7 dead, 12 injured in Ayutthaya province pick-up crash

Bangkok, March 28, 2012 (AFP) - At least seven people including six Myanmar illegal migrant workers were killed in Thailand Wednesday after their pickup plunged into a canal trying to avoid a police checkpoint, police said.

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Narcotics Officials Inform About Drug Situation to Southern Border Residents

BANGKOK: -- The Office of the Narcotics Control Board secretary visited the southern border provinces to update about the drug situation to the locals.

Meanwhile, the secretary also urged teachers, students, and locals to cooperate with the officials to prevent drug activities within the community.

Today, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board Secretary, Police General Adul Saengsingkaew, met with teachers, students, and other local residents at Thamvitya Foundation school in Muang District of Yala Province to talk about the drug situation and the government's drug solutions.

The secretary disclosed that the result of narcotics suppression in the southern region has been progressing, as a large number of drug gang members were arrested while a number of drug-related assets have been confiscated by police officers in Narathiwat Province.

He also asked the teachers, students, and parents to cooperate with the officials to solve the drug problems in the areas.

Meanwhile, Narathiwat Provincial Governor, Apinan Suathanuwong, presided over an event to compensate the locals who suffered from the southern insurgency in 9 districts of Narahtiwat Province, including Ruesoh, Sisakorn, Takbai, Sukirin, Muang and Cho-airong districts.

A total of 130 affected people received 15,000 baht to support their occupations.

-- Tan Network 2012-03-28

Counterfeit Banknotes Examined

ANG THONG: -- A new wave of counterfeit 50 baht banknotes have been spreading rapidly in Ang Thong Province.

Officials warned residents not to use the counterfeit bills but to turn them in to the police if they come across such bills.

Officers from the Bank of Thailand have been dispatched to Ang Thong Province to meet with vendors at the Kaset Suwapan Muang Thong Market after a new wave of counterfeit 50 baht banknotes have been detected.

The officials taught the vendors how to look out for counterfeit bills and informed them that they should turn fake bills in to the police rather than use them as they may be prosecuted.

It was found that many vendors received payment in counterfeit 50 baht notes early in the morning when the market was busy.

A central bank official disclosed that most of the fake banknotes are circulating among drug networks in the Central and Northeast.

Many vendors said they will invest in banknote examining machines to detect fake bills.

-- Tan Network 2012-03-28

Competition for best community forest opened for challengers

BANGKOK, 28 March 2012 (NNT) - The Royal Forest Department and the Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding Public Company Limited have launched a project to raise awareness on forest conservation.

The aim of the project is to raise awareness on environmental conservation in the community. In order to get more people involved, a competition for the best community forest is now opened up for any community interested. The winners will receive Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s royal trophy.

A special award on sustainable development will also be presented to a community that recycles and uses its resources best.

As the project has run into its fifth year, the Royal Forest Department said it has effectively get community members to preserve their own eco-system and use their resources wisely.

People can enter the competition from now until April 30th. For more information, please call 0 2561 4942 – 3 extension number 5549, 5654.

-- NNT 2012-03-28

Parliament Endorses Reconciliation Despite Opposition's Boycott

BANGKOK: -- The Parliament approved the national reconciliation report by a vote of 346 to 17 during a general session yesterday despite the Opposition's boycott.

Yesterday at the joint Parliamentary session, the report proposed by the ad hoc House committee headed by retired-General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the former coup leader, was approved by a vote of 346 to 17.

The report will now be vetted by the House on April 4. Prior to the vote, a number of Democrat MPs and some senators asked the committee to reconsider the report, saying that the issue could refuel the political conflict and will not bring a lasting reconciliation.

The Opposition also questioned the report conducted by the King Prajadhipok's Institute, saying that it emphasizes too much on amnesty which may encroach on the judicial system.

However, Coalition Chief Whip Udomdej Rattanasatien called for a conclusion on the debate to pave the way for a vote despite the Opposition's protest.

This angered Opposition Chief Whip Jurin Laksanawisit, who announced that he will not partake in the process and led the Democrat MPs to storm out of the session before the vote could take place.

-- Tan Network 2012-03-28

Deputy PM: USA ready to cooperate in intelligence

BANGKOK, 28 March 2012 (NNT) – US Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney has, on behalf of her country, expressed enthusiasm to fully cooperate with Thailand in the field of intelligence sharing.

Following a meeting with the US Ambassador, Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Yuthasak Sasiprapa disclosed that the US diplomat has congratulated Thailand on its cooperation with the USA while stating that the US is ready to provide Thailand its full cooperation in intelligence sharing, particularly data on counter terrorism.

In regard to the blasts which occurred in Bangkok on February 14, the USA has recognised Thailand’s determination to resolve the problem by stepping up security measures in its immigration procedures. The Deputy PM has reaffirmed that the Thai government is prepared to protect both locals and foreigners. Furthermore, he requested that the US government not rush to issue travel warnings in the future, given that the warnings have caused a drop in the number of tourists as well as a halt in the country's tourism sector.

Another topic of discussion agenda was human trafficking, which is currently a worldwide concern. Thailand has currently been given a level two on the USA’s watch-list for human trafficking crimes. If the country moves to level 3, there might be a problem in the international relations between the two countries. The Deputy PM has, thus, informed the US Ambassador that Thailand gives its utmost importance to eradicate this crime against humanity. He added that a meeting with relevant agencies, such as the Social Development and Human Security Ministry, the Foreign Ministry as well as police officers, will be held on March 29 to discuss measures to prevent Thailand’s human trafficking situation from worsening.

-- NNT 2012-03-28

Yuthasak calls for mediation on reconciliation

BANGKOK:-- Deputy Prime Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapha on Wednesday called for the naming of a mediator to work with all sides in resolving the rift over reconciliation measures.

"The mediation will facilitate all sides to work together to serve the national interest, bringing about reconciliation though this might take time to achieve," he said.

Yuthasak said reconciliation committee chair Sonthi Boonyaratglin was in control of his emotions despite verbal attacks against his report on reconciliation measures during the Tuesday's House-Senate session.

-- The Nation 2012-03-28

RT@ThaiPrisonLife: Amnesty Thailand urges the government to abolish the death penalty saying that only 20 countries still kill their citizens in this way.

RT@tulsathit: Chalerm describes Democrats' attitude toward Gen Sonthi as "pathetic sparrows trying to annoy a warrior"

SET index midday down 2.69 pts, 0.22 pct

Thai composite stocks index (SET) at midday Wednesday stood at 1,204.60, down 2.69 points, or 0.22 per cent in line with regional shares amid Bt13.44 billion turnover.

Blue chip SET-50 index was at 849.72, down 2.53 points, or 0.30 per cent.

Top five active (value) stocks: IVL, BANPU, PTT, JAS, DTAC.

-- The Nation 2012-03-28

EXPORTS

February exports show positive growth

BANGKOK:-- Thailand exports in February showed positive growth, the first time since the flooding last November, thanks to the recovering industrial sector, the Commerce Ministry announced Wednesday.

Exports last month grew 0.91 per cent year on year to US$19.03 billion. Imports rose by 8.25 per cent to $18.50 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $529.7 million.

Deputy Commerce Minister Poom Sarapol said that Thailand locked into a trade deficit of $579 million in the first two months. Exports in January and February declined 2.36 percent to $34.77 billion while imports grew 1.94 percent to $35.37 billion.

-- The Nation 2012-03-28

Two political parties disbanded

The Nation

BANGKOK:-- The Constitution Court on Wednesday ruled to disband two political parties on grounds for failing to report their actvities in 2009 and barring party executives from holding office for five years.

Under the Constitution and the organic law on political parties, a party is obliged to submit its annual report on activities to the political party registrar. Failing to report is an offence punishable by party disbandment and a job ban of executives.

The disbanded parties are Siam, which was formed in 1999, located in Rayong with about 9,000 members, and Puen Kasetthai, which was formed in 2002 in Kanchanaburi with about 12,000 members.

-- The Nation 2012-03-28

Bangkok Subway Aims for More Passengers

BANGKOK: -- The operator of Bangkok's subway system says the number of passengers has increased due to the rising fuel cost.

Bangkok Metro or BMCL Managing Director Chaiwat Uthaiwan reported the company is aiming to raise its daily passenger number by 15 percent or the equivalent of 300,000 passengers on weekdays.

He pointed out that the fuel price hike has contributed to an increasing number of passengers.

Earlier this year, the company targeted an average daily passenger number at 260,000, while last year's figure was recorded at 200,000 a day.

Chaiwat added the increase in passenger number is a result of the opening of Central Plaza on Rama IX Road, combined with last year's flood crisis since most drivers now prefer to use public transportation and leave their cars at home.

Chaiwat said the company is seeking approval from the Mass Rapid Transport Authority of Thailand to raise its fare by two percent from the middle of this year due to the rising operation cost.

He reaffirmed that the fare increase is in accordance with a concession signed with the MRTA.

-- Tan Network 2012-03-28

Probe into Missing Cold Pills Scandal in Progress

BANGKOK: -- A health ministry's executive accepts many of its staff's members are associated with missing anti cold pills scandal.

Director-General for the Department of Special Investigation, or DSI Tharit Pengdit said Public Health Permanent Secretary Paijit Warachit conceded to him that his ministry's officials at many levels are involved in the embezzlement of the anti-cold medicine Psudoephedrine.

Tharit stated his DSI's works concerning the case concentrate on the medicine dealers by examining their phone record , adding he believed the investigation will show concrete progress in next month.

He then said the health ministry will introduce more ministerial rules allowing DSI to play more role in the control of food and drugs including psychotropic substances.

Meanwhile Paijit pledged any of his ministry's staff is found to get involved in the scandal must face legal actions without protection.

Secretary General for the Food and Drug Administration Piphat Yingseree said he believed the crackdown on the embezzlement of Psudoephedrine will be intensified from now on.

Public Health Minister's secretary Pasit Sakdanarong maintained the investigation must lead to big fishes while suggesting DSI treated low-ranking officials involved in the scandal as witness if they are forthcoming so their masterminds.

-- Tan Network 2012-03-28

Laos limits water throwing to three days of New Year

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Thailand pledges to help make ASEAN a drug-free zone

BANGKOK, 28 March 2012 (NNT) – Thailand has pledged to help turn the Southeast Asian region and all of its 10 members into a drug-free zone.

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18-car accident kills three and injures 20 in Saraburi

SARABURI: -- An accident involving 18 cars on Mittaparb Road in Saraburi province on Wednesday killed three and injured some 20 others, police said.

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Pheu Thai's unforced setback on charter change

BANGKOK: -- The Pheu Thai Party on Wednesday made a grave error by neglecting to check the coalition attendance before voting, hence suffering a humiliating defeat on a key clause for the formation of the Constitution Drafting Assembly.

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Thai Reinsurance Firm Alleges Inflated Flood Claims

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SET index closed at 1204.01, down 3.28; Bt/USD30.60; GBP48.68; AUD31.83; EUR40.79; CAD30.58; HKD3.94; SGD24.22; JPY36.78

Thai exports post first growth since floods

Bangkok, March 28, 2012 (AFP) - Thai exports rose in February for the first time since last year's disastrous floods, climbing 0.91 percent year-on-year and up 21.0 percent from January, the commerce ministry said Wednesday.

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Thai police bust gang in China 'call centre' scam

Bangkok, March 28, 2012 (AFP) - Thai police Wednesday arrested a gang of 15 Chinese and seven Taiwanese who operated a "call centre" scam that conned more than $300 million out of people in mainland China, officials said.

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Only two individuals can make reconciliation happen: Sanan

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Chart Pattana MP Sanan Kachornprasart on Wednesday said two individuals should resolve their mutual suspitions of one another in order to ensure the resumption of political normalcy.

"The resolution to the political conflict hinges on whether two individuals can clear up their outstanding issues," he said.

Although Sanan hinted one individual was fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, he did not name the other one.

