Thailand Live Monday 5 Mar 2012

[webfact]

Interior Minister Yongyuth to submit Bt7.75 mn compensation for political rally victims for Cabinet's approval tomorrow /TANN

[webfact]

New bus service to Laos

BANGKOK, 2 March 2012: The Transport Co Ltd, under the Ministry of Transport, kicks off its ninth bus route, Friday, linking Thailand and Laos between Udon Thani province in the northeast and Vang Vieng, a resort town in Vientiane province, Laos.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....ervice-to-laos/

[webfact]

Thaksin: Thai charter change 'not for my return'

BANGKOK, March 5, 2012 (AFP) - Ousted Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra has denied that a move by his political allies to amend the kingdom's constitution is aimed at clearing the way for his return.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....-for-my-return/

[webfact]

Microsoft announces availability of Windows 8 Consumer Preview

Milestone lets users explore a re-imagined, no-compromises Windows experience.

Full story:

[webfact]

Chiang Rai haze remains critical

CHIANG RAI, March 5 – Haze in Thailand's northern province of Chiang Rai continues unabated with local authorities mobilising fire engines to sprinkle water to ease the haze problem on Tuesday.

Full story:

[webfact]

Troop killed, 3 others injured by colleague apparently under meth influence

YALA: -- A private soldier shot dead a sergeant and injured three others apparently under the influence of methamphetamine.

Following the shooting at an outpost of the Yala Taskforce 14 at 7:30 am, police arrested Pvt Bancha Raklaemkae, 22, who appeared paranoid.

Police said Bancha shot dead Sgt Wichien Priksri with his M16 assault rifle. Sgt Wachira Boonlam, Sgt Sanon Muadthip and Sgt Wikorn Chumchrt were injured and rushed to the Yala Hospital.

-- The Nation 2012-03-05

[webfact]

Burnt Body of New Born Baby Found in Chonburi Province

CHONBURI: -- The burnt body of a newborn baby is found at the Bann Ao Udom bridge in Sri Racha District of Chonburi Province. The police have been searching for a suspect.

The Laem Chabang police along with the Sawang Prateep Sri Racha rescue team went to the scene at Bann Ao Udom bridge in Tungsookala Subdistrict in Chonburi Province and discovered the body of a newborn baby found lying on its stomach and its entire body was burnt in pile of tires.

According to the initial investigation, the police have not yet been able to identify the baby's gender.

However, the police believe that the body was burning for at least 4 hours.

Locals gave an interview saying that many people come to the bridge each day to fish, adding that some people stay over night.

Before the body was found, local residents saw a fire near the bridge at between 2 and 3 in the morning. They thought the cause of the fire was the result of people grilling their fish and did not pay much attention to it.

The police are assuming that the baby was set ablaze by a teenage mother who was not ready to have a baby. The police are working fast in trying to locate the suspect.

-- Tan Network 2012-03-05

[webfact]

Govt worried about smoke problem in North

BANGKOK, 5 March 2012 (NNT) – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has expressed her worries over the smoke haze problem in the northern region, saying those who violate the law by polluting the air should be punished.

Ms Yingluck has posted a message on her facebook page, saying the smoke haze problem is getting more worrying. She is most concerned about the people’s health.

The premier has assigned related ministries to urgently help the people and alleviate the smoke problem. In the meantime, the government will prosecute those who violate the law by burning crops or polluting the air by any means.

Meanwhile, Public Health Minister Witthaya Buranasiri said if the dust particle amount exceeds 200 microgram per cubic meter, evacuation will be necessary. He insists that all hospitals are prepared for the emergency situation.

Mr Witthaya told people to stay indoor to avoid the smoke being absorbed into the body through the skin. He said sprinkling water in the air could also help reduce the dust particles. For more assistance or information, people are advised to call 1669.

-- NNT 2012-03-05

[webfact]

SET closed down by 2.43 points at 1,162.72 points with value of Bt11.81 bn during midday Monday break /TANN

[webfact]

Over 1,000 Muslim women abandoned following affairs, marriage with troops

BANGKOK: -- Over 1,000 Muslim women in the southern border provinces have been abandoned following affairs or marriage with Buddhist troops deployed to keep security in the region, a senior official said Monday.

Chaiyong Maneerungsakul, the chairman of committee on justice and human rights related to southern border problems, said the southern violence also caused social problems for local Muslim women.

He said when Buddhist troops were deployed to keep security in the deep South, they liked local Muslim women and had affairs with them and abandoned them.

Some of the troops fell in love with the women and married them but when they returned home in other regions, their Muslim wives could not put up with the culture shock and had to return home in their southern border provinces.

As a result, troops deployed to the southern border provinces had caused a lot of social problems in the region, Chaiyong said.

He said so far over 1,000 Muslim women were abandoned by troops or other government officials.

-- The Nation 2012-03-05

[webfact]

Schafer Decides to Remain as Thailand's Football Coach

BANGKOK: -- Winfried Schafer has decided to keep his job as the head coach of Thailand's national football team.

Earlier, the German football manager hinted that he may not complete his three year contract as head coach of Thailand's national team.

Winfried Schafer was frustrated by the Football Association of Thailand, or the FAT’s, lack of professionalism which led to Thailand’s 0-2 defeat by Oman and their elimination from the 2014 World Cup qualifying round.

However, according to the most recent report, the 62 year-old German national posted a comment on his Facebook page, announcing that he will keep his job as Thailand's top football boss because he loves the country.

Winfried also stated that Thailand’s performance will certainly improve if the FAT strives to be more professional in its management.

Meanwhile, the FAT President Worawi Makudi said that the association will hold a press conference today about Winfried’s future.

Worawi pointed out that it is possible that Schafer will be asked to take the reins of Thailand's Under-22 Asian Cup squad.

The FAT president admitted that there were some management issues that will have to be worked out with the staff.

He also repudiated the report that four Thai players were left stranded at an Oman airport after the match.

Worawi said that there is no truth to this, as the players were looked after by the association’s staff member.

In any case, Thailand Susu, a Thai football fan website, is planning to organize a protest against Worawi in front of the National Stadium on March 11 ahead of a cup match between Buriram United and the Port Authority of Thailand.

-- Tan Network 2012-03-05

[webfact]

Sheet pile installation to prevent flood in Bang Chan Industrial Estate

BANGKOK, 5 March 2012 (NNT) – The Engineering Institute of Thailand Under H.M. the King’s Patronage (EIT) has recommended that sheet piles should be installed as a flood defense for Bang Chan Industrial Estate.

EIT Secretary General Thanet Veerasiri, as advisor to the Bang Chan Industrial Estate, has revealed that he is set to forward the Bang Chan flood prevention plan to Industry Minister M .R. Phongsawat Svastiwat for approval on March 15. Initially, he proposes that floodwalls be constructed by installing sheet piles 4-6 meters deep into the ground while leaving approximately 2 meters above the surface. This is expected to keep the estate safe from flooding as last year’s inundation was 1.10 meters high. The construction project is scheduled for completion in about three months.

The sheet pile fence will be set up from the area behind Saha-Union group of company all the way to the edge of the Bang Chan Industrial Estate, given that the area is adjacent to the Saen Saeb Canal. Additional floodwalls will also be built at Kratiem and Lor Lae swamps. Meanwhile, the Saen Saeb Canal will be dredged from Saha-Union to the Sri Boon Rueng Temple to allow a better flow of water.

-- NNT 2012-03-05

[webfact]

Thailand short of construction workers after Myanmar opens its country

Full story:

[Lite Beer]

Supoj to report to NACC Thursday

Bangkok, March 05,2012 - NNT- Supoj Suplom, permanent-secretary of the Transport Ministry, met with the newly appointed PM's Office Secretary General, Pol Major General Tawat Boonfueng at the Government House today.

Mr Supoj told the press that it is his duty to report to the new PM's Office Secretary General as they have not been formally introduced.

