Thailand Live Thursday 29 Mar 2012

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Sirikit Dam Adjusts Water Discharge for Drought Season

BANGKOK: -- Sirikit Dam has decreased the amount of water discharge to 20 million cubic meters per day to accommodate the upcoming dry season, while the weather department and the Hydro and Agro Informatics Institute points out that the weather will return to normal in April.

Sirikit Dam Director Thanarach Poommakasikorn met with representatives from the Water Analysis Subcommittee and related units, in a meeting chaired by the Royal Irrigation Department.

He said that the conclusion was to decrease the amount of water discharge, as the Meteorological Department and the Hydro and Agro Informatics Institute pointed out that the weather will return to normal in April and that no rain is expected during June to mid-July.

Therefore, the water discharge plan has been adjusted. Sirikit Dam will decrease the amount of water discharge from 40 million cubic meters to 20 million cubic meters per day.

Thanarach further said that the water level in Sirikit Dam stands at approximately 5.66 billion cubic meters, or 59.5 percent of its capacity, and around 2.8 billion cubic meters of water are available for use right now.

Sirikit Dam will discharge 20 million cubic meters of water per day until further recommendation by the Water Analysis Subcommittee.

-- Tan Network 2012-03-29

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Garbage truck hits, fells six power poles, causing blackout in Pattanakarn area

BANGKOK: -- A garbage truck hit a power pole, causing six power poles to fall down and leading to a blackout on Pattanakarn Road early Thursday.

Police said the accident caused six power poles between Soi Pattanakarn 59 to 61 to fall down, causing a blackout between 3:40 am to 4:40 am.

Police said the truck veered off its course after a car suddenly cut into its lane.

-- The Nation 2012-03-29

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Thai stock index opens on Thursday at 1,199.21, down 4.80 points /MCOT

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Firebomb blasts rock Phuket housing estate

Phuket Gazette

Phuket Police question neighbors, none of whom could provide the name of the neighbor who is presumed to have been the target of the attack. Photo: Wichai Witthawat

Bloodstains presumed by Phuket Police to be those of the owner of house 310/74 in the Bo Din housing estate in Thalang, Phuket. Photo: Wichai Witthawat

PHUKET: -- Two explosions left one man injured, a dog dead and caused extensive property damage in a late-night firebomb attack in a Phuket housing estate early this morning.

Full story:

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Five Prayuth's classmates promoted

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The mid-year military reshuffle sees the promotion of five classmates of Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha elevated to the rank of full general to fill advisory positions.

The promotion is seem as ceremonial because the five are slated for mandatory retirement in September.

The five include 2nd Army Region commander Lt General Thawatchai Samutsakorn and 3rd Army Region commander Lt General Wanthip Wongwai.

Prayuth portrayed the reshuffle as low-keyed, saying the line-up was routine in accordance with seniority.

He said some graduates of Pre-Cadet Class 20 might be put on the fast-track for promotion but they had job performance to justify being rewarded.

He also said his brother Maj General Preecha Chan-ocha was not disappointed at being overlooked in the reshuffle.

Preecha was previously tipped to become the commander of the 3rd Army Region. But Prayuth said his brother was a graduate of Pre-Cadet Class 15 and none of his classmates had reached a senior position.

The reshuffled list involving 127 positions was released on Wednesday following the royal endorsement.

Of 127 positions, the Army saw 47 officers rotated. Key appointments included Lt General Channarong Thanarun becoming commander of 3rd Army Region and Lt General Wibul Pongklansanoh becoming commander of 2nd Army Region.

Maj General Somsak Nilbanjerdkul is slated to become commander of the 1st Cavalry Division.

Colonel Noppawong Surawichai is to be elevated to the rank of major general in the position of commander of the 5th Infantry Division, a newly-formed unit to deal with the southern insurgency.

Colonel Archanai Srisuk is to be elevated to the rank of major general leading the 3rd Cavalry Division, a newly-formed unit based in Khon Kaen.

Some 16 army colonels are to become major generals.

The Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence saw the dispensing of new assignments for 47 officers. General Chusak Santiworawut is slated to become chief staff officer attached to the permanent secretary for Defence.

The Armed Forces Headquarters saw the reshuffle of 20 officers. General Chayut Suwannamat is slated to become chief staff officer attatched to the supreme commander.

The Navy saw the rotations involving eight officers in the rank of vice admiral and rear admiral.

