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Tourism Ministry to speedily compensate victims of Hat Yai hotel bombings

BANGKOK, 4 April 2012 (NNT) – The Tourism Ministry is set to speedily compensate the families of foreign victims of last weekend's bombings at a Hat Yai hotel.

Tourism and Sports Ministry's Permanent Secretary Suwat Sidthilaw said on Tuesday that the ministry is now in the process of paying financial compensation to the families of foreign visitors, who were injured or killed in the bombings at the Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel in Hat Yai of Songkhla Province.

The explosion on Saturday killed 2 Malaysian tourists, with the family of one of them receiving the insurance compensation of 10,000 US dollars from the Tourism Ministry.

Mr. Suwat said that officials are working on the payment of the compensation to the family of another victim.

For the 9 injured, he said that the insurance company will be responsible for incurred medical expenses to the maximum of 10,000 US dollars each.

The Tourism and Sports Ministry's Permanent Secretary added that the compensation paid out to the bombing victims was drawn from the government-initiated project to offer foreign tourists insurance policies against civil unrest and disasters in Thailand, which is put into use during March 1st-June 30th and carries a limit of 200 million baht.

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-- NNT 2012-04-04 footer_n.gif

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Posted

Pollution Control Department pushes for stricter environmental laws

BANGKOK, 4 April 2012 (NNT) - The Pollution Control Department (PCD) celebrated its 20th anniversary on Tuesday, declaring to push for stricter laws on pollution control.

PCD Director-General Wijarn Simachaya said the Department has successfully pushed for better environmental laws and regulations over the past 20 years; however, some laws remain unchanged and that it will continue to push for their enforcement.

He added that the people and local administrative offices should pay more attention on pollution control issues, saying many offices still do not pay much attention to the environmental issues. Mr Wijarn further stated that the government allocates less than 0.5% of the national budget for environmental management, the amount considered inadequate.

On its 20th anniversary, the Department gave special awards to the cleanest beaches in Thailand. Other activities such as free vehicle engine check-up and academic seminar on pollution management have also been held during April 3-4.

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-- NNT 2012-04-04 footer_n.gif

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UNCTAD Sec-Gen: Frequent govt change hinders development

BANGKOK, 4 April 2012 (NNT) - The Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has pointed out that the frequent change of government is a weakness in the development of a nation as it reflects incredibility and discontinuity of policies.

During his speech on "Governance and Competitiveness : Challenges for Thailand", UNCTAD Secretary-General Supachai Panitchpakdi said that the good governance of a nation begins with the good governance of its leader. He added that one of Thailand's vulnerability is its frequent change of government, which impacts the nation's credibility and the continuity of its policies.

Meanwhile, even though Thailand's Corruption Perception Index currently stands at a decent level, investors show more enthusiasm to invest in other ASEAN countries, such as Indonesia and Vietnam, despite their reputation in corruption. Therefore, he urges Thailand to set up investment promotion measures in order to attract more foreign investment to the country.

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-- NNT 2012-04-04 footer_n.gif

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Airports of Thailand (AOT) steps up security at 6 airports

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BANGKOK, 4 April 2012 (NNT) – Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) has tightened security at 6 airports nationwide following a series of bomb blasts in Songkhla and Yala provinces.

Full story:

Posted

Thai Interior Minister Claims No Reports of Insurgency During Songkran Festival

BANGKOK: -- The interior minister disclosed that there are no reports of insurgency during the Songkran Festival, and that he has ordered officials to conduct a rigorous inspection and monitor the situation closely to minimize impacts on tourism.

Full story:

Posted

Farmers' Credit Card Scheme Tested in 5 Provinces

BANGKOK: -- The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operatives is trying out the Farmers' Credit Card program in five provinces, with official implementation expected to start in May.

The bank aims to issue two million cards during the next two years.

Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operatives, or BAAC, President Luck Wajananawat said the Farmers' Credit Card scheme is being tested in five provinces, namely Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Ratchasima, Lopburi, and Saraburi. The trial ends April 10 and nationwide implementation could start as early as in May.

Farmers are required to present their ID card when using the credit card, which is only accepted by co-operative shops under the bank's supervision.

According to BAAC president, more than 1,900 co-operative shops have registered to the program. The bank has set a target of 3,000 participating shops.

The first million cards are expected to be distributed to eligible farmers this year, and another one million cards the next year.

The program is intended to benefit 2.6 million households.

Pikul Kitwiset, a shop owner participating in the program, said her shop is authorized to distribute the farmers' credit cards and will also serve as a goods distribution center.

Under the scheme, farmers will be able to buy products at lower prices than they do from general stores.

In addition, they may be entitled to annual dividend payments from becoming members of co-operative shops.

