Thailand Live Tuesday 21 Aug 2012

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Possible archaeological site unearthed in Lampang

LAMPANG, Aug 21 - Authorities in Thailand’s northern province of Lampang have sealed off both banks of the Mae Tui River in a village after an excavation accidentally found layers of old bricks that looked like an ancient pagoda on a riverbank.

Lampang Deputy Governor Suwan Klaosunthorn said the operator of a backhoe loader was digging in the river and fixing the riverbanks in Sop Kong village when he came across layers of bricks attached to one side of the bank. The Mae Tui River branches out of the Wang River, the major river running through Lampang.

Academics from the Ministry of Culture and the Fine Arts Department earlier carried out a preliminary survey and said the layers of bricks could be a kiln at least 400 years old. They said a thorough inspection would be needed.

The deputy governor has ordered local authorities to guard the site to prevent people from damaging it and stealing art objects which might be found at the site. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-08-21

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Thai taekwondo bronze medalist returns home to hero's welcome

SONGKHLA, Aug 21 -- Hundreds of Thais turned out at Songkhla's Hat Yai airport this morning to welcome Chanatip Sonkham, a bronze medalist from London Olympic Games who is returning her hometown in Phatthalung.

Chanatip or ‘Nong Lek’ won an Olympic bronze medal in women's taekwondo in the under-49kg category.

Phatthalung Governor Winyu Thongsakul led Ms Chanatip's famliy and Phatthalung residents to greet her at the airport on her trip back home for the first time after returinng from London last Tuesday.

Students from Satree Phatthalung, Ms Chanatip's old secondary school, lined up to welcome her with a parade escort of drummers and a marching band.

Upon arrival, her mother, father and local agencies gave her bouquets to congratulate her for her success.

After that she went by convertible in a motorcade to her home town in Phatthalung while Thai sports fans lining the route gave her a warm welcome.

Mrs Natchaya, Chanathip's mother, said she has prepared a traditional gaeng som, a sour soup, her daughter’s favourite dish, to welcome her home.

Ms Chanatip began her Olympic gold quest by outclassing her Russian opponent to score a 13-1 victory over Kristina Kim in her preliminary round and then dominating Yang Shu-Chun from Taiwan by 6-0 in the quarterfinal.

However, Ms Chanatip's path to an elusive gold medal ended after she lost her third bout to Spain’s three-time world champion Brigitte Yague 10-9.

The Thai fighter finally landed a bronze medal by beating Guatemala's Elizabeth Zamora 8-0 to win the bronze medal.

Thailand received three medals overall from the from London Olympic Game, which in addition to Ms Chanatip’s prize included a silver medal from boxer Kaeo Pongprayoon, a bronze medal from weightlifter Pimsiri Sirikaew. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-08-21

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3 companies of police tol be deployed at Criminal Court Wednesday to ensure law, order as court delivers verdict on UDD bail withdrawal /MCOT

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PHUKET

Tiger Pub declared unsafe; new rules to be enforced on island

Photo : Yongyoth Phruksarak

PHUKET: -- The controversial Tiger Pub and Discotheque in southern resort island of Phuket will have to be partially demolished following the fire on August 17, which killed four people and injured many others.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/578667-tiger-pub-declared-unsafe%3B-new-rules-to-be-enforced-on-island/#entry5591668

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Intelligence warns of possible attack in southern provinces; government orders stepped up security in 7 economic areas, 6 violence prone districts: Army chief /MCOT

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TRANSPORTATION

MRT, BTS fares to drop to Bt20 within two years

BANGKOK: -- Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) Governor Yongsit Rojsrikul said the government's policy to collect a Bt20 fee for travel on all routes of the capital's underground and elevated electric mass transit trains will come into effect within two years.

MRTA has negotiated with its partners, MRT underground operator Bangkok Metro (BMCL), and the Sky Train Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS).

The timeframe has been set for within two years because the number of commuters will quickly increase due to the lowered fare, and the number of trains should be sufficient to demand.

BMCL currently has 19 trains operating. It needs to at least double that number in order serve future demand once the Bt20 fee come into effect, Yongsit said.

He noted that the MRTA will continue its rail line expansion in the capital. Blue and purple lines, now under construction, were delayed by last year’s flood crisis. The Cabinet will be asked to consider an extension of another 180 days for the construction falling under the responsibility of the private sector as a result of these delays.

Related projects continue for green, orange, yellow, and pink lines, covering outer Bangkok in multiple directions.

With a budget of some Bt500 billion, the MRTA governor said, management and construction is covered for up to seven years.

Once completed, Bangkok will have an electric train network of more than 200 kilometres, similar to other big cities.

MRTA will manage the system and related services for further investment without depending only on government funding.

-- The Nation 2012-08-21

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Phuket contractors protest rising sand prices

Phuket Gazette –

Piroj Aorpattanakul (left) hands the letter of complaint to Governor Tri. Mr Piroj called on the government and the Phuket Chamber of Commerce to help find a cheap, local source of building sand. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

The protesters say that price of building sand has doubled since the illegal quarry was shut down last month. Subsequent shortages are forcing many Phuket construction projects to a halt, they claim. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/578672-phuket-contractors-protest-rising-sand-prices/#entry5591754

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APPOINTMENT

Vatchari to become first female Commerce permanent secretary

The Nation

Vatchari Vimooktayon

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet today named Director-General of Internal Trade Department Vatchari Vimooktayon as the new permanent secretary of Commerce Ministry.

Taking office on October 1, she will be the first female permanent secretary of the near-100-year-old ministry.

Incumbent permanent secretary Yanyong Phuangrach is retiring at the end of September.

The Cabinet also approved a reshuffle of high-ranking officials at the ministry. Under this change, Srirat Ratspana, director general of the Trade Negotiations Department, will return to the Export Promotion Department. Nantawan Sakuntanak, the curent director-deneral of the Department of Export Promotion, is promoted to a deputy permanent secretary.

Department of Foreign Trade Deputy Director General Pranee Siripan is also named the department's director general.

-- The Nation 2012-08-21

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Tesco Lotus counters protests against Phuket Town project

Phuket Gazette –

Tesco Lotus 'health ambassadors' who took part in the regional aerobics competition held in May at Tesco Thalang, which opened in October last year. Photo: Gazette file

The Tesco Lotus corporate statement came days after hundreds gathered to protest the plan for a large shopping mall in Phuket Town. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/578674-tesco-lotus-counters-protests-against-phuket-town-project/#entry5591782

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Son of Nakhon Ratchasima MP shot dead

NAKHON RATCHASIMA: -- Gunmen opened fire at Chart Pattana Party MP Chada Thaiseth late Monday night, killing his son inside in what believed to be an assassination attempt against the MP.

The shooting happened in Nakhon Ratchasima's Pakchonk district shortly after Monday midnight.

Police said Farut Thaiseth, 27, was killed inside Chada's car when the MP was returning to his resort at Khao Yai.

Police said Chada met his friend shortly before the shooting and switched to sit in his car's friend while he had his son drive his Prado car back to the resort.

-- The Nation 2012-08-21

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Instant noodle brand considering raising price by one baht

BANGKOK, 21 August 2012 (NNT) – The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has told an instant noodle producer to submit a request for price adjustment to the department if it can no longer shoulder the high production costs.

Thai President Foods, producer of Mama, earlier stated that it was suffering from rising production costs. It is thus reviewing the costs in order to determine whether it is necessary to raise the instant noodle price by one baht per pack, from six baht to seven.

In response, DIT Director-General Vatchari Vimooktayon revealed that although the price pegging scheme by the Commerce Ministry is effective until September 30, any entrepreneurs feeling the need to increase their prices can file a request to the department for permission to do so. She said at the moment no requests have been received yet.

On the other hand, Ms Vatchari believed most instant noodle producers can maintain their prices for now as the price of wheat flour, which is the main ingredient, has not been raised much. In addition, she stated that many of them might not want to increase their prices because, once the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) takes effect in 2015, they will have to compete with low-priced products from China and Vietnam.

-- NNT 2012-08-21

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2010 POLITICAL STRIFE

Court resets inquest into killing of a taxi driver

BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court has rescheduled the Tuesday's inquest into the death of taxi driver Phan Khamkong during 2010 political strife to August 28 and 30. The judicial decision is expected on September 17.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and MP Suthep Thaugsuban were initially due to appear on the witness stand before citing prior engagement as reason to delay giving their testimonies as overseers of the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation.

After the rescheduling, Abhisit and Suthep will testify on August 30.

Phan was shot dead on May 15, 2010 on Ratchaprarop Road, a designated zone for live bullets at the heights of the protests involving the red shirts.

As counsel for the family of the deceased, lawyer Chokchai Angkaew said he has sought the court permission to summon former Army chief General Anupong Paochinda to testify on August 28.

Chokchai said he expected Anupong's statement to shed light on the deployment of the anti-riot forces.

-- The Nation 2012-08-21

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One body from Phuket pub fire confirmed as Briton Michael Pio Tzouvanni, identified by dental records; 3 other identifications could be completed in 2 days /Mcot

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Trial of former Thai leader postponed for two weeks

BANGKOK, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The trial of Thailand's former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva for his alleged role in the bloody crackdown of "Red Shirt" protesters in 2010 has been put off for another two weeks.

Full story:

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2010 POLITICAL VIOLENCE

Army to help ex-soldier summoned

Gen Prayuth

BANGKOK: -- The Army will provide legal assistance to an ex-soldier summoned for requestioning on his involvement in crowd control in connection with the 2010 political strife, Army chiel General Prayuth Chanocha said Tuesday.

Full story:

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Stepped-up security in Thailand’s deep South

BANGKOK, Aug 21 - Thailand’s southern border region, particularly economic zones and violence-prone districts, have been placed on higher alert after the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, which ended last Sunday.

Army chief Gen Prayuth Chanocha said on Tuesday that warnings about possible violence in the deep South have not ceased, both confidentially and in public.

He said the government has ordered a higher level alert in seven trading towns including Pattani’s provincial seat; Yala's provincial seat and Betong district; Narathiwat's provincial seat, Sungai-kolok and Takbai districts; and Songkhla’s Hat Yai district.

Security has also been tightened in six violence-prone districts; Pattani’s Yarang district; Yala’s Tarnto district, Bajo, Ruso and Ra-ngae districts of Narathiwat; and Songkhla’s Sabayoi district, the army chief said.

He said the army would be willing to withdraw its troops from the deep South, to be replaced by police units, if ordered, but he strongly believed the government would not make such a move given the shortage of police.

Gen Prayuth expressed disappointment with criticism that the presence of the military in the troubled region has escalated the unfavourable situation.

He said it was unfair to point the finger at the army and that all soldiers have carried out their duties for the well-being of the people.

“It is not right to accuse soldiers of cracking down on the people,” said the frustrated army chief. “People must analyse carefully who was doing what in those battlefields, whether in the South, Bangkok or the East.”

Without elaborating, it was known that Gen Prayuth was deploring an investigation by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on the military crackdown on Red Shirt demonstrators in Bangkok two years ago.

The DSI was assigned to investigate the political violence and it disclosed earlier that security officials were involved in the deaths of some Red Shirt demonstrators.

Gen Prayuth was reportedly met with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra last week to show his strong disagreement regarding the matter.

Asked if he felt disheartened by ongoing criticisms against the military, the army chief insisted that such a feeling has never occurred to him. (MCOT online news)

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RT @jeerapong_nna: Alcoholic drinks & cigarette prices are to rise by Bt400/litre for imported drinks, and by Bt6-8 per pack for cigarette

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SET index closed at 1232.29, up 3.29; Bt/USD31.21; GBP49.24; AUD33.33; EUR38.76; CAD31.61; HKD4.03; SGD24.91; JPY39.22

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Shock rise on imported alcohol by 400 Baht/litre

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Thailand says Briton among nightclub fire victims

Bangkok, Aug 21, 2012 (AFP) - Thai police confirmed Tuesday that a 24-year-old British man was one of the four victims killed in a fire at a nightclub on the resort island of Phuket last week.

Full story:

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Formation of body to solve southern problems imminent

BANGKOK, Aug 21 - The to-be-established operations centre to resolve problems in Thailand’s deep South will not overlap, but rather integrate and enhance the country’s overall intelligence efficiency, a senior intelligence officer said on Tuesday.

Pol Gen Wichean Potephosree, Secretary-General of the National Security Council (NSC), said the structure of the operations centre will be submitted to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Friday to seek her endorsement.

Deputy Prime Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapa convened a meeting Tuesday with senior officials from state agencies concerned to deliberate the formation of the operations centre with emphases on close monitoring of the southern situation, cooperation among government agencies, public relations and boosting the efficiency of intelligence integration. The NSC is currently the country’s major agency in charge of intelligence.

Pol Gen Vichien said the operations centre to solve problems in southern provinces would not be a new structure but would reinforce the existing structure under the supervision of the committee on policy and strategy in resolving southern problems.

Senior officers in the committee include Deputy Prime Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapa, Interior Minister Yongyuth Vichaidit and Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobumrung in his capacity as a supervisor of the National Police Office.

According to the proposed structure to be submitted to the prime minister, army chief-of-staff Gen Sirichai Dithakul will be secretary general of the operation centre to resolve problems in southern provinces. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-08-21

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Thailand gives US$100,000 aid to the Philippines

BANGKOK, Aug 21 - The Thai government on Tuesday extended financial assistance of US$100,000 (about three million baht) to the Philippines to help alleviate the hardship of people affected by a series of storms that hit the island country.

Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul represented Thailand in handing over the money to Edgar B. Badajos, charge d'affaires of the Philippine embassy in Bangkok. He also expressed sympathy to the Philippine people and hoped for the nation's speedy recovery.

"The Philippines is a close ally of Thailand," said Mr Surapong. "The Thai government is grateful to the neighbouring country for her assistance in the major flooding in Thailand last year. In this time of hardship, Thailand is willing to provide assistance." (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-08-21

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Thailand Live Wednesday 22 Aug 2012