Thailand Live Saturday 31 Mar 2012

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Thailand Live Saturday 31 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 Friday 30 Mar 2012

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Bangkok at the centre of Thailand's drug problem, seminar told

Bangkok hosts 20 per cent of the drug abuse in the country, as the capital is a delivery, storage and pickup point for narcotic rackets, according to a seminar hosted yesterday by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....m-seminar-told/

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Bt1.5 bn fund sought for price stability next year: Thai Commerce Ministry

BANGKOK: - The Commerce Ministry will seek Bt1.5 billion from the Cabinet to set up a fund to stabilise commodity prices next year.

Full story:

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INTER CONCERTS

Aerosmith, Elton John, Noel Gallagher, Lady Gaga and more: Live in Bangkok?

Aerosmith

We're going to need a bigger budget - for concert tickets - with Lady Gaga, Aerosmith, Elton John and more heading our way

BANGKOK: -- Lady Gaga and Aerosmith alone ought to make up for all those cancelled concerts last year, and Elton John looks likely to perform in Thailand too. Coldplay is a possibility. Bangkok seems to have hit the big-name jackpot for 2012.

Full story:

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Parliament extension to give time for Thai charter bills: Yongyuth

BANGKOK: -- The leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party said yesterday that the planned extension of the current parliamentary session was aimed at allowing time for deliberation of the government's constitutional amendment bills.

Full story:

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Thai PM Yingluck to sign many agreements in China

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will visit China in April and sign among others agreements on sale of agricultural products and economic cooperation for the next five years, Guan Mu, China's ambassador to Thailand, said yesterday.

Full story:

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Sonthi must reveal truth about coup: Sanan

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- It is essential for national reconciliation that General Sonthi Boonyaratglin answer the question whether there was anyone behind the military coup of September 19, 2006, Sanan Kachornprasart, a key leader of the Chart Thai Pattana Party, said in an interview on Nation Television's "Kom Chad Leuk" programme on Thursday night.

"It's a simple question," said Sanan, who posed the question publicly to Sonthi a week ago. Sonthi could be a hero if he answers the question, said Sanan. "It's for the sake of history."

He is ensuring unnecessary doubt about the coup, said Sanan, adding that no national reconciliation can be achieved if Sonthi proceeds like this.

"I want General Sonthi to answer this question for the public. People suspect that someone must be behind [the coup], and doubts always go up the ladder of power. So if he answers, there will be no doubt left. Did [Privy Council President] General Prem [Tinsulanond] know about the coup?"

Sonthi insisted on Nation TV that he planned the coup by himself but operated with some of his subordinates. But he added that when he dies he would reveal it all through his notes.

What he said is not clear, Sanan said, adding that some have doubts regarding the role of the monarchy.

"I want to see reconciliation," Sanan said, adding that Sonthi could help forge that if he revealed all about the coup. "It's not a top secret that you can only reveal when you die. If that's the case, you can't even speak about it after you are dead … If he answers, he can extricate himself from this messy issue.

"I want the public to know," he said, insisting that many were still suspicious.

Asked by the show host, Jomquan Laopetch, whether the truth could ever really be unveiled, Sanan did not answer the question clearly but went on to cast further doubt.

"Why would he do it [stage the coup] without the support of big people?" Sanan asked.

He also wondered whether it was appropriate for a former coup leader like Sonthi now to be chairing the parliamentary committee on national reconciliation. He said that as Sonthi had entered parliamentary politics, he would have to face such questions. Sanan said it was also ironic that Sonthi was now heading a process to amend the very charter that he instituted after the coup in 2006.

"He is undoing things that he created. How is that possible? How could he say he was wrong in appointing the Assets Examination Committee? ... He is undermining his own [past] words. Politically speaking, this is unacceptable," he said, adding that Sonthi should rather stick with his previous ideology, which led him to staging the coup.

Sonthi told Nation TV that he was playing a role that was neither with the government nor the opposition, adding that he wished to see national reconciliation and democracy in Thailand.

"The country's interests are more important than personal interests," Sonthi said.

Sanan insisted that the past must not be forgotten while forgiveness can be given.

