Thailand Live Thursday 31 May 2012

[webfact]

Thailand Live Thursday 31 May 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.

FOLLOW US:

You can also follow us on

- Twitter: http://twitter.com/georgebkk

- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ThaiVisaNews

- Google+: http://plus.google.com/116866638430460700577/

- Breaking News via SMS text messages to your mobile phone or handheld device

To subscribe dial *424010011 on AIS, One-2-Call, DTAC or True Move networks

14 days complementary subscription for Thaivisa members.

If you have questions about the Breaking News SMS service,

email: sms [at] thaivisa.com

________________________________________________________________________________

Thailand's current weather and forecasts: http://weather.thaivisa.com/

________________________________________________________________________________

Related topic: Thailand Live Wednesday 30 May 2012

[webfact]

THAIVISA CONNECT

Thaivisa Forum Apps for your mobile or tablet

"Thaivisa Connect" for iPhone, iPad and iPod:

iTunes App Store:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/thaivisa-connect-thailand/id492600537

"Thaivisa Connect" for Android:

Android Market

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.quoord.tapatalkthaivisa.activity

OR

For QR code just go here with your desktop or mobile:

http://apps.thaivisa.com

[webfact]

RECONCILIATION LAW

PAD vows to fight reconciliation bills 'till the end'

THANATPONG KONGSAI,

TOSSAPORN WONGWAIKOLAYOOT

THE NATION

Photo : Prasert Thepsri

BANGKOK: -- Yellow-shirt protesters yesterday vowed to "fight till the end" against the reconciliation bill tabled by former coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin and another one from red-shirt politicians in the ruling Pheu Thai Party.

Full story:

[webfact]

Video: Furore In Thai Parliament

Full story:

[webfact]

HEALTH

Smokers puff on despite govt policies

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Most people don't think the government's anti-smoking policies can help reduce the number of smokers, a recent Bangkok Poll revealed.

Full story:

[webfact]

Thailand's Intellectual Property Dept wins global award for its crackdown on piracy

Full story:

[webfact]

POLITICS

Coalition whips clear the way for reconciliation bill debate today

THE NATION

Photo : Sakol Sandhiratne

BANGKOK: -- The coalition whips yesterday decided to put the draft bill on reconciliation on the fast track, paving the way for today's debate on granting amnesty to those involved in the political disturbances from 2005 to 2010, including fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Full story:

[webfact]

WORLD ECONOMY

WTO chief outlines anti-trade trends

Wichit Chaitrong

The Nation

Lamy

BANGKOK: -- Three worldwide trends are working against trade - the slowdown in the global economy, constraints of trade finance and rise of protectionism, Pascal Lamy, director general of the World Trade Organisation, said yesterday.

Full story:

[webfact]

SURGERY

Siriraj method can prevent amputation

PUANGCHOMPOO PRASERT

THE NATION

Pedal bypass method enjoying increasingly high success rate

BANGKOK: -- Siriraj Hospital's medical team has successfully created a new surgical method that might save many advanced diabetes patients from having to get their foot amputated.

Full story:

[webfact]

Suu Kyi gets taste of home away from home

SUPALAK GANJANAKHUNDEE

THE NATION

Samut Sakhon

Photo : Nanthasit Nitmatha

Democracy leader vows to do her best for country as thousands of hopeful migrant workers greet her

SAMUT SAKHON: -- Myanmar's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi said she felt at home when thousands of migrant workers gathered to greet their "Me Suu" (Mother Suu) with joy and the hope that she will take their country towards democracy and prosperity.

Full story:

[webfact]

THAI TALK

Reconciliation for Thailand or just Thaksin and Sonthi?

Suthichai Yoon

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- It's officially called the "Reconciliation Bill" and it's supposed to offer amnesty to all parties concerned in the political conflicts that have affected the country over the past seven years. But it's hard not to be cynical about it when it's being rushed through Parliament in such a hurry.

Full story:

[webfact]

EDITORIAL

Populist handouts no substitute for real land reform

The Nation

Farmers must be given security of ownership of land, or else the vicious cycle of poverty will be replicated from one generation to the next

BANGKOK: -- Politicians like to cite farmers and low-income earners as their priority for populist policy implementation. But unfortunately, no politician has been seriously tackling the fundamental issue of land reform - an issue that is at the heart of the problems of the poor. As a result of the current situation, some people have to engage in protracted legal battles to retain control of land that was owned by their ancestors.

Full story:

[webfact]

1,000 reds join ex-TRT execs to celebrate end of political ban

KORNCHANOK RAKSASERI

THE NATION

Photo : Thanachai Pramarnpanich

BANGKOK: -- More than 50 former Thai Rak Thai executives were joined by over 1,000 red-shirt supporters yesterday at the Rama Gardens Hotel to celebrate today's end of the ban on 111 of the party's politicians.

Full story:

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE

Bangkok poll may prove to be a true test for Democrats

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok's gubernatorial election, set for next January, has come under the media spotlight again after the current governor made an interesting statement recently.

Full story:

[webfact]

Thai agency to lead Asean in disaster warning and control

WANNAPA KHAOPA

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- A Thai agency aims to be a hub for the Asean region in terms of geo-informatics and space technology development to help the region deal with economic, social and environmental issues, including disasters.

Full story:

[webfact]

DSI to clamp down on piracy

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) announced yesterday that it would crackdown on the sources of pirated movies and music CDs after seizing counterfeit products worth Bt100 million.

DSI chief Tarit Pengdith told a press conference that DSI had raided eight pirate CD-making outfits, though the suspected gang leader Peera Korsuwansakul surrendered to DSI investigators.

The DSI is also considering launching an investigation into Peera's wife and two children, Tarit said, adding that the department also wanted to clamp down on two other groups that Peera had worked with even though these groups had stopped producing pirated products because the DSI wanted to seriously tackle the entire network.

-- The Nation 2012-05-31

[webfact]

Buddhajayanti

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Culture Minister Sukumol Kunplome said yesterday that some 200 performers from 13 countries will participate in a grand performance to celebrate the 2600th year of Buddha's enlightenment or the Buddhajayanti.

The performance will be held at the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) from 6.30pm to 8pm today, at Sanam Luang from 1pm to 2pm and at the National Theatre from 6pm to 7pm tomorrow and at Nakhon Pathom's Buddha Monthon from 6.30pm to 8pm on Saturday.

MCU is also cooperating with other agencies to organise a Buddhism week from Saturday to next Monday to mark the Visakha Bucha Day and to celebrate Buddhajayanti. About 5,000 Buddhist devotees are participating in the event, which features the procession of Buddha's relic - which was given to Thailand by India during King Rama V's reign - from Wat Sa Ket to seven locations around Bangkok. Today the relic will be displayed at Wat Traimit Wittayaram, tomorrow at Wat Samien Naree, on Saturday at Wat Soi Thong, on Sunday at Wat Prayoonwongsawas and on Monday at Mahajessadabodin Pavilion before returning to Wat Sa Ket.

-- The Nation 2012-05-31

[webfact]

Thailand, Myanmar to sign MoU on key issues

PIYANART SRIVALO

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet yesterday acknowledged Myanmar President Thein Sein's visit to Thailand, which is scheduled on June 4-5, when both countries will sign a memorandum of understanding on key issues, including a proposal to hand Myanmar the Asean chairmanship for the next term.

In addition, feasibility studies will be done on the much-heralded plans to build a trilateral highway from India to Thailand via Myanmar, and the second Thai-Myanmar friendship bridge over Moei River across from Tak's Mae Sot district. There will also be projects on electricity infrastructure developments, including renewable energy.

This MoU will be valid for five years and will be automatically extended every five years unless both countries terminate it after providing a written notice six months in advance.

In a move to prepare Myanmar for the Asean chairmanship in 2014, Thai authorities will conduct training programmes and provide necessary facilities such as a press centre.

In terms of combating transnational crimes, both countries will join hands in tackling human trafficking and narcotics trade by coordinating more closely at the national level.

The other areas the countries will cooperate in are tourism, natural resources and disaster management, education, agriculture and health. They will also address issues related to central banks, supervision of banking services, trade and investment promotion as well as the stock exchange.

The two countries will later discuss and agree upon the financial implications and funds needed for all these projects.

Mechanisms of cooperation will be at three levels: government-to-government via a joint commission, regional border commission, joint boundary commission, joint trade commission and township border commission. At the business-to-business level, it will be through a Thai-Myanmar business council that will help implement projects in the areas of trade, investment, banking and finance as well as Corporate Social Responsibility. And at the people-to-people level, bilateral associations for friendship will be set up.

-- The Nation 2012-05-31

[webfact]

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn officially opens the Buddhism Promotion Week

BANGKOK, 31 May 2012 (NNT) – A special campaign to promote Buddhism ahead of the Visakha Bucha Day has officially begun on Wednesday.

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn traveled, on Wednesday evening, by the royal motorcade to Sanam Luang, to officially open the Buddhism Promotion Week.

The special Buddhism promotion campaign was introduced under the collaboration of the National Office of Buddhism, various Buddhist networks, and related state as well as private organizations.

The campaign has been initiated to celebrate 2,600 years of Lord Buddha’s enlightenment or Buddha Jayanti and the Visakha Bucha Day, which has been declared the World Heritage Day in 1999.

The organizing body also intended to organize the event as a tribute to His Majesty the King on his 85th birthday anniversary, Her Majesty the Queen on her 80th birthday anniversary and HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn on his 60th birthday anniversary in 2012.

On Thursday, HRH Princess Chulabhorn will open the 9th International Visakha Bucha Day celebration at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University in Ayutthaya Province.

-- NNT 2012-05-31

[webfact]

Thai stock index opens on Thursday at 1,128.39, down 10.24 points /MCOT

[webfact]

Police Hospital to Hold Group Aerobic Exercise for World No Tobacco Day

BANGKOK: -- On the occasion of the World No Tobacco Day today, the Police Hospital is organizing a group aerobic exercise.

Police Hospital Spokesperson, Police Major Sirikul Jiaranaikajorn, has announced that on the occasion of the World No Tobacco Day, the hospital in conjunction with the Narcotics Control Board and an anti-smoking network are inviting the hospital staff, police officers and the general public to participate in a group aerobic exercise today from 7 AM to noon in front of the Police Hospital.

According to statistics, average Thai smokers are 17.9 years old, while first-time smokers are 16.2 years old.

Aware of this, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is then rolling out an anti-smoking campaign at schools under its control in the capital area.

The week between May 28 and June 1 of this year has been designated as the 'World No Tobacco Week' at all of the 50 district offices, 436 city-run schools, 68 public health service centers and nine hospitals.

Those who are trying to quit smoking could seek advice at all of the BMA-operated health facilities free of charge.

All sectors are also urged to comply with the anti-smoking laws and report any violation to the 1555 hotline.

-- Tan Network 2012-05-31

[webfact]

'Connectivity' the theme as Thai PM inaugurates World Economic Forum on East Asia

BANGKOK, May 31 - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Thursday will preside over the official inaugural of the 21st World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia 2012 being held at the Shangri-La Hotel.

Full story:

[webfact]

PM Yingluck: Government will fairly compensate flood victims

BANGKOK, 31 May 2012 (NNT) – The prime minister has come out to assure the public that the government has been making fair compensation to those hit hard by last year’s severe flooding.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, on Wednesday, chaired the closing ceremony of the drainage and sewerage improvement project in Bangkok and nearby provinces, which has been completed earlier than scheduled.

The PM stated that the government’s preparation for this year’s rainfall has been 50% completed in upstream areas and all related ministers will be instructed to work with concerned provincial governors to speed up the works.

At the same time, planned projects in downstream areas have achieved about 80%, according to the Premier.

When asked about reported conflicts in the payout of flood compensation, the prime minister said that the government has instructed relevant agencies and provincial governors to rectify any problems and speedily extend the much-needed help to flood-hit residents.

She went on to say that, despite complaints over discrepancies in the compensation amounts, a soon-to-be-set-up new central committee will able to assure that all payouts will be fairly and accurately distributed.

-- NNT 2012-05-31

[webfact]

Pattaya Cops Raid Gambling Den in Pattaya

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....den-in-pattaya/

[webfact]

RT @ukinthailand: The British Embassy in #Bangkok will be closed on 4-5 June http://tinyurl.com/6naxhcz #PublicHoliday

PM Yingluck projects 2012 Thai economy to grow 5.5-6.5%, inflation 3.5-4% despite world economic downturn /MCOT

[webfact]

Thaksin Apologizes to Red-Shirt People

BANGKOK: -- Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has apologized to red-shirt supporters for confusing them about his stance.

Full story:

[webfact]

Banned Politicians to Re-apply for Pheu Thai Membership

BANGKOK: -- A group of formerly banned politicians are planning to reapply for membership with Pheu Thai Party, after their political eligibility has been reinstated.

About 50 of the 111 formerly banned politicians are planning to reapply for membership with Pheu Thai Party, after being disbarred from politics for the past five years, while claiming that their decision to rejoin the party is voluntary.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has asked the Pheu Thai Party registrar to bring the party's membership applications to him abroad.

The election commission requires all political party applicants to apply by themselves.

-- Tan Network 2012-05-31

[webfact]

Russian drowns in notorious Phuket rip

Phuket Gazette

Uten Singsom, head lifeguard at Kata-Karon beaches, points to one of the dangerous rips marked by a red flag. Photo: Chutharat Plerin

PHUKET: -- A Russian man who ignored red warning flags at Karon Beach is Phuket’s latest drowning victim.

Full story:

[webfact]

Tragedy strikes Phuket Games as athlete dies in motorbike accident

Phuket Gazette

The accident occured as the young Phuket Games athletes were rounding a bend in the road near Rawai Cable TV. Photo: Google Street View

PHUKET: -- A young athlete from Bangkok, scheduled to compete for a gold medal in the Phuket Games rowing competition today, died in a tragic motorbike accident in Rawai this morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....rbike-accident/

[webfact]

Opposition Leader Meets with Suu Kyi

BANGKOK: -- The Thai Opposition Leader has met with Democracy Icon Aung San Suu Kyi.

Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, who is also the Opposition leader, yesterday met with leader of the National League for Democracy of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi.

Abhisit said that they mainly discussed the relationship between the two countries, with both expressing support for a regulation that would supervise and protect Burmese workers in Thailand, ahead of the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community.

Abhisit and Suu Kyi also exchanged views on economic and legal reforms in Myanmar.

The Thai Opposition leader also said that the issue of Burmese politics was not brought up during the discussion.

Apart from the bilateral relations, they also talked about the democracy icon's first trip outside of Myanmar since she was released from a house arrest, in which she remarked that she was pleased with her visit to Thailand.

After the meeting, Abhisit made his way to the Parliament to protest the government's attempt to fast track the National Reconciliation Bill.

-- Tan Network 2012-05-31