Thailand Live Thursday 21 Jun 2012

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Australian killed in Thai robbery: police

Bangkok, June 21, 2012 (AFP) - An Australian woman has been stabbed to death in an attempted bag snatch on the Thai resort island of Phuket, police said Thursday.

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Phuket: Lord of the flies

Phuket Gazette

Charan Sangsarn of the Phuket Chamber of Commerce fears a plague of flies will adversely affect Phuket’s tourism industry. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- The Phuket Chamber of Commerce (PCC) has voiced its concern over the increasing number of flies found swarming across the island, which the chamber fears could affect the island's tourism industry.

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Boxing title fight to raise funds for Phuket sea turtle research

Phuket Gazette

GLOVES OFF: (From left) Vice Admiral Taratorn Kajitsuwan of the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command, Government Spokesman Prompong Nopparit and Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha pose to promote the upcoming title fight. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo

Kongkiat Kittiwattanawong, head of the Marine Endangered Species Unit at the Phuket Marine Biological Center, wants more turtles ‘chipped’ so his team can track turtle progress. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo

PHUKET: -- A World Boxing Organization (WBO) title fight will take place at Nai Yang Beach next month to raise funds for sea turtle preservation projects in Phuket and other provinces along the Andaman coast.

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Fatal knife attack: Phuket police scour island for two suspects

Phuket Gazette

The two Australian women on holiday in Phuket were attacked while walking back to their hotel along Kata Noi Road . Photo: Google Street View

PHUKET: -- Phuket Police are searching for two men who carried out a knife attack on two Australian tourists last night that left one woman dead and another injured.

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Facebook smartphone could come next year

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Foreign Minister reasserts intention to ask Cabinet to consider NASA request /MCOT

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RT@RichardBarrow: Another foreign tourist stabbed on Phuket: British tourist stabbed by 3 men on a motorcycle bit.ly/NRKHVG

RT@RichardBarrow: Police say no connection between stabbing of Brit & the killing of Michelle Smith outside Katathani Phuket Beach resort earlier in the night

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PM invites all sectors to celebrate Queen’s 80th birthday

BANGKOK, 21 June 2012 (NNT) – On the occasion of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s upcoming 80th birthday anniversary, the government has invited the public and private sectors to jointly celebrate the auspicious occasion.

The committee in charge of of Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday celebration, chaired by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, has given approval to the organizing of activities and projects in honour of the Queen on her 80th birthday anniversary, which falls on 12th August 2012. Celebratory activities will include a royal garden party and gala dinner in honour of the Queen to be held after 12th August, a reforestation project under the collaboration of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Interior and the Royal Thai Army, and a village project under the auspices of the Mother of the Land’s Fund aimed at promoting public awareness about drug abuse.

An exhibition will also be held in honour of Her Majesty the Queen during 9th-14th August, as well as a concert on 5th September.

On this occasion, the PM has urged the public and private sectors to collectively celebrate the auspicious occasion.

-- NNT 2012-06-21

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Finance Minister confirms no increase in diesel excise tax

BANGKOK, 21 June 2012 (NNT) – The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance has reiterated that no upward adjustment will be made to the diesel excise tax as the government’s revenue collection still exceeds the target.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kittiratt Na Ranong said that there is still no need to raise the diesel excise tax at present, given that the government’s revenue collection is still higher than its goal. He went on to comment that the domestic fuel price will be impacted if the excise rate was modified.

Mr. Kittiratt added that further discussions will be made with the Energy Ministry concerning the Oil Fund collection. If the panel deems fit that more money should be contributed to the Oil Fund, the Finance Ministry will retain the excise tax at the current rate.

The Minister also pointed out that the government’s revenue collection in May 2012 is still lower than the 36 billion-baht target. However, the eight-month revenue still exceeds the target by 1.9 billion baht.

The current government has reduced diesel excise tax since October 2011. The move has cost the Excise Department a monthly income of 9 billion baht, or a total of 80 billion baht in government revenue during the 9-month period.

-- NNT 2012-06-21

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Sacked national airline president files suit for unfair removal

BANGKOK, June 21 – The former president of Thailand’s flag carrier Thai Airways International (THAI) has filed suit at the Central Labour Court in Bangkok charging that the company’s board unfairly removed him as president and chief executive officer, and is seeking compensation of Bt10 million or reinstatement.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/564029-thai-airways-internationals-outgoing-president-piyasvasti-sends-last-message-to-employees/#entry5412293

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Science Minister to discuss water management advices from Chinese experts with Cabinet

BANGKOK, 21 June 2012 (NNT) - The Science Minister plans to bring up all suggestions from China's water experts to discuss with the Cabinet next week.

Science Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi said on Wednesday that Chinese experts, whom he has been meeting with during the past 3 weeks, made useful suggestions on how to improve Thailand's water management policies and the bureaucratic structure in relation with the flood prevention as well as solutions to related construction problems.

