Thailand Live Saturday 26 May 2012

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Thailand Live Saturday 26 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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Related topic: Thailand Live Friday 25 May 2012

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Return of the king

The Nation

Millions watch on TV as country rejoices over monarch's historic visit to Ayutthaya; numerous shows staged Trip to be recorded in National Archives; King accepts from PM title deed of land where he harvested rice crop in 1996

AYUTTHAYA: -- Dressed in a military uniform, His Majesty the King yesterday left Siriraj Hospital for his first personal short trip out of Bangkok in recent years, bringing much delight to the whole nation.

Full story:

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Cabinet members 'good people': Prem

The Nation May

BANGKOK: -- Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda said yesterday that he believed the members of the Cabinet are all good people, as they had promised to serve the country and taken a vow before His Majesty the King.

Full story:

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Bodindecha students turn to Prem for help

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Students and parents who are part of a demonstration against the Bodindecha School filed a petition with Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda yesterday, asking him for help to get them back into school.

Full story:

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Ministry urged to not okay Mae Wong Dam assessment

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- An environmental watchdog agency is calling on the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry to hold off on approving Mae Wong Dam's environmental and health impact assessment (EHIA) report because it does not include information about how the project will affect the flora and fauna in the area.

Full story:

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ANALYSIS

Achieving 15% export growth target

Petchanet Pratruangkrai

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Commerce Ministry will face difficulties driving the country's export growth to the targeted 15 per cent this year, as shipments in the first four months dropped, not only from the impact of last year's floods, but because of the economic sluggishness in the European Union.

Full story:

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HOUSE DELIBERATION

Law voiding verdicts to be tabled

The Nation

MP Watana Muangsuk, deputy chairman of the House committee for national reconciliation, and Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the chairman.

Would give amnesty to those behind 2010 crackdown; allow Thaksin re-trial

BANGKOK: -- The House of Representatives is expected to deliberate on a new law that would allow a retrial to be held for fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was sentenced to two years in jail over power abuse after the 2006 military coup.

Full story:

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MCOT to end joint talk shows with NBC

WATCHIRANONT THONGTEP

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- MCOT will not renew a contract with Nation Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) under which it jointly produces two news talk shows for its upcoming TV schedule, which begins in July.

Premkamon Tinnakorn Na Ayutthaya, MCOT's acting president, said yesterday that a Thai News Agency (TNA) team would take over responsibility for news-programme production for Modernine TV, replacing NBC-produced programmes currently broadcast in two time slots.

The current contract between NBC and MCOT expires in June. NBC co-produces two weekday news programmes - "Chao Khao Khon Kon Khao Chao" (morning news talk) and "Khao Khon Kon Khao" (evening news talk).

The move will allow Modernine TV to devote 56 per cent of total available time slots to self-produced news programming, up from 42 per cent now. It projects a 5-to-8-per-cent increase in revenue after taking the airtime back.

The company expects to see improvements in its bottom line and TV ratings, Premkamon said, adding that the TNA had a highly experienced and professional news crew numbering more than 400.

He denied that political pressure was a factor in the decision.

Though NBC's two news shows generated annual income of about Bt200 million, ratings were low, at level 1, he said.

Apart from these two shows, NBC jointly produces about six hours of news content a day for the ASEAN TV satellite channel. MCOT will also revise this contract, as it is planning to rebrand this channel as MCOT International soon.

A media-agency source has questioned the readiness of Modernine TV's team to produce programmes that would be capable of boosting advertisers' confidence and improving ratings.

"Is it a good idea to make a big change in TV scheduling during the selection process for the new [MCOT] president?" the source asked.

-- The Nation 2012-05-26

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EDITORIAL

Wrong policies could lead to national crisis

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The World Bank warns Thailand to better manage its spending policy in the face of a worsening euro debt crisis that could affect the world economy

Full story:

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WATCHDOG

Government must beware of ballooning budget deficits

Nophakhun Limsamarnphun

BANGKOK: -- The opposition Democrat Party has cautioned that the country's off-budget deficit could balloon in 2013 as the Yingluck government struggles to keep its populist policy pledges.

Full story:

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Prompong suspects 'foreigners' in Phuket illegal land grab

Phuket Gazette

Government Spokesman Prompong Nopparit (right) arrives in force to inspect 20 rai near Freedom Beach that he believes were acquired illegally by foreigners, likely with the help of corrupt officials. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo

PROTECTED LAND? The 20 rai of land under investigation this time sits on the hillside on the far side of Freedom Bay. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo

PHUKET: -- Government Spokesman Prompong Nopparit today announced that he believes foreigners were involved in the illegal acquisition of protected forest land on the headland south of Patong Beach, on Phuket’s west coast.

Full story:

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3 students arrested over Bang Na shootout

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Three of the students who were part of a gunfight at Bang Na intersection that injured a bank employee on Thursday were arrested yesterday and will be tried in juvenile court. The Education Ministry has also forbidden the two institutions to enrol new students next year.

One of the arrested students, called Eve, faces the charge of carrying a weapon and using it in public. The other two face charges of attempting to physically harm others. Police are continuing to check surveillance camera recordings to identify more suspects.

Chanwit Tabsupan, director of the Office of the Private Education Commission, said fights always broke out among students at the start of every semester, so school authorities and the police should come up with plans to prevent such incidents.

According to statistics, violent battles between rivalling vocational school students had dropped in the past two or three years, and this is the first such incident this year.

Chanwit went to say that though his commission had organised a spiritual retreat for students to help them adjust their behaviour, it has not done much good.

As per the Education Ministry's latest policy, these two institutions will be forbidden to admit new students next year, and if their students are caught in any violent incidents, then the school would be closed down. The ministry has also called on the two schools to cooperate and help resolve the conflict.

-- The Nation 2012-05-26

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Phuket Governor expects light-rail investor named by August

Phuket Gazette

Sung-Min Lee, president of the Railway Metro Division at Korean firm Dohwa, will be back in about two months to present his firm’s final draft plan for the Phuket light-rail project. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- Assuring the public that a light-rail project for the island will go ahead, Phuket Governor Tri Augkardacha said he expects the engineering firm to build the project to be named by the government by August.

Full story:

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PM leaves on official visit to Australia and will return on Tuesday; she promises to push forth reconciliation bill /TANN

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LONG LIVE THE KING (Photo Gallery)

The Nation

AYUTTHAYA: -- Thousands of people flocked to Ayutthaya's Thung Makham Yong Friday, wishing to be part of HM the King's historic visit.

Full story:

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UK Teacher in A Coma After Brutal Assault

Regent’s International School Adam Pickles

Full story:

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Phuket Games 2012 prepared to open as monsoon winds blow

Phuket Gazette

The scene at Surakul Stadium in Phuket Town during rehearsals.

PPAO President Paiboon Upatising at the final rehearsal for the Phuket Games 2012 at Surakul Stadium in Phuket Town. Photos: Chutharat Plerin

PHUKET: -- It's all systems go for the Thailand National Youth Games 2012, which will officially open with an extravaganza today at Surakul Stadium in Phuket Town.

Full story:

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Decomposing Corpse of German Man Found in Pattaya

The decomposing naked body of a German man was found in a rental room in Pattaya. The police assumes he slipped on the floor hit his head and died of a concussion.

Full story:

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Phuket defense volunteer injured in hit-and-run

Phuket Gazette

Phuket Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers prepare to send Ms Somying to Thalang Hospital for treatment.

A rescue volunteer says the victim's helmet likely spared her from much more serious injuries. Photos: Thavit Bilabdulla

PHUKET: -- A young woman was badly injured in a hit-and-run collision with a passenger van near Phuket's Heroines' Monument late last night.

Full story:

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EU Film Festival set to start on May 30 in Bangkok

BANGKOK, 26 May 2012 (NNT) – An annual international film festival, featuring a variety of cinematic works from Europe, is set to take off later this month.

Full story:

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Ayutthaya people welcome King in grandeur

AYUTTHAYA, 25 May 2012 (NNT) – Their Majesties the King and Queen, accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, this afternoon proceeded in a van to Thung Makham Yong field in the central province of Ayutthaya, on a private visit to monitor the progress of royal projects initiated since 1995 in this province.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/557963-return-of-the-king/#entry5333379

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DSI to hold rogue factories accountable

BANGKOK, 26 May 2012 (NNT) – The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is poised to track down unscrupulous factories found to have discharged untreated toxic waste into public waters.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/558045-dsi-to-hold-rogue-factories-accountable/#entry5333392

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Poll: Most income earners hardly make ends meet

CHIANG MAI, 26 May 2012 (NNT) - Many income earners still have difficulty trying to survive on their salaries in the face of a jump in living expense according to a recent survey by Maejo University.

The poll, which covered 700 people aged between 25 and 35 during May 5 to 20, found that 57 percent of the respondents spent up to THB300 per day while 27 percent spend up to THB500. About 11 percent said their daily expense was over THB500. Only five percent said they pay no more than THB100 a day.

