Thailand Live Sunday 8 Jul 2012

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Thailand Live Sunday 8 July 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 LiveSaturday 7 Jul 2012

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[Lite Beer]

Pheu Thai vows to respect court verdict on charter

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Key figures from the ruling Pheu Thai Party yesterday promised to respect a ruling by the Constitution Court in the charter amendment case, although some of them warned against a verdict that "goes against the public's desire".

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/568269-pheu-thai-vows-to-respect-court-verdict-on-charter/#entry5463658

[Lite Beer]

THAKSIN TRAVEL PLANS

'Ministry or USA should confirm visa'

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Ex-foreign minister says people should sever ties with US

Former foreign minister Kasit Piromya urged the Foreign Ministry and the United States yesterday to clarify a claim by many figures in the ruling Pheu Thai Party that ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra was given a visa to enter the US a few months ago.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/568272-ministry-or-usa-should-confirm-thaksin-visa/#entry5463666

[Lite Beer]

Third case of subsidence hits riverside villagers in Ang Thong

The Nation on Sunday

ANG_THONG: -- Land subsidence two metres deep and 15 metres long was discovered recently on a road near a bank of the Chao Phraya River in Ang Thong - the third occurrence in the province in recent weeks.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....g/#entry5463673

[Lite Beer]

King opens water projects

The Nation on Sunday

His Majesty the King holds his camera during his boat trip to Nonthaburi yesterday, during which he was accompanied by Her Majesty the Queen and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

HM presides over ceremony at Nonthaburi after cruise upriver from Siriraj

BANGKOK: -- Cheers of "Long Live the King" echoed along the River of Kings yesterday as His Majesty travelled by a double-decker cruise ship from Bangkok to Nonthaburi to preside over the inauguration of five royal projects at the Royal Irrigation Department headquarters.

The five projects are Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam in Nakhon Nayok, Khwae Noi Bam Roong Dan Dam in Phitsanulok, Payang Bhumipat water tunnel in Kalasin, Thoranit-Narumitr Water Gate in Nakhon Phanom and Uthokvibhajaprasid Water Gate in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

The King, accompanied by Her Majesty the Queen and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, also inspected communities along the Chao Phraya River hit by severe flooding late last year.

The King left Siriraj Hospital at 4.30pm to board the Angsana ship, which was provided by the Royal Thai Navy, and cruised to the RID head office for the ceremony at 6.45pm. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit were also onboard the ship.

Since morning, people, mostly clad in pink shirts, camped along the Chao Phraya from Bangkok's Siriraj Pier to Koh Kred Pier in Nonthaburi to try to get a peak at their beloved monarch on the boat. Homes along the river, especially those along the route, were decorated with national flags and the royal flag.

People got excited and cheered "Long Live the King" when they saw the royal vessel. Some even wept tears of joy.

The ceremony, broadcast live on TV and radio, was watched by many in the five provinces where the projects are located.

Some 2,000 people, most clad in pink, gathered at the ceremonial ground in front of Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam in Nakhon Nayok's Muang district. Ten large tents were set up for guests along with a large 10-metre-long stage with the King's portrait and dome-shaped flowery offerings. Four large projectors showed the event live from Nonthaburi.

Farmer Sawai Sriya said he was grateful the King officially opened the dam, which was useful and would make his neighbourhood of Tambon Hin Tang more fertile with enough water for farming. "Before we had to dig 8 metres before we get water, now we only dig 4-5 metres and we can grow rice three times a year," he said adding that the dam had become a tourist attraction that created jobs and income for locals.

At the Payang Bhumipat water tunnel in Kalasin's Khao Wong district, tens of thousands showed up to attend the opening ceremony and observed the activity in Nonthaburi live. Meanwhile, the Khwae Noi Bam Roong Dan Dam in Phitsanulok's Wat Bot district also drew a large crowd wearing pink to admire the project exhibition and observe the official opening. Similar scenes occurred at the other two sites.

At the RID head office in Nonthaburi last night, the King observed a light-and-sound multimedia presentation entitled "Nam Sang Chewit" (Water Creates Life), which was presented on a riverside stage, projected onto a wall of large white screens.

The show narrated farmers’ drought woes and related water management issues, how the five projects came about, plus brief interviews with related officials and affected people.

-- The Nation 2012-07-08

[Lite Beer]

Soldier killed, 3 hurt in Narathiwat

NARONG NUANSAKUL

THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Police and soldiers inspect a blast crater after a bomb was detonated on a road in Narathiwat yesterday. One soldier was killed and three others injured in the insurgent attack.

NARATHIWAT: -- A roadside bomb killed one soldier and seriously injured three others in Narathiwat's Joh I Rong district yesterday, while two suspected RKK insurgents were apprehended with a 10kg bomb by rangers in Rangae district.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/568275-soldier-killed-3-hurt-in-narathiwat/#entry5463696

[Lite Beer]

Thais impressed with Japanese approach towards young inmates

Children need understanding parents who can raise them properly so that they can grow up to be socially acceptable adults.

Wannapa Khaopa The Nation on sunday

Young inmates at remand homes can become socially acceptable people, too, when they are raised by "parents" who understand them. This was the message at the first meeting of the Asia-Pacific Council for Juvenile Justice (APCJJ).

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/568276-thais-impressed-with-japanese-approach-towards-young-inmates/#entry5463702

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL

A new business order looms with Asean integration

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The government needs to be careful not to waste funds protecting sectors that are ultimately destined to fail

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/568278-a-new-business-order-looms-with-asean-integration/#entry5463706

[Lite Beer]

OLYMPICS COUNTDOWN

Yutthasak cools down gold haul hopes

The Nation on Sunday

Prapawadee Jaroenrattanatarakoon, who won gold at the Beijing Games, hopes to repeat her feat in London.

BANGKOK: -- Just one gold from London, says OCT chief

With only 20 days left for London to officially welcome the world and kick off the 2012 Summer Olympics, Thailand's athletes, who are in the final stretch of their preparation for the Games, are raring to go.

Thailand are sending 37 athletes from 16 sports disciplines to London with hopes of winning at least a handful of gold medals in the quadrennial sports extravaganza. However, Deputy Prime Minister General Yutthasak Sasiprapha, president of the Olympic Committee of Thailand, poured cold water on the dreams by saying a couple days ago that, winning just one gold medal in the July 27-August 12 Games, itself will be deemed a success.

"Things and conditions have changed. In my view, we will win only one gold medal this time and it can be achieved in weightlifting, not in amateur boxing where we were traditionally strong," Gen Yutthasak said.

"Only three Thai boxers have qualified for the London Games and truly speaking, all of them have not made a name for themselves. They have to take some of the world's formidable rivals from powerhouses such as Cuba, China, Russia and the US. Their hopes are not that high this time. Therefore, I think weightlifting is the only gold-medal prospect for Thailand, while skeet and trap shooting and taekwondo are the next two sports disciplines where our athletes can spring some surprises," he added.

Gen Yutthasak said that the preparations of the Thai athletes are in full swing. "They are ready to do their best. However, if things turn sour and Thai athletes fail to make their mark in London and return without any gold, it would be an upset. For those competing in the Olympics, it's not winning that always matters, but it's to take part."

The Thai athletes made their debut in the Olympic Games in 1952 in Helsinki, Finland. Boxer Payao Poontarat handed Thailand the country's first Olympic Games medal after claiming bronze in the 1976 Montreal Games. Another boxer, Dhawee Umpornmaha, captured the first silver Olympic medal for Thailand in the 1984 Los Angeles Games, with Somluck Kamsing making history by winning the Thailand's first Olympic gold ever in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Thai athletes have won 21 medals in Olympic history, mostly in boxing. However, Thailand's most successful Games to date was the 2004 edition in Athens, where they won eight medals including three gold and one silver.

In the previous Games in Beijing, Thailand spent Bt60 million in sending 51 athletes from 12 sports disciplines for training and participation compared to Bt67 million to prepare 37 athletes from 16 sports for the London Olympics.

The Thai delegation returned from Beijing with four medals, including two golds for boxer Somjit Jongjohor and women's weightlifter Prapawadee Jaroenrattanatarakoon.

One of Thailand's bright prospects of winning a gold is Pen-Ek Karaket in the men's 58kg taekwondo. The 22-year-old is the current Asian champion and a silver medallist in the Guangzhou Asian Games.

