Thailand Live Tuesday 26 Jun 2012

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Thailand Live Tuesday 26 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 Monday 25 Jun 2012

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POLITICS

Court staff seek protection for Jatuporn case briefing

The Nation

Cancel press conference to avoid provoking further red-shirt action

BANGKOK: -- The Office of the Constitution Court yesterday cancelled its planned press conference to clarify its petition seeking revocation of red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan's bail for fear the move would provoke his supporters, a source said.

Full story:

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BUSINESS

Ratchaprasong area aims to emulate Orchard Road

The Nation

Chai Srivikorn, centre, president of the Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association, yesterday welcomes two new members, The Platinum Fashion Mall and Novotel Bangkok Platinum, whose presence will help boost daily visitor traffic to the area by a projected 30

BANGKOK: -- Operators around the Ratchaprasong area are attempting to create an environment like Singapore's Orchard Road in Bangkok with an integrated shopping area comprising the main streets of Ratchaprasong, Pratunam, Pathum Wan and Ploenchit, in a project aimed at increasing the daily number of visitors by 30 per cent to 350,000 next year.

Full story:

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THAI-US TIES

Nasa plan may face Parliament scrutiny

The Nation June 26, 2012 1:00 am

Surapong

Weather project unlikely to take off because of legal concerns, govt says

BANGKOK: -- A weather research project proposed by the US National Aeronautics and Space Admin-istration (Nasa) may not get a chance to take off from U-tapao this year - as Foreign Minister Surapong Towichuk-chaikul said yesterday Cabinet was likely to decide today to put the proposal to Parliament.

Full story:

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POLITICAL VIOLENCE

Slain nurse's mum to talk to ICC lawyer

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The mother of a volunteer paramedic who died at Wat Pathum Wanaram during the political turmoil in 2010 will give a statement to a prosecutor today at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, lawyer Karom Poltaklang said yesterday.

Full story:

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BURNING ISSUE

All sides vying for military support

Avudh Panananda

The Nation

Gen Prayuth

In the face of a political tug of war, the opposing camps are trying to claim the military as a prize trophy.

BANGKOK: -- It is strange but true that the army is a fixture in the political landscape even though all leading figures, including the top brass, keep saying troops should remain in their barracks.

Full story:

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Man, Youth arrested in Surat Thani jail bombing

The Nation

SURAT THANI: -- Police have arrested a man and a minor for allegedly planting a bomb that exploded outside a prison in Surat Thani last week in a failed attempt to free a number of inmates in a jailbreak.

Full story:

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EDITORIAL

Merits, if any, of U-Tapao proposal, must be convincing

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The govt is to decide whether the US can use a local air base for scientific purposes; transparency is thus vital to avoid speculation and rumour

Full story:

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Future of Thailand 'depends on whether people put the country first'

Kittipong Thavevong

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- What Thailand will become when its democracy turns 100 - in 20 years time - depends largely on its people, who will have to think more for the country's sake and less for themselves in order to ensure its best possible future, opposition and Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva says.

Full story:

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Karun disqualification 'routine'

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Election Commissioner Praphan Naigowit yesterday denied that the disqualification of Pheu Thai MP Karun Hosakul was "peculiar", saying the ruling was scheduled and not unusual for a member to be absent.

"The meeting wasn't anything specially aimed to decide on Karun's case, but it went along with other issues and the decision was based on the panel's opinion," Praphan said.

The argument that the EC should have postponed the meeting until all its five members could cast their vote on Karun's alleged election violations would mean not only that the resolution of Karun's MP status would be delayed, but the other 10 issues would also have to be deferred.

"A meeting with four members is not something new. If a vote turns out to be a tie, then the EC chairman will make the decision. I insist that the meeting to disqualify Karun met the quorum." Claims that the EC had never given a red card to any MP before was also misguided. The EC used to hand out red cards, based on legislation and evidence, not the reputation of a person or his party. However, he declined to talk about the result, as it was up to the Supreme Court's Election Cases Division to hand down a final verdict, he said.

Jatuporn Promphan, a red-shirt leader, said the EC's decision was strange as one member, Somchai Juengprasert, was not in attendance. And when the vote turned out equal, chairman Apichart Sukhagganond decided to cast a vote twice, instead of making a ruling. "Even Karun, he felt weird about the EC's decision. It's odd that after rumours that I would run in the by-election, the Constitution Court suddenly filed the complaint to the Criminal Court to withdraw my bail," Jatuporn said.

