Thailand Live Monday 20 Aug 2012

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Thailand Live Monday 20 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 Sunday 19 Aug 2012

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Going to jail would make Thaksin a statesman, says new Speaker

KhanitthaThepphajorn

Somroutai Sapsomboon

The Nation

BANGKOK: - Chachoengsao Senator Nikom Wairatpanich last Tuesday defeated appointed senators vying for the new Senate Speaker position - the first time an elected member has achieved this. He talks to The Nation's KhanitthaThepphajorn and Somroutai Sapsomboon about claims he is politically partial towards reconciliation bills and charter amendment, issues that have been seen as attempts to help ex-pm Thaksin Shinawatra.

Full story:

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Prayuth files complaint against Thaksin lawyer for defamation

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Army commander-in-chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha has asked police to take legal action against red-shirt lawyer Robert Amsterdam and a Thai female interpreter for allegedly defaming the Army.

Full story:

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PROFILE

BBC in a tuk-tuk

MANOTE TRIPATHI

THE NATION

'Fast Track' host Rajan Datar profiles Thailand, loves it, sees room for improvement

BANGKOK: -- Quick initial assessment of Bangkok from Rajan Datar, who hosts BBC World's popular travelogue series "Fast Track": Thais have a fetish for cars.

His astuteness must be why they call it "Fast Track".

After a week shooting an episode on Thailand for the show, Datar has decided we're also friendly, liberal-minded and more tolerant of foreigners than our neighbours tend to be.

Datar says Thailand is a natural subject for his programme because tourism continues to surge here despite the global financial turmoil that has crippled the industry in Mexico, Spain and Greece.

An Oxford and London School of Economics graduate who is, conveniently enough, a travel nut, Datar initially had finance in focus while working on BBC2's "The Money Programme". He wrote and hosted more than 30 half-hour spots that admirers say breathed new life into the staid old "Beeb".

Then he fronted "Rough Guide to the World", Channel 4's "People's Parliament" and, back at BBC2, "The Net", which covers the new communications media. And for two years he was a reporter on "Newsnight", specialising in culture and social trends, while at the same time hosting the BBC World Service art-and-film programmes "The Strand" and "On Screen".

Datar's travelling days truly began while he was playing bass for the band Maroon Town, which played nearly a thousand concerts in 30 countries, while releasing five albums.

This is actually his second visit to Bangkok, for which his homework extended to the Lonely Planet guide and the online Nation and Bangkok Post.

The Thailand episode of "Fast Track", which airs on September 1 and 2, takes Datar to Kanchanaburi and Pattaya as well as Bangkok, all affordable and controversial destinations for tourists. But he believes Thailand's cultural and spiritual wealth needs to be better promoted.

"Thailand doesn't need to struggle very hard to get tourists - people have been coming here for a long time - but I've found that people from the West are smarter about destinations these days, especially the young travellers. They know more about Thailand's culture.

"And the West," he says, "is at the end of the line for materialism now, with big banks and big companies caught in a major economic crisis. So Westerners are looking for some great spiritual experiences here in Asia, and Thailand in particular."

Datar says the show has thus far taken him to 50 countries, but Bangkok is one of the cities that's secured a special place in his heart. He loves the people. One of those who'll appear in the Thailand episode is the tuk-tuk driver who whisked him around town and showed him a great time. Datar calls him "Mr Thailand".

"He smiled at me and offered to take me for a ride. Despite his limited English we could get along and connect. Where else could you possibly ride in a tuk-tuk listening to Johnny Cash songs?

"Meeting people transforms your travel experience," Datar says. "Regardless of their country or culture, people have similar concerns, worries and issues these days. There's a universal sense of humour. I've derived much of my inspiration from meeting different people."

He had a lengthy conversation with a monk at a Bangkok temple, learning a bit about the religious life, and in Kanchanaburi visited the so-called "Tiger Temple" to check on the big cats that are controversially housed there. He visited the Death Railway - and gazed toward Myanmar. He looks forward to visiting and believes more Thais should too, now that the country has opened up to tourism.

Datar tackles much else in Thailand. Some aspects are whimsical, like our fascination with K-pop and the backpacker phenomenon. Others are grave, such as over-development in the resort destinations and prostitution and paedophilia in Pattaya. He said he's tried to tell both sides of the stories, but acknowledges he'd never be able to adequately encapsulate Thailand on the show.

"I can't say I've 'done' Thailand, and I don't think 'Fast Track' can be responsible for people's perceptions of the country. Those perceptions are also shaped by 24-hours news as well as other sources.

"But we'll offer a portrait of the country within the time frame we have. We mention four words about the [yellow shirts' 2008] airport siege, for example."

For his own part, what Datar takes away is the belief that Thailand has to correct its global image as merely a "backpackers' destination".

"It's true that young people come to Thailand during their gap year between college and work and they love the full-moon parties. As long as these things are available, that image will persist. But people are smarter now too. There's more to Thailand than just fun, fun, fun."

When he's not scouring a destination for information he can put on the show, you can usually find Datar on the beach, reading. He says he'll never stop travelling, though.

"Travel is about learning who you are. It makes you a better person."

TUNE IN

See what "Fast Track" found out about Thailand on the BBC on September 1 at 3.30am, 1.30pm and 6.30pm and on September 2 at 6.30am.

-- The Nation 2012-08-20

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SPECIAL REPORT

Beauty obsession

Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

As the stigma fades, cosmetic surgery becomes Bt20-billion business

BANGKOK: -- A drastic change in the public’s perception of cosmetic surgery over the past ten years has created a huge demand among Thai consumers, who contribute most of the Bt20 billion in income that surgery clinics enjoy each year.

Full story:

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SPECIAL REPORT

16 operations in three years

Pongphon Sarnsamak,

Suriyan Panyawai

The Nation

Chiang Mai boy told doctors he wanted nose like singer 'Dome'

BANGKOK: -- Inspired by heartthrob singer and model Pakorn "Dome" Lum, a 18-year-old Chiang Mai boy spent over Bt250,000 on more than 16 operations over the past three years to make his face look like a star.

Full story:

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Anudith to hold talks with NBTC on three key issues

USANEE MONGKOLPORN

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Information and Communication Technology Minister Anudith Nakornthap and the National Broadcasting and Telecommuni-cations Commission (NBTC) will discuss three key industrial issues on August 27 - collaboration; switching the country's analog TV broadcasting system to the terrestrial digital, and the ministry's request for a possible waiver of the Universal Service Obligation (USO) tax on Thaicom's revenue from overseas markets.

Full story:

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Security for end of Ramadan

The Nation

SONGKHLA: -- Security was tight in the southernmost provinces and predominantly Muslim region as people celebrated Eid al-Fitr to mark the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan yesterday.

Songkhla Governor Kritsada Bounraj said he ordered officials and agencies to beef up security especially in crowded locations like Hat Yai to prevent violence during the festival.

Tourists from neighbouring provinces and Malaysia flooded the business hub of Hat Yai to celebrate the festival, he said.

Songkhla authorities requested all business centres, shopping malls and entertainment venues to tighten security to build confidence among tourists and visitors, the governor added.

However, the security measures should not obstruct tourism or the celebrations, he said, and added that officials in the provinces were ordered to provide good service and make travelling for tourists more convenient during the festival.

Hat Yai-Songkhla Hotel Association president Somchart Pimthanapulporn said Hat Yai was crowded yesterday, especially as tourists from Malaysia crossed the border to celebrate.

More than 20,000 accommodations in the district were fully booked up, he said.

-- The Nation 2012-08-20

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ANALYSIS

GDP figures to fuel monetary policy debate

WICHIT CHAITRONG

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Will the intense monetary policy debate lead to a cut in the interest rate - or the firing of the central bank governor?

Full story:

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Update Tiger Disco Fire:

Missing British man called his brother as pub burned

Full story:

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Home can be the best place to learn English

Wannapa Khaopa

The Nation

Contest shows you don't need to go abroad to be fluent

BANGKOK: -- Many Thais believe that to be proficient in English, they must live abroad for a period of time in an environment that forces them to speak English to survive - like when they have to find places to go to and food to eat. But this is not always true. Two students have proved they can be proficient in English despite being born here and spending their lives studying in Thailand.

Full story:

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'Army infighting caused deaths'

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A group of academics claimed yesterday that conflicts between Army factions led to the fighting and high casualties during the red-shirt protests in 2010.

Full story:

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French tourist dies snorkeling in Phi Phi speedboat accident

Phuket Gazette

Phi Phi Island is popular with snorkelers, but the speedboats that ferry them there from Phuket are never far away. Photo: Gazette file

Full story:

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RT @BreakingNews: BREAKING: Gu Kailai receives suspended death sentence for murder of British businessman Neil Heywood - @BloombergTVWrld

RT @BreakingNews: More: Gu Kailai is expected to spend at least 14 years in jail - @BBCWorld

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Gu Kailai jailed for UK murder

Full story:

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,222.10, down 1.81 points /MCOT

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Update:

Two Asian females, two Caucasian males killed in Phuket pub fire

BANGKOK, Aug 20 – The charred bodies of four persons recovered from Tiger Discotheque fire in the southern province of Phuket are likely to be those of two Asian females and two Caucasian males, according to a senior police officer.

Full story:

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RT @RichardBarrow: Have you been to the Titanic exhibition at CentralWorld yet? Only 14 days left before they move on http://thai.vi/PxIoVw

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RT @191Thailand: News coming in of yet another car crashing & falling off the elevated highway. Driver seriously hurt.

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RT @aleithead: Neighbour of Scott McKenzie said the singer of one-hit wonder If you're going to San Francisco died at 73 in LA with rare illness

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Car crash at Y intersection, falls from Ramintra - Artnarong Expressway, near Jutichote entrance; male driver seriously injured /MCOT

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Thai Muslims celebrate end of Ramadan month

YALA, 20 August 2012 (NNT) - Thai Muslims across the Southern region on Sunday celebrated the Eid al-Fitr holiday , marking the end of the Ramadan holy month with rituals and home-coming reunion.

In Yala province, more than 2000 participants attended the public prayer to welcome the 1434th Muslim New Year anniversary. The event, organized by the Yala Provincial Islamic Committee, was held at the Yala City Municipality’s Youth Centre amid tight security.

In the neighboring province of Narathiwat, locals attended the public prayer and expressed words of apology to those they may have disputed with in order for everyone to mark a new chapter in life. After the ceremony ended, a massive motorcycle caravan hit the road home to visit their relatives.

One of the essential rites was the recitation of the Muslim Holy Book, the Qur’an, before their deceased ancestors or loved ones, paying homage to the forebears.

Thai Muslims in Phuket also joined the public prayer and listened to the sermon given by Imam Kidba about life-lessons and faith.

-- NNT 2012-08-20

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DPM Yuthasak: More strict Thai-Cambodian immigration measures after reports of unusual entry of nearly 1000 Muslim Cambodians daily /MCOT

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Rowdy students pummel high school teacher

By Coconuts Bangkok

SAMUT PRAKAN: -- A school teacher was set upon and severely beaten by a gang of high-school students and their relatives at a school in Samut Prakan’s tough Samrong District on Wednesday.

Full story:

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DOG THEFT GANGS

Nakhon Panom residents try to prevent dogs being turned into dinner

Charnyuth Kotetham

The Nation

File photo

NAKHON PHANOM: -- Residents of a Nakhon Phanom tambon have set up checkpoints at night to prevent gangs involved in dog thefts whose activities have increased over the past few months, Suriya Chaomoo, headman of tambon Kuruku said on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....ed-into-dinner/

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Sukhumbhand to run for second term as Bangkok Governor

BANGKOK, 20 August 2012 (NNT) - Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra has announced that he will run in the next gubernatorial election under the Democrat Party banner.

Full story:

[Lite Beer]

NESDB lowers GDP growth speculation

BANGKOK, 20 August 2012 (NNT) – The National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) has revised this year’s GDP growth speculation from 5.5-6.5% down to 5.5-6%, while the export estimation has been cut by half.

According to the NESDB, the second quarter GDP expanded by 4.2% year-on-year thanks to the contributions of domestic spending and government and private investments. Industrial production, construction, retail-wholesale, hotel, and restaurant sectors saw growth; in contrast, the agriculture and export sectors have shrunk.

As for the overall GDP growth in the 2012, the NESDB has estimated it to be 5.5-6%, a drop from an estimation, made in May, of 5.5-6.5%. Major factors affecting the board to lower the assessment are new assumption on global trade volume and economy, and the worsening European economic crisis , which is affecting Thailand's import-export sector. The growth is expected to be driven mainly by domestic demand and the recovery of the industrial sector in the second half of the year.

The NESDB has readjusted the export growth figure from 15.1%, predicted in May, down to just 7.3%.

-- NNT 2012-08-20

[Lite Beer]

PM opens OTOP local product fair at IMPACT Centre

NONTHABURI, Aug 20 – Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra presided over the opening of the OTOP Midyear 2012 event to promote Thai local products in the international arena.

OTOP—the One Tambon One Product programme initiated by the government of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra – was designed to provide direct income in Thailand and export opportunities abroad for tambons, local government levels below provincial level.

The prime minister said the government is ready to support local producers to develop local wisdom and apply HM the Queen’s supplementary occupation projects in preserving Thai arts.

The government aims to help them generate sustainable income through increasing market channels for local products.

The commerce ministry will work with the private sector to put local products on the shelves of leading department stores here and abroad.

Direct sales will also be promoted through online shopping.

Ms Yingluck said the government will also help develop a product database for OTOP, support research for quality improvement and access to sources of investment funds. She said that state and private sectors will work together to achieve the target.

About 3,000 shops have been showcased at the fair which runs through Aug 26 at the Impact Exhibition Hall, at Muang Thong Thani in suburban Bangkok. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-08-20

[Lite Beer]

Rubber growers seek government intervention to support rubber price

SONGKHLA, Aug 20 -- The rubber growers network from 14 southern Thai provinces plans to converge on Songkhla provincial hall this afternoon to press the government for measures to shore up falling natural rubber prices, according growers network leader Preecha Sukkasem.

Mr Preecha said that the network demands the government help resolve falling prices of rubber since January as no progress has been seen in the past eight months.

Rubber prices continue to nosedive, he said, adding that raw rubber sheet price has fallen from more than Bt100 per kilogramme to Bt70 per kilo, causing rubber growers to suffer massive losses. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-08-20