Thailand Live Sunday 2 September 2012

News, Bits and Tweets

with webfact

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 1 2012

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ANALYSIS

Yingluck, Thaksin at odds?

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Chief adviser Pansak seen to be undermining finance minister

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/581319-yingluck-thaksin-at-odds/#entry5626779

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Deaths from stray bullets 'shock' group

Puangthong

BANGKOK: -- After two years, the People's Information Centre (PIC), a group of activists and academics who seek to end state impunity in relation to the 2010 crackdown on red-shirt protesters, is releasing its report, titled "Truth for Justice: Events and Impact on the Dispersal of Protests in April-May 2010". The group claims there were 94 deaths from all sides. Pravit Rojanaphruk talks to PIC coordinator and co-editor of the report, Puangthong Pawakapan, about what they discovered.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/581320-deaths-from-stray-bullets-shock-group/#entry5626784

Taxi drivers unhappy about crackdown

Thanaphat Kitjakosol

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- The campaign against taxi drivers who turn down passengers has met with complaints from the cabbies and also raised doubts among commuters about their success.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/581321-taxi-drivers-unhappy-about-crackdown/#entry5626790

NSC chief heads to the South after attacks spree

The Nation on Sunday

YALA: -- National Security Council secretary-general Pol General Wichien Photeposri yesterday went to the deep South following more than 100 coordinated attacks, blamed on insurgents, in the four Southern border provinces on Friday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/581322-nsc-chief-heads-to-the-south-after-attacks-spree/#entry5626793

SPECIAL REPORT

Thai woman taps communications tools to escape with 9 others from Bahrain brothel

The Nation on Sunday September 2, 2012 1:00 am

BAHRAIN: -- A 30-year-old Thai woman used all her wits and knowledge of communications technology to help herself and nine other Thai women escape from forced prostitution in a Bahrain brothel.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/581324-thai-woman-taps-communications-tools-to-escape-with-9-others-from-bahrain-brothel/#entry5626798

More concern over tests for canals

Anapat Deechuay,

Thanatpong Khongsai,

Jeerapong Prasertpolkrang

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- A scientist and water expert has warned the government this month is not suitable for water-drainage tests in Bangkok as heavy downpours and storms have been predicted and there will also be high tides.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/581325-more-concern-over-tests-for-canals/#entry5626806

Few cases of cabbies rejecting passengers on 1st day

Jessada Jantharak,

Wisit Chuanpipatpong

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Only 13 complaints were received yesterday when the Metropolitan Police Bureau started imposing a Bt1,000 fine on any taxi driver turning down passengers.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/581321-taxi-drivers-unhappy-about-crackdown/#entry5626810

Man who travelled with MP's son to face attempted murder charge

Prasit Tangprasert

The Nation on Sunday

NAKHON RATCHASIMA: -- Police will this week issue an arrest warrant for attempted murder for the person who sat beside Farut Thaiseth, son of Chat Thai Pattana Party MP Chada Thaiseth, when Farut was shot dead on August 20 in Nakhon Ratchasima's Pak Chong district.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....25#entry5626816

RT@ChadapornLin: Ramkamhaeng's Huamak and Bangna campuses to host testing for 10,000 participants from 8am-4pm

RT@ChadapornLin: Marathon from 6am Central World-Rajdamri-Petchburi-Bantadthong-Saphan Lueng junction-Rama IV-Wireless junction-Sarasin-Rajprasong-Rama I

Songwriter Hal David dies at 91

US songwriter Hal David, who wrote dozens of hits with collaborator Burt Bacharach, has died at the age of 91.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/581327-songwriter-hal-david-dies-at-91/#entry5626853

OFF THE MARK

Subscriber the king as rivals fight it out

Jintana Panyaarvudh

jintana

@nationgroup.com

BANGKOK: -- Watching live football matches on television has become a totally new experience or an ordeal, whichever way you look at it, for fans in Thailand.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/581328-subscriber-the-king-as-rivals-fight-it-out/#entry5626868

Govt assures key national data employed in water management policies

BANGKOK, 2 September 2012 (NNT) – The Government has assured the public that it has utilized key national data in the execution of its water management policies.

Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan said during the weekly “Yingluck Government Meets the People” program on Saturday that the government has set up a national data bank, with data collected from 17 agencies related to water resources management.

Mr. Niwattumrong stated that all data collected has been utilized in the analysis of Thailand’s flood and drought crises and in identifying sustainable solutions to these problems.

He added that the public can access this data bank to get updates on all situations and warnings at www.waterforthai.com and also via “water4thai” application.

The PM’s Office Minister said that the government has distributed initial compensation, worth around 45 billion baht, to all flood victims and commenced the preliminary flood prevention measures.

He went on to say that a budget of 350 billion baht has been allocated for long-term water resources management projects, which will be overseen by a number of committees to make sure that the disbursement will lead to the efficient implementation of all related projects.

Mr. Niwattumrong is confident that the state-initiated flood prevention will help save Thailand from any severe devastation seen in the 2011 flood crisis.

-- NNT 2012-09-02

State-sponsored Water Exhibition to stay open until 3 Sept

BANGKOK, 2 September 2012 (NNT) – The government has decided to extend its Water Exhibition by another day to allow more members of the public to visit the event.

Government Spokesperson Sansanee Nakpong said that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, along with Deputy Prime Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong and Deputy Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt, visited the Water Exhibition, held at Central Plaza Lat Phrao in Bangkok on Saturday, the second day of the event.

Prime Minister Yingluck and both ministers greeted visitors at the exhibition, who have responded well to the displays of all information related to the state-initiated water management projects.

Ms. Sansanee said that, due to strong public interest, the government has decided to extend the exhibition period, which was initially scheduled to end on September 2nd, to Monday, September 3rd instead.

The Government Spokesperson said that the extension was intended to allow the public more time to get educated about what the government has been doing with the water management policies.

-- NNT 2012-09-02

Her Majesty the Queen’s conditions improving satisfactorily

BANGKOK, 2 August 2012 (NNT) – The team of royal physicians tending Her Majesty the Queen has expressed their satisfaction on the improvement of Her Majesty the Queen’s heath.

In the 10th statement issued on the 31st of August by the Bureau of the Royal Household concerning HM the Queen’s conditions while staying at Siriraj Hospital, the Bureau quoted a report by the royal physicians’ team as saying that Her Majesty’s general conditions had greatly improved. Her Majesty was able to eat normally, sleep well and walk almost normally, all of which brought satisfaction to the team.

The statement continued to say that the royal physicians’ team requested that Her Majesty the Queen continue taking physical therapy and refrain from official functions for a period of time.

-- NNT 2012-09-02

Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives moves to put cooperatives on national agenda

BANGKOK, 2 September 2012 (NNT) – Mr. Theera Wongsamut, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, presided over the opening ceremony for the celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the establishment of the Federation of Savings and Credit Cooperatives of Thailand. The ceremony was also to mark the year of international cooperatives.

At the opening ceremony, the Agriculture and Cooperatives minister stated that in this year of international cooperatives, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is pushing for cooperatives to be part of the national agenda. It is seeking approval from the cabinet. Currently, the ministry is in the middle of preparations for a national strategic policy in regard to cooperatives. The aim is to strengthen and stabilize cooperatives, and to put into place measures that will support the operations of cooperatives to ensure convenience and sustainability.

With the opening of the AEC in 2015, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives along with the Federation of Savings and Credit Cooperatives of Thailand will work to ensure that cooperatives receive the greatest benefits.

-- NNT 2012-09-02

RT@RichardBarrow: Advance notice of major traffic jam around IMPACT on Sat 8 Sep when five K-Pop stars from Korea will sing in a concert

pic.twitter.com/CKclQxGw

RT@RichardBarrow: If a taxi refuses to pick you up in Bangkok, make a note of the license plate and/or take a picture & call 1584/1197.

CCTVs installed at major dams to keep Bangkok updated with water situation

BANGKOK, 2 September 2012 (NNT) – The government has installed CCTV cameras at major dams and important spots along the country’s main rivers, which help send images directly to the central water data center located in Bangkok.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/581364-cctvs-installed-at-major-dams-to-keep-bangkok-updated-with-water-situation/#entry5627379

Phuket Opinion: There’s no place like home

Phuket Gazette – Sunday, September 2, 2012 10:04:00 AM

Most people living and working in Phuket are from elsewhere, Thais and foreigners alike, and deep down know that if the quality of life deteriorates to the point that it is no longer viable or palatable, they can always go home. Image: Gazette Graphics

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/581369-phuket-opinion-theres-no-place-like-home/#entry5627459

Election Commission inspects Bangkok Metropolitan Council by-election for Don Muang district, unofficial result to be known at 5pm today /MCOT

RT@RichardBarrow: The 6 day FILA junior wrestling tournament starts in Pattaya on Tuesday at Indoor Athletics Stadium & Ambassador Hotel's sports facilities

Pirate Bay co-founder arrested in Cambodia: police

PHNOM PENH, Sept 2, 2012 (AFP) - A co-founder of top Swedish filesharing site The Pirate Bay, who is on an international wanted list, has been arrested in the Cambodian capital at Stockholm's request, police said Sunday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....a/#entry5627542

Thailand to host world cheerleading championships

Setsuo Nakamura, the International Federation Cheerleading president, second from right, at the venue where the championships will be held.

BANGKOK: -- Thailand have been selected by the International Federation Cheerleading (IFC) to host the World Cheerleading Championships in 2013.

Thailand Federation of Cheerleading (TFC) has emphasised the benefits of cheerleading, a type of sport that supports harmony in the group of cheerleaders, and encouraged Thai youth to participate in the sport.

Setsuo Nakamura, the IFC president, said Thailand were chosen because the country has abundant resources, including convenient transportation system as well as good facilities and service systems.

"Cheerleading has quickly evolved and developed in Thailand. Thailand has a strong and powerful team that is accepted at international level.

"The team from Thailand can hit a high score with its creativity. Moreover, Thailand has hosted the Asian Cheerleading Championships many times.

"IFC believes that Thailand will successfully host the World Cheerleading Championships in 2013. Cheerleading will greatly develop in Thailand with the hosting of the event. Over 50 countries will participate in the event," said Nakamura.

Arthit Ourairat, the TFC president, said that cheerleading stimulates harmony and broadmindedness among Thai youth and the association wants to promote the sport to wider public.

"Playing this sport requires several skills and does not depend on only on dancing.

TFC is pleased to support those who are interested in this sport at all levels, without limitation or discrimination.

"TFC also is willing to provide advice about training principles, competition rules and cheerleading techniques as well as an opportunity to those who desire to use TFC's court to improve their skills.

"More importantly, TFC is holding the National Cheerleading Championships to develop the skills of Thai cheerleaders so that their capability is as good as or better than that of their counterparts in Asia and the world.

"In addition to the development at national level, TFC also has the opportunity to promote cheerleading sport to neighbouring countries such as Laos, Cambodia and Singapore to stimulate the attention to this sport at regional level," said Arthit.

-- The Nation 2012-09-02

Australian Govt rejects Bamford blast over Phuket rape claim

Phuket Gazette –

Stevie Bamford alleged on a prime-time Australian national television show 'Today Tonight' that Australian consular officials ‘off-the-record’ told her to lie about her sexual assault ordeal. Photo: Gazette file

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/581376-australian-govt-rejects-bamford-blast-over-phuket-assault-claim/#entry5627606

Ranong authorities fixing hillside road collapse triggered by heavy rain, posing danger to motorists /MCOT

Bangkok governor worries about test to drain water into city's canals

BANGKOK, Sept 2 - Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra was concerned about the government's plan to test draining water through Bangkok's canals as the test period coincides with high tide and frequent rainfall.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/581325-more-concern-over-tests-for-canals/#entry5627681

Ayutthaya establishes a center to directly coordinate with central administration on water/flood management

AYUTTHAYA, 2 September 2012 (NNT) – A new coordinating center has been set up between Ayutthaya Province and the government to collaborate in the country’s flood and water management measures.

Chief of the Ayutthaya Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office Udomsak Khaonoona said that the new command center in Ayutthaya will be officially set up at its City Hall on September 5th.

Mr. Udomsak said that the new center is intended to act as a coordinator with the government’s central command center, in handling relief measures during and after any disaster.

He said that community leaders have been invited to join in the new center, with one leader asked to take care of 20 households to facilitate any implementation.

In addition, the Ayutthaya City Hall has initiated the dredging of more water resources to enhance their capacities to retain rain and flood water in a more systematic way.

-- NNT 2012-09-02

Suan Dusit poll reveals people want the government to urgently deal with high cost of living

BANGKOK, 2 September 2012 (NNT) – A poll conducted by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, revealed most of the Thai citizens wanted the Yingluck Shinawatra government to concentrate more on controlling the rising cost of living in its second year.

The Suan Dusit Poll, conducted under the topic: The Yingluck government moving into its second year, found that 36.93% of the respondents viewed the suppression of narcotics as the most outstanding achievement of this government, followed by the minimum wage and salary increase, 28.12%, and the 30-baht universal medical fee.

34.76% of the respondents rated expensive goods prices as the government’s poorest performance, followed by flood prevention, 30.14% .

Furthermore, 49.42% of the surveyed citizens were of the opinion that the government must stick to its campaign promises, in administering the country in the second year. Asked what they would do first if they were the prime minister, 45.99% of the respondents said they would raise the quality of life of the people and deal with the rising cost of living while 30.87% would tackle the issue of expensive goods. However, 40.17% believed that the government’s operations in its second year would not change, due to political division.

-- NNT 2012-09-02