Thailand Live Monday 20 Feb 2012

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Thailand Live Monday 20 February 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 Sunday 19 Feb 2012

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Warrant issued for fifth bomb suspect

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Two laws on money-laundering to be rushed: Thailand

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Thai govt still has lot of work to do to stop another flood: Democrats

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Ten more legal brains to advise on charter, ombudsman says

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Experts to compare changes to last two constitutions for good, bad points

The Office of the Ombudsman of Thailand has appointed 10 advisers to study how to improve the Constitution, an ombudsman said yesterday.

Prawich Ratanapian, one of the three ombudsmen, said the 10 advisers were appointed because the ombudsmen were required by Article 244 of the Constitution to evaluate charter enforcement and provide advice on how to improve the charter.

Since the Parliament is about to deliberate charter amendment bills, the ombudsmen took the chance to appoint the advisers.

They include four legal experts - Prof Noraniti Setthabutr, former chairman of the 2007 Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA); Prof Dr Wissanu Krua-ngarm, former deputy prime minister; Dr Bowornsak Uwanno, secretary-general of King Prachadipok's Institute; and Prof Dr Surapol Nitikraipot, former rector of Thammasat University.

Four of the advisers are experts in political science - Prof Dr Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, rector of National Institute of Development Administration; Prof Dr Thiraphat Serirangsan, former PM's Office minister and political science lecturer of Sukhothai Thammathirat University; and Prof Dr Jaras Suwanmala, former dean of Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Political Science and former member of the 2007 CDA.

Prawich said the two other advisers are lawyers - Prof Dr Prinya Thewanarumitkul, vice rector of Thammasat, and Assoc Prof Dr Kittisak Porakati, a law lecturer of Thammasat.

Prawich said the ombudsmen had no conflict with politicians, who have sponsored charter amendment bills.

He said the advisers would compare the 1997 and 2007 charters for drawbacks and strong points and would study proposals of various groups on charter amendments to try to provide reasonable solutions for Thai society.

He said the opinions of the advisers of the ombudsman would be neutral in line with the constitutional requirement on the ombudsman.

He said members of the public could post their opinions on charter amendments for the advisers to study on the website at www.ombudsman.go.th.

Prawich said the 10 advisers would convene their first meeting at 10am on February 29.

Meanwhile, Parliament is scheduled to start considering the charter amendment on Thursday. There are three drafts of the amendment: the Cabinet version, the Pheu Thai version and the Chartthai Pattana version.

-- The Nation 2012-02-20

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Job-approval boost for PM Yingluck Shinawatra

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Thai exporters cashing in on free-trade deals

PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- More Thai exporters are reaping benefits from free-trade agreements, with exports under FTAs up by 17 per cent in 2011 compared with previous year.

The Foreign Trade Department reported that Thai exports under FTAs were worth US$39.94 billion (Bt1.2 billion) last year, from $34.15 billion in 2010. Exports with FTA privileges accounted for 61 per cent of total export value.

Surasak Riangkrul, the department's deputy director-general, said that the rising value of exports under the FTA showed that more Thai exporters are becoming aware of FTA benefits.

"It is a good sign that Thai exporters have learned to reap tariff privileges under the free-trade pacts. Thai exporters should learn to utilise the export privileges so that they will have a level playing field," said Surasak.

He pointed out that Thai exporters have reaped the maxi-mum benefit from the Asean Free-Trade Agreement (Afta) with exports under this FTA reaching $15.18 billion last year.

More exporters are benefiting from Afta as Thai exports have grown largely to the Asean market, which is becoming the country's largest export market, Surasak said.

Other free-trade pacts that Thai exporters have benefited from include the one with Australia, with exports under FTA accounting for 90.82 per cent of total export value from Thailand to the market, followed by China 84.29 per cent, India 74.61 per cent, and Japan 71.18 per cent.

Surasak said the some exporters could not benefit from the FTAs as they did not comply with the rules of origin. The department will continue to arrange seminars this year to educate exporters on how to benefit from the FTAs, he added.

-- The Nation 2012-02-20

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KUKRIT SEMINAR

The merits of MR Kukrit

Manote Tripathi

The Nation

The former premier's abiding influence is assessed at a Culture Ministry seminar today

BANGKOK: -- Former prime minister MR Kukrit Pramoj is remembered as not just a politician but an actor, a khon dancer, a writer, a journalist and an orator. Seventeen years after his death, the 100th anniversary of Kukrit's birth provides an occasion to assess his lingering influence on contemporary Thailand.

A cultural institute and museum were established in his name. Siam Rath, the newspaper he founded, continues to publish. His novels are still sold in bookshops. His following even seems to be growing.

Journalists, scholars, authors and historians will today discuss that legacy at a seminar titled "Siam's Philosopher Named Kukrit" at the Centara Grand @ Central World.

Organised by the Culture Ministry and the MR Kukrit Institute, the seminar will examine Kukrit's role in international politics, the mass media and the performing arts and his relationship with the monarchy.

Another former premier, Anand Panyarachun, will discuss Kukrit's political views along with Paul F Wedel of the Kenan Institute Asia. Broadcaster Somkiat Onwimol, Siam Rath columnist Assasiri Dhammachote and filmmaker-journalist Steve Van Beek will cover his media influence, with Nation Group president Pana Janviroj serving as moderator.

Professors Matanee Rutnin and Poonpit Amatayakul and Dr Seree Wongmontha will delve into Kukrit and the arts, and his dealings with royalty will be examined by Ni-on Snidwongse na Ayutthaya, General Wasit Detkunchorn and Professor Thongthong Chantarangsu.

The Culture Ministry and the recently established Kukrit Institute want to promote his ideas for the benefit of the younger generation. Many of the seminar's speakers believe he possessed qualities that are now rare among Thai politicians, says Khemchat Thepchai, the ministry's inspector general. If young people embrace those values, he says, it will only help the country.

The Kukrit Institute serves as a learning centre, with a library and exhibitions offering insights into Kukrit's life and philosophy.

Siam Rath's Assasiri, who worked under Kukrit, says the former PM founded the newspaper in the hope of educating Thais about democracy. "Kukrit believed Thais needed to be well informed about politics and democracy, and Siam Rath set out to disseminate that knowledge.

"At one point the paper was well regarded as an institution that had created generation after generation of columnists and journalists. At one time Kukrit's writing was seen as the basis for Thai democracy. The policy was twofold: promote a democratic system with the King as head of state, and protest against coups."

Assasiri's "Soi Suan Phloo" column in turn had a significant impact on politics, says Thai Journalists Association president Chawarong Limpatamapanee. "He had a lot of credibility because he was educated, knowledgeable and experienced. He offered professional rather than personal commentary."

Kukrit was instrumental in promoting knowledge about the monarchy as an institution, says Chulalongkorn University lecturer Suwanna Kriangkraiphetch. "Kukrit gave Thais a much better understanding of the royal institution through his articles. He knew a lot about the relationship between society and the monarchy, as well as about the royal ceremonies."

Much to discuss

The seminar today from 8.30 to 4.30 at the Centara Grand is open to all. The Bt1,000 admission fee includes lunch. Reserve a seat at (02) 273 1056 or (02) 273 1060 or [email protected].

Find out more from the Kukrit Institute at (02) 286 5385-6.

The seminar has the backing of The Nation, Bangkok Post, Post Today, Matichon and the Thai Journalists Association.

-- The Nation 2012-02-20

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EDITORIAL

Weariness and hope over cheaper iPhones

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....heaper-iphones/

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REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Redefining Thai national security threats: Opinion

Full story:

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STREET WISE

The 'knowledge' that we learn from Thai talk shows

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3 Opposition MPs face suits

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Pheu Thai Party says it will file a defamation suit against three Democrat MPs for allegedly defaming Prime Minister Yingluck over the Four Seasons Hotel controversy. The three are party-list MP Chavanond Intarakomal-yasut, Nakhon Si Thammarat MP Thepthai Senpong and Songkhla MP Sirichok Sopa.

Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit said party lawyers were drafting a criminal libel suit against the three for allegedly insulting Yingluck in a Blue Sky programme over her visit to the hotel on Feb 8. He said the party would let the PM decide if she wanted to file a civil suit for alleged slander.

According to Matichon-Online, Yingluck did not meet Settha Thawisin, a senior Sansiri executive, alone on Feb 8, but with a group of real estate developers such as Anant Assavaphoki, chairman of Land and Houses, and Deputy PM Kittiratt Na-Ranong. They discussed the government's new city planning and the 2012 state appraisal land price, due to be announced in July.

The reports said Kittiratt also gave a speech at the seminar on "Next step of the Thai SME in 2012" at the hotel ballroom, organised by the FTI and Office of SME Promotion.

-- The Nation 2012-02-20

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Villagers in North call for many smaller dams

The Nation

CHIANG MAI: -- Villagers living in Nam Yom River basin have proposed five measures that they say could manage annual flooding without the Kaeng Sua Ten dam, which they oppose, needing to be built.

The moves were cheaper and could be done immediately while the expensive dam project could not efficiently prevent flooding in Phrae and neighbouring provinces, the group said, during a visit to the area yesterday with the press and donors.

At a separate site visit in Chiang Mai, representatives of people living in northern Bangkok north of Bhumibhol Dam said they were the first victims facing seasonal high tides and flooding every wet season when the dam was filled.

The Yom River network said building small dams on 77 tributaries of the Yom could help store rainwater for use and prevent any overflow, which would swell the Yom.

"The cost would be around Bt3 million for each village and a reservoir would be needed or built for no more than Bt50 million," said Prasitthiphorn Kalonsri, a coordinator of the network.

There should also be a onetambon onedam project in 98 tambons, each of which would cost no more than Bt10 million, along with dredging of existing waterways and restoration of forests where all waterways originated, which could also be helpful, he said.

In Chiang Mai, villagers and local politicians said around 3,400 people living in 1,000 villagers, located in Hod district, were flooded for six months from June to January every year, because they lived in lowlying areas which would be inundated by water from Bhumibhol dam in Tak province, when it was filled or before water was not released.

A local politician, Jongkol Noja, called the area "The Forgotten" and said the villagers faced a dilemma when an area they frequently migrated to during the peak tide was pronounced a forest reserve, which made them encroachers. The villagers began their quest for solutions from the government in 2006.

Another politician, Niphan Thongkham, said budgets had been wasted on flood prevention and left little for development and other projects. The villagers called for immediate attention from the authorities and vowed to pursue their goals to get compensation or relocation costs from the state.

-- The Nation 2012-02-20

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Pharmacist, rubber tapper shot dead

The Nation

PATTANI: -- Two southerners, one a hospital director, were shot dead in Pattani over the weekend, possibly by insurgents.

On Saturday night, two men in Muslim robes arrived at the pharmacy of Saman Masae in Mayo district to buy medicine, before firing three times at him and leaving him critically wounded.

Saman, who was also the director of a small hospital in Tambon Krasoh, was pronounced dead on arrival at a hospital.

Police said the victim was well liked by neighbours and the assailants could have been militants.

On Sunday at 9am, a rubber tapper was pulled over while riding his motorcycle in Khok Pho district by an unidentified number of men who shot him four times before stealing his homemade pistol.

Police said the murder of Daeng Khwanphatthalung appeared to be related to the violence in the region.

-- The Nation 2012-02-20

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School tests vital, but so too is parent role: Thailand

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Expo has info on US university admissions

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....ity-admissions/

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Swede survives 'two months' inside snowed-in car

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....-snowed-in-car/

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Chiang Rai Airport has the capacity to cope with rush: Asean Economic Community

Full story:

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RT @RichardBarrow: German Film Week starts tonight at Paragon Cineplex at 7pm. Free admission. Today is "Almanya-Welcome to Germany" (2011)

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Doubts over possibility of licence auction: Thai telecom

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Democrat Threatens to Impeach PM over Hotel Controversy

BANGKOK: -- The Democrat Party spokesman is demanding that the names of the people who took part in a conversation with the Prime Minister at the Four Seasons Hotel be disclosed, as well as the details of their discussion.

He raised concerns about their being a potential conflict of interest and said his party will seek an impeachment of the Prime Minister should they not receive any feedback regarding the issue.

Democrat Party Spokesman Chawanont Intarakomansut said that the CEO of Sansiri, Settha Taweesin admitted to having spoken with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra about economic matters at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Their private discussion could bring the country leader under fire and raise the issue of a potential conflict of interest, similar to what her brother and former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, was involved in.

The two met before the Prime Minister's inspection trip to survey and designate water retention areas as part of her efforts to prevent future flooding.

During the recent flood, there were reports that a huge housing project in eastern Bangkok remained perfectly safe, while residents in the Bang Bua Thong area were mired in deep flood waters for three months. Sansiri was one of developers that has come under public scrutiny.

Chawanont demanded that there be a disclosure about what was said during the conversations and people who were involved, saying that if it doesn't get this information, his party will file an impeachment complaint against the Prime Minister due to her suspicious activity. He stressed that this is not a case of disrespect for women, but a question of transparency in public administration.

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai Party Spokesman Phromphong Nopparit said he has gathered evidence, including a video clip of a television program in which a Democrat allegedly made accusations against the premier to file defamation charges next week.

-- Tan Network 2012-02-20

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BKK Bombing has Temporary Effect on Tourism in Thailand

BANGKOK: -- Central department store executives believe that the Bangkok bomb incident will affect tourism in Thailand for just a short time, as the government has a good security measure in place. At the same time, many tourists are still coming to Thailand.

Chart Chirathivat, the managing director of Central Embassy said after signing a contract with the Hyatt Hotel Corporation to manage the Park Hyatt Bangkok hotel that the bombing incident on February 14 may temporarily affect tourism in Thailand.

He also said many more tourists are expected to visit Thailand. For the Central Group, the safety measures are adequate, especially at the department stores and hotels.

Meanwhile, they are confident in the government's security management, so they are not especially worried. The managing director confirmed that Central also continues to plan new investments, as they have a 30,000 million baht investment budget for this year.

Central Embassy was a 10,000 million baht investment for the department store and the target market is 60 percent businesspeople, and 40 percent tourists. The Park Hyatt Bangkok hotel has a total of 220 rooms including 49 suites, which are expected to be available for service in 2014.

This hotel will be the third hotel under Hyatt brand in Thailand after Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok and Hyatt Regency Hua-Hin.

-- Tan Network 2012-02-20

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,135.70, up 5.77 points /MCOT

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National Economic Social Development Board revises upward 2012 GDP to 5.5-6.5% from previous forecast of 4.5-5.5%, severe flooding shrinks 2011 GDP to 0.1% /MCOT

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AFP: Thai economy shrinks 10.7% on flood impact

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Immigration police transfers Iranian suspect arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport to Metropolitan police for interrogation /TANN

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Thai PM leaves Bangkok on official visit to Malaysia

BANGKOK, Feb 20 -- Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is leaving Bangkok Monday morning for an official one-day visit to Malaysia to strengthen bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries, which are fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The visit was the last ‘introductory trip’, and will mark her complete circuit of diplomatic visits to all ASEAN members since taking office in August last year. The Malaysian visit was postponed from October due to the flood crisis in Thailand.

Prime Minister Yingluck is scheduled to leave for Kuala Lumpur at 11.20 am by a special Royal Thai Air Force flight and will meet with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak at the Dataran Perdana in Putrajaya, 25km south of Kuala Lumpur, which serves as Malaysia’s federal administrative centre.

The talks between the two leaders are expected to cover a wide range of issues, including a plan to revive the existing cooperation mechanism as Thailand will propose to host the Thai Malaysia Joint Commission (JC) Joint Development Strategy for Border Areas (JDS) during the first half of 2012 to lay groundwork for the 5th annual summit meeting between Thai and Malaysian leaders which Malaysia is expected to host.

Thailand and Malaysia will also seek close cooperation on border security issues, including drug trafficking, human trafficking and arms smuggling.

Cooperation under the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) and economic strategic development of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) was also included on the agenda.

Ms Yingluck will also invite the Malaysian leader to attend the 21st World Economic Forum on East Asia that will be held in Thailand May 30-June 1.

After their discussion, Ms Yingluck and Mr Najib will jointly host a press conference.

Although Defence Minister ACM Sukampol Suwannathat and National Security Council Secretary General Pol Gen Wichean Potephosree have joined the Malaysian trip, the detention of an Iranian in Malaysia in connection with the three bomb blasts in Bangkok on February 14, will not be on the agenda.

Thailand is seeking the extradition of 31-year-old Iranian Masoud Sedaghatzadeh, who was detained by Malaysian authorities at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal in Sepang on Wednesday as he was about to leave for Tehran after flying in from Bangkok the previous night.

Acting Thai Government spokesperson Thitima Chaisaeng was earlier quoted by the Malaysian Bernama news agency as saying that Prime Minister Yingluck will let the security authorities deal with the case.

"However, the prime minister has prepared information, in case Malaysian officials ask her about it during the meeting of delegations involving the two countries," she said.

During the visit, Ms Yingluck would have an audience with Malaysia's 14th king, Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, at the National Palace before participating in a dinner hosted by her Malaysian counterpart. She will return to Bangkok at 11.25pm. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-02-20

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Local entrepreneurs set to boost tourism in Khaosan Rd.

BANGKOK, 20 February 2012 (NNT) – Business operators in Khaosan Road are determined to boost tourism in the area after facing a 30% drop in occupancy rate in the wake of last week's explosion.

Even though Khaosan Road is still bustling with tourists, entrepreneurs have complained that the three blasts in Sukhumvit 71 have resulted in a 30% drop in occupancy rate as well as in sales and services revenue, given that some western tourists are still concerned for their own safety.

Meanwhile, the Association of Khaosarn Road Entrepreneurs has indicated that it will need one more week to assess the situation and prepare a campaign to bring tourism in Khaosarn Road back to its normal state.

As an additional measure of confidence for both Thais and foreigners, the Chanasongkram Police Station has set up a checkpoint in Soi Rambutri on Chakrapong Road to look out for suspicious vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Lumpini Police Station has also put up a checkpoint in Soi Sukhumvit 19 near the Israeli Embassy in order to monitor the situation and inspect visiting cars and individuals, with the main focus on Middle-easterners.

-- NNT 2012-02-20

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Sukampol: No war room against coup

BANGKOK: -- Defence Minister Gen Sukampol Suwannathat Monday denied that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra had ordered an establishment of a war room to counter any coup attempt.

Sukampol said Yingluck did not order him to set up the war room to direct red-shirt mass rallies against coups.

Sukampol said had he given a secret order to set up a war room, Asia Times would not have learnt about the order.

-- The Nation 2012-02-20