Thailand Live Wednesday 7 Mar 2012

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Thailand Live Wednesday 7 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 Tuesday 6 Mar 2012

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SPECIAL REPORT

Passengers give top marks to Don Mueang restart

BANGKOK: -- Passengers at Don Mueang Airport were happy with its trouble-free reopening yesterday after its temporary closure during last year's flood crisis.

Full story:

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FICO fire in Bangkok prompts BMA to check all pre-1992 high-rise buildings

BANGKOK: -- Following Saturday's fire in the 13-storey Fico Place building in Bangkok's Asoke area, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will next week inspect all high-rises erected before 1992, when the law did not require them to have sprinkler systems.

Full story:

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POLITICAL VIOLENCE

PM Yingluck denies report she will visit family of slain Japanese cameraman Muramoto

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday cited her tight schedule for not visiting the family of slain Japanese cameraman Hiro Muramoto in Tokyo, but promised that they would receive compensation for the victim of the 2010 political unrest.

Full story:

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FLOOD BARRIERS

7 agencies named in Ayutthaya flood-wall suit

BANGKOK: -- Seven state agencies have been named in a lawsuit filed by the Stop Global Warming Association over their approval of the construction of flood barriers around industrial parks in Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan.

Full story:

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THAI-JAPANESE TIES

Industries follow PM Yingluck to Japan for 'matching'

BANGKOK: -- Key industries will conduct business matching with Japan during the three-day official visit of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to strengthen cooperation with their counterparts in that country.

Full story:

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Review of post-coup AEC cases proposed: Thailand

BANGKOK: -- King Prajadhipok's Institute has come up with reconciliation proposals that include a retrial of court cases originated by the post-coup Assets Examination Committee and the voiding of all legal impacts of the cases already ruled on by the court.

Full story:

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Ombudsman drops charges on Thai govt appointments

BANGKOK: -- The Office of Ombudsman yesterday decided to drop charges of misconduct against the government for appointing PM's Office Minister Nalinee Taveesin and Deputy Agriculture Minister Natthawut Saikua, though it gave Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra 30 days to review the controversial selections.

Full story:

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Thai Cabinet reshuffle likely in May

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- A Cabinet reshuffle is expected in May in order to make room for party executives who've completed their five-year ban on holding office, Culture Minister Sukumol Kunplome said yesterday.

Full story:

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Iranian bomb suspect moved to Police Hospital

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Saeid Moradi, an Iranian bomb suspect, is moved from Chulalongkorn to the Police Hospital on Tuesday.

Police will wait for him to be ready physically and mentally before talking to him.

He was one of five Iranians issued an arrest warrant for involving in Valentine's Day bomb blasts in Bangkok. He lost both legs in an accident caused by his own explosive device on that day.

-- The Nation 2012-03-07

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Two girls missing as Chao Phraya River ferry sinks

Full story:

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More computer tablets next year: Thai Education Minister

BANGKOK: -- Education Minister Suchart Tadathamrongvej said yesterday Matthayom 1 students would get free tablet computers in next academic year.

Full story:

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Two more arrests, drugs seized

The Nation

NONTHABURI: -- An arrest on Monday led to the capture of two more suspects yesterday, along with 130,000 ya ba tablets and 2 kilograms of "ice" worth Bt45 million, police said.

Itthipat Damnui, 41, and Sitthisak Thaennak, 35, were arrested in the Sombat Buri Condominium in Nonthaburi's Bang Bua Thong district, following the Metropolitan Police Area 9 officers' arrest of Jarukit Reungronghiranya, 32. He had been nabbed with 20,000 ya ba tablets and 100 grams of crystal meth on Monday night, and told police of his accomplices' hiding place.

Police also seized a pistol and a Ford Fiesta in yesterday's sting.

Itthipat told police he owed Bt3 million to a drug-dealing gang and was working off his debt by transporting drugs. He told police he got the drugs from a Bang Kwang Prison drug network member identified only as Thoon.

Meanwhile, Pongpat Salakjit, 31, was arrested at 1.30am in Nonthaburi's Muang district along with a pistol, 15 bullets and 18 ya ba tablets. Police said he had tried to ride a motorcycle through a checkpoint and pulled the gun but was shot by police in the left leg.

-- The Nation 2012-03-07

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Students allege rights abuses

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Uncertified study programmes, inconsistencies in the Student Loan Fund, sexual harassment and beauty-oriented grading systems are among the violations of students' rights at Thai universities, the Students' Rights Protection Network said.

Network vice president Chandra Phuphiewnak said the group had received complaints in five cases.

