Thailand Live Monday 25 Jun 2012

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Thailand Live Monday 25 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 Sunday 24 Jun 2012

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Warrant issued for Phuket killer

The Nation

PHUKET: -- An arrest warrant was approved yesterday for a man suspected of stabbing to death an Australian woman and wounding her friend last Wednesday in Phuket, and a Bt300,000 reward offered for information leading to his arrest.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....r/#entry5424360

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Thai police release CCTV footage of Phuket murder

Watch here:

http://www.thaivisa....-phuket-murder/

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Thai 'Red Shirts' stage mass protest in Bangkok

Bangkok, June 25, 2012 (AFP) - Tens of thousands of supporters of Thailand's "Red Shirt" protest movement staged a mass rally in Bangkok on Sunday, police said, amid renewed political tensions in the troubled kingdom.

Full story:

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Roof rescue as fire hits 'school'

The Nation

NAKHON RATCHASIAM: -- A fire yesterday tore through a tutorial school in Nakhon Ratchasima, causing more than 100 students to flee for safety while 27 others were caught inside and had to be rescued off the roof by firemen.

Full story:

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Consumer group urges GMM boycott over Euro fiasco

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- An umbrella agency representing consumers yesterday called for a nationwide boycott of entertainment programmes produced by GMM Grammy to protest at its failure to broadcast Euro 2012 soccer matches via True Visions subscription channels.

Full story:

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Public ignorant on charter, poll finds

The Nation

A large number of pro-government red-shirt supporters rally at Democracy Monument Sunday to mark what they called 80 years of democracy.

BANGKOK: -- Thailand has been a democratic country for 80 years but most people lack a profound understanding of the Constitution, an opinion survey has found.

Full story:

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Govt to issue land deeds to mangrove encroachers

Janjira Pongrai

Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Marine and Coastal Resources Department plans to ask the Land Department to issue land title deeds to people who have encroached on mangrove forest reserves nationwide.

Full story:

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Myanmar 'no threat to Thai tourism'

BAMRUNG AMNARTCHAROENRIT

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Thailand will not lose its leadership among regional destinations from the opening of the tourism industry in Myanmar because of its quality facilities and professionalism, an expert said last week.

Full story:

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Sydney woman appeals Thai jail term

PHUKET: -- A 21-year-old Sydney woman sentenced to 15 days jail in Phuket for falsely claiming she was assaulted by a taxi driver is appealing the verdict and has been granted bail.

Full story:

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Travel prizes for tests on Asean

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- NJ Magazine and the Education and Commerce Ministries will jointly host events aiming at educating students about Asean in four regions next month.

Upper secondary and vocational students can apply to compete in Asean Quiz, in which they will answer questions in English about general knowledge, geography and the economy in Asean countries.

Each team will consists of three students and a teacher from the same school.

Other youngsters less than 25 years old with dancing ability can apply for Asean Smart Teens competition. Each team, comprising five to seven students and a teacher, is required to perform applied dance under the concept "Asean: One Vision, One Identity, One Community".

Winners of both competitions will be offered a field visit to the Asean Secretariat and Borobudur temple in Indonesia.

For information, online application, visit www.247friend.net or call 023383000 ext.1 or 023383631.

-- The Nation 2012-06-25

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Search for 3 environment envoys

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thai university students aged between 18 to 24 are invited to take part in the Bayer Young Environmental Envoy (BYEE) Competition 2012, in which 20 students would be selected and appointed BYEE 2012.

The best three envoys would then have a chance to join a oneweek educational trip to Germany including Bayer's headquarters and other government agencies together with their counterparts from 18 countries worldwide during November 49.

The three winners will be awarded funding of Bt10,000, while the three runnersup would each receive Bt5,000 to carry out the winning projects in their communities.

This year, competition topics will challenge young environmentalists to enter their projects under one of three topics: the mitigating measures against the effects of climate change; energy conservation or renewable energy development; and environmentallyfriendly production and consumption.

Bayer organiss the projects in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Young people worldwide visit Germany on a weeklong study tour to experience how environmental protection was practised by people, government and industry there.

Young people can download an application form and find more details at www.bayer.co.th or www.byee.bayer.com or [email protected] or call 02 616674950. Entry submission deadline will be July 20.

