Thailand Live Monday 17 Sep 2012

[Lite Beer]

IEAT certain Thailand’s industrial estates will not be flooded

BANGKOK, Sept 17 – The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) is certain the country's industrial estates will not be flooded this year, particularly those under the care of IEAT in flood-prone areas.

Deputy Director-General Somkid Tanwattanakul said the areas under IEAT's direct supervision such as the Bangchan and Latkrabang industrial estates, both in suburban Bangkok, will not be flooded, as IEAT believes the volume of floodwater this year will be less than last year.

Industrial estates will use existing flood prevention and control measures, which he said are sufficient. Earthen dykes have been reinforced and elevated for additional strength.

Regarding IEAT's permanent flood prevention measures, a Bt3 billion budget has tagged for construction of permanent flood embankment walls, the height of each wall depending on the altitude of the land in each area.

The embankments, however, will be at least as high as last year's flood maximum height plus another 50cm for flood control.

IEAT also prepared Bt200 million to fund monitoring flood threats and a Bt190 million budget to purchase temporary flood prevention equipment, which can be installed quickly.

The project is currently in a public hearing process and an e-auction to find an appropriate bidder. A purchase contract is expected to be made by next month, with construction to follow, which Mr Somkid said will not be in time for this year's rainy season. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-09-17

[Lite Beer]

Criminal Court rules taxi driver Pan Khamkong shot dead by government forces during Red Shirt protests in 2010 /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

Army behind Thai protest death: inquest

BANGKOK, Sept 17, 2012 (AFP) - The Thai military shot and killed a taxi driver during 2010 "Red Shirt" rallies, an inquest found Monday, in the first ever ruling on deaths during the country's worst political violence in decades.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/584972-army-behind-thai-protest-death-inquest/#entry5673491

[Lite Beer]

More southern insurgents to defect

BANGKOK, Sept 17 - Another batch of southern insurgents will surrender to the authorities in Thailand’s far South within this month, Deputy Prime Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapa said Monday.

It will be the second defection after the first group of 93 militants gave up to the government last week.

Gen Yuthasak said only three of last week's 93 defectors will face criminal charges and that wrongdoers will not be exempt from punishment.

The deputy premier said the Fourth Army Region commander has been instructed to explain the situation concerning the defectors to southern people to create better understanding following allegations from some quarters that the mass surrender was a setup.

He said he will travel to the South again when the new group of defectors produce themselves to authorities.

Gen Yuthasak said last week that some of the defectors who turned themselves in were “significant figures” while the Fourth Army Region commander was told to encourage more insurgents to report themselves to authorities.

He added the government has yet to decide if the defectors will be covered by Article 21 of the Internal Security Act

“If we do not implement Article 21, other insurgents may turn against authorities,” he said.

Article 21 of the Internal Security Act states that a wrongdoer who innocuously violates the law and surrenders to the authorities may be allowed to undergo training for the maximum of six months. After the training under conditions set by the court, criminal charges may not be filed against him.

The purpose of the stipulation is to enable a wrongdoer to turn over a new leaf for the sake of the country’s internal security. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-09-17

[Lite Beer]

Sukhothai takes a short break, only for now

SUKHOTHAI, Sept 17 – Breaches of anti-flood embankments have apparently horrified officials in this former capital province where Governor Chakkarin Plienwong ordered authorities concerned to search for additional leaks along the Yom River.

While the hunt for leaks continues, water pumps are working hard to direct flood waters out of the provincial seat—the second flooding in less than a week.

A big-bag wall has been erected to prevent Sukhothai commercial areas from the floods but a 50-80cm leak was found Sunday, inundating the provincial Tassana Panich Road in the municipality before flowing into a densely-inhabited community.

The provincial administration warned residents on both sides of the Yom, the major river running through Sukhothai, to be on alert for a possible added round of floods today. The flood-prone districts are Sawankaloke, Sri Samrong, the provincial seat and Sri Satchanalai.

Sri Samrong and Sawankaloke, battered by floods on the weekend, now show waters receding while the water level in the Yom River measured at the provincial seat was 7.32 metres.

Waters have overflowed the riverbanks into five villages. The water level in the Yom River, measured at the municipality, Muang Sukhothai Thani, is at a critical stage since it is at the same level as the big-bag wall. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-09-17

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2010 POLITICAL VIOLENCE

Criminal Court rules taxi driver killed by troops

The Nation

Nittaya, daughter of Kam weeps during an interview before the court delivers the verdict.//Photo : Watcharachai Klaipong

BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court Monday ruled that a taxi driver was shot dead by troops deployed to tighten security around Rajprasong Intesection in May 2010.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....tical-violence/

[george]

US Embassy in Bangkok will close early tomorrow Tuesday due to demonstration against anti-Islam film

Full story:

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Public Health warns locals of poisonous mushrooms

BANGKOK, 17 September 2012 (NNT) – Deputy Public Health Minister Surawit Khonsomboon has warned local residents of wild poisonous mushrooms after 12 people have died and 400 fallen ill from eating them.

Full story:

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Phuket tourist safety boost as Patong taxis install GPS units

Phuket Gazette

A technician installs one of the new GPS units in a Patong taxi as part of the Phuket Safety Zone project. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

Preechawut Keesin and Col Chiraphat Phochanaphan showing off the GPS devices fitted to 91 taxis as part of the Phuket Safety Zone project. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- As a part of the ongoing “Phuket Safety Zone” project, Patong Police have joined with the private sector to install GPS tracking devices to Patong taxis.

Full story:

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THAI-US RELATIONS

US Embassy warning after police indicate large protest planned for Tuesday

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The US Embassy in Bangkok has issued a warning to its citizens following police reports that a demonstration involving a large number of people is planned in front of the embassy on Tuesday.

Full story:

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PM Yingluck pledges splurge on developing Phuket tourism

Phuket Gazette

During her visit, PM Yingluck visited the Imam at Krabi Central Mosque and paid her respects to the abbot at Kaew Korawararam Temple in Krabi Town. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Saturday named Patong Beach, Old Phuket Town and Promthep Cape as three Andaman tourist attractions to receive “emergency budget” support.

Full story:

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RID: Overall flood situation normal

BANGKOK, 17 September 2012 (NNT) – The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has revealed that the overall flood situation in the country is currently at a normal level while saying the water in the Yom Rover will recede in a few days.

Director-General of the RID Lertwiroj Kowattana has assured the general public that the current flood situation in Thailand is nothing out of the ordinary. He pointed out that the water levels in only some areas have exceeded the acceptable threshold as a result of a passing low-pressure trough in the lower northern region.

The low-pressure trough has brought a large amount of rain to Phrae and Sukhothai provinces and has raised the volume of water in the Yom River to a flowing rate of 1,500 cubic meters per second.

The rapid rise has prompted the water to overflow the flood walls that are not high enough in some areas of Sukhothai. Water pumps have immediately been used to relieve the inundation. Mr. Lertwiroj expected the plight of residents to be over in just a few days if there is no more rain upstream.

Moreover, the Director-General attributed the flood in Sam Khok district of Pathum Thani province to the release of water from Chao Phraya Dam. The water is being released at the rate of 1,800 cubic meters per second, which he said is the standard rate for the rainy season.

-- NNT 2012-09-17

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Chanthaburi warns residents of flash floods

CHANTHABURI, 16 September 2012 (NNT) - Mr. Wichit Chartpaisit, Governor of Chanthaburi province, has made known that the province is closely monitoring weather forecasts from the Meteorological Department following the arrival of monsoons in the central and eastern regions.

The department has issued a warning regarding flash floods and run-off from forests in many areas of Chanthaburi, which are the results of monsoons that had moved from the lower northern and northeastern regions. The weather developments have led to several days of heavy rain throughout Chanthaburi province.

The weather bureau has predicted that Chanthaburi will see continuous rain until September 17. The water level in the Chanthaburi River, as measured at the Chantharam Temple bridge, has risen slightly. The province has issued a warning in regard to the rains and water levels in the Chanthaburi River, and has changed the warning flags at the Chantaram Temple bridge and the Trirat bridge to yellow ones, to inform citizens to keep an eye on the river. There is a risk of flood near the river. Residents in the flood-prone areas are asked to keep abreast of official warnings from the authorities.

-- NNT 2012-09-17

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SET index closed at 1278.54, up 2.42; Bt/USD30.65; GBP49.62; AUD32.17; EUR40.12; CAD31.40; HKD3.95; SGD24.95; JPY38.90

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AFP: US to close Bangkok embassy during Islam film protest

Full story:

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US Embassy prepares for anti-American demonstrations in Thailand

Phuket Gazette

The US embassy confirmed to the Phuket Gazette that the security warning was not linked to any specific threats in Thailand.

PHUKET: -- The US Embassy in Bangkok has confirmed to the Phuket Gazette that the recent security warning issued to all American citizens was not linked to any specific threats in Thailand.

Full story:

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Amorous Indians in amazing Thailand

By Siva Sankar

Illustration by Manjul

THAILAND: -- Most Indian tourists (males, that is), seem to perceive Thailand as an easy sex getaway — convenient and affordable. Most Thais consider Indian tourists (males, that is) sex-starved deviants who don’t think twice before indulging in things in Thailand that they wouldn’t think of doing in India.

Full story:

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RT @ACSBKK: Due to possible protests on 9/18, afternoon appts for routine services are canceled, more info available at http://ow.ly/dLf19

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Thailand steps up security measures at US embassy, consulate

BANGKOK, Sept 17 -- Thailand has stepped up security measures at the US embassy and consulate following the violent protest at the US embassy in Libya against an anti-Islam film, Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Surapong Tovichakchaikul said here Monday.

Full story:

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Police set up cordon to capture brazen Phuket gold shop robbers

Phuket Gazette

CCTV captures the latest Phuket gold shop robbery. Police have surrounded the Sri Paiboon fish processing plant to catch the two suspects. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Superintendent Serm Kwannimit stands by the getaway bike while holding one of the dropped gold bracelets. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- Police have surrounded a disused fish processing plant on the east side of Phuket Town this afternoon in the hope of capturing two men who shot a gold shop owner with an air pistol before making off with an estimated 3 million baht in jewelry.

Full story:

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RT @tulsathit: Bkk police chief to explain his Thaksin photo display at Democrat HQ tmrrw. "Time is 11 am, in case any cop wants to join me," he said.

[Lite Beer]

Red Bull heir may have taken cocaine

The doctor who conducted blood tests suggesting that Red Bull heir Vorayuth Yoovidhya might have used cocaine will be summoned for questioning Tuesday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/585041-red-bull-heir-may-have-taken-cocaine/#entry5674433

[Lite Beer]

Thai Senate to decide Democrat Suthep’s fate tomorrow

BANGKOK, Sept 17 - The parliamentary membership status of Democrat deputy leader Suthep Thuangsubhan hangs in the balance pending tomorrow’s decision by the Senate on whether his member of parliament status will be revoked for breaching his duty while serving as deputy prime minister in the previous Abhisit Vejjajiva government.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/585044-thai-senate-to-decide-democrat-sutheps-fate-tomorrow/#entry5674452

[Lite Beer]

Petronas says goodbye to Thailand

BANGKOK, Sept 17 – Malaysia’s Petronas Retail (Thailand) sold its Thai-based business operations to Susco Plc, a major distributor of fuel oil, gasoline, NGV, LPG and lubricants company in the country.

Susco managing director Chaiyarit Simaroj reported to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) that the company's board concluded a shares sale and purchase agreement with Petronas Retail (Thailand) to expand Susco's business, particularly in Bangkok, its metropolitan area, and nearby provinces.

Susco was selected as the share buyer and is expected to receive all shares by the end of this year.

Under trademark 'Susco', the company also sells oil through its petrol stations and directly to the industrial sector.

Susco has 144 filling stations, mainly in northern and southern parts of Thailand, while Petronas Retail has about 100 gas stations in the capital and its vicinity, belonging to Petronas itself and leased for its trademark by a third party.

Mr Chaiyarit said his company is certain that taking over Petronas will make Susco double its revenue from its earlier anticipated revenue of up to Bt17 billion to around Bt30 billion next year.

He said Susco used its cash flow and loans from financial institutions to purchase the Petronas shares. However, the amount of money for the transaction was not disclosed. Susco said the registration of more capital stock is unneccessary after the acquisition.

Meanwhile oil business expert Manoon Siriwan commented that Petronas, which first began its business in Thailand in 2005, decided to withdraw from the country due to its inability to compete with Thailand's petroleum retail industry, in which oil prices are subject to intervention on the part of government through PTT Plc, Thailand's state-owned oil and gas conglomerate. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-09-17

[Lite Beer]

PM promises peaceful approach to tackle southern violence

BANGKOK, Sept 17 - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra reaffirmed to the visiting head of an international Muslim organisation that her government adheres to peaceful approaches to tackle violence in Thailand's insurgency-torn southern provinces.

Thai government spokesperson Sansanee Nakpong said Dr Abdullah bin Abdul Mohsin Al-Turky, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, and Dr William Vendley, Secretary-General of the World Conference for Religions of Peace paid a courtesy call on the Thai premier at Government House on Monday.

The two leaders of religious organizations, one Muslim and one inter-faith, are in Thailand at the invitation of Mahidol University's Research Centre for Peace to attend an international seminar on Religion and the Peacebuilding Process in ASEAN.

Ms Sansanee said the Muslim World League chief would like to see peacebuilding take place in the restive southern border provinces and urged Thailand to take role in building peace at regional level.

The spokesperson said the prime minister told the Muslim World League chief and his entourage that the Thai government has supported all religions.

For the ethnic Malay Muslim-majority provinces in Thailand’s far South, Ms Sansanee said, the government has applied all peaceful means including negotiations and all fields of development to improve the living conditions of all Muslim Thais in the region. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-09-17

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Thailand Live Tuesday 18 Sep 2012