Mr. Plodprasop met with the visiting experts on an official trip to inspect the progress on government-initiated water resource management measures earlier this month.

The Minister said that the Chinese experts also made a number of proposals on various issues, such as the drainage system, the water retention system, and the protection of key areas and structures.

He said that all suggestions and proposals will be presented to the Cabinet meeting next Tuesday.

The Science Minister went on to say that the Chinese experts are expected to make further inspection trips in other parts of Thailand after 2 weeks, in order to help the country formulate more effective water management approaches.

-- NNT 2012-06-21

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LOGISTICS

New warehouse by a Hong Kong logistics firm

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Hong Kong-listed Sinotrans Ltd is opening a new international distribution centre in Thailand, which will be operational by March 2013.

Sinotrans just recently established Sinotrans Thai Logistics Co Ltd in Thailand. It is now the provider of integrated logistics service including sea, air and road transportation, storage and terminal services, express services, shipping agency and freight forwarding business. Currently, its services cover the coastal areas of China.

In a statement by Knight Frank Chartered (Thailand) Co Ltd, the consulting firm said that it recently concluded the sale of a 30-rai land plot on Bangna-Trat Km 19 to Sinotrans. It will locate a new warehouse, with space of 12,600 square metres.

"Sinotrans have joined the ranks of the few foreign third party logistics service providers who have applied to the Board of Investment for promotion privileges that allows them to purchase the freehold interest in land to set up a new International Distribution Center, even though the parcel is located outside of a logistics park or industrial estate," said Marcus Burtenshaw, director of Commercial Agency for Knight Frank Chartered (Thailand).

He expects the demand for logistics space to accelerate over the coming years, ahead of the AEC in 2015, especially in strategic locations such as Samut Prakan, the Eastern Seaboard and despite recent flooding, in areas such as Wang noi.

The new warehouse will be located in the SME Factory 1 project, which is developed by Tip Holding Co Ltd.

-- The Nation 2012-06-21

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KBank launches Hello Kitty debit cards

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Kasikornbank is extending the success of its innovative limited edition debit card campaign, with the introduction of Hello Kitty cards.

After Paul Frank and Angry Birds which have attracted 500,000 applicants, the bank expects to issue 300,000 new cards under the Hello Kitty design this year, said the bank’s first senior vice president Silawat Santivisat.

Hello Kitty is one of the world's most popular cartoon characters, attracting fans for over 40 years among girls and women of all ages.

With a single application, customers get a debit card, savings passbook and special purpose bag with Hello Kitty designs. Hello Kitty cardholders will also enjoy 10-per cent discounts when purchasing Sanrio products at all Central Plaza and Zen stores, Major Cineplex Group shows, any movie, any show time for Bt99 (from Bt140), and others.

According to Silawat, the debit card business keeps expanding in the first half of 2012, with about 25 million cards in use. In 2011, the cardholders spent a total of Bt50 billion, including Bt20 billion spent through KBank’s cards.

KBank will continue introducing new debit card styles for customers, he said.

-- The Nation 2012-06-21

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Wattana to lead defence team on charter change

BANGKOK: -- House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont on Thursday named Wattana Sengpairoh to lead the House defence team on charter change.

Wattana, former Pheu Thai MP, is presently spokesman for the Office of House Speaker.

The Constitution Court will convene on July 5-to-6 to hear arguments for and against the charter change bill.

Speaking following his appointment, Wattana said the defence would summon two opposition Democrats, Abhisit Vejjajiva and Suthep Thuagsuban to testify as witnesses.

-- The Nation 2012-06-21

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Troop injured in Narathwat blast

Narathiwat - A troop was injured when insurgents detonated a road-side bomb to ambush a teacher protection unit Thursday morning, police said.

The explosion occurred on the Igabu Village main road in Tambon Sukhirin of Sukhirin district at 7:50 am.

Twelve troops were travelling on motorcycles and a vehicle to pick up teachers from homes to send them to schools in the morning, when they were attacked.

When they arrived at the spot, insurgents detonated the bomb with a wired remote.

Pvt Wutthichai Jamrung, 21, was hit by bomb shrapnel on his body.

-- The Nation 2012-06-21

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Whitewater raft trip widows newlywed wife

Phuket Gazette

An officer stands on the bank of Klong Song Phraek in Phang Nga as Hossam’s body is recovered from the water. Photo: 77 Nation Channel

MARRIED: Hossam and Sarah had been dating since secondary school.

PHUKET: -- Egyptian couple Hossam and Sarah boarded a plane on June 2 bound for their dream honeymoon in Phuket. However, their love story, which began in their mid-teens, came to an unfathomable and abrupt end in Phang Nga, when their tour company decided to brave rough waters and lead a whitewater rafting trip that ended in disaster.