At Ban Somdet Chao Phraya Rajabhat University, Faculty of Medical Technology students recently learned that their programme was not certified by the Medical Technology Council.

Another Rajabhat University was found to be enrolling students even after classes had been filled.

At an unspecified university, teachers were grading students according to their appearance, while some said they were molested.

The Students' Rights Protection Network was taking part in training at the Office of Higher Education Commission yesterday, where deputy secretary-general Kamjorn Tatiyakavi advised them to learn about students' rights and about prospective institutes and whether the programmes were certified.

-- The Nation 2012-03-07

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Thai PM Yingluck orders MPs to visit haze areas

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday ordered Cabinet members to visit haze-hit areas and fully tend to their residents' needs.

Full story:

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Petition against flood barriers 'bad for investor confidence, communities': Thai Industries

BANGKOK: -- The private sector is greatly concerned that the petition by a non-government organisation against the construction of flood barriers at 11 industrial estates will destroy investor confidence and have a negative impact not only on the industrial sector, but also on the surrounding communities.

Full story:

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NMG Chairman Thanachai resigns for health reasons

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Nation Multimedia Group is undergoing changes as its chairman of the past 36 years has decided to pass the baton and make time for the treatment of his spine.

Thanachai Theerapatvong yesterday tendered his resignation, citing problems with his back and the need for regular physical therapy. Accordingly, the board appointed Suthichai Yoon, one of the founders and current group editor-in-chief, as Thanachai's replacement.

The former chairman said he expected no impact on the company's finances or management from his decision to step down.

"The company has shown consistent improvement. We'd been through problems, from the Tom Yam Kung to the Hamburger crises, and political instability. Yet, we survived them all thanks to a strong corporate culture," he said. "In the media industry, Nation Group is second to none. It's time for me to leave and seek treatment for my illness."

Joining Nation Group in 1976, Thanachai was given the task of resuscitating the venture, which was struggling from huge losses. Comparing it to a sinking boat that did not have holes that could be plugged, he initially planned to leave once the situation improved.

However, he changed his mind and stayed on while the Nation Group expanded from just The Nation Review newspaper to several publications and then grew to cover other media businesses. Over the years, Thanachai has represented NMG at a number of associations, was bestowed the "Asian Lifetime Achievement Award" at the Asian Publishing Awards (APA) in Bangkok last year for his ability to overcome numerous business obstacles, and gained recognition in the publishing sector both in Thailand and abroad.

"I have worked for the company for 36 years in various capacities - as an employee, a director and shareholder. I reached retirement age some six or seven years ago, but the term was extended twice as I was assigned to execute a number of missions," he said, adding that he gave serious thought to retirement when the second term ended.

He said he was certain that his departure would not affect the management, thanks to the succession plan, which has been in place for years. Besides, over the past few years, the group's financial standing has improved thanks to the continued reduction in debt and the strengthening of its competitiveness. Though the media industry has been undergoing tough challenges amid technological advancement, Thanachai said he is convinced that the group is ready to face challenges.

"There's no concern for the group in terms of human resources, competitiveness and corporate strengths. Our 'light' strategy - cutting our attachment to assets - has resulted in a continual decline in debt. This change comes at the most appropriate time. I want to convey my thanks to all my colleagues who have stayed by my side through all the hardships," he said.

To show his confidence in the company's structure and finances, Thanachai also handed some shares to Suthichai and his group.

"We have passed a critical point. We have been successful in pushing away political control. I'm comfortable with the partial share sale as the shares will go to insiders, and will guarantee that there is no intervention from outsiders," he said.

Suthichai, meanwhile, said yesterday that he was comfortable about taking on the job because the group is in a sound position.

"Thanachai has been talking about his decision for a while, and now that the time has come, we can stay assured that the company is stronger than we were years before. My job is to pass the baton over to our younger executives. I expect full cooperation with the power transfer and am confident that a better future awaits us.

"I'm convinced that all employees share my opinion. Nobody needs to say how sorry we are to see Thanachai go after his 36 years of devotion to the company. I'm proud to say that The Nation is here today because we had him as our commander in chief. This chief has given us freedom and allowed us to preserve our professionalism," he concluded.

-- The Nation 2012-03-07

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AROUND THAILAND

Phuket gets a larger airport

BANGKOK: -- Phuket, one of Thailand's best beach destinations, is to get a new airport terminal by 2014 with construction to begin this summer, according to the Phuket News.

Full story:

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AFP: Thai stock markets are closed on Wednesday for a public holiday. Trading will resume on Thursday

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Thailand eyes hosting Formula 1 race in 2014

BANGKOK, 7 March 2012 (NNT) - The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism and Sports Chumpol Silpa-archa announced that Thailand has its eyes set on being host of the Formula One (F1) race in 2014.

Full story:

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Disease Control Dept urges northern residents to be extra-cautious about health issues during haze crisis

BANGKOK, 7 March 2011 (NNT) - The Department of Disease Control is urging residents in haze-hit northern provinces to watch out for their health while the disturbing air pollution is not easing.

Disease Control Department Director-General, Dr. Pornthep Siriwanarangsan said that the Public Health Ministry has been working on a campaign to build awareness among residents in Thailand's North on the impact of the haze crisis .

The latest campaign saw the participation of health volunteers from a community hospital in Tambon Huay Kaew in Mae Rim District of Chiang Mai.

Dr. Pornthep said that the volunteers have been monitoring the haze situation to help formulate effective prevention measures for people, whose health is at risk of the air pollution, including small children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses, such as asthma, respiratory problems, allergies and heart problems. The concerns have also been extended to people who work outdoor or engage in outdoor exercises.

The latest report from the Disease Control Department office in Chiang Mai, in collaboration with health offices and state hospitals in the upper part of the North, showed that more people tend to be suffering health problems as a result of continued haze crisis.

Dr. Pornthep added that people in at-risk areas should be extremely cautious about their health and do all they can to solve the haze while avoiding burning activities and wearing face masks when outside.

-- NNT 2012-03-07

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Education Ministry poised to push for high school-equivalent education among Thais

BANGKOK, 7 March 2011 (NNT) - The Education Ministry is poised to improve the quality of non-formal education across Thailand.

Education Minister Suchart Thada-Thamrongvech said on Tuesday that the Ministry is now planning to encourage more people to pursue the state non-formal education program and to complete high school level during the next 8 months.

Full story:

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Buddhists across Thailand perform merit-making on Makha Bucha Day

BANGKOK, March 7 - Buddhists across Thailand on Wednesday celebrated Makha Bucha Day, with merit making and observing religious rites.

About one thousand Buddhist residents in the restive southern province of Yala gathered at a temple in the provincial seat early in the morning to perform merit making and offer food to monks amid tight security.

Songkhla residents also attended a similar gathering in their province, praying for His Majesty the King and peace in the violence-plagued three southern border provinces.

People in the North and Northeast also went to their temples to perform religious rites, with varied related activities being held in each province.

Makha Bucha Day is an occasion of important Buddhist religious observance, a remembrance of an event which occurred nine months after the Enlightenment of the Buddha.

On the full-moon day some 2,600 years ago, 1,250 arahata, or the Enlightened monks ordained by the Buddha, assembled to hear the important teaching of the Buddha without any schedule. The teaching is the principles of the Buddhism -- To cease from all evil -- To do what is good -- To cleanse one's mind.

Makha Bucha day is a public holiday for Thai people. Apart from the merit making in the morning, the Buddhists usually attend a Candle Light Procession in the temple near their homes in the evening.

Meanwhile, the deputy director of the National Office of Buddhism, Kanok Saenprasert, reported Wednesday that he estimated that the number of younger Thais visiting temples to perform merit making and other religious rites has doubled in recent years.

Mr Kanok said the higher number was attributed to the teaching of Buddhism by family members and by Buddhist teaching in schools and temples which has been adjusted to be more accessible, fun and relaxing for younger people. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-03-07

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TAT launches Thailand in Your Hand apps

BANGKOK, 7 March 2012 — The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched a special webpage from which visitors can download apps for a wide range of smartphones to help them plan many different kinds of visit to Thailand, from honeymooning to studying martial arts and Thai culinary art.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....your-hand-apps/

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ICT Ministry to propose tablet purchase for Cabinet's approval on Mar 20 with distribution to start in May /TANN

Police arrest a gang with possession of 5,000 birds to sell to tourists to release as merit-making /TANN

BMA sets up committee to probe Fico building fire in 14 days before renovation can be authorized; forensic police speed up finding cause /TANN

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Robbers made off with Bt50,000 in cash from Chaimongkol Temple in Angthong /TAN_Network

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National Office of Buddhism: Number of younger Thais visiting temples for merit making has doubled in recent years /MCOT

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PM's Office Minister: Haze over North expected to ease in 7 days; governors ordered to strictly enforce law to reduce forest burning /MCOT

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'Unbeatable Thailand, Unparalleled Opportunities'

Full speech of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in a seminar in Tokyo.

Full story: