Thailand Live Sunday 23 Sep 2012

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Thailand Live Sunday 23 September 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 22 Sep 2012

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[Lite Beer]

Police doctor now in custody, after three bodies found on his Phetchaburi property

The Nation on Sunday

PETCHABURI:-- A police doctor suspected of killing at least four people and burying their bodies on his property in Phetchaburi was arrested yesterday and taken for interrogation at the provincial police headquarters.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....y/#entry5690766

[Lite Beer]

Plodprasop's floodwall faces test

Sayan Chucham,

Thanatpong Khongsai

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Science and Technology Minister Plodprasop Surasawadi, while inspecting the Phichit flood situation yesterday, said he had come up with a new idea of using plastic sheets to keep flood water out, which will be tested today in Sukhothai's Kong Krai Las district.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....t/#entry5690774

[Lite Beer]

Thaksin writes to families of 2010 'martyrs'

Praphan Jindalertudomdee,

Pimnara Pradubwit

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Ousted and convicted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra has written two open letters to relatives of people killed in violent protests in mid-2010, claiming that the incidents would be remembered as the most deadly dispersal of protesters in Thai history.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....s/#entry5690783

[Lite Beer]

Yongyuth's future in the balance

Somroutai Sapsomboon,

Wattana Khamchu

The Nation on Sunday

Yongyuth

BANGKOK: -- Deputy PM urged to consult EC after 'expulsion' over Alpine scandal; Council of State says he's legally entitled to leniency

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....e/#entry5690792

[Lite Beer]

Security tightened following car bomb

The Nation on Sunday

PATTANI: -- Security measures have been beefed up in the deep South following Friday's car bombing in Pattani's Sai Buri district, which killed six people and wounded some 50 others.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....b/#entry5690797

[Lite Beer]

LEISURE

THAI celebrates first A380 with "Rak Khun Tao Fah Special"

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thai Airways International (THAI) is organising a "Rak Khun Tao Fah Special" event to offer customers promotional fares for travel on THAI's first Airbus A380 aircraft, whereby special airfares to international destinations and Royal Orchid Holiday tour programmes will be sold during Sept 27-30.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....l/#entry5690817

[Lite Beer]

New stem-cell treatment saving lives

Thanapat Kitjakosol

The Nation on Sunday

Seven-year-old Pakawat Pokrang, or Ton Kla, who survived a potentially fatal disease thanks to a stem-cell transplant.

Ramathibodi Foundation helps people with range of deadly diseases

Petcharat Pokrang says it is a miracle that her 7-year-old son Palwawat, or "Ton Kla", survived after being diagnosed with severe aplastic anaemia - a condition in which bone marrow fails to produce sufficient new blood cells - in April last year.

Doctors in Saraburi told her the boy would not survive without a bone-marrow transplant, which costs up to Bt1 million.

Petcharat could not afford it. But as the boy's condition worsened - the whites of his eyes turned red and he experienced oral bleeding - his local doctor helped him to obtain assistance from the Ramathibodi Hospital Foundation to seek free treatment. Ton Kla received a stem-cell transplant using tissue taken from his younger brother Noppaklao in August. He was released from hospital one month later and now lives a normal life, playing with his friends.

Initially, Petcharat believed it was her son's karma to suffer from such a deadly disease. She blamed herself, because she had tried to have an abortion when she was bearing her youngest son. However, the doctors told her the disease could have been caused by any one of a number of factors, such as living close to factories releasing toxic chemicals, heredity, or insecticides from fruits and vegetables.

Ton Kla's is just one of many lives that the Ramathibodi Hospital Foundation has saved. Among the many other survivors is 4-year-old Anat Thongta, who was diagnosed with thalassemia when he was 2. He will undergo a bone-marrow transplant tomorrow, thanks to the foundation's help. Saengduan Thongta, Anat's mother, said getting support from the foundation meant the world to her family, which has been paying Bt5,000 a month for blood transfusions to keep the child alive.

Maneerat Pimnont, 32, who suffers from systemic lupus erythematosus and chronic renal failure, received a free kidney transplant in April last year. She is profoundly grateful to the foundation, saying she has embraced her new life and gone are the days when she suffered torment and misery.

Prof Dr Suradet Hong-ing, vice president in charge of stem-cell transplants at Ramathibodi Hospital, said stem-cell technology had enabled the hospital to treat patients suffering from liver and kidney disease, leukaemia, lymphoma, thalassemia, aplastic anemia and immuno-deficiency.

The hospital is seeking approval from the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to allow patients suffering from these diseases to receive free treatment under NHSO sponsorship. Less than 10 per cent of the Thai population can afford a Bt1-million organ or stem-cell transplant, Suradet said.

"There are more than 4,000 people who are suffering from thalassemia and waiting to get stem-cell transplants; every day some die before they can reach hospital,'' he said. The hospital was the first in Thailand to carry out a liver transplant from a parent to a child, and the first in Asia to successfully perform kidney and bone-marrow transplants, which free patients from the need to take immune system suppressants.

"We are the first hospital in the country to perform a stem-cell transplant from a person who was not a blood relative of the patient,'' Suradet said.

Currently, the odds of finding a stem-cell donor whose tissue matches a patient are 1 in 30,000, because Thailand started to seek stem-cell donations just 10 years ago, and has only 140,000 registered donors.

The hospital has performed more than 600 bone-marrow transplants since 1989. Due to limited state funding, medical facilities and personnel, the hospital can only perform stem-cell and organ transplants for 10 people per month.

The professor has called on the government to increase funding for research in stem-cell technology, as he believes the hospital has the potential to become the region's leader in this field.

"Research in this medical technology can definitely improve Thais' health and well-being, which in turn will help save the state money needed to provide medical treatment for patients," Dr Suradet said.

-- The Nation 2012-09-23

[Lite Beer]

ExPat killers paid by Thai wife

By Staff Reporter

BANGKOK: -- Regular news reader will remember the sad story of a British Ex Pat who was gunned down outside his home in Northern Thailand.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/586233-british-expat-killers-paid-by-thai-wife/#entry5689301

[Lite Beer]

Lampang sees more cases of dengue fever following floods, rainfall

LAMPANG, 23 September 2012 (NNT) – Dr. Sirichai Pataranutaporn, public health medical personnel of Lampang province, made known that following the flooding situation and severe rainfall within the province, additional cases of patients with dengue fever have been reported. Within 2 weeks, there have been reports of over 30 cases. There are a total of 171 confirmed cases of patients afflicted with dengue fever.

Local governing bodies must be prepared in terms of materials and equipment to control and prevent the disease. They must also coordinate with public health officers in the area to contain the disease if it is detected. Containers that can trap water, such as bottles, cans, and container fragments in public areas must be collected and eliminated, in order to reduce breeding grounds for mosquitoes. All citizens can take part in preventing the birth of mosquito larvae, whether it be at home, in their villages, their communities, temples, schools, or government spaces.

-- NNT 2012-09-23

[Lite Beer]

Suan Dusit Poll: A third of Thais appreciate Government-Opposition collaboration to solve Deep-South crisis

BANGKOK, 23 September 2012 (NNT) – The latest opinion poll shows that a third of Thai people viewed the collaboration between the Government and the Opposition to solve the Deep South crisis as a good omen.

Suan Dusit Poll has recently conducted a survey on public opinions regarding the recent meeting between the Prime Minister and the Opposition leader as well as MPs from the southern border region to discuss solutions to the years-long conflict in the Deep South.

The survey found that 36.11 percent of the respondents commended the meeting as they viewed it as a good example of reconciliation.

More than 32 percent said they wish both sides would genuinely exchange information and opinions essential to the development of the country and be honest in their endeavors at all time.

About 49.47 percent said they believe the meeting will help solve the Deep South conflict while 43.16 percent think otherwise. At the same time more than 7 percent said the meeting will not help improve anything as the situation needs more than the government leader and the opposition leader to yield fruit.

-- NNT 2012-09-23

[Lite Beer]

6 out of 9 drainage works in Bangkok completed to date

BANGKOK, 23 September 2012 (NNT) – More than half of the drainage works, intended to help ease the flood problem in Bangkok, has been completed.

Metropolitan Police Bureau spokesperson Police Colonel Preeda Sathaworn said on Saturday that the Metropolitan Police Bureau has asked the Corrections Department to lend a number of inmates to execute the drainage works of Bangkok’s sewerage system.

The cleaning was initiated to help solve the flooding problem in the capital, caused by recent heavy rain.

Police Colonel Preeda said that, as of Saturday, 6 out of the planned 9 spots have been completed.

He expects the drainage works at 3 other locations to be completed by Monday, September 24th.

The Metropolitan Police Bureau spokesperson added that, so far, the clogging of the city’s sewerage system appeared to have been mostly caused by garbage and rock and sand.

-- NNT 2012-09-23

[Lite Beer]

Phuket 'jellyfish attack' report eludes hospitals, confounds experts

Phuket Gazette –

News of a British mum on holiday suffering serious injuries from jellyfish stings has stirred some confusion among local authorities, but also rekindled awaraness of the danger. Photo: Gazette file

A researcher at the Phuket Marine Biological Center examines some of the bluebottles that washed ashore on Phuket beaches last year. Image: PGTV

PHUKET: Local hospital staff and experts at the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) are confounded by the story of a British woman, reported in sensational fashion yesterday, of suffering extreme injuries in a jellyfish attack “somewhere near Phuket”.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/586301-phuket-jellyfish-attack-report-eludes-hospitals-confounds-experts/#entry5690976

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: 7:40am Hundreds of cyclists gathering at Samut Prakan City Hall for #CarFreeDay activities http://t.co/XT9ZFvul

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: Route for 10,000 cyclists: Leave Royal Plaza at 8:30am, Ratchadamnoen to Sanam Luang, up to Si Ayutthaya, Phaya Thai, Rama 4 & Lumpini.

[Lite Beer]

RT@ChadapornLin: PM leaves Thailand to attend UN General Assembly in New York

PM Yingluck departs for USA over Sept 23-29 to attend 67th session of United Nations General Assembly in New York City /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

Phuket Roads: Pay now, please, for the failure of planning

Phuket Gazette –

STUCK IN TRAFFIC: For an estimated two years, Phuket will likely be forced to cope with traffic grinding to a near standstill on several of its main arteries.

PHUKET: Work on Phuket’s first underpass is slated to start by the middle of next month, and is expected to shed harsh light on just how deplorably 'planners' have failed to develop Phuket’s road infrastructure to keep pace with the island’s development.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/586309-phuket-roads-pay-now-please-for-the-failure-of-planning/#entry5691270

[Lite Beer]

About 10,000 Thais, foreigners join Bangkok’s car free day campaign, riding bicycles Sunday /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: If you take your bicycle on the Skytrain today, both you & your bike travel free! (Pic @TonGlassHeart) yfrog.com/h68oszjj

[Lite Beer]

Phang-nga's Khura Buri district hit by flash flood; roads, bridges damaged /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

Led Zeppelin Guitar sells for record amount at Jesters Charity evening in Pattaya

Pattaya; the Amari Hotel provided an excellent venue for the Jesters 2012 finale and a chance to bid on a guitar that was donated by Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/586116-led-zeppelins-jimmy-page-in-pattaya-for-worthy-cause/#entry5691359

[Lite Beer]

About 10,000 Thais, foreigners join Bangkok’s car-free day campaign

BANGKOK, Sept 23 - About 10,000 Thais, foreigners join Bangkok’s car-free day campaign, riding bicycles in the capital on Sunday.

Saman Lertwongrat, representative of the Transport Minister joined the state and private sector in a parade of 12,000 bicycles from the Royal Plaza on the car-free day.

Thai Cycling for Health Association organised the event, aiming to alleviate global warming and encourage people to travel by mass transportation services, bicycles or on foot to help reduce the greenhouse gas.

Both Thais and foreigners wore red, white and blue, the colors of the Thai flag, and started the route at Dusit Palace heading to Lumpini Park. The event is scheduled to end around 3 pm. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-09-23

[Lite Beer]

Defense Minister to make official visit to Vietnam during September 25-27

BANGKOK, 23 September 2012 (NNT) – The Defense Minister is set to make his official visit to Vietnam next week, in a bid to strengthen security ties between the two neighbors.

Defense Ministry Spokesman Colonel Thanathip Sawangsaeng said that Defense Minister Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat is scheduled to travel to Vietnam during September 25-27, at the invitation from his Vietnamese counterpart, General Phung Quang Thanh.

The official trip is intended to promote closer ties and enhance both countries’ security cooperation, aimed to benefit the people of the two Southeast Asian nations and to reflect their commitment towards regional security under the framework of the ASEAN Community.

Col Thanathip added that both ministers will also discuss a national defense agreement between Thailand and Vietnam, in a move to further promote the two nations’ military collaboration.

He stated that the upcoming trip will focus on military issues, which range from national security and defense to intelligence and science and technology as well as other related aspects.

-- NNT 2012-09-23

[Lite Beer]

Security beefed up in Hat Yai’s economic zone following recent car bomb attacks

SONGKHLA, 23 September 2012 (NNT) – Security has been beefed up in Thailand’s southern economic hub of Hat Yai following recent car bomb attacks in the southern border region.

Tourists from Singapore and Malaysia have been seen visiting Hat Yai district of Songkhla province this weekend as usual, amidst tightened security measures in the area to prevent any incidents similar to the attacks that rocked the 3 southernmost provinces a few days ago.

Officials have stepped up security after violent attacks in the conflict-torn region continue unabated.

In order to assure residents and visitors of their safety, the police have joined forces with volunteers and the Hat Yai Municipal Office in monitoring the situation in all key areas of the district around the clock.

In addition, no cars are allowed to park on both sides of Saneha Nusorn Road, which is a walking street frequented by tourists and locals. All vehicles entering department stores located in the city center are being thoroughly inspected while those with NGV or LPG tanks are not allowed to park in the basement.

It is reported that visitors from Singapore and Malaysia, who make up around 70 percent of tourists in Hat Yai for this weekend, say they are confident in the security measures.

-- NNT 2012-09-23

[Lite Beer]

Health official calls for protection of children in Surin from dengue fever

SURIN, 23 September 2012 (NNT) - The Public Health Office of Surin province has issued a warning that this period of time is the season that will see a greater spread of dengue fever while urging all related sides to help protect children from the disease.

As the month of September is the rainy season, Dr. Sa-ard Weeracharoen from the Surin Provincial Public Health Office has tasked health officers and volunteers in the area with offering guidance and sharing knowledge in regards to the prevention and control of dengue fever with the citizens. This is to help them and those close to them from becoming ill with the disease.

The office is also asking for cooperation from every branch of the media, including radio, community radio, digital public address systems, and local government agencies, in providing the public with more knowledge about dengue fever.

Furthermore, all agencies have been tasked with destroying mosquito breeding grounds, such as coconut shells, cans, bottles and tires that contain stagnant water. In addition, fish that prey on mosquito larvae have been released, and abate sand granules and chemical sprays targeted at mature mosquitoes are to be used. These measures will help reduce the number of mosquitoes carrying the dengue fever virus in the community and will stop the infection cycle.

If children or other citizens in the area are found to be ill and have dengue-like symptoms, they should immediately be sent to the hospital.

-- NNT 2012-09-23

[Lite Beer]

Ex Pat Homeowner bound and gagged during robbery

PATTAYA:--Armed robbery at Horseshoe Point home results in terror and theft.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/586331-ex-pat-homeowner-bound-and-gagged-during-robbery/#entry5691792

[Lite Beer]

Sa Kaeo plans ‘Big Cleaning Day’ after flood reduction

SA KAEO, 23 September 2012 (NNT) - The state of flooding in the province of Sa Kaeo is taking a turn for the better after the amount of rainfall has reduced, allowing local authorities to prepare to carry out a grand clean-up operation.

Now that the situation in Sa Kaeo is returning to normal after the province’s worst flood in 50 years, citizens are beginning to clean their places of residence and sweep up the streets. Mr. Sanit Naksuksi, governor of Sa Kaeo province, revealed there will be a Big Cleaning Day event on September 24, held with the cooperation from all sectors.

The event will aim to help clean up Aranyaprathet district, starting from 9 A.M. onwards. Various agencies of each sector, including the Army, the police and thousands of citizens and volunteers, will utilize over fifty water trucks from local government agencies to help clean up the flood-affected areas.

Despite the improved situation, some agricultural areas in other districts of Sa Kaeo are still flooded today.

-- NNT 2012-09-23

[Lite Beer]

Flash flood hits Phang-nga's Khura Buri

PHANG-NGA, Sept 23— A forest run-off triggered by incessant heavy rain continued to batter Khura Buri district of this southern province, causing some of the most severe damage seen in the past 80 years.

The torrential forest run-off from the Khao Phra Mee and Khao Ya mountain ranges in the east of Khura Buri district has swollen and flooded the district.

Roads, bridges and buildings have reportedly been badly damaged.

In addition, the overflowing water has eroded riverbank along the Khlong Nang Yon canal.

However, the Khlong Nang Yon dyke has helped reduce the torrential water flow and helped residents to be less severely affected by the flash flood.

Meanwhile, local relevant officials are figuring out measures to tackle the ongoing situation and flood-related impacts. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-09-23

[Lite Beer]

251 foreign nationals allowed to do business in Thailand in first 9 months

BANGKOK, 23 September 2012 (NNT) - Mr. Ittipol Changlam, deputy director-general of the Business Development Department, Ministry of Commerce, made public that in the month of September, a meeting of the Alien Business Committee gave approval to 33 foreign nationals to manage businesses in Thailand.

The businesses involve a total investment of 4.19 billion THB and the employment of 3,488 Thai nationals. They are divided into 20 service businesses with a combined capital of 2.58 billion THB, six broker agencies using a capital of 22 million THB, five wholesale businesses using 1.57 billion THB as capital, and one business seeking partnership contracts with government agencies and state enterprises, with a capital of 6 million THB. There is also an alien broker using 9 million THB in capital.

Over the first 9 months of the year, the committee has already given approval to 251 foreign nationals wishing to run businesses in Thailand. The combined capital of these ventures stands at over 10 billion THB.

-- NNT 2012-09-23