The Air Force saw a minimal change involving two officers. The two, including one female, will be elevated from the rank of colonel to air marshal.

-- The Nation 2012-03-29

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Swedish Man Arrested for Pedophilia in Thailand

THAILAND: -- According to several Swedish news media's a 65 year old Swedish man has been arrested for sex crimes against children. The crimes supposedly occurred during his many vacations in Thailand.

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Pineapple protest to block Bangkok-Phuket highway

Pineapple farmers nationwide will hold the protest in Prachuap Khiri Khan, the country's largest pineapple-producing province. Photo: Phuket Gazette file

PHUKET: -- Phuket residents planning a weekend road trip to Bangkok might want to start the journey today, as thousands of pineapple farmers in Prachuap Khiri Khan have announced they will stage a full road blockage on Phetchakasem Highway tomorrow.

Full story:

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Ombudsman: Royal Thai Police found to be most corrupt

BANGKOK, 29 March 2012 (NNT) - The Office of the Ombudsman Thailand has reported its success over the past 12 years, saying the Royal Thai Police has been found to be the most corrupt agency in Thailand.

Full story:

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Thai Democrats blocking reconciliation: Natthawut

BANGKOK: -- The Democrats are allowing their obsession against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to cloud their judgement on national reconciliation, Deputy Agriculture Minister Natthawut Saikua said on Thursday.

Full story:

[Lite Beer]

SET index midday down 5.94 pts, 0.49 pct

Thai composite stocks index (SET) at midday Thursday stood at 1,198.07, down 5.94 points, or 0.49 per cent in line with regional shares amid Bt12.04 billion turnover.

Blue chip SET-50 index was at 844.11, down 5.40 points, or 0.64 per cent.

Top five active (value) stocks: TCAP, BBL, PTTGC, PTT, IVL.

-- The Nation 2012-03-29

[Lite Beer]

Prem-Thaksin talks good but not a solution: Noppadon

The Nation

BANGKOK:-- The talks between chief royal adviser Prem Tinsulanonda and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, if happened, is a welcoming move but will not bring about national reconciliation.

"The conflict can not be resolved like (cooking) instant noodle," Thaksin's legal adviser Noppadon Pattama said on Thursday.

Noppadon said the poltical conflict involved a complex set of issues related to the unbalanced social structure. This was not a matter to resolved by two individuals, he added.

He said he foresaw positive things to come out if Prem and Thaksin talked to one another, the individual talks alone could not all outstanding issues.

"If two men can push a button and order everyone to comply, then what will happen to the country when the two pass on?"

He said even if the talks took place, Thaksin would have to face certain restraints in raising issues because Prem's position was beyond political reproach.

On Wednesday, Chart Thai Pattana MP Sanan Kachornprasart said only two individuals could bring about reconciliation. He later clarified that he meant for Prem and Thaksin

-- The Nation 2012-03-29

[Lite Beer]

Academics ask for more freedom of expression

BANGKOK, 29 March 2012 (NNT) – A group of academics and journalists claimed that the Thai society limits freedom of expressions, asking for the public to be more open to different opinions.

Five institutions; namely Thammasat University, Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), King Prajadhipok’s Institute (KPI), Chulalongkorn University Social Research Institute, and Thai Journalists Association (TJA); held a seminar on opening up more space for freedom of opinions in the Thai society.

Sanya Dharmasakti Institute for Democracy Director Thirayuth Boonmi said that the Thai society should accept differences in opinions.

Meanwhile, Gothom Arya, Director of the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies at Mahidol University said people always see things differently; event the truth is interpreted differently. He said freedom has been limited by the society, adding that even the Constitution limits the freedom.

The TJA said journalists in Thailand have been fighting for press freedom for a long time to no avail. All of the five institutions at the seminar are asking the general public to accept the freedom of expressions and other academics with different views to come out and express their views.

-- NNT 2012-03-29

[Lite Beer]

Hat Yai to hold month-long Songkran activities to boost tourism.

SONGKHLA, March 29 - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Hat Yai office will hold Songkran activities during the whole month of April to boost local and cultural tourism.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__5174322

[Lite Beer]

Energy Ministry confirms no plan for Oil Fund collection

BANGKOK, 29 March 2012 (NNT) - The Energy Minister has confirmed that Oil Fund collection is not on the government's agenda at present. Meanwhile, global fuel price is predicted to remain at 120 dollars per barrel if the situation in Iran does not lead to violence.

Energy Minister Arak Chonlatanon said that the government has no plan to collect oil fund contribution from benzene and gasohol given it will only add to the burden of the people, who are already facing soaring fuel price.

In regard to the plan to import palm oil from abroad, particularly from Indonesia, the ministry has assigned PTT PLC to oversee the operation. Exactly when the import process will commence, however, remains to be determined at a later date by the Commerce Ministry. He added that the price of the imported palm oil after it has been processed and sold as cooking oil will not exceed 42 baht per litre.

Meanwhile, former CEO of PTT PLC Prasert Boonsamphan expressed that the global fuel price will hover around 120 dollars per barrel, provided that no violence should take place in Iran from the ongoing international conflict. As one of the world's major oil exporters, the Middle-eastern country exports over 17 million barrels of petroleum each day via the Strait of Hormuz.

However, if the situation in Iran worsens, the entire global economic system will be affected. Thus, Mr. Prasert urged all relevant countries to join hands preventing such circumstance from happening. Nevertheless, Thailand should keep a close eye on the situation and brace itself with appropriate adjustments in its fuel reserve measures.

-- NNT 2012-03-29

[Lite Beer]

MID-YEAR MILITARY RESHUFFLE

Mid-year military reshuffle announced but holds no major surprises

The Nation

BANGKOK:-- The mid-year military reshuffle sees the promotion of five classmates of Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha elevated to the rank of full general to fill advisory positions.

The promotion is regarded as ceremonial because the five are slated for mandatory retirement in September.

The five include 2nd Army Region commander Lt Gen Thawatchai Samutsakorn and 3rd Army Region commander Lt General Wanthip Wongwai.

Prayuth portrayed the reshuffle as low-key, saying the line-up was routine in accordance with seniority.

He said some graduates of Pre-Cadet Class 20 might be put on the fast-track for promotion but they had the job performance to justify being rewarded.

He also said his brother Maj General Preecha Chan-ocha was not disappointed at being overlooked in the reshuffle.

Preecha was previously tipped to become the commander of the 3rd Army Region. But Prayuth said his brother was a graduate of Pre-Cadet Class 15 and none of his classmates had reached a senior position.

The reshuffle list involving 127 positions was released on Wednesday following the royal endorsement.

Of 127 positions, the Army saw 47 officers rotated. Key appointments included Lt General Channarong Thanarun becoming commander of 3rd Army Region and Lt General Wibul Pongklansanoh becoming commander of 2nd Army Region.

Maj Gen Somsak Nilbanjerdkul is slated to become commander of the 1st Cavalry Division.

Colonel Noppawong Surawichai is to be elevated to the rank of major general in the position of commander of the 5th Infantry Division, a newly formed unit that will deal with the southern insurgency.

Colonel Archanai Srisuk is to be elevated to the rank of major general leading the 3rd Cavalry Division, a newly formed unit based in Khon Kaen.

Some 16 army colonels are to become major generals.

The Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence saw the dispensing of new assignments for 47 officers. General Chusak Santiworawut is slated to become chief staff officer attached to the permanent secretary for Defence.

The Armed Forces Headquarters saw the reshuffle of 20 officers. General Chayut Suwannamat is slated to become chief staff officer attached to the supreme commander.

The Navy saw rotations involving eight officers in the rank of vice admiral and rear admiral.

The Air Force saw a minimal change involving two officers. The two, including one female, will be elevated from the rank of colonel to air marshal.

-- The Nation 2012-03-29

[Lite Beer]

Thaksin's Songkran cost at Bt6,500 per head

The Nation

A travel agency, Redtour 999, has advertised a three-day tour package for the red shirts to celebrate Songkran with fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Siem Reap, Cambodia charging Bt6,500 per head, Matichon Online said on Thursday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__5174391

[Lite Beer]

ASEAN

PM to attend Asean Summit in Phnom Penh

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Sinawatra will attend the Asean Summit scheduled for April 3-4 in Phnom Penh.

The rotating chairmanship was handed over from Indonesia to Cambodia last year. It is the first time that Cambodia is hosting the Asean summit and related meetings, which are scheduled for March 30-April 4.

The summit will mark the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the regional bloc, Thai News Agency reported.

