Thailand Live Friday 28 Sep 2012

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Speculations rife Yongyuth to resign today

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Speculations is rife that Yongyuth Wichaidit would announce his resignation as deputy prime minister and interior minister later Friday.

Reporters were scrambling to check a Thai Rath report that Yongyuth has agreed to resign to save the party. But none of Pheu Thai core members confirmed or denied the report.

-- The Nation 2012-09-28

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PM Yingluck affirms Thailand's readiness to work with the US in promoting world peace

NEW YORK CITY, 28 September 2012 (NNT) – The Prime Minister has affirmed Thailand’s willingness to work with the US in promoting peace around the world.

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Thai Navy continues rehearsals of Royal Barge Procession for Royal Kathin Ceremony

BANGKOK, 28 September 2012 (NNT) – The Thai Navy has continued the rehearsals of the Royal Barge Procession for the upcoming Royal Kathin Ceremony.

The Royal Thai Navy, on Thursday, held the second small rehearsal of the Royal Barge Procession, which is part of the annual Royal Kathin Ceremony.

This year, the ceremony, also planned to celebrate HM the King’s 84th birthday anniversary on December 5th, 2011, will take place on November 9th along the Chao Phraya River.

According to the Thai Navy, 52 barges with 2,200 oarsmen are involved in the ceremony. Among these barges are 4 magnificent Royal Barges, including the Royal Barge Narai Song Suban Ratchakan Thi Kao (the Royal Barge Narai Song Suban - HM King Rama IX), the Royal Barge Suphannahong, the Royal Barge Anantanakkharat ,and the Royal Barge Anekkachatphuchong.

The Thursday rehearsal, which started from Tha Vasukri (Vasukri Pier) and ended in front of Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn), lasted about 2 hours.

Six more small rehearsals and 2 grand rehearsals have been planned to ensure the actual ceremony in early November will run smoothly. The next small rehearsal is scheduled on October 4th.

-- NNT 2012-09-28

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Waves continue to sweep injured turtles onto Phuket

Phuket Gazette

Staff at Phuket Marine Biological Center care for another turtle injured by fishing nets. Photo: Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation

The turtle recovered yesterday, like many before it, had a flipper amputated, most likely by a discarded fishing net. Photo: Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation

PHUKET: -- Officers at the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) recovered a juvenile Olive Ridley sea turtle suffering from lacerations, and its front left flipper amputated entirely, from Mai Khao Beach yesterday.

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Counter service ticketing for national parks nationwide

BANGKOK, Sept 28 - Thai people’s visits to national parks will become more convenient with tickets soon to be available at privately-operated Counter Service outlets nationwide, according to the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department.

The department will cooperate with the Counter Service Co in giving the service to the public through more than 8,500 outlets nationwide. People can pay for entrance fees, accommodation and other charges to access to 127 national parks at Counter Service outlets.

National Park Office Director Wittaya Hongwiangjan, said the Counter Service outlets will be convenient to national park visitors and enable parks and recreation authorities to control the number of tourists as well as solve the problem of malfeasance among parkofficials. However, the traditional ticketing service will not be abolished.

He said the new service should be launched within six months. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-09-28

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Central Thailand, including capital, braces for heavy rain through Saturday

BANGKOK, Sept 28 – Provinces in Thailand’s central region--including Bangkok--will continue to be battered by heavy rainfalls through tomorrow, according to Royal Chitradon, chairman of the subcommittee on water situation analysis.

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Heineken takeover of Tiger Beer maker approved

SINGAPORE, Sept 28, 2012 (AFP) - Shareholders in the parent company of the Singapore-based brewer that makes Tiger Beer on Friday approved the firm's takeover by Dutch giant Heineken.

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Google backs Samsung in patent war with Apple

Cho Ji-hyun

The Korea Herald

Google Inc.’s executive chairman Eric Schmidt sided with Samsung Electronics in its ongoing global patent war with Apple when he expressed concerns about restriction of innovation and choice.

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Rain causes Patong Hill road landslide – again

Phuket Gazette

Traffic heading from Patong to Phuket Town can still pass, but the road has been closed to one lane and the danger area has been marked with warning signs. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

No injuries were reported as the dislodged earth tumbled into a rubber plantation below. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- The section of road on Patong Hill that was washed away by heavy rain last year has suffered another landslide, in the same place, after days of heavy rain soaking Phuket this week.

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Court approves bail for Red leader Jeng Dokchik, accepts Bt600,000 cash bail bond, bans him from addressing rallies on political issues /MCOT

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Swedish man found dead at guesthouse in Chiang Mai

news Newsdesk

CHIANG MAI: -- Oman Reiner, a 30 year old Swede, was found dead at the Jocker Brother Guesthouse, a four room budget guesthouse, in downtown Chiang Mai Thursday 27. September. The cause of death is not yet known.

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US Embassy issues another security warning to citizens

BANGKOK, 28 September 2012 (NNT) - The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok has issued another warning to U.S. citizens living in Thailand to stay vigilant and to avoid areas that may be targeted for demonstrations.

According to a security message issued yesterday on the U.S. Embassy’s website, U.S. citizens are to exercise extra caution when travelling in the capital after a second demonstration involving hundreds of protesters took place yesterday in front of the Embassy on Wireless Road. A minor altercation broke out between the local police and the protesters but the situation did not turn violent. The protests in Thailand and other countries around the world have been sparked by an American-made video, posted on the Internet and intended to provoke Muslims.

The statement further said that U.S citizens are advised to avoid being within the vicinity of any demonstrations or large gatherings. Even if demonstrations are intended to be peaceful, they could turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence with little or no warning.

U.S. citizens are urged to call the U.S. Embassy at (66-2) 205-4000 or visit the U.S. Citizens Service website at http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/ for more information. At the moment, The Embassy will remain open for consular service appointments.

-- NNT 2012-09-28

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Heavy, Flash floods and Mudslides expected across the country

BANGKOK, 28 September 2012 (NNT) - Government agencies are warning residents in flood-prone areas across the country to brace for heavy rains and possible flash floods and forest runoffs.

The Meteorological Department has announced that due to a continuously strong monsoon trough covering the lower Central region, the upper South and the East and a southwestern monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea, the South and the Gulf of Thailand, extremely heavy rains are expected in many areas.

Strong winds will generate 2-3 meter-high waves in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand and all shipping should proceed with caution today and tomorrow.

In Bangkok and its vicinities, widespread thundershowers and isolated torrential rainfall are expected in 90% of the capital.

Meanwhile, the Department of Mineral Resources also urged volunteers of its disaster warning network to closely monitor the situation in risky areas nationwide.

The areas at risk of flash floods and forest runoffs include Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Sakaeo, Trat, Ranong and Krabi.

Following bouts of heavy rains in the past few days, some of these low-lying areas have been hit by forest runoffs. Volunteers are being asked to monitor rainfall levels in case of mudslides.

Community leaders and provincial authorities have been put on high alert and are keeping a close watch on the situation.

-- NNT 2012-09-28

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Yongyuth to announce resignation at 2:45 pm: Pheu Thai source

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit will announce his resignation from the Cabinet at 2:45 pm Friday, a Pheu Thai Party source said.

The source said Yongyuth would hold a press conference to announce his resignation after he pays respect to Buddha images at the Saket Temple.

-- The Nation 2012-09-28

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PM observes New York transportation system

NEW YORK, 28 September 2012 (NNT) – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has visited New York’s well-known Grand Central Station to observe its transportation system in order to apply it to the Bangkok’s system.

During her visit to New York for the 67th UN General Assembly, Ms Yingluck also visited other interesting places. In West Manhattan, the PM visited High Line Park, a public park built on a former elevated freight rail line. High Line Park covers 1.6-kilometer distance over New York’s streets.

Afterwards, the premier visited the Grand Central Station to study New York’s effective transportation, security, and city planning system. She also had a chance to converse with one of New York’s famous city planners.

Ms Yingluck said Thailand should be able to apply the good management system in New York to the Bangkok transportation system, while the idea of High Line Park could also be applied to some places in Bangkok.

-- NNT 2012-09-28

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Woman Killed In Gunfight At Rock Concert

A young woman was killed and several others wounded by gunfire at a Sweet Mullet concert in Ayuddhaya. The shooting occurred in front of the Viengjan entertainment center in Phranakornsriayuddhaya. The combatants escaped after the gun battle, which involved more than 20 people.

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Shops close in Pattani and Narathiwar as vendors come under threat

The Nation

PATTANI: -- Many shops in Pattani and Narathiwat closed on Friday following threats of violence if they chose to operate their business on Friday.

Leaflets were reportedly been distributed in the provinces, citing Muslim teachings not to do business on the day. Local residents were threatened with violence if they did not abide by the warning.

Nimu Makajeh, an Islam expert, said there was no prohibition as such, adding that the Islamic religion teaches that everyday is a good day for working. "That warning is wrong. There is no such prohibition in our teachings," he said.

-- The Nation 2012-09-28

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Court drops Ratchaprasong business operators lawsuit against govt, UDD leaders for compensation for Red Shirt rally losses in 2010 /MCOT

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UTCC: Bangkok residents believe flood devastation will reoccur this year

BANGKOK, 28 September 2012 (NNT) – Most Bangkok residents are not confident in the government’s flood management measures, believing that flood devastation will reoccur this year; according to The University of Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC)'s survey.

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RT @tulsathit: Yongyuth has announced his resignation as interior minister and deputy PM. He will remain Pheu Thai leader.

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Yongyuth resigns as deputy PM, interior minister

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Yongyuth Wichaidit Friday stepped down as deputy prime minister and interior minister following reports that the Pheu Thai core members pressured him to resign.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....erior-minister/

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Bt20 fare for Airport Link routes to start Sunday

BANGKOK, Sept 28 - The Airport Rail Link also known as Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link is to start collecting one fare at Bt20 for all routes on Sunday.

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SET index closed at 1298.79, up 12.68; Bt/USD30.67; GBP49.76; AUD31.96; EUR39.56; CAD31.15; HKD3.95; SGD24.88; JPY39.30

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Artificial reefs to be built in Krabi, Rayong and Chonburi

BANGKOK, 27 September 2012 (NNT) – The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Navy and the civil sector, under which they will cooperate in constructing artificial reefs from decommissioned battleships.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Preecha Rengsomboonsuk presided over the signing ceremony of the MoU aimed at creating artificial reefs to help conserve and restore marine resources off the coasts of three provinces, namely Krabi, Rayong, and Chonburi. The artificial reefs, to be made of unused warships, will also become new tourist attractions and underwater learning centers.

The MoU involves cooperation from many agencies such as the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, the Naval Civil Affairs Department, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and EnLive Foundation.

The minister said the project will help reduce the number of divers visiting natural coral reef areas, thus alleviating damages to the marine resources that are caused by tourists. He said the most important point of all is to raise awareness of the importance of natural marine resources, particularly among tourists and related entrepreneurs.

-- NNT 2012-09-28

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A royal treat for European audiences

BRUSSELS, Sept 28 – Belgian and Thai audiences voiced compliments on a concert of royal compositions by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej held at the Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles in this capital city last night.

The Bangkok Pro Musica, one of Thailand’s talented orchestras, was on the third leg of a four-capital musical performance tour in Europe, beginning with London and the Hague before ending in Berlin tomorrow.

The musical event, jointly organised by Thailand’s ministries of culture and foreign affairs, is to celebrate His Majesty the King’s 84th birthday.

The Bangkok Pro Musica was formed in 1958 as a string quartet and later expanded into an orchestra. After sinking into oblivion for decades, the orchestra was recently revived with ML Usni Pramoj as conductor and Tasana Nagavajara as manager. Both are noted Thai violinists.

More than 300 people were entertained by 17 royal compositions in Thursday’s concert at the invitation of the Thai embassy in Brussels. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-09-28

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Don Mueang Airport to hold full-scale flood drill prior to official re-opening on 1 Oct

BANGKOK, 28 September 2012 (NNT) - Don Mueang Airport will arrange a full-scale flood prevention drill in preparations for possible flooding and the relocation of low-cost airlines from Suvarnabhumi Airport on 1 October 2012.

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AFP: Thai interior minister quits amid land sale probe

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Thailand Live Saturday 29 Sep 2012