Asked whether Thaksin is especially benefiting from King Prajadhipok's Institute's research, Sanan said yes. "They don't talk about the coup. Things are missing and they're in a rush," he said of the KPI research.

Asked whether Sonthi also benefits from the KPI report, Sanan said he didn't really know.

He added, however, that he wanted Prem and Thaksin Shinawatra to reconcile with each other. "I want Thaksin to understand Prem and Prem to understand Thaksin. The two are the most important keys" in national reconciliation, he said, adding that if that happened, there would be no need to go through Parliament to bring about reconciliation.

He said the two figures were not in conflict with each other but had "misunderstanding".

-- The Nation 2012-03-31

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Grenade launcher fired at home of Narathiwat MP

The Nation

NARATHIWAT: -- The Narathiwat home of veteran MP Najmudeen Uma came under a grenadelauncher attack early yesterday, causing no casualties but resulting in property damage.

The incident took place in Rangae district, where there was also a bomb attack around the same time on a squad of Army paramilitary rangers. Meanwhile a security detachment interrupted what appeared to be a planning session for more attacks in the troubled Southern province.

The Muslim MP, belonging to the Wadah group, which has been attached to several political parties and is currently linked to the Matuphum Party, was in Bangkok attending a House of Representatives session when the attack occurred. His wife and two young children were at home, but other than being very frightened, they suffered nothing more serious than ringing ears.

The provincial police chief, Pol MajGeneral Chote Chawalwiwat, speculated that the attack was meant to warn Najmudeen against his role as an adviser of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre, and was disguised as insurgent violence. The officer did not either rule ??? rule out??? that the attack was politically motivated.

Police ordnance personnel said two M79 rounds were launched from an unknown site, landing directly in Najmudeen's bedroom. Witnesses said they heard the sound of a travelling vehicle not far from his home before the shots were fired.

At first, Najmudeen said in a phone interview that he did not known who was behind the attack and would live his life normally. He later declined to give a public statement over the incident, saying he did not want to interfere with the investigation by speculating. "Let the police keep working on the case."

Also early yesterday in the same district of Narithiwat, two Army paramilitary rangers were wounded by a roadside bomb while their 10man squad was on a foot patrol. The bomb consisted of 10 kilograms of explosives contained in a metal box and was detonated remotely.

Meanwhile, a 50strong team raided the home of Abdulgaha Jehna, an assistant to a village head in tambon Bango Sato, after tipoffs that a group of insurgents were planning an attack. Men inside a hut in a rubber plantation opened fire on them and fled, leaving a large number of military supplies, an M16 assault rifle, ammunition and a pistol.

Abdulgaha has been in military custody and questioned over suspicions that he had been sheltering insurgents.

-- The Nation 2012-03-31

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ANIMATED TV

In the footsteps of the King

The Nation

The Byrdland's animated characters pay tribute to His Majesty in a new story that kicks off tonight

BANGKOK: -- GMM Grammy and Shellhut Entertainment are paying respect to His Majesty the King on occasion of his 84th birthday anniversary with a special story in the animated TV series "Byrdland". "Tam Roi Phra Raja" ("Follow the Great King's Steps") will telecast on Channel 3 every Saturday and Sunday at 7.30pm starting from tonight.

"We want Thai people, especially kids, to really appreciate the King's duties as well as to gain knowledge while being entertained," says Busaba Daoruang, GMM Grammy's CEO.

"The story opens with a group of children going on a travel adventure around the world with Phi Bird [Thongchai McIntyre] as their adviser."

"The King's has so many abilities. He's an excellent sportsman and a musician. It's important that children and of course the Thai people know what His Majesty does for us," says Thongchai, who is the main character in the animated TV series.

This story has 26 episodes, all of them related to the King's duties and projects. They are titled "Fon Luang Part I", "Kanghan Nam Chaipattana", "Keera Khaeng Ruabai", "Gamling", "Fai Chalor Nam", "Saphan Wong Waen", "Klang-Din", "Akkra Silapin", "Dao Thiem Kong Thai", "Keera Kue Ya Wiset", "Withee Por Pieng", "Karn Pattana Chonabot", "Cheewit Karn Rien Roo", "Pla Nil Chitralada", "Fon Luang Part II", "Rak Kong Ya Faek", "Saxophone", "Khong Khwan Kong Squawky", "Chumchon Kemkang", "Tua Note Hang Pleng Jazz", "Withayu Krajai Sieng", "Puean Phoo Narak", "Prasopkarn Klang Jaeng", "Non Nangsue", "Song Kham Auayporn" and "Pleng Phra Raja".