-- The Nation 2012-06-25

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REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Thailand and United States: reducing mutual distrust

Kavi Chongkittavorn

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The joint statement issued after the fifth Thai-US Strategic Dialogue in Washington on 14 June indicated that future relations are moving forward in the right direction. A few days later, the whole bundle of promises hit a snag. Mud-slinging between the government and opposition Democrat Party in recent weeks over the use of U-tapao airbase facilities showed any Thai-US initiative these days is not going to proceed easily without sufficient transparency and consultation with all stakeholders. Washington refused to help bail out Bangkok during the financial crisis back in 1997 and that inflicted a deep wound on the Thai psyche

Full story:

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Navy denies Nasa unloading its gear

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Navy yesterday dismissed as groundless an allegation by the opposition Democrat Party that Nasa had been allowed to unload equipment for use in a weather research project based at U-tapao airbase before the government had given the project the green light.

Full story:

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It's Official: Apple Computers Are No Longer Virus-Free

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....ger-virus-free/

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Japanese Crown Prince visits Thailand

BANGKOK, June 25 -- His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan is officially visiting Thailand as a guest of the Thai government from today through Wednesday (June 25-27).

During the Royal Visit, Crown Prince Naruhito will be granted an audience with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and meet with Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

He will also meet with Prime Minisiter Yingluck Shinawatra.

Crown Prince Naruhito is to arrive in Thailand at Don Mueang Airport by special aircraft at 2pm, and will proceed to Government House for an official welcome ceremony. Ms Yingluck will later host a tea reception in his honour.

During the royal visit, Crown Prince Naruhito was scheduled to visit heritage sites in the central province of Ayutthaya as well as give an audience to Japanese residents of Thailand.

He will return to Japan on Wednesday.

Crown Prince Naruhito previously visited Thailand on three occasions, in 1980, 1987 and 1994. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-06-25

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,151.79, down 1.12 points /MCOT

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Phuket Police release sketch of Michelle Smith murder suspect

Phuket Gazette

A composite sketch of the man wanted for stabbing Australian Michelle Smith to death. Photo: Courtesy of Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- As the manhunt continues in Phuket for the killers of Australian tourist Michelle Smith, police have released a composite sketch of the prime suspect in the hope that some member of the public can identify him.

Full story:

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RT @RichardBarrow: Police to burn drugs on Friday in Bang Pa-In: 21.5m amphetamine pills, 147kg of Ice, 58kg of Heroin http://bit.ly/NAYMpa

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RT @ReutersIndia: Lonesome George, last-of-his-kind Galapagos tortoise, dies http://reut.rs/KWrT86

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Breaking News: Two men arrested for stabbing murder of Phuket tourist Michelle Smith

Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- Two suspects wanted for the stabbing murder of Australian travel agent Michelle Smith are in custody in Chumphon province and are expected to be returned to Phuket later today, the Phuket Gazette has learned.

Full story:

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Labor Ministry to try to remove Thailand from US human trafficking watch list

BANGKOK, 25 June 2012 (NNT)-The Ministry of Labor is now trying to remove Thailand from the United States Human Trafficking watch list, and planning to enforce more restrictions on legal migrant workers.

Full story:

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RT @veen_NT: Ploadprasob insists Thailand benefits from NASA using U-tapao as its naval air base, challenges opposition to debate the issue.

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Malaysia court orders Iranian extradited over blast

KUALA LUMPUR, June 25, 2012 (AFP) - A Malaysian court on Monday approved the extradition of an Iranian to Thailand on suspicion of being involved in an alleged bomb plot against Israeli diplomats in the country.

Masoud Sedaghatzadeh, arrested at Kuala Lumpur's international airport on February 15, is among three Iranians being held over incidents in Bangkok that saw Tehran accused of a terror campaign against Israel -- which it denied.

The alleged plot emerged after an apparently unintended explosion at a house in the Thai capital. Two suspects are in custody in Thailand, including one who hurled a bomb at police while fleeing, blowing off his own legs.

At a criminal sessions court in Kuala Lumpur, Judge S. Komathy described Sedaghatzadeh, 31, as a "fugitive criminal" and said she disagreed with defence arguments that there was no evidence against him.

"In my view the conduct of the respondent is inconsistent with that of an innocent man," she said.

"The prosecution has shown that the respondent is a fugitive criminal... as he is wanted by the Thai police for offences which come within the definition of extradition offences.

"I'm allowing the application for extradition and the respondent is to be detained in prison pending an order from the minister (of home affairs)."

Sedaghatzadeh, who was handcuffed and wore a striped polo shirt, told the hearing through an interpreter that he would appeal to the high court against the extradition.

"I require more time to defend myself," he said.

The explosions in Thailand followed bomb attacks targeting Israeli embassy staff in India and Georgia the previous day, pushing tensions between arch-foes Iran and Israel to a new spike.

Thai police have said that Israeli diplomats were the intended target of the plot, and that prosecutors have referred a case against five Iranian suspects to court for a possible trial.

