Thailand Live Thursday 27 Sep 2012

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Three Arrested As They Use Stolen German-Owned Credit Card In Central Pattaya

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/587308-three-arrested-as-they-use-stolen-german-owned-credit-card-in-central-pattaya/

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RT @ACSBKK: The protest in front of the US Embassy Bangkok has ended. Appointments at ACSBKK continued uninterrupted.

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Pattaya sets up safety zones to reduce crime rates

PATTAYA, 27 September 2012 (NNT) - In the wake of increased crime rates in Pattaya district of Chonburi province, local police are pushing ahead with their plan to set up a safety zone project in the beach area and the Walking Street.

Full story:

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Two students injured in Narathiwat bus blast

The Nation

Photo : Amornrat Khemkhao

NARATHIWAT: -- Two students were injured by shrapnel when their school bus was hit by an explosion in Narathiwat's Yi Ngor district Thursday morning.

Sitinuriya Baka, 14 and Nadia Jehama, 17, both of Romklao School were rushed to a nearby hospital before being transferred to Narathiwat Rachanakarin Hospital. Both suffered injuries to their arms.

Police were alerted at 7.40am about the bomb attack, which took place at a bridge in Bukeh Palash village. Arriving at the scene, police found the school bus, which had suffered a flat tyre and was riddled with shrapnel.

Police believed that insurgents planted explosives on the approach to the bridge and triggered them as the school bus passed by.

Bus driver Ekkapong Samu, 58, told police that he drove the bus from Romklao School every morning to pick up some 70 students and had an army vehicle in the front for protection.

When the bus was approaching the bridge, the explosives went off, injuring the two students who were sitting near the front door.

Police believe that the insurgents were targeting soldiers in the army vehicle but missed.

Meanwhile in Yala's Raman district, police were alerted at 7.45am about a bomb attack in a rubber plantation in Tambon Jakwa, which injured a cow.

The police investigation found that villagers heard the sound of an explosion at 3.50am but did not come out to check.

In the morning, they found a cow with a wound on its leg by a rubber tree and alerted police. The bomb squad also defused two booby traps nearby.

Police believed that insurgents planted the explosives at the base tree and at two others nearby to lure officials to the scene before setting them off.

-- The Nation 2012-09-27

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INNOCENCE OF MUSLIMS

Thai Sunni Muslims protest outside US Embassy

BANGKOK: -- Hundreds of Thai Sunni Muslims protested outside the US embassy Thursday against a film considered insulting to the Muslim prophet Mohammed, after a similar protest by the Shia community more than a week ago.

About 250 Sunnis from the Muslim Group for Peace waved placards outside the embassy reading "Protect our Beloved Prophet," and "Peace be Upon Him." They then moved on to the Thailand office of Google Inc to demand it withdraw the controversial film Innocence of Muslims from its You tube service.

"We have to keep the pressure on the US government to arrest thepeople who made this film, and get it removed from YouTube and Google," said Abdul Asis, a spokesman for the protesters.

On September 18, about 400 Shia Muslims protested outside the USembassy in Bangkok against the film, chanting "Destroy America,"although the demonstration remained peaceful.

The embassy shut early for the Shia protest but remained open onThursday. "We don’t want to mix with the Shia because we have different styles," said Asis, a member of the Young Muslims Association of Thailand.

"The Shia are more violent." The majority of Thai Muslims are Sunni. Islam is a minority religion in predominantly Buddhist Thailand, accounting for less than 10 per cent of the population.

-- The Nation 2012-09-27

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Jatuporn gets suspended six-month term for defaming Abhisit

BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court Thursday found red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan guilty of defaming former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and gave him a suspended six-month jail term.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/587352-jatuporn-gets-suspended-six-month-term-for-defaming-abhisit/#entry5703975

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STATE RAILWAYS OF THAILAND

Huge investment in railways to benefit passengers, freight

BANGKOK: -- The nearly Bt200 billion allocated by the government to improve railway system and finance a five-year restructuring plan will involve the purchase of new locomotives, construction of parallel railways, as well as improvements to the existing rail track, signal systems and telecommunications.

State Railway of Thailand (SRT) deputy governor Viroj Triampongpan said the investment budget is Bt176.8 billion and the improvements and restructuring are expected to take several years to complete.

The SRT will fully utilise its resources to improve service for passengers, starting with developing the railway service on four important routes: Bangkok-Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai-Bangkok, Bangkok-Butterworth and Butterworth-Bangkok.

