Thailand Live Sunday 11 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 Saturday 10 Nov 2012

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Minister defends PM's trips

Piyanart Srivalo,

Supalak Kanchanakhundee

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Yingluck keen to boost economic ties: Surapong

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's frequent overseas visits - some 30 trips to 17 countries since assuming the post a little over 14 months ago - have been aimed at boosting confidence in the Thai economy and serve as an indication of the priority she places on foreign policy, her foreign minister says.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/597184-minister-defends-pms-trips/#entry5832533

Yingluck meets Cabinet, tells targeted ministers to ready for censure

Piyanart Srivalo,

Atthapoom Ongkulna

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday held a one-hour meeting behind closed doors with Cabinet members from the Pheu Thai Party to prepare for the no-confidence debate later this month.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....e/#entry5832541

Thailand and South Korea aim to double bilateral trade to $30 bn within 5 years

Jeerapong Prasertpongkrang

The Nation on Sunday

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak review a guard of honour during a welcome ceremony for Lee at Government House yesterday, the first day of Lee

BANGKOK: --Thailand and South Korea yesterday committed to a plan to double bilateral trade to US$30 billion (Bt900 billion) a year within five years.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/597186-thailand-and-south-korea-aim-to-double-bilateral-trade-to-30-bn-within-5-years/#entry5832548

SPECIAL REPORT

Rising costs offset gains of rice price-pledging

Thanapat Kitjakosol

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Populist policies partly responsible for farmers' predicament, say some experts

Despite the government's much-hyped rice price-pledging policy guaranteeing a minimum rate of Bt15,000 per tonne of rice per rai for one crop, farmers are still burdened with high farming costs which reduce their margin to only Bt4,000 to Bt6,000.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/597187-rising-costs-offset-gains-of-rice-price-pledging/#entry5832557

Public TV broadcasters first to get digital network licences

WATCHIRANONT THONGTEP

THE NATION November

BANGKOK: -- The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission has prioritised the granting of digital terrestrial network-provider licences to government bodies, state enterprises and public organisations that already have their own television-broadcast networks.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/597188-public-tv-broadcasters-first-to-get-digital-network-licences/#entry5832565

'Gunman' who shot Songkhla mayor nabbed, five sought

Santiphab Ramasut

The Nation on Sunday

SONGKHLA: -- Paisal Nuphan, a suspected gunman in the November 7 murder of Nakhon Songkhla Municipality mayor Peera Tantiseranee, surrendered yesterday to police at the Muang Songkhla precinct amid tight security.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/597189-gunman-who-shot-songkhla-mayor-nabbed-five-sought/#entry5832571

DSI calls in officials to explain equipment deal

Piyanut Tamnukasetchai

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has summoned two former ministers from the Democrat-led government and two officials at the Education Ministry to give explanations as they are suspected of abuse of power in alleged bid rigging, a source at the DSI said yesterday.

The DSI sent letters on Friday to former education minister Chinnaworn Boonyakiat, from the Democrat Party, and Narisara Chavaltanpipat, former deputy education minister from Puea Pandin Party, who oversaw the Office of Vocational Education Commission, and two government officials at the ministry.

It summoned them as they were directly involved in issuing policies related to a vocational equipment purchase project. They were asked to provide explanations and evidence by Thursday to prove their innocence, according to the source.

He said the Bt5.3-billion project was part of the Thai Khem Khaeng stimulus package, and an inspection indicated there was evidence showing abuse of power as some companies benefitted over others.

The Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (ONAC) has responsibility over the case, so the DSI will submit evidence to the ONAC for prosecution within 30 days. DSI chief Tarit Pengith will give a press conference tomorrow about inspection results on the case, according to the source.

-- The Nation 2012-11-11

Court informs police doctor of murder case

The Nation on Sunday

Phetchaburi Provincial Court yesterday got police doctor Suphat Laohawattana, suspected of murdering a worker from Myanmar found buried on his farm, to acknowledge allegations of intentional and premeditated murder and human trafficking.

The murder allegation stems from discovery of a Myanmar worker named Eta's skeleton buried on his farm.

Earlier, police had an appointment with him to acknowledge the allegations at Phetchaburi Central Prison, where he is being detained, but Suphat refused to sign a document to do this. So, police asked the court to officially inform him of the allegations.

-- The Nation 2012-11-11

Argument ends with 3 men shot dead

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Three young men were shot dead and three others injured during a shooting in Chom Thong and Thon Buri districts in Bangkok early yesterday. The shooting was believed to stem from an argument over a seized motorcycle.

