Thailand Live Wednesday 13 Jun 2012

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Thailand Live Wednesday 13 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 Tuesday 12 Jun 2012

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TrueVisions' Euro 2012 fine kicks off

Sirivish Toomgum

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- TrueVisions should waive one month's subscription fees for its two million subscribers to compensate them for not being able to view live Euro 2012 football matches, said the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission's (NBTC) consumer protection subcommittee yesterday.

Full story:

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CHEATING

Police entrance exam cancelled over scandal

PRASIT TANGPRASERT,

KWANHATHAI MALAKAN

THE NATION

SI SA KET: -- Provincial Police Region 3 chief Pol Lt-General Panu Kerdlarppol said yesterday that officials were possibly behind the leakage of police entrance examination papers after a scam was recently uncovered in which civilians wishing to get into a police constabulary school in Si Sa Ket were caught cheating.

Full story:

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ANALYSIS

Govt retreat averts a crisis - for now

Kornchanok Raksaseri,

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation

Charter, reconciliation bills to wait until next House session; no vote on court order

BANGKOK: -- In what looks like a tactical government retreat, the third reading of the charter amendment bill and the debate on the reconciliation bill will not now take place during this parliamentary session, which the Cabinet has decided will end next Tuesday.

Full story:

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CHARTER REVIEW

Govt unveils four-pronged defence of charter change

The Nation

Chalerm

BANGKOK: -- The Council of State will, on the Cabinet's behalf, submit defence rebuttals aimed at justifying the push for charter change, its secretary-general Achaporn Charuchinda said yesterday.

Full story:

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PM'S TOUR

PM on confidence-building tour

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is trying to shore up public confidence in her administration's flood-prevention measures with visits to riverside provinces this week.

Full story:

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NATION BROADCASTING COOPERATION

NBC in 3 year-plan to boost number of entertainment shows

Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- NBC, in cooperation with the Dr Thiam Chokwatana Foundation, ICC International and Pro Media Mart, yesterday announces the local launch of the Nation Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) will significantly boost the contribution of entertainment programmes and related projects to 20 per cent of its overall business in the next three years, president Adisak Limprungpatanakit said.

The company plans to expand its programming portfolio deeper into the entertainment business, he said.

"We want to be a leading content provider in various types of news, documentaries and entertainment programmes. We are interested in other related businesses such as stage drama and film production," Adisak said.

NBC is producing a documentary, "Sex in Siam", with an English version to be exported globally. The company plans to produce films in the next one or two years in partnership with other producers, he said.

He added that at least two new stage dramas would be launched by NBC next year.

-- The Nation 2012-06-13

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PUBLIC HEALTH

Choice over Bt30 NHSO fee

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Payment of a Bt30 fee for treatment under the National Health Security Office may be made voluntary, reportedly to save the government's face after the requirement met a large outcry from beneficiaries.

Full story:

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STOPPAGE TIME

In seeking reconciliation, we move further away from it

Tulsathit Taptim

What makes it most difficult for two people to mend fences?

BANGKOK: -- If both think they are absolutely right and each believes without a shred of doubt that the other is wrong, that is. Reconciliation can never materialise under such circumstances, for it is never a process of proving you are right. It's all about accepting guilt on your part and never looking beyond that.

Full story:

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Thailand to upgrade from squat to sit-down toilets

Full story:

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EDITORIAL

Protection can obviate the need for punishment

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- In order to tackle the problem of juvenile crime, understanding and preventative measures are required of government, society and families

Full story:

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How the move to postpone the debate was lost

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A record of the votes that defeated the motion on further debating and voting on the Constitution Court's order to delay charter change:

323 of 644 MPs and senators were present, constituting a quorum when the vote was called.

318 MPs and senators cast "yes" votes, when 322 votes were needed for the motion to be passed.

41 of the 46 senators present cast "yes" votes. Senators Monthien Boontan and Surachai Liangboonlertchai cast "no" votes, Sontha Saengphao abstained and Thaweesak Kidbanjong and Worawit Baru chose not to cast their votes.

11 of the 19 Chart Thai Pattana MPs were present and cast votes in favour of the motion. The MPs were Kuerkul Danchaivichit, Korrawee Prissananantakul, Chayuth Pummakanchana, Chanchai Prasertsuwan, Nittiwat Chansawang, Parina Kraikupt, Patcharee Pothasuthon, Paradorn Prissananantakul, Yutthaphon Ankinandana, Sorachud Suchitta and Sinthop Kaewpijit.

5 of 7 Chart Pattana MPs present cast "yes" votes. They are Prapas Limpabandhu, Prasart Tanprasert, Prasert Boonchaisuk, Polapee Suwanchwee and Wannarat Charnnukul.

6 of 7 Palang Chon MPs present cast favourable votes. They are Sukumol Kunplome, Poramet Ngampiches, Phansak Ketwattha, Ronnathep Anuwat, Ukit Tansawat and Santsak Jaroon Ngampiches. Suchart Chomklin did not cast vote.

2 Rak Prathet Thai MPs cast "yes" votes. They are Chaiwat Krairiksh and Prodpran Tohranee.

1 New Democracy MP, Patcharin Monpan, cast a "yes" vote.

7 Bhum Jai Thai Party MPs voted "yes". They are Jakrawal Chaivirutnukul, Nantana Songpracha, Manu Pugprasert, Rurangsak Ngamsompark, Visit Pitayaporn, Boonying Nitikanchana and Pranom Phokham.

Pheu Thai MP Thaipjutha Khaokham did not cast her vote.

-- The Nation 2012-06-13

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Fight over job loss is about seeking justice, Jaruvan says

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Former auditor-general Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka yesterday asked the high court to overturn a lower court verdict which endorsed her removal from office, saying the action that cost her the job was wrongful.

"I do not seek reinstatement as I am happy with my new job as a university lecturer, but I want justice," she said.

Testifying in her own defence at the Supreme Administrative Court, Jaruvan said the high court should factor in a decision of the Constitution Court, which ruled on relevant charter provisions applicable to her job status.

The case came to light in 2010. Before reaching her mandatory retirement age of 65, Jaruvan designated her deputy Pisit Leelavachiropas to become the acting auditor- general following her exit and pending the nomination of her successor.

A few months into her retirement, Jaruvan resumed working and cancelled her order on Pisit's job assignment. This triggered legal wrangling about who was the rightful auditor-general.

After the Council of State cited the retirement provision prescribed under the Audit Act, the government sided with Pisit, stopped paying Jaruvan's salary and evicted her from her office. But the court battle continues.

The ruling of the Central Administrative Court found that Jaruvan had lost her job status due to retirement, therefore she had no mandate to resume office nor to demote Pisit from his position of acting auditor-general.

At the appellate hearing, Jaruvan claimed the Constitution Court had interpreted relevant charter provisions in her favour to continue holding office. But the ruling was left out of the lower court's decision.

She further cited the coup decree issued in 2006 to empower her to remain in her job until her successor could be appointed by royal command. She said the decree named her to concurrently serve as a member of the State Audit Council. The retirement age for a council member is 70.The high court has concluded the hearing and will schedule a verdict session in due course.

-- The Nation 2012-06-13

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Satellite licences open to all

Usanee Mongkolporn

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission's telecom committee has opened the door for any Thai companies to apply for a licence to operate a satellite business.

Full story:

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117 Cambodian illegals arrested in Aranyaprathet

The Nation

SA KAEW: -- A team of 50 police and soldiers rounded up 117 illegal Cambodian immigrants in a raid yesterday morning on rented row houses near Rong Kleu Border Market in Sa Kaew's Aranyaprathet district.

The migrants had paid a Cambodian agent Bt2,500-Bt3,000 each to sneak them into Thailand. They were waiting to be taken to jobs in other provinces.

In addition to the Cambodians - 59 men, 42 women, nine boys and seven girls - police arrested a Thai man and a Cambodian woman who rented the houses.

They charged the illegal migrants Bt100 per night. Two other workers who collected the rent were also arrested.

