Thailand Live Friday 4 May 2012

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Thailand Live Friday 4 May 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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Thai Charter rewrite should not grant amnesty to convicts: Democrats

BANGKOK: -- The Democrats yesterday proposed that the Constitution amendment ensure there will be no amnesty for convicted criminals and there will be no change in the authority of the courts and constitutional independent organisations.

Full story:

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MURDER OF ANTI-COAL ACTIVIST

Murder suspect shot dead before court trial

SUMET CHANSA-ARD

THE NATION

A murder suspect heading to a court trial was shot dead in downtown Samut Sakhon's Muang district yesterday morning.

SAMUT SAKHON: -- Police suspect he was killed in a "hush killing" to prevent him from revealing a murder mastermind, or he may have died over illegal activities or some personal conflict.

Full story:

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RETURN OF 111

Thai Rak Thai executive Prommin rubbishes reports of his returning to politics

Prommin

BANGKOK: -- Thai Rak Thai executive Prommin Lertsuridej said yesterday he would not accept any political appointments despite expiry this month of his five-year ban for holding office.

Full story:

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3G SERVICE

More doubts on CAT-True 3G deals

BANGKOK: -- In another move by the Information and Communications Technology Ministry on the controversial agreement between CAT Telecom and True group on a 3G service, it yesterday submitted to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) what might be new evidence supporting its recent finding of irregularities in the deals.

Full story:

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WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY

Let us work without interference: media groups

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Two media professional organisations yesterday called on the media to adhere to professional ethics and called on the government and interested groups not to interfere in the work of journalists.

Full story:

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LAOS

Laos: no work on Xayaburi dam until green concerns solved

Supalak Ganjanakhundee

The Nation

Phuket

File Photo

BANGKOK: -- Laos said yesterday it would not make a final decision on construction of the Xayaburi dam in the main stream body of the Mekong River before approval by the international community and countries in the Lower Mekong basin over environment concerns.

Full story:

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SOUTH CRISIS

Four shot dead in Pattani

THE NATION

PATTANI: -- Four local officials were killed yesterday in a gunfight in Pattani's Sai Buri by suspected insurgents, while a man was shot dead in Narathiwat's Sungai Kolok district.

At about noon yesterday, a pickup truck with six men armed with war weapons chased another pickup carrying four officials on Sai Buri's Route 42. The gunmen opened fire at the victims' vehicle killing all four immediately and made off with weapons and the Bt300,000 in cash they were carrying to pay local defence volunteers.

The victims - identified as kamnan Sangworn Suwannarat, his deputy Preecha Thong-iad, and assistants Suphaphorn Charoensuk and Phornthip Pho-ngern - worked for the administration office for tambon Thung Khla.

Quoting eyewitnesses, police said the gunmen were in a gold-coloured Isuzu pickup truck and theorised that they might have been insurgents. The police do not have information about the licence plate number.

Separately, Narathiwat-native 21-year-old Arphan Awae was shot dead at around 5am by two men on a motorcycle who followed him home from a pub. The police have not ruled out that the murder was insurgency related because the Bt20,000 the victim had on his person was left untouched. Police say the money might have been earned illegally.

-- The Nation 2012-05-04

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Police rewards for crackdown success

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Metropolitan Police Bureau deputy chief Saroj Phrom-charoen yesterday announced the results of crime suppression in Bangkok over the past week that rounded up 27 people with guns, 69 robbery suspects and seven motorcycle thieves.

Saroj said 88 police stations had set up checkpoints and sent out mobile units to patrol their jurisdictions from 10pm to 4am daily.

Saroj also rewarded officials who made arrests to boost their morale.

Saroj also announced the arrest of Saenfa Somthong, 20, along with 20,000 ya ba tablets in a police sting in Bangkok. Saenfa allegedly delivered drugs for a former Chiang Rai inmate called Tee.

-- The Nation 2012-05-04

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Karen army blocks borders after Chalerm's taunts

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The Foreign Ministry is negotiating with Myanmar's Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) after the group closed 12 border checkpoints from Tak to Kanchanaburi in retaliation of the government including a Karen leader's name on the list of drug offenders, ministry's spokesman Thanee Thongphakdee said yesterday that at the local level, the closure has affected the operation of two Thai-owned ore-mining companies after the transport of their products was stopped.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/552486-karen-army-blocks-border-checkpoints-from-tak-to-kanchanaburi-after-chalerms-taunts/

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18 million pills of cold medicine turned in

POUNGCHOMPOO PRASERT,

PIYANUCH THAMNUKASETCHAI,

EKKAPONG PRADITPONG

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- From April 4 to May 2, 43 firms turned in 18.03 million tablets and 11,260 litres of medicine containing pseudoephedrine to the Food and Drug Administration.

