Thailand Live Wednesday 7 Nov 2012

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Thailand Live Wednesday 7 November 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 Tuesday 6 Nov 2012

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FUTSAL WORLD CUP

Fifa drops bombshell on Arena

The Nation

Interior view of the Bt1.3-billion Futsal World Cup Arena, which will not be used during the tournament.

Stadium classed as unfit for use in Futsal World Cup

BANGKOK: -- After a long delay in deciding the fate of Bangkok Futsal Arena, Fifa yesterday delivered a bombshell verdict by denying approval to the billion-baht venue for use at the ongoing Futsal World Cup over security concerns.

Full story:

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POLITICS

Former PM agrees to shorten trip to Myanmar as advised

The Nation

Ex-leader decides to change itinerary 'to protect' his red-shirt supporters

BANGKOK: -- Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will curtail a visit to Nay Pyi Taw and cancel a meeting with the red shirts at the border town of Tachilek, following advice from Thai and Myanmar security authorities.

Full story:

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LABOUR WAGE

Survey reveals wage-hike fears

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A Bank of Thailand survey of 257 businesspeople has found that most are concerned that next year's nationwide implementation of the Bt300 daily minimum wage will worsen labour shortage.

Full story:

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Thai 'wizard' held after 'bulletproof' tattoo brawls

Full story:

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Thailand backs 3.5 billion dollar Mekong River dam project

Full story:

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Four Handed Death Penalty For Chinese Sailor Deaths

Full story:

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ENVIRONMENT

NHC demands final report on Chevron project

PONGPHON SARNSAMAK

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The National Health Commission (NHC) yesterday demanded the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) disclose the final environmental and health impact assessment (EHIA) of the deep-sea port and chemical storage site to be built by Chevron.

Full story:

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STOPPAGE TIME

What Forbes can ask Thaksin next time

Tulsathit Taptim

BANGKOK: -- It's a long interview so I kind of understand why Forbes did not take its final question a bit further. Thaksin Shinawatra was asked "Anything else you want us to understand?" and basically that was the same as saying, "Anything else you want to add before we finish?" Essentially a blank cheque, which he gladly accepted.

Full story:

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BURNING ISSUE

Somsak deaf to call for change to lese majeste law

Pravit Rojanaphruk

BANGKOK: -- Hope that the lese majeste law might be amended under the Yingluck Shinawatra government was unceremoniously dashed last week.

House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranond rejected even a debate last week on the proposed bill to amend the draconian lese majeste law, submitted by the Campaign for the Committee for Amendment of Article 112, which is the other name of the law. It will likely send people to seek other means to undermine the blanket censorship imposed on anything mildly critical of the monarchy institution, however.

On Monday, prachatai.com news website quoted Wattana Sengpairoh, spokesperson for Somsak, defending his boss by saying that since the issue was tied to the monarchy, the current charter forbids any changes of law related to the institution - so, it was not up to Somsak to decide.

The shutting down of legal debate is unlikely to curb the sense of injustice suffered by Thais who value freedom of expression and who feel that it is long overdue for scrutiny and open criticism of the monarchy like those in the United Kingdom, Japan and Spain. They feel this is a fundamental right and that they can always compare how monarchies in other democratic countries are criticised and made publicly accountable.

If 30,383 signatures supporting the amendment is not enough to convince the House Speaker and ruling Pheu Thai MPs to even open a debate in Parliament, then it's now up to concerned citizens to take the debate even wider and deeper into public spheres.

Although the majority of signatories were likely to be red-shirt Pheu Thai supporters, the ruling party has irresponsibly exhibited a lack of fortitude and lamely defended their decision in private by saying they do not want to become a greater target of anti-monarchist accusations.

For red shirts who want genuine democracy, freedom of speech and equality, is this another warning of how Pheu Thai will expediently act as a guardian of the status quo?

Thailand is caught in a Catch-22 scenario. The elites want the international community to see the country as cherishing freedom of expression, yet they also want a "special law" to protect the institution. This argument for the need to maintain the law, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment and ensures that anything mildly critical of the monarchy will not be published or broadcast by the mainstream mass media, is itself fraught with irony. You want to protect the good name of the monarchy but by having people jailed and censored or forced to self-censor, that "good reputation" is affected, if not tarnished.

Some defenders of the law say the majority of Thais are not intelligent or mature enough to be able to separate fact from fiction, and lies from reliable information. Others may in fact be afraid that people are in fact smart enough and able think for themselves. While many ultra-royalists will readily venture to tell Thais and foreigners alike that most if not all Thais love and revere HM the King, these very people contradict themselves when they express fear about what may become of the institution if people are suddenly free, able to access and critically discuss, or even criticise the monarchy.

In a way, ultra-royalists believe people will not be suspicious about the existence of only positive news and information about the monarchy. But the growing call to reform - if not abolish - the law suggests otherwise.

