Thailand Live Monday 2 Apr 2012

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Thailand Live Monday 2 April 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 Sunday 1 Apr 2012

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Steps urged to ease tourists' fears after South attacks: Thailand

THAILAND: -- Carbomb attacks in Yala and Hat Yai district in Songkhla have badly affected tourism and local businesses, and a quick recovery is important in salvaging plunging visitor confidence in Thailand, hoteliers and business operators said yesterday.

Full story:

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Democrats say Thai govt forced broadcast of party general meeting off the air

BANGKOK: -- The Democrat Party yesterday threatened to take action against the government for "censoring" the broadcast of its party caucus on state-run Modernine TV.

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Terrorists 'exploit poor coordination': Thai analysis

State agencies blamed for lack of cohesion in negotiations, activities

BANGKOK: -- The Isra Institute's Isranews Agency has offered several theories on what might have been behind the bombs in Hat Yai and Yala on Saturday, in which at least 13 people were killed and hundreds were injured.

Full story:

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Sense of hope prevails in Myanmar

RANGOON: -- Myanmar's eligible voters yesterday cast their ballots, many for the first time in decades, with happiness, excitement and in the hope that the poll would steer their country towards democracy - and largely because of the participation of Nobel laureate and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__5184228

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NBTC considers auctioning off 5MHz blocks

BANGKOK: -- One of the many options for auctioning the 2.1-gigahertz-spectrum 3G licences is to call bidding for licences covering 5 megahertz of bandwidth each, said National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) member Settapong Malisuwan.

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REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Thailand looks beyond the US alliance

BANGKOK: -- Thailand is losing out big time in the fast shifting strategic landscape due to its leaders' inability to break away from the vicious political cycle at home as other countries in the region gain higher levels playing fields and strategic values.

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Learning English language in Thailand: Hype or Necessity?

BANGKOK: -- Lately there has been increasing debate about the status of English language in Thai society. Many arguments are made for and against the relevance of English languageand its usefulness. Arguments made by Thai politicianstake us back and forth about the role of English languageand distracts us away from the realities of this newcentury. This nationalistic faction believes that imposing English language on Thai people is against their culture,heritage and their unique identity.

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EDITORIAL

Investigation into missing cold pills is important: Thai opinion

Authorities must work hard to get to bottom of embezzlement at hospitals

BANGKOK: -- Recent reports about large numbers of cold pills that contain the drug pseudoephedrine having gone missing from state hospitals are quite alarming. If there is evidence of links between the missing pills and the production of methamphetamine, here or in neighbouring countries, then the matter is much more than just embezzlement - it concerns production of narcotic drugs.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....t-thai-opinion/

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Prem, Thaksin talks would not help peace, poll finds

BANGKOK: -- Most Thais believe politicians are not sincere in creating reconciliation, but are using the reconciliation issue as a tool to fight for power, an opinion survey has found.

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Outlook bright for Thai film, tv industry

Tom Nunan, producer of the Oscar winning for Best Picture

Full story:

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Seminar told education system's failing millions of deprived Thai kids

BANGKOK: -- Thailand has more than 5 million underprivileged children facing problems in bettering their quality of life and who lack opportunities to develop themselves, researchers said at a seminar last week.

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Students needed to clean air conditioners at Thai govt agencies

BANGKOK: -- Vocational students will help the country save electricity by helping to clean 8,000 air conditioners at government agencies in 76 provinces.

Full story:

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Volunteers sought to help promote eye donations

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Youngsters across the country who are looking for some voluntary work to do will soon have a chance to try helping the blind regain their sight.

The "Visible Love - the Light to Sight" project organised by the Thai Red Cross Eye Bank and Enconcept EAcademy, an English school, is now seeking youths to disseminate information on eye donations and persuade people to donate their eyes to help the blind.

Arisara "Kru P Nan" Tanapakit of Enconcept, a celebrity tutor, said applications would be accepted throughout the month of May and those selected would be taught correct information about eye donations before they approach the public.

The aim is to foster a positive attitude among the general public towards donations and persuade them to will their eyes to the cause.

She said the young volunteers would receive certificates from the Red Cross and scholarships from Enconcept for English courses.

Eye donation activities are planned for places where teenagers like to hang out, like Siam Square and shopping malls.

If you are interested in working for others, call 02 736 3636 or visit www.enconcept.com/visiblelove.

-- The Nation 2012-04-02

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Earth Hour campaign saves THB4.37 mil worth of electricity in Bangkok

BANGKOK, 2 April (NNT) – The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) has revealed that the Earth Hour campaign, held on 31 March, has contributed to the global energy-saving effort by saving up 4.37 million baht worth of electricity in the Thai capital.