After the deadline for pharmacies to return cough medicine containing pseudoephedrine passed at 4.30pm yesterday, the medicine would only be available at hospitals and state clinics. Of the total tablets received by the FDA, 10.9 million contained pseudoephedrine mixed in with paracetamol.

Dr Pongpan Wongmanee, deputy secretary-general of the FDA, said the companies delivering over a million tablets each were Thai Nakhon Pattana with 10.15 million tablets and 6,403 litres; M and H Manufacturing with 2 million tablets and 1,467 litres; and Unilab Pharmaceutical with 1.12 million tablets.

The FDA will check these companies' stocks to see if they matched the reports. The FDA would not be doing this out of suspicion, but due to the large quantities involved.

On May 25, the FDA will hold a meeting with manufacturers and importers of medication as well as clinics wishing to stock pseudoephedrine-based medicine. They would discuss a new, more systematic online ordering system called "FDA Reporter" that would report in real-time a medicine purchase from the source to the destination. A ceiling on the stocks would also be fixed at 5,000-10,000 tablets.

The FDA has revoked the permits to produce pure pseudoephedrine of four manufacturers because it wants to limit the use of such medicine to 12 tonnes per year - compared with 35 tonnes previously. The drug's import and export are now banned, which the FDA has notified to the International Narcotics Control Board, he added.

Tarit Pengdith, director-general of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), said any pharmacy found stocking pseudoephedrine, which is now a controlled drug listed on Psychotropic Substance Schedule 2, could face one to five years in prison and a Bt20,000-Bt100,000 fine. Those possessing over five grams of the substance could serve five to 20 years in jail.

The pharmaceutical firms had manufactured 60 million pseudoephedrine medicine tablets, of which about 20 million were possessed by authorised medical facilities. The medicine returned from pharmacies via companies would be destroyed along with fake cosmetic products at the incinerator in Ayutthaya's Bang Pa-in Industrial Estate.

The DSI and eight other agencies believe that the smuggling of pseudoephedrine medicine into Thailand must have been done by large criminal syndicates backed by influential figures due to the huge quantity. Tarit and DSI investigators inspected Suvarnabhumi Airport's cargo terminal yesterday.

The public prosecutors for special cases have suggested that the DSI conduct its investigation by linking all parties involved from hospital officials and drug companies to salesmen. The focus should be on the five medicine dealers who are now facing charges for fraudulently using a hospital's name to procure the medicine.

Medicine-related corruption has been found at five hospitals - Nong Khee, Kalamasai, Na Khlang, Serm Ngam and Phusing. However, he declined to reveal details.

In Chiang Mai, Dr Wisit Tangnapakorn, inspector-general at Public Health Region 15, said the probe of missing pseudoephedrine medicine at Doi Lor and Hot hospitals had made much progress, so the accused would be informed of disciplinary charges next week. Allowing time for the suspects to explain themselves and present evidence, the whole process should take two months.

The Doi Lor Hospital probe found evidence that the pharmacist ordered the drug secretly by using the hospital's name. The Hot Hospital probe showed that the pharmacist had committed a serious offence while the hospital director, who signed the purchase orders, could face slightly softer disciplinary punishment, he added.

-- The Nation 2012-05-04

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Thai Govt urged to be lenient with innocent intruders: Land encroachment

BANGKOK: -- The Office of the Ombudsman has recommended the Cabinet review the true intentions of people accused of encroaching on land first before it takes any legal action.

Full story:

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'Politicians implicated' in Bt30m flood money embezzlement

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- An ongoing investigation has suggested that up to Bt30 million - nearly half the money reimbursed for flood victims' food in four Bangkok districts - might have been embezzled during the severe inundation last year.

Full story:

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Idea of prices rising a misconception: PM Yingluck

Govt says research shows prices going down; cost-relief measures planned

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is preparing to tell Thais that their perception of soaring prices is just that, a perception. In fact, government research indicates that prices are trending downwards.

Full story:

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MAE WONG DAM

House panel demands halt to project

Data shows Cabinet okayed budget before EHIA report was completed

BANGKOK: -- The House committee on land, environment and natural resources has demanded a halt to the construction of Mae Wong Dam, which will be located inside Nakhon Sawan province's national park.

