Thailand Live Wednesday 22 Feb 2012

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Abhisit Fears Renewed Political Turmoil During Mid-year

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Megaupload founder Dotcom 'relieved' to get bail in New Zealand

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Thailand's Constitution Court to rule on legality of two executive decrees

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No word yet if exiled Iranian opposition group MKO behind BKK blasts; police seek Hazaei's further detention, bail opposed /MCOT

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House Sets Thu and Fri for Charter Amendment Debate

BANGKOK: -- The Senate and the government have agreed to set this Thursday and Friday for the parliamentary debate on the charter amendment plan. Meanwhile, one deputy premier says the opposition leader can debate the matter with him in public.

Deputy Prime Minister Chlaerm Yoobumroong said Democrat Leader AbhisitVejjajiva should hold a public debate with him if the latter still has questions regarding the government's planned amendment of Article 291 to form the Constitution Drafting Assembly or CDA. Chalerm said there is no need to apply stricter measures at parliament to handle possible protests against the revision.

Meanwhile, Government Chief Whip Udomdej Rattansathien said he and his counterparts from the Senate resolved to schedule this Thursday and Friday for the debate on the revision of the charter's Article 291.

No member of the opposition bloc appeared at the meeting. Thursday's debate is set to begin at 9.30am and conclude at midnight, and the Friday's session will run from 9am to 8pm.

The three parties are allocated eight hours each. Senate Speaker Nikom Waiyaratpanich said he believes the debate will not be interrupted and will benefit all parties.

He added that if the Opposition declines to join the Parliament’s committee to review the amendment, the government should have had a plan to handle the challenge.

Opposition Chief Whip Jurin Laksanawisit said the opposition did not attend because of the government's failure to follow its previous agreement over the debate time. Jurin noted that the government tries to expedite all processes concerning the revision.

-- Tan Network 2012-02-22

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PAD to gather on March 10 at 10am to protest against charter amendment, venue to be announced later /TANN

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Police Meeting Behind Closed Door Concerning BKK Triple Blast Incident

BANGKOK: -- High-ranking officers in charge of investigating the Bangkok Triple Blast Incident held a closed-door meeting this morning.

Deputy National Police Chief, Police General Pansiri Prapawat, Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Major General Anuchai Lekbamrung, along with related officials handling the triple explosion that rocked Soi Pridi Banomyong 31 -33 on Sukhumwit 71 Road in Bangkok last week, attended a meeting at the second floor of the Crime Suppression Division office this morning.

It was a closed-door meeting. The media was not permitted to take photos, and officers were instructed not to provide any information regarding the case. It's unclear whether the officers discussed the case progress or continued the interrogation of 42-year-old Iranian suspect Mohammad Hazai.

Meanwhile, officers from the Crime Suppression Division police and the Patrol and Special Operations Division 191 are preparing to take the suspect to the Bangkok South Criminal Court to imprison him on the first round. A total of five police cars are stationed. Each car will be accompanied by commando officers.

-- Tan Network 2012-02-22

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Police conclude case of Swedish-Lebanese terror suspect Hussein Atris charged with possession of bomb material /MCOT

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SET closed up by 4.24 points at 1,144.63 with value of Bt18.83 bn at the midday Wed break /TANN

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PM appoints DPMs Chalerm and Yutthasak to take charge of natl security /TANN

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Court approves further detention for bomb suspect

BANGKOK, Feb 22 – Thailand’s Criminal Court approved on Wednesday an extension to the detention of Mohammad Hazaei, one of the suspects in the Sukhumvit bomb incidents last week, and the suspect is being detained at high-security Bangkok Remand Prison.

Security was tightened along the route where police brought Hazaei to seek court approval for a further 12-day detention.

He was charged with conspiracy to make and possess explosive devices intended to cause harm to others.

Police investigators said they opposed bail, citing possible flight risk as the case concerned serious offences with severe punishment. In addition, the explosive devices found were especially powerful and destructive, posing a threat to the public. The suspect, if released, might tamper with witnesses or evidence.

Mr Hazaei was taken into police custody at Suvarnabhumi Airport last week as he was trying to board a flight to Malaysia.

So far, arrest warrants have been issued for five suspects, with two suspects still at large, while police are gathering evidence to seek an additional arrest warrant for a sixth suspect.

Thailand on Tuesday sent a request to Malaysia for extradition of Masoud Sedaghatzadeh, a suspect in this explosion case, who was arrested by Malaysian authorities in Kuala Lumpur, one day after three explosions in Sukhumvit area.

Meanwhile, Thai Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat said he could not yet confirm whether the Mujahedin-e Khalq Organisation (MKO), an exiled Iranian opposition group, was behind the blasts as further investigation was needed.

The Thai defence minister referred to a report in the Bangkok Post which quoted Syedsulaiman Husaini, Shi’ite leader of Thailand, as saying on Sunday that the four Iranians suspected of involvement in a botched bomb plot targeting Israeli diplomats in Bangkok were members of an exiled Iranian opposition group which wanted the incident to reflect badly on Tehran.

He claimed the four belonged to the Mujahedin-e Khalq Organisation (MEK), MKO, and the People's Mujahedeen Organisation of Iran (PMOI), which aims to overthrow the current Iranian government.

The MKO has been on a US State Department list of foreign terrorist organisations since 1977. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-02-22

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PM concerned about tourist safety

BANGKOK, 22 February 2012 (NNT) – Concerned about the safety of tourists in Thailand, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has instructed security agencies to step up security measures for tourists, especially at airports.

PM’s Deputy Secretary-General and acting Government Spokesperson Thitima Chaisaeng said that the PM expressed concern over the recent blasts in Bangkok during the cabinet meeting. Even though the police have been working hard to follow up on the bombing incidents, the PM has ordered other relevant agencies to keep a watchful eye on the situation and step up security measures. Additionally, she has assigned Deputy Prime Ministers General Yuthasak Sasiprapha and Police Captain Chalerm Yubumrung to collaborate on intelligence by holding a weekly meeting with the National Security Council, the National Intelligence Agency, the Royal Thai Police, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense, in order to exchange, analyze and synchronize their data.

Additionally, the Transport Ministry has been ordered to beef up security at airports and other establishments under its authority. The PM has also proposed that officials with the knowledge of foreign languages be stationed at immigration counters and other areas to provide assistance to and facilitate communication with tourists.

-- NNT 2012-12-22

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MKO's involvement in Bangkok blasts remains to be determined

BANGKOK, 22 February 2012 (NNT) – The Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense stated that the alleged involvement of the People's Mujaheedin of Iran or MKO is still unclear and that further investigations will reveal the facts surrounding the issue.

Speaking of Iran’s accusation that the terrorist organization was behind the blasts in Bangkok on February 14, Deputy Prime Minister General Yuthasak Sasiprapa stated that he has yet to receive a report relating to the issue. At the same time, there is still no concrete evidence which points to the MKO's involvement.

Meanwhile, ACM Sukumpol Suwanatat stated that the accusation might be part of a political retaliation between the two parties in conflict. He added that further investigations will be carried out in order to determine whether the accusation is justified or not, while commenting that the explosions did not seem like a work of a professional.

The Defense Minister added that the extradition process of the bomb suspect, who was apprehended while trying to flee to Iran via Malaysia, is expected to be finalized next week.

-- NNT 2012-02-22

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Transport Ministry to discuss high-speed rail project with Chinese counterpart on Feb 24

BANGKOK, 22 February 2012 (NNT) – The Transport Ministry is prepared to discuss with the Chinese counterpart on Friday the conclusion of an MOU on joint development of high-speed rail systems in Thailand.

Related departments have already worked together to prepare data and progress on the high-speed railway project before discussing the information with the Chinese representatives. Deputy Permanent Secretary for Transport Chamroon Tangpaisalkit said some points in the agreement signed recently between the two countries are still ambiguous and prompt the ministry to seek more talks with China.

Under the proposed MOU framework, Mr Chamroon said the Thai side will set up a technical committee to make sure that Thailand will benefit from the project. The committee, once set up, will also look at the format of private sector investments in the project.

State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Governor Yutthana Tapcharoen said the definite rail route is yet to be identified and whether to allow the private sector joining in the program or not is still undecided.

Mr Yutthana added that the Pheu Thai government has a clear-cut policy to develop high-speed railways with the first potential route running between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Initially, five routes have been designed including Bangkok-Nong Kai, Bangkok-Chiang Mai, Bangkok-Rayong, Bangkok-Padang Besar, and Bangkok- Ubon Ratchathani.

-- NNT 2012-02-22

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RT@BreakingNews: Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd resigns as foreign minister - @news_com_http://t.co/WSy78WG2

RT@BBCBreaking: Foreign minister of #Australia Kevin Rudd to step down amid speculation he is to mount bid to unseat Julia Gillard http://t.co/1DJPDQQF

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Siam Commercial Bank cuts rates

The Nation

BANGKOK:-- Siam Commercial Bank on Wednesday cut the minimum loan rate (MLR) and the minimum overdraft rate (MOR) and deposit rate by 0.125 per centage point in response to stiff competition in the market.

The rate cuts will tke effect immediately.

"To keep pace with the market competition, the bank decides to slash interest rates for loans and deposits in line with the Bank of Thailand's monetary policy," said SCB President Kannikar Chalitaporn.

As a result of the adjustment, MLR will decrease to 7.125 per cent per annum and MOR to 7.425 per cent. The savings rate will stay at 0.75 per cent.

To draw more deposits, SCB is also offering a special 7-month and 10-month fixed deposit campaign with returns of 3.30 per cent and 3.40 per cent per annum, respectively.

Among large-sized commercial banks, Bangkok Bank was the first to axe the lending rates. Kasikornbank followed with a cut in both lending and deposit rates.

-- The Nation 2012-02-22

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Irrigation department chief transferred

BANGKOK:-- The Cabinet Wednesday removed Chalit Damrongsak as the director-general of the Royal Irrigation Department.

