Thailand Live Saturday 9 Jun 2012

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Thailand Live Saturday 9 June 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 8 Jun 2012

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Viewers in suspense as Euro talks drag on

Usanee Mongkolporn

The Nation

Polish supporters wait for the start of the opening match of the UEFA EURO 2012 soccer championship in group A between Poland and Greece at the National Stadium in Warsaw, Poland, 08 June 2012. EPA/RADEK PIETRUSZKA

BANGKOK: -- TrueVisions subscribers to miss opening matches; negotiations with GMM 'to conclude by Tuesday'

Full story:

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Pheu Thai MPs slam Constitution Court, want to proceed with third reading

Kornchanok Raksaseri

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai MPs heavily attacked the Constitution Court during a parliamentary session yesterday and urged the House of Representatives to proceed with the third reading of the Constitution amendment bill.

Full story:

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LEGAL BATTLE

Court insists on hearing charter case

The Nation

Prosecutors' decision 'does not prevent the reviewing of petitions'

BANGKOK: -- The Constitution Court yesterday insisted it had the power to rule on a case in which the Cabinet and coalition parties, among others, are accused of trying to overthrow the country's democratic regime by amending the Constitution to allow the drafting of a new one.

Full story:

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Reds choose symbolic June 24 for rally at Democracy Monument

Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Red-shirt leaders have chosen a symbolic date, June 24, for a rally at Bangkok's Democracy Monument after deciding to disperse themselves yesterday after two days of protest rallies at Parliament House.

Full story:

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Land-tax bill to reach Parliament 'soon'

Wichit Chaitrong

The Nation

Kittiratt wants changes to long-awaited draft first

BANGKOK: -- The long-delayed land and property tax bill may be forwarded to Parliament for debate soon, now that Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong has expressed his support for it, Somchai Sujjapongse, director-general of the Fiscal Policy Office, said yesterday.

Full story:

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His Majesty to inaugurate monument to his late brother

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- This evening His Majesty the King will preside over the inauguration of a monument built in honour of his older brother, late King Rama VIII.

The monument is located at the foot of the Rama VIII Bridge in Bangkok's Bang Phlat district. The statue of the late monarch, which matches the height of the bridge, stands in the middle of the 35-rai Rama VIII Park on the bank of the Chao Phraya River.

Her Majesty the Queen and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn would be accompanying His Majesty, the Royal Household Bureau said. The inauguration ceremony, scheduled to start at about 5.15pm, will also include merit-making rituals in honour of King Rama VIII, who passed away on June 9, 1946.

"A permanent exhibition [about King Rama VIII's life] will be set up in the |hall under the statue," Bangkok |Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said yesterday.

Sukhumbhand will be presiding over a Brahmin ceremony at 7.55am to bless the statue and a highly revered Buddha image will be ushered in from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration headquarters to the site at 2pm.

Some 60,000 national flags as well as flags with the royal emblem will be distributed among admirers expected to queue up between Siriraj Hospital, where His Majesty has been residing, and the statue site, deputy Bangkok city clerk Piangjai Wisarutrat said.

Bangkok residents wishing to travel to the site have been advised to use public transport, while those travelling from outside the capital will be provided parking spaces at Sanam Luang.

Mobile medical teams have been set up to provide first aid along the route, while the BMA will provide drinking water and snacks. A number of temporary shelters have also been set up at the site in case it rains. People living in the area have also been encouraged to tidy up their premises for the occasion.

-- The Nation 2012-06-09

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Bangkok acid-attack claims spring up on Internet

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- An urban legend about a serial acid attacker has emerged on social media and been spread quickly among Thai netizens, with five incidents alleged to have occurred in Bangkok since last month.

Full story:

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Several arrests made as drug crackdown continues

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The crackdown on drugs continues, with several suspects arrested and a large haul of narcotics seized in separate raids across the country.

In Surat Thani, police arrested a male nurse and six others for allegedly dealing in "ice" flakes and amphetamines. A manhunt is also on for eight other members of this ring who are said to be on the run.

Suspect Thawatchai Sombat said he had had been buying "ice" from a network run by an inmate at the Bangkok Remand Prison.

In the raids, police confiscated a total of 5 kilograms of ice as well as 1,057 amphetamine tablets worth about Bt15 million, in addition to several title deeds of land believed to have been bought with drug money.

In Chiang Rai, an Army unit arrested a man at a checkpoint and seized 3,000 amphetamine tablets allegedly in his possession. Another team of soldiers spotted two men wading across the river from Myanmar, who fled before they could be nabbed, dropping packets of 44,000 amphetamine tablets and a kilogram of ice. Police also arrested a hilltribe man at a checkpoint after they allegedly found 121 amphetamine tablets and a small amount of heroin in his possession.

In Udon Thani, police and public health officials raided a pharmacy in Muang district and seized a large amount pseudoephedrine-based medication that had been stocked up without permission. Pharmacy owner Chom Wiannok was arrested and charged with possessing restricted medicines, though he insisted that the drugs had been put aside to be returned to manufacturers as required by the authorities.

In Pathum Thani, police said they seized an amphetamine-making machine and other drug-making chemicals in the home of suspect Thinnakorn "Joke" Chinbat, after another team of police officers had earlier arrested a suspect based in Pattaya. The suspect reportedly ran a motorcycle-repair business as a front for drug trafficking, police said.

-- The Nation 2012-06-09

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Yingluck tells provincial governors to step up

Jeerapong Prasertponkrang,

Pichet Natebut,

Boonleun Promprathankul

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra spoke to provincial governors via video conferencing yesterday to tell them that they needed to ensure efficient water management, come up proper solutions and deliver help.

Full story:

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PM goes to Parliament under high security

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- High-level security was arranged for Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra so she could attend a parliamentary session yesterday. This is the first time she has been to the Parliament since the yellow-shirts started protesting in front of the complex.

Full story:

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Row over Udon Thani PAO poll

The Nation

UDON THANI: -- The ruling Pheu Thai Party appears to be divided over who exactly will be running as its candidate in the July 17 Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) election in Udon Thani, its stronghold.

Pheu Thai MP for Udon Thani, Surathin Pimanmekin, who wants his daughter to run for the PAO chief's post, is angry that she would have to compete with former party-list MP Vichien Khaokham.

"I would like to know whether the party still considers me a member. Justice Minister Pracha Promnok called to say that Vichien was not a Pheu Thai candidate and could not use the party's logo. Even Thaksin has said that he is not backing Vichien, so I have the right to have my daughter nominated as a party candidate," Surathin said.

He went on to say that he did not mind if other key Pheu Thai members took part in Vichien's election campaign this weekend, but said the party should first clarify that Vichien is running as an independent candidate in order to avoid confusion.

"I want the party to be truthful, because otherwise nothing can stop me from blocking the Tung Sri Muang Park," Surathin said, referring to the venue of Vichien's campaign.

The MP also said that he had taken this complaint to the party leader.

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai Party spokesman Promphong Nopparit said supporting a candidate was a personal choice, though he would not confirm Surathin's claim that key party members would go to Udon Thani to help him.

"Surathin might be worrying too much. The party loves all its members equally," the spokesman said.

Vichien was previously a party-list MP for Pheu Thai, but he resigned last month so he could run in the Udon Thani PAO election. Also, early last month, Pracha held a press conference to announce that Vichien would be running as a party candidate.

-- The Nation 2012-06-09

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CentralWorld in 18th place for Facebook's "Check-in"

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- In the non-home category, in May Facebook users "checked-in" the most frequently at Los Angeles International Airport with 1.23 million checkins. And ranked the 18th place, Central World was the only one location in Thailand appearing in the top 20 most popular venues.

Full story:

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Police to crackdown on Euro 2012 football gambling

Phuket Gazette

A small flutter in the bar could cost you more than just your stake. Photo: UEFA Euro2012

PHUKET: -- Police will target “likely” venues in a crackdown on gambling in Phuket during the Euro 2012 football tournament, which kicked off last night and culminated in a 1-1 draw between Poland and Greece.

Full story:

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All the lost memories

Manta Klangboonkrong

The Nation

The RMS Titanic before her launch in 1911 from the shipyards in Belfast.