Kai (not his real name), 15, said all the deaths and injuries were his friends. They had an argument with a group of around eight youngsters on four motorcycles while they were riding their motorcycles. Then, they chased Kai and his friends and opened fire at them.

Reports said the assailants had seized a motorcycle of the victims, but had later been forced to return it. The argument may have angered the assailants and could have been the motive behind the shooting.

The fatalities included Pitikorn Buakhamsi, 22, Somchai Phetparnkan, 18 and Wathunyu Suwanket, 18. Others injured were Akaraphong Kanthara-in, 18, Narakorn Suthipho, 18 and Wanut Chuenchom, 21.

Two more people were killed in other quarrels in Bangkok last week.

Metropolitan police would have a meeting on Tuesday to find out preventive measures to prevent similar quarrels and attacks from occurring.

-- The Nation 2012-11-11

Escalator girl dies after mall drama

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- A 12-year-old girl whose head got stuck between an escalator and the upper floor as the escalator was moving at Future Park Rangsit in Pathum Thani, north of Bangkok, two months ago has been pronounced dead at Bangkok Hospital.

The mall's marketing director Rattana Ananthanaphong said yesterday Wichitra Wasutpichaikul, mother the victim named Nuanprae Wasutpichaikul, told her that Nuanprae died on Friday.

In September, Nuanprae's hair got entangled in the escalator while she bent down to watch a show on the second floor of the mall while standing on an escalator moving from the second to the third floor. Doctors said the girl had a blood clot in the brain and was in coma. She was rushed to a hospital in Pathum Thani. Her mother later transferred her to undergo treatments at Bangkok Hospital.

Rattana said Future Park Rangsit had been responsible for the girl's medical expenses.

-- The Nation 2012-11-11

Pitak Siam boss vows anti-govt mega-rally

The Nation on Sunday

Boonlert

BANGKOK: -- Pitak Siam group chief General Boonlert Kaewprasit yesterday vowed to mobilise up to 1 million supporters nationwide to join an anti-government rally on November 24.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/597190-pitak-siam-boss-vows-anti-govt-mega-rally/#entry5832595

Phuket motorists in three death-defying accidents in one day

Phuket Gazette –

Phuket rescue workers were forced to cut 38-year-old passenger Yuwadee Mekphuk from the tour van before rushing her to Patong Hospital. Photo: Thawit Bilabdullar

Motorbike driver Wichuda Nga-kaew, 21, and her friend Yenrudee Singsuthum, 27, who was riding pillion, both suffered broken legs in their accident in Paklok. Photo: Thawit Bilabdullar

PHUKET: With the tourism high season fast approaching and Phuket’s roads about to become much busier, several Phuket motorists managed to escape death in three separate serious accidents all occurring within 18 hours.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/597193-phuket-motorists-in-three-death-defying-accidents-in-one-day/#entry5832613

RT@KristieKenney: Some call it Remembrance Day, or Armistice Day or Veterans Day. On November 11, we proudly honor those who have served.

Phuket Opinion: Let crime take center stage

Phuket Gazette –

There may be other, more ‘traditional’, ways of cashing in on crime. Image: Gazette Graphics

PHUKET: Having an apprehended bank robber give advice on how to keep banks safe from similar armed felons was just one of the interesting developments regarding “financial security” in Phuket this week.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/597203-phuket-opinion-let-crime-take-center-stage/#entry5832727

08:15 Earthquake felt in Chiang Mai, Thailand:

RT@earthquakeBot: A 7.0 magnitude earthquake occurred 16.78mi E of Shwebo, Myanmar. Details: eqbot.com/NcP Map: eqbot.com/NcM

RT@2Bangkok: Myanmar quake felt in Bangkok 2bangkok.com/820-just-felt-…

Shallow 6.6-magnitude quake hits Myanmar

BANGKOK, Nov 11, 2012 (AFP) - A shallow 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Sunday, the US Geological Survey said.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/597200-earthquake-815-am-in-chiang-mai/page__st__25#entry5832829

Phuket wall collapse prompts buildings safety blitz

Phuket Gazette –

The house below the collapsed wall has been demolished by workers who will build a new home paid for by the hotel owner. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

Inspecting the site of the wall collapse, Governor Maitri said that bribes were no excuse for endangering lives. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut has vowed to set up a task force to inspect building sites on hill slopes across the island in order to prevent any further incidents like the wall collapse that endangered the lives of a mother and child this week.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/597212-phuket-wall-collapse-prompts-buildings-safety-blitz/#entry5832920

RT@Terryfrd: TNN24 reporting at 9am says no reports yet of damage in BKK area. No word yet from Dep PM & former science minister on need to evacuate.