"I didn't know about the King's duties but I've learned a lot about them during my time as a voice actor," says Thai-French artist Chinawut Indracusin.

"We surprised this is a cartoon animation created by Thai people. It's every bit as beautiful as a foreign animation," says Palitchok "Peck" Ayanabutra, another voice actor.

Find out more at www.Byrdland-Online.com and at Byrdland's Facebook page.

-- The Nation 2012-03-31

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A showdown between the govt and the central bank: Thai watchdog

Dr Prasarn, governor of the central bank

BANGKOK: -- A showdown is looming between Finance Minister Kittirat Na Ranong and Bank of Thailand Governor Prasarn Trairatvorakul over the country's exchange rate policy as the former is pushing for a weaker Thai baht to aid the export sector's recovery.

Full story:

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Chula lecturers warn of dangers of obesity

The Nation

BANGKOK: - Chulalongkorn University's faculty of medicine yesterday warned people against putting on too much weight.

According to the medical lecturers, obesity significantly raises the risks of dangerous diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, hyperlipidaemia, osteoporosis, and sleep apnoea.

"The health risks increase once the body mass index [bMI] climbs above 30," Associate Professor Weerapan Khovidhunkit said at a seminar yesterday.

He said most people with a BMI above 35 had more than one chronic disease. A person's BMI is his weight divided by the square of his height.

Associate Professor Suthep Udomsawaengsup said surgeries conducted to reduce the weight of obese patients showed that 82 per cent of them fully recovered from diabetes.

"This fact confirms how dangerous obesity is," he said.

Chulalongkorn University has performed surgeries on 100 obese patients to date. On average, the patients weighed about 136 kilograms before surgery. All of them developed health complications.

After the surgery, these patients lost about 50kg each.

"Obesity had adversely affected my life in all aspects," Attapong Daengkhamkhoon said. He is one of the obese patients undergoing surgery.

Now, he is controlling his diet and exercising to avoid gaining too much weight again.

-- The Nation 2012-03-31

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Pineapple growers block roads in protest

The Nation

PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN: - More than 3,000 pineapple farmers totally blocked Phetkasem Road in Prachuap Khiri Khan yesterday morning in protest over the falling price of their produce.

Their blockade cut the main route between the South and other regions of Thailand for more than an hour.

The protesters, who came from various provinces such as Kanchanaburi, Uthai Thani and Rayong, also tried to block alternative routes.

The farmers dispersed only after Prachuap Khiri Khan Governor Veera Sriwattanatrakoon informed them that the National Pineapple Development Policy Committee had approved an Bt800million budget to ease their plight.

Veera said the money would be used to buy 200,000 tonnes of pineapple at Bt4 per kilogram.

-- The Nation 2012-03-31

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DSI poised to drop lese majeste conspiracy case

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Department of Special Investigation is expected to conclude before Songkran its investigation of an alleged conspiracy to topple the monarchy, and recommend that the case be dropped for lack of evidence.

"Evidence is unclear and insufficient to identify culprits," DSI deputy directorgeneral Pravesana Mulpramook said yesterday, in reference to the case known in Thai as the lom chao plot.

Pravesana was speaking after a meeting with Colonel Wijarn Jodtaeng, a legal adviser of the Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation, which initiated the legal proceedings in 2010 coinciding with the political disturbances involving the red shirts.

At the meeting, Wijarn submitted a box of documents and eight compact discs he said were additional evidence on the conspiracy.

But Pravesana said the evidence was nothing new and shed no light on any conspirators involved in the alleged plot.

Key suspects in the case included fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Pheu Thai MP Jatuporn Promphan.

-- The Nation 2012-03-31

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Thai economy continues improving in February: Central Bank

BANGKOK, March 31 -- The Bank of Thailand (BoT) on Friday announced that the overall Thai economy had continued to improve in February, citing consumer purchases and investments which exceeded pre-flood levels.

