Thailand Live Thursday 1 Mar 2012

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Thailand Live Thursday 1 March 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 Wednesday 29 Feb 2012

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Norwegian man confesses to "accidentally killing" Phuket girlfriend

Dokset has confessed to "accidentally killing' his girlfriend of nine years. Her body was found decomposing in a trash bin locked away in the downstairs bathroom. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo

Alleged victim, Rungnapa Suktong (left).

PHUKET: -- The Norwegian man arrested last night after the gruesome remains of a human body were found in his Phuket home has confessed to “accidentally killing” Rungnapa Suktong, his girlfriend of nine years.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....ket-girlfriend/

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ASSETS SEIZURE

AMLO chases US$1 billion from Bangkok Bank of Commerce adviser Saxena

BANGKOK: -- Thai authorities are seeking to seize assets abroad worth US$1 billion from Indianborn Rakesh Saxena, 57, a former adviser to an executive of the failed Bangkok Bank of Commerce (BBC), who has been charged with embezzling Bt40,228 million from the bank.

Full story:

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Nitirat leader assaulted

Photo: Anant Chantarasoot

Worachet injured after being attacked by two men; vows to continue campaign against lese-majeste law

BANGKOK: -- Academic Worachet Pakeerut, leader of the controversial Nitirat group of law lecturers, sustained injuries after being assaulted by two men at Thammasat University yesterday.

The assailants fled on their motorcycle after the attack, which took place shortly after 3pm at the Faculty of Law in the Tha Phrachan campus, according to police and witnesses.

Worachet later said he believed the assault was related to his campaign with the Nitirat Group.

"I will continue [to campaign]. I don't believe my supporters will use violence to counterattack [the opponents]," he said.

The Nitirat group has conducted its campaign against the controversial lese-majeste law at Thammasat University several times.

Thammasat rector Somkid Lert-paitoon yesterday condemned the attack and called for peaceful means in settling any differences of views.

He also said in his Facebook account the identity and address of an attacker was known. However, he did not give further information and police were investigating the incident.

"I call on all parties involved to use reason in debating to solve the country's problems. I condemn any use of violence against Thammasat people and fellow Thai compatriots," the rector said in his Facebook post. He also promised increased security measures at the campus following yesterday's incident.

Following the attack, Worachet underwent a medical check-up at Thonburi Hospital and filed a complaint at Chana Songkhram Police Station.

Speaking to reporters after his treatment, Worachet said he was talking to a lecturer from Mahidol University when two men sneaked from behind to deliver several punches in his face.

"I was hit and everything happened so suddenly that I could not even remember the profile of my attackers," he said.

He sustained bruises and some minor cuts in the face, and his eyeglasses were shattered.

Metropolitan Police commissioner Lt-General Wichai Thongsong said police were pursuing all leads and had not drawn a conclusion on the motive behind the attack. "Police are checking security cameras at the Tha Phrachan campus to identify the suspects," he said.

Some faculty workers said they remembered the assailants were among the protesters who burnt an effigy of Worachet at the campus last month, according to Thammasat law lecturer Thira Suthiwarangkoon, who is Worachet's colleague from the Nitirat group.

"The faculty officials said they saw the two men waiting for someone since morning," Thira told Nation Channel.

He said the attack would not discourage the Nitirat academics. "You are wrong if you think that we will be afraid. I insist we will continue fighting with reason while you use violence," he said, intending to convey a message to the attackers and their supporters.

A university worker described the attackers as men aged no more than 30, with short haircuts.

Thanapol Eawsakul, editor of Fa Diew Kan magazine, said he was a witness and saw the two attackers fleeing on a motorcycle.

Anti-coup activist Sombat Boonngarm-anong tweeted that the motorcycle licence plate was Mo Tho 684.

Worachet is the core leader of Nitirat, which has spearheaded a campaign to amend the lese-majeste law. He is seen as a controversial figure due to his outspokenness in opposing the coup. His political views often favour the pro-Thaksin camp.

-- The Nation 2012-03-01

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HAZE

Thick smog hangs over Thailand's North and Northeast

BANGKOK: -- Several provinces in the North and Northeast are still under thick smog with an increasing number of people suffering from eye irritation and respiratory problems.

Full story:

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Their Majesties grant audience to Prince Andrew

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Their Majesties the King and the Queen last night granted Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, KG, an audience at Siriraj Hospital.