Exhibition in Honor of the “Father of Royal Rainmaking” and Efforts to Ease Drought

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives will organize an exhibition in honor of His Majesty the King, who is recognized as the “Father of Royal Rainmaking.” It is also stepping up efforts to ease the drought situation in many provinces.

Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Yukol Limlamthong, said that the exhibition is in observance of “Father of Royal Rainmaking Day,” on 14 November.

It will take place at the Royal Rainmaking Operation Center in Hua Hin, Prachup Khiri Khan province, from 14 to 18 November 2012. The exhibition is meant to provide the public with knowledge and information about His Majesty’s initiatives in rainmaking technology to help people suffering from drought.

Most Thai farmers have to wait for seasonal rain to grow crops, and they are at times faced with difficulties from drought. During his travels to all parts of the country, His Majesty the King found that drought had become more severe in certain areas of the country and rainfall was inconsistent.

Early in his reign, His Majesty became interested in artificial rainmaking to assist farmers, who are very dependent on rainwater for their cultivation. At this point, he began to study rainmaking techniques to seek ways of bringing down more rain to ease the drought situation. He read research work on meteorology and weather modification, which he found useful for combating weather change.

In 1955, when His Majesty visited northeastern provinces, he looked at the sky and saw a large number clouds moving over the vast, arid area of the Northeast. The initial conception arose from his observation that there was no rain despite heavy cloudiness. He wondered how to make the clouds heavier and turn into rain. This idea was the starting point for his efforts to conduct rainmaking operations, which proved successful in 1959.

On 14 November 1955, His Majesty donated his private funds to launch the Royal Rainmaking Project. He also devoted a great deal of time and energy to develop rainmaking technology. The project serves as a model for many Asian countries, which have asked for assistance from Thailand in rainmaking. His Majesty’s technique was registered with the World Meteorological Organization in 1982, and since then, Thai and foreign experts have continued to exchange views and experiences on rainmaking techniques and technology.

Later, the Cabinet in August 2002 endorsed the proposal by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives for the title of the Father of Royal Rainmaking to honor His Majesty the King. It also agreed to designate 14 November each year Father of Royal Rainmaking Day.

Concerning efforts to cope with the drought situation now, Minister Yukol said that the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives had instructed its Bureau of the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation to set up rainmaking units in drought-stricken areas, especially those in the Northeast.

A report from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said that seven northeastern drought-hit provinces had been declared disaster zones. They include Kalasin, Sakon Nakhon, Udon Thani, Bueng Kan, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lamphu, and Mukdahan.

Apart from saving crops from damage in many provinces, the Bureau of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation said that rainmaking operations since August 2012 have also eased forest fires in Nakhon Si Thammarat province. The Bureau has so far set up 11 rainmaking operation units in all parts of Thailand.

Foreign Office, The Government Public Relations Department, Office of the Prime Minister

RT@RichardBarrow: 11am One minute silence on Remembrance Day at the British Embassy #Bangkok pic.twitter.com/HPeWofz7

RT@RichardBarrow: Bagpipers at the Remembrance Day service at the British Embassy in Bangkok pic.twitter.com/m3MbS308

Canadian Kills Thai Rival in Deadly Love Triangle

A 42-year-old Canadian engineer stabbed a 59-year-old Thai lawyer 50 times after he caught him with his live-in Thai girlfriend. The Canadian had returned unexpectedly from an overseas business trip, and walked in on the illicit lovers in his Bangkok home.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....e/#entry5833394

Earthquake Update:

Phuket Gazette –

A 1.2km long teak bridge, built in 1849 to cross a lake in Amarapura, Mandalay, near the site of this morning's big earthquake. The bridge still stands today.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/597200-earthquake-815-am-in-chiang-mai/page__st__75#entry5833493

Construction worker found dead at North Pattaya site

PATTAYA:--Excessive consumption of Alcohol has been blamed for the death of a 34 year old laborer working at a construction site at the location of the Tiffany Show Theatre in North Pattaya. The wife of Khun Saitong is Khun Kumsai aged 34 and she woke up early on Sunday Morning to find her Husband had died.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/597258-tiffany-show-construction-worker-found-dead-in-his-room/#entry5833620

RT@RichardBarrow: Bangkok Olden Days Fair at Seacon Square, from now until 18 November. Worth a visit. pic.twitter.com/ZnX3HmM8

Myanmar earthquake leaves at least six people dead, damages several old Buddhist pagodas: local media reports /MCOT