Full story:

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Swedish Film Festival Debuts in Thailand

Wachiraporn Janrut

BANGKOK: -- Organised by the Embassy of Sweden in Thailand and SFX Cinema, the first Swedish Film Festival in Thailand will be held on 16-20 May, 2012 at SFX Cinema in Emporium Shopping Center.

The film festival will feature 7 well-selected movies by 7 different Swedish directors. With a diverse selection of drama, comedy, and romantic movies, all of them are either award-winning or nominated for international well-known Awards. The seven movies include Simple Simon, Simon and the Oaks, A One-way to Antibes, A Thousand Times Stronger, Miss Kicki, Sebbe and Sound of Noise.

Movie lovers can enjoy and learn Swedish culture through the movies in Digital format with Swedish soundtrack and English subtitles.

The festival will be inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Ewa Bjorling, the Swedish Minister for Trade, on 15 May at SFX Cinema in the Emporium Shopping Mall. The first Swedish film to be on screen is ‘Simple Simon’. Directed by Andreas Ohman, the movie is the story of Simon, a young man aged 18 who has Aspergers syndrome. He likes space and science but doesn’t understand feelings. Simon’s life turns into chaos when his brother Sam breaks up with his girlfriend. Simon works on his scientific plan to find a new girlfriend for his brother.

The admission for this Swedish Film Festival is free of charge.

There will be one screening per day on Wednesday and Thursday, two screenings on Friday and three screenings per day on Saturday and Sunday.

Interested people can look for more information or check the schedule on this link.

Source: http://www.scandasia...34&coun_code=se

-- ScandAsia 2012-05-04

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Thai parliament quarrel escalates in Hitler salute

Video, full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/552424-thai-parliament-quarrel-escalates-in-hitler-salute/

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Thai stock index opens on Friday at 1,239.64, down 0.39 points /MCOT

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Thai PM to visit Bahrain, Qatar this month

BANGKOK, May 4 -- Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will visit Bahrain and Qatar this month to boost cooperation in trade and medical services, according to a senior foreign ministry official.

Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs Director-General Narong Sasitorn told reporters that Ms Yingluck will visit Bahrain and Qatar May 13-16, her first trip to the Middle East since taking office last year.

The visit to Bahrain is considered important as Thailand and Bahrain have strong friendship and Bahrain has always supported Thailand at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), clarifying to OIC members on the situation in the three southern border Thai provinces saying that the violence there was not due to religious conflict and had no connection with international terrorism groups.

During the visit to Bahrain, Mr Narong said, Ms Yingluck will discuss energy cooperation and the megaconstruction projects including the new international airport and town improvement.

The Bahraini government has received financial support from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Thailand will be involved in the design and supervision of the projects, Mr Narong said.

As for the trip to Qatar, the Thai prime minister will focus on joint cooperation in construction projects including football stadiums and the athletes' dormitories -- as the country is bidding to host the 2020 Olympics.

Medical cooperation will be on the agenda for discussion by the Thai premier and Qatari leaders as Thailand's health care services is considered as developed and of high standard particularly, orthopedic surgery, Mr Narong said.

Many nationals from Middle Eastern countries have travelled to Thailand for medical treatment, he added. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-05-04

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Anti-Corruption Network Files Complaint agains Expensive Energy

BANGKOK: -- An anti-corruption network in Songkhla Province has filed a complaint against PTT and the government for excessively raising the fuel and cooking gas prices. The group is also recruiting supporters.

An anti-corruption network in Songkhla Province led by Anant Karnjanasuwan has filed a complaint against PTT for excessively and continuously raising the fuel and cooking gas prices.

Compared to Malaysia, Singapore and the U.S., Thai consumers are using relatively higher fuel prices given their income level. The group claims that PTT has generated hundreds of billions baht in profits with the government's endorsement, in which the refineries have been allowed to charge consumers fictitious costs.

Anant said that even though there are many natural energy sources in Thailand, PTT is monopolizing the energy sector and dictate the prices, which has a significant impact on the country's economy and development.

The network is acting on behalf of Songkhla locals in filing the case with the court. The group is also recruiting more supporters and allies, especially lawyers, to help with the case.

The network will also organize hearings on the issue in 16 districts of the province. It is hoping to garner at least 1,000 names in its petition within three months.

-- Tan Network 2012-05-04

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WARNING

Innovative Thai Advertising With A Risk Of Losing Your Bank Card

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....your-bank-card/

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PM to lead official private sector visit to Australia May 26-29 to raise Thai-Australian relations to 'strategic partnership' status in all areas of cooperation, including trade, investment, tourism

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PM to lead official private sector visit to Australia May 26-29 to raise Thai-Australian relations to 'strategic partnership' status in all areas of cooperation, including trade, investment, tourism /MCOT

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Earthquake aftershock spooks residents in northern Phuket

The 2.3 Richter earthquake struck at 4:54am today, at nearly the same location as the 4.3 quake that struck Phuket on April 16. Image: TMD

PHUKET: -- A 2.3 Richter aftershock centered in Phuket’s Thalang District struck at 4:54am today, waking some residents with a loud bang, while others reported feeling nothing at all of the tremors.

Full story:

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Taxi Operators Give May 16 Deadline on Fare Increase

BANGKOK: -- The Transport Ministry has been urged to make its decision on a fare hike for taxis, as the price of natural gas for vehicle is due to increase on May 16.

Head of the taxi drivers' rights protection group Somboon Janyalert has given the Transport Ministry a May 16 deadline to approve a fare hike, as taxi operators are facing higher costs.

The price of natural gas for vehicle, or NGV, is set to go up by another 50 Satang to nine baht a kilogram on the date.

Somboon remarked that if Transport Minister Jarupong Ruangsuwan had chaired the working team tasked with considering a taxi fare hike himself, a conclusion could have been reached much earlier.

He added that the ministry could have convened an urgent meeting with the working team to address the rising fuel cost and fare issues, without waiting for taxi operators to file complaints or hold gatherings to press for its action.

-- Tan Network 2012-05-04

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Army Chief: Southern Violence Not Ethnic Cleansing

BANGKOK: -- The army chief has reaffirmed that the Southern violence is not a part of an ethnic cleansing or the military's use of excessive force, while the Region 3 Army has been ordered to keep a close eye on the situation along the Thai-Burmese border.

Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha has commented on the Organization of the Islamic Conference or OIC's plan to travel to the restive South, saying that the army is prepared to explain to the OIC that the violence in the region is not caused by the military's use of excessive force, nor it is a part of an ethnic cleansing.

He said the problem in the southernmost region is initiated by some ill-intended insurgent groups.

General Prayuth added that the Thai government has made a lot of progress during the past three years.

However, there is a lack of inter-agency cooperation in solving the problem.

He believes that from now on, all ministries will be more integrated in their spending on different projects, adding that cooperation from the locals is still needed.

Regarding General Na Kaw Muay, a Karen rebel leader, who has threatened to shut down the Thai-Burmese border in retaliation against the Thai government for listing him as one of the most wanted drug suspects, the army chief commented that this is purely a legal matter, and that the government's priority is to prevent Thai people from using narcotics.

General Prayuth added that the Region 3 Army has been ordered to ensure peace and order in the area by explaining the situation to the locals living along the border.

The local Thai army force has reported that the situation is normal, but the locals are still urged to exercise caution.

-- Tan Network 2012-05-04

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13 Taiwanese Nabbed for Call-center Scam

BANGKOK: -- Police have busted a Taiwanese gang involved in a call-center fraud, in which victims were tricked into paying more than 100 million baht.

Immigration police have arrested 13 Taiwanese on charges of international crimes during a raid on a house in Chaengwattana Soi 10 in Lak Si District, in which six computers, 17 phones, three cellphones and a number of Internet routers were seized.

According to the police, the gang had given their victims a call, most of whom are Taiwanese and Chinese, telling them that there were some problems with their bank accounts and that they had to transfer money via ATM to fix the issues.

The victims were deceived into believing that their bank accounts have been exploited by organized crime groups.

The suspects admitted having committed the fraud for just two months and deceived more than 100 million baht off all victims.

The 13 Taiwanese have also been charged with illegal entry and will be deported to their home country and put on a blacklist.

-- Tan Network 2012-05-04

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RT @RichardBarrow: Only a few more days of this heat! The Met Dept says that on Wednesday the rainy season starts & temperatures will drop

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Dusit Poll: 49.64% says goods' prices have risen, 48.79% have started saving, 52.57% confident govt can solve issue /TANN

Parliament launches an investigation into how flood donations still remain at the parliamentary club with result expected next Tuesday /TANN

Meteorological Dept reports BKK will see temperature peak at 38 degrees Celsius today; some areas may see hail and flooding /TANN

Rail authority states train derailment at Donmuang on Apr 24 stems from heat causing rail track to expand rather than officers' negligence /TANN