The four were charged with harbouring illegal aliens while police would keep the records of the 117 Cambodians before deporting them.

Also yesterday, 45 illegal Myanmar immigrants were captured on Ranong's Koh Chang.

They were aboard a large long-tail boat and were bound for Phang Nga to look for jobs in Phuket.

-- The Nation 2012-06-13

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Govt teaching project seeks applications

SUPINDA NA MAHACHAI

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The Education Ministry will start accepting applications for its Professional Teachers Project next week. Successful applicants are guaranteed teaching jobs in the government sector upon graduation with a good grade.

Full story:

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DSI defends its right to probe BMA skytrain-extension deal

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) came out in defence yesterday of its authority to look into the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's extension of the BTS Skytrain service.

It delivered a detailed statement responding to the BMA's questioning of its jurisdiction in the case.

Speaking at a news conference, director-general Tharit Phengdit likened the BMA’s tit-for-tat statement against the DSI over the issue as an under-performing soccer team finding fault with the referee, instead of improving its team performance or correcting its wrongdoings.

He said the BMA's constant aggressive remarks and written statements against the DSI and its agents in charge of the case could be regarded as harassment against state officials, which was a felony. However, the DSI would not take action against the BMA on these grounds.

The BMA complained that the DSI was unlawfully proceeding with the issue without completing the case within 30 days and handing it over to the National Anti-Corruption Commission. This was the procedure when it handled a corruption case involving fire trucks many years ago.

Tharit agreed that the 30-day deadline complied with a corruption case under the anti-bid-rigging law, but said the BTS matter was also in line with another law and the investigation was not yet complete.

Tharit said neither the BMA, the Bangkok Mass Transit System operator nor Krungthep Tanakom, a BMA-founded business agency that runs the BTS extended service, had contacted the DSI about giving testimony in a session scheduled for next Monday.

Deputy Bangkok Governor Theerachon Manomaiphibool earlier submitted a petition to Ombudsman Sriracha Charoenphanich about the DSI missing the 30-day deadline, two days after it had expired on June 10.

Sriracha accepted the petition and said it would take three to six months for Parliament's Ombudsman Office to start its own inquiry.

-- The Nation 2012-06-13

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Govt to pay those hit by flood schemes

PIYANART SRIVALO

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet yesterday approved payment of compensation for residents affected by various new flood-prevention projects, including those making claims on the controversial Rasi Salai weir.

Full story:

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Competition open to one and all now

SUPINDA NA MAHACHAI,

WANNAPA KHAOPA

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Children from all levels of society will be given the opportunity to compete for the One District One Scholarship (Odos) project, the Cabinet decided yesterday.

Full story:

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One killed in Narathiwat shootout

The Nation

NARATHIWAT: -- A man was killed and another was wounded in a shooting yesterday at a motorcycle repair shop in Narathiwat, where police also found a bomb.

Wisit Saejiang, 48, a brother of the shop owner, was shot in the head. He died at the scene. His brother Witthaya, 51, was shot in the back and was severely wounded. He remains in hospital.

Quoting witnesses, police said a gunman pretending to be a customer came into the shop to fix a punctured tyre. As Wisit checked the wheel, the man shot him at point-blank range, and then fired at Witthaya, who was standing inside the |shop.

Police responding to the shooting immediately checked the motorcycle brought into the shop by the gunman and found a remote-controlled bomb hidden under the seat. The 5-kilogram device was quickly defused.

In Pattani, a local politician was unhurt after a hail of bullets aimed at his house missed him.

The gunmen arrived at the home of Gusainal Babati, 50, head of Tambon Sakhor Bon Administrative Organisation, and opened fire on him with automatic weapons while he was about to open the front gate.

They withdrew after he returned fire with a pistol.