When asked about the National Anti-Corruption Commission's probe into his unusual wealth, he said that he is planning to make an appearance and clarify his case to the NACC on March, 8.

He also said he is certain of his alibi in the case and elaborated that his frozen assets had long been acquired and had been transferred to his daughter before the investigation.

-- NNT 2012-03-05

[Lite Beer]

4 troops, 4 civilians injured in Narathiwat bomb attack

Narathiwat - Four troops and four civilians injured when insurgents detonated a roadside bomb to ambush a patrol unit of troops in Narathiwat Monday, police said.

The explosion occurred at 10:30 am near the Ban Taba Fresh Market in Tambon Jehhae in Takbai district.

Police said the bomb was hidden in the ceiling of a roadside shelter for bus passengers opposite from the Takbai police station.

The bomb was detonated with a walkie-talkie when 12 troops were entering the shelter to take a rest after they had patrolled the market.

-- The Nation 2012-03-05

[Lite Beer]

Yala Thai Army private, under influence of meth, uses M16 assault rifle to shoot live ammunition at fellow soldiers at their base, killing one, wounding three /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

10,000 access points of free Wi-Fi installed: Anudit

BANGKOK:-- Information and Communications Technology Minister Anudit Nakhonthap said Monday that 10,000 access points for the free Wi-Fi services have been installed.

He said he reported the progress of the free Wi-Fi Internet connection to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra Monday.

Anudit said his ministry was now in the process of expanding the network to target areas.

-- The Nation 2012-03-05

[webfact]

Bt424 Million Sought to Upgrade Disaster System

BANGKOK: -- The Science Ministry will ask the Cabinet to approve a budget of 424 million baht to improve the disaster warning system as proposed by the Strategic Committee for Water Resources Management.

The Science and Technology Ministry will be seeking approval from the Cabinet for a budget of 424 million baht to improve the disaster warning system.

The ministry would seek money from the emergency central fund for the 2012 fiscal year to upgrade plans for immediate flood relief as proposed by the Strategic Committee for Water Resources Management.

The control headquarters for the disaster warning system will be set up at the Information and Communication Technology Ministry, which will also oversee the construction and operation.

The disaster warning system will be set up according to international standards and be linked to the national water database. This is hoped to help boost confidence in the country's flood management plan.

-- Tan Network 2012-03-05

[webfact]

PM says Bt3,562 monthly rental fee for Chatuchak stalls is reasonable while noting that she'll speed up solving smog problem in the North /TANN

[webfact]

Ministry Protests Store's Use of Thai Flag Color Pattern

BANGKOK: -- The Commerce Ministry is seeking to coordinate with Chinese authorities to invalidate the trademark registration for a Sichuan-based convenience store chain WOWO.

The Chinese convenience store chain is alleged of including the colors of the Thai flag in its trademark, which could lead consumers to wrongly associate the store with Thailand or Thai products.

Intellectual Property Department Director-General Pajchima Thanasanti said her office has been instructed by Deputy Commerce Minister Poom Sarapol to send a letter asking the China Trademark Office to invalidate a trademark registration of Sichuan-based convenience store chain WOWO.

WOWO was alleged of using colors similar to Thailand's national flag on its trademark, which might mislead consumers into thinking that the convenience store's franchise is associated with Thailand or the store sells products from Thailand.

Pajchima said Chinese authorities must revoke the trademark in question as the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property stipulates that signatory countries must refuse or invalidate the registration, and prohibit by appropriate measures, the use of state emblems, flags and emblems of other countries as trademarks or elements of trademarks.

The Chinese convenience store chain has refused to invalidate or withdraw the registration, claiming that the use of color bands is common among convenience store businesses and that the company is simply following the industrial practice.

-- Tan Network 2012-03-05

[webfact]

Lawyer: Arisman has been allowed by the Criminal Court to go on a pilgrimage to India. He is set to return to Thailand on March 15 /Agencies

[webfact]

Army Chief: Government will consider revoking emergency decree in southernmost provinces if peace restored, integrated work with agencies to achieve progress in 6 months /MCOT

CORR-DPM Yuthasak: Govt will consider revoking emergency decree in southern provinces if peace restored /MCOT

[webfact]

160,000-plus workers not yet back to work after last year's flood crisis; employers confirm no layoffs: Labour Protection, Welfare Dept /MCOT

[webfact]

Heavy Fog in Hai Yai Affects Flights and Road Traffic

HAD YAI: -- Heavy fog has blanketed over the district of Had Yai in Songkhla Province, forcing flights to be postponed and motorists to be extra careful on the roads. The Meteorological Department say the fog was caused by the humidity and the rainy condition.

Heavy fog covered several areas of Hai Yai District in Songkhla Province this morning, reducing the visibility to just 200-300 meters. Motorists were extra careful this morning. Most of them had turned their headlights on so they could see vehicles in front.

The heavy fog had also caused THAI Airways International and Air Asia to postpone their morning flights that were scheduled to land in Had Yai at 7.10AM and 8AM. Due to the heavy fog, the visibility on the Had Yai Airport runway was down to just 600 feet.

The Meteorological Department revealed the heavy fog was caused by the rainy condition which is usually accompanied by heavy fog around the mountainous areas. The foggy condition is expected to continue for the next few days.

-- Tan Network 2012-03-05

[webfact]

White Tiger Cub Scratches Miss Thailand World Contestant's Arm

CHIANG MAI: -- A Miss Thailand World contestant sustained minor injuries after she was scratched by a white tiger cub at the Night Safari in Chiang Mai on the second day of the Miss Thailand World contestant orientation camp in the popular northern tourist destination.

Full story:

[webfact]

Bt50 Million to Be Used to Buy iPads and iPhones for Senators and MPs

BANGKOK: -- The House of Representatives has agreed in principle to spend 50 million baht to procure 700 iPads and iPhones for MPs. The deputy House speaker says 'when' the MPs will be the coveted tablets and smart phones is still uncertain and adds MPs have the right to decline.

Full story:

[webfact]

SUNDAY MARKET

Angry Chatuchak vendors demonstrate at Government House

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Some 600 vendors from the Chatuchak Weekend Market rallied in front of the Government House Monday to protest against the increase of the stall rental fee. Initially about 100 vendors gathered in front of Gate 4 at 9.30am.

Later, the number grew to more than 600.

They called on Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to intervene in the decision of the State Railway of Thailand to collect the stall rent of Bt3,562 per month. They demanded to be allowed to lease the stalls at the rate of Bt1,000 a month under 30-year contracts.

The vendors threatened to file a suit against the SRT with the Central Administrative Court if their demand is not met by Wednesday.

In a related development, the Metropolitan Division 4 deployed a company of police to maintain security in front of Yingluck's house on Soi Yothin Pattana 3 in Bueng Kum district after speculation that some of the protesting vendors would move to rally in front of her house.

Pol Maj Gen Charn Wimolsri said plainclothes police were also dispatched to keep watch in the area. He said that although no vendors had turned up, police officers would maintain tighter security there for a while.

Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Pol Maj Gen Wichai Sangkhapra said another company of police officers was sent to maintain security at the rally site of the vendors outside the Government House. He said police expected no violence at the demonstration.

-- The Nation 2012-03-05

[webfact]

5.2-magnitude quake on Sumatra island felt in Phuket /TANN

MP Rangsima files complaint against DPM Chalerm for sexual harassment when he walked towards her after she accused him of being drunk /TANN

[webfact]

SET index closed at 1157.95, down 7.20; Bt/USD30.52; GBP48.18; AUD32.56; EUR40.18; CAD30.66; HKD3.93; SGD24.16; JPY37.17

[webfact]

164,000 workers not yet back to work after last year's flood crisis: Thailand

BANGKOK, March 5 -- Labour Protection and Welfare Department Director-General Arthit Isamo said Monday that nearly 164,000 workers suspended from work due to last year’s devastating flood, have not yet returned to work.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....risis-thailand/