The second son of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom is paying a visit to Thailand as guest of His Majesty from February 28 to March 3. The aims of the visit are to strengthen royal ties and enhance the trade and investment partnership between Thailand and the UK.

During the audience with Their Majesties, the Duke of York presented a congratulatory message from Queen Elizabeth II on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty's 84th birthday. Today, Prince Andrew is scheduled to have dinner with Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at Sra Prathum Palace.

The Duke of York will also perform royal duties in fostering trade and investment between Thailand and the UK such as hold meetings today with high-level Thai dignitaries, including the prime minister, followed by a luncheon hosted by the prime minister in his honour. He will also meet the ministers of commerce and foreign affairs.

"I am delighted to visit Thailand again and honoured to have been invited by His Majesty. The relationship between our two countries is strong and growing stronger. I am very pleased to play a part in helping to foster closer business and cultural ties and very willing to help in any way I possibly can," he said.

With regard to the private sector, the Duke of York will meet Thai business leaders, including investors in the UK such as Sahaviriya Steel Industries, as well as major British companies operating in Thailand including Reckitt Benkiser and Tesco Lotus.

-- The Nation 2012-03-01

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VALENTINE'S DAY BLASTS

Police name two more suspects

The Nation

Police have identified two more suspects in the Valentine's Day explosions in Bangkok.

BANGKOK: -- Pol General Pansiri Praphawat told a press conference yesterday that police were looking into their possible roles or links to the five Iranians already facing arrest warrants before seeking more arrest warrants.

He did not give details on the names or nationality of the two new suspects.

He said the Iranian man apprehended last Sunday, Madani Seyed Mehrded, has been sentenced to three months in jail and fined Bt3,000 for overstaying his visa.

Mehrded has been held by immigration police and will soon be interviewed by Khlong Tan police, who are investigating the two grenade attacks and an accidental explosion at a rented home near Pridi Banomyong Road.

Police expect to complete their probe into the blasts this week, after gathering evidence and details from interviews with witnesses, while waiting to question Masoud Seda Ghatzadeh. The Iranian man is in Malaysian police custody pending likely extradition to Thailand.

Police found that the stickers imprinted with "SEJEAL" had been posted on Bangkok streets before the day of the blasts, February 14.

Special Branch police were trying to decipher the meaning of the mysterious Arabic word.

Saeib Morabi, the Iranian suspect who lost both legs in his alleged two grenade attacks that backfired, would not be informed of the criminal charges against him until he recovers enough.

Pansiri thanked witnesses for their cooperation and the general public for helping, along with public prosecutors and the Foreign Ministry, which resulted in the police investigation "making good progress in two weeks' time".

He said he had assigned two more senior investigators to work on who were the intended targets.

He declined to comment on a report that Iranian Embassy officials recently visited the suspects and later said Iran was being smeared. He said he could explain about only the police's work on the case.

Police are maintaining tight security at the Israeli Embassy located in an office tower in central Bangkok and at areas frequented by visitors from Israel and the Middle East.

-- The Nation 2012-03-01

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BURNING ISSUE

Suranand is making his presence felt in the Yingluck administration

BANGKOK: -- Suranand Vejjajiva, who served as a Prime Minister's Office minister in Thaksin Shinawatra's government, has started playing a prominent role in the Yingluck administration even though there are still a few months left before his five-year political ban expires.

Full story:

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Political smog is bad for your mental health: Thai talk

Don't go outside, people in the North have been warned, as smog has hit a dangerous level.

BANGKOK: -- The same piece of advice is probably applicable to Thais in general regarding the upcoming political "smog" that is bound to descend on the country as the debate on proposed constitutional amendements gets underway.

Full story:

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EDITORIAL

Govt subsidies do long-term damage to Thai farmers

BANGKOK: -- Because of price guarantees for rice, farmers are focusing on quantity over quality; in the end, this will be disastrous for both them and the country's rice exports

Full story:

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Court dismisses Suvarnabhumi Airport noise pollution case

BANGKOK, Mar 1 – Thailand's Central Administrative Court on Wednesday dismissed the request of residents living near the country's main airport seeking an injunction to temporarily ban nighttime flying to reduce noise pollution.

Full story:

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Bangkok: Floods turned hundreds into street dwellers

BANGKOK: -- The number of street people in Bangkok's 50 districts increased by 4.2 per cent from 2,451 in 2010 to 2,561 (931 females and 1,630 females) in 2011, many of whom had to sleep in public areas for up to five days due to last year's flood disaster.

Full story:

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Obec plans major boost in teacher training

BANGKOK: -- The Office of Basic Education Commission (Obec) is planning to provide facetoface training that caters to the needs of individual teachers.

Full story:

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DSI probing misuse of cold medicine in Uttaradit and Samut Sakhon hospitals

BANGKOK: -- After a recent finding that a senior pharmacist at a Udon Thani hospital stole a type of cold medicine which could be used in the production of amphetamine and sold it, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is probing similar incidents at two other hospitals one in Uttaradit and the other in Samut Sakhon.

Full story:

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BMA launches Makha Bucha celebrations

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has joined forces with the Council of Buddhist Organisations of Thailand and other related agencies to host Makha Bucha Day celebrations in Bangkok's Sanam Luang from yesterday to March 7.

BMA clerk Thaveesak Detdecho told the press yesterday that apart from the many meritmaking events, Bangkok's 50 district offices would campaign for people to refrain from vice. The celebrations will wrap up with alms being offered to 86 monks as well as a candle procession at a temple, which has yet to be decided upon.

Apart from this, alms will offered every weekend from March 10 to 25 with the aim of serving up to a million monks to mark the 2,600th anniversary of Buddha's enlightenment, Thaveesak added.

-- The Nation 2012-03-01

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45,078 workers laid off over flood crisis

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Last year's flood crisis has forced 122 businesses to lay off 45,078 workers, Employment Department chief Pravit Khiangphol said yesterday.

The Labour Ministry said that from October 1, 2011 to February 15, 28,679 establishments covering 993,944 workers in 29 provinces were affected by the flooding. Of the affected firms, 284 with 164,552 people in their employ are still closed, while 14 businesses employing 5,480 workers have notified the authorities of permanent closure.

Ayutthaya topped the list with 72 establishments laying off 25,919 - or 57.4 per cent - of the floodaffected workers, followed by Pathum Thani where 35 establishments laid off 18,483 workers and Chachoengsao where two businesses laid off 509 workers. As part of the department's measures to assist the unemployed, a job fair will be held on March 11 at the Bang Khae branch of Tesco Lotus from 9am to 4pm, Pravit said, adding that some 70 firms were expected to offer some 2,000 positions.

-- The Nation 2012-03-01

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Water projects in wetlands need

Pongphon Sarnsamak

Special to The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry yesterday is calling on the government to conduct environmental impact assessments (EIA) for projects meant for wetland areas.

The ministry's deputy permanent secretary Suraphon Pattani, who also chairs the wetland management subcommittee, said that the panel had met to discuss the watermanagement project that will be implemented in the wetlands to resolve flood problems.

At the meeting, the panel concluded that the government should follow the 2004 and 2009 Cabinet resolutions that require an EIA be conducted before any installations in freshwater swamp areas are allowed.

He said he had instructed the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning to draft guidelines for an initial environmental evaluation and reduce the approval period from six months to one month.

Meanwhile, committee member Prof Thongchai Pansawas said he was against the government's plan to use Bueng Boraphet - central Thailand's largest freshwater swamp - as a monkeycheek area, saying that it would severely affect biodiversity in the area.

Since Bueng Boraphet, a 100,000rai swamp in Nakhon Sawan, is south of the Nan River and close to its confluence with the Ping River it would not be appropriate for use in water retention, he added.

He explained that the swamp was only a metre deep and could store up to 50 million cubic metres of water. Since the volume of water that the swamp can retain is not very much, it is not worth large investments. Besides, boosting the capacity of Bueng Boraphet would severely damage the biodiversity of the area.

"If the government wants to use Bueng Boraphet as a waterretention area, they will have to use several pumps to drain the swamp and make more space for water collection during the rainy season. It will be an expensive operation," Thongchai said.

-- The Nation 2012-03-01

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Nobody injured in latest Yala blast

The Nation

YALA: -- A roadside bomb that went off yesterday morning was allegedly targeted at a team of soldiers patrolling Number 410 Road (Yala Betong) to protect teachers in Yala's Bannang Sata district, but nobody was injured. Police believe the bomb was placed by a group of insurgents led by Yukeemeuree "Square Face" Jehdeemae.