-- The Nation 2012-06-13

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Police swoop on brother, sister for Phuket execution

Phuket Gazette

Confessed gunman Savit Jongruk, 28, pictured here during the re-enactment of the crime on Monday, was allegedly paid 12,000 baht in advance to pull the trigger. Photo: Chutharat Plerin

PHUKET: -- Police yesterday arrested a brother and sister who they believe orchestrated the execution of Sumittra Namfak, 55, in Phuket on Saturday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/561348-woman-gunned-down-at-phuket-market/page__st__125#entry5385511

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Phuket blackout hits unsuspecting residents

Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- The blackout that affected areas in Chalong for at least six hours yesterday was scheduled and should not have taken residents by surprise, the Phuket Provincial Electricity Authority said today.

Full story:

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Phuket Governor petitioned to 'empower' Coconut Island

Phuket Gazette

Wijarn Chuayprod, chief of the PPEA’s consumer service division, said the project was now awaiting approval from Bangkok, and was likely to be complete in about 18 months. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo

Village chief Younope Petdee (right) presents the letter of complaint to Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo

PHUKET: -- Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha was yesterday called on by villagers and at least one resort owner to instigate action in getting mains power to Koh Maphrao, better known as “Coconut Island”.

Full story:

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Phuket raid uncovers illegal beach resort

Phuket Gazette

The small resort under construction occupies 900 square meters on Phuket's pristine Tri Trang Beach. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

Phuket Marine Office chief Phuripat Theerakulpisut ordered the structures be removed within 30 days. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- Marine Office officials yesterday arrested nine Burmese workers who were found building a small resort on Tri Trang Beach, on the headland south of Patong.

Full story:

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Browser Speed Tests: Chrome 19, Firefox 13, Internet Explorer 9, and Opera 11.64

Firefox 13 is out and it's all about speed, and with Chrome and Opera also introducing new versions of their browsers, we thought it time for another browser speed test. So we've once again pitted the four most popular Windows web browsers against each other in a battle of startup times, tab loading times, and more, with some shocking results.

Full story:

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Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 1,163.84, up 0.91 points /MCOT

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DDPM: 10 provinces remain as drought-hit zones

BANGKOK, 13 June 2012 (NNT) – There remain a number of provinces across the country, where drought crisis continues to date.

Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Director-General Viboon Sanguanpong said that, as of now, more than 5,600 villages in 10 provinces throughout Thailand are still emergency drought disaster zones.

Mr. Viboon stated that the latest report also showed a total of 37.25 billion cubic meters of water at all large reservoirs, or 53 of the total capacity and around 1.5 billion cubic meters less than the same time of last year.

He added that the DDPM has instructed all its offices across the nation to prepare for the effects of possible flooding, storms and mudslides, caused by heavy rain and strong wind.

In related news, officials have been keeping a close watch on the flooding in southern Surat Thani, where Tapi River could burst its banks, while Yom River in the North overflew in Sukhothai Province, where more than 1,800 local families have been affected by the inundation, as of yesterday.

-- NNT 2012-06-13

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PM Yingluck promised no severe flooding in Thailand in 2012

CHAINAT, 13 June 2012 (NNT) – The prime minister has assured the public that the government will not allow the repeat of last year’s flood crisis in 2012.

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Southern violence victims may receive more compensation

BANGKOK, 13 June 2012 (NNT) –The committee overseeing the compensation and rehabilitation for victims of the southern violence has approved the increase in the compensation amount for the southern violence victims.

According to PM's Office Permanent Secretary Thongthong Chandrangsu, the committee agreed to propose to the cabinet this weekend the new compensation amount to the southern violence victims. If approved by the cabinet, the government will compensate the victims of and family of those who died from the 2004 Krue Se attack up to 4 million baht each, while families of Muslim Lawyer Somchai Neelapaijit and those died from Tak Bai and Saba Yoi incidents will receive 7.5 million baht each.

The families of each of those who lost their lives from other southern unrests from 2004 onwards will receive 500,000 baht, up from the earlier 100,000 set earlier. Those who have been crippled from the incidents will receive 500,000 baht in stead of 80,000 baht as earlier stated. Mr Thongthong said the decision will be forwarded to the cabinet during its mobile meeting in Chonburi Province.

If approved, the compensations are expected to be paid no later than 2015.

-- NNT 2012-06-13