National park department plans to file lawsuit against encroachers to recoup demolition costs

BANGKOK, 3 August 2012 (NNT) - Following demolitions of illegally built resorts in Thap Lan National Park, the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department said it is planning to file a civil lawsuit against resort owners to regain the demolition costs.

The department’s director-general Damrong Pidech said that its legal affairs division is determining the final cost of demolitions which were carried out last Saturday at nine resorts in Prachin Buri and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces.

The department is also considering filing a lawsuit against encroachers for incurring environmental damages in national park areas.

One of the resort owners filed a lawsuit with the Administrative Court against the department on July 31, following the crackdown. Mr Damrong responded to the allegation by saying that the national park’s chief Tewin Meesap will present evidence supporting the department’s action at the hearing on August 7.

The park’s deputy chief added that the department is filing lawsuits against 418 encroachers to recover environmental damages inflicted on approximately 8,000 rai of land. The cost is estimated at 400-800 million baht.

-- NNT 2012-08-03

Black labrador bites newborn baby to death in Bangkok

By Coconuts Bangkok

A black labrador

BANGKOK: -- A labrador mauled a couple’s nine-day-old baby son to death before the dog was itself killed, reportedly by the boy’s grief-stricken father.

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4G hi-speed wireless internet and mobile applications at ICT Expo 2012, Muang Thong Thani Impact Arena Aug 3-6 /The Nation

Thai police search warehouse, find traces of drugs smuggled to Australia: Sydney drug bust

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Health Ministry mulling 5-year strategic plan to boost Thailand as international health hub

BANGKOK, 3 August 2012 (NNT) – The Public Health Ministry has mulled a 5-year strategic plan to strengthen Thailand’s ambition to become an international health hub.

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Phuket Prison gates swing open for mothers' hugs

Phuket Gazette

HUGGING IT OUT: About 200 inmates will get two hours to hug and talk to their mothers or children in honor of HM Queen Sirikit’s 80th birthday. Photo: Gazette file

Mothers in prison are openning their arms to Chief Rapin’s plans for Mother’s Day. Photo: Chutharat Plerin

PHUKET: -- The gates of Phuket Provincial Prison will be open on August 15 and 16 to enable mothers to hug their children inside the facility in honor of HM Queen Sirikit’s 80th birthday on August 12.

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Charity rally to support Phuket Stray Dog Shelter

Phuket Gazette

Kennel 2 at the Phuket Stray Dog Shelter in Mai Khao, Phuket. Photo: Orawin Narabal

PHUKET: -- The sixth “Rally Dogkar” charity fundraiser will take place in Phuket this weekend, giving dog lovers and their pampered pets a chance to raise money for about 500 less-fortunate animals cooped up at the provincial dog pound in Thalang.

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Barge explosion mid-river in Chao Phraya at Pathum Thani three crewmen jump overboard; two rescued, one missing /MCOT

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Thailand Live Saturday 4 Aug 2012

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