As the 60+ Earth Hour 2012 campaign kicked off around the world, the Thai people participated in the effort by turning off unused lights and electrical appliances for one hour, between 20.30-21.30, in order to contribute to the global effort to save energy and reduce carbon dioxide emission.

On this occasion, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) also participated by turning off the lights in the city's four major landmarks, including the Grand Palace (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), the Temple of Dawn, the Rama VIII bridge and the Giant Swing. Additionally, lights were also turned off in five major roads, namely Ratchadamri, Yaowarat, Silom, Khao San and Ratchadapisek, in order to help conserve energy.

Following the campaign, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) has reported that the one-hour activity has succeeded in reducing electricity consumption by 1,528 megawatts, which is an equivalent of 4.37 million baht and a carbon dioxide emission rate of 815 tons. However, given the difference in weather, the figure is lower than that of last year, which stood at 2,346 megawatts, equivalent to 6.6 million baht and 1,255 tons of carbon dioxide. Nevertheless, this year’s activity results are higher than the three-year average, which stands at just 1,400 megawatts.

Held under the theme of "I Will If You Will", the 60+ Earth Hour 2012 saw participation from 5,251 cities in 138 countries across the globe. So far, Thailand has been participating in the campaign for five years.

-- NNT 2012-04-02

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Yingluck to go to Hat Yai this morning

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra this morning travelled to Songkhla province which was rocked by car bomb attack on Saturday.

Yingluck will go to Hat Yai Hospital to visit people injured by the Saturday’s car bomb and the attack site; Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel, in Hat Yai district.

She will then return to Bangkok before leaving for Phnom Penh at 5pm to attend Asean Summit.

-- The Nation 2012-04-02

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,196.85, up 0.08 points /MCOT

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Cathay Pacific Not Moving Back to Don Mueang Airport

BANGKOK: -- Cathay Pacific Airways has affirmed that it will not move its operations back to Don Mueang Airport.

Full story:

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Deputy PM Affirms Link Between Yala and Songkhla Bombs

BANGKOK: -- The deputy prime minister in charge of national security affirms links between the bombings in Yala and Songkhla on Saturday. He admits that intelligence units have warned of possible unrest during the end of March.

Yesterday afternoon, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of national security General Yuthasak Sasiprapha called a meeting of intelligence and security agencies at the Government House to follow up on the bombings in the South on Saturday.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who was at the Government House to hand out awards for outstanding civil servants in the morning, did not take part in the meeting.

Yuthasak condemned those behind the attacks and stated that intelligence agencies have warned that there could be unrest during the end of March because the month is associated to several important events in the past.

Yuthasak is visiting the South today and noted the authorities have to check closed circuit camera footage to find the culprits behind the attacks.

He also commented that the car bombings in Yala and Songkhla are most likely linked and may be efforts to retaliate against the narcotics crackdown in the Deep South.

Moreover, he said those areas are not under the jurisdiction of the Emergency Decree, which makes them an easy target.

He added that officials have to review in the next three months whether to extend the Emergency Decree coverage to those areas.

The minister refused to comment when asked whether harsher measures are needed against insurgency groups.

The prime minister told the media she is asking all related agencies to do their best on the situation, in terms of bringing perpetrators to justice, increasing troops to prevent a recurrence of attack, and rehabilitating those who were injured and the families of those who died in the incidents.

Yingluck refused to answer when asked if foreign operatives could have been involved in staging the attack, stating she has not received an in-depth report on the cases yet.

The PM said she has decided to remain in Bangkok to oversee the situation, rather than travel down South, because officials will have to be taken off the case and off security assignments to provide protection for her during her visit.

-- Tan Network 2012-04-02

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PM going to Songkhla to visit weekend bombing victims

BANGKOK, April 2 -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will travel today to the southern province of Songkha to visit the victims of the weekend car bombing at the Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel.

The premier is expected to chair a meeting of agencies concerned to seek improved security measures to prevent future attacks in the southern provinces.

Fourteen people were killed and more than 500 were injured in a string of mid-day car bombings in the southern border provinces of Yala and Songkhla. Two car bomb attacks took place in the provincial seat of Yala and another car bomb was in the basement of the Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel in Hat Yai.

Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel owner Wanchai Leelasitorn told reporters that he had not yet assessed the damages from the bombing that caused fire at the hotel and adjacent shopping plaza as he was awaiting the authorities to officially inspect the scene.

He said although the hotel applied strict security measures, it could not deter assailants who found security loopholes to make an attack.

All closed circuit television cameras in the hotel operated normally during the incident and recorded footage that could benefit the investigation, he said.

Mr Wanchai said that he could not specify how long the hotel would be closed, but he was ready to renovate and reopen his hotel as soon as possible. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-04-02

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Veteran Politician Celebrates His 79th Birthday

BANGKOK: -- The Pheu Thai Party's chief adviser celebrates his 79th birthday while urging all sides to work together to promote national reconciliation.

Pheu Thai Party chief adviser Sanoh Thienthong celebrated his 79th birthday at his residence in Wattana Nakhon District of Sra Kaeo Province, with a steady stream of well-wishers throughout the day.

Among his birthday guests were state officials, local administration leaders, and the public.

They were treated to food and drinks provided by more than 50 state agencies, local firms, and shops.

Sanoh said he has been in politics for 40 years and is deeply concerned about the country's current situation.

He encouraged all Thais to help restore harmony and urged politicians to stop engaging in non-constructive politics.

The veteran politician added the law would mean nothing if no one obeys it and reconciliation will never be achieved unless all sides work together.

Sanoh said his birthday wish is to see peace and harmony return to the country.

-- Tan Network 2012-04-02

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How manufacturers in Thailand are coping with minimum wage hike

BANGKOK: -- Manufacturers are closely monitoring the impact of the rise in the minimum wage that took effect in seven provinces, including Bangkok yesterday, anticipating the need for further mechanisation to increase productivity.

Full story:

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PM changes her mind & visits Hat Yai, cutting short chairing of Cabinet meeting; she leaves for ASEAN Summit in Cambodia this evening /TANN

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RT @js100radio Foreign male found to have hung himself on the 30th rooftop floor of an abandoned building on Bangna-Trad KM2 /TANN

Deputy PM Yutthasak affirms security has been boosted for important sites in the South on reports about possibly more unrest /TANN

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53-year-old American tourist plunge from 25th floor of Pattaya condo

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Please Note: Message From Phuket Gazette Webmaster

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Security Tightened at Bus Stations After Latest Blasts in the South

BANGKOK: -- The Transport Ministry has ordered stricter security at all bus stations in the wake of multiple bomb blasts in Songkhla and Yala provinces on Saturday, while the Tourism Authority of Thailand is insisting that the main Songkran celebration in Songkhla's Hat Yai District will be held as scheduled.

Transport Minister Jarupong Ruangsuwan said after presiding over the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the ministry that he has ordered stricter security measures at all bus stations following a string of bomb blasts in the southern provinces of Songkhla and Yala.

Full story:

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Hat Yai confirms Songkran celebration despite bomb

SONGKHLA, 2 April 2012 (NNT) - The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism and Sports has instructed relevant agencies to provide urgent assistance to tourists following the explosion at the Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel, while the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) stands firm that it will hold the Midnight Songkran celebration as previously planned.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism and Sports Chumpol Silpa-archa has assigned the TAT and the Tourist Police to coordinate with the Hat Yai Hotel Association and the Hat Yai Tourism Association in assisting tourists who have been affected by the explosion which took place in front of Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel in Hat Yai on Saturday. Special attention should be given to Singaporeans and Malaysians given they frequently make weekend trips to Thailand. Additionally, travel agencies are rushing to relocate tourists to other hotels as well as help those who wish to return to their hometown.

Meanwhile, the TAT has insisted that the Midnight Songkran celebration in Hat Yai will go on as planned during 11-13 April since Hat Yai is an important financial area. In order to regain confidence, the Songkhla governor plans to hold a midnight sale event on the road in front of the explosion site.

-- NNT 2012-04-02

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Tourism Authority to Promote Songkran Festivities in 13 Provinces

BANGKOK: -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand is preparing to host Songkran festivities in 13 provinces around the country from April 10 to 29 to boost tourism.

Around 50 billion baht is expected to be circulated during the period.

Tourism Authority of Thailand, or TAT, Governor Surapol Svetserani said the TAT is sponsoring Songkran festivities from April 10 to 29 in 13 provinces, namely Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Phanom, Khon Kaen, Nongkhai, Samut Prakan, Chon Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phuket, and Songkhla, utilizing a budget of over 17 million baht.

The TAT will be promoting the Songkran culture of different areas so tourists can pick what kind of atmosphere they like.

The TAT expects 5.2 million Thais to be traveling during Songkran while 1.1 million foreign tourists are expected to visit Thailand during the period.

This should generate a cash flow of 50 billion baht, of which 4.5 billion should be spent in the provinces targeted by the TAT.

The 13 provinces should see 1.26 million Thai tourists spending 2.4 billion baht and 140,000 foreign tourists generating 2.18 billion baht in spending.

The TAT is also joining with four travel associations to come up with special tour packages on five routes in five regions.

They include traditional Songkran in Sukhothai, the Mon Songkran tradition in Sangkhlaburi of Kanchanaburi Province, the flower Songkran procession in Loei’s Nahaew District, Songkran at the narrowest part of the country at 450 meters wide in Trat Province, and Songkran in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

-- Tan Network 2012-04-02