Thailand Live Tuesday 24 Jul 2012

[webfact]

Thailand Live Tuesday 24 July 2012

News, Bits and Tweets

with webfact

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.

FOLLOW US:

You can also follow us on

- Twitter: http://twitter.com/georgebkk

- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ThaiVisaNews

- Google+: http://plus.google.com/116866638430460700577/

- Breaking News via SMS text messages to your mobile phone or handheld device

To subscribe dial *424010011 on AIS, One-2-Call, DTAC or True Move networks

14 days complementary subscription for Thaivisa members.

If you have questions about the Breaking News SMS service,

email: sms [at] thaivisa.com

________________________________________________________________________________

Thailand's current weather and forecasts: http://weather.thaivisa.com/

________________________________________________________________________________

Related topic: Thailand Live Monday 23 Jul 2012

[webfact]

THAIVISA CONNECT

Thaivisa Forum Apps for your mobile or tablet

"Thaivisa Connect" for iPhone, iPad and iPod:

iTunes App Store:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/thaivisa-connect-thailand/id492600537

"Thaivisa Connect" for Android:

Android Market

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.quoord.tapatalkthaivisa.activity

OR

For QR code just go here with your desktop or mobile:

http://apps.thaivisa.com

[webfact]

POLITICS

Watch your tongue, court tells Jatuporn

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court yesterday said another hearing was needed on August 9 on whether to grant a Constitution Court request for red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan

Full story:

[webfact]

HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE

Experts to examine cause of two-year-old girl's death

Chuleeporn Aramnet

Thanatpong Kongsai

The Nation

Virologists to assess if girl died of disease, amid health scare

BANGKOK: -- Virologists and experts will today determine whether a 21/2-year-old girl died last week from hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) or any other illness, according to Deputy Public Health Minister Surawit Khonsomboon.

Full story:

[webfact]

Sukampol cancels press conference on Abhisit conscription case

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Defence Minister ACM Sukampol Suwannathat yesterday abruptly cancelled a press conference scheduled for today to explain the findings of his ministry

Full story:

[webfact]

AFP: Thai troops shot Italian photographer: police

Full story:

[webfact]

THAI-MYANMAR TIES

President to look into the 92 Thais

The Nation

Thein Sein

Myanmar President Thein Sein yesterday promised to look into the issue

BANGKOK: -- A Government House source said Thein Sein told Yingluck that he was willing to look into their situation but those found involved in drugs and war weapons must stand trial. A reduction of their sentence was possible while they would be assured good care in prison, he said.

Thein Sein also thanked Thailand and the Thai people for their support for his country while undertaking democratic reforms. Both leaders met during a session and inked two agreements for business deals in Myanmar's Dawei area and development projects elsewhere in Myanmar.

More signings are expected for promoting energy cooperation and upgrading four border crossings from temporary to permanent status.

A military source based in Ranong, across from Myanmar's Koh Song where the Thais are being held, said that by Friday, Thai detainees not charged for crimes, or not found at fault in nonfelonies, or women and children could be separated out and undergo legal procedures and court trials.

A group of Ranong residents whose relatives were among the 92 Thai detainees, before learning that Yingluck and Thein Sein finally discussed the issue, had gathered outside an Army outpost and expressed disappointment upon learning that both leaders did not bring up the matter.

Weeratham Yimwan, a villager, said he hopes that those not involved in crimes would be finally released, while the wrongdoers should be sentenced.

-- The Nation 2012-07-24

[webfact]

Chuwit fined Bt2.4 million

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Supreme Court yesterday fined Rak Thailand Party leader Chuwit Kamolvisit Bt2.4 million for expanding a massage parlour without a building permit 10 years ago.

The fine includes daily interest and a daily fine of Bt500 on top of the original fine of Bt1.1 million levied by lower courts many years ago. Chuwit was found guilty of renovating the Honolulu massage parlour and adding some rooms and structures without seeking a permit from the Huai Khwang District Office.

The Criminal Court had sentenced him to a Bt40,000 fine plus a Bt1,000 daily fine, but halved both following his confession. The Appeals Court upheld the guilty verdict and the rates.

Chuwit divested himself of his massage parlours after entering politics.

-- The Nation 2012-07-24

[webfact]

Govt to allow pregnant migrant workers to give birth here

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Illegal female migrant workers who get pregnant while working in Thailand would be allowed to stay and give birth here, under a proposal by the Department of Employment, and their babies could stay legally with their mothers, directorgeneral Prawit Khiangphol said yesterday.

Full story:

[webfact]

Obese Thais to shed 10,000 tonnes in body weight

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A weight control campaign has been organised during the threemonth Buddhist Lent, between August 3 and October 30, with the aim of reducing obesity among Thai people. Some 17 million are considered grossly overweight, ranking the Kingdom fifth in the Asia Pacific region.

Full story:

[webfact]

Rehab campaign

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Six key agencies responsible for narcotics suppression and public health are jointly running a campaign to rehabilitate 40,000 drug users and addicts in prison while more arrests of dealers and seizure of the drugs in large hauls are being made.

On rehabilitation, 4,000 drugusing inmates will undergo treatment every month starting from last month, said Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung at a press conference yesterday, which saw six agencies sign an agreement for the campaign. There are now 140,000 inmates on drugrelated convictions among the 230,000 people in prisons.

From April to June, there were 298,800 arrests with around 289,000 taken into custody on drugs charges. Seizures of assets were ordered in 3,888 cases, totalling Bt1,266 million. Some 372,900 noninmate drug users have undergone rehabilitation so far.

Meanwhile in Chiang Mai, heroin and amphetamine tablets, totalling Bt40 million, were seized after police arrested a bigtime dealer, Chalerm Manori, 33. It was the largest haul this year in the northern province.

-- The Nation 2012-07-24

[webfact]

State unions discuss how to better services

PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Leaders of state enterprise unions met yesterday to brainstorm on how they could win over the public by improving services and resist the trend of privatisation.

Full story:

[webfact]

Comedian Don has last laugh over cancer

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Veteran comedian Lek Phianwitkate, better known by his stagename Don Jamookban [spread-out nose], has survived liver cancer.

He's also selling fermented fish to boost his income.

Speaking on a morning news programme aired on Nation Channel yesterday, Don said he was lucky to have been a non-drinker, otherwise the only remaining parts of his liver probably would not have been able to take the strain. Not much of his liver was left after the cancerridden parts had been removed in the surgery that saved his life.

Don, 61, said he was diagnosed with liver cancer, at stage four out of five, in 2007, the same year late folk singer Niphon Phraiwal, or Yodrak Salakjai, was also diagnosed at stage one of the same illness. Before he underwent the operation, Don's weight dropped to 53 kilos. It is now back to 64, near his normal level.

Don said today he preferred to perform for payment rather than receive donations. He also needed to sell the fermented fish and chilli paste to cope with high followup treatment and medication costs. "I insist I don't want donations, but you could better call me for shows. I can now stay with the production crew all night, till dawn," he laughed.

-- The Nation 2012-07-24

[webfact]

Thais bag gold in Physics Olympiad

The Nation

ESTONIA: -- Thai students snared three gold, one silver and one bronze medals at the 43rd International Physics Olympiad in Estonia.

The three gold medallists were Paphop Sawasdee from Triam Udom Suksa School, who was also recognised as attaining the sixth highest score, Natthanan Tantiwasadakan from Suankularb Wittayalai School and Puthipong Worasaran from Mahidol Wittayanusorn School.

The silver medal went to Pongsapak Sawasdirak from Triam Udom Suksa and the bronze to Supanut Thanasilp from Mahidol Wittayanusorn.

The competition from July 1524 drew 378 students from 81 countries. A Hungarian student was able to get the highest score, followed by two students from China and two from Taiwan.

The Thai representatives would arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 12.50pm tomorrow.

"The competition helps encourage Thai students to learn more about science. The process that selects eligible students from across the country has inspired them to try to improve their knowledge in science so that they can be selected to represent Thailand," Paphop said.

He aims to become a scientist, engineer or researcher, as he wants to develop medical and industrial equipment.

Natthanan said he would be awarded a King's Scholarship to study abroad. He hopes to become a lecturer who passes on knowledge to students and carries out research to upgrade Thais and knowledge.

Puthipong would be given a scholarship provided for international Olympiad medallists to study abroad. He looks forward to teaching and conducting research after graduation.

-- The Nation 2012-07-24

[webfact]

SOUTH CRISIS

Insurgents 'plotting attacks' in Songkhla

Panya Tiewsangwan

Amornrat Kemkhao

The Nation

SONGKHLA: -- Insurgents are plotting attacks in key areas of Songkhla's Hat Yai and Muang districts, according to Songkhla Governor Krissada Boonraj.

Full story:

[webfact]

Aussie expat found hanged in Phuket

Phuket Gazette

An outside view of the Phuket home where the body of Australian Daniel Cruwys was found this morning. Photo: Thawit Bilabdullar

PHUKET: -- An Australian expat took his life by hanging in a luxury home under construction in Phuket, it was discovered this morning.

Full story:

[webfact]

Army chief visits southern province of Narathiwat to boost morale of local officials after recent car bomb /MCOT

[webfact]

Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,184.16, down 0.95 points /MCOT

[webfact]

Special Report: HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn

BANGKOK: -- On 28 July 2012, Thais from all walks of life are celebrating the auspicious occasion of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn's 60th birthday anniversary.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn was born to Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit at Dusit Palace on 28 July 1952. He graduated and received a number of training courses in military affairs in line with his interests in this field.

HRH Prince Vajiralongkorn on 28 December 1972 was proclaimed the Crown Prince and Heir Apparent to the throne. On that day, HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn took an oath at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, vowing to perform royal duties for the sake of the nation and the betterment of his Thai citizens.

HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has frequently accompanied Their Majesties the King and Queen upon their visits to many parts of Thailand. He has often visited Somdet Phrayuparaj hospitals under his royal patronage in remote areas of the country. He has also been performing many royal duties promoting public health, social welfare, foreign affairs, and education, as well as religious and legal functions. Some of them have been performed as designated by TM the King and Queen.

As for his roles in military affairs, HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has been in the military service since 9 January 1975, serving in many positions. He used to take part in military battle against terrorism in the northern and northeastern parts of the country. He also helped safeguard the areas around refugee camps for the Cambodians in the eastern province of Trat.

Due to his special interests in aviation, HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn had received further trainings in the US, enabling him to fly many models of aircrafts. He won a military flying competition in Lop Buri province on 1 April 1987. In addition, he has been working as an instructor for F-5 E/F fighter aircraft operations in the Royal Thai Air Force since 4 May 1994.

Up to the present time, it can be seen how HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has been following in royal footsteps of TM the King and Queen in promoting the well-being of Thai people since the day he took an oath to do so.

For the special occasion this year, the Bank of Thailand is printing two commemorative banknotes in celebration of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 80th birthday and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 60th birthday.

The banknote to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday anniversary on 12 August 2012 is worth 80 baht, to be sold for 120 baht with a hard-paper cover.

As for the celebrations of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn’s fifth cycle, or 60th, birthday anniversary on 28 July 2012, 10 million commemorative banknotes ,worth 100 baht each, have been issued and will be in circulation from 27 July 2012 onwards.

The image on the front side is identical to the 15th series of the 100-baht banknotes presently in circulation. The special design on the back of the banknote includes a portrait of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and depicts the scene of His Royal Highness being conferred the title of Crown Prince.

-- NNT 2012-07-24

[webfact]

ASEAN-Japan human resource development seminar held in Thailand

BANGKOK, 24 July 2012 (NNT) - The Department of Skill Development has held a seminar on human resource development cooperation between ASEAN and Japan.

The Department of Skill Development Deputy Director-General M.L. Puntarik Smiti presided over the seminar, which is aimed at improving this region’s labor skills.

M.L. Puntarik said ASEAN members must make rooms for huge adjustments to prepare for the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015. She added the economic gap between the CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam) and the group of Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Philippine must be reduced, by improving labor skills.

The Department of Skill Development therefore holds the seminar, which is a joint development between ASEAN and Japan. The seminar is aimed at exchanging information, experience, and views on human resource development. Representatives from overseas are observing the workplaces and systems in Thailand.

-- NNT 2012-07-24

[webfact]

Public Health: Hand, foot and mouth crisis to die down in a month

BANGKOK, 24 July 2012 (NNT) - The Public Health Ministry has confirmed that the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) crisis will die down in a month, reiterating that the virus has not mutated.

Deputy Public Health Minister Dr Surawit Khonsomboon said the ministry will be able to control the hand, foot and mouth disease outbreak within 4-6 weeks. He stated the number of new infections has been reduced this week.

As for the case of the two-year-old girl who died last week, Dr Surawit said Enterovirus 71, a strain of HFMD, was found in the girl's throat but not in her spinal cord. He added that further examinations will be conducted to find the true cause of death.

The deputy minister also affirmed that the virus did not mutate, saying this virus strain is normally found in Thailand. He added the government has prepared prevention measures and will be able to provide assistance to neighboring countries, if requested.

-- NNT 2012-07-24

[webfact]

Public Health Ministry holds Old Medicines-for-Eggs campaign in Bangkok

BANGKOK, 24 July 2012 (NNT) - The Public Health Ministry has launched the “old medicines for eggs” campaign in Bangkok during July 23rd-27th.

Public Health Minister Wittaya Buranasiri on Monday presided over the opening ceremony of the “old medicines for eggs” campaign. He said that, to date, the Public Health Ministry has acquired 37 million pills/tablets of old medicines from the public.

For Bangkok, 33 locations have been chosen to carry out the campaign, including Rajavithi Hospital, BTS’s Victory Monument Station, Central Department Store – Rama 3, and Central Plaza Grand Rama 9.

The Public Health Minister is asking the public to bring their old medicines to exchange for eggs--each family is entitled to receive at least 5 eggs-- and useful knowledge on how to use drugs safely; during the aforementioned period

This project is aimed at finding the causes of people’s health issues. The Public Health Ministry reported that many Thai patients take medication for only 1-2 days, and if they do not feel better, immediately switch to another doctor, who most of the times prescribes the same type of medicine, under a different genetic names, for them. The report also stated many people keep pills and never use them. The medicine collection under the project will help the ministry find the people’s true behaviors regarding the use of medicine.

-- NNT 2012-07-24

[webfact]

Thais warned of heavy rain, flooding

BANGKOK, July 24- Thai people have been warned of heavy rain and possible flooding as well as forest run-off this week due to the effects of Typhoon Vicente, according to the national weather bureau.

Full story:

[webfact]

SET index midday up 6.99 pts, 0.59 pct

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thai composite stocks index (SET) at midday Tuesday stood at 1,192.10, up 6.99 points, or 0.59 per cent amid Bt12.22 billion turnover.

Blue chip SET-50 index was at 823.11, up 4.68 points, or 0.57 per cent.

Top five active (value) stocks: DTAC, PTT, CPF, KBANK, SCB.

-- The Nation 2012-07-24

[Lite Beer]

Deputy PM Yuthasak says strategy in far South will be adjusted

BANGKOK, July 24 - The Deputy Prime Minister Gen Yuthasak Sasiprapa on Tuesday said that the strategy to tackle violence in Thailand's insurgency-torn southern border region will be adjusted following continued attacks in the area.

The deputy premier overseeing national security, speaking on security measures to be taken during Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, commented at today’s Cabinet meeting.

Gen Yuthasak said security concerned agencies have closely monitored insurgent moves around the clock and there were warnings to the authorities on possible attacks before Ramadan.

The deputy premier admitted that Friday’s bombing was unexpected as it occurred in the business district and that concerned officials would have to adjust their strategy.

He said there were still some defects in the strategic responses although intelligence operations have improved.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has ordered the setup of more "safety zones" and installation of closed circuit televisions covering all key areas, according to the deputy premier.

Gen Yuthasak added the prime minister will chair a meeting on violence in southern border provinces early August.

The premier is expected to discuss the solution in overall in the far South and integrated adjustment of operations without any budget cuts.

Regarding last Friday’s car bomb which injured eight people and set ablaze a commercial building in Narathiwat's Sungai Kolok district, Gen Yuthasak said an investigation was progressing and that security officials are tracking suspects who have already been identified. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-07-24

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: 37 Thai athletes are competing at the London Olympics. Take your sunscreen if you're going. Yesterday was 28C & no rain.

[Lite Beer]

Appeals Court slaps suspended jail term on Suthep for defaming Prommin

BANGKOK: -- The Court of Appeals Tuesday slapped a suspended four-month jail term and a Bt2,000 fine on former Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban for defaming former Thai Rak Thai executive Prommin Lertsuridej.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/572197-appeals-court-slaps-suspended-jail-term-on-suthep-for-defaming-prommin/#entry5513935

[Lite Beer]

Phang Nga man crushed in Phuket crane accident

Phuket Gazette

Rescue workers at the scene of the tragedy in front of Thalang National Museum this morning. Photo: Thawit Bilabdullar

Phuket Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers prepare the body of the late Mr Wecharat for transport to Thalang Hospital. Photo: Thawit Bilabdullar

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/572209-phang-nga-man-crushed-in-phuket-crane-accident/#entry5513969

[Lite Beer]

Patong, Phuket set for election alcohol bans

Phuket Gazette

Patong native Pian Keesin, 68, will run for re-election as Patong Mayor in the upcoming September 2 election. He has effectively been mayor of Patong for the past 25 years. Photo: Gazette file

PHUKET: The sale of alcohol will be banned across Phuket on August 26 and again in Patong on September 2 as voters go to the polls for local elections.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/572210-patong-phuket-set-for-election-alcohol-bans/#entry5513999

[webfact]

Lab test confirms 2-year-old girl dies of severe strain of hand, foot and mouth disease: Department of Disease Control /MCOT