Thailand Live Wednesday 30 May 2012

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Thailand Live Wednesday 30 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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ANALYSIS

Suu Kyi visit brings hope to local Myanmar community

SUPALAK GANJANAKHUNDEE

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Myanmar's migrant workers, refugees, exile activists and ethnic groups were excited ahead of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's visit to Thailand.

Full story:

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Suwat and Sonthaya seeking immediate return to Cabinet

THE NATION

Suwat

BANGKOK: -- Coalition parties are calling for a Cabinet reshuffle, as the 111 former Thai Rak Thai executives will be free to re-enter politics when their five-year ban ends this week.

Full story:

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FOOTBALL

Gambling to hike spending during Euro 2012: UTCC poll

Petchanet Pratruangkrai

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Some Bt65 billion is expected to spur the economy as a result of the upcoming Euro 2012 soccer tournament, of which gambling on matches will account for an estimated Bt41.7 billion, according to a survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).

Full story:

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Transgender politician vows to fight for rights of all

TOSSAPORN WONGWAIKOLAYOOT

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Thai political history turned a new page on Sunday when a transgender candidate won a provincial election. The result became a media phenomenon that drew attention across the country, and spread across the world.

Full story:

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EDUCATION

Effigy of minister burnt as rally watered down

SUPINDA NA MAHACHAI,

SAOWANEE NIMPANPAYUNGWONG

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- A group of Bodindecha School students and parents yesterday staged a protest outside Government House, burning an effigy of Education Minister Suchart Thadadamrongvej over his "tea money" policy, which had favoured rich families and resulted in a number of students being prevented from continuing their studies in the 10th grade.

Full story:

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Bt415m retrieved in BBC case

The Nation

Rakesh

BANGKOK: -- Legal Execution Department chief Wisit Wisitsora-art said yesterday that his office had retrieved Bt415 million from Swiss banks as part of its operation in relation to the failed Bangkok Bank of Commerce.

Wisit said his department, in cooperation with the Office of the Attorney-General and the Bank of Thailand, had traced the embezzled assets hidden in Switzerland by Kirkkiat Chaleejan, Rakesh Saxena and other former BBC executives.

He said another batch of about Bt100 million would be returned to Thailand later, and the money would be repaid to creditors. The department is also looking for assets hidden in Canada, he said.

Wisit added that Bt686 million had been collected from auctions so far and would be returned to the 14 financial institutions.

Justice Ministry spokeswoman Reunreudee Suwanmongkol, also inspector-general, said the Cabinet had approved an amendment to a ministerial regulation regarding the auction. She said the amendment allowed the auction panel to set an appropriate starting price instead of going by the price set by the litigant, which is often too high.

-- The Nation 2012-05-30

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STOPPAGE TIME

It might have been much simpler before

Tulsathit Taptim

To predict the short-term future of Thai politics, you may need to watch free-for-all wrestling at least once.

BANGKOK: -- It's not pretty - as nasty betrayal, ugly ambushes and unthinkable, constant re-alliance are the name of the game - but that's the idea. When two camps fight it out, it's straightforward; when three parties or more are told to do whatever it takes to be the last one standing, fortune no longer favours the brave.

Full story:

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EDITORIAL

Worried about the image? Then solve the problem

The Nation

The Commerce Ministry misses the whole point about how some foreigners view Thailand as a place where fake goods are widely available

BANGKOK: -- The Thai government's response to Lady Gaga's comment about wanting to buy fake Rolex watches in Thailand has backfired. Instead of trying to take action against the producers of fake goods in Thailand, the Commerce Ministry has written to the US Embassy to complain about the entertainer's comment.

Full story:

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Ex-Transport permanent secretary Suphoth's Volkswagen seized

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has revealed a further seizure of assets from Suphoth Sublom.

After Bt17.5 million plus gold weighing 10 baht was seized from the former Transport permanent secretary last Thursday, the NACC held another session yesterday to rule whether other assets would be seized as a result of its probe into his "unusual wealth".

Yesterday, Suphoth defended himself, saying he had tens of millions of baht in his accounts before he became Transport permanent secretary. He was later asked to provide witnesses and evidence within 15 days to support his petition.

NACC member Klanarong Chantik further revealed that the commission unanimously voted to seize Suphoth's Volkswagen.

Suphoth claimed that his wife had been given use of the car by businessman Anake Chongsathien in return for a favour. However, it was found that the businessman had given the couple Bt3 million in order to buy the car. After finding that Suphoth did not borrow the car from the businessman, it decided to confiscate it. The decision was expected to be referred to the Office of the Attorney General for judicial endorsement.

