Thailand Live Sunday 2 Dec 2012

[Lite Beer]

Thailand Live Sunday 2 December 2012

News, Bits and Tweets

with Lite Beer

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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[Lite Beer]

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[Lite Beer]

Group backs study, work rights of those with HIV/Aids

Panraphee Kamonrat,

Thanatpong Khongsai

The Nation on Sunday

The Thai Network of People Living With HIV/Aids campaigns for the rights of people living with HIV to study and work during an event at Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- To mark World Aids Day yesterday, the Thai Network of People Living With HIV/Aids urged an end to discrimination and violations of their rights, and campaigned for public acceptance of the rights of people living with HIV to study and work.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/602112-group-backs-study-work-rights-of-those-with-hivaids/#entry5895309

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Democrats to pursue 'rice scam'

Prapasri Osathanon,

Pimnara Pradubwit

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- NACC to be approached after China's ambassador denies any government-to-government purchases

The opposition Democrat Party vowed to press ahead with the corruption case against the government after the Chinese ambassador to Bangkok on Friday said Beijing had not committed to buying any Thai rice on a government-to-government basis. Beijing had only recommended private firms to buy, according to ambassador Guan Mu.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/602114-democrats-to-pursue-rice-scam/#entry5895329

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

'It is impossible to please all sides '

Chanikarn Phumhiran

The Nation on Sunday

Panit

BANGKOK: -- Ombudsman Panit Nitithanprapas says politicians take rulings seriously

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/602116-it-is-impossible-to-please-all-sides/#entry5895335

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New treatments improve outlook for patients with rare intestinal tumour

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- The Thai Society of Clinical Oncology (TSCO) on Friday looked back on a decade of advancement in the technologies used to treat patients with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST), a cancerous tumour of the gastrointestinal tract that has long been difficult to diagnose and cure.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/602117-new-treatments-improve-outlook-for-patients-with-rare-intestinal-tumour/#entry5895343

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Nation varsity signs MoUs

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Nation University yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with five organisations in Lampang for academic collaboration, while a joint committee would also be established for a strategic business plan to be in line with the province and province cluster's strategy ahead of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) 2015.

The five organisations were Lampang Chamber of Commerce, Lampang Industry Council, Lampang Tourism Council, Lampang Bankers' Association and Lampang Province.

Nation Multimedia Group (NMG) chairman Suthichai Yoon, who presided over the university's first academic fair yesterday at the Lampang campus, also announced plans to proceed with a plan to make Lampang the country's first university town and a hub of research, idea exchange and innovations. The event included a special talk on "Thai media in AEC: Opportunity and Challenges" by Asean TV director Thepchai Yong and a seminar on the direction of Thai education development.

-- The Nation 2012-12-02

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SPECIAL INTERVIEW

Website gives ordinary people power to change society

Kornchanok Raksaseri

The Nation December 2, 2012 1:00 am

Rattray

BANGKOK: -- No matter what you think about yourself, one of the most influential people of the year - as proclaimed by Time magazine - insists that everyone has the power to change the world.

"We didn't think a 22-year-old nanny without a full time job could actually help to change the policy of one of the biggest companies in the country. But since [that occurred], this happens all the time," said Ben Rattray, founder and CEO of Change.org. Rattray was on Time's list of the 100 most influential people this year, and is often compared to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.

Last year, Bank of America decided to drop the plan to charge users of its debit card US$5 (about Bt150) a month after a campaign started online by part-time nanny Molly Katchpole.

Her online petition received 300,000 signatures of support, and thousands of people offline protested by pulling their money out of the major bank. Katchpole and her supporters achieved their goal about a month after starting the campaign and were able to stop other banks from charging their customers too.

Change.org provides a free online platform that allows anyone to start a petition and spread it via social media. It sends e-mails to responsible agencies each time it gets a new supporter.

Nowadays there are 25 million members globally. In Thailand, the number of members has grown to 150,000 from 4,500 when it started in late June - a faster rate than in the US, said the 32-year-old CEO during his visit to Bangkok on Friday.

Change.org's director in Bangkok, Tul Pinkaew, said that about 40 new campaigns are launched weekly. In less than half a year, the office in Thailand has celebrated three success.

Transport Co Ltd stopped showing violent films on its buses after a petition started by 32-year-old mother Sajin Prachason garnered 397 supporters.

This was followed by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's promise to fix potholes and manhole covers on the capital's roads - as it was supposed to do over a year ago - to prevent damage to bicycle tyres and danger to bike riders. Not only did Nonlany Ung get 1,617 supporters online, but groups of cyclists have gathered to follow up and report spots to be repaired.

Another success was a campaign to get authorities to do more to stop the cross-border dog-meat trade.

Apart from these successes, another notable petition called for the International Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) to boost transparency and initiate live scoring after the scandalous loss by Thai fighter Kaeo Pongprayoon in his London Olympics' light flyweight gold medal bout against China's Shiming Zou. The petition received a record number of over 77,000 signatures. Although the AIBA has insisted on maintaining its way of scoring, an Olympic boxer in India also has a plan to launch a similar campaign, after being inspired by the Thai effort, according to Tul.

Change.org was launched as Rattray's response to the pain experienced by his brother, who suffered discrimination because he is gay. Rattray, a graduate of Stanford University and the London School of Economics, originally wanted to be a banker, but changed his career path out of distress that nobody stood up to support his brother.

He is particularly happy that one of the successful campaigns was an effort in South Africa that has saved women from the practice of "corrective rape" claimed to make homosexual women straight.

"What's exciting is we are certainly seeing people become more assertive, feel[ing] like they have the power in a way that they didn't before and want to stand up for their rights. It's a kind of campaign that … would bring lots of people together on basic issues that seem to be unjust," he said.

While some of the campaigns are small in size, their impact can turn out to be huge, Rattray said. For example, an engineering student in India received support from 440 people who saw recordings of an officer calling for a bribe. Aside from the fact that more powerful local officials took action against the corrupt person, it warned officials that they are in danger of being embarrassed each time they call for a bribe.

"You can start petitions on personal issues, but they are unlikely to get a lot of support," Rattray said, adding that there is no censorship on the site, but users can monitor and "flag" inappropriate petitions.

In general, violent or provocative petitions will be removed. However, the agency also respects local laws, he said.

Visiting Thailand as part of the trip to the agency's offices in Asia including Indonesia, the Philippines and Japan, Rattray said Change.org is planning to develop better tools and technology to make it easier to organise activities offline, to reach the media and to go mobile. More importantly, it will build up its staff and network in Thailand. He expected to see 1,000,000 members in the next few months.

While people are often sceptical at first, a successful petition gives moral support to an ordinary person. Once that person gains a victory by speaking out for justice, he or she will start or support more campaigns and expand the network, Rattray said.

A video of this interview can be viewed on nationmultimedia.com.

-- The Nation 2012-12-02

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Suspect in Friday's bombing arrested

The Nation on Sunday December 2, 2012 1:00 am

PATTANI: -- Police yesterday arrested a suspect, Suhaiming Deureh, for alleged involvement in launching the Friday roadside bomb attack in Pattani's Mai Kaen district that killed Petty Officer First Class Saipetch Jankrajang, 41, and injured five other soldiers.

The 20kg bomb attack on six soldiers patrolling in a pickup truck took place in Tambon Don Sai at 9pm on Friday. Mai Kaen Superintendent of police Pol Col Panyawat Phetchom said Suhaiming was also wanted in five other national security cases and was nabbed in a Sai Buri district home.

He is being taken to Chulabhon Army Camp for interrogation. Suhaiming was reportedly linked to an insurgent operative leader in Mai Kaen area, Yalaning Taemamu, he added.

Saipetch's funeral was held in Narathiwat's Wat Khok Kian yesterday. He was promoted to commander posthumously and will receive assistance money from related agencies totalling Bt1 million. His body was later transported to Chumphon's La Mae district.

-- The Nation 2012-12-02

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Dead man identified as Hungarian businessman

The Nation on Sunday

Police yesterday identified as a Hungarian a man whose body was found in a plastic bag at an isolated rubber plantation on Patong Mountain in Phuket's Kathu district on Friday. He ran a property business in Surat Thani's Koh Samui.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/602064-police-tentatively-identify-body-found-in-phuket-rubber-plantation/#entry5895356

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'No change' in Korkaew status

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Red-shirt leader Korkaew Pikulthong remains a Pheu Thai party-list MP as he has not yet been sentenced by a court, Election Commissioner Sodsri Satayathum said yesterday.

She said the EC could start verification if it was requested. The Constitution Court will have the final say on the matter.

Sodsri's comment was in line with that of Deputy Senate Speaker Surachai Liengboonlerschai.

Korkaew went back to jail after the Criminal Court revoked his bail for threatening the Constitution Court and creating fear in society.

Meanwhile, the government will declare its achievements during its first year in power on a TV pool on December 15 before the Parliament session on December 21, Pheu Thai deputy spokesman Jirayu Huangsap said yesterday. The televised programme would start from 5pm, he said. The government would also inform the people what it was going to do in the second year.

-- The Nation 2012-12-02

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RT@RichardBarrow: Sunday: The roads around the Royal Plaza (Rama V Statue) are closed 6am-12pm due to rehearsals for the King's birthday

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-- The Nation 2012-12-02

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EDITORIAL

'Lotto monk' has become the rule not an exception

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- It's a familiar story of conspiracy, betrayal, temptation and above all - greed; Thai Buddhism is getting trapped in commercialism

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/602120-lotto-monk-has-become-the-rule-not-an-exception/#entry5895431

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RT@RichardBarrow: Pictures of the rehearsal for the King's birthday taking place now at the Royal Plaza pic.twitter.com/fvTyjDfL

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Phuket Opinion: Motoring Misery

Phuket Gazette –

Will tourists seeking beaches see the same thing as those sitting at home? Image: Gazette Graphics

PHUKET: As work on the 600-million-baht underpass at the Central Festival Phuket intersection gets underway, mounting concern among commuters now turns to seeking ways to cope with what promises to be a whole new level of motoring misery.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/602133-phuket-opinion-motoring-misery/#entry5895572

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Pattaya Beach Road parade for World AIDS Day

PATTAYA:--There should be plenty of safe sex taking place around Pattaya City over the weekend and beyond as the city celebrated World AIDS Day by distributing thousands of free condoms during a Beach Road parade on Saturday afternoon.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/602136-pattaya-beach-road-parade-for-world-aids-day/#entry5895612

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Aldhouse back in Phuket

Phuket Gazette –

Alleged killer Aldhouse stoically told the Gazette that it was 'wonderful' to be back in Phuket. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo

PHUKET: Accused murderer Lee Aldhouse arrived back in Phuket tonight at 8:11pm, on Flight 221 from Bangkok.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....t/#entry5895691

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Trooping the colours ceremony rehearsal Sunday for King's birthday, roads around Royal Plaza closed to traffic until noon /MCOT

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RT@RichardBarrow: PM Yingluck at the dress rehearsal pic.twitter.com/f0aqr8NE

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RT@RichardBarrow: PM Yingluck waiting for "The King" to appear at the balcony pic.twitter.com/800xX5be

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Suspected gamblers caught in front of Auto Center in North Pattaya

PATTAYA:--With apparently no fear of being seen by others, a group of 4 people were caught gambling outside of an auto center in North Pattaya early on Sunday Morning.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....-north-pattaya/

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Foreigner threatened with gun and assaulted on Pattaya Beach

PATTAYA:--A foreigner was threatened with a gun on Pattaya Beach early on Sunday Morning after he was spotted by the Thai gun owner with his former girlfriend.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/602151-foreigner-threatened-with-gun-and-assaulted-on-pattaya-beach/

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Group helping lese majeste detainees upset with media, govt

Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Nearly half a year ago, a group of family members affected by the controversial lese majeste law decided to form The Network of Family Members and Peoples Affected by Article 112.

This, they believed, was necessary as they felt not enough is being done to guarantee justice for those detained under the law while censorship and the curbs to freedom of expression are not adequately raised and discussed in society.

