Thailand Live Monday 27 Feb 2012

[webfact]

DAAD Leader to Hear his Case on Lese Majesty Charges

BANGKOK: -- Today, the Criminal Court will gather eyewitnesses and evidence related to a case in which a core leader of the red shirt group has been accused of violating Article 112 of the Criminal Code.

The Ratchada Criminal Court set today as the date to inspect evidence in the case where ten public prosecutors lodged charges against the Interior Minister's secretary and core leader of the Democratic Alliance Against dictatorship or DAAD, Yoswaris Chuklom, more widely known as Jeng Dokchik.

Yoswaris was accused of violating Article 112 of the Criminal Code, which stipulates that “whoever defames, insults, or carry out any malicious intentions against the King shall be punished.”

Yoswaris is being brought up on lese majeste charges for making inappropriate remarks about the monarchy during his speech at the red shirt rally on March 29, 2010 at the Pan Fah Bridge on Rachadamnoen Road.

His legal adviser, Winyat Chartmontree, revealed that he and Yoswarit went to court at 9 a.m. Earlier, Winyat asked the Criminal Court to postpone the hearing from December 26 last year, saying that he was too occupied at the time with another case in Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

-- Tan Network 2012-02-27

[webfact]

RT @RichardBarrow: Bangkok Airways will begin non-stop daily air services between Koh Samui & Kuala Lumpur starting from 31st March 2012

[webfact]

Rainmaking operation kicks off to combat Chiang Mai haze

CHIANG MAI, Feb 27 – The Northern Royal Rainmaking Centre initiate its first operation to fight haze and drought in Thailand’s northern provinces on Monday afternoon by inducing moisture in the atmosphere to fall as rain, clearing the skies.

Full story:

[webfact]

TAT asks hotel adjust prices as incentives for Thais to travel domestically

BANGKOK, 27 February 2012 (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is asking hotel operators to adjust hotel prices for Thai tour groups to be the same as those offered to international tour agencies, in the hope of boosting domestic travel among Thai people.

The TAT has discussed with the Thai Hotel Association (THA) on adjusting marketing packages for Thai tourists in two directions. Hotel operators are asked to (1) offer Thai tour agents the same room rates and number of rooms as those given to international tour agents and (2) offer special rates for weekdays so that hotels will not not be overcrowded on weekends and holidays. With the same room rates, Thai tour agents stand to get around 30% discount from regular prices.

Additionally, the TAT has set 10 million baht budget for the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale Fair, to be held at IMPACT from March 29th-April 1st. It expects to welcome 100,000 visitors.

As for the tourism marketing strategies in 2013, the TAT will focus on eco-tourism, supporting tour companies in promoting nature trails and environmental awareness.

-- NNT 2012-02-27

[webfact]

UPDATE

Police Arrest Enraged Husband Who Shot and Killed 5 People

SA KAEW: -- The police have arrested a 26 year-old man who went on a shooting rampage last week and killed 5 people in a shooting spree at a karaoke bar and a hospital.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__5091707

[webfact]

SET index midday up 1.14 pts, 0.10 pct

BANGKOK: -- Thai composite stocks index at midday Monday stood at 1,147.28, up 1.14 points, or 0.10 per cent in line with regional shares amid Bt11.76 billion turnover

Blue chip SET-50 index was at 808.87, up 0.60 pt, 0.07 per cent.

-- The Nation 2012-02-27

[webfact]

Thai police quiz three more Iranians over bomb plot

BANGKOK, February 27, 2012 (AFP) - Thai police said on Monday they were questioning three more Iranians in connection with an alleged plot to kill Israeli diplomats in Bangkok.

"We have information that they may have links to the blasts," Police Major General Piya Utayo told AFP, referring to a series of botched explosions that shook a residential district of the Thai capital on February 14.

He said no charges had been laid against the trio. One was detained under immigration law for overstaying his visa.

"We are checking the other two people's backgrounds," Piya added.

According to Thai media, mobile telephone call logs showed that one of the suspects had been in regular contact with two Iranians now in custody, one of whom had his legs blown off as he hurled a bomb at police while fleeing.

The new suspects were picked up in a raid Sunday on two rooms in an apartment tower in eastern Bangkok.

Another suspect was detained earlier this month in Malaysia, while arrest warrants have been issued for two more Iranians believed to have left the country.

Israel has blamed Iran over the Bangkok blasts, as well as attacks on Israeli embassy staff in India and Georgia a day earlier.

Tehran has rejected accusations that it is behind a terror campaign against the Jewish state.

Thai police have said they believe that Israeli diplomats were the intended target of the botched plot but have yet to produce hard evidence.

Last week Tehran said it was ready to help identify those responsible.

Bangkok has been on alert since mid-January when police arrested a Lebanese man with alleged links to Hezbollah on suspicion he was planning an attack, following a US warning that tourists might be targeted.

The safety scares dealt a new blow to the kingdom's tourism industry, still recovering from the fallout of months of devastating floods last year, as well as several rounds of political unrest in recent years.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2012-02-27

[Lite Beer]

RT @teamkorn: RT @tulsathit: Chalerm says wobbling in House was due to ear ailment. via @MrNaling - Ill use that line if police flags me

RT@tulsathit: RT of the day RT @KristoferA: are you saying that all these years I have wasted money on beer, when all I needed was an ear infection?!

[Lite Beer]

Iranian couple detained earlier for questioning released

Iranian couple detained earlier for questioning released, said not linked to Bangkok blasts; Iranian with expired passport still held: Immigration police

-- TNA 2012-02-27

[Lite Beer]

Siam Samakkhi to hold rally against charter amendments Friday

BANGKOK: The Siam Samakkhi will organize a demonstration against charter amendments at the Lumpini Park Friday evening.

Prasarn Marukhapithak, a former senator and a member of the Siam Samkkhi, said the rally will start at 5:30pm.

During the rally, several speakers will take part in an academic debate. They include Chirmsak Pinthong, Seri Wongmontha, Kaew Atibodhi and Bancher Singkhaneti.

Prasarn said his group expected that about 3,000 people would join the rally.

-- The Nation 2012-02-27

[Lite Beer]

RT@Aim_NT: Thai FM Surapong will today address Thailand progress towards reconciliation to UN Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva. Via @nuntida_nna

[webfact]

TATA YOUNG and HARD ROCK PHUKET present Bt250,000 for Thailand Flood Victim's Relief

PHUKET: -- : “Asia’s queen of pop Music” TATA YOUNG presented a cheque for Bt250,000 on behalf of HARD ROCK CAFE PHUKET. A very successful Hard Rock Cafe Phuket “Amazing Phuket Benefit Concert Series 3” performed live by TATA YOUNG helped raise these funds for Thailand’s Flood Victims Relief on 26-November -2011.

Full story:

[webfact]

POLITICS

Chalerm denies being drunk, claiming he has long-term ear problem

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung Monday denied that he was drunk during the deliberation of charter amendment bills Friday night.

Full story:

[webfact]

Army Chief ready to help government tackle flood this year

BANGKOK, 27 February 2012 (NNT)-Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha said he was ready to comply with the government’s policy in the flood prevention scheme.

Following Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s royal audience with His Majesty the King last Friday, General Prayuth said that it was the government’s duty to heed His Majesty’s advice and incorporate it in the water management plan.

Ms. Yingluck was given a royal audience last Friday, during which she explained in details to His Majesty the King about how the government planned to tackle the flood this year.

The Army Chief added later that the Army was ready to lend manpower in its support to the government to prevent flooding this year. The military's contribution in helping to dredge up canals is expected to be completed before the end of May.

Meanwhile, he also voiced his confidence that the government would be able to keep the crisis at bay and assist flood victims when needed.

-- NNT 2012-02-27

[webfact]

Malaysia extends extradition process for Iranian suspect: Thai police chief

BANGKOK, Feb 27 – Thailand’s national police chief Pol Gen Prewpan Dhamapong said on Monday that the Malaysian authorities have extended the extradition procedures for a detained Iranian allegedly involved with the Bangkok blasts as time is needed to complete legal matters.

The police chief made his remarks following Thailand’s move to seek the extradition of Masoud Sedaghatzadeh who was arrested by the Malaysian authorities in Kuala Lumpur while he was preparing to board a plane to his country.

Mr Masoud was the third suspect allegedly involved with the three explosions in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit 71 area on Feb 14.

Gen Prewpan said the extradition process is underway and that the Malaysian authorities had to seek further detention as the suspect has already been held for 14 days.

The neighbour's concerned agencies are considering Thailand's extradition request, but it will take time to review legal matters and procedures, according to the Thai police chief.

Thai police spokesman Pol Maj Gen Piya Uthayo revealed that Malaysia’s public prosecutor has already received the extradition request and relevant documents from Thailand, and that would forward the letter to the Malaysian court to decide whether the detainee will be extradited to Thailand or not.

In related developments, Thai Immigration Police commander Pol Lt Gen Wiboon Bangthamai said an Iranian couple earlier detained for questioning was released on Monday after investigators found no links to the suspects.

The couple, Rahimi Rad Iraj, a chef, and his wife Mahboobh Tasbehi lived at the Nasa Vegas Tower in eastern Bangkok’s Khlong Ton area, as had Iranian suspect Leila Rohani who earlier left Thailand.

Another Iranian, Madani Seyed Mehrded, 33, detained Sunday as police with a search warrant raided room number 21434 on the 14th floor of the same apartment, remained in custody.

Gen Wiboon said although the detainee denied his involvement with the Iranian group, he remained in police lockup as his visa had expired in September.

Police earlier said that they tracked Mr Mehrded from telephone information, found in the SIM cards of the first two suspects already in police custody -- Saeid Moradi, 28, who lost both legs from his own explosive device, and Mohammad Hazaei, 42, arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport while attempting to board a plane bound for Malaysia. (MCOT online line)

-- TNA 2012-02-27

[webfact]

Friends of Newin Group Wins Buri Ram Local Election

BURI RAM: -- The Friends of Newin Group won 38 out of the 42 seats up for grabs in the Buri Ram provincial administration organization election. Meanwhile, the Pheu Thai party got only three seats with the other seat going to an independent candidate.

In the results of Buri Ram provincial administration organization election in 42 areas of 23 districts, candidates from the Friends of Newin Group won 38 seats, with the Pheu Thai Party only winning three seats and an independent candidates getting one.

The Friends of Newin Group candidates lost to the Pheu Thai Party in Constituency 3 of Nang Rong District, Constituency 3 of Muang District and Constituency 2 of Prakonchai District. The seat in Noansuwan District was lost to an independent candidate.

Bhum Jai Thai Party helmsman Newin Chidchop achieved his target of winning big in the local election, which he believes will be the main factor in the party's winning more seats in the next national election.

This successful election will be a primary factor in helping Buri Ram Provincial Administration Organization Chairwoman Karuna Chidchop, Newin's wife, to work smoothly.

Meanwhile, Buri Ram Provincial Administration Organization Election Committee Chairman Pongrapi Chantjaempob said the election was transparent. The election committee will announce the official results in 30 days.

A total of 1,120,000 people voted in election, which was 50.87 percent of all eligible voters. This was lower than the number of voters who turned up for the chairperson of Buri Ram Administration Organization election on February 15 that saw 55-percent voter turnout.

-- Tan Network 2012-02-27

[webfact]

Northern provinces warned of tropical storm

BANGKOK: -- The Meteorological Department Monday warned people living in lower northern provinces and northeastern provinces to brace themselves for a possible tropical storm.

The department said a moderate high pressure area has covered the upper Thailand and the South China Sea, and its influence could cause a tropical storm Monday or Tuesday.

The high pressure area would also cause the temperature in the North and Northeast to drop by two degrees.

-- The Nation 2012-02-27

[webfact]

Army Chief Urges Protesters to Abide By Law

BANGKOK: -- The army commander says the yellow-shirt group has right to stage a rally against the planned charter rewrite, but it must act in compliance with the law.

Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha said the People's Alliance for Democracy is eligible to organize protests against the government's planned charter amendment, but the group must comply with the law.

However, Prayuth declined to comment about the national referendum on the new charter draft given that the process consists of many stages and other agencies have already been assigned to handle them.

The general then asked the government and other parties to heed His Majesty the King' advice regarding flood resolutions.

Prayuth stated the army has a duty to assist the government in coping with water management by dredging canals, planting trees and protecting upstream forests.

Prayuth maintained the canal dredging will be completed in May as scheduled.

He also suggested the government provide compensation for owners of land plots that have been designated water retention areas, given that it should have learned its lesson from the the previous deluge.

-- Tan Network 2012-02-27

[webfact]

Thailand voted best country for leisure holidays by Indians

BANGKOK, 27 February 2012 (NNT) - Thailand has been voted by readers of Travel + Leisure India and South Asia magazine as the World’s Best Country 2011 for leisure holidays and the World’s Best Wedding Destination 2011.

The award was presented on 17 February 2012 in New Delhi, India. Travel + Leisure, the world's leading travel magazine with a circulation of almost one million, launched its India and South Asia edition in 2006.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), with the country’s improved facilities, accessibility, affordability, and India’s growing economy, visitor arrivals from India have been growing rapidly all through the past decade. India is the biggest source-market for visitors from South Asia and one of Thailand’s fastest growing markets overall.

The TAT has reported that in 2011, India became the sixth largest source market for Thailand with total arrivals of 900,000, up by an impressive 20% over 2010, and close to double the 500,000 arrivals in 2007.

In recent years, Thailand has become increasingly popular among Indian wedding couples and honeymooners. Many Indian couples have been coming over to Thailand to tie the knots in the land renowned for its sense of grace and style, an accordance with customs and ceremonies with rich roots in Buddhist culture. The secluded, all-inclusive resorts are perfect for honeymoons.

-- NNT 2012-02-27

[webfact]

Two highway police officers wounded in ambush of their vehicle by at least two presumed insurgents while on duty in Yala /MCOT

[webfact]

NACC sets deadline for Suthep, Abhisit to testify in March

BANGKOK: -- Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and former deputy prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva are required to testify to the National Anti-Corruption Commission in March over the crackdowns on red-shirt protesters in 201, an NACC member said Monday.

Wicha Mahakhun said Abhisit and Suthep, who was former director of the Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation, have earlier postponed their testimony so the NACC asked them to testify in March.

Wichai said the NACC has yet to set the date for the two's testimony. Abhisit and Suthep were accused of abusing their authority when ordering the crackdowns.

-- The Nation 2012-02-27

[webfact]

Chatuchak vendors close off Phaholyothin Rd to protest against stall rental fee hike; traffic congested /TANN

[webfact]

SET index closed at 1135.04, down 11.10; Bt/USD30.32; GBP48.00; AUD32.27; EUR40.67; CAD30.14; HKD3.90; SGD23.97; JPY37.1

[webfact]

Two Deputy PMs Meet on Intelligence Work

BANGKOK: -- The government has instructed the police and army to coordinate on intelligence work to ensure efficiency in carrying out measures concerning national security.

Two deputy prime ministers, Chalerm Yoobamrung and General Yuthasak Sasiprapha today met with state agencies in charge of national security to discuss ways of integrating their intelligence efforts.

Before the meeting, Yuthasak said the the police and army have been working separately on intelligence matters, which has resulted in disunity. So from now on, they must work cooperatively.

Yuthasak said Chalerm will be in charge of leading a team set up specifically to handle intelligence work.

Yuthasak maintained that the government has already put in place measures to prevent terrorism and foreign terrorists from using the country as their platform to boost the confidence of both Thais and foreigners.

The general said that recently, terrorism patterns have changed, given that terrorists are now targeting the lives of important people or are staging bomb attacks rather than hijacking aircraft like in the past.

He remarked that intelligence gathering, therefore, must be adapted to keep up with changes .

Yuthasak then said that officials working in the intelligence field must have an intelligence background and knowledge about the matter, and intelligence sources in particular areas to ensure the effective continuation of maintaining security.

He then said the illegal firearms seized by the Department of Special Investigation have nothing to do with any possible terrorist plots in the country, given that the confiscated items were going to be used by minority rebel groups in a neighboring country.

Yuthasak pledged that more stringent measures will be implemented to prevent smuggling of firearms along the border.

Meanwhile, Chalerm today visited the Immigration Bureau to explain the changes in the intelligence policies.

Chlaerm then said he will instruct the police not to publicly comment too frequently, given fears that it could threaten national security.

-- Tan Network 2012-02-27

[webfact]

Blowfish kills two Burmese Fishermen and leaves six seriously ill in Sattahip

Full story:

[webfact]

100,000 Baht ransom paid for stolen truck at Big C car park in South Pattaya

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....-south-pattaya/

[webfact]

One arrested and guns seized following Plaza Car Park shootout in South Pattaya

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/536774-one-arrested-and-guns-seized-following-plaza-car-park-shootout-in-south-pattaya/

[webfact]

RT @TweetSmarter: Twitter Ordered To Turn Over I.D. Of User Who Threatened US Presidential Contender: http://rww.to/wf05S4 r/t

[webfact]

Tour Bus Attendant High on Drug, Attacks Driver With 2 Feet Long Knife

BANGKOK: -- A 21-year old tour bus attendant attacked the driver on the tour bus with a 2 inch-long knife. The driver lost control of the vehicle, causing the bus to fall into a nearby canal. More than twenty passengers were injured in the crash.

Full story:

[webfact]

to continue:

Thailand Live Tuesday 28 Feb 2012