The SRT will emphasise cleanliness, punctuality and friendly service, he said, adding that Wi-Fi Internet will also be available on the four routes.

He said dual track service has already begun on the Chachoengsao-Sri Racha route while a daily container-freight service, operated between Lat Krabang and Laem Chabang deep sea port, will increase from 28 trains to 30 trains in September-October, to 32 trains in November-December and 34 trains within next February.

Container-freight trains will be attached to passenger trains on several routes including the Thonburi-Prachuab Kirikhan-Thonburi, Thonburi-Lang Suan-Thonburi, Chumphon-Hat Yai-Chumphon, Bangkok-Surin-Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai-Nakhon Ratchasima lines.

-- The Nation 2012-09-27

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BSIDEGRA

Local version of Viagra goes on sale next week

BANGKOK: -- BSidegra, a generic Viagra-like pill for men with erectile dysfunction, will be available in Thai markets on Monday, the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) announced.

Witit Artavatkun, GPO managing director, and Pipat Yingseri, secretary general of the Food and Drug Administration, said Sidegra is being launched to tackle the problem of counterfeit drugs in the market.

Men having to pay as much as Bt2,000/unit for imported pills will find the locally-manufactured drugs easily accessible at Bt25-45/unit.

The GPO has produced Sidegra in two sizes—50mg at Bt100 for a four-pill pack and 100mg at Bt180 for a four-pill pack. A prescription is required to purchase Sidegra.

Dr Witit said the prices of original drugs imported by private drug companies have been reduced by 30 per cent to enable patients' accessibility to drugs and solve the problem of counterfeit drugs in the country.

-- The Nation 2012-09-27

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SOUTHERN VIOLENCE

Insurgent suspected hiding in Hat Yai

HAT YAI: -- Security was beefed up in Songkhla's Hat Yai City yesterday following widespread reports that a suspected insurgent had taken refuge there.

The authorities have distributed sketches of insurgents believed to be involved in last Friday's car bomb attack in Pattani's Sai Buri district, in which six security officials were killed and many others injured.

Meanwhile, defence volunteers are providing round-the-clock security in Hat Yai's busy downtown area, especially around the Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel, which was attacked earlier this year.

Hat Yai police have also set up 35 checkpoints around the city and are keeping close watch on apartments and dormitories where the suspect might be living.

Meanwhile, Pattani Governor Tira Mintrasak visited and provided financial assistance to civil servants, police officers, officials and passers-by who were injured in last Friday's bombing. Three police officers still remain under intensive care, while the remaining 26 injured are being treated in hospital.

In related news, the independent National Rule of Law Commission president Ukrit Mongkolnavin said yesterday that the government should apply modern technology to solve the unrest in the South.

He said the Land Transport Department could make it mandatory for all vehicles and motorcycles to be installed with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) so they can be traced when stolen. Also, more "smart" checkpoints could be set up in the South border provinces and solar-powered street-lamps could be installed along primary and secondary roads to prevent attacks at night, he said.

Ukrit went on to say that the mobile-ion scanning technology could be used to detect bombs and drugs, and that these ideas could be implemented in three or four months and should cost less than Bt3 billion.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapha said security would be further tightened in the deep South this week because statistics show that insurgents usually intensify their attacks when provincial governors are reshuffled. The transfers are implemented today and tomorrow.

Security will be focused on Yala province because it has suffered the largest number of attacks compared to Narathiwat and Pattani. Also, two major changes are scheduled for Yala province: the redeployment of troops and the changing of its governor because the incumbent one is retiring.

Yutthasak said he had already informed Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha that security would be strengthened during the period.

-- The Nation 2012-09-27

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RT@RichardBarrow: Views from the 179 Meter High Observation Tower to be built in Samut Prakan buff.ly/PqIFd6

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TELECOM

Bt30mn set aside for 3G auction

BANGKOK: -- The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission has set aside a Bt30 million budget for the upcoming 3G auction on October 16-18, which requires greater security in all areas.

NBTC is now cleared from a legal hurdle to go ahead with the third-generation cellular service on the 2.1gigahertz spectrum. Last year’s auction was called off in a last minute due to contests from CAT Telecom and TOT.

Takorn Tantasit, secretary general of the NBTC, said that for this time, Power Auction Co Ltd - the auction advisor - suggested enhancement in security in all areas.

NBTC has requested at least 30 police officers to keep peace at the headquarter from October 1 until the auction is completed. They would also guard the headquarter in case of possible protests against the auction.

On other fronts, NBTC also increased the number of security guards by 10 and prepared a utility container. The Metropolitan Electricity Authority has been approached for a power backup vehicle. Water pumps are ready should flood hit the headquarter.

Takorn said that the NBTC has spent about Bt21 million for the auction, including the Bt14.1 million for the advisor. "We intend to keep the total expenditure within Bt30 million," he said.

-- The Nation 2012-09-27

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Thailand yearns for another Guinness record

NARATHIWAT, Sept 27 –Thai people nationwide will wear white T-shirts on December 4—the eve of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 85th birthday, in a show of force hoping to be verified in the Guinness World Records.

Twenty million white T-shirts will be on sale throughout the country to raise funds for assistance and job creation to people affected by insurgency violence in Thailand’s deep South.

“Heart and Unity to the South,” will be printed on the T-shirts to be sold at Bt250 each ($8). The nationwide activity is also a harmonious demonstration of loyalty to His Majesty the King.

The Guinness World Records last month named Thailand the country with “the most people massaged at the same time,” beating Australia’s earlier record from 2010. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-09-27

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Roads reopen as floods recede, but residents still on high alert

Phuket Gazette –

Only the daring braved the inundated roads in Patong as dark rain-heavy clouds loomed overhead. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

Parts of Patong, much like elsewhere in Phuket, resembled lakes more than commercial districts. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: Police today reopened roads in Phuket’s busiest tourist town of Patong after heavy rain there yesterday delivered floodwaters reaching depths of up to a meter deep, cutting off roads and access throughout the resort town.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/587354-roads-reopen-as-floods-recede-but-residents-still-on-high-alert/#entry5703986

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Transport Min aims to reduce rail accidents, prepare for AEC

BANGKOK, 26 September 2012 (NNT) – The Ministry of Transport has held a seminar entitled “Thailand’s Rail System: Paving Way to the AEC” in order to enhance the quality of life of Thai people, increase the safety level in rail transport, and reduce accidents.

The seminar is organized by the House Committee on Transport and participated by rail-system-related personnel who will exchange thoughts and ideas in order to enhance the capabilities of Thailand in the rail transport technology. Results of the discussion are expected to benefit systematic settlements of Thai people, thus improving their quality of life, increasing the level of safety standard, and reducing transportation accidents.

The seminar also provides a stage for the government, the private sector, and the general public to contribute their opinions to the development of the country’s rail system, hoping to prepare Thailand for the upcoming AEC in 2015.

The seminar was jointly opened this morning by Deputy House Speaker Charoen Jankomol and Transport Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan.

-- NNT 2012-09-27

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RT @191Thailand: Car on fire on the Burapha Vithi Expressway (Pic @pimfhaiy) http://lockerz.com/s/248055823

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CG WATCH 2012

Thailand's capital market ranked 3rd in Asia on corporate governance

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Despite pessimism on Thailand's governance as a whole, an improvement shows today in the capital market area.

Full story:

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Bangkok to adopt LA administrative model for city improvement

LOS ANGELES, 27 September 2012 (NNT) – A delegation of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) is on a visit to Los Angeles to observe the LA administrative system and strengthen both cities’ relationship.

Full story:

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Travel Malaysia Consumer Fair starts tomorrow

Phuket Gazette

The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004. Photo: Boon Chuan Low

PHUKET: -- Starting tomorrow the Tourism Malaysia Phuket Office for Southern Thailand, will once again be staging the Travel Malaysia Consumer Fair at Central Festival Phuket.

Full story:

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First weekly inspection of Pattaya and Jomtien Beach Jet Ski's takes place

PATTAYA:--On Thursday afternoon the first of a series of random weekly checks on Jet Ski’s and their operators on Pattaya and Jomtien Beaches took place in an effort to stop the well publicized Jet Ski scams which have a huge negative impact on tourism in the area.

Full story:

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RT @tulsathit: Regarding talks about rains being heaviest in 100 yrs, how the heck did they learn to measure rainfalls a century ago?

RT @tulsathit: A possible answer to my previous question. RT @TaBKK: Here: http://bit.ly/SnFWQz

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SET index closed at 1282.18, up 7.68; Bt/USD30.86; GBP49.85; AUD32.01; EUR39.69; CAD31.25; HKD3.97; SGD24.96; JPY39.49

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RT @tulsathit: AFP: Hong Kong billionaire offers Bt2 billion to any man who can turn his lesbian daughter into straight.