-- The Nation 2012-06-26

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Girl, 10, attacked

The Nation

PATHUM THANI: -- Pathum Thani police yesterday arrested a taxi motorcyclist accused of trying to molest a schoolgirl.

The girl's mother had hired him to regularly pick the girl up from school, and the 10-year-old narrowly escaped the attack yesterday when she was rescued by the woman driver of a passing taxi, police said.

The suspect was identified as Yuan Hongsa, 36, a Yasothon native, who has been charged with attempted molestation of a person under 15, and separating a minor from their parents. The girl later told police that Yuan touched her under her skirt at knifepoint, and threatened to kill her if she told anyone about it.

The taxi driver, Narinee Thaothep, said she saw the girl running from a petrol station off Pathum Rangsit Road crying for help. Then, Yuan showed up running after the girl, who jumped into the taxi. Narinee said she locked the door just in time. She later called police, who arrived at the scene and apprehended Yuan.

-- The Nation 2012-06-26

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Account holders say money taken from SCB accounts

Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Six people lodged complaints at Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) headquarters yesterday, claiming that money had disappeared from their bank accounts. The victims suspect cyber-crimes.

Full story:

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Scientists appeal to govt to allow NASA project

Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Four the country's leading scientists and climate experts will send an open letter today to ask the government to collaborate with NASA to study climate conditions and air pollution over Thailand and nearby countries.

Full story:

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Move to bar pregnant workers

Thanongsak Muennoo

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Labour Minister Phadermchai Sasomsap is mulling a plan to bar migrant workers who are more than three months' pregnant from the country.

Full story:

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Electronic archive

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thailand will develop an electronic national archive to make it more convenient for users to access information and protect historic materials.

"We are now consulting experts from many countries including Singapore," Fine Arts Department deputy director-general Sureerat Wongsa-ngiam said yesterday.

The National Archives of Thailand, which is under the department's supervision, has been in operation for six decades.

In its care are about 15 million documents, 500,000 historic photos, 800,000 rolls of film negatives and 20,000 posters.

"They are materials from the reign of King Rama IV onward," Culture Minister Sukumol Kunplome said yesterday.

-- The Nation 2012-06-26

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Authors upset over ISBN delays

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A number of authors and publishers have complained of a delay in registration of their books under the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) system with the National Library of Thailand (NLT).

They say the delay has caused many books' releases to be postponed.

The NLT is coordinating with the ISBN regulator and discussing measures to solve the problem, which might be related to a technical glitch with the online registration process, said Culture Minister Sukumol Kunplome, who brought up the issue yesterday following complaints from publishers.

No ISBN approvals and codes have been received since January. There are now 18 authors and publishers waiting on approvals for 45 requests for ISBN codes.

Quoting NLT director Wilawan Sapphansaen, Sukumol said the delay could be prompted by applicants not giving all details required or by applicants' computers and operating systems not being compatible with the ISBN system.

-- The Nation 2012-06-26

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Chiang Mai increases safety measures for tourists

Full story:

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Will Aung San Suu Kyi be forced to share her house with her estranged older brother?

Full story:

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Phuket man critically injured in head-on motorbike smash

Phuket Gazette

Phuket Kusoldharm Foundation workers prepare the unconscious Mr Chamni for transport to Thalang Hospital. Photo by Thawit Bilabdullar.

Both Honda motorbikes were badly damaged in the head-on collision in Thalang District, Phuket last night. Photo by Thawit Bilabdullar.

PHUKET: -- A Thalang man is in critical condition at Vachira Phuket Hospital after suffering head injuries sustained in a head-on collision between two motorbikes last night.

Full story:

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Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,146.89, down 0.54 points /MCOT

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Facebook has changed YOUR email address... without telling 900 million users

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....-million-users/

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Plastic Love: Altered actress falls for cosmetic surgeon

By Coconuts Bangkok

Nonthaporn "Yeah" Thirawattanasuk is known as "The Queen of Plastic Surgery."

BANGKOK: -- A famous plastic surgeon recently announced that he and his patient – model Nonthaporn “Yeah” Thirawattanasuk – are “in love”, and that after performing five operations on her, he loves her not for her physical beauty, but for her “economic” sense and compatibility.

