Thailand Live Wednesday 19 Sep 2012

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STOPPAGE TIME

Oblivion may be where the truth belongs

Tulsathit Taptim

The most comprehensive report on the political violence of 2010 can do anything but speak volumes.

BANGKOK: -- It will most likely turn out to be the Truth for Reconciliation Commission of Thailand's (TRCT) swan song. Nobody can actually benefit from the detailed chronology of events, the added and well-researched witness accounts, the intriguing information picked up by the social media, as well as how the conventional media saw the unfolding violence. The country's political divide has been romanticised and idealised, so much so that as the TRCT tries to tell the story as it happened, the panel will not be making any friends.

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Flood cuts Chantaburi border trade by half, from 30 million baht to 15 million baht /MCOT

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Thai Industries Sentiment Index in August dropped to its lowest in 8 months to 98.5: Federation of Thai Industries /MCOT

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Cabinet rejects new Bt405 billion rice pledging scheme

BANGKOK, Sept 19 – A proposal for a new round of rice pledging scheme for the 2012/2013 fiscal year which will cost the government Bt405 billion was rejected by the cabinet which openly expressed concern that it will plunge Thailand into heavy indebtedness.

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HM the Queen sends relief bags to Sukhothai flood victims

SUKHOTHAI, 19 September 2012 (NNT) - Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, Honorary President of the Thai Red Cross Society, has generously sent necessity items to flood victims in Sukhothai Province in order to alleviate their hardship.

As the flood situation in Sawan Khalok District in Sukhothai is critical, Her Majesty the Queen has expressed her concerns over the well-being of the residents. She has assigned Thai Red Cross Society Secretary-General Pan Wannamethee to hand over 1,000 sets relief bags and drinks from the Coca-Cola Foundation to the flood victims in the district.

Currently, a total of 11 provinces across the country have been declared flood-disaster zones.

-- NNT 2012-09-19

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RT @RichardBarrow: ThaiPBS showing flood pictures from Sa Kaeo of more than 1m. A local said he has never seen in 35y. 8 districts affected

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Environment Ministry reveals northern flood updates

BANGKOK, 19 September 2012 (NNT) - The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment revealed the progress of the government’s flood control measures in northern provinces.

Environment Minister Preecha Rengsomboonsuk said a clean-up operation is scheduled to take place in Sukhothai province today as the threat of inundation in the province eases. He added that measures to prevent further leaks from the swollen Yom River have been put in place and provincial authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

In Sukhothai’s neighboring province, Phitsanulok, seven districts which include Muang, Phrom Phiram and Bang Rakam, have been declared flood-hit zones. Over 22,000 rai of agricultural land has been damaged by the deluge so far. Farmers and other residents have moved their belongings to higher grounds.

Mr Preecha elaborated that the cabinet has approved a budget of 350 billion baht for the integration of water management plans for 25 river basins in the country. The initiative will focus on projects in the 8 upper river basins.

In addition, the Minister said the country’s major dams such as the Bhumibol Dam and the Sirikit Dam can accommodate up to 40% more of its capacity.

-- NNT 2012-09-19

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Special Report: Silpakorn clinches top prize at Art for the King exhibition

A team of Silpakorn University students have won a top prize at the three-dimensional art exhibition, held to celebrate His Majesty the King’s 85th birthday anniversary this year.

Silpakorn students, who have been awarded 200,000 baht, are one of the nine university teams who submitted their works for the “Art for the King” exhibition. The participating universities include Chulalongkorn University, Rangsit University and Srinakarin Wirot University. The event, organized during September 18-23 at Central World shopping complex, is aimed at encouraging younger generations to appreciate art, culture and His Majesty's philosophy.

Other highlights at the event include an exhibition on His Majesty’s royal projects and initiatives as well as interactive installations on Thailand’s major tourist destinations.

The exhibition is hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in partnership with the Central Group. As part of the government’s ‘Miracles of Thailand’ campaign, the event celebrates the Miracle of the Thai Monarchy. In addition to His Majesty’s birthday anniversary, the initiative is also set to commemorate Her Majesty the Queen’s 80th Birthday, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 60th Birthday.

According to TAT Deputy Governor WilaiwanTawitsri, His Majesty’s self-sufficiency philosophy in particular is founded upon the concept of sustainability, moderation and broad-based development –timeless concepts that are thematic to this art project.

The nine entries will be on display on the third floor of the department store’s Eden Zone and will later be showcased at popular tourist spots.

-- NNT 2012-09-19

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5kg explosive device defused in Yala

YALA, Sept 19 - A bomb squad successfully defused a five-kilogramme bomb found in a litter bin in the provincial seat of this southern border province early Wednesday morning, police said.

A patrol unit found the suspicious object left in a plastic box while on foot patrol at Tuboh intersection in Sateng Nok subdistrict. They alerted the police bomb squad which responded to the scene.

The bomb squad cut all telecommunication signals before defusing the bomb, so that the bomb would not be set off by cellphone or radio signals.

Police investigators believed the bomb was intended to kill army rangers from the 43rd Rangers Regiment who usually manned a checkpoint to monitor suspicious vehicles at the intersection. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-09-19

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Muslims in Chiang Mai protest at US Consulate

CHIANG MAI, Sept 19 - Dozens of Muslims in this northern Thai city protested early Wednesday in front of the US Consulate against a film considered offensive to Islam which sparked violent anti-US protests around the Muslim world.

The protest was peaceful, but 30 police officers stood by to maintain order in case of any disorder.

The protesters denounced those who took part in the production of the film, "Innocence of Muslims," demanding that the United States punish the film producer and those involved.

They also submitted a letter via the consulate official to US ambassador Kristie Kenney who is scheduled to attend a seminar later today at Chiang Mai University.

Freedom of speech, and of the media, is considered a basic freedom in the United States. In its system of government the authorities do not have the right to limit the freedom of speech.

At the university seminar this afternoon, Ambassador Kenney is expected to explain applications of freedom of speech in her country. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-09-19

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BEER WAR

Charoen gives way to Heineken's takeover

The Nation

Cases of Chang beer are ready for export. Charoen needs new plan to promote his beer overseas. /Photo by EPA

BANGKOK: -- Thai Beverage Plc and TCC Assets Ltd (TCCA) - two firms majority owned by Thai tycoon Charoen Sirividhanabhakdi and his wife, Khunying Wanna - today announced that they would no longer contest Heineken's bid for Asia Pacific Breweries.

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CHIANG MAI

Security tightened as US envoy arrives to give lecture

Security in Chiang Mai was strengthened on Wednesday as Thai Muslims protested in front of US Consulate General Office in the province against a controversial US film and at the university where US Ambassador Kristie Kenney's is scheduled to lecture on the US election.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/585327-muslim-protests-us-consulate-wed-sept-19/page__st__25#entry5679940

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Disaster insurance in high demand

The Nation

Thai individuals and corporations are seeking insurance protection against natural disasters, resulting in a huge number of insurance policies issued.

According to the Office of Insurance Commission, during March 28-Sept 11, 46 insurance companies issued 165,333 disaster insurance policies, for combined sum insured of Bt14 billion in return for Bt104 million premiums.

Pravej Ongartsittigul, the secretary general of OIC, said that of total, 154,306 policies were issued to home owners, for combined sum insured of Bt9.2 billion. SMEs also bought 10,326 policies for Bt1.99 billion sum insured. A number of 701 policies were issued to industrial factories, for Bt3.2 billion sum insured.

The OIC is working closely with the insurance industry in relaxing re-insurance rules, in order to reduce premiums and increase competition, Pravej said.

He expected the number of disaster insurance policies to continue increasing, thanks to annual renewals.

Disaster insurance covers flood, earthquake and storms.

Last year’s flood caused US$12 billion in damage, but less than half of affected properties were insured.

-- The Nation 2012-09-19

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Forensic report into cause of Phuket’s Tiger Disco fire postponed

Phuket Gazette –

Col Nattapol Samsen originally asserted that the forensic investigation report would be completed in 30 days. Photo: Gazette file

Forensic Science Region 8 Chief Phongnarate Tantivathana: “We are not authorized to release the report.” Photo: Gazette file

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/585500-forensic-report-into-cause-of-phukets-tiger-disco-fire-postponed/#entry5680069

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Fears of Phuket underpass traffic jams prompt 'alternative routes' plan

Phuket Gazette

One of the suggestions for southbound traffic on the bypass road was to use the Bang Yai Rd detour behind Big C. Image: Google Earth

A computer-generated image of what the completed 600-million-baht underpass will look like two years from now. Image: Highways Dept

PHUKET: -- The Highways Department yesterday held a public meeting to suggest alternative routes for motorists to alleviate traffic congestion when construction of Phuket’s first underpass at the Darasamuth Intersection, in front of Central Festival Phuket shopping mall, begins next month.

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Bad weather affects border trade, seafood prices

CHANTHABURI, Sept 19 - Thailand’s border trade at Chanthaburi has dropped by half due to the heavy rain in many eastern provinces, while erratic changes of weather in the southern provinces has caused the increased price of seafood.

Thai-Cambodian Business and Tourism Association vice chairman Sombat Juengtrakul said that flooding and rain in the eastern provinces have caused the border trade between Thailand and Cambodia at Chantaburi to drop by 50 per cent.

Normally Cambodian traders order Thai products on average at Bt30 million per day but orders have fallen to Bt15 million--about Bt500 million per month—because cross border transportation was inconvenient, he said.

Moreover, he said, shopping for Thai products at the border markets also droped by half due to the weather.

But the number of Cambodian workers crossing border to work in Thailand remained the same at around 1,000 persons daily.

Meanwhile, fluctuations of the weather has caused the price of fresh seafood at Maharaj market in Krabi to rise. Rough seas have barred fishing trawlers from going to sea and fewer fish are being caught.

The price of mackerel has risen from Bt80 per kilogramme to Bt90 per/kg, banana shrimp from Bt250/kg to Bt300-350/kg.

Maharaj market fresh seafood chairperfson Hava Changrua said the prices of seafood now are not stable because rough seas have reduced the quantity of seafood caught by the fishermen.

However, she believed that when the sea was calm, the seafood prices would return to normal. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-09-19

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Thai Industries Sentiment Index in August lowest in 8 months

BANGKOK, Sept 19 - Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TISI) in August slightly dropped to its lowest level in eight months at 98.5 from 98.7 in the previous month, said the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

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Corrections Department prepares emergency flood measures

BANGKOK, 19 September 2012 (NNT) - Following bouts of heavy rains nationwide, the Department of Corrections has devised flood prevention measures for prisons located in flood-prone areas and is planning to deploy inmates to carry out canal-dredging works in Bangkok.

The Department’s director-general Suchart Wong-ananchai said a meeting of prison wardens operating in low-lying areas has been held to prepare necessary measures in case of the evacuation of inmates. The meeting also agreed to send 1,000 prisoners to Bangkok to dredge clogged canals, in anticipation of more widespread rain.

At the meeting, the department’s flood response plans have been drawn up to be launched by three groups of prisoners, namely prisoners in flood-prone provinces, prisoners affected by last year’s flood crisis and prisoners who do not face the threat of floods. Inmates from the last group are slated to assist in the evacuation of flood victims and the transport of supplies and personnel.

-- NNT 2012-09-19

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"Zero-Baht Store" launched to encourage recycling

BANGKOK, 19 September 2012 (NNT) – The second “Zero-Baht Store” has been launched to encourage recycling among Thai people, while 12 more “Zero-Baht Stores” are nearly ready for operation.

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and the Thailand Institute of Packaging and Recycling Management for Sustainable Environment (TIPMSE) have together launched the 2nd one of a kind convenient store called “Zero-Baht Store” in the Public Community of Din Daeng. The main purpose of this store is for people in the community to trade in garbage for consuming products such as detergents, shampoos, eggs, snacks, and beverages.

Before shopping at a “Zero-Baht Store”, a garbage saving account will be needed. Customers can register for an account at “Garbage Saving Bank” which is located next to the “Zero-Baht Store”. Once a trash is turned in, a cash coupon will be given to the saver. Cash coupons can be used to purchase products at the “Zero-Baht Store”.

According to Mr. Veera Akaraputhiporn, Board of Director, Institute of Environment for Industries, 12 more stores will be opened soon, while over 100 entrepreneurs have already registered for store license.

He added that the “Zero-Baht Store” will help encourage recycling in the community and create a new habit for youngsters in garbage separation.

-- NNT 2012-09-19

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DEFAMATION SUIT

Court sentences Sondhi to three months in jail

The Nation

Sondhi

BANGKOK: -- People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul on Wednesday had his guilty verdict for libel confirmed in an appellate review although his jail term cut in half to three months.

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IN Channel to air on True Visions 90, 21 Sept

Bangkok, September 18th, 2012 – IN Channel, the newest cable TV station, announced at a press conference today that it’s ready to rock Thailand’s television industry on channel 90 of True Visions, Thailand’s largest pay TV platform, with a variety of content in travel, health, and entertainment.

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UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

Thailand should try those responsible for 2010 deaths

Pillay

NEW YORK: -- Thailand has the responsibility to bring tojustice those responsible for the deaths of 92 people during massdemonstrations in 2010, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said Tuesday.

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SET index closed at 1284.2, up 11.34; Bt/USD30.66; GBP49.73; AUD31.94; EUR39.97; CAD31.35; HKD3.95; SGD24.89; JPY38.52

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Bangkok Cabdrivers Protest Penalty For Refusing Fares

An association of Bangkok cabdrivers filed a formal complaint with the Metropolitan Police over harsh new rules aimed at cabdrivers. The new rules would fine a cabdriver 1,000 THB for refusing to take a fare. The public can also complain directly to police, who will take action.

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RT@terryfrd: Just like old times as Dr Seree & Darin analyze flood situation on Thai PBS. BKK residents need to watch Lop Buri's Pa Sak Cholasit Dam.

RT@terryfrd:​ No way big dams going to fill up says Dr Seree, but Pa Sak could be full in 10 days w. heavy rain. Will have rapid effort on Chao Phraya.

RT@terryfrd: Couple of big positives.No big water mass moving in from N. Vast areas of farmland open for water retention as seen from helicopter.

RT@terryfrd: Major storm forming in Philippines area, could go N. or S. Hope it goes N. Dr Seree says.

RT@terryfrd: Hope Dr Seree & Darin are back on regularly. They're the best in the business. (Are you listening Thai PBS?)

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to continue:

Thailand Live Thursday 20 Sep 2012