He said reconciliation, if implemented in haste, would lead to the country's ruin.

He called for the King Prajadhipok's Institute to withdrawal its report on reconciliation measures, seen as an attempt to rescue Thaksin from his conviction and punishment.

He further said Sonthi Boonyaratglin, House committee chair on reconciliation, should remove the KPI report from his committee recommendations, expected to be debated by the House on April 4.

The hasty push to bring Thaksin home will not ensure a happy homecoming and might lead to a new round of political violence, he said.

The government should not underestimate the People's Alliance for Democracy which threatens to resume street protests in order to block the Thaksin amnesty, he said.

-- The Nation 2012-03-28

Democrats Slammed for Mobbing Reconciliation Head

BANGKOK: -- A deputy prime minister slams Democrat MPs for surrounding the chief of the ad-hoc panel on national unity rebuilding in hostile manner.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobumrung said Democrat MPs behaved inappropriately during the Parliament's meeting yesterday when they surrounded Matubhum MP General Sondhi Bunyaratkalin demanding him to explain about his push for the amnesty and abolition of legal actions initiated by the defunct Assets Examination Committee, or AEC.

Chalerm commented the AEC was set up illegally , but the Democrat Party still tries to carry on the illegitimate legacy by opposing any proposal that does not benefit it.

He maintained the proposal from the House's ad-hoc committee on national reconciliation chaired by Sondhi is the best way out.

Chalerm said he disagreed with the suggestion by former premier General Chavalit Yongchaiyuth that amnesty be granted to the cases resulting from 2006 coup in the same fashion to the 66/23 policy under which communist insurgents were spared from legal action.

Chalerm noted the 66/23 policy gave power to the prime minister grant amnesty for cases not finalized by the court.

He said the amnesty must be made by using the Parliament's majority and Democrats must respect the vote outcome.

Another Deputy Prime Minister General Yutthasak Sasiprapa said the reconciliation process would consume time and viewpoints from all parties must be listened.

Yutthasak said Sondhi's change of his role from the coup leader who ousted Thaksin Shinawatra as prime minister to the latter's advocate is not as important as how to achieve restoration of national unity.

The general said he believed there has already been a middleman now mediating conflicting parties.

-- Tan Network 2012-03-28

Pineapple farmers to block Phetchakasem Road Friday

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Pineapple farmers would hold a full road blockage on Phetchakasem Highway in Prachuap Khiri Khan's Muang district Friday until the government agreed to allocate Bt800 million to buy excessive pineapples at Bt4 per kilogram.

As the pineapple buying shops and canned pineapple factories would indefinitely stop buying pineapples from farmers from Thursday onwards, the 7,800 pineapple farmers in Prachuap Khiri Khan, which produced some 100,000 tons provincewide, would be affected.

Thai pineapple farmers' association president and Prachuap Khiri Khan pineapple farmers' group head, Surat Munitarawong, said the pineapple farmers in Prachuap Khiri Khan would gather with those from Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi and Phetchaburi to block the four lanes of Phetchakasem Highway at Ban Nong Hin Intersection in Tambon Khlong Wan.

-- The Nation 2012-03-28

APRIL 1

Public Transport Vans Face Bt5,000 Fine For Speeding Beyond 90Kms Per Hour: Thailand

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

Thailand offers investor tax incentive after floods

BANGKOK, March 28, 2012 (AFP) - Thailand Wednesday approved a new tax incentive to stimulate investment in the country's industrial heartland which was badly hit by last year's floods, Industry Minister Pongsavas Savasti said.

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Phuket police probe recovers 17 stolen cars

Phuket Gazette –

Several of the cars recovered were stolen from Phuket rental agencies. Photo: Pitak Chansatien

The 17 cars were recovered from a 'car pawn shop' in a rubber plantation in Nakhon Sri Thammarat. The shop owner denied any knowledge that the cars had been stolen. Photo: Pitak Chansatien

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/544054-phuket-police-probe-recovers-17-stolen-cars/page__view__findpost__p__5172545

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Thailand Live Thursday 29 Mar 2012