Moreover, three boxers, Kaew Pongprayoon, Chatchai Butrdee and Sailom Ardee, seven weightlifters including Prapawadee Jaroenrattanatarakoon and Pimsiri Laosirikul, badminton players such as Ratchanok Inthanon (in the women's singles), Boonsak Ponsana (in the men's singles) and Saralee Thoungthongkam/Sudket Prapakamol (in mixed doubles), and skeet and trap shooter Sutiya Jiewchaloemmit also have good chances of winning medals.

To encourage the Thai athletes to bring glory to the land, huge bonuses are promised by the government. Each Thai winning a gold medal will get Bt10 million, silver medallists Bt5 million and Bt3 million for bronze medallists.

Sponsors have also promised to offer incentives to medallists. Channel 7 and Siam Commercial Bank will award each gold medallist Bt1 million. Silver and bronze medallists will be awarded Bt500,000 and Bt300,000 respectively.

-- The Nation 2012-07-08

[Lite Beer]

Fatal fall doctor a possible suicide

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- A doctor from Siriraj Hospital's Radiology Department, Atthawit Ratrasarn, 29, fell to his death yesterday morning from an eleventh floor fitness room of a 22-storey medical dormitory in Bangkok Noi, police said.

Police found a chair placed near the room's balcony and a pair of sandals that reportedly belonged to the doctor.

An inspection of security cameras on the 11th floor and testimonies by building maids indicated that Dr Atthawit walked absent-mindedly in front of the floor's elevator but didn't take a ride. He was later found dead. Police found no sign of damage or a struggle in the doctor's room, only some unknown medicine. They suspect he committed suicide over stress from study and plan to question those who knew him for more |information.

-- The Nation 2012-07-08

[Lite Beer]

Motorbike thieves arrested in South

The Nation on Sunday

HAT YAI: -- Hat Yai police announced the arrest yesterday of seven suspected motorcycle thieves, aged 17-24, along with 150 items of evidence.

Songkhla police deputy chief Col Ekkapop Prasitwattanachai said the gang, apprehended on Friday, confessed that they separated stolen motorcycles' parts to get money for drugs and nightclubbing.

One suspect was arrested along with a stolen motorbike, leading to the arrest of fellow gang members at three houses in Tambon Kuan Lang along with parts and tools.

-- The Nation 2012-07-08

[Lite Beer]

Frenchman nabbed with fake cards

The Nation on Sunday

PATTAYA: -- A French man was arrested in Pattaya city along with 97 fake ATM/credit cards, police said yesterday.

Police found tourist Anthony Marc Christophe Claude, 24, acting suspicious while trying to withdraw cash at the Siam Commercial Bank branch on Pattaya New Road, so they presented themselves to search him, Claude then tried to run away but police nabbed him. They found 97 fake cards with a magnetic strip in the his bag. Police said if he had used all fake cards to withdraw money it could have taken tens of millions of baht.

-- The Nation 2012-07-08

[Lite Beer]

Foetuses taken to Ban Phaew cemetery

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Some 2,002 human foetuses discovered at Bangkok's Wat Phai Ngern Chotanaram in November 2010, which led to the arrest of two undertakers and an illegal abortion clinic nurse, were sent to a cemetery in Samut Sakhon's Ban Phaew district yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/568280-foetuses-taken-to-ban-phaew-cemetery/#entry5463740

[Lite Beer]

17 youths held for street racing

The Nation on Sunday

SAMUT SAKHON: -- Police in Samut Sakhon's Muang district announced the arrest of 17 youths yesterday for street racing, along with 30 motorbikes. Seven of the group under 18. They were among a group of about 100 racing on outbound Rama II road at about 1am.

Police urged parents to keep their youths at home at night and said they would take the offenders to court and propose that their bikes be seized to seriously crackdown on illegal street racing.

-- The Nation 2012-07-08

[Lite Beer]

Rayong holds monthly cultural event

RAYONG, 8 July 2012 (NNT) – The Rayong Culture Center, in cooperation with numerous agencies in the province of Rayong, including the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and local people, is holding a cultural event in one of the province’s original communities under the name “Street of Culture: Yomjinda”.

The event will take place every Friday and Saturday at the start of each month. Available for purchase at the event will be locally-made products, food, and drinks. Activities that will take place include demonstrations of local wisdom, and art and cultural shows from youths and other citizens.

Mr. Dumri Karnkuankid, Director of the Rayong Culture Center, stated that the event is being held to promote tourism in the province of Rayong and increase revenue for its residents. It will also be a venue for citizens to present cultural shows and help to advance Thai culture.

-- NNT 2012-07-08

[Lite Beer]

AOT: West runway of Suvarnabhumi Airport now operational

BANGKOK, 8 July 2012 (NNT) - The operator of Suvarnabhumi Airport has confirmed that the recently-repaired west runway has been reopened for service.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/568015-suvarnabhumi-airport-runway-crisis-deepens/page__st__100#entry5463886

[Lite Beer]

Thailand hosting 6th Ar-Rahnu Serantau Meeting in Pattani

PATTANI, 8 July 2012 (NNT) - One of Thailand's southernmost border provinces is playing host to the 6th Ar-Rahnu Serantau General Meeting, which is set to prepare all involved for the arrival of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015.

Justice Minister Pracha Promnog, on Saturday, chaired the official opening of the 6th Ar-Rahnu Serantau General Meeting, a major gathering of the Islamic credit facilities-related agencies within ASEAN, in Pattani Province.

This year's meeting is set to prepare all related parties in ASEAN for the realization of AEC, which will take place within less than 3 years.

Mr. Pracha said that Ar-Rahnu, or micro credit facilities, is a type of business transactions assisting the public and low-income members, who could be in need of short-term or emergency funds for their businesses.

He said that the goal of this service is to provide quick and non-complicate financial service with low fees for the general public, which complies with the teachings in the Koran.

The biennial meeting in Thailand sees the participation of representatives from 6 ASEAN nations, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia and Timor Leste.

-- NNT 2012-07-08

[Lite Beer]

About 46% of respondents uncertain bill to amend Constitution tantamount to attempt to topple current political system: Suan Dusit poll /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

Phuket Opinion: Beach warnings drowned out, but there's hope in the sky

Phuket Gazette –

Given the cacophony of messages assaulting tourists at Phuket's beaches, a new approach is needed to slow the wave of drownings. Image: Gazette Graphics

PHUKET: A recent poll conducted by the Phuket Gazette reveals that readers are evenly divided on which of six possible approaches would be most effective to minimize the number of lives lost to drowning during the monsoon season every year.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/568319-phuket-opinion-beach-warnings-drowned-out-but-theres-hope-in-the-sky/#entry5464316

[Lite Beer]

Dengue fever detected in Maehongson

MAEHONGSON, 8 July 2012 (NNT) - Fourteen patients with dengue fever have been discovered in Maehongson province. Officials are advising the public to quickly destroy mosquito breeding grounds.

Health officials are hurriedly insecticide-fogging communities throughout the province that may be breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The destruction of mosquito breeding areas comes after the occurrence of dengue fever and malaria patients in the province has been seen to be on the rise. At present, fourteen patients with dengue fever have been discovered, but no reports of fatalities so far. The greatest number of cases was reported in Pai.

Furthermore, 390 cases of malaria have been reported, along with one death. The Maehongson Health Center is asking the public to cooperate in eradicating the breeding grounds of mosquitoes, which are the carriers of these diseases. Mosquitoes are especially rampant in the rainy season, which is their breeding period.

The public is asked to exercise caution. Anyone experiencing elevated temperature and a fever that is not alleviated by medication should seek immediate medical attention.

-- NNT 2012-07-08

[Lite Beer]

ABAC poll: Most people believe House Speaker clip to become cause of conflict in Pheu Thai

BANGKOK, 8 July 2012 (NNT) - The ABAC Poll Research Center, Assumption University, revealed the results of a survey in which citizens were asked what they have gained from various political forums being held.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/568325-abac-poll-most-people-believe-house-speaker-clip-to-become-cause-of-conflict-in-pheu-thai/#entry5464443

[Lite Beer]

Surin province plants trees for Her Majesty

SURIN, 8 July 2012 (NNT) - The province of Surin is inviting citizens to plant trees in honor of Her Majesty the Queen, on the auspicious occasion of the royal eightieth birthday anniversary.

Mr. Pipop Damthongsuk, deputy governor of Surin, made known that the provincial administration, in cooperation with members of the public and private sectors, as well as citizens, are planning to plant a number of trees to celebrate Her Majesty’s birthday. The event, entitled “One Mooban, One Community, 80 Trees, 80 Years”, will promote the planting of trees and the conservation of natural resources, along with efficient, systematic management of water resources. These activities are initiated to prevent severe natural disasters.

The event will be opened on July 11, at 1:30 PM, by Mr. Nirun Kalayanamit, governor of Surin province. All citizens are encouraged to join in on planting trees in honor of Her Majesty the Queen.

-- NNT 2012-07-08

[Lite Beer]

Labour Ministry to help match unemployed to jobs available

BANGKOK, 8 July 2012 (NNT) – The Labour Minister has made known that the prime minister has urged the ministry to keep a close watch on the Eurozone debt crisis, and to also match up unemployed workers with available jobs. Workers are also to be trained before they enter the labour market.

Mr. Padermchai Sasomsop, the Minister of Labour, spoke of the measures set in motion to prepare for the layoff of workers in Thailand by industries that have been hit by the European economic crisis. He stated that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has ordered the Labour Ministry to gather data on unemployed workers and available jobs, so they can be matched up. This pairing of jobs to workers will be in accordance with the unemployed workers’ needs and abilities, as well as their desire to work at certain occupations.

The Department of Employment will take on the responsibility of matching jobs to employees. Furthermore, the Department of Skill Development will help train unemployed workers to help them better fulfill employers’ requirements.

-- NNT 2012-07-08

[Lite Beer]

Poll: Most are uncertain if bill to amend Constitution tantamount to attempt to topple political system

BANGKOK, July 8 - About 46% of poll respondents were uncertain if a bill to amend Section 291 of Constitution was tantamount to attempt to topple current political system, according to a Suan Dusit poll released on Sunday.

Suan Dusit Rajabhat University conducted an opinion poll among 1,389 people in Bangkok and surrounding provinces on July 6-7 about the Constitution Court hearing on the government-sponsored charter amendment bill.

The court will rule whether the bill to amend Section 291 of the Constitution contravenes Section 68 on July 13.

Among 1,389 people surveyed, 1,176 people have been following the news on the inquiry of the Constitution Court regarding the legality of the charter amendment bill, completed on Friday.

Among those keeping abreast of the news, 45.93 percent said they were uncertain if a bill to amend Section 291 of Constitution was tantamount to an attempt to topple the current political system because they do not understand the matter enough and do not know the real aim of the charter amendment.

Meanwhile, 29.66 percent believed that it is not considered toppling the political system because only some sections will be amended and there is no content related to overthrowing the political system.

According to the poll, the remaining 24.41 percent deemed it as overthrowing the system because the reason to amend the charter is not adequate and it seemed to be aimed at benefiting a particular group.

Most poll respondents believed that after the hearing ended, the direction of Thai politics would remain unchanged, as political conflicts would continue and political movements and protests of each particular group would still carry on.

Meanwhile, 26 percent said it would worsen, as the issue would remain controversial, as well as many unresolved problems. About 14.4 percent were optimistic, believing the Thai politics would improve, as all parties would accept and respect the ruling of the Constitution Court and continue doing their duty to dedicate themselves to the public welfare. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-07-08

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: The second lot of 400,000 PC Tablets, that will be given to Primary 1 students for free, expected to arrive in Thailand tomorrow

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: Post Offices in Lamphun are getting ready to sell longans & ship them nationwide in order to help local fruit farmers

[Lite Beer]

Thaksin's US VISA exchanges with nothing: Surapong

Supalak Ganjanakhundee

The Nation

Phnom Penh

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra obtained US entry VISA since May this year, said Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, dismissing an allegation made by the opposition of exchange with Utapao use.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/568272-ministry-or-usa-should-confirm-thaksin-visa/page__st__50#entry5464751

[Lite Beer]

Paramilitary ranger killed, 1 villager injured in Narathiwat shooting in Rangae district; attack may be personal conflict or insurgency /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

State Railway plans to increase booths selling local products, after those set up at southern train stations were well-received by tourists /MCOT