Thailand Live Thursday 23 Feb 2012

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DSI seizes huge lot of smuggled armaments hidden in Surin, believes they will be transferred for sale at border /MCOT

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Deputy PM Chalerm affirms 'SEJEAL' stickers not related to triple blasts; urges end to speculation on case to prevent intl conflicts /TANN

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Early Dry Up of Mekong River Affects Goods Transportation between Thailand and Laos

BANGKOK: -- The Mekong River is drying up quicker than the previous years, revealing river beds in many areas, which has an impact on goods transportation by boat between Thailand and Laos.

The water situation of the Mekong River is drying up quicker than previous years, even though it just entered the drought season.

The latest update indicated that the water level at the temporarily permitted area of the Thai-Laos border market has decreased to two meters high.

Sandbars can be seen in many areas along Mekong River, especially at the temporarily permitted area of Thai-Laos market in Tah Uthen and Muang Hin Boon districts in Laos.

Shuttle boats and shipping boats cannot pass across Thai-Laos border as usual, as they have to make detours around the sandbars, increasing the travel distance. Many operators have been affected due to increasing transportation and petrol costs, as well as facing delayed shipments.

Furthermore, it has been found that there is only one route to pass Thai-Laos temporarily permitted area in Tah Uthen District, and if this route is dried up, it will seriously affect businesses and the transportation.

Generally, products from Thailand will be transported across the Thai-Laos temporarily permitted area of Tah Uthen District everyday. Most products are consumer goods. Meanwhile, it is also the main trading area of Laos, where they transport their agricultural products to sell in Thailand.

-- Tan Network 2012-02-23

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Insurgents detonated 3 explosive devices at Samakee School in Yaha, Yala, injuring 4 soldiers /TANN

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Poll: Public Against Charter Overhaul

BANGKOK: -- The National Institute of Development Administration or NIDA conducted an survey of 1,258 people across the country about the charter amendment.

The NIDA survey showed that 58.4 percent of respondents disagree with rewriting the entire constitution. They say only certain provisions should be modified, and they are convinced the move aims to favor a certain group of people.

About 54 percent of those surveyed suggested that the amendment take into account the nation's best interests, while 45.1 percent highlighted the importance of public participation.

Meanwhile, 42.7 percent of respondents expect the revised constitution would respect the basic rights of the people and promote equality, while 27.5 percent expect the new charter would receive a wide consensus from various sects of society.

-- Tan Network 2012-02-23

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Berserk Male Elephant Kills Mahout

TRANG: -- A male elephant has gone berserk and killed its mahout.

A male elephant has gone berserk and skewered its mahout with its tusks at a rubber plantation field in Trang's Kantang District.

According to Kantang police, the Asia Specific Company hired mahouts to bring four elephants to take down the trees. Two of the elephants, Mongkol and Santi, belonged to 58-year-old Somchok Chuban.

Mongkol was taking down the trees in the morning as usual, with Somchok riding on him, when the animal suddenly went wild and shook the mahout off.

Somchok fell and tried to run away, but Mongkol chased him and attacked him, flinging him with his tusk. Somchok's body hit a rubber tree and he died. Then, Mongkol escaped into the rubber forest.

When police arrived at the scene, Somchok's badly broken body was discovered. Previously, Somchok owned an elephant named Natalie, who killed seven people.

He sold her to the Ayutthaya Elephant Sanctuary, and bought a one-year-old elephant named Mongkol and another named Santi, to do work at the rubber fields instead of Natalie.

Officials from the Kantang Livestock Department and the Wild Elephant Lover Club in Trang Province have gathered to search for Mongkol, as he may attack local residents in the surrounding areas.

-- Tan Network 2012-02-23

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DSI seizes huge cache of smuggled arms in Surin

BANGKOK, Feb 23 -- The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and security agencies have seized a large number of smuggled arms hidden in the northeastern province of Surin but say the munitions were not related to the bomb incidents in Bangkok on February 14.