BANGKOK: -- Making another voyage a century later, artefacts from the Titanic berth in Bangkok

Full story:

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RT @RichardBarrow: Film festivals in Bangkok this weekend: EU Film Fest at Bangkok Art & Culture Center and Buddhist Film Fest at SF World, CentralWorld

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Health Ministry: More than 800 fallen ill after continued flooding in southern Thailand

BANGKOK, 9 June 2012 (NNT) – According to the Public Health Ministry, more and more southerners have fallen ill because of continued flooding in the lower part of Thailand.

Public Health Minister Wittaya Busanasiri said that the ministry continues to keep a close eye on the flood situation in southern Ranong, Chumphon and Surat Thani provinces, where assistance are still needed.

Mr. Wittaya stated that the daily dispatch of 20 rescue teams during the past 3 days found 807 locals with symptoms of cold, headache and muscle pain, although no serious cases have been reported.

The Public Health Minister said that he has instructed related health offices, particularly those in areas where water has receded, to watch out for cases of Leptospirosis and diarrhea and to promptly educate the public while reminding them to avoid walking barefoot in mud.

The health offices in flooded area will also urge locals, who experience high fever and the aches and pains, especially in the calves, to immediately seek medical attention.

-- NNT 2012-06-09

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PM & Cabinet Ministers readied for water management inspection trip

BANGKOK, 9 June 2012 (NNT) – The prime minister and a number of Cabinet ministers are ready to take on an inspection trip next week to check out various provinces prone to be hit by future flooding.

Science and Technology Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi, who chairs the Water and Flood Management Committee, said on Friday that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is scheduled to make a visit to follow up on the readiness of all flood prevention programs in a number of provinces at risk of future flooding, during June 12th and 16th.

Mr. Plodprasop stated that the trip will cover upstream, midstream and downstream areas, where several water resource management programs have been funded by the state budget under the government’s urgent flood prevention plan.

He said the PM will personally visit 8 provinces, where the effectiveness of state-initiated projects spans out to as many as 22 provinces.

The Science and Technology Minister added that the Prime Minister will also follow up on the construction of dikes around all industrial estates in Ayutthaya Province and the water management work in Nan River, Yom River and at the Bhumibol Dam.

Meanwhile, Mr. Supoj Tovichakchaikul, secretary to the Strategic Formulation Committee on Water Resources Management, said that the PM’s planned trip will also include the inspection of 2 major drills, including the warnings system and evacuation plan in Bang Ban District of Ayutthaya Province, in which around 5,000 residents will take part. The other exercise is the Single Command operation drill, which is scheduled at Chao Phraya Dam in Chainat Province.

-- NNT 2012-06-09

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RT @RichardBarrow: [9-10 June] Warning of heavy rain & flash floods in the South: Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi & Trang

[9-10 June] Warning of heavy rain & flash floods in the North: Mae Hong Son, Phrae, Nan, Tak and Kamphaeng Phet

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Private Sector urges government to implement a weaker baht policy

BANGKOK, 9 June 2012 (NNT) – The Thai private sector is urging the government to implement necessary measures to lower the baht value to be in line with regional currencies.

Thai Garment Manufacturers Association President Sukij Kongpiyacharn said that the growth rate of the country’s garment exports during the first 4 months of 2012 suffered a 9.6-percent decline, as a result of the economic crisis in the US and Europe, both of which are Thailand’s major markets.

Mr. Sukij is hoping that the government will implement a new foreign exchange policy that will drive the baht value against the US dollar down and to be in line with regional currencies. He said that such a policy will help add more value to Thai products.

In addition, the Thai Garment Manufacturers Association President said that the government should delay the implementation of the 300-baht minimum wage policy in 70 other provinces, in order to help business operators keep their costs down.

He said that, without proper measures, the Thai garment exports may shrink from last year’s records of 3.3 billion dollars to 3-3.1 billion dollars this year, which is equivalent to a 6-8 percent decrease.

Meanwhile, Thai National Shippers’ Council Chairman Paiboon Ponsuwanna said that the global economic problem is taking its toll on Thailand’s exports of frozen food and agricultural produce, which have already dropped 5 percent during the months of January and April.

Mr. Paiboon warned that the country’s export growth target of 15 percent may not be achieved unless the government can offer key assisting measures to exporters and come up with long-term plans to allow the industry to secure sustainable expansion.

-- NNT 2012-06-09

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RT @tukky_nt: It's likely that TrueVisions subscribers would be unable to watch all group stage matches. Via ch3 #Euro2012

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RT @tukky_nt: Grammy reasoned that they have to inform Uefa before allowing the signal to TrueVisions #ch3 #Euro2012

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RT @AsifAAhmad: As an act of service to Thai TV broadcasters I'd like to say that the World Cup will take place in Brazil from 12 June to 13 July 2014

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Government confident in flood handling measures

BANGKOK, 9 June 2012 (NNT) – The prime minister has expressed confidence in the state-initiated flood handling measures following her follow-up on the construction of key sluice gates on Saturday.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said during her weekly TV program “Yingluck Government Meets the People” that temporary levees in Chao Phraya River will be built in Nonthaburi Province and the project will be completed within July, in time for the peak of the rainy season.

The PM said that permanent sluice gates are suggested in Nonthaburi’s Bang Kruay, Pak Kret and Bang Bua Thong areas, in order to prevent Bangkok from future heavy inundation.

However, with delays in the budget allocation and the fact that all gates need at least a year to complete, this required system will not be up and running before this year’s rainy season is in full swing.

PM Yingluck stated that she believes the contingency plan and other efforts the government has demonstrated will boost public confidence in the handling of future floods.

In any case, the Premier conceded that she has been worried about the continuation of heavy rain in Thailand’s North and South and that related provincial governors and the Water and Flood Management Committee have been instructed to keep a close eye on the situation.

In addition, the prime minister said that any areas expected to be hit by natural disasters are urged to promptly prepare the emergency plans for locals and to acquire needed assistance from the government.

-- NNT 2012-06-09

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In Pattani, seven monks, police, and villagers wounded in bomb attack; one member of village protection unit shot dead at tea shop /MCOT

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RT @AsifAAhmad: 2.5m tourists from Europe come to Thailand. Will they be able to see Euro2012 or should they pack a wire coat hanger too.

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Pattani insurgent attacks claim one life, 7 injured

PATTANI, June 9 - A member of a village protection unit was shot dead on Saturday, while seven persons including two monks were wounded in a separate bombing attack by presumed insurgents in this restive south province.

The first incident took place in Panare district when Achi Madae, 48, member of a village protection unit, was shot dead in a tea shop.

Initial investigation said Mr Achi was having tea at the shop when one of two suspected insurgents on motorcycle walked in and opened fire on him.

The victim died instantly at the scene. Four cartridges of 9mm pistol were found near in body.

Another incident occurred in Pattani provincial seat this morning as a bomb exploded when two monks were receiving alms under the protection of three police.

According to the investigation, a 2-kilogramme bomb which was detonated by radio signal was hidden under the base of an umbrella in front of a house where the monks passed by.

The explosion injured two monks, three police and two local residents who were offering food to the monks. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-06-09

[Lite Beer]

Surin puts its handicrafts on show in Phuket

BANGKOK, 9 June 2012 (NNT) - Surin northeastern province has been successful in raising people’s income through the implementation of its strategy of strengthening economic competitiveness.

Governor of Surin Nirand Kallayanamitr reveals that the strategy includes boosting productivity and improving service quality based on knowledge and fair treatment. After 7 to 8 years of implementation of the strategy, local products have won greater popularity in the market thanks to wider support from the provincial Office of Commercial Affairs and other agencies.

Support comes in the form of marketing, in which local producers have been given an opportunity to present and sell their products at various events. They have also been able to sell their products both domestically and internationally. Training has also been arranged for them to shore up knowledge and enhance their understanding in the fields of marketing, production, and product development, in a hope that their products will better meet the needs of the market.

Surin province is now holding a sale event of its products in the southern province of Phuket. The event, called Surin Festival: Phuket, is being held from June 8 to 10.

-- NNT 2012-06-09

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Metropolitan police arrest 60 cases of gambling on Euro 2012 on first day of match, with wagers worth more than Bt2 million /MCOT