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Thailand Live Thursday 16 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 Wednesday 15 Aug 2012

Posted

Booze, obesity cause most early deaths among Thais

THE NATION

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BANGKOK: -- Excessive drinking of alcohol and obesity were among the leading causes of premature death among men and women in Thailand, according to a study released yesterday.

Full story:

Posted

BUDGET DEBATE

Korn slams biggest budget in Thai history

BUSINESS DESK

THE NATION

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Korn

BANGKOK: -- The 2013 Budget Bill yesterday was carved up by party-list MP Korn Chatikavanij of the Opposition Democrat Party, who slammed it as the highest spending in history, which includes a policy on corporate income tax cut that favours big business.

Full story:

Posted

ENVIRONMENT

Forest fire torches 15,000 rai

The Nation

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NAKHON SI THAMMARAT: -- At least 15,000 rai of protected forest land in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Songkhla has been destroyed by a fire that authorities say was started by locals who wanted to fish in the peat swamps.

Wildfires were still raging yesterday in the peat-swamp forests in five districts of Nakhon Si Thammarat, especially in Ron Phibun, Chian Yai and Chu-uat. Prolonged drought has made the forests especially susceptible to fire.

Thick smog covers the districts, according to Region 4 Army Deputy Commander Maj-General Kitti Intasorn, who led a helicopter inspection.

The blaze started behind an adjacent palm plantation, he said.

Military personnel deployed into the forests were having great difficulty fighting the fire, Kitti said. It's also been a struggle to transport water.

Thanakorn Raktham, chief of the Forest Fire Control Division, said officials spotted two new blazes moving toward the Chai Pattana Foundation's research plantation. Firefighters were trying their best to get ahead of the flames, but have been hampered by gusty winds.

Firefighters were also trying to protect the land under the Support Foundation of Her Majesty the Queen in Chian Yai's Tambon Mae Chao Yoo Hua.

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-- The Nation 2012-08-16

Posted

2013 BUDGET

Democrats blast 'lack of transparency' in budget debate

KORNCHANOK RAKSASERI

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- During yesterday's budget debate, Democrat MPs cited a lack of transparency as the reason the government does not deserve the large sum it has proposed.

Full story:

Posted

COURT

Rayong people to appeal against court verdict on land documents

KESINEE TANGKHIEO

THE NATION

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Conservationists from Prachuap Khiri Khan

RAYONG: -- Local people from Rayong's Mae Ramphueng area will be appealing to the Supreme Administrative Court against the lower court's decision to drop their complaint over the land rights documents held by Sahaviriya Group's subsidiaries.

Full story:

Posted

BOT

Central bank's board chief is "causing confusion"

JEERAWAT NA THALANG

THE NATION

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Tarisa

BANGKOK: -- Tarisa Watanagase, the former Bank of Thailand governor, yesterday warned Virabongsa Ramangura, the chairman of the central bank's board of directors, not to cause confusion by making conflicting comments on monetary policy.

Full story:

Posted

Ministry to repair damaged sculpture on Bt500,000 budget

PAKAMARD JAICHALARD

THE NATION

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Bt500,000 budget for horse sculpture that fell off pagoda at Wat Arun

BANGKOK: -- A sum of Bt500,000 will be spent on urgent repairs to the partially damaged pagoda at Wat Arun Rajwararam, also known as the Temple of Dawn, after a part from the neck to the head of a horse sculpture installed on the pagoda broke and fell during the past weekend.

It would take three months to finish the repair of the broken horse sculpture and maintain three other horse sculptures on the pagoda in good condition, according to Culture Minister Sukumol Kunplome.

The Culture Ministry would provide the funds for the repairs.

A major repair project would be undertaken in 2017, costing at least Bt80 million, Sukumol said yesterday after her visit to the temple to inspect the damaged parts of the ancient pagoda.

She also invited people to donate money for the repairs to Krungthai Bank account number 018-0-09603-6. The account name is "Kong Thoon Burana Boransathan" (fund for ancient site repair).

Major repair projects of the temple have been done every 10 years, the previous ones being in 1997, 2007 and 2017, said Fine Arts Department director-general Somsuda Leyavanija.