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Chiang Rai: Two northern provinces declared disaster zones from drought

CHIANG RAI, Feb 23 – Two northern provinces of Chiang Rai and Uttaradit have been declared disaster zones affected by drought, as locals are facing water shortages and crops have been damaged.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....s-from-drought/

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Husband Kills Nurse, 4 Others After Wife Assaulted: Sa Kaew

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....aulted-sa-kaew/

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HM the King observes Chao Phraya scenery from Siriraj Pier

BANGKOK, 22 February 2012 (NNT) - His Majesty the King today, at 17.30 hours, came down from the Chaloem Phra Kiat Building in Siriraj Hospital to a site near the hospital’s swimming pool located by the Chao Phraya River to observe the condition of the river as well as its scenery.

His Majesty, wearing a short-sleeved shirt with a sparse flowery pattern, accompanied by an entourage of doctors and nurses, proceeded on an electric wheelchair from the building with his pet dog “Thong Daeng” leading the way to the riverside. On the way, people, hospital staff members, as well as relatives of patients who had learned of the news, gathered to greet His Majesty and wished him longevity and good health.

The bright expression on His Majesty’s face greatly delighted the Thai subjects. On the way back to the Chaloem Phra Kiat Building, His Majesty paid respect and laid garlands of fresh jasmine to the statues of the Prince Father, the Princess Mother and King Rama V.

At the time when His Majesty stopped by the riverside, the level of water in front of the Royal Thai Navy Headquarters was about 1.10 meters high from the mean sea level. It was reported that the government is speedily discharging water from the country’s major dams via the Chao Phraya into the sea to increase the efficiency of those reservoirs to absorb more water and reduce the possibility of a major flood like late last year.

-- NNT 2012-02-23

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Waterworks to follow WHO standard

BANGKOK, 23 February 2012 (NNT) - The Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA) has reiterated that it has been following the World Health Organization (WHO)’s water quality standard in all process.

MWA Governor Chareon Passara said that his organization has been placing an emphasis on the quality of the whole water system from the source of production to every distribution destination, in accordance with the standard set by WHO. He believes that the water quality is always above the standard.

WHO has been campaigning on having clean water system in the Asia-Pacific, including Thailand. Recently a seminar was held in Thailand to discuss the progress of and give suggestions on developing water quality in the region. The handling of future floods is also among the discussed topics.

-- NNT 2012-02-23

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Dusit Zoo welcomes big-headed tortoise

BANGKOK, 23 February 2012 (NNT) – The Dusit Zoo has welcomed its new member,Tao Pulu, or a big-headed tortoise, one of the rare species.

Zoological Park Organisation director Pimuk Simaroj has unveiled the new Tao Pulu, a rare tortoise, which is at the brink of extinction. The reptile cannot retract its large head. Its shape is different from that of ordinary tortoise. It weighs only 1 kilogram, has a thin shell, a hooked beak, and a big head and legs.

The new tortoise will be at the zoo’s reptile exhibition from today until March 11th.

The animal is found most in Indochina. In Thailand, the Pulu tortoise is very expensive and nearly extinct as it is a popular dish among some Vietnamese and Chinese who believe it has aphrodisiac effects when stewed and taken as medicine or tonic. The reptile could be sold for up to 10,000 baht per kilogram.

To report any illegal animal trade, please call the Department of Natural Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation at 1362 or 1136.

-- NNT 2012-02-23

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Army ready to give up unused lands as monkey cheek

BANGKOK, 23 February 2012 (NNT) - Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha yesterday expressed his approval for the government's plan to build a monkey cheek reservoir on vacant army lands in Lop Buri province.

According to General Prayuth, he has given instructions to all army units to provide their full cooperation to the government's efforts to prevent inundation in the future. Past experience relating to the flooding will be taken into consideration during the meetings to brainstorm flood-prevention measures. The Army Chief stated that the army is ready to render its vacant lands in Lop Buri province to the development of a monkey cheek reservoir in compliance with the government's policy for the benefit of the people.

Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister and Acting Government Spokesperson Thitima Chaisaeng disclosed that the cabinet has given a nod to the 964 million-baht proposed for the project to develop water sources around Udornthani province, which is aimed at resolving local flood problems. She announced that the cabinet has also approved a total of 117 projects, 4.99 billion baht altogether, in relation to development and flood solutions; during the final day of the government's flood tour.

-- NNT 2012-02-23

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SET index midday down 3.13 pts, 0.28 pct

BANGKOK:-- Thai composite stocks index (SET) at midday Thursday stood at 1,134.69, down 3.13 points, or 0.28 per cent in line with regional shares amid Bt16.93 billion turnover.

Blue chip SET-50 index was at 799.33, down 2.26 points, or 0.28 per cent.

Top five most active (value) stocks: BANPU, IVL, PTT, BBL, STA.

-- The Nation 2012-02-23

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Green Political Group petitions ombudsman for probe of Kittirat/MCOT

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RT@Biz_THeNation: Bloomberg ranked Thailand 2nd after China among global emerging markets,for market transparency,growth prospects over next 4 yrs

RT@Biz_THeNation: Baht advanced to strongest level in 4mths Thur at Bt30.54/USD after global funds up holdings of Thai assets on growth optimism this year

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RT@Aim_NT: Chalerm: Pheu Thai always said it would push for charter amendment as the law came from coup-sponsored agencies. Meanwhile, many groups also propose charter amendment at the same time: Chalerm presenting charter change draft of cabinet to Parliament.

RT@Aim_NT: Chalerm: I'm straightforward. I will bring Thaksin home. It depends on open chances and pol situation. I'll propose reconciliation bill soon

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CHARTER REVIEW

Joint House deliberate bills to allow CDA establishment

The Nation

BANGKOK:-- A joint meeting of the House of Representatives and Senate commenced this morning to deliberate three bills seeking an amendment of Article 291 of the Constitution that will allow the establishment of a Constitution drafting assembly.

The three draft Constitution amendments were separately proposed by the Cabinet, the ruling Pheu Thai Party and the coalition Chart Thai Pattana Party.

All three drafts propose the amendment of only Section 291 of the 2007 Constitution. Each seek to set up a Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA), but with differing numbers of members and different selection processes.

A draft presented by United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) or the Red Shirts, was also submitted for deliberation, but was not included in today's joint session, since identity verification for the several thousands of signatories, a time-consuming exercise, has not yet been completed.

The coalition and senatorial whips agreed on Wednesday that deliberation of the three drafts would take place over two days, Thursday and Friday. It was also agreed that the Senate, the opposition, and the coalition would each be given eight hours of debate time.

After the deliberation, a 45-member vetting committee would be set up, with 10 members from the Senate and 35 from the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, the opposition Democrat Party has affirmed its stance against the constitutional amendment.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said earlier that he was concerned that a constitutional amendment could create further social rifts in the country. He was also concerned about political intervention in the Constitution Drafting Assembly.

He called on the government to clarify its real motives behind the amendment and promised that his Democrat party would keep a close eye on the process.

-- The Nation 2012-02-23

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National Parks Chief Defends Accusations of Animal Abuse

UPDATE :

PETCHABURI:-- The chief of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, has come out to defend against accusations that department officials have abused wild animals during their raid at the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) earlier this month. He said officials had tried to sedate the animals during the capture.

Damrong Pidech, chief of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, paid another visit to the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) on Wednesday. Armed with a search warrant, issued by the Petchaburi Court dated February 22, Damrong met with WFFT director and founder Edwin Wiek. Damrong discussed with Wiek the department's intentions and the reasons behind the request for another search of the wildlife sanctuary.

Damrong told the media that his visit was prompted by reports from his subordinates about the recent arrest and charges relating to illegal possession of protected wild animals at the WFFT. He also expressed concern about the widespread news reports and viral VDO clips on the alleged cruelty to animal in the recent raids and capture of the animals at the sanctuary.