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PHILANTHROPY

4 Thais among Forbes Asia's 48 Heroes of Philanthropy

The Nation June 21, 2012 3:12 pm

THAILAND: -- Boonchai Benjarongkul, Tan Passakornnatee, Bilaibhan Sampatisiri and Thongma Vijitpongpun are the only four Thais, enlisted in Forbes Asia's 48 Heroes of Philanthropy.

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Off-duty cop accused of Phuket street killing gets bail

Phuket Gazette

Phun Pol Soi 11, where the shooting occurred, is renowned as a Phuket Town 'red light' district. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo

Dechaporn (left) and his brother Pol Cpl Rachaporn Semaksorn, as pictured on their ID cards. Cpl Rachaporn faces charges over shooting dead Eakkasit Sangangam on Phun Pol Soi 11 in Phuket Town on May 5.

PHUKET: -- The off-duty cop who shot a man dead in Phuket Town on May 5 has been granted bail.

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RT @ReutersIndia: Boat carrying 200 sinks off NW Australia - rescue officials http://reut.rs/KOEkTm

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Phuket Live Wire: What to do if your email is blocked

Phuket Gazette

Denial of service. Image: geek and poke

SPAM A LOT? Naughty neighbours abusing local IP addresses can get you blocked too. Photo: Freezelight.

PHUKET: -- I send out a lot of email – many dozens of pieces every day. Lately, I’ve been having more and more problems with the email being rejected at the receiving end.

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Govt spending Bt4.2 billion to 'cover up Thaksin's botched policy'

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The government has earmarked Bt4.2 billion under the guise of loan repayment in order to cover up the misnagement of price intervention for longan under the Thaksin Shinawatra administration in 2004.

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Pheu Thai to hold four Bangkok rallies

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Pheu Thai Party will hold four separate rallies in Bangkok aimed at explaining two issues - charter change and reconciliation and countering the Democrats.

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NASA to withdraw U-Tapao plan if no answer from Thailand by June 26: Surapong

BANGKOK, June 21 - Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said on Thursday that the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will withdraw its plan to use Thailand's U-Tapao airport to conduct atmospheric studies if there is no conclusion by the Thai government by June 26.

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TAT: Bangkok named the 3rd-top destination in the world

BANGKOK, 21 June 2012 (NNT) - The Thai Tourism Authority revealed that the latest survey by a major credit card issuer has named the Thai capital one of the top 3 destinations among world travelers.

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SET index closed at 1159.05, down 14.19; Bt/USD31.55; GBP49.38; AUD31.95; EUR39.85; CAD30.72; HKD4.06; SGD24.67; JPY39.3

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Police to teach vocational schools' classes

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Education Ministry is planning to have policemen conduct some classes at vocational schools so as to prevent school-rivalry brawls.

"Such initiative has proved successful in Taiwan," Education Minister Suchart Tadathamrongvej said Thursday.

He was speaking after he sought a meeting with National Police Commissioner General Priewphan Damapong.

"Perhaps, we will send border patrol police from the Naresuan Camp or the commando policemen to the vocational schools to teach students there about discipline, ethics and some other useful stuff," Priewphan said.

-- The Nation 2012-06-21

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Foreign Minister denied visiting US to get entry visa for Mr. Thaksin

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NACC rejects complaints against Yaowapa

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The antigraft agency Thursday resolved to reject a petition against former MP Yaowapa Wongsawat, a powerful figure in the ruling Pheu Thai Party.

The complaint alleged that she had submitted false financial statements to the The National AntiCorruption Commission (NACC).

The NACC decided to end its investigation into the allegations that she was unusually wealthy and hiding her wealth because no evidence was found to support the allegations, according to Professor Medhi Krongkaew, a member of the commission.

-- The Nation 2012-06-21

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Phuket teenager hangs self after break-up with girlfriend

Phuket Gazette –

A crowd gathers in front of the house of Mr Danupong, 19, who was found hanged in his room in Phuket Town. Police are treating the death as suicide brought on by heartbreak. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/564393-phuket-teenager-hangs-self-after-break-up-with-girlfriend/#entry5413554

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Bangkok squad called in to catch Phuket ‘bag snatch killer’

Phuket Gazette –

A stern-faced Col Sirisak Warasiri told the press that more than 50 officers were working on tracking down the killer. Photo: Orawin Narabal

The Katathani resort has more than 100 CCTV cameras on its premises plus eight more monitoring the road outside, but the attack last night was ‘beyond our expectations’, said the resort's managing director, Sombat Atiset. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo

PHUKET: More than 50 police officers, including a team from the Crime Suppression Division in Bangkok, have been dedicated to catching the two men who attacked Australian tourist Michelle Smith, 60, who was stabbed to death in Kata last night.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/564207-australian-stabbed-in-heart-in-thai-bag-snatch-tragedy/page__st__375#entry5413607