall and resulted in much seized drug use apparatus, mobile phones, SIM cards, cash and homemade alcoholic beverages in various locations.

The raid followed the arrest of suspected drug dealer suspect Nipon Kanchat who earlier implicated Peerayuth Phaedsakul, also known as Tee, who continued to function as a drug trade kingpin despite being behind bars in Bang Kwang Prison.

Mr Peerayuth earlier denied the charges and asserted his innocence but prison authorities placed him in solitary confinement.

Mr Niphon reportedly admitted owning the 3.8 million speed pills and 71kg of crystal methamphetamine or ice worth more than a billion baht, which was earlier found by police at a rented house in Pathum Thani.

Bang Kwang Prison has detained some 100 inmates convicted of drug-related offences and may link with the drug syndicates outside prison. The Corrections Department plans to move them to Ratchaburi’s Khao Bin Central Prison which has a special zone set apart. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-02-03

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Special Report: The War Veteran Day

3 February each year is observed as the War Veteran Day in Thailand, with the sale of artificial red poppy flower as fund-raising activity familiar to all people around the world since 1968.

From the early days of Thai statehood, wars have been fought with enemies for the sake of national territorial integrity and independence. Young men from Thailand have also been involved in various wars in foreign lands. Quite a number of them were killed or maimed, leaving their families despondent. Such was the case after the Second World War. The government led by Rear Admiral Thawal Thamrongnavasawadhi thus assigned the Ministry of Defense to find ways to support war veterans and their families. A committee was set up for the purpose on 11 September 1945, with the office of the Army Chief of Staff as its base, and a subsidy from the Ministry of Defense as the operational fund.

With the growing number of war veterans, the task concerning their and their families’ welfare became more complicated. The government therefore set up the “War Veterans Organization of Thailand” as an independent organization, directly responsible for the welfare of war veterans and their families. The War Veterans Organization Act was published in the Royal Gazette on 3 February 1948. The day has since been observed as the War Veteran Day.

In the First World War, following a bloody battle in the Flandersfields of northern France and Belgium, red poppies sprung up all over the devastated battlefields. Soldiers believed that the vivid red of the poppy came from the blood of their comrades soaking the ground. The sight of poppies on the battlefield at Ypres in 1915 moved Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae to write the poem “In Flandersfields”. Since then the red poppy has symbolized the sacrifice of shed blood.

In 1967, the War Veterans Council, the Defense Council and the government agreed to amend the War Veterans Organization Act, to extend the welfare to police, civil servants and civilians who serve to prevent or suppress acts against national security, or safety of the Kingdom, both in and outside Thailand. The Foundation to Assist Soldiers and Families serving in the Korean War was also incorporated into the War Veterans Organization. The amended act was published in the Royal Gazette on 28 December 1967. Presently, the War Veterans Organization under His Majesty the King’s royal patronage is responsible for about 3 million war veterans, their families and decommissioned soldiers.

The making of artificial red poppy flower to raise fund for the welfare of war veterans was initiated in 1967 by Thanphuying Jongkol Kittikachorn, wife of the then prime minister, Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn. During her time, Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother, also led her handicraft circle in making red poppy, which she also personally sold to raise funds for war veterans.

Thailand has not been in a state of war with any country for a long period, and yet, those service people who defend national territorial integrity and prevent danger on national security and safety are killed and injured almost every day. The War Veteran Day serves as a day for all of us to think of the fallen, the maimed as well as those serving in harsh conditions everywhere, and lend them due support, at least, by purchasing the red poppies, the symbol of their brave deeds and great sacrifice for peace and prosperity of the nation and for our happiness.

-- NNT 2012-02-03

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The More She Speaks, the Worse Things Get

OPINION PIECE from Manager.co.th

BANGKOK: -- The image and competency of Thailand's first female prime minister are once again under fire after less than an impressive number of business leaders bothered to turn up to hear her speech on Thailand's economy in 2012. Some even say, the more she speaks the less confident investors become.

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PM Yingluck Pleased with Two Approved Loan Decrees: Flood prevention

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Irrigation Dept confident in flood preparation despite early arrival of rainy season

File photo: Helicopter survey of flooding in suburban Greater Bangkok, October 2011. Source: wikimedia

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Two killed, two injured in southern violence

PATTANI, Feb 3 – A woman was killed while her husband and eight-year-old son were wounded in a road shooting in Pattani Friday morning, while an oil trader was gunned down in Narathiwat.

Sakeena Leeheng, 36, was killed in her car while she was travelling to market in Saiburi district with her husband and her son. Her husband, Abdulkorde Leeheng, 40, former assistant to the village head and her son were wounded and rushed to hospital.