Aside from Sedaghatzadeh and the two being held in Thailand, two other suspects are believed to have returned to Iran.

Sedaghatzadeh was looking to travel on to Iran himself when he was arrested, Malaysian authorities have said.

He has said he is a car parts dealer who came to Malaysia on business, while his lawyer Mohamad Nashir Hussin said his client had visited Thailand for a "short holiday" and was not involved in the house explosion.

"There is no evidence of direct involvement and of knowledge (of the explosives) from the respondent," he told the court Monday.

Prosecutor Kamal Baharin Omar said closed circuit television footage from cameras in the area showed Sedaghatzadeh and two other suspects leaving the house after the blast.

He added that if extradited to Thailand, Sedaghatzadeh faced charges of using explosives -- which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment -- and causing harm with explosives.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2012-06-25

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Chiang Mai increases safety measures for tourists after an Australian killed in Phuket

CHIANG MAI, 25 June 2012 (NNT)-Following the murder of an Australian woman in Phuket last week, Chiangmai Governor M.L Panadda Disakul has instructed security units to beef up safety measures for tourists to regain confidence in the province's tourism industry.

Full story:

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ABAC Poll: 63.5% backs NASA´s climate studies project

BANGKOK, 25 June 2012 (NNT) - ABAC Poll has revealed that more than 63.5% of its respondents agreed to the idea of NASA's climate study project at U-tapao airport in Rayong.

According to a recent Assumption University poll (ABAC Poll) results, 63.5% of the respondents backed the idea of NASA's request to base its weather research project at U-tapao Airbase.

The poll was carried out among 1,824 people from 17 different provinces last week.

Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Navy has denied that the US has had NASA's equipment delivered to U-tapao airbase,and thet the US aircraft presence is part of a long-term aircraft filling-up agreement. He added that they were not aware of the information posted on NASA's website saying that they had already shipped their equipment to Thailand.

-- NNT 2012-06-25

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TAT launches 10 routes based on HM the Queen´s royally-initiated projects

BANGKOK, 25 June 2012 (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has recently launched 10 new travel routes based on Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's royally-initiated projects, with the objective of boosting domestic tourism as well as spreading income to the locals.

TAT Deputy Governor for Domestic Market Thawatchai Aranyik said that the TAT has based 10 new tourism routes on Her Majesty the Queen's royally-initiated projects, such as the turtle conservation project, the revival of mangrove forests and Thai silk, among others. The 10 destinations include Chon Buri, Ang Thong, Ratcha Buri, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Prachuab Khiri Khan, Sakol Nakhon, Narathiwat, Ubon Ratchathani, and the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

All the 10 routes have been specially selected by the TAT to allow the Thai population a chance to follow in the royal footsteps of Her Majesty the Queen, in order to learn more about the various royal initiations thought up for the benefits of the country and its people. Apart from responding to Her Majesty's initiations, the campaign also aims to spread income to the local people as well.

-- NNT 2012-06-25

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Politics to remain risk factor for Ratchaprasong entrepreneurs

BANGKOK, 25 June 2012 (NNT) - The Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA) has indicated that politics will become the major risk factor for the economy during the second half of the year, while stating that the European crisis will lead to a minor drop in the overall tourist count.

RSTA President Chai Srivikorn said that businesses located in the Ratchaprasong intersection area are still worried over the ongoing political unrest during the second half of this year. Concerned about more political rallies which might occur in the area, entrepreneurs in the Ratchaprasong intersection are calling for harmony in the society.

Meanwhile, a number of closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) have been installed in the area for safety purposes.

In addition, Mr. Chai said that the financial crisis taking place in the European Union at present will cause a decline in the number of European tourists traveling to Thailand. However, the loss will be compensated by tourists from China, India, Russia and Arab countries, all of whom possess high purchasing power and will, thus, reduce the impact on the tourism sector.

-- NNT 2012-06-25

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AIRPORT MANAGEMENT

Slight losses expected from low-cost carrier relocation

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Airports of Thailand Plc expects to show a small decline in earnings, following a special discounts offered to low-cost airlines as incentives for relocation from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Mueang Airport.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/565157-slight-losses-expected-from-low-cost-carrier-relocation/#entry5425623

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Jatuporn threatens hunger strike if bail revoked

BANGKOK, June 25 -- United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) Red Shirt movement leader Jatuporn Prompan said on Monday that if his bail is revoked, he will walk from the Democracy Monument to prison and stage a hunger strike to protest against what he describes as 'unfair treatment'.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/565158-jatuporn-threatens-hunger-strike-if-bail-revoked/#entry5425633