Bannang Sata police station superintendent Pol Colonel Suwat Wongpaibul said the 5kilogram homemade bomb exploded in an isolated area in Ban Joh Bantang in tambon Bannang Sata, which officials then sealed off to protect passersby.

-- The Nation 2012-03-01

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Thailand Pushes Xayaburi Dam

Despite reservations from Mekong Basin countries, construction continues

BANGKOK: -- Over the opposition of environmental groups and the governments of other countries in the Mekong Basin, the Thai government is pushing ahead with the construction of the controversial Xayaburi Dam, environmentalists say.

Full story:

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Davy Jones Of The Monkees Dies Aged 66

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....s-dies-aged-66/

RIP

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfuBREMXxts

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Thai stock index opens on Thursday at 1,158.78, down 2.12 points /MCOT

INN reports that Hopewell train pillars collapses for a stretch of 150m onto Bangkok Bangkhen rail track; train service disrupted

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Unused Hopewell Train Pillar Collapses onto Rail Track

BANGKOK: -- A 4 meter by 100 meter section of the unused Hopewell Train pillar, running parallel, to Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, has collapsed on the Bangkhen rail track. Police believe the steel plates which supported the structure rusted due to lack of maintenance, thus weakening it and causing the collapse.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident but the collapse led to a halt in train service. Trains are now being rerouted around the damaged section.

Police say debris collection can start right away.

-- Tan Network 2012-03-01

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Abhisit travels to Japan to Restore Japanese Investor Confidence

BANGKOK: -- The Opposition party leader flew to Japan on his official visit to discuss with Japanese politicians and business entrepreneurs who were affected by last year's flooding.

Full story:

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DPM Chalerm shows the press medical certificate for ear infection leading to him being unsteady on his feet during Fri's parliament session /TANN

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Part of Hopewell project in Chatuchak collapsed, no one injured

BANGKOK: -- A portion of abandoned Hopewell project near Kampaengpet Road on Thursday collapsed but no one was injured.

The concrete part linking pillars of the project that collapsed is near railway tracks in Chatuchak district and about 100 meters from Wat Samiennaree.

The Bt 80 billion project was approved in 1990 and was a joint project of the Thai authorities and and the Thai subsidiary of Hopewell Holdings of Hong Kong.

The construction ceased in August 1997 during the Asian financial crisis, with only around 10% complete. The project was formally terminated by the Cabinet in 1998.

-- The Nation 2012-03-01

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RT @RichardBarrow: Dramatic picture of the Hopewell structure collapse this morning in Bangkok - RT @Reporter_Js1: http://bit.ly/wVKsQf

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State Railways governor: Beam collapse due to metal scaffold theft; inbound train services to resume in 3 hours; one week needed for area clearing /MCOT

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Administrative Court ordered BMA to pay compensation to Santika Club fire victim

BANGKOK, 1 March 2012 (NNT) - After more than 3 years of litigation, the Administrative Court has ruled in favour of the plaintiff, ruling the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is to financially compensate the family of a victim of the Santika Club fire accident, who lost his life on the 2009 New Year's Eve.

The Administrative Court, on Wednesday, announced its ruling on the legal case that Mr. Banjob and Mrs. Kornkanok Narong have filed against the BMA, which they claimed to have failed to perform its tasks regarding public safety.

Both plaintiffs are the parents of Mr. Krich Narong, one of the 67 people killed in the accident more than 3 years ago. They have demanded a financial compensation of THB10.4 million plus 7.5% interest for their son's untimely passing.

The court has found the BMA guilty of negligence in the inspection of the structure and all the systems of Santika Club as required by the laws.

It has also instructed the BMA to pay the Narong family THB312,080 baht in compensation plus 7.5% interest, calculated from December 28, 2009, which was the day the trial began, until the day that the entire payment is settled.

-- NNT 2012-03-01

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Hopewell train pillars collapses for a stretch of 150m: Bangkok

BANGKOK, March 1 – Today’s collapse of the unfinished Hopewell elevated concrete beam across rail tracks in Bangkok suburb was caused by metal scaffold theft, the governor of the State Railways of Thailand (SRT) said on Thursday.

Full story: