Thailand Live Saturday 28 Apr 2012

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Thailand Live Saturday 28 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 Friday 27 Apr 2012

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PM Yingluck's advisor Virabongsa calls for hike in VAT

Says other taxes could be eased

BANGKOK: -- Virabongsa Ramangkura, chairman of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's advisory team, yesterday proposed raising by 1 percentage point the value added tax (VAT), which currently adds 7 per cent to the cost of consumer products.

Full story:

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Record marijuana haul seized in Saraburi

SARABURI: -- Police yesterday seized the Kingdom's biggest-ever haul of marijuana, weighing about 3.45 tonnes, at a house in Saraburi. Officials estimated it to be worth about Bt51 million.

Full story:

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No extra safety measures planned for Krue Se anniversary

About 1,000 muslims during weekly major chanting prayed to the Allah for the peace in the southernmost provinces. The local people said they would rather play down the Kruse massacre to rake up the tragedy.

PATTANI: -- Though security was on alert, no extra safety measures were introduced today in preparation of the 8th anniversary of the Kreu Se incident in which 105 young Muslims were killed in a coordinated attack.

Full story:

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No political issues discussed with Prem: PM Yingluck

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said yesterday that no political matters were discussed during her meeting with Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda on Thursday.

Full story:

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Cellular operators hope to cash in on iPad: Thailand

Thitipong Kiewpaisal, marketing executive for Advanced Info Service, shows the Nation application on the latest iPad model at Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- Three major cellular operators late this week launched the latest iPad tablet device to woo tech geeks.

Full story:

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Mekong basin nations to learn river management

Managers of key waterways to teach using rivers for food, energy security

BANGKOK: -- Countries in the Lower Mekong Basin will next week learn how to use their rivers for food and energy security as well as save the environment from the managers of 16 major waterways in Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.

Full story:

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Barcelona and Real Madrid eye trips to Thailand next year

Barcelona vice president Javier Faus, right, hands over a club shirt to Sorrakit Latitham, ThaiBev marketing manager.

BARCELONA: -- Thailand has become the envy of soccer fans around the world after four-time European champions Barcelona followed bitter rivals Real Madrid in declaring they were eyeing a return to the country next year.

Full story:

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Healthcare in Thailand: a story to inspire confidence

Thailand can be proud to have achieved most of the eight UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), in particular the three health-related goals.

Full story:

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EDITORIAL

Endless handouts lead to weakness and dependency

New debt moratorium will bring irresponsible financial habits and put even more pressure on taxpayers

BANGKOK: -- The government has again proceeded with another populist policy by providing a debt moratorium for borrowers even though it is unclear how this moratorium, financed by the taxpayers' money, will contribute to the country's economic development.

Full story:

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Iranian attacked by Pattaya 'ladyboys'

An Iranian tourist was attacked by two transvestites on Soi Pattaya 10, Pattaya police said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/551079-iranian-attacked-by-pattaya-ladyboys/

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2 killed, one hurt in high-speed crash on Bangkok tollway

BANGKOK: -- Two people were killed when a Porsche collided with a Toyota Fortuner pickup truck early yesterday on the tollway in Bangkok's Lak Si district.

Full story:

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Man holds girlfriend hostage at gunpoint

The Nation

Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Lt-General Winai Thongsong, right, and his deputy Maj-General Wichai Sungprapai, left, accompany Thon Srichum, second left, who held his girlfriend Pornthip Duangtaya hostage at gunpoint on bus number 13.

BANGKOK: -- A man held his girlfriend hostage at gunpoint in a bus parked in front of the Din Daeng Police Station in Bangkok yesterday morning.

The man, later identified as Thon Srichum, said he held Pornthip Duangtaya hostage because she refused continue their relationship. Police brought the hostage drama safely to an end after two hours.

Nobody was injured because the bus driver was quick in evacuating the vehicle. During interrogation, Thon said he had been dating Pornthip for a year, and that she visited him in Nakhon Pathom frequently. However, she recently decided to break up because she found out he was already married.

In her testimony, Pornthip's sister Panitha Duangtaya said Thon threatened Pornthip with a gun when she tried to break up the affair and then abducted her.

Thon faces charges of kidnapping and attempted murder.

-- The Nation 2012-04-28

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PM Yingluck wants anti-graft measures strengthened

BANGKOK: -- At a workshop in Government House yesterday, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra advised all agnecies to come up with a system to prevent corruption in their ranks.

Full story:

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Fine Arts official's car fired upon

The Nation

AYUTTHAYA: -- Unknown assailants opened fire on a car belonging to Fine Arts Office 3 director Supoj Phrommanote at his residence, police said yesterday.

Responding to a report of a shooting at 10am, police went to the compound housing officials' living quarters at Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya Historic Park. At Supoj's residence they found the car, whose rear end was riddled with five gunshots. Police collected three bullet casings near the car.

Compound guard Udom Thathi, 35, said he heard gunshots on Thursday evening and went to investigate. He saw two young men in a black sedan coming in the opposite direction.

Supoj said he didn't hear anything and found the damaged car in the morning. He believed the incident stemmed from a conflict at work, not a personal issue, but declined to elaborate as he was scheduled to move to Fine Arts Office 12 in Nakhon Ratchasima's Pimai district on Monday.

-- The Nation 2012-04-28

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Firm wants DSI to clear its name

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- UTAC Thai, a manufacturer of electronic parts and circuits, called on the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) yesterday to clear its name in relation to the smuggling of pseudoephedrine tablets from South Korea and Taiwan.

Ongoing investigation suggests that somebody else might have used the company's name to make the questionable purchases. Pseudoephedrine is commonly used in cold medication, but can also be used as a precursor chemical for the production of methamphetamine. Relevant authorities in Thailand have been strictly controlling the use of pseudoephedrine-based medicines in recent years, and might ban the medication soon.

According to South Korean authorities, a Thai firm called UTAC Thai had imported nine batches of pseudoephedrine-based medicines from Seoul.

"The address, telephone numbers, logos, e-mail addresses and names of the authorised directors of that firm are totally different from those of my company," UTAC Thai's acting CEO and vice president Thanakom Chavasiri said yesterday.

Thanakom was at the DSI headquarters yesterday to submit a petition with DSI chief Tarit Pengdith. In the petition he called for justice, saying that since his firm's name got linked to the smuggling of the banned medicines, customs officials had been conducting thorough examinations of UTAC Thai products, which is causing delays in the work process.

"There is also a risk that our products will be damaged from heat," Thanakom said.

Meanwhile, Tarit confirmed that UTAC Thai had firmly denied any links to the smuggling of pseudoephedrine-based medicines from South Korea.

"No illegal items have been found after searches at the company, so it is possible that its name has been used by someone else," Tarit said.

He added that two other Thai firms were suspected of having smuggled pseudoephedrine-based medication from South Korea, but they had yet to provide any statements.

The DSI is currently looking into the smuggling of pseudoephedrine-based medicines. Next week, a senior official from Taiwan's Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau will visit Thailand to help with the probe.

-- The Nation 2012-04-28

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Dutch laws set to weed out stoned tourists

AMSTERDAM: -- This country of canals and tulips is also famous for "coffee shops" where joints and cappuccinos share the menu. Now, the Netherlands' famed tolerance for drugs could be going up in smoke.

Full story:

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Excise Dept collected THB42bil during first half of fiscal 2012

BANGKOK, 28 April 2012 (NNT) – The Excise Department has just reported its revenue collection for the first half of fiscal year 2012, amounting nearly to 180 billion baht.

Mrs. Benja Louicharoen, Director General of the Excise Department, said on Friday that the department has collected 179.24 billion baht in tax revenue during the first half of fiscal 2012, which began last October.

The Excise Department chief said that the number-one source of revenue was auto tax, which amounted to 42.97 billion baht, followed by tax on beer of 34.61 billion baht and tax on tobacco of 31.83 billion baht.

The department's number-4 and 5 source of revenue were oil and oil products, which helped it earn 30.38 billion baht, and alcohol tax, which was 28.48 billion baht.

Mrs. Benja added that the Finance Ministry has instructed the Excise Department to step up its probe in the tax-evasion case and to implement offensive and clampdown measures against violators of excise tax law.

In addition, the department has procured an inspection boat to help it scour Thai waters, both on the Gulf of Thailand's side and the Andaman Sea's side, more thoroughly.

She said that the new boat can carry up to 15 officers and crew, and can operate no less than 50 hours while at sea. It is also equipped with advanced communication tool that will enable the officers to arrest the suspects more efficiently.

-- NNT 2012-04-28

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FPO: Thai economy continued to expand in March

BANGKOK, 28 April 2012 (NNT) – The Fiscal Policy Office has affirmed that the local economy continued to grow satisfactorily in March, while warning that a number of key risk factors that may hamper economic growth remain.

Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) Director General Somchai Sujjapongse said that the Thai economy in the month of March has demonstrated a continuous recovery from severe flooding in 2011 and has driven the country's GDP in Q1-2012 at 2 percent.

Mr. Somchai stated that the 3 consecutive months of rise in auto sales is in line with the industrial confidence index at 102.1 in March, which is the fourth consecutive month of increase as well.

The FPO chief added that there remain a number of factors, which are out of control and need constant monitoring, including the drought crisis, the high global oil prices and the global economic recession as well domestic political conflicts.

He went on to say that March inflation stood at 3.5 percent, which was higher than in the preceding month but still under control.

Mr. Somchai also said that the increase in the country's bus fare and electricity FT charge may hurt consumer spending to a certain level.

In any case, he forecasted that Thai GDP growth rate in 2012 should end up at 5.5 percent, which is still within its estimate of 5-6 percent.

-- NNT 2012-04-28

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Chinese tourists injured in Phuket bus crash

Phuket Gazette –

Phuket rescue workers inspect the vehicle at the bottom of Patong Hill, where it rolled to a stop near the Kathu Shooting Range. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo

Bus driver Boonna Juathaisong (right) told police that the bus lost power while trying to climb the steep incline. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/551105-chinese-tourists-injured-in-phuket-bus-crash/unread/

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Underground fire in Phitsanulok has been extinguished following digging of ground,water sprayed on it;no dangerous gas detected /TANN

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Phuket hosts "Believe in Phuket" event to boost tourists' confidence; governor says he has identified rumormonger on Phuket sinking /TANN

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Phuket Governor eyes interest in beach town beautification project

Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha said he would look into the proposals to improve the Kata-Karon beach areas, which the research team identified signs on buildings as one area of concern. Photo: TU Kaiserslautern

The current state of the footpaths in Phuket's Kata-Karon beach areas were another area of concern. Photo: TU Kaiserslautern

PHUKET: -- Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha yesterday confirmed that he would follow up on proposals made by an international consortium of urban architects on how to improve the aesthetics of the tourist-popular Kata-Karon beachfront areas.

Full story:

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High-speed pile-up brings Phuket traffic to standstill

The multiple-car pile-up brought traffic on Chao Fa West Road, one of Phuket's main traffic arteries to the south of the island, to a standstill. Photo: Kriangsak Putnuan

The front of the white pickup truck was torn off in the collision. Photo: Dean Noble

PHUKET: -- A pickup truck slid out of control on Chao Fa West Road in Wichit this morning, slamming head-on into another pickup truck and causing a multi-car pile-up on one of Phuket’s busy main roads to the south of the island.

Full story:

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PM Yingluck ready to pass new laws on water management

BANGKOK, 28 April 2012 (NNT) – The prime minister is planning to introduce new laws to rein in the country's water resources management.

PM Yingluck Shinawatra spoke during the weekly “Yingluck Government Meets the People” TV program that Thailand has been assured by China that it will lend a hand to help the country's Strategic Committee for Water Resources Management carry out its tasks.

The PM said that China has agreed to join in this collaboration following her visit to Asia's number-one economy.

The Thai Premier said that China has more than 20 years of experience in drought and flood management and is now equipped with strong integrated system to handle all these problems, including the passing of related laws.

Accordingly, Thailand is now planning to issue similar laws to help with the management of water resources.

In doing so, PM Yingluck said more time is needed and a new ministry will have to be set up to take charge of the issue.

And before the new efforts are realized, the government is set to invite specialists from 17 existing ministries and the private sector to help the Strategic Committee for Water Resources Management in assuring the public that there will not be a repeat of last year's flood crisis again.

The prime minister added that in her meeting with leading Chinese businesspeople during the official visit to China, she had discussed Thailand's severe flooding and their confidence in the country's post-flood efforts.

According to the PM, 14 Chinese companies have expressed their interest in setting up a heavy industrial base in Thailand soon.

-- NNT 2012-04-28

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Meteorological Dept warns northeastern Thailand over summer storm

BANGKOK, 28 April 2012 (NNT) – The weather bureau has issued more warnings regarding the possible arrival of another summer storm in the upper part of Thailand.

The Thai Meteorological Department has, on Friday, issued its second warning on summer storms. It said that high pressure front from China has continued to cover the upper part of Thailand's Northeast and the South China Sea.

In addition, the entire northeastern region will still be experiencing hot weather conditions for some more time.

With the combination of both weather systems, the Meteorological Department suggested that the lower part of Thailand's Northeast will likely be seeing a summer storm, which comes with heavy rain, gusty wind and, possibly, hail in some areas.

Therefore, it warns residents of affected areas to beware of such an unpleasant weather condition during the next 1-2 days.

So far, Yasothon Province has been hit by heavy and scattered rain, strong wind and hail already.

-- NNT 2012-04-28

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Abhisit says the Democrat Party will cooperate with govt to tackle southern violence

Abhisit says the Democrat Party will cooperate with govt to tackle southern violence, urges govt to probe extortion of southern victim compensation

-- TNA 2012-04-28

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Suvarnabhumi Airport passenger no. rises over 15% year-on-year during Songkran holiday; 156,000 passengers/day using airport during Apr 9-18 /MCOT

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DDPM announces 48 provinces officially hit by drought crisis

BANGKOK, 28 April 2012 (NNT) – More cities across Thailand have fallen prey to the severe drought while new problem has also emerged in some areas.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reported that, at present, 48 provinces throughout the country have been declared drought disaster areas.

Out of this, 17 are in the North, 19 in the Northeast, 5 in the central region, 6 in the East and 1 in the South.

It stated that 40.13 billion cubic meters of water are now stored at all large-size reservoirs, or about 57 percent of their total capacity, which is higher than last year's average.

However, the DDPM said that 7 particular reservoirs registered only 30 percent or less of their water storage capacity.

In addition, it reported that the smog problems have started to affect two provinces, including Chiang Rai and Phayao in northern Thailand.

-- NNT 2012-04-28