Thailand Live Tuesday 10 April 2012

News, Bits and Tweets

with webfact

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.

FOLLOW US:

You can also follow us on

- Twitter: http://twitter.com/georgebkk

- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ThaiVisaNews

- Google+: http://plus.google.com/116866638430460700577/

- Breaking News via SMS text messages to your mobile phone or handheld device

To subscribe dial *424010011 on AIS, One-2-Call, DTAC or True Move networks

14 days complementary subscription for Thaivisa members.

If you have questions about the Breaking News SMS service,

email: sms [at] thaivisa.com

________________________________________________________________________________

Thailand's current weather and forecasts: http://weather.thaivisa.com/

________________________________________________________________________________

Related topic: Thailand Live Monday 9 Apr 2012

THAIVISA CONNECT

Thaivisa Forum Apps for your mobile or tablet

"Thaivisa Connect" for iPhone, iPad and iPod:

iTunes App Store:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/thaivisa-connect-thailand/id492600537

"Thaivisa Connect" for Android:

Android Market

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.quoord.tapatalkthaivisa.activity

OR

For QR code just go here with your desktop or mobile:

http://apps.thaivisa.com

Final farewell to late princess

The Nation

Mourners attend inspiring royal cremation ceremony of HRH princess bejaratana

BANGKOK: Thais nationwide, dressed in the mourning colours of black and white, bid their last goodbye to Her Royal Highness Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda - the only child of King Rama VI - in an inspiring royal cremation ceremony yesterday at Bangkok’s Sanam Luang and televised live through a TV pool.

Although it rained in the afternoon, mourners continued to wait in line to place fragrant sandalwood flowers at three pavilions in the north of the Sanam Luang. Fortysix Bangkok temples as well as other upcountry temples also held the sandalwood flower tribute simultaneously.

The royal cremation of Princess Bejaratana, which took place more than eight months after the princess passed away on July 27, 2011, began early yesterday at 7am. HRH Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn represented HM the King at the event.

Although the procession commenced around 9.30am, many people had camped along the procession's route from 5am to pay their respects to the late princess.

The royal urn with the late princess' remains was transferred to the Golden Palanquin with Three Poles (Phra Yannamas Sam Lamkhan) from the Dusit Maha Prasart Throne Hall in the Grand Palace. The first procession of honour was to the Royal Great Victory Carriage (Phra Maha Phichai Ratcharot), which was parked in front of Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho).

The second procession of honour with the royal urn borne on the Royal Great Victory Carriage progressed to the Royal Crematorium at Sanam Luang. The third procession of honour then conveyed the royal urn to the Golden Palanquin with Three Poles circling counterclockwise three times around the crematorium, before carrying the urn to the royal funeral pyre.

Their Majesties the King and Queen and members of the Royal Family attended the symbolic royal cremation at 5:30pm and then proceeded to the Royal Crematorium at 10pm for the actual royal cremation.

As part of this great event, the Culture Ministry presented various public performances in the evening on three openair stages, from 7pm yesterday until 6am on April 10, a total of 10 hours. The stage performances would stop during the actual royal cremation. The Khon traditional Thai drama of Nong Loy was presented in a special performance by the traditional offering in front of the crematorium.

The first stage near Phra Pinklao Bridge featured the Nhang Yai great shadow plays with the Khon traditional Thai drama about the Ramayana Epic.

The second stage near the Supreme Court featured the Phra Abhaimanee puppet show, a scene from a Sakuntala play written by King Rama VI called Sakuntala, and a traditional Lakhon Nok drama featuring the folk tale of Sangthong. The plays were performed by artists from Fine Arts Department's Office of the Music And Drama as well as from 12 colleges of dramatic arts nationwide and the Bunditpatanasilpa Institute.

The third stage in front of Thammasat University featured singing performances by the Chulalongkorn University Band, Public Relations Department Band as well as the chorus from the Santirat Institute of Business Administration.

The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha is closed today to make way for the ceremony of collecting the royal relics and ashes and procession to the Grand Palace. Tomorrow, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha will close from 1pm onwards to make way for the religious ceremony for the royal relics, while the temple will close on Thursday for the royal relics enshrining ceremony.

As the Cabinet had agreed, the Thai public wore mourning black and the state offices, enterprises and schools flew the national flag at halfmast until today.

The royal cremation ceremonial ground will be open from tomorrow until next Tuesday, for the public to admire the Thai traditional craftsmanship, arts and culture through the specially built crematorium and surrounding buildings, including the Royal MeritMaking Pavilion (Phra Thinang Songtham).

The public can learn about the Princess's life and works at the permanent exhibition at Sanam Chan Palace.

The only child of King Rama VI and HRH Princess Suvadhana, Royal Consort of King Rama VI, HRH Princess Bejaratana was born on 24 November 1925 at the Grand Palace. The King died one day after her birth.

In her early childhood, the princess attended Bangkok’s Rajini School until age 13. She then moved to England during World War II with her mother to further her education before moving back to Thailand in 1957. The princess was a gifted individual, particularly with numbers, being able to calculate promptly which day of the week dates would fall, indicated in a calendar covering 300400 years.

She started her royal duties when her life became settled. Her main duties included continuing the legacy of her father in scouts activities for boys and girls, giving out scholarships and partaking in school activities, as well as being a patron of public social welfare, religion, and the military services. The Princess Bejaratana passed away on 27 July 2011 from a blood infection at the age of 85.

-- The Nation 2012-04-10

UPDATE

KHAO SAN BLAZE

Frenchman killed in Khao San fire

BANGKOK: -- A 27-year-old Frenchman died after a blaze engulfed a budget hotel in Bangkok's Khao San Road area early yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__5205049

Thai govt urged to drop Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine plan

BANGKOK: -- Health experts have opposed the government's plan to add the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine to the national vaccine programme, saying the cost per dose is still too high. HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer.

Full story:

Second Hat Yai suspect now known

Santiphab Ramasut,

Pares Loahasan

The Nation

Yala bomb squad and foresic officials yesterday inspect the scenes where suspected insurgents torched security camers in three subdistricts of Raman district late Sunday night. /By Nakarin Chinworakomol/The Nation

SONGKHLA: -- Songkhla police chief Pol Major Gen Suwit Chernsiri yesterday affirmed that police investigating the March 31 car bomb attack at Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel in Songkhla's Hat Yai district issued an arrest warrant for Seri Waemamu, captured by security cameras. Seri was a Thepa district native with 12 other arrest warrants.

However the other suspect wasn't Susalan Baima, as previously presumed and reported, he said adding that police already knew about this other suspect and was gathering evidences against him to get an arrest warrant this week.

Meanwhile insurgents continued their work by torching 18 closedcircuit television (CCTV) surveillance cameras fitted in three subdistricts of Yala's Raman district.

Pol Lt Col Somprat Kankanon of Kotabaru police station together with the provincial bomb disposal squad and forensic experts yesterday morning collected evidence at the sites on the YalaKotabaru Road after insurgents torched the CCTV cameras Sunday night.

Eighteen cameras in Kotabaru, Noen Ngam and Ba Ngoy subdistricts were found damaged.

Pol Maj Gen Pira Boonliang, Yala provincial police chief, asked that police experts carefully examine CCTV footage for clues regarding the identity of the assailants. Witnesses have reported a group of teenagers riding motorcycles in the area around 23am.

The insurgents have continued their attacks in the region reportedly to upgrade the problems to the international level. Their bomb attacks in Songkhla's Hat Yai district and Yala last week killed a total of 14 people and injured hundreds of others.

The violence that took place only two weeks before this weekend's Songkran Festival has resulted in many tourists cancelling their bookings in hotels and tours in Songkhla. The damage caused by the violence is estimated in the ten millions of Baht.

In related news, Srisompob Jitpiromsri, a political scientist at Prince of Songkla University, yesterday commented about news that many sides had tried to talk with the insurgents that he personally agreed with such talks, which he believed weren't negociation in detail but talks to pave way for negotiation, because they could lead to peace to the region and could reduce conflicts. However he urged that the talks should involved the various groups currently active in the region rather than one group and urged that the government could join with the opposition and the army in order to solve the problems in the region.

-- The Nation 2012-04-10

Protected areas for herbal plants in eight Thai provinces

BANGKOK: -- The government recently designated eight provinces as protected areas for medicinal plants after finding that 12 indigenous herbal plants are at risk of extinction.

Full story:

Ex-Thai PM Thaksin To Address Rally In Cambodia

Full story:

Fears of a rushed reconciliation bill favouring Thaksin: Thai charter debate

Fears of a rushed reconciliation bill favouring Thaksin

BANGKOK: -- A joint meeting of the two houses of Parliament is scheduled to begin debate this morning on a second reading of a draft about amending the Constitution.

Full story:

EDITORIAL

The next political storm is only just heating up: Thai opinion

BANGKOK: -- Charter amendment that includes political amnesty for certain figures could be the spark for a new round of violence later this year or early next

Full story:

BURNING ISSUE

Little to show for huge work in far South: Thai opinion

BANGKOK: -- The authorities need to try and distinguish between working hard and getting results, if the country is to have a fighting chance to quell the southern insurgency.

Full story:

Revised anti-foreign dominance rules submitted: Thai NBTC

BANGKOK: -- The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission's subcommittee on regulation revisions has submitted to the NBTC's telecom committee its draft of new regulations to prevent foreign dominance of the local market.

Full story:

Robert Mugabe 'fighting for life in Singapore hospital'

- Robert Mugabe undergoing intensive treatment

- Reports family flown to his side in Singapore

- Possible deal to hand power to Emmerson Mnangagwa

ZIMBABWEAN dictator Robert Mugabe was yesterday said to be fighting for his life in a Singapore hospital with an undisclosed illness, amid reports he had agreed to hand over power to his feared Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Full story:

Suvarnabhumi Airport Link Security Threatens To Halt Service Following Pay Dispute

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....ng-pay-dispute/

Facebook acquires Instagram for $1 billion

Full story:

MP Chuwit to inspect Phuket ‘gambling dens’ in person

Full story:

Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,174.92, down 7.49 points /MCOT

Royal relics and ashes transferred

BANGKOK, 10 April 2012 (NNT) - HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn represented HM the King in performing a ceremony to transfer the royal relics and ashes of HRH Princess Bejaratana to the Grand Palace.

The ceremony began at 8 a.m. when the royal urn containing the royal relics is taken from the Royal Crematorium to the Royal Merit-Making Pavilion (Phra Thinang Songtham) for a religious function, performed by HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Their Royal Highnesses were accompanied by HRH Princess Srirasm, Royal Consort to HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha, and HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana.

After the religious rites, a ceremonial procession was formed, carrying the royal relics and ashes from Sanam Luang cremation ground through Ratchadamnoen Avenue, Phra Lan Road, and Wiset Chaisri Gate to the Grand Palace.

The royal ashes were transferred to Phra Si Rattana Chedi within the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, while the royal urn, containing the royal relics, was placed in the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall.

People from all walks of life lined up the street to observe the grand ceremony and mourn the death of HRH Princess Bejaratana.

-- NNT 2012-04-10

Poll: Respondents Worry about Sabotage During Songkran

BANGKOK: -- An opinion survey shows that most respondents are worried about terror attacks during the long Songkran holiday.

Full story:

Govt Told to Focus on Rising Costs

BANGKOK: -- The Opposition Party urges the government to place priority on the soaring costs of living, saying that the public has been suffering from the issue.

Opposition Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva criticized the government's approach to tackle the rising goods' prices, pointing out that its measures are not sufficient to help alleviate the problem.

He claimed that his party has constantly suggested the government focus on the problem’s root cause which lies in the manufacturing process. However, the government has always ignored the Democrats' proposal.

In addition, Abhisit blasted the government for wasting tax money and failing to handle the people’s hardships.

Abhisit said his party wants to help consumers keep up with the soaring costs of living and stimulate the government to step up efforts on handling the matter.

Therefore, it has kicked off a cheap goods' campaign, supplying low-priced consumer products to the public. The various goods include palm oil and sugar.

Abhisit pledged to carry out the campaign nationwide and said it has received favorable response.

Moreover, the opposition chief slammed the government’s ‘Took Jai Shop’, to supply low-priced products to the people, stating that the project’s details are ambiguous.

-- Tan Network 2012-04-10

Collection of royal relics, ashes of Princess Bejaratana

BANGKOK, April 10 -- HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, on behalf of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, on Tuesday ceremonially collected the royal relics and ashes of Princess Bejaratana at the Royal Crematorium complex located at Sanam Luang ceremonial ground.

After arriving at the Royal Crematorium, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn conveyed the royal relics, placing them in the royal urn.

The royal urn containing the royal relics, then, was taken from the Royal Crematorium to the Royal Merit-Making Pavilion (Phra Thinang Songtham) for a religious function.

After that, a procession of honour, led by Princess Sirindhorn, carried the royal reliquary placed upon the Royal Palanquin with Four Poles (Rachentharayan) and the royal ashes upon the Royal Palanquin with Two Poles (Phra Wo Siwikakan) to the Grand Palace.

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn departed the Royal Merit-Making Pavilion by a royal limousine to await the procession at Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall in the Grand Palace.

The royal ashes will be transferred to Phra Si Rattana Chedi within the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, while the royal reliquary will be carried into Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall.

A merit-making ceremony for the royal relics and the enshrinement of the royal ashes will take place during the following day.

Their Majesties the King and Queen on Monday presided over the royal cremation of Princess Bejaratana at the Royal Crematorium at Sanam Luang ceremonial ground.

Princess Bejaratana, the only child of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) and his consort Queen Suvadhana, passed away on July 27, 2011 at the age of 85. She was the first cousin of the present monarch, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-04-10

Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport Expected to Be Busy During Songkran Holiday

BANGKOK: -- Suvarnabhumi Airport expects up to 1.5 million passengers at this time of two back-to-back long weekends. More immigration staff have been stationed to support the huge passenger volume.

Full story:

TAT: Southern Violence Won’t Affect Tourism During Songkran

BANGKOK: -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand has expressed confidence that the recent violence in the South will not deter foreign tourists from coming into the country during the upcoming Songkran holiday.

It is expected that the tourism industry will see up to 50 billion baht circulated during the festival.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Surapol Svetasreni is confident that the recent violence in the South will not affect tourism during the upcoming Songkran holiday. He believes that a large number of Thais will travel as a way to relax from last year’s flood disaster.

Surapol expects about 5.2 million Thais and 1.1 million foreign tourists will travel in the country during the holiday, generating up to 50 billion baht for the tourism industry.

For this year, the tourism authority will lavish more than 17 million baht in organizing Songkran celebrations in 13 provinces, namely Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Suphanburi, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Phanom, Khon Kaen, Nong Khai, Samut Prakan, Chonburi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phuket, and Hat Yai District of Songkhla Province.

Its mission is aimed to promote Thai culture and attract tourists to these provinces. Approximately 4.5 billion baht is expected to be generated in these areas alone.

-- Tan Network 2012-04-10

Energy saving campaign to be launched later today

BANGKOK, 10 April 2012 (NNT) - The Energy Ministry will be launching a new campaign to reduce energy consumption later today starting from 2pm to 3pm.

Energy Minister, Arak Chonlatanon, said the ministry has planned an energy-saving campaign titled “1 Hour to Save Energy and Save the Nation”, which urges Thais to switch off their air-conditioning units for 1 hour.

It is estimated that Thailand’s demand for air-conditioning this summer will be at its height during the mentioned period. The minister said that by switching off power for one hour, the country is expected to save as much as 1,500 megawatts.

The minister added that other ways to curb electrical use include turning off 1 non-essential light, lowering thermostats to 26 degrees Celsius and programming ac units to switch off 30 minutes before leaving the room.

-- NNT 2012-04-10

Former Legal Adviser to Thaksin: Thaksin Did Not Meet PULO Leaders

BANGKOK: -- A Songkhla MP confirmed that fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has held talks with southern insurgent leaders, while the former legal adviser to Thaksin denied the talks between the two, even though Thaksin has traveled to Malaysia.

Full story:

Police Officers Deployed to Step up Security over Songkran

BANGKOK: -- The national police chief assures that officers will be on the lookout for possible terrorist attacks during the Songkran festival, while the police are coordinating with international intelligence agencies around the clock to detect any unusual activity.

National Police chief, Police General Priewphan Damapong, pointed out that due to various recent bombings in the South and the triple blast incident in Bangkok during the beginning of the year, officers will conduct a rigorous inspection and monitor the situation closely to minimize threats during the Songkran festival.

Officials will work proactively to enhance security. The Special Branch Police has been ordered to establish stricter measures to provide greater protection to embassies, consulates, and high-profile diplomats.

These areas will be patrolled and inspected by the Metropolitan Police, the Provincial Police regions 2, 5, and 8, and the Central Investigation Police.

Immigration checkpoints will also have more stringent measures against foreigners entering the country.

Meanwhile, the Border Patrol Police bomb disposal unit has been asked to be prepared around the clock for emergencies, with their deputy commander instructed to do an on-site monitoring of his subordinates and report to the supreme commander of any unusual activities.

Priewphan said that even though there have been no additional reports of possible unrest, officials are being careful and working hard.

He went on to say that too strict measures could affect tourism, which will hurt the country as Thailand has been named one of the best tourist destinations in the world.

Moreover, since there are no Thai intelligence units in other countries, Thai officials will have to coordinate with international intelligence agencies around the clock for any possible information they may learn about unrest in Thailand.

-- Tan Network 2012-04-10

Rail Authority Orders Increased Security During Songkran

BANGKOK: -- The State Railway of Thailand governor has ordered all officials to step up security during the Songkran holiday and ensure that all CCTV cameras at railway stations are functional.

Head of the Public Relations Division of the State Railway of Thailand, or SRT, Nuan-anong Wongchan disclosed that SRT Governor Yutthana Thapcharoen is worried that the recent bombing incidents in Yala Province could raise people's safety concern while traveling.

Hence, the SRT governor has ordered officers to increase security measures at train stations and onboard and ensure that all CCTV cameras, especially at railway stations in the South, are functional.

She further said signs have been put up as an advance warning of railway crossings for motorists to prevent accidents.

-- Tan Network 2012-04-10

Italian Artist Holds Art Exhibition Inspired by Flooding

BANGKOK: -- A famous Italian artist returns to Bangkok with an art exhibition featuring acrylic paintings inspired by last year's heavy floods.

The colorful acrylic paintings created by renowned Italian artist Carlo Marchiori showcases happy moments of people in spite of the tragedy that happened in Thailand late last year.

His works are being shown as part of an exhibition entitled “Acqua Alta a Venezia”.

The surreal painting entitled “Race on Stilts” featured people frolicking in the floodwater, depicting that flood victims can still create happiness despite the many challenges they faced.

The world-renowned Venice-born artist disclosed that his works are inspired by the charming similarities between Bangkok and Venice as the Thai capital of Bangkok was once called the “Venice of the East” due to numerous canals.

He said that last year's flooding in Bangkok made him recall the high sea tides which take place in Venice every year.

The series of paintings depict the Carnival, a famous winter festival in Venice, that is held annually since 1801 until now.

Marchiori envisions the joy of the festival where its celebrants dress up in vivid retro costumes and cover their faces with masks.

He wanted to portray that life must go on in spite of natural disasters, just like the Carnival that is still being held every year at the same time during their flood period.

Marchiori added that he wanted to convey his sympathy and encourage the Thai people to endure and quickly recover from the unfortunate experience.

He added that happiness can happen if we accept and learn to live with natural conditions that change over time.

The Acqua Alta a Venezia exhibition is being held at Koi Art Gallery on Sukhumwit Soi 31 and will run until April 27.

-- Tan Network 2012-04-10

Malaysia Considers Extraditing 3rd Suspect in BKK Triple Blast

BANGKOK: -- The Thai police await a court order from Malaysian authorities to extradite the third Iranian suspect possibly involved in Bangkok's triple blast incident on Sukhumvit Soi 71 back to Thailand.

The authorities believe the third suspect could help lead to the arrest of other perpetrators.

Deputy National Police Chief, Police General Pansiri Prapawat, said Malaysian authorities are considering extraditing the third Iranian suspect, Sedaghat Zadeh Masoud, who is believed to have been involved in the triple blast incident at Soi Pridi Banomyong 31.

Masoud fled Thailand and left for Malaysia, but was arrested by the Malaysian police.

Pansiri said a Malaysian court will decide on his extradition on April 16 at 9 A.M. Their verdict will be based on evidence received from the Thai authorities, including a video clip from a surveillance camera showing Masoud fleeing from the crime scene.

Police believe that Masoud could be handy in tracking down other suspects who are at large and may be linked to the case. The police still cannot issue arrest warrants for the other suspects due to a lack of evidence.

Pansiri said the interrogation of the first Iranian suspect, Saeib Morabi, who blew off his legs in the blast, was very useful but he refused to disclose further details.

Regarding India's request for the extradition of Masoud back to their country, as he was also found involved in a bombing incident there, Pansiri responded that India must coordinate with Malaysia because that case does not relate to Thailand.

-- Tan Network 2012-04-10

Thailand's outstanding public debt at end of January stands at Bt4 trillion, 41. 06 per cent of country’s gross domestic product (GDP) /MCOT