The bank will offer loans amounting to 70 percent of farm outputs available for sale.

Of the amount, 70 percent will be paid in cash while the other 30 percent will be on the credit card, which must not exceed 50,000 baht.

The loan is intended for purchase of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. There is no interest on the first 30 days after which the rate will be seven percent per annum.

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-- Tan Network 2012-04-04

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Posted

Southern authorities confirm arrest of 1 Yala bombing suspect caught on CCTV footage; suspect still denying involvement /TANN

Defence Minister Sukumpol denies Thaksin or other high-ranking officials are negotiating with BRN Coordinate insurgency group /TANN

Deputy PM Yutthasak says southern insurgents smuggled in explosive substances from abroad to be used in car bomb attacks /TANN

Posted

Red Shirts offer well wishes to Thaksin during Songkran Festival in Nong Khai province

NONG KHAI: -- Red-shirt leaders within 20 northeastern provinces plan to assemble in Nong Khai province to express their well wishes to the deposed prime minister.

Full story:

Posted

Arrest of Suspect in Yala Car Bombs

YALA: -- The Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center has confirmed the arrest of 1 suspect in the Yala car bombings, caught on CCTV footage but suspect is still denying any involvement.

The Region 4 Army chief says the authorities have identified all suspects involved in the bombings but he refuses to disclose details at this time and says Songkran won't see any violence.

Defence Minister ACM Sukumpol Suwanatat denies former PM Thaksin Shinawatra or Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center Secretary-General Tawee Sodsong are negotiating with southern insurgent group BRN Coordinate.

Deputy PM Yutthasak Sasiprapa says the explosive substances used in the recent car bombings were smuggled in from abroad.

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-- Tan Network 2012-04-04

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Thailand says car bombs reveal new militant tactics

PHNOM PENH, April 4, 2012 (AFP) - Thailand said Wednesday its security services have to "work harder" after a triple car bomb attack demonstrated the increasing sophistication of militant tactics in the violence-plagued south.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....litant-tactics/

Posted

SET index midday down 3.08 pts, 0.25 pct

BANGKOK: -- Thai composite stocks index at midday Wednesday stood at 1,207.99, down 3.08 points, or 0.25 per cent in line with regional shares amid Bt11.04 billion turnover.

Blue chip SET-50 index was at 850.89, down 2.62 points, or 0.31 per cent.

Top five active (value) stocks: CPF, PTTGC, BANPU, BCP, KBANK.

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-- The Nation 2012-04-04

Posted

Prov Police Region 9 Chief offers Bt1m bounty for each of 2 suspects in Hat Yai hotel car bombing; arrest warrants expected in 1-2 days /MCOT

Posted

ISOC Goes Over Suspect List before Requesting Arrest Warrants

BANGKOK: -- The Internal Security Operations Command is reviewing the list of suspects of the recent car bomb attack in Hat Yai District of Songkhla Province before requesting for their arrest warrants.

Spokesperson for the Region 4 Internal Security Operations Command Colonel Pramote Promin said some of the suspects named in the recent car bomb attack at the Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel in Hat Yai District of Songkhla Province are already wanted by the authorities.

The investigation team is currently going over the list of suspects before requesting arrest warrants from the court.

Pramote added that the Region 4 Army commander has ordered all units in the area to rebuild public confidence as soon as possible and step up their security efforts.

The police have also been directed to set up checkpoints throughout the city and at the business district.

Moreover, soldiers operating in the region are urged not to be easily provoked.

The authorities have information that about 30 suspects are involved in the bomb attack.

Pramote added that insurgents have been disguising the appearances of suspicious vehicles to elude security checkpoints so officials must improve their security protocol.

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-- Tan Network 2012-04-04

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EU lifts ban on Thai poultry

BANGKOK, 4 April 2012 (NNT) - The European Union (EU) will lift its eight-year ban on poultry meat import from Thailand, starting in July.

Following the spread of avian flu in the country in 2004, the EU has imposed a ban against importing poultry meat and products from Thailand. However, the European Commission (EC) has recently resolved to lift the above-mentioned ban, scheduled to come into effect on 1 July 2012. The EC reasoned that Thailand has succeeded in eradicating the disease from the kingdom while tests carried out by EU specialists in March 2011 showed that Thailand has complied with all EU standards.

Nevertheless, the EU has decided to maintain the ban on poultry meat import from China as well as egg products from Malaysia and South Korea.

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-- NNT 2012-04-04 footer_n.gif

Posted

Thunderstorm and strong wind forecast for all parts; Lower South warned of heavy rain /TANN

Kasikorn Research Center expects inflation at 3.9% this year due to high oil price and rising raw material and labor costs /TANN

Posted

TAT expects 300,000 visitors on Amazing Thailand fan page

BANGKOK, 4 April 2012 (NNT) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects that 300,000 people will visit the Amazing Thailand fan page on Facebook within this fiscal year or by September.

The TAT aims to use the Facebook page to inform people from across the globe about tourism facts and updated events in Thailand.

By March, over 240,000 people were reportedly following the Amazing Thailand page. The top five nations with the most people liking the page are the US, UK, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore.

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-- NNT 2012-04-04 footer_n.gif

Posted

Defence Minister orders pro-active operations in South

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BANGKOK, April 4 – Thailand’s Defence Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapa said on Wednesday that security operations of all agencies concerned in the southern border region—particularly intelligence work—will use a pro-active approach, reassuring the public that there will be greater unity in their operations.

"From now on the work of all parties must be pro-active. Intelligence operations, in particular, must be more accurate and [done in a] timely manner as it is a key factor that will lead to successful missions," said the deputy premier, who oversees national security.

He reiterated that the work must be carried out in conjunction with relevant agencies.

"I will be the main coordinator to drive the operations in an integrated manner," Gen Yuthasak said.

He commented following deadly multiple car bombings in the southern border provinces of Yala and Songkhla last Saturday which killed 15 persons.

Gen Yuthasak repeated his warning of possible security threats from mid-April to mid-May, saying the warning was meant to alert the public as the timing coincides with the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) meeting. In addition, insurgents could stage more attacks to attract international attention and to mark the anniversaries of the Tak Bai and Krue Se incidents.

The deputy premier said he believed that the violence would not spill across border of the four southern border provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla to other regions. He also expressed confidence that there would be no untoward incidents marring Songkran, the long Thai traditional New Year festival April 13-17, especially in Hat Yai.

Regarding progress on the investigation of the bomb blast at the Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel in Hat Yai which killed three persons, including two Malaysian tourists, Gen Yuthasak said an arrest warrant was issued for the suspect believed to be on the run within the country.

The investigators are racing against time to examine vehicles left in the hotel park garage as many of them were meant to be used in car bombing, he said. He said that the explosives were brought in from abroad and assembled by bomb experts in Thailand.

The deputy premier also urged more vigilance in checking vehicles and strict measures for parking and access in all areas.

Gen Yuthasak said he stood ready to answer any query concerning the latest southern violence in parliament as proposed by the opposition Democrat Party in order to jointly seek a solution to the insurgency, but preferred it to be a closed session. (MCOT online news)

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-- TNA 2012-04-04

Posted

Thailand bans Shakespearean film about political megalomaniac

BANGKOK:-- Thai directors of a film about a MacB (eth-like) political megelomaniac reminiscent of fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatara will appeal a censorship committee's decision to ban their movie from public screening, they said Wednesday.

"Our next step is to appeal to a higher censorship board that is chaired by the Minister of Culture," the film’s director Manit Sriwanichporn said.

On Tuesday the Culture Ministry’s office of film and video censorship committee banned Shakespeare Tong Tai (Shakespeare Must Die) on the grounds that the film "undermines the unity of people in the country."

"We can’t comment further on the ban, as the directors have decided to appeal our decision," said Pradit Posiew, director of the film censorship committee

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-- The Nation 2012-04-04

Posted

Bt100 bn circulation estimated during Thai New Year: UTCC

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BANGKOK, April 4 – Thailand’s traditional New Year, Songkran, is projected to result in over Bt100 billion (US$3.3 billion) in circulation, according to a survey by the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).

Full story:

Posted

Bus Terminal Security Tightened for Songkran Holidays

BANGKOK: -- The Transport Company is working with the police and military in overseeing security at its bus terminals ahead of the Songkran holidays.

President of the Transport Company Wuthichart Kanlayanamit has reported that for the upcoming Songkran holidays from April 9 to 18, the company will coordinate with the police and military in overseeing security at its bus terminals across the country.

Full story:

Posted

Suspect in Yala blasts interrogated

The Nation

YALA: -- Police on Wednesday summoned a 22-year-old Thai Muslim man for interrogation for alleged involvement in the deadly bomb blasts in Yala over the weekend.

Anuwat Tohjeh, a native of Muang district, denied any involvement.

The bomb attack in Yala's Muang district on March 31 killed at least 11 people and injured many others. Most died at the scene when the explosives went off.

The attack came a few hours before explosives fitted in a vehicle parked in the basement of Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel exploded. The blasts killed three and wounded hundreds of others.

Pol Gen Worapong Chewpreecha, adviser of Police Department, said the summons were based on suspicions that Anuwant was the person who can be seen on security camera footage driving a car following a pickup believed to be equipped with explosives and used in the attack.

Meanwhile joint security forces this morning raided a site in Ban Pongruerai, Tambon Bannag Sareng, Muang district after receiving a tip off. During the raid, they confiscated many items believed to be elements in assembling explosives.

They also discovered a house they suspect as being used as an assembly site for explosives and where the explosives were fitted into a car used in the Yala attack.

"We are still waiting for more lab results of the seized evidence before asking the court to issue arrest warrants," Pol Gen Worapong said.

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-- The Nation 2012-04-04

Posted

Security measures for Songkran increased nationwide

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- City authorities are on high alert and setting increased security measures for this month's Songkran festival, which runs from April 12-16.

The precautions issued by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration are meant to prevent any violence after last weekend's car bomb attacks in Yala and Songkhla, said City Law Enforcement Department director Kramol Olarawat.

The authorities will mobilise 1,240 law enforcement staff from the city's 50 district offices to assist police in providing security and to help motorists during the traditional water festival.

Thousands of Bangkokians will travel to the provinces, while many visitors will flow into the capital for the festivities, he said.

The BMA's law enforcement contingent staff will also be on duty at bus terminals, shopping and tourist centres, and other areas considered to be at possible risk.

Chiang Mai Governor Panadda Disakul said the province was also stepping up security measures. Security will be heightened at all gateways to the province — by road, rail and air.

Provincial agencies will report on a daily basis, said the governor, who urged the public to help the authorities by noting and reporting irregularities.

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-- The Nation 2012-04-04

Posted

Thaksin's taxes: Democrat files nonfeasance charges against finance minister, deputy

BANGKOK: -- A Democrat Party MP has filed a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission against the finance minister, his deputy and the revenue director-general for failing to collect Bt12 billion worth of taxes from Thaksin Shinawatra and his ex-wife.

Full story:

Posted

Southern unrest will not expand further

BANGKOK, 4 April 2012 (NNT)-Deputy Prime Minister for security affairs General Yuthasak Sasiprapa said he believes the unrest will not expand beyond the 4 provinces in the South while assuring that security units are taking a proactive approach towards solving the issue at hand.

General Yuthasak said the insurgents had targeted Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel in Hat Yai because it is in the tourist district of the South. The explosion would eventually draw attention from both local and international media.

Full story:

Posted

Police Raid School in Yala Car Bomb Probe

YALA: -- State security officers raided a private Islamic school in Yala on suspicion it could be associated with the weekend's car bomb in the province's municipal area.

Tarbiatulwatan Foundation School in Yala's Muang district was raided by some hundred of military and police officers after investigators found the two trucks and motorcycle used for the car bomb in Yala municipal area departed from there prior to the incident.

The school was identified as the place where two suspicious motorcycles were dispatched to explore the route and pick up suspects who took the bomb-laden trucks to the targeted area.

The officers found a vehicle registration sticker showing the same plate number of that found on one of the trucks used in the attack along with electrical wires, electrical circuits, car paint, steel bars, and urea fertilizer.

The items were seized for examination and forensic tests will be conducted if DNA prints found on them match those found on other pieces of evidence collected from the blast scene.

Meanwhile, security in Yala's downtown has been raised with more checkpoints set up across the area.

Investigators said the car bomb attack in Yala's municipal area should be the work of an insurgent group led by Isma-ae Rayarong.

They suggested those who made the bombs used in the attack are experts.

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-- Tan Network 2012-04-04

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PM Calls on ASEAN to Focus on Gender Equality

PHNOM PENH: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra reiterates the importance of gender equality during the 20th ASEAN Summit in Cambodia, urging the organization to open its doors for women to play key roles.

Yesterday, after a discussion with representatives from the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, along with other ASEAN leaders and ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan, exchanged viewpoints with the Civil Society Organization under the topic "Gender and Development in ASEAN" in support of cooperation from the civil sector to drive ASEAN forward in terms of gender equality.

Yingluck reiterated the importance of gender equality, women's rights, and the challenges women face.

The premier expressed strong interest in the issue and hoped other leaders share her concern.

She pointed out that development would be achieved once females play a more prominent role in the society.

She said there are many areas which women could do better than men such as negotiation and earning income.

Yingluck reaffirmed that her administration has initiated the 'Development Fund for Women' with a budget of 7.7 billion baht.

The fund aims at improving women's status by creating jobs and providing education opportunities, particularly for less developed areas.

The PM said as of now, there are about six million Thai women who have registered with the fund and their numbers are expected to increase later in the year.

Yingluck insisted that ASEAN should open its doors for women to play a role in politics and development by letting women hold key positions in the ASEAN Secretariat.

She added that ASEAN should launch a protocol to protect women against discrimination. Moreover, the protocol should be included in the ASEAN Declaration regarding human rights.

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-- Tan Network 2012-04-04

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