As much as 40 percent admitted earning less than they actually had to spend each month. Thirty-six percent disclosed that their current incomes were barely enough for them to live on. Only twenty four percent have no financial problem.

Fuel price hikes were found to affect the income earners most with 90 percent. The rise in household product prices was considered second most problematic with 67 percent. The hikes in public utilities fees came third with 65 percent.

Nearly 60 percent of the respondents said they solve their financial problems by cutting back on unnecessary expenses. Thirty-two percent decided to practice the self-sufficiency philosophy initiated by His Majesty the King. The rest revealed that they looked for extra jobs to earn more money.

When asked which measure is most helpful, the majority of respondents are supportive the free utilities program. The dispatch of Blue Flag caravans selling inexpensive goods is the second most favorite, followed by the THB 15,000 salary hike policy. Coming fourth is the launch of stalls selling cheap consumption products throughout the country. Ranking fifth is the THB300 minimum wage hike.

The respondents also suggested that the government solve the problem at its root. Fuel costs which strongly influence product prices should be closely monitored, and pricing of necessary consumption items should be strictly regulated. Populist’s policies aimed at winning more political support should be banned so as not to waste the national budgets.

-- NNT 2012-05-26

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BOI to extend work permission for unskilled migrant labor till end of year

BANGKOK, 26 May 2012 (NNT) – The Industry Ministry has green-lighted an idea to allow unskilled migrant workers to continue their service in Thailand’s post-flood rehabilitation process.

Industry Minister M.R. Phongsawat Svastiwat said that the Board of Investment meeting on the problem of labor shortage has agreed to allow 101 companies, which have received state investment incentives, to continue hiring migrant labors with work permits until December 31st.

Initially, all eligible companies have received the BOI’s approval to employ unskilled migrant labor until May 31st, 2012.

M.R. Phongsawat said that the BOI’s latest decision is aimed at helping flood-hit entrepreneurs to completely get back on their feet and resolve all impacts from last year’s severe inundation.

Moreover, in order to maintain Thailand’s competitiveness and further promote investment in the country, the BOI has also brought back the state-initiated program, designed to help business operators upgrade their technology and machinery, and made it available for those in need until the end of this year.

Such a program was actually expired since December 31st, 2011.

The Industry Minister said that entrepreneurs, who participate in the technological upgrade program, will be exempt from the import duty on imported machinery for 3 years.

-- NNT 2012-05-26

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Energy Minister: Fuel prices have a little influence on goods prices

BANGKOK, 26 May 2012 (NNT) – The Energy Minister has rejected claims that fuel price adjustment is to blame for the rise in goods prices.

In this Saturday government talk show, Energy Minister Arak Chonlatanon said that fuel price adjustment had only a slight effect on product pricing, adding that retail petrol prices were not more expensive than last year’s thanks to the oil fund.

Citing a recent market survey, Mr. Arak disclosed that food prices were only a little higher than before.

He explained that a series of news coverage of the oil price situation may have psychological effects on consumers who as a result understand energy prices to be the main culprit of goods price hikes.

Despite his confirmation of the oil price stability, Mr. Arak admitted that many things still needed to be done to ensure that the country had enough energy supply at affordable prices.

He said the Energy Ministry would closely monitor the Energy Conservation Promotion Fund, and municipal tax collection to keep the marketing margin at a proper level.

-- NNT 2012-05-26

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BKK Metropolitan Police: 5 members of a Vietnamese pickpocket ring arrested during Lady Gaga concert with over 30 stolen mobile phones /MCOT

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Phuket bound bus slammed by truck, 12 injured

Phuket Gazette

The double-decker bus bound for Phuket was operated by the Phattalung Thaksan Kusorn Tour Company. Photo: KomChadLuek.

PHUKET: -- Twelve people were injured when a bus bound for Phuket from Haad Yai crashed with a pickup truck in Phattalung Province in rainy conditions on Thursday night.

Full story:

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Phuket pickup crashes into Thalang home

Phuket Gazette

The Phuket-registered Isuzu pickup after the accident early this morning. Photo by Thavit Bilabdullar.

The guardrail, and other defensive structures put in place by the homeowner, were unable to stop the speeding pickup from crashing into the Phuket home full force. Photo by Thavit Bilabdullar.

PHUKET: -- A man who crashed his pickup though a guard rail and into a home on Thepkrasattri Road early this morning crawled from the wreckage completely unharmed.

Full story:

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to continue:

Thailand Live Sunday 27 May 2012

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/558061-thailand-live-sunday-27-may-2012/