Chalit was transferred to become a deputy permanent secretary for Agriculture Ministry.

He was replaced by deputy permanent secretary for Agriculture Lertwirot Kowattana.

-- The Nation 2012-02-22

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Cabinet transfers Royal Irrigation Dept Dir-Gen Chalit Damrongsak to post of Agriculture deputy permanent-secretary/TAN_Network

Cabinet approves framework for tablet purchase to be distributed to elementary school children utilizing Bt1.94 bn/TAN_Network

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Phuket Police net 16 ‘shrimp-fish’ losers

Phuket Gazette –

Losing proposition: The 16 punters were held in a crowded cell at Chalong Police Station, in the south of Phuket, until bail could be arranged.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/535515-phuket-police-net-16-shrimp-fish-losers/page__view__findpost__p__5077778

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Dindaeng Police inspect more 'SEJEAL' stickers found 1km away from Iranian Embassy in BKK/TAN_Network

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Had Yai-Songkhla Road: Driver Falls Asleep At Wheel, 6 Dead

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....t-wheel-6-dead/

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People's Alliance to Protest against Charter Rewrite

BANGKOK: -- The People's Alliance for Democracy today released a statement expressing its strong disapproval of the proposed charter amendment. The group termed the move an informal coup by politicians.

The People's Alliance for Democracy, or PAD spokesperson, Parnthep Puapongpan said the group's core leaders today held a meeting at which they clarified their stance against the government's planned constitutional amendment.

Parnthep said the group's core leaders unanimously concluded that the draft amendment of the charter's Article 291 over the formation of a Constitution drafting assembly is a ploy by political parties to establish a parliamentary dictatorship.

The spokesperson describes the government's move as a form of a coup and a means of seizing power via the new charter.

He said the formation of the 99-member charter drafting assembly in which 77 seats are determined by voters, with elections held in 77 provinces, and the remaining 22 selected by the Parliament, allows the government to interfere with the drafters as it commands a majority in the Lower House.

Parnthep said the PAD has scheduled the group's next meeting to be held on March 10 at which they will discuss coordinating efforts in the provinces and strategies for carrying out their campaign against the charter rewrite.

-- Tan Network 2012-02-22

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EXECUTIVE DECREES

Court's ruling widens Govt's borrowing room

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Thai boxer Khaosai Galaxy inducted into international boxing Hall of Fame by WBA

Khaosai in 2006, file photo. Source: wikimedia

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Thailand Post Inspects All Parcels to Deter Parcel Bombing

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Thai Film Director Association names its favourite movies

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Three films from GTH Company and two independent movies Penek Ratanaruang's "Fon Tok Khuen Fah" ("Headshot") and Sivaroj Khongsakul' s "Thee Rak" ("Eternity") have been nominated for the Best Director Award and Best Picture prizes in the upcoming Thai Film Director Association Awards.

Of the 95 Thai film directors who are members of the association, 71 directors voted for the nominations while 24 abstained.

The three GTH films, "Suckseed Huay Khung Thep" (Suckseed), "Laddaland" and "Top Secret Wairun Phan Laan" ("Top Secret"), were all released in 2011 and won praise from local audiences. "Laddaland" was last year's top grossing movie while "Top Secret" was directed by the former TFDA president Songyos Sukmakanan who launched the TFDA awards last year.

Songyos stepped down from the post recently and Tanwarin Sukkhaphisit, who was elected president last month, has yet to formally take the reins.

This year the Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to Dokdin Kanyaman, a veteran filmmaker who enjoyed success in the 1970s and '80s.

One of his best known films, "Kung Nang" starring Mayura Thanabutre (Sawetsila) and Sombat Methanee will be screened at the award presentations.

Apichatpong Weerasethakul, the first award winner, designed this year's poster.

The award announcements will be held on March 3 at Major Cineplex Ratchayothin at 2pm. The public is welcome and admission is free.

The Thai Film Director Association was founded in 2002. For more information, go Facebook/thaifilmdirectorpage.

-- The Nation 2012-02-22

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Prayuth insurgents want to draw attention of foreign countries

BANGKOK: -- Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said insurgents in the deep South want to keep on ambushing troops to draw attention of international organizations.

Prayuth said the government must be careful not to fall into the trap of insurgents.

He said the government must enforce the laws strictly and will have to take time to overcome the insurgents with intelligence and ideology.

-- The Nation 2012-02-22

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Bangkok Blasts Seen Not to Spoil Tourism

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SET index closed at 1137.82, down 2.57; Bt/USD30.45; GBP47.99; AUD32.36; EUR40.21; CAD30.40; HKD3.92; SGD24.09; JPY37.85

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Iran says ready to help ID Thailand bombers

TEHRAN, February 22, 2012 (AFP) - Iran said Wednesday it is ready to help identify those behind a series of bomb blasts in Thailand this month in which several Iranians have been implicated.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/535615-iran-says-ready-to-help-id-thailand-bombers/page__view__findpost__p__5078836