Full story:

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Thailand: pollution puts Chiang Mai off the tourist trail

Authorities in Thailand must act to stop the perennial problem of pollution in the backpacker town, says Chris Coplans.

Full story:

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People from all walks of life turn up to wish Princess Sirindhorn a happy birthday

BANGKOK, 31 March 2012 (NNT) – As Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will turn 57 on the second of April this year, many groups of people gathered at Chitralada Villa on Friday, to extend their best and sincere wishes to the beloved Princess.

At 8.48 am, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra led her Cabinet members and spouses to extend their felicitations to the Princess. This was followed by a long line of well wishers including the Parliament president, Senate speaker, Supreme Court president, Constitutional Court president, high-ranking officials from the judicial sector and their spouses, as well as members of the Election Commission and the National Anti Corruption Commission.

Also received in audience on the day were representatives from the civil service sector, the three armed forces, universities, schools as well as private individuals.

Later in the afternoon, Her Royal Highness graciously granted an audience to media members who used to accompany her on different trips abroad. President of the Privy Council General Prem Tinsulanond also led Privy Councilors and their spouses in extending their good wishes to Her Royal Highness.

As the third child of Their Majesties the King and Queen, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has rendered public service continuously since her early youth. Her dedicated efforts to promote the well being of people, particularly nutrition and education of children in remote areas, as well as her activities relating to cultural conservation have won high recognition from all Thais.

-- NNT 2012-03-31

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RT @js100radio Temple of Emerald Buddha opens from 8.30am-12pm;since roads closed,visitors can use Chao Phraya boat to Ta Chang pier /TAN_Network

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During her weekly TV show, PM says she will bring Korea's computer-controlled water management system to Thailand and guarantees no flooding/TAN_Network

Srinakarin Rd tunnel under Udomsuk intersection closed until 11am for safety inspection/TAN_Network

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Thailand Grand Prix being considered for 2014 or 2015

By: Quentin Spurring

Negotiations are under way for a Formula One Thailand Grand Prix, Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz has confirmed. Speaking in the nation's capital, Bangkok, the energy-drink company's billionaire founder told local media, "The idea is good. We are in talks. I can't give details because it is not my responsibility. [F1 boss] Bernie Ecclestone agrees with the idea, and we might sign an agreement soon. Thailand could host a Formula One race in the next two or three years.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__5178947

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PM asserts foreign visits will rebuild investor confidence in Thai economy after flood crisis; to use South Korean water management as model/TAN_Network

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Ayutthaya revives boat trips after floods

BANGKOK, 31 March 2012 (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) joins hands with the Water Tourism Association in Ayutthaya province in bringing back boat trips for tourists in a bid to generate more income to villages after the floods last year.

The secretary of the Ayutthaya Water Tourism Association, Manas Sapmeechai, said the trips were firstly launched in June 2011 and have been recently stopped due to the flooding. The tour will resume on 7 April under the campaign "Riding Along the River, Viewing the Old City." They will take tourists around the city island passing graceful historical sites.

Under the revived program, two trips are available daily at 10 am and 3 pm. Each trip is two hours long costing 200 baht per person. Tourists can board the boat at the Ayutthaya Provincial Tourism Center.

Apart from boat trips, Mr.Manas said riverside restaurants in the province normally provide river cruises with food. According to him, water tourism has contributed almost 40 million baht in revenue to the province each year.

-- NNT 2012-03-31

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TAT to launch Songkran festivities in 13 provinces

BANGKOK, 31 March 2012 (NNT) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has planned to spend a budget of THB17 mil to organize Songkran activities in 13 provinces throughout the country.

The TAT's Songkran campaign will be launched in Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Chon Buri, Samut Prakan, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Nakhon Phanom, Khon Kaen, Nong Khai, Songkhla, Phuket and Nakhon Si Thammarat between April 10 and 29. Cultural uniqueness of these provinces will be the theme of the activities.

The events are expected to attract 1.4 million Thai and foreign visitors and to generate incomes of THB4.5 bil.

The TAT has also joined hands with the Thai Tourism Promotion Association (TTPA), Thai Eco-tourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA), Thai Tour Operators Association and Domestic Travel Association to offer special trips to such provinces as Sukhothai, Kanchanaburi, Loei, Trat and Nakhon Si Thammarat. For more information, contact TAT Hotline 1672.