Klanarong said the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission had also been asked to look further into Suphoth's acquisition of assets worth more than the allowed Bt3,000.

-- The Nation 2012-05-30

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CRIME

A man sentenced to death for killing five

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok's Ratchadaphisek Criminal Court on Tuesday sentenced a man to death and three others to life for their involvement in the 2009 armed robbery and murders of a Bang Kapi furniture-factory owner, his wife, daughter, son and housemaid.

Full story:

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Hundreds of police to guard VIPs

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Hundreds of police officers are providing security to the important figures participating in the World Economic Forum on East Asia in Bangkok, which will run from today till Friday.

"We will deploy 200 police officers for the 31 motorcades of the top-level participants each day," Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner Maj-General Anan Srihirun said yesterday.

Anan is security chief for the international forum, which will be held at the Shangri-La Hotel, though some participants are staying at other hotels.

Among the VIPs are the leaders of Bahrain, Vietnam and Indonesia, ministers of 18 other countries, and Myanmar opposition leader and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

Police spokesman Maj General Piya Utayo said the Special Branch Division and the Metropolitan Police Bureau would be mainly responsible for security details.

Deputy Metropolitan Police commissioner Maj-General Worasak Nopsittiporn, who oversees traffic affairs, said main, secondary and emergency routes had already been planned.

Anan said to date there had been no intelligence reports on security threats against the forum or its participants.

"It's just that some demonstrators may turn up to submit open letters or demands," he said.

-- The Nation 2012-05-30

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Bangkok cab driver sexually assaults passenger 3 months after jail

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A Bangkok cabdriver previously convicted of a sexual assault was arrested for allegedly raping a female passenger on Monday, a police said at a press conference late on Monday night.

Full story:

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Health budget request trimmed by almost a third

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet yesterday trimmed a budget request for 2013 submitted by the National Health Insurance Office (NHSO) from the Bt157.3 billion sought to Bt109.8 billion, saying that the amount could be increased after parliamentary scrutiny.

The perhead subsidy for free or lowcost treatment of Bt2,755.60 - amounting to a budget of Bt109.72 billion, should be enough, said the Cabinet, as it was similar to the rate requested and approved last year.

Another chunk of NHSO budget, on operations and management, was yesterday approved at Bt1.2 billion, trimmed from the amount requested at Bt1.672 billion. The NHSO regulates the "healthcare gold cards" that provide for free or lowcost treatment.

The NHSO has requested Bt155.67 billion for treatment costs based mainly on the perhead subsidy, as well as another Bt1.67 billion for management and administrative purpose.

-- The Nation 2012-05-30

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Opponents vow bitter battle over bills on reconciliation

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The dispute over controversial "reconciliation" legislation intensified yesterday as the opposition Democrat Party declared war against the draft bills and vowed to work with any group in opposing what it described as an attempt to "whitewash" the wrongdoings of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his cohorts.

Full story:

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One sting reported from flood of 'bluebottles' at Phuket beaches

Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- Phuket lifeguards at Kata and Karon beaches so far have reported only one person being stung by the bluebottle jellyfish that washed ashore in droves yesterday.

Full story:

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Thai web editor to hear 'royal insults' verdict

BANGKOK, May 30, 2012 (AFP) - A Thai web editor is due Wednesday to hear whether she will be jailed for hosting defamatory postings about the monarchy on her website, amid a growing clamour for the law to be changed.

The case has stirred fierce debate in Thailand, where strict laws against defaming the royal family have prompted accusations that authorities are trampling on free speech.

Chiranuch Premchaiporn, the 44-year-old editor of the popular Prachatai news website, faces up to two decades behind bars if convicted under the kingdom's tough computer laws.

But she also faces further charges -- at a date to be set -- of breaching section 112 of the Thai criminal code which outlaws insults to the royal family and allows for a maximum 15-year sentence for every conviction.

Chiranuch denies the allegations that she did not remove quickly enough 10 online posts by other people perceived as critical to the monarchy in 2008.

The verdict, which was unexpectedly postponed from April 30, comes as fierce debate again swirls over Thailand's lese majeste laws. On Tuesday, a petition signed by almost 27,000 people urging reform was submitted to parliament in the first mass action of its kind.

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 were removed promptly.

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

"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 before the postponed April 30 hearing.

Scrutiny of the law has intensified since the death of a 62-year-old Thai man this month while serving a 20-year sentence for committing lese majeste.

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.

The Asian Human Rights Commission on Tuesday said the allegations against Chiranuch "make a mockery of the Court and the meaning of justice in Thailand" and "post a clear and direct threat to the rights of citizens in Thailand".

Chiranuch, who has become a leading figure in the campaign for freedom of expression in Thailand, said before her April trial that she was ready to face the court.

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

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2012-05-30

RT @Saksith: #BREAKINGNEWS: Court verdict against Chiranuch Premchaiporn: Guilty, year and 8 months in jail, -- SUSPENDED sentence! #freejiew

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Police close U-Thong Nai Rd near Parliament, authorities mobilised to guard perimeter to contain PAD rally against reconciliation bill /MCOT

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Myanmar workers gather to meet Aung San Suu Kyi

SAMUT SAKHON, May 30 -- Myanmar migrant workers and a virtual army of media have gathered outside the office of the Migrant Worker Rights Network (MWRN) waiting to see the neighbouring country’s beloved opposition leader and democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi this morning.

Full story:

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DNP to step up prevention measures against elephant trafficking

AYUTTHAYA, 30 May 2012 (NNT) – The government has pledged to speed up the registration of domestic Thai elephants, in another bid to prevent animal trafficking.

Mr. Ittipan Kaolamai, manager of the Royal Elephant Kraal and Village in Ayutthaya Province, said that officials from the National Institute of Elephant Research and Health Service and the Thai Elephant Conservation Center on Tuesday have started the inspection and the registration of 159 elephants at the Kraal.

He said that the entire process is expected to be completed within 3-days.

Mr. Ittipan commented that the inspection and registration work show the government’s serious interest in tackling the problem of wild animal trafficking after Thailand has hardly kept official records of domestic elephants and their new-born.

According to Mr. Ittipan, there have always been attempts by unscrupulous groups to register wild elephants and trade them.

The Royal Elephant Kraal and Village manager added that the Department of Natural Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has pledged to complete the registration of domestic elephants nationwide within this year.

He went on to say that, under the current practice, all registered elephants will be implanted with 16-digit microchips to allow for verification later.

-- NNT 2012-05-30

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Ex-PM Thaksin expected to phone-in at 4 pm Wed.amid tight security as PAD, UDD supporters planned to stage rallies in BKK today /The Nation

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Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 1,145.19, down 8.47 points /MCOT

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RT @RichardBarrow: 10:05am RT @seacorro: Total bedlam as Aung San Suu Kyi arrives at Mahachai Villa 9 http://bit.ly/M4Qsj4 #ASSK

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111 Banned Politicians to Hold 5th Anniversary with Phone-in from Thaksin

BANGKOK: -- The 111 banned politicians are holding an event to mark the 5th anniversary of their disbarment from politics today, with a telephone conference call from former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra expected at the event.

The 111 banned politicians are planning to hold an event today to commemorate the 5th anniversary of their disbarment from politics.

At 11 AM this morning, they will take part in a merit making ceremony by offering meals to nine Buddhist monks and releasing 111 pigeons and 111 white balloons.

At 4 PM, there will be a group discussion moderated by some prominent members of the group, such as Pokin Palakul, Jaturon Chaisang, Phongthep Thepkanjana and Veerakarn Musikapong.

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will also make a telephone conference call to the event and jointly read a declaration with the banned politicians.

In the evening, they will hold a banquet to celebrate their political reinstatement at a hotel in Bangkok.

-- Tan Network 2012-05-30

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Science Minister launches training course for high-school science teachers

BANGKOK, 30 May 2012 (NNT) - A training program for high-school Science teachers kicked off on Tuesday with the objective of keeping teaching staffs up-to-date with the current progress of science and technology.

Full story:

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RT @Saksith: #BREAKINGNEWS: Court verdict against Chiranuch Premchaiporn: Guilty, year and 8 months in jail, -- SUSPENDED sentence! #freejiew

RT @RichardBarrow: Thai court has found Thai Webmaster Chiranuch guilty & sentenced to 1 year and 8 months - but then suspends it #freejiew

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Lone Gunman Makes Away with 200,000 Baht in Bangkok Bank Robbery

BANGKOK: -- A lone gunman has robbed 200,000 baht from Thanachart Bank in Wongsawang area of Bangkok. He was also suspected of planning for another bank robbery nearby.

Full story:

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Ex-Thai Rak Thai party execs celebrate end of 5-year ban from politics today with merit-making rite, Jaturon vows to press ahead with charter rewrite /MCOT

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AoT rushes second phase of Suvarnabhumi to accommodate more passengers

BANGKOK, 30 May 2012 (NNT) – The Airports of Thailand (AoT) is accelerating the construction of Suvarnabhumi Airport's second phase in order to accommodate the increased passenger count, which is expected to reach an annual figure of 60 million in 5 years’ time.

Full story: