Thailand Live Tuesday 24 Apr 2012

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Thailand Live Tuesday 24 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 Monday 23 Apr 2012

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ELECTION PROMISE

No deal on computer tablets, Thai education ministry prepares textbooks

BANGKOK: -- The Education Ministry is now preparing for what could be called Plan B - to hand out textbooks to Prathom 1 students, because it has become apparent computer tablets will not reach their hands for the coming semester.

Full story:

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Phuket go-go bars in Soi Bangla pass the AHTD test

Phuket babes in bikinis, but they’re legal. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo

PHUKET: -- Officers from the Anti-Human Trafficking Division (AHTD) of the Royal Thai Police and Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) on Friday night inspected go-go bars in Soi Sea Dragon, off Soi Bangla in Patong, but failed to uncover any evidence of lewd behavior.

Full story:

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Thais worried about wrinkles, not brains: Survey

BANGKOK: -- When it comes to the effects of getting older, Thais are more likely to worry about ageing skin and wrinkles than about mental deterioration, a recent survey found.

Full story:

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BURNING ISSUE

Democrats claim seat in red-shirt heartland

PATHUM THANI: -- The people spoke loud and clear in Sunday's two Pathum Thani elections, but their message may, unfortunately, further complicate the reconciliation process.

Full story:

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Pheu Thai shrugs off poll defeat

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....d/#entry5244705

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Progress in Thai parliament porn pic probe

A technician uses a tablet computer to establish a wireless connection with a large display screen inside the meeting chamber during an experiment yesterday to determine if data can be sent wirelessly to the screen from a hand-held electronic device.

Image may have been sent by Samsung device; phone number could be known within days

Full story:

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Thai DSI to probe cold medicine in South Korea

BANGKOK: -- The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) will visit South Korea to investigate the export of about 40 tonnes of pseudoephedrine-based cold medicine to Thailand, after a company under suspicion claimed its name was used without permission on false declarations for the medicine.

Full story:

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Meeting with Prem has no political significance: PM Yingluck

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her Cabinet yesterday discounted any political overtones to their upcoming meeting with Privy Council President Prem Tinsula-nonda at his residence on Thursday.

Full story:

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Agricultural policies do more harm than good: Thai Editorial

BANGKOK: -- Disastrous price subsidies for farm produce will do long-term damage to Thailand's farmers, who form the core support of the ruling Pheu Thai Party

Full story:

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Thai Prison Scandal: Jail officials let inmates go free early

Authorities face asset seizures

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT: -- An investigation has found that officials at Nakhon Si Thammarat Central Prison allowed inmates to use banned items - for cash - and secured a reduction in punishment for some.

Full story:

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Begging gang and children found at Sa Kaew market

Chatchawal Sopaphan,

Wisit Chuanpipatpong

The Nation

Pattaya Mayor Ittipol Khunpleum, not in the picture, announced yesterday that 53 Cambodian beggars

SA KAEW: -- Immigration Police yesterday rounded up 26 Cambodians - most of them young children between the ages of 2 and 11 - at the Rong Kleu border market in Sa Kaew's Aranyaprathet district.

Police suspect a gang was preparing to take the Cambodians to beg on the streets of Bangkok and Pattaya.

Following a tip-off that beggars who had worked in Bangkok and Pattaya would be sent back to Thailand after spending the traditional Khmer New Year in Cambodia, authorities went to a reported meeting point at the market and arrested a disabled man, three women, nine boys and 13 girls. Police recorded their information and contacted Cambodian authorities.

Sa Kaew immigration police superintendent Pol Colonel Samkhom Tudso said the action was taken to prevent Cambodian kids from becoming victims of a gang, while creating a better atmosphere at the market, where Cambodian beggars sometimes pester tourists, especially foreigners.

He said police would continue to detain Cambodians found begging at the market ahead of the launch of the Asean Economic Community in 2015.

In related news, the Anti-Human Trafficking Division announced the arrest of Ma So, aka Missu Muhammad, 47, in Bangkok's Khlong Ton district for allegedly forcing a 7-year-old Myanmar boy to sell roses at night in parts of Bangkok such as Pattanakarn, Phetchburi, Lat Phrao and Sukhumvit.

The woman allegedly beat the boy and refused to give him food if he didn't sell all the roses given to him. The arrest was made after a complaint from the boy's parents.

The woman reportedly confessed to bringing four or five children to her place each day to sell roses for Bt300-500. The children were given Bt20-Bt30 a day, and their parents sent Bt2,000 a month. She denied assaulting the children.

-- The Nation 2012-04-24

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Bt2 bn sought for victims of south unrest

Piyanart Srivalo,

Nakarin Chinworakomol

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Justice Ministry will today ask the Cabinet to approve a Bt2.08-billion budget for remedial assistance to four groups of victims of the southern violence, a Government House source said yesterday.

The remedial measures aim to ensure that the victims can lead a quality life by paying for medical bills, rehabilitation of physical disabilities by medical experts, spiritual healing through Hajj pilgrimages, access to education for the victims and their children, compensation for property damage and the promotion of vocations.

Security will be tightened to prevent a reoccurrence of violence, while legal assistance will be provided for lawsuits.

The committee on remedial assistance for victims of the southern violence would establish eight panels to supervise the various tasks.

Of the total budget for the current fiscal year, Bt2 billion would be allocated to the four groups as follows - Bt500 million for the general public, Bt200 million for state officials, Bt1 billion for those affected by officials' actions related to the unrest or specific incidents and Bt300 million for those detained, jailed or treated as suspects or criminal defendants.

The remaining Bt80 million would support the operations of the committee and its eight panels, the Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre's working teams and related officials.

Since the PM's Office directive that established the committee on October 11 of last year would expire on October 10, the ministry's proposal to the Cabinet recommends the transfer of the committee's authority and operations to the Southern Border Provinces Development Strategy Committee.

That was expected to ensure that the remedial work would be implemented according to schedule.

In Yala, Lt Colonel Chalat Sriwichien, deputy commander of special task force unit 11, said authorities were looking for 18 stolen automobiles that might be used by separatists in future attacks in the southern province.

-- The Nation 2012-04-24

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Chinese most popular foreign language for Thai students

BANGKOK: -- Chinese has become the most popular foreign language among Thai students, according to a top education official.

Full story:

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New media changing the way people get news: Thailand

BANGKOK: -- The Thai Broadcast Journalists Association recently held a seminar on "New Media, New Trend, New Generation" to discuss developments in new media and the impact this channel is having on old-fashioned media.

Full story:

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Bringing Thaksin Home

Written by Richard S. Ehrlich

What are the conditions that would get the former premier home free?

Full story:

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Village head shot dead in Narathiwat's Sungai Padi district /MCOT

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Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,194.20, up 4.85 points /MCOT

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Fire kills one person, destroys at least 25 houses at Rama IX Bridge community; cause unknown /MCOT

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New taxi fare to start in June

BANGKOK, 23 April 2012 (NNT) - The Department of Land Transport will announce a new taxi fare within June this year. The fare hike is a result of the government’s policy to raise compressed natural gas (CNG) price.

After a meeting on the new taxi fare today, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Land Transport Chirut Wisarnchit said all relevant parties agreed that the gas price hike would reduce taxi drivers’ income. He said the department would urgently conclude the new fare and submit it to the Minister of Transport for consideration within these two weeks or early May. The new fare is expected to be effective in June.

The CNG price increase will cut the drivers’ income to less than 300 baht a day, which is below the new minimum wage. According to Mr. Chirut, their income should be around 400-450 baht a day.

The deputy director-general emphasized that the new taxi fare must have minimum effects on passengers, especially those who travel by taxi for a short distance. He added that taxi drivers themselves should improve their service and confirmed the new fare would reflect the real cost of operation based on the CNG price of 10.50 baht per kilo.

-- NNT 2012-04-24

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Constituency 3 By-election in Chiang Mai Set for June 2

BANGKOK: -- The Election Commission has set June 2 as the date for the Constituency 3 by-election in Chiang Mai while awaiting the issuance of a royal decree to make it official.

Meanwhile, the Pheu Thai Party announces that it will not field the children of former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat in the by-election.

Election Commission Deputy Secretary-General Boonyakiat Rakchartcharoen said the board has resolved to propose June 2 as the date for a by-election for Constituency 3 in Chiang Mai Province and May 27 for advance balloting.

Applications for the by-election will be accepted from May 7 to 11. The proposal will be forwarded to the Cabinet which will seek the issuance of a royal decree to make the dates official.

Pheu Thai Party deputy spokesperson Sunisa Lertpakawat said the party will not field the children of former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat, Yosthanan, and Chayapha, in the by-election.

The by-election is required after former Pheu Thai MP for Chiang Mai Chinnicha Wongsawat was disqualified by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions for a false declaration of her assets.

However, she added the party has one applicant who is in Chinnicha's support team.

-- Tan Network 2012-04-24

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Fire Engulfs 30 Homes, Killing One in Suan Som Community

BANGKOK: -- A fire broke out last night at the Suan Som Community on the edge of Rama 3 Road, killing one and injuring another

More than 30 homes were set ablaze while the cause of the fire was expected to be an electrical short circuit.

Today, at 1.50 A.M., police officers from the Wat Phraya Krai police station have been informed about the blaze at the Suan Som Community in Soi 24 of Rama 3 Road in Bangkok's Bang Kor Laem District.

Police officers were quickly dispatched to the blaze scene along with 39 fire trucks belonging to the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department.

The crowded community is around one rai containing homes and a number of trees.

Smoke engulfed the area, while fire spread quickly since most homes were made from wood.

Fortunately, the community is located along the road shoulder, making it easier for officials to extinguish the blaze.

However, officials spent 50 minutes to put out the fire.

From the initial investigation, 30 homes were affected and damaged.

A 30 year-old man was found dead in the house where the fire began.

Furthermore, one resident identified as 73 year-old Dech Termsuk was reportedly injured. Both of his arms were burnt, as well as his back.

He was rushed to the Charoen Krung Pracharak Hospital and is now in a stable condition.

Authorities believe that electrical short circuit was the cause of fire.

However, officials from the Forensic Science Department will further inspect the area to determine for the actual cause of the fire.

-- Tan Network 2012-04-24

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43-year-old man dies in jump from Bangna BTS Skytrain station; police believe victim stressed; counseling patient card found /MCOT

Court sentences Anek Singkhuntod to life in prison; term reduced to 35 years due to confession in bombing Bhumjaithai Party HQ in 2010 /MCOT

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Cha-Am Police Nab Worker Who Sexually Assaulted 65-Year-Old Swiss Woman

Full story:

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Police Arrest Human Trafficking Suspect

BANGKOK: -- The Anti-Human Trafficking Division police have arrested a human trafficking suspect who allegedly lured underage Burmese children to sell flowers at entertainment places in Bangkok.

The suspect has denied the charges.

A 47-year-old woman, Miso or Misssu Muhammud, was arrested by the Anti-Human Trafficking Division police after the World Vision Foundation of Thailand and the Mirror Foundation filed a complaint that the suspect has lured seven-year-old boy Siyathon, the son of Aminapi from Myanmar, to sell roses at entertainment premises for over two years.

The complaint said the child was abused if he could not sell out the roses.

The suspect claimed that the mother of the boy contacted her to hire her son.

Each month, the suspect agreed to pay 2,000 baht to the boy's mother . She also denied abusing the boy.

However, police found that the suspect has been involved in human trafficking by asking refugees at the camp in Mae Sod District in Tak Province to send their children to work in Bangkok.

After they reached the payment agreement, the suspect would pick up and deliver the children in Pattanakan area.

Police have charged the suspect with human trafficking and child abuse. If found guilty, she will face eight to 15 years in jail and a fine of 160,000 to 300,000 baht.

-- Tan Network 2012-04-24

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US expected to continue Thailand on Priority Watch List (PWL) for another year on April 30: Department of Intellectual Property /MCOT

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Expert calls for NDWC to revise tsunami warning protocol

Lertsin Raksaskulwong, director of the Environmental Geology and Geohazard Bureau, called for a clearer system of issuing tsunami alerts and evacuation orders. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo

PHUKET: -- Lertsin Raksaskulwong, director of the Environmental Geology and Geohazard Bureau under the Department of Mineral Resources, yesterday called for the National Disaster Warning Center (NDWC) to revise its procedure for issuing tsunami warnings.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....rning-protocol/

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Revenue Dept keeping an eye on companies filing tax report as flood victims

BANGKOK, 24 April 2012 (NNT) - The Revenue Department has instructed all of its branches across the country to be aware of companies, which were not affected by flood, filing tax returns as flood victims to get special privileges.

After a meeting with representatives of the Revenue Department across the country, Revenue Department Director-General Satit Rangkasiri revealed that the department has for the first six months of this year collected over 600 billion baht of revenue, a 10.6% increase year-on-year; despite the country having faced with the flood crisis.

He said the tax collection is on a rise after the economy has shown good signs and car sales have increased. He expected the revenue collection this year to reach the target set.

As for next month, the time juristic persons across Thailand will have to file their corporate income tax returns, Mr Satit urged all of the officials to be aware of companies willfully filing false information claiming to be flood victims in order to get tax deduction.

Additionally, Mr Satit said the department will expand its tax base, closing loopholes for companies to evade taxes. E-commerce and trades on the internet will also be taxed. He added the department will propose to the Finance Ministry to allow husband and wife to separately file their tax returns.

-- NNT 2012-04-24

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Thai Analysis: Heading towards Lawless Society?

BANGKOK:-- On the past weekend, two separate murders took place late Saturday night and early Sunday morning (April 21-22), killing five people. In the first incident, a teenage motorcycle street racing gang threw a bomb at a group of people who complained about their behavior, causing two deaths.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....awless-society/