RT @tulsathit: For those interested in taking up the Hong Kong lesbian challenge http://bit.ly/VMOlkV

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Thai Muslims in film protest at US embassy, Google

BANGKOK, Sept 27, 2012 (AFP) - Several hundred Muslims, many waving banners and shouting "execute people who mock Islam", rallied outside the US embassy and Google offices in Bangkok Thursday to denounce an anti-Islam film that has sparked global protests.

Full story:

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Missing Phuket student, 17, found drowned

Phuket Gazette

BEAUTIFUL BUT DANGEROUS: Phuket's Nai Yang Beach, where 17-year-old Nithipol Lorlaem drowned, is popular with visitors, but the waters can be lethal. Photo: Kiranee Narabal

Phuket rescue workers continued their search late again last night, before Mr Nithipol's body was found this morning. Photo: Thawit Bilabdullar

PHUKET: -- Rescue workers have recovered the body of the missing 17-year-old student who was swept away by strong waves when he entered the surf while with friends at Nai Yang Beach on Tuesday.

Full story:

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RT @mpoppel: NYC will today announce plans to build the world's tallest ferris wheel on Staten Island's North Shore

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RT @tulsathit: A Swedish man, 44, is found dead at a Chiang Mai guesthouse. Witnesses said he'd fought frequently with Thai girlfriend. -thairath

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Govt confident Bangkok to remain free of flooding

BANGKOK, 27 September 2012 (NNT) – Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit has downplayed the speculation of heavy downpour in Bangkok until October 2, urging the public to rely on official data from related agencies.

Mr Yongyuth assured Bangkok residents that if Bangkok were to experience torrential rain and major flooding, government agencies responsible for keeping surveillance over the flood situation would warn them of the danger beforehand. He urged the residents to follow the Water and Flood Management Committee (WFMC) for any updates on the deluge.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed his reservation that the government will be able to keep the situation under control in Bangkok. He added that both the WFMC and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation have voiced their confidence in preventing Bangkok from being submerged again.

In addition, he insisted that the government is not leaving the canal dredging task to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) alone, claiming that many other agencies have also been helping with the flood prevention efforts in several areas of Bangkok.

-- NNT 2012-09-27

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AVIATION

THAI takes delivery of first Airbus A380

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thai Airways International (THAI) has taken delivery of its first A380, becoming the ninth airline to operate the world's largest and most eco-efficient airliner. The aircraft was handed over to Captain Montree Jumrieng, executive vice president technical, THAI, by Kiran Rao, Airbus's executive vice president sales and marketing, at a special ceremony in Toulouse today.

Full story:

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Constitution Court asked to put brake on rice pledging scheme

BANGKOK, Sept27 – A group of academics today sought the Thai Constitution Court’s injunction to the government’s widely-criticised rice pledging scheme.

Adis Israngkura na Ayutthaya, dean of the National Institution of Development Administration (NIDA) School of Economic Development, submitted the petition on behalf of those disagreeing with the project, including 60 NIDA lecturers, 20 Thammasat University lecturers, university students and members of the public.

He said his group will accept the court’s judgment.

Claiming that the rice pledging scheme has cost the country Bt100 billion, Dr Adis said the government’s hedge of Bt15,000 for general paddy and Bt20,000 for fragrant (khao hom mali) paddy is too high compared to market prices.

NIDA, along with some academics and members of the business community, have repeatedly called on the government to review its rice pledging scheme, but to no avail. The scheme is one of the Yingluck government’s key election policies and the government insisted that the scheme will be renewed when the present one expires this year.

Dr Adis said the unlimited pledging of rice has been a great boon to farmers owning huge plots of land while small-time farmers received little benefit, adding that they do not object to the scheme but a pledging ceiling must be imposed. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-09-27

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RT@terryfrd: Dr Seree, on Thai PBS, says water mgtment in Prachinburi area the key since the East had heavy rain today & more is coming.

RT@terryfrd: Dr Seree says heavier rain is also likely tomorrow here in BKK, but conditions may also be developing for a major storm in Oct.

RT@terryfrd: Dr Seree says heavier rain is also likely tomorrow here in BKK, but conditions may also be developing for a major storm in Oct.

RT@terryfrd: Dr Seree says storm prediction should be possible by Oct 1,2, if it develops. This one much closer in origin than recent ones w. went north

RT@terryfrd: On the bright side, Dr Seree says, there has been little rain above major dams in north, so no need for heavy releases there.