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Thailand Live Sunday 29 Apr 2012

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Thailand Live Sunday 29 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.

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Related topic: Thailand Live Saturday 28 Apr 2012

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Geological faults in the West and North could rock Bangkok, quake expert warns

Tanatpong Kongsai

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK:-- An earthquake-engineering expert yesterday warned that people in Bangkok should keep an eye on a geological fault in the country's west that could affect the capital.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/551273-geological-faults-in-the-west-and-north-could-rock-bangkok-quake-expert-warns/#entry5258409

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SEMINAR

Time 'not right' for change to lese majeste law: politicians

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK:-- Thammasat meet discusses 5 recent plans to amend controversial law

Although there have been five attempts since 2007 to modernise what some believe to be an outdated law concerning lese majeste offences, politicians believe the country's current political climate is not favourable to making changes to the law.

A seminar held at Thammasat University's Faculty of Law discussed five draft amendments to Section 112 of the Criminal Code.

The first was proposed by a team of lawmakers led by Pornpet Wichitchonlachai, a member of the National Legislative Assembly, in September 2007; the second by a team led by Pheerapan Salirattawipak in 2008; the third by People Power Party members led by Jumpol Bunyai in the same year; the fourth by Bhum Jai Thai Party members led by Sanong Tepaksornnarong in November 2009; and the Nitirat group was the latest group with its proposal for an amendment in December last year.

Democrat Party deputy leader Thaworn Senniam said amendment of Section 112 must be done only when the political climate and public sentiment are favourable.

"I do not agree with the amendment, because right now Thailand is confusing lax law enforcement with loopholes in the law. I believe there are no loopholes in Section 112, but our justice system fails to enforce the law,'' he said.

He said Thailand's Section 112 was no different from laws in other countries concerning the protection of the monarchy under a democratic system.

He pointed out that Malaysian laws restrict certain rights of their people, for instance banning insults to the monarchy or the Islamic prophet Muhammad, and banning homosexuality.

Thaworn added that he believed the Democrat Party has never resolved to propose an amendment of Section 112.

Somchai Homla-or, a member of the Truth for Reconciliation Commission of Thailand, said he believed the problem involving Section 112 is caused by the law itself, its enforcement, and the court's interpretations. He suggested that the law be amended in regards to penalties it prescribes. He said he did not agree with amending the section by imposing a minimum penalty of three years because the move would deprive judges of the right to exercise their discretion.

He said he believed penalties should vary depending on the damage done to the monarchy. For instance, if a person sends an insulting message once, but the message gets disseminated across the globe, judges can exercise their judgement on how many years of imprisonment a convict deserves. Somchai also believes there should be a proper procedure to file lese majeste complaints, not a normal complaint that anyone can lodge with police.

Kittisak Prokkati, Thammasat University lecturer, believed the lese majeste law has been problematic since the country changed the ruling system from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy. He believed that people are entitled to express their opinion, but their rights must not be exercised in violation of others'.

Worajet Pakeerat, a member of Nitirat group and a Thammasat University lecturer, pointed to the problem of interpretation by judges. He saying judges are very sensitive about the issue, resulting in ambiguous legal interpretations.

He insisted the lese majeste law should be amended by excluding the Queen and royal family members from protection under the section. He pointed out that the same law in foreign countries protects only the head of the state or the King and his representatives.

Sources said the Democrats' draft proposes a penalty of between 5 and 25 years' imprisonment, while the Bhum Jai Thai Party draft calls for seven to 15 years.

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-- The Nation 2012-04-29

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SOLUTIONS SOUGHT TO MANAGE TRAFFICKING OF ROHINGYA

THE NATION ON SUNDAY

BANGKOK:-- Thai officials were involved in human trafficking and took advantage of stateless Rohingya, an ethnic group from Myanmar, a recent seminar revealed, amid calls for reforms of the immigration act and justice procedures.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/551276-solutions-sought-to-manage-trafficking-of-rohingya/#entry5258427

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Thunderstorms, severe weather predicted

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK:-- The Meteorological Department yesterday warned people of summer thunderstorms with gusts and hail in upper Thailand, especially the Central region, while reporting a maximum temperature of 37-40 degrees Celsius in Kanchanaburi and 37-38 degrees Celsius in Bangkok.