The Cambodian foreign ministry said the leaders are expected to adopt documents, including the Phnom Penh Declaration on Asean: One Community, One Destiny; the Asean Leaders’ Declaration on a Drug Free Asean 2015, and a Concept Paper on the Global Movement of Moderates.

In order to celebrate the regional’s body’s 45th anniversary, the leaders will also issue a "Chairman’s Statement on the 45th anniversary of Asean: The Way Forward".

The 10 national leaders will also follow up the development of the Asean Community, which is to be implemented in 2015 and exchange ideas on a regional agenda that will be mutually beneficial.

The Thai prime minister will propose various initiatives related to disaster management, the atmospheric haze problem, Asean Connectivity and upgrading suppression of the trade in illicit drugs.

Yingluck will also attend the 6th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) to update and follow up the action plan of the past five years. The group will discuss the next five-year action plan (2012-2016) for continued development

-- The Nation 2012-03-29

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Missing Cold Pills Dumped in Chiang Mai

CHIANG MAI: -- The Department of Special Investigation director-general reveals that empty packs of cold pills with pseudoephedrine as their ingredient were dumped in 39 black trash bags in Chiang Mai Province.

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Airports of Thailand (AoT) urged to boost Don Mueang Airport use

BANGKOK, March 29 – Thailand’s Ministry of Transport urged the Airports of Thailand (AoT) to maximise capacity of Don Mueang Airport as Suvarnabhumi Airport now handles an excessive number of passengers, Deputy Transport Minister Chatchart Sittipan said on Thursday.

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High Voltage Electricity Towers Fall on Residential Homes in Saraburi Province

SARABURI: -- High voltage electric poles along a road in Saraburi Province have collapsed and fell onto four residential homes.

Full story:

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PRESS RELEASE

Adobe study shows social media impact undervalued by nearly 100 percent

Evaluation of 1.7 Billion Web Visits Suggests Marketers Need to Consider New Attribution Models

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DSI closes case against PM Yingluck on alleged concealment of Shin Corp shareholding, saying 'No law violated, no political interference' /MCOT

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35 Provinces Declared Drought Disaster Zones

BANGKOK: -- The director-general of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department disclosed that 35 provinces, or 269 districts, have been declared drought disaster zones.

Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Director-General Viboon Sa-nguanpong said that 35 provinces, or 269 districts, have been declared drought disaster zones.

From the 35 provinces, 14 provinces are in the North, including Kamphaengphet, Lampang, Lampoon, and Nan.

Twelve provinces are located in the Northeast and they include Loei, Khon Kaen, and Buriram. Another five provinces are in the East, including Chanthaburi, Trad, and Chonburi.

Drought victims can seek assistance from the provincial disaster prevention and mitigation office or call its 24-hour hotline at 1784.

-- Tan Network 2012-03-29

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Phuket Police name bomb target as wanted drug kingpin

A photo of the drug gang arrested in Khok Kloy in October last year. The only member missing is their alleged leader, 32-year-old Monkol Benjaphan of Phuket. Photo: Phang Nga PRD

The force of the blast from one of the bombs shattered the glass of the windows along the front of the house. Phuket Police say both devices were homemade IEDs. Photo: Wichai Witthwat

PHUKET: -- The target of the bomb attack in Phuket late last night was wanted by police in Phang Nga, who named him as a drug kingpin whose gang was rounded up in Khok Kloy Police District in October last year.

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AIS Foresees 3G Boom

BANGKOK: -- An executive of Advance Info Service, a major mobile phone service provider in Thailand, has expressed confidence the 3G auction by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission will promote mobile internet usage.

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Cambodian dad chains son to pole over online gaming

PHNOM PENH, March 29, 2012 (AFP) - An irate Cambodian father chained his teenage son by the neck to a power pole to punish him for skipping school to play online games, police said Thursday.

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SET index closed at 1203.91, down 0.10; Bt/USD30.70; GBP48.78; AUD31.75; EUR40.86; CAD30.61; HKD3.95; SGD24.29; JPY37.01

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American accused of sexually assaulting 13 year old girl, arrested by Pattaya Police

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

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ASTV: Saimai police find taxi submerged in canal in Soi Wacharapol with skeleton inside; victim believed to have died at least 1 y ago /TANN

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DSI closes case against PM Yingluck on alleged concealment of Shin Corp shareholding

Full story: