Thailand Live Sunday 26 Aug 2012

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Thailand Live Sunday 26 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 25 Aug 2012

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[Lite Beer]

POLITICAL RALLY

Red shirts block Abhisit from seminar

Pimnara Pradubwit

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Democrat leader urges police chief to uphold law and order

The Opposition has demanded the Yingluck government strictly enforce the law after Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva was blocked from joining a political seminar in Samut Prakan yesterday by more than 100 red shirts.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/579760-red-shirts-block-abhisit-from-seminar/#entry5605618

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Eight Thais jailed in Myanmar for weapons

The Nation on Sunday

RANONG: -- The head of the Township Border Committee in Ranong yesterday confirmed the Myanmar court's sentencing of eight Thais to seven years imprisonment each for carrying war weapons, while the verdict on two Thais facing drug charges would be announced later this month.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/579761-eight-thais-jailed-in-myanmar-for-weapons/#entry5605621

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Your Say

The Nation

Pikul Narong, a housewife who attended with her 6-year-old daughter

BANGKOK: -- The government held nationwide events this weekend to mark the first anniversary of the administration and to promote its populist schemes such as the first-car scheme, first-house scheme, farmers' credit and loans provided by state-run banks. The Nation's Wattana Khamchu asked visitors to the event at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok what they thought.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/579763-one-year-anniversary-for-government/#entry5605625

[Lite Beer]

Bhokin backs rewriting 'poisonous fruit' Constitution

Praphan Jindalertudomdee

Somroutai Sapsomboon

The Nation

Bhokin

BANGKOK: -- Bhokin Bhalakula, the chairman of a special panel studying charter amendments, believes the government should go ahead and remove the "poisonous-fruit" Constitution although it may be a painful task.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/579764-bhokin-backs-rewriting-poisonous-fruit-constitution/#entry5605630

[Lite Beer]

Passionate poet Angkarn 'breathed poems'

This file photo shows Angkarn Kalayanapong with one of his drawings when he celebrated his 80th birthday in 2007. Picture by Thawechai Jaowattana

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT: -- With the power of beautiful words comes great responsibility. That was the life motto of Angkarn Kalayanapong, a renowned poet and National Artist, who passed away yesterday at 86 after long battles against heart disease and diabetes.

"I breathe poems," Angkarn said during one of his last interviews this year. "I do believe that poems can change society for the better. Only people like me are never mistaken that we can do it alone."

The poet and painter was recognised as one of the greatest of his era. Born in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat on February 13, 1926, Angkarn graduated from the Faculty of Painting, Sculpture and Graphic Arts at Silpakorn University under Professor Silp Bhirasri, the father of Thai modern art.

He was named a National Artist in 1989 (Literature) and won the SEA Write Award for "Panithan Kawee" (The Poet's Pledge) in 1986. In this much acclaimed work, he describes the power of words: "Poetry should be in every throb of the hearts of all poets. Poets are like the heirs of the sky and earth. Poetry is like a poet's breath."

Poets were not ordinary people, he said in one interview. "Since we are born as poets, we have to dedicate our life and soul to it. You give your all to nothing else but poetry. As a poet, your heart is not like the ordinary. If you are a poet, your heart is a poet. Poetry is so important.

"It's like you're losing your way on Mars, and then you find a glass of water. It has charming qualities. It's like our spirit has experienced the universe for a long time before. Poetry is food for the heart. It is 'the vitamin' for the soul."

He began writing in the late 1950s and was initially criticised for his transgressions of poetic convention and use of unorthodox language. Some of his last pieces of work were politically inspired, reflecting the problems in the deeply divided Thailand. The People's Alliance for Democracy received his contributions during the antiThaksin campaign.

One of his last poems lashed out at the Yingluck government's plan to let the United States use the Utapao airbase.

"Poets, first of all, are supposed to be free and love fellow human beings," he once said. "We are not supposed to take anyone in as a master simply because that person pays us."

Angkarn was also famous as a painter. He created many highly rated drawings and paintings through his career, including "Prints of Himmapan". In 1989, Angkhan was finally honoured as a National Artist.

He liked to return to his work and tried to remove any flaw.

"I always go back to refresh my work," he said. "The only time we can perfect our work is when we are alive. After we die, we can't climb out of our coffin and change anything."

The artist survived by a son and two daughters.

His funeral ceremony will be held at Wat Tritosathep at 7pm daily until August 31.

-- The Nation 2012-08-26

[Lite Beer]

CSR

Pernod Ricard tells youth to say 'No' to alcohol

Achara Deboonme

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- As seen in the Al Capone era, even strict drinking rules and laws could not stop people from drinking. To a global alcohol company like Pernod Ricard, it is better to equip drinkers with a sense of responsibility, for its own sake and the greater good of society.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/579765-pernod-ricard-tells-youth-to-say-no-to-alcohol/#entry5605645

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Revered monk Luangpor Sanong dies, 68

The Nation on Sunday

SUPHAN BURI: -- Phra Athikran Sanong Katapunyo, aka Luangpor Sanong, the abbot of Nonthaburi's Wat Sangkhathan and founder of Sangkhathantham radio station, died of kidney disease on Friday night at the age of 68, while on Buddhist Lent retreat at Suphan Buri's Katapunyo Dhamma Centre.

Luangpor Sanong's body was moved to Wat Sangkhathan for a bathing ceremony, while his disciples were discussing the funeral details.

Luangpor Sanong, who was born on April 5, 1944, in Suphan Buri's Sam Chuk district and was ordained as monk on April 29, 1964, was a student of Luang Phu Sangwal Kemako of Wat Thun Samakkhitham in Suphan Buri. He devoted his life to propagating Buddhism and teaching meditation to the public; he founded the Sangkhathantham radio station to promote Lord Buddha's teachings (FM89.25MHz in Thai and FM89.75MHz in English).

-- The Nation 2012-08-26

[Lite Beer]

Woman caught with yaba at Mor Chit bus terminal

The Nation on Sunday

A Nakhon Phanom woman was nabbed with 200,000 yaba tablets worth Bt6 million at Bangkok's Mor Chit Bus Terminal, city police chief Pol Maj-General Khamronwit Thoopkrachang said yesterday.

The arrest of 30-year-old Rassami Utsaha followed the August 22 arrest of Prayuth Tharakhajad, 32, with 40,000 yaba tablets in a Bang Khun Tien mall after Prayuth was hired by the "Jae Nang Thapaeng" network to transport drugs from Nakhon Phanom to Bangkok in exchange for Bt100,000.

The investigation found that another lot of yaba would be transferred to Mor Chit, leading police to search Rassami, who had been acting suspiciously, at 10pm on August 24, and find the drugs. Rassami confessed she was hired for Bt4,000 to transport the drugs for the same network.

-- The Nation 2012-08-26

[Lite Beer]

DSI, local police raid Hat Yai brothels

The Nation on Sunday

HAT YAI: -- The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) joined forces with Songkhla's Hat Yai police to raid two massage parlours and arrest 36 people.

Following a request to rescue a 15-year-old girl allegedly lured into prostitution at the parlours, DSI and police raided the two places and arrested 36 people but didn't find the girl.

Eight underage girls believed to be human-trafficking victims would be sent to Ministry of Social Development and Human Security officials, while five suspects who ran the places would face charges of human trafficking and procuring women for the sex trade.

The remaining 23 women would face a prostitution charge. Some of the women are Laotians and will face a charge of working in the Kingdom without permission.

-- The Nation 2012-08-26

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THREE WEAPONS FIRE IN FATAL CAR SHOOT-OUT

PRASIT TANGPRASERT,

MATTANA LADDASIRIPORN,

SAMRUAM BOON

THE NATION ON SUNDAY

NAKHON RATCHASIMA: -- Three guns were used in the fatal gunfight between people in two cars that claimed the life of Farut Thaiseth, the 27-year-old son of Chada, an Uthai Thani MP for the coalition Chart Thai Pattana Party, in Nakhon Ratchasima's Pak Chong district last week.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/579766-three-weapons-fired-in-fatal-car-shoot-out/#entry5605671

[Lite Beer]

Seripisut to run for governor

Thanatpong Khongsai

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Former police chief Seripisut Temiyavet announced yesterday that he would run in the upcoming election for Bangkok governor as an independent with the Palang Krungthep group.

He vowed to change Bangkok for better if he wins the four-year post.

The former police general made his announcement at the Intercontinental Hotel at 2.10pm yesterday. Many former and current police attended, and campaign shirts, CDs, stickers were handed out.

Seripisut promised that if Bangkokians trust him to be their governor, he would improve the city so they could see changes within one year. Everything would be in order after four years, as people wish, because he dared to think, act and decide.

The 64-year-old former top cop said he was well prepared for the task physically and mentally. He had supervised many civil servants and 200,000 police, so he could take care of Bangkok.

The first thing he would do was deal with issues of people's life security and property, he said. Bangkok would have cooperation from the Royal Thai Police as he was close to and would work well with General Adul Saengsingkaew, the incoming National Police chief. He said he was decisive and would deal with Bangkok's many problems and conflicts of interest. He promised to push for a charity hall at all temples, as well as deal with the urgent issue of traffic jams.

Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra, whose current term will end on January 10 next year, yesterday said that he wasn't worrying much about the competition because Pheu Thai and Democrat parties had a similar voter base of 400,000-500,000 voters. He said he was trying to spend the rest of his term working and said he respected all independent candidates, including Seripisut.

-- The Nation 2012-08-26

[Lite Beer]

Neil Armstrong, First Man On The Moon, Dies

(CNN) -- Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, has died, his family said Saturday. He was 82.

"We are heartbroken to share the news that Neil Armstrong has passed away following complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures," Armstrong's family said in a statement obtained by CNN affiliate WKRC.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....s/#entry5605535

[Lite Beer]

Bangkok to hold idea-sharing session on water management strategies

BANGKOK, 26 August 2012 (NNT) - Governor of Bangkok, M.R.Sukhumbhand Paribatra, presided over the opening of an idea-sharing session regarding strategic water management measures undertaken by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The session is aimed at providing information and fostering understanding regarding the operations of various BMA agencies in repairing and preventing water-related events.

The session is being held from August 25 to September 9, during which six panel discussions will be held for different target groups of people and BMA officials. Participants to the six sessions will come from the north of Bangkok, the south, the east, the central area, the Thonburi side and the southern Thonburi area.

Experts on water management, such as Mr. Pramote Maiklad, former irrigation chief, along with other distinguished persons will share their knowledge. The Bangkok governor also said that this session is meant to help boost the effectiveness of water management. The event will be a forum that will allow all parties concerned to exchange ideas and suggestions, which will help guide water management strategies in the future.

-- NNT 2012-08-26

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Insurgent shot dead by defense volunteer after he killed soldier informant at train station in Narathiwat /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

Insurgent shot dead after killing soldier informant in Narathiwat

NARATHIWAT, Aug 26 – A suspected insurgent was shot dead by a defence volunteer at a train station in Narathiwat after he killed a soldier informant at a train station in Narathiwat.

Two suspected insurgents on a motorcycle gunned down Mama Bueraheng, 56, a soldier informant at Cho Ai Rong train station.

While the gunman was walking to take the gun of the dead victim, a defence volunteer on a train at the platform fired at the gunman, killing him.

The dead gunman is believed to be a member of the Runda Kumpulan Kecil (RKK) insurgent group, who had earlier tried to kill Mr Mama twice.

Two persons, living in a rented house near the train station were injured by stray bullets from the incident. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-08-26

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Phuket Opinion: More disasters guaranteed

Phuket Gazette –

Sometimes even Phuket's most obvious disasters-in-waiting are invisible to the 'No Problem' attitude that guarantees their long term well being.

PHUKET: The Tiger Discotheque tragedy on August 17 demonstrates yet again that when it comes to “disaster preparedness” Phuket seems to be battling invisible demons, continually hit in the back of the head by obvious threats we had somehow managed to either ignore or even identify as a possibility

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/579825-phuket-opinion-more-disasters-guaranteed/#entry5606284

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RT@RichardBarrow: Looking for somewhere to take your kids this afternoon? Try the National Science & Technology Fair at BITEC. Next to BTS Bang Na.

[Lite Beer]

Last day of Government Meets People for Quality of Life campaign continues to draw visitors

PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN, 26 August 2012 (NNT) – More and more visitors are flocking into the “Government Meets People for Quality of Life” event held at Prachuap Khiri Khan’s city hall. The event is being held simultaneously across the country from August 25 to 26, with the aim of disseminating information regarding the government’s work over the past year. Residents of Prachuap Khiri Khan province showed their interest by continually visiting the event, where they asked for information and suggestions regarding government policies.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/579763-one-year-anniversary-for-government/#entry5606445

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PM affirms balanced water management in dams; deputy governor of hydro power plants says water in reservoirs 17% less than last year /MCOT

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RT@RichardBarrow: PICTURE: A sign warns passers-by of bag snatch thieves in Bangkok pic.twitter.com/300ax7KL

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Yuan tipped to replace U.S. dollar, Euro in southeast Asia

BANGKOK: -- China's currency could be eventually used as an alternative to the U.S. dollar and Euro by southeast Asian countries, experts said.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/579841-yuan-tipped-to-replace-us-dollar-euro-in-southeast-asia/#entry5606500

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Ministry of Public Health improves medication management procedures

BANGKOK, 26 August 2012 (NNT) - Mr. Wittaya Buranasiri, Minister of Public Health, has indicated that the government has a firm policy to promote equal public access to quality medicines at a reasonable price.

He said the Ministry of Public Health has established six sub-committees to set out a system for the management of medications, medical equipment, diagnostic test payments, and physicians’ fees. The six sub-committees are comprised of experts from relevant agencies, and will oversee six strategies.

These six strategies involve negotiations regarding prices of medicines which are not on the national drug list, encouraging government hospitals to utilize more medications contained on the national list as well as generic medications, regulations for medicinal use and other factors, improvement of hospital treatments, development of the national list of medications, and improvement of payment methods for diagnostic equipment.

The sub-committees are meeting every month to monitor the progress of each strategy, which is hoped to become concrete in the 2013 fiscal year.

-- NNT 2012-08-26

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Government spokesperson reveals PM's concerns over drought

BANGKOK, 26 August 2012 (NNT) - Ms. Sansanee Nakphong, Government Spokesperson, revealed that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is concerned over the drought situation. At present, there are areas that are affected by flooding, while other areas have been stricken by drought inflicting severe damage on agricultural land.

The prime minister has already ordered the Ministry of Interior to monitor the situations on the entire country. The Ministry of Interior has already informed the cabinet that it would hold a discussion via video conferencing with every province in the nation.

Both the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment have been asked to closely monitor the situation and to coordinate with provincial governors in dealing with the matter.

In regard to flooding, the government spokesperson stated that the government has the intention to prevent flooding, and it believes a devastating flood will not occur this year. However, the government will not be complacent about the future and will closely monitor the situation.

-- NNT 2012-08-26

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RT@ChadapornLin: PM to visit Myanmar on Sept 19-21 to discuss links between Dawai and Laemchabang sea ports

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Prime Minister opens walk and run event for Olympic Day 2012

BANGKOK, 26 August 2012 (NNT) - Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has opened a walking and running event on Olympic Day 2012, at the King Rama V Equestrian Monument. The event is being held by the Olympics Committee of Thailand in honor of the occasion of Her Majesty the Queen’s 80th birthday and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn’s fifth cycle birthday.

The cabinet, representatives from various agencies in both the public and private sectors, national athletes who participated in the Olympics, students, and citizens joined in the event in large numbers. The prime minister also joined in a walk in honor of the two members of the royal family. The prime minister walked a short distance with both cabinet members and members of the public.

The atmosphere at the walk and run event was lively. Two activities comprised the event: an 8-kilometer run and a 4-kilometer walk. Over 20,000 runners and over 60,000 walkers also participated. The starting and finish lines are both at the King Rama V Equestrian Monument. The runners and walkers will pass many important landmarks, such as Chitlada Palace. All participants received blue and yellow commemorative shirts, as well as medals and a certificate from the International Olympic Committee.

-- NNT 2012-08-26

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PM affirms balanced water management in dams

BANGKOK, Aug 26 – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra affirms water management in Thailand’s dams is balanced, and denied that drought in some areas resulted from too much release of water from dams.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/579853-pm-affirms-balanced-water-management-in-dams/#entry5606801

[Lite Beer]

Flash flood hits Uttaradit

UTTARADIT, Aug 26- A flash flood triggered by incessant rains hits some areas in Uttaradit's Laplae district, affecting 500 households, while provincial authorities have warned residents in other districts to brace for possible flooding.

A raging mountain torrent inundated houses in Laplae district and approximately 10,000 rais (4,000 acres) of farmland. Many roads were submerged and impassable for small vehicles.

About one metre-deep water forced residents to move their belongings to higher ground.

Responding to the ongoing inundation, Uttaradit vice governor Chalermchai Fuangkhon on Sunday inspected the flood-hit zones and was speeding up assistance for affected people.

He also warned residents in Laplae, Phichai and Tron districts to closely monitor the situation and brace for possible flooding by the end of August. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-08-26

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RT@ChadapornLin: 60 cm deep hole on surface of Charoen Krung Rd near Samyod intersection; officials hurrying repair work