-- NNT 2012-03-31

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Hot weather causes fire on train in Phitsanulok

PHITSANULOK, 31 March 2012 (NNT) – Passengers of a Bangkok-bound train experienced a life-threatening moment Friday evening as an engine carriage of the Chiang Mai-Bangkok Sprinter reportedly sent out black smoke while on its way to the capital.

A plume of black smoke quickly spread to the passenger carriage, as the train was pulling up at Bang Krathum Train Station in Phitsanulok province . The incident prompted an evacuation of more than 100 passengers to the platform for safety. It took the officials around 30 minutes to contain the fire.

The train resumed its service after the carriage that caught fire had been removed. The officials suspected extremely hot weather could cause the engine to overheat, leading to the blaze.

-- NNT 2012-03-31

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Pork price likely to go up next week

BANGKOK, 31 March 2012 (NNT) – Consumers will soon have to spend more on food again, as pork raisers will be allowed to raise the pork price.

According to Internal Trade Department Director-General Watcharee Wimuktayon, the newly-appointed committee tasked with overseeing the pork pricing system will call a meeting next week and pork price adjustment is likely to be a topic of discussion.

Mrs. Watcharee explained that pork price rise should help relieve financial burdens of pig raisers, particularly the small ones who have to shoulder losses. Live pigs are sold for THB55 per kilo even if the cost of raising a pig is estimated at THB62 baht per kilo. At some markets, a kilo of pork is offered at THB120-130 despite the fact that the control price is between THB 105 and 110.

In its medium-term solutions, the Internal Trade Department is seeking an allocation of THB1.5 bil in the fiscal 2013 budget to stabilize prices of major agricultural products including pork, palm oil and eggs. The Department may specify the highest and the lowest prices of these staple foods to make sure that both producers and consumers are treated fairly.

In the long run, pig cooperatives will be registered in order to upgrade the farming system. To boost the competitive edge, they will also be urged to turn to a full-cycled farming system so that they can be financially stronger and that the consumers can buy pork at an affordable price.

-- NNT 2012-03-31

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Tropical Storm Pakhar en route to Vietnam

BANGKOK, 31 March 2012 (NNT) - Tropical Storm Pakhar with a center in the South China Sea is moving westward and predicted to reach and make landfall over lower Vietnam on April 1, but will not affect Thailand during these few days.

However, another ridge of moderate high pressure from China has extended to northeastern Thailand and the South China Sea during March 31 and April 2.

As a result, the Northeast will experience a temperature drop. Thunderstorms with gusty winds are forecast for the Northeast, the central part, the East and the upper South. Isolated to widely scattered thunderstorms with gust and hail are likely in the North.

-- NNT 2012-03-31

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HRH Princess Sirindhorn to join royal cremation rehearsal

BANGKOK, 31 March 2012 (NNT) – HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is scheduled to join in the 3rd rehearsal of the royal cremation of HRH Princess Bejaratana.

Culture Minister Sukumol Kunplome said on Friday that the preparation for the Royal Cremation of HRH Princess Bejaratana is progressing as planned, with the construction of the Royal Crematorium and related structures now 95 percent ready.

Regarding the making of the royal urn, Mrs. Sukumol stated that the process has been completed.

She added that the finishing touches will be put to the Royal Crematorium with all the details to be finished by the 3rd of April. The dress rehearsal of the funeral procession will also be performed today.

The Culture Minister said that HRH Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will join in the rehearsal and will bestow royal commemorative coins to more than 80 recipients, who have taken part in the preparation and execution of the Royal Crematorium. The royal cremation is scheduled for Monday, 9 April 2012.

-- NNT 2012-03-31

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War on drugs becoming regional agenda: Chalerm

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Thai PM hails her Seoul visit as a successful trip

BANGKOK, March 31 - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Saturday said that her recent visit to South Korea was another successful trip, especially in boosting Thai-Korean bilateral relations for a wide range of issues.

Full story:

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Rak Thailand leader Chuvit shows clips of BKK cops extorting money from motorcyclists; claims existence of 4 casinos in Phuket /TANN