Thailand Live Monday 26 Nov 2012

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Thailand Live Monday 26 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 Sunday 25 Nov 2012

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ANALYSIS

Rally failure a boost for govt

POLITICAL DESK

The Nation

The next challenge for the Yingluck administration is when Parliament debates the reconciliation bill and constitutional amendments, scheduled for next month

BANGKOK: -- The failure of the biggest ever protest against Yingluck Shinawatra's government is likely to have made her administration stronger and boosted confidence in her leadership - until the more controversial issues of the reconciliation bill and constitutional amendment emerge next year.

Full story:

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NO-CONFIDENCE DEBATE

Chalerm and Chuwit trade accusations

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The first day of the no-confidence debate yesterday saw sparks fly as Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung and his arch rival, Rak Prathet Thai Party leader Chuwit Kamolvisit, traded jibes over personal issues and allegations over illegal gambling dens.

Full story:

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POLITICS

Boonlert: I think I made the right decision to end rally

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Boonlert Kaewprasit, leader of the anti-government Pitak Siam group, yesterday dismissed discontent with his calling an early end to Saturday's mass rally, saying he wanted to prevent more bloodshed.

Full story:

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INTERNAL SECURITY ACT

Police will ask PM to lift ISA today

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Police yesterday stopped blocking roads around Government House and Parliament and planned to have the prime minister lift enforcement of the Internal Security Act today.

Full story:

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EDUCATION

Thailand could be major e-learning hub in region

Wannapa Khaopa

The Nation

Assoc Prof Kamjorn Tatiyakavee

Despite growing popularity of online education too few

BANGKOK: -- Thailand has hundreds of international programmes, especially in the country's top performing universities, luring thousands of students from different parts of the world, particularly from the Asean region to come and study in the Kingdom.

Full story:

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REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Is Thailand ready for the great US-China rivalry?

Kavi Chongkittavorn

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The intersection of geo-strategic and geo-economic occurred in Bangkok early last week within hours of departure of US President Barack Obama and the arrival of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. The first has been re-elected for four more years, the latter was on the way out after a decade of leadership. It was not a coincidence that Obama and Wen were wooing Thailand, which occupied the strategic hub in mainland Southeast Asia.

Full story:

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EDITORIAL

Rally has ended but dissenting voice must be heard

The Nation

Govt must address concerns regarding its policy mismanagement to address public grievances

BANGKOK: -- The anti-government rally organised by retired General Boonlert Kaewprasit concluded on Saturday evening with a small number of people injured. In spite of concerns about possible escalation of violence after the police started using tear gas to disperse protesters early in the morning, the event ended on a peaceful note. Organisers announced an end to the rally saying they had honoured their pledge to call it a day if the turnout of protesters was lower than expectation.

Full story:

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National carrier to stress 'Thainess', says new president

ACHARA DEBOONME

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Thai Airways International's new president Sorajak Kasemsuvan believes weaving "Thainess" into passenger-related areas can set the legacy airline apart from others and put it on the path to profitability.

Full story:

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SPECIAL REPORT

Pledging policy sees UK importers shun Thai rice

PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI

THE NATION

London

LONDON: -- Even sending 100 trade missions overseas to promote Thai rice will not succeed in expanding exports, as the government's price subsidy has undermined the commodity's competitiveness abroad and handicapped it against rival countries, Thai exporters and UK importers say.

Full story:

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CAMPUS UPDATE

Virtual UK education exhibition

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thailand Virtual Exhibition 2012 enables visitors to chat online directly with universities' representatives and collect in-depth information about admission procedures, accommodation details, course fees, student alumni information and more.

Full story:

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Chatt defends dredging contracts

Watcharapong Thongrung

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A government project to dredge waterways during the flood-prevention efforts last year was conducted legally through a special bidding process permitted under special circumstances, Deputy Interior Minister Chatt Kuldiloke said during the no-confidence debate.

As transport minister during the 2011 flood crisis, Chatt was responsible for overseeing the dredging work. Respon-ding to a grilling by Democrat Party MP Thavorn Senniam, Chatt denied that the total project cost of Bt1.215 billion was inflated, saying it was based on a rate of Bt34.50 per cubic metre of debris collected through dredging. This standard was laid out by the Marine Department, which hired the contractors, he said.

Chatt said the standard electronic-auction process would have taken too long to allow the department to complete the dredging work in time, as floodwater threatened to submerge areas in need of protection. The special process did not violate the law, and led to the selection of 16 contractors, who were awarded 26 deals at the above rate, with some variations depending on the specific area and difficulty of access to the rivers and canals involved.

Thavorn alleged that the 16 contractors were close to or had connections with Chatt and his fellow politicians. Chatt did not respond to this.

-- The Nation 2012-11- 26

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MP accuses Sukampol of allowing Bt1bn embezzlement in navy deal

Kornchanok Raksaseri,

Prapasri Osathanon

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A Democrat MP yesterday accused Defence Minister ACM Sukampol Suwannathat of allowing politicians to embezzle Bt1 billion of the Bt2.7-billion allocated for the Royal Thai Navy's combat system upgrade project by allowing a change in the equipment specification.

Full story:

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137 detainees released without bail

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A group of 137 people, who had joined the anti-government rally on Saturday and were detained during clashes with police, have been temporarily released without bail while one person is expected to be released after his case is filed in court, Pol Maj-General Thana Chuwong, Royal Thai Police deputy spokesman, said yesterday.

Of the detainees, 133 were charged with violating a security law, one was charged with insulting state officials and three were charged with carrying knives. They have all been released without bail, Thana said.

One person was charged with carrying communication devices without permission and may be released on bail after his case is lodged with the court, he added.

Four have been hospitalised in the Police Central Hospital and could go home straight after they are discharged from hospital, without having to post bail.

The first group of 40 people were put on a bus and released outside Border Patrol Police Region 1.

A lawyer of the People's Alliance for Democracy said most people who were detained were charged with entering off-limit zones and carrying arms in public places. They were released temporarily without bail.

Only a person charged with carrying a communication device without permission and another who drove a truck and rammed it into a police barrier needed to post bail pleas for release.

A 17-year-old man, the only under-aged person in the group, said he came from Prachuab Khiri Khan and had joined the protest because he wanted the country to be free from corruption. He said he was standing in front of the crowd during the clash and was frightened when tear gas canisters were thrown into the crowd. He ran towards the police for help but was rounded up with others.

Twenty-two of 82 people injured at the rally were still being treated at Police Central Hospital yesterday, an official said.

Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr Narong Sahamethamat said that of the 82 injured, 52 were civilians, 29 were police and one was a soldier. No deaths were reported and most of the injuries were not serious. They were sent to nearby hospitals such as Ramathibodi, Mission and Ratjavithi hospitals.

Narong said the medical teams that worked to assist injured people during the rally have gained more experience in working in an emergency situation. In future rallies, he said, he would provide doctors on the spot for speedy medical treatments of protesters.

-- The Nation 2012-11- 26

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Phuket Big Buddha pickup truck flips in Karon, 8 injured

Phuket Gazette

The driver and his seven passengers were en route to the Big Buddha monument in Chalong when the accident occurred. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: Eight people were injured this morning when a pickup truck converted into a small bus flipped onto its side while descending Karon Hill.

Full story:

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,288.19, up 6.49 points /MCOT

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Loy Krathong candle festival lively in northern provinces

By English News

SUKHOTHAI, Nov26 – Thailand's traditional Loy Krathong ceremonies and candle festivals in many provinces began last night with many tourists opting for small flower vessels made of natural materials for celebration.

Thais celebrate the annual Loy Krathong festival by floating small vessels decorated with flowers, joss sticks and candles in rivers or canals to ask for forgiveness and blessing from the River Goddess.

In Sukhothai, the fair goes through Wednesday and is held in the old style market dating back 700 years. A parade featuring folk art is among the highlights at the event.

In Chiang Mai, tourists released lanterns, adorning the sky at night. Krathongs made of natural material or bread are popular among most festival goers. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-11-26

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Opposition starts second day of grilling

By Digital Media

BANGKOK, Nov 26 -- The opposition led by the Democrat party opened the second day of its censure debate on Monday after the first day of grilling ended at about 11pm last night.

On the second day, the focus is expected to be on Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra for alleged mismanagement of administration, the Bt300 minimum daily wage policy and the rice pledging scheme.

Under the no confidence motion, filed earlier by the opposition party, Ms Yingluck, her deputy Chalerm Yubumrung, Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat and Deputy Interior Minister Chat Kuldilok, also former deputy transport minister, were under scrutiny for mismanagement leading to corruption.

The motion also calls for the premier to be questioned for her failure to deliver results in accord with her policy statement earlier pledged to parliament.

The opposition started grilling the Yingluck administration Sunday in a three-day timeframe for the censure debate, and the no-confidence vote is set for Wednesday.

Ms Yingluck’s six-party ruling coalition holds about three-fifths of the seats in the lower house. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-11-26

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Naked and crazed woman found on top floor of condominium in Jomtien

PATTAYA: -- Early on Monday Morning Police were called to the roof area of a 16-storey condominium in Jomtien to assist a woman who was naked and appeared suicidal.

Full story:

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RT @RichardBarrow: The popular Thai restaurant "Cabbages & Condoms", has opened a branch in UK (Pic @NationChannel24) http://thai.vi/V1aRnC

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Drunk-driver arrested after 3-vehicle road crash in South Pattaya

PATTAYA:--A self-confessed drunk driver was responsible for a three-vehicle road accident in South Pattaya early on Monday Morning which amazingly resulted in no loss-of-life or injury.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/600757-drunk-driver-arrested-after-3-vehicle-road-crash-in-south-pattaya/#entry5879636

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LOY KRATHONG DAY

Majority of Thais will wish for peace and unity on Loy Krathong

BANGKOK: -- Most Thais will make a wish on Loy Krathong Day for a return unity and love and an end of political conflict so that peace can be restored to the country.

Full story:

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Most Thais want celebrate Loy Krathong with Yingluck

BANGKOK: -- Most Thais want to celebrate Loy Krathong festival with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, an opinion survey has found.

The survey was carried out among 1,258 respondents over the age of 18 in Bangkok between November 23 and 26.

When asked who they wanted to go Loy Krathong with, 55.9 per cent said they preferred Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, followed by Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (30.1 per cent), former PM Chuan Leekpai (9.8 per cent).

-- The Nation 2012-11-26

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Phuket Business: Island's inflation skyrockets

Phuket Gazette -

PAYING THE PRICE: Phuket’s renowned lifestyle offerings, along with its beautiful, natural surroundings comes at an increasingly higher cost with each passing year. Image: Gazette Graphics

The graph charts out Phuket’s monthly inflation rate (red line) this year so far. Image: Gazette Graphics

PHUKET: Not only does Phuket continue its reign as the most expensive (consumer) province in Thailand, but the island province’s rate of inflation doubles that of the national average, recent economic data shows.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/600771-phuket-business-islands-inflation-skyrockets/#entry5879797

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DECEMBER 5

BTS offers free travel to dads on Father's Day

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Fathers travelling with their children will enjoy free rides on the Skytrain on December 5 as part of the celebrations marking HM the King's 85 th anniversary and the 13th Anniversary of the BTS SkyTrain.

Surapong LaohaUnya, director and chief operating officer of Bangkok Transit System Public Company Limited (BTSC) said the free rides will be for travel between 6am and midnight and will cover journeys between all BTS station on both the Sukhumvit and Silom lines.

This privilege would be for fathers and children entering and exiting at the same station. The free ride coupons can be obtained from all station Ticket Offices. Children under 90 cm tall are entitled to travel free as usual.

Surapong said the objective of this offer is to express gratitude to fathers, adding other activities being held in honour of HM Majesty the King's birthday had started from November 15 and included special decorative lighting at 13 stations: Victory Monument, Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Siam, Chit Lom, Phloen Chit, Nana, Asok, Phrom Phong, Thong Lo, Ratchadamri, Sala Daeng and Surasak.

In addition, a portrait of the King will be on display for the general public to pay respects and offer tributes, with books for signing located at the walkway of the National Stadium Station from now until January 31.

On November 30 at 10.30 am, BTSC in cooperation with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association, will organise a meritmaking ceremony, with the offering of alms to 509 Buddhist monks from 10 temples located along the BTS SkyTrain route, such as Wat Pathumwanaram Rajaworavihara, Wat Phaiton, Wat Bunrod Thummaram, Wat Saphan, Wat Dhammamongkol, Wat That Tong, Wat Bangna Nai, Wat Suwan, Wat Yannawa and Wat Suan Phlu.

On December 4, BTSC will organise a CSR activity encouraging all staff to donate blood at the mobile unit of the Thai Red Cross, to mark the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King's Birthday. In honour of Father's Day, the public is also welcome to join a Candlelight Ceremony to pay tribute to the monarch at 7pm at the walkway of BTS National Stadium station.

-- The Nation 2012-11- 26

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Confederation of Southern Teachers: 332 schools in Pattani temporarily closed after school principal killing /MCOT

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Drug smuggling suspects apprehended; 1 million meth pills seized

By Digital Media

BANGKOK, Nov 26 - Three drug smuggling suspects were arrested today with one million of the gang’s stock of meth pills seized.

Narcotics Supression Bureau deputy commander in chief Pol Maj-Gen Surapol Tuantong announced at a news conference that the first suspect was identified as Worawut Chaihanij, 25, an alleged member of a drug ring in Bangkok's Klongprem Central Prison with one million meth pills seized. Mr Worawut was arrested at the Navanakorn Industrial Estate in Pathum Thani province while transporting the pills to Bangkok from Ratchaburi.

The second suspect was an Iranian identified as Mahmoud Pourjavadi, 56 apprehended in the capital with crystal meth pills (also called ice) contained in two wine bottles, weighing 1,300 grammes. The Thai police operation was in collaboration with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Thailand.

The third suspect was Saitarn Sae-lim, 39. Ms Saitarn was apprehended at Suvarnabhumi International Airport while she travelling to Thailand from India. Three kilos of ice, hidden in her baggage, were seized.

Gen Surapol said drug smuggling takes place regularly in the country. Drug rings have tried to modify their equipment to carry drugs as well as to develop more sophisticated drug-hiding methods to trick officials. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-11-26

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Pitak Siam leader absolutely abandons political activity

By Digital Media

BANGKOK, Nov 26 – Retired Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit, self-deposed leader of the Pitak Siam group, stood firm today that his decision to totally call it quits from political activity was his own choice.

Full story:

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Criminal Court inquest says red-shirt protester killed by troops' bullets

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A Criminal Court inquest Monday concluded that a red-shirt protester was killed by bullets from troops on May 15 2010.

The inquest concluded that Charnnarong Polsriwala, a member of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) , was killed by bullets from troops who were carrying out an operation under the order of the Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation.

Charnnarong was shot in front of a petrol station on Rangnam Road. He was hit with .223 bullets on his stomach and the bullets tore his intestines. The .223 bullets could be fired from M16, Travo or HK33 assault rifles.

The court said it could not be established which particular guns fired the killing bullets. But testimonies from witnesses could establish that the bullets were fired form the side of troops although the inquest could not tell which agency the troops came from.

-- The Nation 2012-11- 26