Thailand Live Tuesday 20 Nov 2012

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Thailand Live Tuesday 20 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 Monday 19 Nov 2012

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BURNING ISSUE

Will Thaksin gain from state visit by Museveni?

Avudh Panananda

The Nation

File photo : Yingluck poses for photos with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and his wife

BANGKOK: -- In contrast to this week's fanfare for Barack Obama of the United States and Wen Jiabao of China, the visit by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to Thailand went almost unnoticed last week.

Full story:

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JOURNALISM

Show some respect, TJA urges Chalerm, reporters

Kornchanok Raksaseri

The Nation

Somjit

BANGKOK: -- Journalists and government officials have been urged to respect each other more after a row between Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung and a television reporter last week.

Full story:

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THAI-CHINESE RELATIONS

Security for China's Wen to be as tight as it was for Obama

The Nation

Wen

BANGKOK: -- Thai police will throw a tight security ring around visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao today - the same level of security offered to US President Barack Obama who departed the Kingdom yesterday, according to police spokesman Piya Uthayo.

Full story:

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POLITICS

Former aide says Prem not linked to Pitak Siam rally

The Nation

File photo: Prem

BANGKOK: -- A former aide to Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda yesterday dismissed fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra's suggestion that Prem was behind his participation in the anti-government protests.

Full story:

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OBAMA'S VISIT

Happy memories as Wat Pho becomes famous

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton joked with Wat Pho assistant abbot Phra Suthee Thammanuwat that the temple had been making a lot of money and could afford to support the US president's charity work.

Full story:

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EDITORIAL

High-profile visits create opportunity for Thai diplomacy

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The govt must take advantage of visits by the US and Chinese leaders to state the country's position and assist in regional cooperation efforts

Full story:

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STREETWISE

Understanding oneself is the best way to move forward

Achara Deboonme

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- All of a sudden, Thailand is in the spotlight. It's not because of a shutdown of Suvarnabhumi Airport, like in 2008, or the political bloodshed in 2010. Rather, this time, it is about the promises the Kingdom has to offer.

Full story:

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Sondhi faces prosecution over storming of Govt

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Public prosecutors have decided to indict Sondhi Limthongkul and 20 other People's Alliance for Democracy leaders for laying siege to Parliament and storming into Government House in 2008.

Full story:

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Get active, Thais told

PUANGCHOMPOO PRASERT

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Thais spend more than half the day; over 13 hours on average 'doing very little' and only two hours of physical activity, a recent survey by the Mahidol University's Institute for Population and Social Research has found.

Full story:

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Woman drops to her death in lift plunge

THE NATION

NAKHON RATCHASIMA: -- A woman succumbed to severe injuries on Sunday night, in the first legally recognised death caused by a falling lift. The accident happened on Saturday at a furniture showroom in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Full story:

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NGOs call for action on children's rights

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- To mark Universal Children's Day today, the advocacy groups Plan International Thailand and World Vision Foundation of Thailand called on the government take tougher action to protect children's rights.

Full story:

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BMA invites state agencies to inspect stadium

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has invited nine state agencies to inspect the controversial Nongchok Futsal Stadium, which this month failed to win approval from Fifa, the international soccer body.

Meanwhile, the Department of Special Investigation is looking into the possibility of corruption.

Deputy Bangkok Governor Chumpol Samphaopol met with representatives from the DSI, the Government Budget Auditing Bureau and the Sports Authority of Thailand at the stadium yesterday.

BMA spokesman Wasant Meewong said the city administration admitted it had failed to complete the construction in time because of last year's flood crisis.

He said he hoped the public and local MPs would understand and realise that the stadium was in fact ready to host the just-concluded Futsal World Cup competition.

"We insist that the stadium was ready to host the competition as per Fifa's requirements even though the construction was not fully completed.

"We are not worried if some people choose to use this to discredit others politically, though we hope the Election Commission will look into it," Wasant said.

Meanwhile, deputy DSI chief Pol Colonel Yanphol Yingyuen said his agency would look further into the project to see if there was any corruption involved and if the materials used were according to the specifications, particularly the iron beam and structure.

However, he said, the task would require consultation with engineering experts.

"At the moment, nobody has filed any complaints with the DSI demanding an investigation into the construction, but the BMA has expressed its intention to be transparent and is calling on many agencies to scrutinise the project.

"Fifa didn't use the stadium because they didn't want to take the risk along with the BMA," Yanphol said.

Meanwhile, the BMA has renamed the stadium Bangkok Arena Nongchok.

-- The Nation 2012-11- 20

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SOUTH

Trains to start running again today

THE NATION

Photo : Charoon Thongnual

Service suspended after 3 killed in blast on Sungai Kolok-bound train

HAT YAI: -- Trains to the deep South should start running again from today after being suspended on Sunday following an attack in Narathiwat that killed three, Preecha Promtungkor, chief railway engineer in Hat Yai, said yesterday.

Rail workers are currently removing the debris and fixing up to 300 metres of the rail track damaged in the explosion.

The cleanup should be completed today allowing the 14 daily trains to and from Narathiwat's Sungai Kolok station to start running again, he said.

Preecha was speaking after he led workers to the explosion site in Narathiwat's Rusoh district. Repairs are being done under tight security to prevent a recurrence of the attack.

Services were suspended after a compartment of Train 435 on the Yala-Sungai Kolok route was hit by a bomb on Sunday morning. The compartment was carrying the volunteer security team, three of whom were killed immediately.

Of the 35 other injured, 28 have already been released from hospital while the remainder are being treated at the Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Hospital.

This attack took place one day after a motorcycle bomb went off in Yala's Muang district, killing one and injuring 33 others.

Meanwhile, assistant police chief Pol Lt-General Jarumporn Suramanee visited two police officers being treated for injuries at the Prince of Songkhla Hospital. Pol Sergeant Pichet Tipwaree, 46, and Pol Snr Sgt-Major Yongyuth Kangsawat, 43, injured in the train attack, were reported to be in stable condition.

Both officers were praised for being brave enough to shoot back at the insurgents waiting |to launch a gunfire attack after the blast.

This is the fourth time that Pichet has been injured on duty in the deep South.

INSURGENTS 'REACTING'

Meanwhile, National Security Council chief Lt Gen Paradon Pattanathabutr said violence in the region is possibly increasing because the insurgents are unhappy about the conclusion of a recent Organisation of Islamic Cooperation meeting.

They want OIC to place a greater priority on problems and condemn the Thai government for mishandling the issues.

However, the OIC has indicated that the government is well able to control the situation.

Paradon was possibly referring to the OIC meeting held in Azerbaijan last week.

"The insurgents want to show their power and their anger at the outcome," he said.

-- The Nation 2012-11- 20

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Murder probe focuses on Songkhla Lake project

SANTIPARP RAMASUTRA

THE NATION

SONGKHLA: -- Police yesterday searched the office of Songkhla Administrative Organisation chairman Utis Chuchuay and two places owned by his younger brother as part of their investigation into the shocking murder of a local mayor.

Nakhon Songkhla Municipality mayor Peera Tantiseranee was gunned down on November 6.

A pickup linked to the gunmen was found shortly after parked at the Samila Radio Station, which is owned by Utis' brother Kitti Chuchuay.

Up to 50 armed police carried out the searches at three spots yesterday: Kitti's house, and MN Mansion owned by Kitti, which is up for rent, plus Utis' office.

Provincial Police Region 9 deputy commissioner Maj General Chinnatat Meesuk led the searches.

Police have already identified one of the gunmen as Niwat Ratkaew. Witnesses said Niwat had stayed at |MN Mansion before the murder took place.

During the searches yesterday, police found security cameras had been removed from MN Mansion and the control box for a closed-circuit television system was gone.

Kitti was not present during the searches at either MN Mansion or his house.

Utis was not at his office either when police conducted the search there. Officials at the Songkhla Administra-tive Organisation provided co-operation and handed over documents requested by police.

Investigators expressed interest in documents related to the cable-car project over Songkhla Lake, which Peera had strongly opposed.

Provincial Police Region 9 chief Lt General Pisit Pisuttisak said the inquiry was progressing and solid evidence was now in police hands.

"We are confident that we will be able to nail down the masterminds," Pisit said.

Many people had given police tips about Niwat's movements.

"We believe he has gone into hiding in provinces nearby Songkhla," he said.

Pol General Ratchata Yensuang, a National Police Office senior adviser on the case, said an arrest warrant would be issued soon for Niwat's accomplice in the murder.

-- The Nation 2012-11- 20

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Senate debate set for this weekend

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Senate will hold a general debate on the government this weekend, dismissing concern the parliamentary meeting will turn into turmoil because it coincides with an anti-government rally.

Full story:

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James Bond actor Daniel Craig visits British troops in Afghanistan

Full story:

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Comatose Dutch Prince Friso showing signs of minimal consciousness

Full story:

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Lessons in democracy that Thailand can learn from the US

Dr Kuldep Nagi

Special to The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The US election held on November 6 showed that the American voting public has not only become more diverse in its makeup, but also in its mindset. Barack Obama won the election on the assumption that the electorate would retain much of the age, ethnic and racial diversity he brought out in 2008. But across the country voters affirmed changes in social policy that show a culture changing along with it.

Full story:

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Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,291.15, up 7.50 points /MCOT

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Phuket Police suspect 'pre-existing condition' caused Russian tourist drowning

Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- Phuket Police suspect that an underlying medical condition led to the drowning of a 69-year-old Russian tourist off Patong Beach yesterday morning.

Full story:

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Brit Aldhouse to be extradited to Phuket

Phuket Gazette

Judges at the British High Court have dismissed the appeal by Mr Aldhouse and he now faces extradition to Phuket to face murder charges. Photo: Anthony M/Wikipedia

British kickboxer Lee Aldhouse has lost his fight against extradition to Thailand and will now be deported to Thailand to face charges for the killing of American Deshawn Longfellow. Photo: James Goyder

PHUKET: -- British national Lee Aldhouse, wanted on murder charges in Phuket, has lost his High Court appeal and will be extradited to Phuket.

Full story:

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Singapore cabbie returns $900,000 to Thai couple

SINGAPORE, Nov 20, 2012 (AFP) - A Singaporean taxi driver has been heralded as a hero after he returned Sg$1.1 million ($900,000) in cash to a vacationing Thai couple who left the money in his cab.

Full story:

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National Security Act ruled out for Saturday’s political rally

By English News

BANGKOK, Nov 20 – Thai Deputy Premier Chalerm Yubumrung has categorically ruled out using the country’s stringent National Security Act to cope with Saturday’s political rally by the anti-government Pitak Siam group.

Full story:

[Lite Beer]

Thai PM highlights China’s role in Southeast Asia

PHNOM PENH, Nov 20 – Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has vowed to steadfastly develop strategic partnerships and friendship among countries in Southeast Asia and China for peace and stability in the region.

She made the statement at the ASEAN-China Summit on Monday, on the sidelines of the 21st ASEAN Summit in the Cambodian capital.

The dialogue among 10 ASEAN countries and China, the 15th of its kind, was held due to China’s vital role in the region. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, due to arrive in Thailand today for a two-day official visit, joined the talks.

Ms Yingluck reiterated close cooperation between China and ASEAN countries in promoting regional peace and stability, and sustainable economic growth in light of global economic uncertainty.

The Thai premier said she strongly believed in ASEAN-China joint responsibility in promoting cooperation in the South China Sea for the region’s economic prosperity, declaring her support for the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).

It is necessary that ASEAN and China follow the declaration to build confidence and trust on the basis of friendship and cooperation, she said.

She added that regional stability will push Southeast Asia to achieve its US$500 billion trading goal and attract US$10 billion new investment from China by 2015.

“To reach the target, we have to eliminate trading obstacles and promote economic connections at the state, private and people-to-people levels,” she said, expressing her desire for China to advocate regional comprehensive economic partnership in Southeast Asia. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-11-20

[Lite Beer]

Thai authorities seize Bt500 million in assets of drug suspect

CHIANG RAI, Nov 20 -- Law enforcement agencies launched a joint operation, raiding 50 targeted locations in the northern province of Chiang Rai believed linked to a suspected drug trafficker and seized assets worth more than Bt500 million suspected being acquired through the illicit drug trade.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/599415-thai-authorities-seize-bt500-million-in-assets-of-drug-suspect/#entry5861926

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to arrive in Bangkok at 6:55pm. Wen will be granted an audience with HM the King at Siriraj Hospital tomorrow.

[Lite Beer]

Italy's Most Wanted now in Sihanoukville

Nicola (Nick) Ciconte, on the run from Italian Police and a 25 year jail sentence for attempting to import 500kg of cocaine into Australia has been seen in Koh Rong

He has been living in Queensland but has now been spotted in Sihanoukville.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/599437-italys-most-wanted-now-in-sihanoukville/#entry5862071

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Captive Thai Lady Was Training To Swallow Drugs

A 29-year-old Thai woman was raped and held captive by a Nigerian man she met on the Internet. He forced her to swallow a condom filled with powder daily, to prepare her body for smuggling cocaine into the U.S.A. But when the man later forgot his cellphone in the room, she called for help.

Full story: