Thailand Live Thursday 5 Apr 2012

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Details of FIDF Debt Decree to Reach Cabinet in 2 Weeks

BANGKOK: -- The Finance Ministry will submit the details of an executive loan decree to the Cabinet to settle the debt incurred by the Financial Institution Development Fund within the two weeks’ time.

Meanwhile, certain relevant laws must be amended before contributions to the National Development Fund can be collected from state-owned banks.

Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary Areepong Bhoocha-oom said his ministry will submit the details of the executive loan decree to manage the Financial Institution Development Fund’s debt to the Cabinet within the next two weeks, particularly the part involving the 0.47 percent surcharge to be collected from state-run banks into the National Development Fund.

If the fund is large enough, it can be used to support state-owned banks that need to raise more capital. This would work in the same way that commercial banks raise capital by selling their shares in the stock market.

The contribution from state-owned banks will go to the National Development Fund instead of the Finance Ministry. However, a law must be passed to support the process first.

The permanent secretary said that state-owned specialized banks have been given close attention by the Thai government and those of other countries due to its strong financial standing.

In particular, the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operatives, or BAAC, has been successful in making the fund more accessible to farmers and increasing their average income from 190,000 baht per person in 2006 to 230,000 baht in 2009, an increase of 15 percent.

However, farmer incomes still increase less than inflation, prompting a number of farmers to borrow from informal sources.

Areepong added the BAAC may organize job training programs and seminars to promote an understanding of a formal banking system among farmers.

In addition, he suggested the bank improve its personal loan products to safeguard against emerging risks and encourage farmers to enroll in farm-crop and life insurance programs to minimize the risk of bad debts as a result of natural disasters or farmers’ deaths.

-- Tan Network 2012-04-05

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Thai stock index opens on Thursday at 1,193.28, down 4.81 points /MCOT

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Royal crematorium opened for public

BANGKOK, 5 April 2012 (NNT) - People have begun visiting the crematorium prepared for the funeral ceremony of Her Royal Highness Princess Bejaratana, amidst tight security.

The royal crematorium is now opened for the public to see the magnificent construction before the formal ceremony takes place during April 8-12.

At night, the royal crematorium at Sanam Luang is decorated with lights. Many people are impressed by the beautiful architecture and decorations. Rare plants and flowers in the surrounding landscape symbolize Her Royal Highness Princess Bejaratana.

Police officers from various departments have been patrolling the area 24 hours a day to ensure visitors safety.

-- NNT 2012-04-05

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Police, Songkhla business community unite to revive economy after hotel bombing

SONGKHLA, April 5 – Thailand’s national police and the Songkhla business community discussed responses to be implemented to rebuild the local economy, revive tourism and restore public confidence after last weekend’s Hat Yat hotel fire bombing.

National Police Advisor Pol Gen Chatchai Potranan chaired a meeting of top police officers and Songkhla business operators led by Songkhla Chamber of Commerce head Surachai Chitphakdeebordin to agree on security measures and revive Hat Yai’s tourism ambiance, to rebuild tourist confidence before the Songkran festival next week when tourists from Singapore and Malaysia usually flock to celebrate here.

Gen Chatchai told reporters after two hours the meeting agreed on measures including checkpoints on four main roads and at least 40 minor roads on a 24-hour basis.

Hat Yai city centre will be zoned and vehicles using NGV and LPG gas will not be allowed in basement car parks of hotels and shopping centres.

Closed circuit television monitors will be serviced to ensure they work properly, and security staff will be trained to better notice suspicious vehicles and falsified registration plates.

Mr Surachai said that the car bomb attack at Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel on April 1 which killed three, including two Malaysians, and wounded over other 350 tourists and shoppers has cost at least Bt800 million in damages as virtually all domestic tourists have cancelled their stays in the province, while Malaysians have partially cancelled.

The Songkhla business sector urged the government to prepare Bt10 million individual insurance coverage in case of terrorist attack to build confidence among tourists and security measures should be stepped up at important locations, particularly at the airport.

Pol Lt-Gen Worapong Chewpreecha, assistant to the national police chief, also attended the meeting. He said that stolen car cases in the three southern provinces will be regarded as important cases because vehicles used in car bomb attacks were all stolen. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-04-05

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Bangkok Hospital Phuket opens Spine Center

Bangkok Hospital Phuket staffers give a demonstration of the treatment options available that newly opened Spine Center. Photo: Courtesy of Bangkok Hospital Phuket

PHUKET: -- Good news for sufferers of back pain and other spine-related diseases and conditions came with the opening of a new Spine Clinic at Bangkok Hospital Phuket last week.

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Police and Customs Join Forces in Pseudoephedrine Crackdown: Thailand

BANGKOK: -- The police and the Customs Department join forces to keep tabs on the illegal import of pseudoephedrine and set out a guideline for coordinating prevention and suppression efforts.

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No deadline in sight for lifeguards’ return to Phuket beaches

A lifeguard collects the flags off Nai Harn Beach. Phuket’s beaches will remain unguarded indefinitely until provincial officials can find a company to take up the challenge of providing the life-saving service.

PHUKET: -- The return of lifeguards to Phuket’s busy tourist beaches remains indefinite while provincial authorities work their way through red tape, the Phuket Gazette has learned.

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More than half of hotel rooms booked for Songkran in Songkhla cancelled after hotel bombing, costs industry more than Bt50 million /MCOT

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Many Provinces Start Road Safety Campaign for Songkran Festival

THAILAND: Many provinces have begun measures to accommodate residents traveling back to their hometown during the Songkran holiday, which will start next week.

Uthai Thani Governor Wanchai Osukonthip visited officials preparing for the road safety campaign regarding public transportation for the upcoming Songkran Festival at Uthai Thani's transport office.

Authorities have been deployed to monitor the situation with extra caution.

Additional surveillance cameras have also been installed. Furthermore, public transport drivers will have to undergo alcohol testing before starting work.

In Nakhon Sawan Province, routes towards the North have been renovated after the recent flooding to accommodate residents during the long holiday period.

They include the section from Dechawong Bridge to Wiang Doi Junction of Highway number 1, Muang Nakhon Sawan Bypass of Highway number 12, and the Nakon Sawan-Phitsanulok route or Highway number 17 from Phaholyothin Intersection to Phitsanulok Bridge.

In Buriram Province, the provincial disaster prevention and mitigation office and other public and private agencies have opened a center at Romburi Garden to campaign for road safety to reduce the number of accidents during the long holiday.

A parade traveled through the downtown area to promote the importance of safe driving.

The province aims to reduce the fatalities from road accidents during the seven dangerous days of the long holiday as it recorded the highest number of road deaths during the New Year festival at 18.

Meanwhile, acting Nakhon Ratchasima transport official Chartchai Yuwachit has been seeking a solution on the possible shortage of interprovincial buses as one of the largest interprovincial bus operators, Sujinda Cherdchai, the owner of Cherdchai Tour Company, said she will not send empty buses back after they arrive at their destinations to hurry to pick up passengers who are still waiting for buses in large provinces.

Sujinda's move was in retaliation to the government's decision to turn down her request for a fare hike.

This may result in a large number of passengers traveling out of Bangkok to be stranded because of the shortage of buses.

A meeting with other bus operators found that they are seeing full ticket sales during Songkran and cannot possibly provide more trips to meet the heavy demand.

The Transport Department director-general has been notified of the possibility that there may be a shortage of interprovincial buses during this Songkran holiday.

-- Tan Network 2012-04-05

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Senator Suggests Dropping All Charges of Assets Scrutiny Committee for National Reconciliation

BANGKOK: -- A senator has suggested that all charges brought by the Assets Scrutiny Committee should be dropped to pave way for national reconciliation.

Senator Somchart Pannapat, who is also the vice-chairman of the charter amendments scrutiny committee, has reported that the committee meeting in the past two days proceeded smoothly.

He expects deliberation into the details of the proposed charter changes to be completed by today, in which the committee's recommendation will be introduced to the parliamentary session scheduled for April 10 and 11.

Somchart believes this is a positive development towards national reconciliation.

He also praises retired general Sonthi Boonyaratglin for initiating the process through the Parliament in an effort to move the country forward again.

The senator also suggests that all charges brought by the Assets Scrutiny Committee should be dropped to reset the justice procedure and pave way for national reconciliation.

-- Tan Network 2012-04-05

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Phuket's new bus terminal set to open April 21

PHUKET: -- Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) chief Teerayut Prasertpol has announced that the long-awaited Phuket Bus Terminal 2 will open on April 21.

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Four detained over deadly Thai blasts: police

NARATHIWAT, Thailand, April 5, 2012 (AFP) - Thai police have arrested four suspects in connection with a series of devastating bomb blasts in the insurgency-plagued deep south, an official said Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__5193100

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RT @RichardBarrow: Today is the last working day before the long 4 day holiday weekend (6-9 April). Expect traffic chaos tonight.

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73 violent incidents happen in deep South in March

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A total of 73 violent incidents happened in southern border provinces in March, killing 56 people and injuring 547 others, a university announced.

The Deep South Watch of Prince Songkla Unviersity's Pattani Campus announced Thursday that a total of 73 insurgency-related incidents were reported in the southern border province from March 1 to 31.

The incidents included three car-bomb attacks, three motorcycle-bomb attacks, 16 roadside bomb attacks, 34 shooting incident and six arson attacks.

Of the 56 slain victims were 29 civilians, three police, nine troops, five defense volunteers, a student, a tambon administrative organisation official, three tambon and village heads, two government employees, a private firm employee, a foreign worker and a suspect insurgent.

-- The Nation 2012-04-05

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Half of Hat Yai hotel bookings cancelled after bombing

SONGKHLA, April 5 – Thailand’s traditional Songkran new year celebration in Hat Yai is likely to be less crowded than usual as the hoteliers’ association said more than half of the earlier rooms booked for Songkran in Hat Yai and Songkhla have been cancelled after last weekend’s deadly bombing and is costing the industry more than Bt50 million.

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Thai poultry exporters could earn extra Bt10 billion

BANGKOK, April 5 - The European Union (EU) decision to lift its eight-year ban on imports of fresh chicken meat from Thailand effective July 1 will help Thai exporters earn an extra Bt10 billion in income this year, according to a senior Thai official.

Foreign Trade Department Deputy Director-General Surasak Riangkrul said on Thursday that the EU Commission will issue a regulation lifting the ban which will be officially published in its official journal soon.

The ban lifting resulted from Thailand's stringent measures to contain any possible bird flu

outbreak, the senior official said. EU inspectors were also satisfied with Thailand's improved labouratory system in 2001. Furthermore, no disease has been detected for more than three consecutive years.

Mr Surasak said poultry resumption is expected to increase an extra Bt10 billion annually as Thailand's 92,610-tonnes annual quota granted in compensation by the EU under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) since 2007 which the country has not yet used as the export ban was in force.

The Foreign Trade Department will move ahead with its attempt to open Japanese and Korean markets as well as other markets for Thai poultry shipments to increase the country's export volume, according to the department's deputy director-general.

Agriculture Minister Theera Wongsamut said on Wednesday that Thailand is expected to export more than 50,000 tonnes of fresh chicken meat to the EU with shipments worth Bt4 billion. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-04-05

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Airports ready for extra flights during Thai New Year festival

BANGKOK, April 5 – Thailand’s airports are preparing to serve more flights during the 10-day Songkran Thai traditional new year with heightened security, said Airports of Thailand (AoT) President Anirut Thanomkulbutr.

From April 9-18, many airlines asked for more flights, particularly at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Phuket International Airport.

AoT has prepared facilities and security to serve a greater number of flights around the clock during this long holiday, he said.

The agency assigned more staff to help passengers to ensure no delay in baggage claims.

It has also cooperated with airport transportation providers to have sufficient vehicles to serve the higher number of passengers.

The AoT president said Suvarnabhumi Airport will have some 9,437 more flights – 6,795 international flights and 2,642 domestic flights -- during the ten-day period with an increased passenger load of about 1.7 million travellers.

Phuket International Airport will have 124 additional flights and more than 27,288 passengers while Chiang Mai Airport will see 16 additional flights with an increase of 4,088 passengers.

Religious activities will be held at all airports with special areas to facilitate passengers to sprinkling water on Buddha images for good luck and jasmine garlands will be given to passengers.

AoT has stepped up security measures, to check unattended baggage and carry-on luggage. No vehicles will be allowed to park at passenger buildings and vehicles entering airport car parking lots will be examined, said Mr Anirut.

Security at Thai airports remains at level three from its highest level of four. Police and soldiers are manning checkpoints along the route to Hat Yai Airport following the deadly car bombing of a hotel last week. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-04-05

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Whitney Houston was found face down in a bath of scalding water

Los Angeles - The singer Whitney Houston was found face down in "extremely hot" water, according to the final coroner's report into her death released Wednesday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__5193386

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RT@Biz_TheNation: Abac poll showed 86.7% of SMEs affected by Bt300 daily minimum wage hike,in effect since Apr 1

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SET index midday down 8.01 pts, 0.67 pct

Thai composite stocks index (SET) at midday Thursday stood at 1,190.08, down 8.01 points, or 0.67 per cent in line with most regional shares amid Bt12.11 billion turnover.

Blue chip SET-50 index was at 837.17, down 6.09 points, or 0.72 per cent.

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

-- The Nation 2012-04-05

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SOUTHERN VIOLENCE

Bomb explosions spark blood donations in Narathiwat, Ranong

The Nation

NARATHIWAT: -- Local residents and security officials in Narathiwat province on Thursday donated their blood to build up stocks after reports indicated that insurgents might try to instigate more violence in the deep southern provinces.

The event, which was held in the Chulabhorn army camp in Muang district, followed reports that insurgents may retaliate against the arrests of three men of their men for their alleged involvement in the deadly bomb attacks in Songkhla and Hat Yai over the weekend.

Total blood donated was 87,500 cc, with some of it going to people injured in the bomb attacks in Yala and in Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel in Songkhla. The blood will also be stocked for people injured in accidents during the upcoming Songkran Festival.

A total of 14 people were killed and hundreds of others wounded in last weekend's series of attacks. Most of the victims were killed at the scene.

Police have arrested three men over the past three days for their alleged links to the attacks.

Police Chief Pol Gen Priewpan Damapong said there was solid evidence against one of the men arrested and it is believed that the suspect might have been involved in the deadly bombings.

On Tuesday, residents in Ranong province joined a blood donation drive event to assist those injured in the attacks.

Dr Thinnakorn Pongwiwat, director of Ranong Hospital, said the blood collection was held because the people of Ranong were worried and sad about the attacks.

He added that the hospital did not initiate the collection but provided the facilities after many expressed their desire to donate blood for the victims of the southern violence.

Wirote Kataset, a Ranong resident, said that he and his neighbours had followed the news of bomb attacks and witnessed the high numbers of injured.

"We believe that blood is necessary in this situation. My neighbours and I came to donate our blood," he said.

-- The Nation 2012-04-05

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ONLINE ACTIVITY

Thai surfers spend 30% of online time on social networking

BANGKOK: -- Social networking represented the most-engaging online activity in Thailand, accounting for 29.8 percent of total time spent online in February, according to comScore Media metrix Service.

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Adults urged to listen to children

BANGKOK, 5 April 2012 (NNT) – Adults are encouraged to listen to opinions of children in order to help them develop to their full capacity.

Speaking at a seminar on “Vision of Children and Youth by 2027”, Secretary to the Social Development and Human Security Minister Anuttama Amornvivat stated that the ministry has collaborated with all sectors to encourage the younger generation of the country to express their thoughts and desires in hopes of establishing a vision of Thai children in the future. The ministry also works toward a principle that Thai children should be developed in all areas, namely IQ, EQ, physical and mental health, as well as social and analytical skills.

Another speaker at the seminar, Mrs. Saisuri Chutikul, a well-known advocate of children’s rights commented that parents should be willing to listen to their children as it is crucial to the development of the Thai youth. Child development is considered an important issue for the nation and in order to help children achieve their maximum potential, all sides must collaborate to reach that goal.

Mrs. Srisak Thai-aree said that through mutual efforts to develop Thai children and youth, one must remember to respect their rights while attempting to enhance their skills and cultivating within them a volunteer’s spirit and a sense of good citizenship in order raise them into a well-rounded person.

-- NNT 2012-04-05

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Poll: Most Oppose Amnesty for Thaksin

BANGKOK: -- According to a recent opinion poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration, 64 percent of those polled oppose amnesty for ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, but instead want him to return to Thailand to fight his cases.

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Their Majesties the King and Queen donate personals fund to treat southern bomb victims /MCOT

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Bus Firm to Keep Service Plan for Songkran Holiday

BANGKOK: -- The Thai Bus Operators Association has affirmed bus services from Nakhon Ratchasima to Bangkok will continue to run on normal schedule, with extra trips added to accommodate the passenger rush during the Songkran festival.

Thai Bus Operators Association President Sujinda Cherdchai retracted her earlier statement that Ratchasima Tour, which operates bus services between Nakhon Ratchasima and Bangkok, could not afford to run empty buses to pick up passengers in the northeastern province during the Songkran long holiday like any other years.

That means passengers at the Nakhon Ratchasima bus terminal would have to wait eight hours for each Bangkok-bound bus, compared to four hours normally, and many of them would be left stranded at the station.

Sujinda affirmed that the Nakhon Ratchasima-Bangkok bus route will continue to run as normal and will be able to handle the surge in passengers during the long holiday.

She insisted that fares will remain unchanged during the period.

Sujinda added that the association has arranged for 100 more bus trips daily from April 15 to 17.

She encouraged travelers to book tickets in advance and spare extra time when traveling during the Songkran festival as bus stations nationwide could be overcrowded by holidaymakers and homeward-bound passengers.

-- Tan Network 2012-04-05

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Merit-making Held for Hat Yai Car Bomb Victims

HAT YAI: -- Locals of Hat Yai District in Songkhla Province gathered to make merit for car bomb victims at Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel.

This morning, the Hat Yai municipality in Songkhla Province held a merit-making ceremony in religious practices of Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam.

Songkhla Governor Kritsada Boonraj, Hat Yai Municipality President Prai Pattano, Songkhla Provincial Administration Organization President Utit Chuchuay, along with Hat Yai local residents, offered food to 99 monks in front of the Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel.

The ceremony was organized to restore the morale of residents after the traumatic car bomb attack at the Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel last Saturday.

This afternoon, the Hat Yai municipality has affirmed proceeding with the “Midnight Songkran in Hat Yai” festivities from April 11 to April 13 at the Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel.

The provincial authorities handed out brochures to travel agencies in order to promote the Songkran festivities in Hat Yai District, and to provide safety knowledge for locals and tourists.

-- Tan Network 2012-04-05

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Phuket Police widen search for drug kingpin, firebomb survivor

PHUKET: -- Alleged drug kingpin and recent firebomb survivor Mongkol Benjaphan is the subject of a police manhunt in Phuket and Phang Nga, police have confirmed to the Phuket Gazette.

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Phuket Police set target for Songkran holiday road toll at 'Zero'

PHUKET: -- Authorities in Phuket are gearing up for the annual “Seven Days of Danger” road-safety campaign over the Songkran holidays, which officially start on Friday, April 13.

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Italian Arrested In Undercover Drugs Sting Operation In North Pattaya

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/545891-italian-arrested-in-undercover-drugs-sting-operation-in-north-pattaya/