VDO clips of the alleged mishandling of the animals at the WFFT have been posted and attracted over 70,000 views on YouTube.

Damrong reiterated the department's good faith in carrying out its duties. He assured the department has not abused its authority in ordering the search and will treat the WFFT fairly. He also claimed department officials had tried to sedate the animals but were unsuccessful after the animals panicked when they heard loud noises from volunteers at the sanctuary.

Wiek traveled to the Foreign Correspondent Club of Thailand (FCCT) on Tuesday to release a statement on the widespread existence of illegal animal and elephant trade in Thailand. He also alleged high-ranking government officials, politicians and businessmen were involved in the smuggling of baby elephants to tourism camps.

Earlier this month, Wiek accused wildlife officials of mistreating some of the animals when they conducted the raids at the sanctuary. The video images of one monkey being set unconscious and drowning in a concrete pool after being knocked in the air by one official trying to capture it has been posted on YouTube. Many Thais have expressed their outrage and support for WFFT via a multitude of social media networks.

-- Tan Network 2012-02-23

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Apple Foxconn Factory Hid Underage Workers

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Fishy scent leads Sattahip police to professional burglar

SATTAHIP: -- Fried Mackerel is one of Thailand’s most appetizing traditional cuisines (especially with shrimp paste dipping sauce), but never in the Thai history of crime has it assisted police with putting someone in prison.

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British Airways launches super special fares

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Beauties and the beach: Indian pageant contestants hit Krabi

Two of the contestants show why they're in the Miss Indian Princess pageant. Photo: Warisa Temram

A delegation of tourism officials welcome the Miss Indian Princess contestants to Krabi. Photo: Warisa Temram

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Excrement Vacuum Truck Of Pheu Thai MP's Relative Stolen

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Alleged extortion and false imprisonment of Omani Tourist at his Pattaya Condo

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/535826-alleged-extortion-and-false-imprisonment-of-omani-tourist-at-his-pattaya-condo/

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Drought affects Chiang Rai, Uttaradit

The Nation

CHIANG RAI: -- Northern provinces of Chiang Rai and Uttaradit have been declared disaster zones affected by drought, with locals facing water shortages and damage to crops.

Chiang Rai governor Thanin Supasaen has declared all 18 districts disaster zones. The drought is likely to be worse than last year and last for two months.

In Uttaradit, Surachai Thatchakawin, a local official with the disaster prevention and mitigation office, said that the drought extended to nine districts and the province has been declared a disaster zone.

Local residents, particularly those living outside the irrigation zones, are facing water shortages for household consumption and farming.

Although the Sirikit dam released as much as 49 million cubic metres of water per day in line with flood prevention measures, it only benefitted people in the irrigation system zone and those living along the Nan River.

About 20,000 households in 389 villages of nine districts have been affected by drought. Yothin Sumutkhiri, Uttaradit governor approved a budget of Bt18 million to help people in nine districts. Trucks carry water for distribution to drought-stricken areas every day.

-- The Nation 2012-02-23

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SET index closed at 1140.07, up 2.25; Bt/USD30.26; GBP47.39; AUD32.22; EUR40.14; CAD30.17; HKD3.90; SGD23.96; JPY37.54

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BOMB SUSPECTS

Iran "willing to assist Thailand" in identifying bombers

TEHERAN: -- Iran said Wednesday it was willing to assist Thailand in identifying "the culprits" behind the Valentine's Day bomb blasts in Bangkok.

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Phuket Court launches night, weekend hearings

Phuket Court Acting Chief Justice Audthakarn Foojaroen says the move to launch the 'Night Court' is aimed at reducing the huge backlog of cases. Photo: Warisa Temram

NIGHT SHIFT: Acting Chief Justice Audthakarn (pink tie) and fellow Phuket Court Justices pose for a photo during yesterday's press conference. Photo: Warisa Temram

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Yingluck files complaints against Democrats

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