Thailand Live Sunday 12 Aug 2012

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Thailand Live Sunday 12 August 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 Saturday 11 Aug 2012

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[Lite Beer]

Govt willing to wait on Constitution and unity bills, Thaksin says

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra has told Isra News Agency that his younger sister's government would not rush to enact the charter-amendment or national-reconciliation bills.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....s/#entry5564235

[Lite Beer]

PM to inspect canals; govt to outline flood-prevention efforts

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will inspect the Royal Thai Army's canal-dredging activities in Bangkok on Wednesday through Friday, Pheu Thai Party deputy spokesman Jirayu Huangsap said yesterday, adding that this week will also see Science Minister Plodprasob Surassawadi announce the progress of the government's flood-prevention preparations.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/576609-yingluck-to-inspect-canals%3B-govt-to-outline-flood-prevention-efforts/#entry5564240

[Lite Beer]

Censorship not the answer to 'hate speech', scholar argues

Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Short of direct incitement to violence, political hate speech - which has proliferated in Thailand over the past half decade or more, especially on social-networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter - must be tolerated rather than censored, said Charnchai Chaisukkosol, a researcher at Mahidol University's Centre for Peace and Human Rights Studies.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....s/#entry5564252

[Lite Beer]

India funds three-nation road

Nophakhun Limsamarnphun

The Nation on Sunday

Anil Wadhwa

BANGKOK: -- $500-million loan from New Delhi to help build 3,200km highway through Myanmar and linking to Thailand

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/576613-india-funds-three-nation-road/#entry5564262

[Lite Beer]

Two police among drug arrests

Narong Nuansakul

Ekkapong Praditpong

Suwannee Bunditsak

The Nation on Sunday

NARATHIWAT: -- A police major and his two wives were arrested along with one kilogram of crystal meth worth over Bt10 million, guns and ammunitions in Narathiwat's Reu Soh district, while a former award-winning crime busting border cop was caught with 24,000 Yaba tablets at a checkpoint in Chiang Dao in the far north, it was announced yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/576614-two-police-among-drug-arrests/#entry5564278

[Lite Beer]

4 cops hurt in Pattani roadside bomb

The Nation on Sunday

PATTANI: -- Four police officers were wounded yesterday when a roadside bomb exploded as they accompanied a bomb squad that was returning from inspecting the site of a killing in Pattani's Khok Pho district.

Following the 5am killing of villager Seudee Samae, 41, a joint police and army security team, along with a 10-strong bomb squad, inspected the scene at Bang Khlong Chang in Tambon Na Ket.

At 8.30am the squad headed back to its base on a pickup truck, which - despite being equipped with a signal-scrambling device - was struck by a 2-kg bomb hidden in a motorcycle parked on the side of the road, detonated by remote control.

The bomb destroyed the truck and injured Sergeant Sakrin Saeng-ngern, Sergeant Nakhon Khon-ngan, Sergeant Nitthinon Samathi and Corporal Chusakk Prajongjit.

-- The Nation 2012-08-12

[Lite Beer]

Truck driver flees after killing three

The Nation on Sunday

PATHUM THANI: -- In Pathum Thani's Lam Luk Ka district yesterday, the driver of a trailer truck carrying foundation pillars reportedly dozed off behind the wheel at 7am, causing the vehicle to run over four pedestrians, killing three and injuring one.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/576615-truck-driver-flees-after-killing-three/#entry5564286

[Lite Beer]

Pheu Thai lines up 70 MPs for debate on budget

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Seventy Pheu Thai Party MPs will be defending the government during the upcoming House debate on the government's budget, Pheu Thai Party spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap said yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/576616-pheu-thai-lines-up-70-mps-for-debate-on-budget/#entry5564291

[Lite Beer]

MOTHER'S DAY

Exhibition to honour the Queen

The Nation on Sunday

Monks from all over the country attend a prayer ceremony to make merit on behalf of Their Majesties the King and Queen at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok yesterday.

BANGKOK: -- Photo show at Central World and ceremonies to honour HM

Members of the public have been invited to visit a grand exhibition to celebrate HM the Queen's 80th birthday at Bangkok's Central World Mall, PM's Office Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisal said yesterday, as he hosted the weekly "Yingluck Government Meets the People" TV and radio programme for the premier.

The exhibition, running until Wednesday, was divided into four parts, Niwatthamrong said. They were; the "art of silk" featuring beautiful silk cloth from the Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre; a photo exhibition compiling works of nine leading photographers about the Queen's royal initiative projects and social work; a photo exhibition featuring historic pictures of Their Majesties the King and Queen; and a display of the Queen's portrait and giant jasmine garlands.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her spouse are scheduled to pen best wishes for the Queen on her special day at the Royal Palace this morning. And at 5pm in the evening they will attend a religious ceremony graciously presided over by HRH Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn in the Royal Palace before Yingluck will preside over a candle lighting ceremony at Sanam Luang at 7.19pm.

Bangkok City's various districts will also host special events today to mark HM the Queen's birthday. Rajathevi district will host a morning merit-making ceremony, with free mobile medical services, free lunch and dinner for the underprivileged, stage performances at Urupong Intersection's Sport Centre before having people join the candle lighting ceremony at 7.19pm. Bang Sue district will host a walking rally at 4pm and an award ceremony for the district's outstanding mothers.

Events will also be hosted upcountry to honour the Queen. Yesterday, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources chief Boonchop Sutthamanaswong, local residents, tourists and children released 85,000 fish and shrimps, as well as 80 turtles into the sea at Laem Mae Pim Beach in Rayong's Klaeng district.

With jasmine as the day's symbolic flower, Nakhon Ratchasima's Muang district was buzzing at a large jasmine-garland-making community at Noen Mai Daeng amid orders for 1,000-1,500 garlands a day this Mother's Day.

-- The Nation 2012-08-12

[Lite Beer]

Mother’s Day jasmine sold for 1,100 THB per kilogram

CHIANG RAI, 12 August 2012 (NNT) - A survey of the prices of jasmine in the time leading up to the Mother’s Day at the Sirikorn Market in Chiang Rai, the largest market for fresh flowers, both retail and wholesale, in the province, has found an increase. Previously, the price for Grade A jasmine was at 500 THB per kilogram, but that price has now increased to 1,100 THB per kilogram.

Garlands of jasmine, however, still sell at 40 THB for a small garland, all the way up to 250 THB. Flower sellers have made known that jasmine is in short supply, as harvests have been affected by rain. Jasmine harvests have also been adversely affected by fluctuations in weather, causing plants to not bloom in time to supply the market. Thus, expenses for jasmine growers have risen.

Sales of jasmine are still slow, however, though sellers have quickly bought jasmine for fear of a shortage on the National Mother’s Day.

-- NNT 2012-08-21

[Lite Beer]

Thai-Cambodian border trade booms during long holidays

SURIN, 12 August 2012 (NNT) – Thai-Cambodian border trade has been booming since the start of the current long holidays.

The Chong Jom border market manager Pattana Chuenyong revealed on Saturday that the business environment in Surin Province has been quite exciting since the beginning of August.

Mr. Pattana said that, lately, the number of locals and tourists roaming the province has surged by thousands, justified by the dwindling number of parking lots there.

He added that travelers from other provinces have also been pouring in recent days, leading to speculations that millions of baht will be circulating in Surin this weekend alone.

At the Chong Jom border market, local tourists have continued to arrive since the start of the long holidays, and so have Cambodian tourists and merchants.

Reporters said that the improved Thai-Cambodian relations have led to the surge in the number of people visiting the Chong Jom border area.

-- NNT 2012-08-12

[Lite Beer]

Thais flocked to perform prayers for HM the Queen’s 80th birthday anniversary

BANGKOK, 12 August 2012 (NNT) – Thais have been flocking to join in the religious ceremony in Bangkok to mark HM the Queen’s 80th birthday anniversary.

A major Buddhist prayer ceremony has been organized at Lan Khon Muang plaza in front of the Bangkok City Hall to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 80th birthday anniversary on August 12th, 2012.

Since Saturday evening, a big crowd of Thais, adorn in white, has been taken part in all activities, from the mass prayers to the Dharma preaching and the meditation as well as the blessing ritual by 81 Buddhist monks.

Participants said that they decided to join the ceremony to show their gratitude to HM the Queen and to welcome the blessings for themselves and their families.

The ceremony on Saturday ended at 11 p.m. and an alms offering ceremony for 81 Buddhist monks has been organized on Sunday morning in front of the Bangkok City Hall.

-- NNT 2012-08-12

[Lite Beer]

Kaew wins silver after losing to Zou of China

Kaew Pongprayoon got Olympic silver for the light flyweight (49kg) division boxing after he was beaten by Zou Shiming of China early Sunday morning.

Beijing 2008 champion Zou was credited with all three rounds in a 13-10 points victory although the decision was roundly booed by the crowd at the Excel arena and Kaew slumped to the floor in disbelief when the referee raised the three-time world champion’s arm.

-- The Nation 2012-08-12

[Lite Beer]

RT@ChadapornLin: Thai boxer Kaeo's defeat to Chinese boxer upsets those who watched the match as the Thai's performance was clearly better

RT@ChadapornLin: Tan from Oishi says he'll give Kaeo 5 million even though his original announcement was 1 million for a silver medal

RT@RichardBarrow: In case you missed it, here’s the full replay for the Thailand vs. China boxing final: youtu.be/7-QOzaSSjsc

RT@RichardBarrow: Kaew: “It might not be gold, but it’s still silver, and I’m really proud that I can bring it back for the Thai people”

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow:​ Already over 6,000 complaints on the Facebook page of AIBA regarding the controversial boxing match facebook.com/photo.php?fbid…

RT@RichardBarrow: In celebration of Kaew’s Olympic win last night, McDonalds are giving out free cups of Coke to everyone from 12-1pm

[Lite Beer]

Forest fires in Indonesia’s Sumatra, Thailand’s southern provinces cause smog, covering all 10 districts in Trang /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

Thai boxer Kaeo's dream of Olympic gold medal shattered

LONDON, Aug 12 -- Thai boxer Kaeo Pongprayoon's dream of an Olympic gold medal for Thailand was shattered on Saturday when he was defeated by Zou Shiming of China in the men's light flyweight division (48kg) final at the 2012 London Olympic Games in London.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/576556-thai-boxer-kaeo-pongprayoon-to-fight-for-gold-medal/page__st__50#entry5564689

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: Along Ratchadamnoen Road today, between Royal Plaza & Sanam Luang, there is a chance to see over 100 classic vehicles. Next parade at 4pm.

[Lite Beer]

Thais celebrate HM the Queen’s 80th birthday

BANGKOK, Aug 12 – Thai people across the country joined in mass morning alms-giving to make merit on the occasion of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 80th birthday.

In Bangkok, at the Laan Khon Mueng plaza in front of the Bangkok city hall, Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra led officials of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and people to offer alms to 81 monks in a merit-making ceremony on the occasion of Her Majesty the Queen’s 80th birthday.

A mass morning alms offering of food to 181 monks was held at Sanam Luang ceremonial ground. Lights have been installed to decorate Ratchdamnoen Road in honour of Her Majesty until August 19.

As HM the Queen’s birthday is also the National Mother’s Day, the National Council on Social Welfare of Thailand under royal patronage gave plaques to 214 exemplary mothers for their dedication, including Samunmas Khampheerayarn, mother of Col Krit, commander of an infantry company in the southern province of Narathiwat who was killed in an insurgent attack.

In the northern province of Chiang Rai, hilltribe people attended mass prayers and practiced dhamma at the temple for HM the Queen.

In the southern province of Yala, the governor led people to give food to 81 monks, and a well-wishing ceremony for the Queen was joined by a large number of local people amid tight security.

In Surat Thani, about 3,000 people gave alms to 89 monks and released 89,000 fish into the Tapi River in a merit-making ceremony for this auspicious occasion. (MCOT online news)

-- The Nation 2012-08-12

[Lite Beer]

PM, prominent figures sign well-wishing books for HM the Queen's birthday at Grand Palace; public allowed to sign well-wishing books til 5pm /MCOT

[george]

Thaivisa is joining the movement and backing App.net

Sign up here: http://join.app.net/qmgsvngc #joinus

[Lite Beer]

Smog blankets Trang

TRANG, Aug 12- Smog from forest fires on the Indonesian island of Sumatra and Thai southern provinces has been covering all 10 districts of Trang province, according to local official.

Apart from the forest fire on Sumatra Island, fires in the peat swamp forests in the neighbouring provinces of Nakhon Si Thammarat and Patthalung have also caused smog in Trang to be thicker, Amnuay Chantarat of Trang disaster prevention and mitigation office said on Sunday.

As the ongoing smog gripping this southern province has caused poor visibility, Mr Amnuay warned drivers and motorists to be more careful when driving.

To prevent possible accidents, small trawlers in local fishing fleets were advised to operate their fishing activities during the late morning, he said, explaining that the thick smog blanketed in the early morning and the evening.

In addition, persons having health problems were advised to refrain from outdoor exercises and activities during this period while residents were instructed to wear masks or cover their noses with wet cloths in order to prevent smog-related ailments. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-08-12

[Lite Beer]

Boxer Kaeo Pongprayoon to return to Thailand Aug 14; his mother says Olympic silver medal is most precious & greatest gift for Mother's Day /MCOT

RT@RichardBarrow: News just in, Green Tea Tycoon Khun Tan has changed his mind & will give Kaew 10 Million Baht! http://t.co/LBv84vD6

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: CEO of Nok Air Khun @Patee122 has just tweeted that ALL Thai Olympic athletes can fly for free for one year whether they won a medal or not

[Lite Beer]

About 30,000 inmates granted royal pardons on occassion of HM the Queen's birthday: Corrections Department /MCOT

[george]

URGENT!

Two English teachers from the Rangsit university are in urgent need for ORH negative blood.

Can you help?

Read more: http://www.thaivisa....ish-professors/

[Lite Beer]

Phuket honors Queen’s birthday

Phuket Gazette –

Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha and his wife Mrs Nalinee lead the offering of alms to 81 monks before the blessing ceremony to honor HM Queen Sirikit’s 80th birthday today. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

The Governor's wife, Nalinee Augkaradacha, leads a pledge by women's organizations in Phuket to develop the nation to honor Her Majesty. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/576709-phuket-honors-queens-birthday/#entry5565339

[Lite Beer]

ABAC Poll: Citizens impressed by Their Majesties´ concern over southern unrest

BANGKOK, 12 August 2012 (NNT) - Dr. Noppadon Kannika, director of the ABAC Poll Research Center, Assumption University, revealed the results of a survey regarding the unrest in the three southernmost provinces. The respondents to the survey were a sample group of citizens aged over 18 years in 17 provinces. The survey was conducted from August 7 to 11.

Almost all of the respondents (99.4%) expressed a high to very high level of elation at receiving the news that His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen had graciously lent their support to and made known their concerns for all their people residing in the three southern border provinces.

Additionally, a large portion of the respondents, or 67.5%, shared the opinion that the government should be given the opportunity to continue solving the unrest problem in the three southern border provinces. Of the respondents, 85% wanted a no-confidence debate on priority issues such as expensive goods and high living expenses. 84.6% of the respondents also wanted the no-confidence debate to touch on narcotics while 81.1% wanted MPs to pinpoint falling agricultural goods prices and farmers' access to financial sources.

-- NNT 2012-08-12