Full story:

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PM confirms today's cabinet meeting to discuss Nasa's request to use U-Tapao naval airbase for atmospheric studies /MCOT

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HM the King grants audience to Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan

BANGKOK, June 26 -- His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej granted an audience Monday night to His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan who is visiting Thailand June 25-27 as a guest of the Thai government.

HM the King accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn left Siriraj Hospital at 7.39 pm for the Chakri Throne Hall in the Grand Palace to host a dinner to honour Crown Prince Naruhito.

The monarch, in a black jacket suit, white shirt with blue neck tie, appeared to be cheerful and in good humour, and he smiled to well wishers.

After the private dinner, HM the King returned to Siriraj Hospital where he was admitted on Sept 19, 2009 with symptoms of fever, lung inflammation and fatigue.

He has recovered but has remained in hospital ever since, both for continuing physical therapy and nourishment to regain his strength.

The Imperial Family of Japan and the Royal Family of Thailand have traditionally been on friendly terms with each other.

Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan's visit to Thailand as their first overseas trip in 1991 after their enthronement and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's visit to Japan in May 1997 epitomise the intimacy demonstrated in the ties between the Imperial Family of Japan and the Royal Family of Thailand.

Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan visited Thailand in 2006 again to attend the ceremony in commemoration of the 60th anniversary celebrations of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne.

Earlier yesterday Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra welcomed Crown Prince Naruhito at Government House and hosted a tea reception in his honour.

Ms Yingluck told the Crown Prince Naruhito of the progress of Thailand's water management plan and the flood prevention scheme.

The government has arranged a boat trip along Chao Phraya River for Crown Prince Naruhito today.

Crown Prince Naruhito was scheduled to visit heritage sites in the central province of Ayutthaya as well as give an audience to Japanese residents in 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 2012-06-26

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Navy: NASA preparing to transfer equipment to Thailand, no confirmation on arrival date; joint panel to be set up to inspect equipment once cabinet okays /MCOT

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Special Report: International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

The date of June 26 of every year has been designated by the United Nations as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The date was chosen in 1987 by the member states as a day that would be observed in order to help promote an international, drug-free society.

It was felt that a day was needed to help raise awareness of the adverse effects of illicit drugs, since, regardless of international efforts to educate the public on the deleterious nature of illicit drugs on physical and mental health, the threat still persisted. The establishment of a day dedicated to fostering action and cooperation against drug abuse and drug trafficking, thus, would help spread the message about how illicit drugs can harm public health, the safety and well-being of all people, particularly young people, as well as national security. It would also support the work of the Commission and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which works to control drugs internationally. According to their World Drug Report 2011, the number of illicit drug users has risen from the late 1990s, though the number of problem drug users has remained stable and is estimated between 15 to 39 million people.

The consequences of both drug trafficking and drug abuse are manifold, and include effects on health, such as the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C. Drug-related deaths are estimated at 104,000 to 263,000 annually, with more than 50% of these fatalities resulting from drug overdose.

In Thailand, numerous events are being held in order to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, with a special focus on Her Majesty the Queen’s efforts and advice regarding the drug problem. The events are being held all over the kingdom, including those in Pattani, Trang, and Narathiwat. The events range from talks to activities.

Bangkok’s governor, M.R.Sukhumbhand Paribatra, for example, will host an event aimed at motivating children and adolescents to combat drugs at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. Mukdahan province will be holding an event that is in line with Her Majesty the Queen’s recommendations and intentions to solve the drug problem. The key goals of the event are to support the work of Her Majesty the Queen in the fight against drugs and to make all members of society aware of the negative effects of drug abuse, and to have people publicly vow to avoid drugs. In Mahasarakham province, a mini-half marathon open to both runners and walkers was held on June 24 to raise awareness of drug problems, and to pay a tribute to Her Majesty the Queen’s 80th birthday and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 60th birthday.

June 26, as the UN’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, serves a stimulus for governments worldwide to lend financial and political backing to the UNODC and other relevant agencies to combat drugs globally, in keeping with the UN’s pledge to eradicate drugs from international society.

-- NNT 2012-06-26

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25-year-old Israeli man jumps to his death off Eiffel Tower, thwarted security after tower was closed /AP

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RT @RichardBarrow: Closing down sale, before renovations, at Siam Center in Bangkok from 28 June to 15 July. Up to 90% discounts.

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Democrat MP Khanchit surrenders to police to fight charges on murder of Samut Sakhon Provincial Admin. Org. president, to seek bail /MCOT