In its 10th warning of summer storms issued yesterday, the department said the heat caused a low pressure system that covered upper Thailand, while a high pressure system covered the Northeast and the South China Sea, so people should beware of bad weather during this period. The department also said that fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rains were likely in the South, as the area was covered by the southwesterly winds.

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-- The Nation 2012-04-29

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No casualties as barge sinks in Chao Phraya

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK:-- A barge carrying a backhoe sank early yesterday in the middle of Chao Phraya River |in Samut Prakan's Phra Pradaeng district. There were no casualties.

The accident happened 40 metres off the Phuchao Saming Prai shore of Wat Laem about half an hour past midnight. The four people on board told police that the barge carried a Sumitomo backhoe and a 25-tonne crane as well as some construction tools. It was heading towards Sor Daeng Kanchang Co in Bangkok's Rama 3 area. The barge sailed past a boat carrying oil but was hit by huge waves. The lighter vessel swayed violently and sank while people on board jumped off and swam to the shores of Wat Laem community.

nationlogo.jpg

-- The Nation 2012-04-29

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Army man accused of murder to surrender

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK:-- An army officer of sergeant-major 1st class rank, who allegedly shot dead two men in Bangkok's Bang Bon district on Friday after a dispute over the duo's pickup brushing his motorcycle, has agreed to turn himself in later yesterday, police said.

Metropolitan Police Area 9 investigator Pol Col Pong-anan Khlaikhleung said yesterday that the suspect had contacted police and agreed to turn |himself in yesterday. Bang Khunthien police inspector Pol Lt-Colonel Kraiwit Oonhakong said the suspect was wanted on charges of double murder and carrying a gun in a public place without a reasonable cause.

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-- The Nation 2012-04-29

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DPM proposes drug eradication as regional agenda

Hotnews-255504290007.jpg

SAKON NAKHON, 29 April 2012 (NNT) – A Deputy Prime Minister has pointed out that the achievement of the goal to eliminate drugs requires an efficient coordination between administrative authorities and the police, while adding that drug eradication should be promoted as a regional agenda.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....a/#entry5258518

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Government pledges to boost economy in deep South

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YALA, 29 April 2012 (NNT) – A team of Cabinet ministers visited Thailand's deep South on Saturday, and pledged to further boost local economy and offer help to southern entrepreneurs.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Yongyuth Wichaidit was joined by Deputy Agriculture Minister Natthawut Saikua in the official trip to Yala Province.

Both were greeted by chief of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) Thawee Sodsong and Yala governor Dejrat Simsiri.

Deputy PM Yongyuth has praised Thawee for his hard work at SBPAC, which has achieved a goal to boost public confidence in state agencies.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Natthawut said that Saturday's visit enabled the delegation from Bangkok to discuss with local and related officials about a plan to turn abandoned rice fields into oil palm plantations due to the crop's substantial demand and bright outlook. More discussions on the issue among units concerned are expected soon.

In the evening, the two ministers were joined by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong in a meeting with local business operators from Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat.

DPM Kittiratt told the gathering that the government is adamant to further develop the deep South, particularly by constructing a better transport route to connect with neighboring Malaysia.

He also promised to continue beneficial policies, such as the 3-percent corporate tax already implemented in the region and the promotion of various investment projects to create jobs and enhance the export potential of local farm products.

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-- NNT 2012-04-29 footer_n.gif

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German experts to help with post-flood restoration at ancient Ayutthaya temples

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AYUTTHAYA, 29 April 2012 (NNT) – The German government has dispatched a team of experts to help restore ancient temples in Ayutthaya, which have been damaged by last year's flood crisis.

Culture Minister Sukumol Kunplome, along with Fine Arts Department deputy director-general Anek Seehamart and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park director Chaiyanan Bussayarat, on Saturday, welcomed German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, who brought with him a team of sculpture experts to work on the post-flood restoration of ancient temples in the province.

