Thailand Live Tuesday 26 Jun 2012

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Wangdee 'Wang Te' Nima, national artist in 1988 for the performing arts (Lamtad folk dance) passed away early today at 87 /MCOT

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RT @tulsathit: TR @tonravee: Myanmar Parliament has postponed enacting foreign investment law, pending more high-level deliberation.

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RT @tulsathit: A desperate England fan dropped his pants & flashed his willy in failed bid to distract Italy's last penalty-taker at Euro QF: The Sun

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Two Thai men confess to killing Aussie Michelle Smith for '300 Baht'

Deputy National Police Chief Pansiri Prapawat told some 50 media personnel that the pair confessed to the crime, but said they had no intention of killing Mrs Smith. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....h-for-300-baht/

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Lam Tad national artist 'Wang Tae' passes away

BANGKOK, June 26 – Thailand’s Lam Tad national artist 'Wang Tae' died at the age of 87 of liver cancer and pneumothorax at a Bangkok hospital.

Wangdee Nima, or known in the country as 'Wang Tae', was hospitalised since July last year.

His body was picked up by his family and taken to Pathum Thani province for a Muslim ceremony.

'Lam Tad', a Thai-style of impromptu antiphonal singing, consists of two groups of singers, two to three persons each group, according to sex, while verses sung require competence in language. Obscene words with dual-meanings and innuendos are often used in this form of entertainment to draw laughs from the audience.

Wang Tae was honoured in 1988 as Thailand's national artist for the field of the performing arts (Thai dance).

Up until now, he was nearly unchallenged in his gifts, having the ability to use the Thai language beautifully, while being able to improvise Lam Tad and other kinds of Thai folk songs.

Having his own band called 'Wang Tae Lam Tad', he became symbolic of the field and had entertained Thai audiences for over 40 years.

Wang Tae was honoured as a immortal artist regularly conserving this Thai tradition and passing on his art to younger generations. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-06-26

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Chalerm to check up on drug problems in northern areas.

BANGKOK, 26 June 2012 (NNT) – Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung will be checking up on drug problems in the northern areas.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung has stated that the areas infested with illicit drugs will need to be cracked down immediately, and in order to do so he will appoint a person who can aggressively solve the problem to be in charge of the crackdown. He added that to effectively eliminate drug suppliers, everyone, including related agencies and neighboring countries, must join hands.

He realed further that China has especially played an important role in the crackdown and, according to Mr. Chalerm, he has been contacted by the Minister of Public Security of the People's Republic of China regarding the arrest of Norkham, a major drug dealer; adding that the Minister of Public Security of China will be coming to Thailand to visit and meet with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Mr. Chalerm himself on July 12 to discuss the issue.

-- NNT 2012-06-26

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RT @zakdx: This guy lost his camera in Amsterdam with 2,800 pictures on it, let's see if we can find him: http://twitpic.com/a0fn4o

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Cabinet to hold parliamentary debate on Nasa's request

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet agreed Tuesday to hold a parliamentary debate on the Nasa's request to use U-Tapao but the debate will be held without voting, a government spokesman said.

Deputy Government Spokesman Chalitrat Chantharubeksa said the debate will be held on Article 179.

Article 179 allows the government to hold a joint sitting of MPs and senators to seek consultation from parliamentary on any issue without voting.

The issue will be put on agenda once the next parliamentary session is open, the spokesman said.

-- The Nation 2012-06-26

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PM: Cabinet decision on NASA request adheres to country's interests; assigns foreign ministry to clarify to US, believes US will understand /MCOT

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Phuket killer: ‘I just wanted the money’

Phuket Gazette –

The two suspects, who confessed to the stabbing, were surrounded by police for protection at the re-enactment of the crime in Phuket this morning. Photo: Orawin Narabal

Surasak Suwannachote demonstrates for police how the knife was used in the attack near Phuket's Kata Beach. Photo: Orawin Narabal

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/565375-two-thai-men-confess-to-killing-aussie-michelle-smith-for-300-baht/page__st__25#entry5428960

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RT@veen_NT: The funeral for National Artist "Wang Te" is going to be held today at 3pm at a Lat Lum Kaew mosque (มัสยิดเนี้ยมาติ้ลและห์).

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RT@RichardBarrow: VIDEO: One of the rockets fired off during the Rocket Festival falls back to earth killing 1 person bit.ly/LMZEVJ

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U-TAPAO

Cabinet to hold parliamentary debate on Nasa's request

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet agreed Tuesday to hold a parliamentary debate on the Nasa's request to use U-Tapao but the debate will be held without any voting taking place, a government spokesman said.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/565278-nasa-plan-may-face-parliament-scrutiny-u-tapao/#entry5429074

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PM launches anti-drug campaign in honour of HM the Queen´s 80th birthday anniversary

BANGKOK, 26 June 2012 (NNT) - Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra presided over the launch of an anti-drug campaign in honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's 80th birthday anniversary, while announcing drug eradication as a national agenda.

On the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Prime Minister Yingluck presided over the opening ceremony of the "Power of the Nation Conquers Drug Menace in honour of HM Queen Sirikit's 80th Birthday Anniversary” campaign. Held at the Royal Plaza, the event saw the participation of over 300,000 people from all walks of life in Bangkok and the vicinities.

In order to celebrate the auspicious occasion of HM the Queen's 80th birthday anniversary as well as to honour Her Majesty's graciousness and concern for the country's drug situation, the National Command Center for Drugs (NCCD) has, thus, held an anti-drug campaign under the concept of Power of the Nation Conquers Drug Menace in honour of HM Queen Sirikit's 80th Birthday Anniversary. Under the campaign, the Thai population gather to demonstrate their willpower to fight against drugs and to collectively build the largest Thai national flag.

The PM also reiterated the government's determination to resolve the problem of drugs in the most concrete manner possible. The drug elimination effort has been announced as a national agenda, in order to efficiently prevent the problem of drugs from spreading in a wide circle as well as establish a strategy for all sectors to mutually participate in eradicating drugs from Thailand.

-- NNT 2012-06-26

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UPDATE:

Crime suspects re-enact killing Australian

PHUKET, June 26 -- Two suspects alleged to have murdered an Australian woman travel agent in an attempted robbery last week today were escorted by police to re-enact their fatal assault the victim and seriously wounded her travelling companion on this southern resort island.

Full story:

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RT @GREATBritain: The story of the day Paul McCartney met John Lennon... http://LDN.in/MWdNvC #Music is #GREATBritain

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13 red shirts in Mukdahan released on bail

The Nation

MUKDAHAN: -- The Mukdahan Provincial Court Tuesday released red-shirt suspects on bail.

The 13 were charged with launching arson attacks against government offices in Mukdahan.

They were released temporarily after their lawyer posted assets worth Bt2 million as guarantee for each of them.

They were identified as Duang Khonyuen, Thaweesak Khengraeng, Natthawut Pikulsri, Maitree Phankhoon, Noppachai Pikulsri, Panom Kunnok, Wichai Uluphan, Prakong Thongnoi, Winai Pinsilapachai, Samak Lunrila, Kaen Nongphudsa, Tinnawat Muangkhote and Wichit Inta.

-- The Nation 2012-06-26

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RT @veen_NT: FM Surapong said he is going to Dubai to observe the possibilities of cooperation on pirate elimination. via @Tik_NT

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Bus carrying paramilitary rangers attacked by motorcycle bomber in Narathiwat's Tak Bai district; blast wounds 14 military personnel, villagers /MCOT

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Interest rate direction depends on euro zone debt crisis

BANGKOK, June 26 – There is no need for the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to lower its key interest rate, unless impacts from the euro zone debt crisis become worse than anticipated and inflation as well as the gross domestic product (GDP) is not within the anticipated range.

Full story:

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Thai cabinet decision leaves NASA plan up in the air

BANGKOK, June 26 (Reuters) - The Thai government on Tuesday delayed a decision to let U.S. space agency NASA use a military air base for climate study after the main opposition party claimed, among other things, that it was tantamount to a surrender of sovereignty.

Full story:

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SET index closed at 1151.09, up 3.66; Bt/USD31.67; GBP49.23; AUD31.63; EUR39.54; CAD30.64; HKD4.07; SGD24.60; JPY39.51

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Village official shot dead; 14 wounded in Southern bombing

YALA, June 26 - An assistant village head was gunned down here Monday, while 14 Army Rangers and local residents were wounded in Narathiwat.

Ardong Masengbangee, 43, an assistant village head, was shot dead in Yala's Krongpinang district while riding his motorcycle back from tapping para rubber Monday morning.

According to the authorities, he was ambushed by an unknown number of gunmen, hidden near the roadside. The police are investigating if it was a personal conflict or related to the southern insurgency.

In another incident, 14 persons, including eight Army rangers and five civilians, were wounded in a bombing in Narathiwat.

Built into a 50kilogramme gas cylinder was hidden in a motorcycle. The explosion damaged a bus, carrying Army Rangers, and also damaged an18-wheel truck.

The bus was carrying Army Rangers back to Bangkok after they completed tasks in Narathiwat's two districts. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-06-26

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Phuket locals outraged by stab attack re-enactment

Phuket Gazette –

A Phuket Police officer moves in to keep the peace as some of the local residents voice their anger this morning. The signs reads: 'Don't accuse us. Karon people did not do it'. Photo: Orawin Narabal

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....50#entry5430341

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Surapong to visit Dubai Wednesday

BANGKOK: -- Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul is going to Dubai to attend the anti-piracy conference Wednesday and Thursday, spokesman Thani Thongphakdi said Tuesday.

The conference is hosted by the United Arab Emirates government and DP World company, fourth largest marine port company in the world.

Surapong and high ranking government officials from 50 countries as well as executives of cruise industry would share experience and ideas of how the government and private sectors can join hands to solve piracy problems sustainably as they affect national and regional security, Thani said.

-- The Nation 2012-06-26

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Army refuses to remove Col 'Kai Ou' as its public face

BANGKOK: -- Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd is still leader of the Thai Army's public relations team despite wide reports the Army had sidelined him to please the red shirts, an Army spokesperson confirmed Tuesday.

The Army's team of spokesmen, led by Colonel Sirichan Ngathong, Colonel Wintai Suwaree and Lieutenant Colonel Wonchana Sawasdee issued a united statement Tuesday denying reports the leader of their team had been removed.

Col Sirichan said Sansern remains their leader even though he has not been seen publicly lately. He has been busy with many changes in responsibility, such as director of the philosophy operations department, and other projects which required him to travel upcountry a lot.

-- The Nation 2012-06-26

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Eight troops, 6 civilians injured in bomb ambush

Photo : Charoon Thongnual

NARATHIWAT: -- Insurgents detonated a roadside bomb in Narathiwat on Tuesday in an ambush of a bus carrying rangers, injuring eight of them and six civilians, police said.

The attack occurred at 11.40am at a bridge in Nambaeng village in Tambon Praiwan of Takbai district.

Police said insurgents hid the homemade bomb inside a cooking gas cylinder left on a motorcycle with sidecarriage at the bridge.

Insurgents detonated the bomb with a walkietalkie when the bus transporting about 40 rangers arrived at the scene.

The bus was transporting the rangers back to the 11th Ranger Regiment in Bangkok after the group had completed their mission term in Narathiwat.

A cement truck driver and his assistant were among the six civilians injured in the blast. The truck was passing the spot when the ranger bus was ambushed.

Most of injured troops suffered from cuts from broken glass from the bus's windows. They were rushed to the Takbai district hospital but their condition was not severe.

-- The Nation 2012-06-26

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13 red shirts in Mukdahan released on bail

Mukdahan - The Mukdahan Provincial Court Tuesday released red-shirt suspects on bail.

The 13 were charged with launching arson attacks against government offices in Mukdahan.

They were released temporarily after their lawyer posted assets worth Bt2 million as guarantee for each of them.

They were identified as Duang Khonyuen, Thaweesak Khengraeng, Natthawut Pikulsri, Maitree Phankhoon, Noppachai Pikulsri, Panom Kunnok, Wichai Uluphan, Prakong Thongnoi, Winai Pinsilapachai, Samak Lunrila, Kaen Nongphudsa, Tinnawat Muangkhote and Wichit Inta.

-- The Nation 2012-06-26

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Thailand Live Wednesday 27 Jun 2012