Now that the Parliament has prematurely shut its door, the struggle and angst of those who refuse to accept censorship and self-censorship as "normal" will likely concentrate on the streets, like the occasional Sunday street talks about repercussion of the law in front of the Criminal Court where some have been sentenced under the law, or on the Internet, on Facebook, Twitter and deeper underground. The Kingdom is like a boiling pot with no legal outlet to let that steam off.

-- The Nation 2012-11-07

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Restoration of ancient sites planned

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Two abandoned ancient sites in Bangkok, believed to date back to the late Ayutthaya Kingdom, are slated for restoration by the Fine Arts Department.

Archaeology Office director Tharapong Srisuchat said yesterday that one of the sites is an ubosot at Wat Suan Sawan in Bang Phlat district, which is under threat of encroachment.

The district office has set aside a budget of Bt5 million for restoration.

The other site is an abandoned ubosot at Wat Phumrin Ratchapaksi near the Phra Pinklao Bridge. It has been used as a carpark and also suffered damage in last year's floods.

The department would use its budget for repairs to flood-hit temples to turn the site into a youth centre.

-- The Nation 2012-11-07

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Local administration bill vote delayed

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Ahead of today’s rally at Royal Plaza, the Pheu Thai Party yesterday agreed to delay legislation that would limit the terms of kamnans and village heads to five years instead of mandatory retirement at 60.

Besides asking the House committee to delay its scrutiny of the bill, the party set up a sub-committee to gather officials' opinions for further review, said Pheu Thai MP Chawalit Wichayasut.

Lop Buri MP Amnuay Khangpha said the government would give the association of kamnans and headmen a chance to propose a new bill.

Around 600 kamnans and village heads from Ranong and 3,000 from Phetchaburi headed to Bangkok last night to join today's rally.

Deputy national police chief Woraping Chiewpreecha said five companies of police would be deployed at Royal Plaza, Government House and Parliament.

-- The Nation 2012-11-07

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PM calls on region to work together on common dangers

The Nation, Agencies

BANGKOK: -- The Asia-Europe Meeting summit wrapped up yesterday in Vientiane highlighting the need for more cooperation between the two regions on economic and financial matters and recognising risks for the future.

Full story:

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Suspect may opt for re-education

The Nation

NARATHIWAT: -- Another suspect in two bomb attacks has voiced interest in undergoing a six-month re-education programme instead of facing legal action. The suspect was arrested last Saturday in Pupoh village.

On October 29, a Songkhla court dropped legal proceedings against two other suspects after they volunteered for the re-education.

Fourth Army Area chief Lt-General Udomchai Thammasarorach yesterday described the suspects' change of heart as a good sign.

"We have shown there is forgiveness for those who had been misled and want to change," he said.

Also yesterday, Lt-Colonel Sathirapong Artharn, chief of Narathiwat 30 taskforce, led his team in the arrest of a bombing suspect in Narathiwat's Rusoh district.

-- The Nation 2012-11-07

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Phuket Police impostor arrested, confesses to soliciting B1.5mn in 'donations'

Phuket Gazette

Chaowaroj Jangjob, being himself for a change, admitted to police that he had netted about 1.5 million baht over the years as a police impostor. Photo: Kritsada Meuanhawong

PHUKET: -- Police on Monday arrested a man for impersonating a police officer after he was caught in a sting operation soliciting 8,500 baht from a “victim” who was asked to pay for a dinner hosted by Phuket police chief Choti Chavaviwat.

Full story:

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What to do about Thailand's Rice Glut

Written by Samarendu Mohanty

The government needs to reduce uncertainty in the global market

Full story:

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Americans Vote for Next President

WASHINGTON, November 7 (RIA Novosti) – Tens of millions of Americans turned out to vote Tuesday in a presidential election pitting Democratic incumbent Barack Obama against Republican challenger Mitt Romney, encountering long lines and a range of technical problems to cast their ballots in the hotly contested race.

Full story:

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Local caddy killed in single vehicle accident

By Staff Reporter

Damage to Fortuna caused by impact with pedestrian

SATTAHIP: Local caddy killed in midnight car crash

Full story:

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Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 1,304.68, gains 3.84 points /MCOT

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Obama Thanks Supporters After Winning Re-Election

Full story:

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US Woman to Pose with 'Idiot' Sign for Traffic Violation

Full story:

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US ELECTION 2012

Thai-born Tammy Duckworth wins Illinois seat

The Nation

Tammy Duckworth on Wednesday became first Thai-American woman elected to US Congress after beating freshman Republican US Rep Joe Walsh in Illinois' 8th congressional district.

Full story:

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US ELECTION

Markets welcome Obama's victory

The Nation November 7, 2012 1:41 pm

BANGKOK: -- Thai shares rose on Wednesday in tandem with advances in Asian bourses, as US President Barack Obama defeated Republican Mitt Romney to win a second term.

At noon, the Stock Exchange of Thailand index edged up 3.70 points or 0.28 per cent to 1,304.54 points.

The positive reaction highlighted the fact that the world favours continuity in economic and foreign policies, given the ongoing crisis in Europe and slowdown in the United States and China.

In the first term, Obama has won praise for reviving General Motors and Chrysler which somewhat boosted the job market. His administration also put banks through a proper stress test, which led to heavy recapitalisation. American banks are now in a better shape than their peers in Europe. Among flaws, Obama was criticised for slowness in tackling the "fiscal cliff", the combination of tax increases and spending cuts.

"The US and Thailand will remain close. Both nations share massively overlapping economic and security interests. I don't think the election results will change much in terms of the current global outlook they share. Global economic uncertainties and continuing debt woes in Europe will continue to be a long-lived risk. Ongoing regional inflows, spurred by recent QE3 measures should continue the trend, but that comes with the fact that businesses and investors have to stay risk-averse and be cautious of possible profit-taking," said Sira Intarakumthornchai, Chief Executive Officer, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Thailand.

Next year, Thailand and the US will celebrate the 180th anniversary of their relations.

"I think it'll give us a chance to look back at the things we've accomplished together, and also provide a time to look forward to the future of both countries, particularly how we can work better together to deepen our existing friendship whether it's trade, investment or export. Thailand and ASEAN have increasingly played crucial roles on a global stage, similar to developed markets like the US. I believe that the friendship will continue to grow even tighter and stronger in the years to come," Sira added.

-- The Nation 2012-11-07

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Constitution Court rejects bid by senators seeking court ruling against G-to-G rice deals without parliament’s approval under Section 190 /MCOT

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RT @KristieKenney: Thank you for all the warm congratulations on today's US elections. Friends mean the most at such important times.

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BILATERAL COOPERATION

Myanmar vice president visits Thailand

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Myanmar Vice President Nyan Htun hopes his visit to Thailand, to streamline agenda for the Thai-Myanmar leaders meeting later this month, would pave way for further improvement in the bilateral relations.

While meeting with Thailand’s Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Nyan Htun, as chairman of the special economic zones in Myanmar, said that his country is open for foreign investment particularly investment from Thailand, which is now the second biggest foreign investor.

Leading a delegation of high-level officials, he is in Bangkok to join the 1st Thai-Myanmar senior official meeting, wherebydevelopment strategies in the Dawei special economic zone and related areas are discussed. Deputy Prime Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong led the Thai delegation.

Yingluck reiterated Thailand’s readiness to support development in Dawei and expressed Thai investors’ interest in pouring investment in other areas. On Dawei, she said that it is necessary that the senior officials clearly prioritise development agenda.

Meanwhile, she suggested further cooperation in growing border trade. As Thailand is involved with the development of new linkage infrastructure, Myanmar is urged to provide security to Thai workers and officers. Myanmar is also urged to consider opening more permanent checkpoints.

To help address the power shortage in Myanmar which is hosting a number of international events in the next few years like World Economic Forum on East Asia and SEA Games, Thailand is delivering old gas turbines to Yangon.

-- The Nation 2012-11-07

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POLITICS

Village heads and Kamnans agree to return home in the afternoon: Chalerm

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Tambon leaders and village heads protesting at the Royal Plaza against a local administration have agreed to return home after meeting with Interior Minister Jarupong Ruengsuwan, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung said Wednesday.

After the meeting, they now understand the position and have agreed to disperse, Chalerm said, adding they are supporters of the ruling Pheu Thai party. Chalerm did not provide further information about the discussion.

Thousands of Tambon leaders and village heads gathered at Royal Plaza in Bangkok Wednesday, opposing the local administration bill now being scrutinised by a House committee.

Traffic in the area was reportedly heavy, clogged by chartered buses and vans carrying local leaders from provinces around the country to the rally site.

District and village heads association president Yongyos Kaewkhiew earlier said that more than 300,000 of district and village chiefs and their assistants oppose the bill, which they claimed has failed to address their concerns and opinions. In particular, they are opposed to provisions in the bill stipulating that local leaders’ terms end five years after being elected.

The current law allows local leaders to remain in their positions until they reach mandatory retirement at age 60.

Yongyos said the association will consider its next move after petitioning Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan, a ruling Pheu Thai Party leader.

He warned that the rally might be prolonged unless the bill is withdrawn from the House. Currently, there are 7,255 district heads and 70,344 village chiefs and 298,731 assistants in 77 provinces.

-- The Nation 2012-11-07

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RT @mpoppel: REU: US PRESIDENT OBAMA WILL BE IN CAMBODIA ON NOV 18 TO ATTEND

SOUTHEAST ASIAN SUMMIT MEETINGS

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PM Yingluck congratulates President Obama on victory

By Digital Media

BANGKOK, Nov 7 - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra reaffirmed Wednesday that the Thai government is ready to continue working with the United States after President Barack Obama wins re-election.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....50#entry5821418