Not only the horse sculpture, but also porcelain pieces and some parts of a half-bird half-woman sculpture of the pagoda have come off due to the rains and winds and their age.

Somsuda said the department's staff would check the broken part of the sculpture to see if its concrete could be placed on the sculpture. They would use fresh concrete to fill other areas of the sculpture where the old concrete could not be used. They would also repair other decorations of the pagoda that are likely to fall.

In December last year, the month-long inundation and overflowing of Chao Phraya River had led to collapse of the soil as a result an old wall at Wat Arun Rajwararam partially caved in. This is threatening the stability of the pagoda. Fungi were also found covering some parts of the pagoda, according to assistant abbot Phra Khru Arun Thammanuwat.

The assistant abbot said the department's staff had inspected the damage at that time and had come up with ideas to repair the pagoda, but the department later allocated only a Bt5-million budget to solve the soil collapse problem, while no budget was provided to repair the pagoda.

Somsuda said the last cleanup of the pagoda took place in 1967-1968 and 1995-1996. Normally, they cleaned up the pagoda to get rid of fungi and stains every 23-25 years.

In response to a previous news report that the top of the pagoda had fallen down, the assistant abbot said the media had misreported and that part of the pagoda remains strong. He insisted that the problem occurred only with the horse sculpture, and the temple would temporarily close some parts of the temple for tourists' safety during the repairs.

nationlogo.jpg

-- The Nation 2012-08-16

Posted

No tickets for first-time minor traffic violators

THE NATION

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BANGKOK: -- Under a change in police rules for traffic checkpoints, tickets will not be issued to motorists in their first violation of non-serious offences.

Full story:

Posted

Bt350m drug network in Nakhon Si Thammarat prison

PIYANUCH THAMNUKASETCHAI

THE NATION

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NAKHON SI THAMMARAT: -- An Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) investigation into money transactions among Nakhon Si Thammarat Prison inmates has found a network worth Bt350 million linked to 300 bank accounts.

Full story:

Posted

Myanmar court verdict on Thais due

THE NATION

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RANONG: -- Eight Thais arrested in Myanmar in July were taken to court yesterday to face charges of possessing war weapons, a crime with a maximum penalty of 20 years in jail.

A source said the Myanmar authorities informed a Thai coordination official based in Ranong province about the trial and said that the court was expected to deliver the verdict yesterday afternoon. As at press time, there were no reports of the court's decision.

A total of 92 Thais, including 10 women, were arrested on July 4 in Myanmar's Koh Song area, opposite Ranong's Kra Buri district, for allegedly encroaching into Myanmar territory and farming there without a permit. Some had in their possession war weapons while others were allegedly found planting marijuana.

The eight are Somchai Sawathee, 45, of Krabi, Pinit Arun-ayu, 49 of Ranong, Seksan Wongkasa, 40, Nipon Tippakdee, 60, both of Surat Thanai; Sa-nguan Kladsang, 53, Somporn Kladsaeng, 29, both of Prachub Khiri Khan; Winai Siriwat, 53, of Nakhon Si Thammarat and Kamtawee (surname unknown), 52, of Chumphon.

The same source said two other Thais, who are to be charged with drug offences, will appear before the court today. The maximum penalty in their case is 30 years in prison.

Relatives of the eight Thais came to the coordination office in Ranong yesterday after learning about the trial. They wanted to cross the border and attend the trial but their request was rejected because they did not ask for permission in advance. They were allowed to wait for the verdict at the coordination office.

The suspects maintained they were misled by a broker into clearing land for a rubber plantation and only later learned the land was beyond the zone authorised by Myanmar officials for Thais to use.

Meanwhile, Thai Defence Minister ACM Sukampol Suwannathat began his introductory visit to Myanmar, where he is scheduled to discuss with President Thein Sein the plight of the 92 Thais.

He left Bangkok yesterday morning for a two-day official visit at the invitation of his Myanmar counterpart to improve relations between the two countries and exchange views on several issues.

Speaking before leaving for Myanmar, the minister said he would be discussing the issue with Thein Sein and would seek to resolve the matter of the detainees after the Myanmar court delivers its verdict. He added that Thailand must respect the court decision.

nationlogo.jpg

-- The Nation 2012-08-16

Posted

Two killed in two Yala shootings

The Nation

YALA: -- Two civilians were killed and another injured in two separate shootings in Yala on Tuesday night, police said.

The Krong Penang police station was alerted at 7.30am yesterday that a body was found in a rubber plantation in Tambon Saae in Krong Penang district. The victim was identified as Marayeng Kuteh, 52, a resident of Moo 6 village. He had left home for his rubber plantation at midnight.

In Bannang Sata district, a man was killed and a woman was injured in Moo 3 village of Tambon Talingchan. Police said Abdulnaser Hama, 47, was killed and Patimoh Jeyor, 37, was shot in her right thigh. Police said the man was riding a motorcycle home at 9.10pm when a gunman shot him. A stray bullet hit Patimoh while she was sitting in front of her house.

nationlogo.jpg

-- The Nation 2012-08-16

Posted

Constitution Court judges drop libel case

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Three Constitution Court judges yesterday agreed to drop a libel litigation after the three defendants complied with the settlement terms, including the issuing of a public apology.

The case came to light after Matichon newspaper published remarks made by Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit and a government aide Pasit Sakdanarong and subsequently wrote an editorial based on such remarks in 2010.

Prompong and Pasit alleged that the three judges, Charoon Intachan, Suphot Khaimuk and Chalermpon Ake-uru, were involved in cheating in connection with the administering of admission tests for court officials.

The three judges initiated criminal and civil proceedings for defamation, naming Matichon, Prompong and Pasit as defendants.

The defence team of Prompong was the first to settle out of court. Prompong showed his remorse and agreed to upload his apology clip on YouTube and publish the apology in Matichon for five days.

The judges removed Prompong from the list of defendants in April.

In the settlement involving Matichon, the newspaper agreed to issue and publish its apology for five consecutive days. It removed libellous reports from its online edition. It would also pay for the legal expenses.

As for Pasit, he agreed to give an interview rectifying his remarks and upload it on YouTube. He would publish his apology in Matichon for 10 consecutive days. He would meet with the three judges to personally apologise at a venue to be designated.

nationlogo.jpg

-- The Nation 2012-08-16

Posted

Phuket Town underground cable project '90 per cent complete'

Phuket Gazette

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After burying the power supply cables, the PEA workers will remove the poles along Phuket Road. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- Phase two of the 39-million-baht project to bury central Phuket Town’s electricity mains cables is more than 90 per cent complete, Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana has confirmed.

Full story:

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Posted

Phuket Police close case on death of German woman

Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- Police have closed their investigation into the death of a German woman in Phuket last Friday following the request of her husband, who has accepted that she died from cardiac arrest.

Full story:

Posted

Weather Bureau warns Bangkok residents to brace for more heavy evening rain

BANGKOK, 16 August 2012 (NNT) – The Meteorological Department has warned residents of Bangkok to brace themselves for more heavy rain in the evening during the next couple of days.

The Meteorological Department said that the gusty wind and the thunder storm witnessed in Bangkok on Wednesday evening were the result of the monsoon trough over Thailand and the accumulation of hot and humid weather.

It stated that these conditions will keep heavy rain to stay around the capital, especially in the evening and at nighttime, for 2-3 more days.

The Met Office suggested Bangkok residents to be cautious while outdoor during the next couple of days.

Moreover, it forecast that Thailand’s northern region will see rain hitting around 60 percent of its area, while warning locals to beware of wild water and flash flood.

nntlogo.jpg

-- NNT 2012-08-16 footer_n.gif

Posted

Transport Ministry to push for the bidding of the Green Line electric train system at end of year

BANGKOK, 16 August 2012 (NNT) – The Transport Ministry is set to push for the start of one of the much-anticipated electric train systems by the end of this year.

Permanent Secretary for Transport Silpachai Jarukasemratana said on Wednesday that the ministry is pursuing the speeding up of the start of the Green Line electric rail construction project between Mo Chit and Saphan Mai, which has been delayed for more than 2 years.

Along with this push, the Transport Ministry is set to extend the route to Khu Khot in Pathum Thani Province.

Mr. Silpachai said that all related agencies are preparing to propose the revamped project to the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy (ONEP) for a review, before presenting it to the Cabinet for consideration.

If all goes as planned, it is expected that the bidding will start as early as the end of 2012 and no later than the beginning of 2013, with the construction likely to be completed by 2019.

The Permanent Secretary for Transport said that the construction of the extended part of the Green Line train system between Saphan Mai and Khu Khot is expected to start in 2015.

When completed, the Green Line rail system is believed to help ease traffic congestion around Saphan Mai area considerably while making it more convenient for all who live in Rangsit to commute to the center of Bangkok.

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-- NNT 2012-08-16 footer_n.gif

Posted

Thailand-Chile now on Sanitary and Phytosanitary cooperation

BANGKOK, 16 August 2012 (NNT) – Thailand has entered into an agreement with Chile to collaborate on Sanitary and Phytosanitary, in hopes of more opportunities to promote Thai farm products in South America.

Agriculture Minister Theera Wongsamut revealed on Wednesday that he has held talks with Chilean Agriculture Minister Luis Mayol Bouchon about agricultural cooperation between the two countries.

He said that both also signed two MOUs; one on agricultural cooperation and the other on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS).

Mr. Theera said that both MOUs highlight tighter ties and an expected increase in agricultural and agro-industrial investment between both countries.

He stated that the closer relations also mean an opportunity to boost bilateral trade of rubber, canned food and processed food from Thailand.

nntlogo.jpg

-- NNT 2012-08-16 footer_n.gif

Posted

TCT: Travel business sentiment slightly below average in Q3/2012

BANGKOK, 16 August 2012 (NNT) – The Thai Tourism Council has revealed that business sentiment in the third quarter of this year has fallen slightly below average.

Chairman of Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) Kongkrit Hiranyakit said on Wednesday that that the travel business operators’ sentiment index in the third quarter of 2012 was at 92, which is lower than normal.

Mr. Kongkrit said that the slight drop in the sentiment reflected worries over local economic conditions and the trend of rising production and living costs in the country.

However, he said that travel business entrepreneurs still found some positive factors to shore up their confidence. They include the country’s more convenient travel experiences, improved PR activities, and continued development of tourist destinations.

He added that 47 percent of surveyed business operators believed that supportive state policies will effectively boost travelers’ demand, while 42 percent asked for state push to improve the reputation of Thailand’s travel industry.

In addition, 46 percent of people who answered the survey suggested that the private sector should be more informed about the goings-on, with another 40 percent calling for locals to take active part in the travel industry.

However, Mr. Kongkrit is concerned that there have been no clear-cut policies from the government in helping boost the country’s tourism revenue to 2 trillion baht by the year 2015.

nntlogo.jpg

-- NNT 2012-08-16 footer_n.gif

Posted

Made in Thailand Fair held at IMPACT

BANGKOK, 16 August 2012 (NNT) – The Commerce Ministry is now holding 'Made in Thailand 2012' to showcase traditional Thai arts and crafts at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani.

Deputy Commerce Minister Poom Sarapol presided over the opening ceremony of the trade fair under the theme “Made in Thailand 2012": In Honor of Her Majesty the Queen’s Glorious Splendor”, to promote Thai SME businesses in the ASEAN region.

On the occasion of Her Majesty the Queen’s 80th birthday anniversary this year, the Commerce Ministry is dedicating the "Made in Thailand Fair 2012" to celebrate Her Majesty’s contribution to the development of traditional Thai arts and crafts, which have since gained recognition worldwide.

Products offered at the fair include food and drink, furniture, clothing, health products, and electrical appliances. It is set to be the venue for business matchups among producers, exporters, importers, and retailers in order to push for Thailand to be the One Stop Shopping in Asia.

The Commerce Ministry expected at least 100,000 Thai and foreign visitors and up to 1.2-billion baht in circulation. The fair is held from at the Impact Convention and Exhibition Center from August 15-19.

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-- NNT 2012-08-16 footer_n.gif

Posted

BMA to facelift areas around Victory Monument

BANGKOK, 16 August 2012 (NNT) – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is preparing to renovate the areas around the Victory Monument to make it more attractive and ensure safety of commuters and tourists.

Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra yesterday inspected the safety system and cleanliness around the Victory Monument, one of the capital’s major land transport hubs and tourist attractions, and found that many spots had deteriorated and sorely needed renovation.

The governor said places such as public toilets must be improved to meet the international standard, adding that facilities for the handicapped and the elderly must also be provided. He explained that the renovation will help uplift Bangkok to become one of the leading cities in Asia or even in the world.

In addition, CCTVs and more lights must be installed in the area to ensure safety of commuters and tourists. The BMA has already signed an MOU with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority on the laying of electrical wires and cables underground to make it safer for the public, according to the Bangkok Governor.

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-- NNT 2012-08-16 footer_n.gif

Posted

Damrong leads National Park raids on Phuket resorts

Phuket Gazette

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National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (DNP) Director-General Damrong Phidet was back in the media spotlight yesterday as he led raids on 10 Phuket resorts alleged to have encroached on national park land. Photo: Orawin Narabal

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DNP chief Damrong checks the park boundaries from within the Trisara resort while accompanied by his entourage and heavily armed guards. Photo: Orawin Narabal

PHUKET: -- National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (DNP) Director-General Damrong Phidet yesterday led raids on 10 resorts alleged to have encroached on National Park land on Phuket’s west coast.

Full story:

Posted

Governor opens 'Festival of 1,000 eyes'

Phuket Gazette

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People at the annual Phuket Pineapple Fair, now underway at Saphan Hin in Phuket Town, are pictured queuing politely to get their hands on fresh pineapples. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

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Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha (in green shirt, left) and Phuket Provincial Agricultural Chief Winai Khankaew (in green shirt, right) together declare the annual Phuket Pineapple Fair open. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha yesterday officially opened the 20th Phuket Pineapple Fair at Saphan Hin Park in Phuket Town.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....l-of-1000-eyes/

Posted

Gov't to unveil "stop corruption" ratification

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Niwatumrong//Photo : Vorawit Pumpuang

BANGKOK: -- The government will on Saturday unveil the ratification designed to stop corruption and backed by all agencies, PM's Office Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan said on Thursday.

Full story:

Posted

10,000 inmates released under royal pardon

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BANGKOK, Aug 16 - A first batch of 10,000 inmates have been released from prisons nationwide as part of a royal pardon to celebrate this year’s birthdays of HM Queen Sirikit and HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Royal clemency was granted for the release of about 30,000 prisoners in accordance with the announcement published in the Royal Gazette in conjunction with the Queen’s 80th birthday on Aug 12 and the 60th birthday of the Crown Prince, celebrated on July 28,

The Corrections Department conducts a ceremony chaired by Preecha Thananan Vice Minister for Justice to release inmates at Klongprem Central Prison in Nonthaburi.

In Bangkok and adjacent provinces, 1,600 prisoners have been freed while the remainder has been freed from 143 other prisons across the country.

They will receive Bt500 each from the government for transportation.

Another group, 20,000 convicts who will receive reduced sentences, will be released later. (MCOT online news)

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-- TNA 2012-08-16

Posted

Phatthalung peat swamp fire continues for third day

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PHATTHALUNG, Aug 16 -- A peat swamp in a botanical protected area forest in the southern province of Phatthalung continued burning into its third day Thursday with some 160 rai (64 acres) burnt.

Wannasak Rungrojwanich, director of the Forest Fire Control Operation Division at Protected Areas Regional Office 6 (Songkhla) led his staff to control the fire that burned in a peat swamp at the Phatthalung Botanical Garden since Tuesday.

The fire destroyed more than 160 rai. The blaze did not intensify and firefighters created firebreaks to prevent the blaze spreading to other areas of the botanic garden.

Mr Wannsak said that he has coordinated with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation for reinforcement to battle the fire.

He said today’s operation is expected to contain the fire from spreading to adjacent areas . (MCOT online news)

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-- TNA 2012-08-16

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