Mr. Westerwelle and his team went straight to inspect the level of damages, which last year's severe flooding has caused to Ayutthaya's Wat Ratchaburana.

Both Thai and German delegates also signed a Letter of Intent between the Thai Culture Ministry and a specialist on applied science from Cologne University for collaboration on the post-flood restoration.

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park director Chaiyanan said that the German government has also confirmed it will provide a 100,000-Euro grant to help restore other major temples in Ayutthaya, which are popular destinations for both Thai and foreign visitors.

nntlogo.jpg

-- NNT 2012-04-29 footer_n.gif

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Thai web editor faces 20 years for 'royal insults'

by Richard Sargent

BANGKOK, April 29, 2012 (AFP) - A Thai web editor facing decades behind bars over remarks about the monarchy posted by other people on her website said she still hopes to be acquitted ahead of a closely-watched verdict this week.

A Bangkok court is set to decide Monday on charges against Chiranuch Premchaiporn that could carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, in a case that has shone a spotlight on Thailand's strict lese majeste and computer laws.

Chiranuch, the editor of the popular Prachatai news website, denies allegations that she did not remove 10 online posts perceived as critical to the monarchy quickly enough in 2008.

"I don't think I'm guilty; I think I did the right thing. Fighting this is the way to prove that I'm right," she told AFP.

Chiranuch's case has received widespread international attention, because of both the length of the potential sentence and the fact the accusations relate to other people's comments that she says she removed as quickly as possible.

She has also made the unusual decision to deny the charges -- many accused in Thai lese majeste trials opt to plead guilty in the hope of receiving a royal pardon.

"This is a quick solution for those who have that option but I don't think that's the right way to resolve the issue. That just means that it will remain an open wound in Thai history and the Thai justice system," she said.

The royal family is a highly sensitive topic in politically turbulent Thailand. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is revered as a demi-god by many Thais, has been hospitalised since September 2009.

Observers say prosecutions under lese majeste legislation -- which bans criticism of the king, queen, heir or regent -- surged following a 2006 coup by royalist generals that left the kingdom deeply polarised.

The country saw huge street protests in Bangkok and a violent crackdown in 2010.

David Streckfuss, an independent academic and expert on lese majeste, said whatever the court decides, the Chiranuch case will have "important implications".

An innocent verdict would herald a slight widening of public space on the Internet, he said, while a guilty judgment would see "an ugly backlash" against Thailand's approach to freedom of expression.

"As the evidence is weak and the prosecutors have seemingly failed to show malicious intent, a guilty verdict would harm the already tarnished image of Thailand as a beacon of democracy in Southeast Asia," he said.

Recent trials have sparked fierce debates on Thailand's laws, including over a 61-year-old man who was jailed in November for 20 years for sending text messages deemed insulting to the monarchy.

A US citizen was handed two-and-a-half years in prison in December for allegedly defaming the king.

New York-based Human Rights Watch said Thailand's new government, which is allied to ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and was backed by his "Red Shirt" supporters in an election last year, had done little to improve freedom of expression.

"The government's assault on internet service providers sends a chilling message to webmasters and internet companies that they either censor other people's content or face severe penalties," said John Sifton, HRW Asia advocacy director.

Chiranuch, who has become a leading figure in the campaign for freedom of expression in Thailand, said she could not flee her homeland, despite the severity of the potential jail sentence.

"Sometimes I feel afraid. I'm not brave. The most important thing is not to let fear take over," she said.

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-- (c) Copyright AFP 2012-04-29

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PM leads army chief on visit to Pattani to follow up southern violence

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BANGKOK, April 29 - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Sunday visited the restive southern province of Pattani to follow up on southern violence and pledged to apply the king's advices to tackle problems.

The premier made remarks as she departed Bangkok to Pattani, along with deputy premier Gen Yuthasak Sasiprapa and army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Ms Yingluck said that her government will follow His Majesty the King's remarks on the situation in Deep South that understanding, access and development should be the key strategies to solving problems.

The PM said her Sunday visit is a cooperative effort between the army and the National Security Council to hear problems from local people so that the government could adjust its policies and strategies towards the restive region.

The premier affirmed that all concerned agencies have closely monitored the situation in the violence-plagued provinces.

Ms Yingluck added that development in the area is needed, including infrastructure development, the promotion of education and vocations, improving quality of life, as well as the overall security.

Gen Yuthasak was assigned to supervise the integration of all related bodies to drive the government's policies for the Deep South to reach its goals, according to the premier.

Ms Yingluck is scheduled to meet with the public as well as local religious and community leaders. In addition, she will hear a briefing on southern violence security operations and the progress of implementation of provincial development policies.

More than 5,000 people, including local residents, monks, security officials and insurgents, have been killed since violence erupted in the three southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat in 2004. (MCOT online news)

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-- TNA 2012-04-29

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Andaman Poll showed more than 90% of Phuket visitors don´t believe in rumors of sinking

PHUKET, 29 April 2012 (NNT) – A public poll showed that most visitors to Phuket are not buying the rumors, which suggested that this popular tourist island would sink.

Associate Professor Pun Thongchumnum, Deputy Dean of the Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus, revealed that the latest opinion survey on Thai and foreign visitors to Phuket found that 91.68 percent did not believe that the island will ever sink, while 6.44 percent were buying the rumors.

The survey, conducted on April 26th, asked 512 respondents through the 'accidental sampling' method.

Mr. Pun said that more than 8 in 10 of the sample population saw the sinking rumors as a serious damage to Phuket's money-making tourism industry. The survey also found that 66.53 percent have studied more about earthquake and related natural disasters.

At the same time, as most people have been worried by such rumors, they are urging all related state agencies to step up necessary measures, including the evacuation plan, to cope with any undesirable circumstances.

nntlogo.jpg

-- NNT 2012-04-29 footer_n.gif

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Suvarnabhumi enjoyed 15% traffic increase during Songkran holidays

BANGKOK, 29 April 2012 (NNT) – Bangkok's main airport has enjoyed an increase in traffic during this year's Songkran holidays.

Suvarnabhumi Airport Director Somchai Sawasdeepon said that, during April 9th-18th or the Songkran holidays, as many as 1.56 million passengers have passed through the main airport.

When compared with last year, Mr. Somchai said the 2012 holidays saw an increase of 15.4 percent in passenger number.

He added that domestic traveler number went up by 389,000 or 29.2 percent year on year while international passenger number rose by 1,175,000 or around 11.4 percent year on year.

In terms of air traffic, Mr. Somchai said there has also been an increase of 9.5 percent, when compared with the 2011 Songkran holidays.

For the first half of fiscal 2012, which began last October, the number of passengers passing through Suvarnabhumi Airport totaled 26.49 million, or up 7.53 percent from the same time of last year.

However, the increase was mainly attributed to the rise in domestic passenger number, which expanded 38.63 percent year-on-year to 7.7 million. During the same period, overseas traveler number shrank 1.52 percent year-on-year to 18.79 million because of the impact of the worst flood crisis in 2011.

Still, the Suvarnabhumi Airport Director forecasts that, by the end of the current fiscal year in September, passenger traffic will end up expanding by 9.8 percent to 52.5 million.

nntlogo.jpg

-- NNT 2012-04-29 footer_n.gif

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ABAC poll: 73.5% of respondents want govt to raise well-being, cost of living problems as national agenda, 67% want national reconciliation /MCOT

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Nearly half of Thais believe PM meeting with Gen Prem good sign for reconciliation: Polls

image_20120429152224FD318A4B-FC76-8AB6-D218246AFC616D34.jpg

BANGKOK, April 29 - Nearly half of respondents believe the Thursday meeting between Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Privy Council president Gen Prem Tinsulanonda is a good sign for national reconciliation, according to the capital's Suan Dusit and ABAC polls.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....s/#entry5259744

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