According to investigators, Mr Abdulkorde drove the vehicle to market with his family and an undetermined number of men in a pickup truck followed, firing at his car with an AK47 assault rifle and he returned the gunfire. The victim’s car was damaged by bullets.

The police said the investigation is under way to find the cause of the shooting.

In nearby Narathiwat province, an oil trader was shot dead this early morning in Bacho district by an unknown number of presumed insurgents.

Identified as Wachira Chanthip, 36, the victim was killed as he and two friends delivered oil to a household customer.

Mr Wachira was outside, but his friends had entered the house when gunfire erupted. The friends escaped unhurt from the shooting, but Mr Wachira was killed and his pickup was taken by the assailants.

Police believe that the attack was aimed at continuing the level of daily violence in the insurgency-plagued province. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-02-03

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Comparative rating on Abhisit-Yingluck govt

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Police and Anti Money-Laundering Office Conduct Raid on Call Center Fraud Ring

BANGKOK: -- The Crime Suppression Division police and the Anti Money-Laundering Office have conducted a raid at a condo in Bangkok's Silom District that was suspected to be a hideout of a call center fraud gang.

The Crime Suppression Division police and the Anti Money-Laundering Office worked together to raid a condo at Silom District that was believed to be a hideout of a call center fraud gang.

The raid took place after a man was arrested for swindling 30 million baht from a retired teacher.

The suspect confessed that the condo serves as the hideout for a call center fraud gang.

According to the suspect, the gang is headed by a man named Pairoj Kittirojanasatien, who is also responsible for transferring all the money from the gang's victims to China.

The police have requested an arrest warrant for Pairoj.

A jewelry design firm, owned by Pairoj's father, serves as a front for the fraud ring. Multiple phone lines were also found during the raid.

The Anti Money-Laundering Office later disclosed that the authorities launched multiple searches simultaneously at locations in Lad Phrao, Bang Kapi, Bang Khae, and Silom.

The condo in Silom area is believed to be the place where all the money was gathered before it was wired abroad.

Pairoj also owns a food equipment exporting firm in Bang Kae District.

The police are currently hunting for Pairoj.

His father told the investigation team that he just saw the suspect a few days ago.

It's likely that more arrest warrants will be issued for additional suspects.

There are a total of 85 bank accounts linked to the gang.

The account owners will be summoned for questioning.

-- Tan Network 2012-02-03

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SET midday up 2.18 pts, 0.20 pct

Thai composite stocks index (SET) at midday Friday stood at 1,093.85, up 2.18 points, or 0.20 per cent amid Bt 13 billion turnover.

Blue chip SET-50 index was at 764.75, up 1.35 points, or 0.18 per cent.

Top five most active (value) stocks: CPF, BANPU (XD), ADVANC, DTAC, TMB.

-- The Nation 2012-02-03

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CURRENCY

Global volatility leads to volatile baht

Seetalavajit Sabayjai

The Nation

BANGKOK:--The Bank of Thailand attributed the current volatility of the Thai baht to sharp fluctuations of the euro against dollar.

The baht’s daily volatility is currently about over 6 per cent, said Singhachai Boonyayotin, senior director for Financial Markets Department. Some regional currencies have shown over 10 per cent in daily volatility, he noted.

According to the central bank, the baht at 30.95 per US dollar today weakened 0.16 per cent from yesterday. It however appreciated 1.94 per cent from Dec 30 level of 31.55.

Thai exporters have adjusted themselves well with better risk management for the currency volatility, Singchai said.

"This year, we see both appreciation and depreciation in the US dollar against other currencies, allowing regional currencies to move in two ways," Singhachai said. Previously, the US dollar moved in only one way, up or down, influencing regional currencies to move only in the opposite way.

The Thai baht has recently strengthened thanks to inflows to the stock and bond markets, but more Thai investment would also go overseas which would help weaken the baht.

"Now, the market mechanism is better and that allows two-way flow (of capital)," he said.

-- The Nation 2012-02-03

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Plans Underway to Prevent a Recurrence of Severe Flooding

As preparations for effective water management are now underway, the Government believes that a flood crisis will not reoccur, after Thailand suffered the worst flooding in its recent history last year.

Chairman of the Strategic Committee for Reconstruction and Future Development Virabongsa Ramangkura said that despite the early arrival of rain, no severe flooding was likely to take place this year, since the authorities were rectifying shortcomings that the country faced last year.

According to the Government’s flood prevention plans, he said, canals and other waterways are being cleared to facilitate water drainage. Existing embankments were being improved, while new ones are being built. Accurate information about water management has been provided and disseminated. All relevant agencies are also working in an integrated manner for water management. In addition, a major flood drill is expected to be held in August to look for problems that may arise.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra informed political and business leaders during her recent overseas trip that Thailand had emerged stronger after floods last year. The Government had set aside 11 billion US dollars to create a new and improved water and crisis management system. Dykes and barriers would be built to protect infrastructure and key economic areas. Early warning systems, business continuity plans, and the preparedness of communities would be improved. And most importantly, she said, a water management organization in the form of “single command” will be established to handle the entire water management system.

In this regard, Mr. Virabongsa explained that a public organization would be formed to deal with flooding and other natural disasters on a long-term basis. A draft bill on the setting up of the new organization would be submitted to the Cabinet for approval soon.

The new organization will be managed by a committee, to be chaired by the Prime Minister, with representatives from water-related management agencies as members. All relevant agencies, such as the Royal Irrigation Department, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the Marine Department, would act in accordance with the resolutions made by the committee.

Mr. Virabongsa stressed that this public organization must be free from political intervention and must operate efficiently with great flexibility in disaster management. He believed that, with efficient water management, Thailand would not suffer huge damage as it did last year.

Regarding long-term flood management, Prime Minister Yingluck said that more water retention sites, known as “Kaem Ling – Monkey’s Cheek,” would be acquired. She had also instructed governors of all provinces to come up with flood prevention and warning plans to cope with the possible flooding situation.

Foreign Office, The Government Public Relations Department

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Megaupload founder's appeal for bail refused

Wellington - Kim Dotcom, the millionaire German founder of the file-sharing Megaupload website, saw his appeal for bail rejected Friday as he awaits an extradition hearing, news reports said.

Dotcom, formerly known as Kim Schmitz, is wanted in the United States for copyright piracy. He was arrested last month at a luxury mansion he was renting north of Auckland.

-- The Nation 2012-02-03

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Supreme Commander: Govt should rein in Nitirat

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The government should rein in the debate on the monarchy, Supreme Commander General Thanasak Patimaprakorn said on Friday, voicing opposition to the push by the Nitirat academic group to amend the lese majeste law.

"As a soldier of the King, I strongly oppose the Nitirat," he said.

Thanasak said every Thai citizen should know what to do, or not to do, regarding the country's revered institution.

He argued against the change on Article 112 of the Criminal Code, which he said should not be meddled with.

He said although the Constitution has sanctioned the freedom of expression, the authorities are still obliged to ensure the public debate remaining with proper boundary and legal limits.

He dismissed speculation about the military intervention on the issue.

-- The Nation 2012-02-03

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Supreme Commander Gen Thanasak voices his opposition against amendment to lese majeste law and warns Nitirat group about its movement /TANN

Ua Arthorn housing estate resident at Rangsit Canal 4 close off Lamlukka Rd in protest against not being paid Bt5,000 flood compensation /TANN

Interior minister says PM will unveil flood master plan on Feb 11 /TANN

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Thai couple poses as blind beggars, earn over Bt100,000 a month

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Deputy PM Chalerm Completes Own Version of Reconciliation Bill

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STRESS LEVELS

Thai business leaders' stress level ranked fifth in the world

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'THAI Smile Air' starts operations July 1 Bangkok-Macau; tickets on sale from April; other routes include Chiang Mai, Phuket, Kolkata, Jakarta, Phnom Penh /MCOT

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Prison Search Yields Banned Items

BANGKOK: -- Corrections officials and 500 police officers raided the Bang Kwang Central Prison in Nonthaburi Province. Many cell phones, SIM cards, and drug paraphernalia were found during the operation.

At 3 A.M. this morning, corrections officials, narcotics officers and administrative authorities joined hands with 500 police officers from the Region 1 Police bureau to raid the Bang Kwang Central Prison in Nonthaburi Province as part of the government's effort to crack down on narcotics.

Officers searched the prison's Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10.

A total of 4,145 prisoners are incarcerated at Bang Kwang prison, including those on death row, those serving life sentences and those found guilty of violent crimes.

A large number of cell phones, SIM cards, drug paraphernalia, as well as 30,000 baht in cash, were found.

Bang Kwang Central Prison chief Wisanu Prachongkit pointed out that an inmate at the prison, Pirayuth Paetsakul, has been implicated as being part of the billion-baht drug network of arrested suspect Nipon Kanchart.

The inmate, who denied the accusation, has been transferred to a restricted zone and barred from receiving visitors.

The Corrections Department is considering transferring prisoners charged with drug offenses to Kao Bin Prison in Ratchaburi Province in a bid to cut down on the drug network in prisons.

-- Tan Network 2012-02-03

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Two Irish Men Went on Rampage, Stab Two People in Pattaya

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SET index closed at 1098.95, up 7.28; Bt/USD30.78; GBP48.56; AUD32.77; EUR40.35; CAD30.61; HKD3.96; SGD24.55; JPY40.18

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to continue:

Thailand Live Saturday 4 Feb 2012

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