When the network launched itself, only Thailand's two-English language newspapers paid interest while the Thai-language papers ignored their formation. It is symptomatic of how the media and society warily treat the issue of lese majeste law, said 45-year-old Sukanya Prueksakasemsuk, wife of lese majeste detainee Somyos Prueksakemsuk.

"There are more foreigners who pay attention to the formation of our network," said the mild-speaking Sukanya, a private company employee, who had to learn about political activism from scratch after the group was formed to partly help her husband who has been behind bars for more than a year without bail. Sukanya cited a German radio journalist interviewing the group and a journalist from France. "Hardly any Thai media," she added.

That hasn't stop the group, with 18 members, to meet once a month and hold activities highlighting what they believe to be infringement of basic legal rights such as the denial of bail to most lese majeste detainees, and more.

One new member of the group knows this well; Surapak Phuchaisaeng was released from prison just at the end of last month after the court threw out his lese majeste case due to insufficient evidence. Surapak, 40, a computer programmer, was denied bail eight times while fighting the case.

He said that while he was in prison, the network visited him and other prisoners of conscience twice or three times a week, offering food and bringing news about the outside world as well as moral support that sustained him and others. The support the network proved invaluable, he said.

"I decided to join the network myself [after being released from jail] because we share the same predicament," Surapak, who is still trying to recover from life in jail, told The Nation on the phone from Buengkarn province. Surapak criticised the recent decision by the Pheu Thai-dominated Parliament to refuse to debate a proposed amendment of the law as an act of "cowardice" and said people will probably have to wait for a new parliament.

"What kind of system does this country have if Parliament dare not discuss laws pertaining to the monarchy institution?" asked Surapak, adding that in the future the network will seek to identify political parties that will openly support the amendment of the law, which now carries a maximum penalty of 15 years' imprisonment.

Sukanya said even if there's very little or no hope to see the law amended, she and others hope that the seven prisoners of conscience, including her husband, will have the right to get bail. She visited her husband once a week and clung to the hope that Somyos will be found not guilty when the court will hand the verdict on December 19, so she can celebrate the New Year with him.

-- The Nation 2012-12-02

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Automobile reservations hit 12,000 units in first three days of Motor Expo 2012 after official launch on Nov 29 /MCOT

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PM attends trooping the colour rehearsal

BANGKOK, Dec 2 – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Sunday along with the Army Commander in Chief joined Sunday’s rehearsal for the oath of allegiance ceremony and the Trooping of Coulours of the Royal Guards for the celebration of His Majesty the King’s birthday on December 5.

The rehearsal took place at the Royal Plaza near the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, Dusit Palace. Three roads around the Royal Plaza, were closed to traffic Sunday morning for the rehearsal. More than 2,000 military officers joined the dress rehearsal.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej will make a public appearance on his birthday from the balcony of Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, starting at 10 am. December 5 marks His Majesty's 85th birthday anniversary.

Permanent secretary of the Prime Minister's Office Tongthong Chandransu earlier said gigantic LCD screens will be installed on both sides of Ratchadamnoen Avenue leading to the Royal Plaza and Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall to enable the crowd to clearly see HM the King and royal family members.

A candle-lit ceremony will be held at Sanam Luang to celebrate HM the King's birthday anniversary on Wednesday evening. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-12-02

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MARKETS

SET index may rise further: Broker

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Stock Exchange of Thailand composite index could rise further next week, should there be more progress in addressing the United States' "fiscal cliff", said Kasikorn Securities.

Investment through long-term equity fund (LTF) and retirement mutual fund (RMF) could also boost the market, it said.

The house expected the index to move in the range of 1,310-1,340 points next week.

The SET index, now the world’s 8th best performer and Asia’s 2nd best this year, last week hit a new 16-year high at 1,324.04 points, bolstered by some progress in the fiscal cliff talks as well as the approval of a bailout to Greece.

The previous new high was 1,314 points.

-- The Nation 2012-12-02

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Defence volunteer shot dead in Pattani's Sai Buri while driving motorcycle back home; police presume attack is aimed at inciting unrest /MCOT

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Flood hits two districts of Satun

SATUN, Dec 2— Forest runoff flooded houses in Khuan Don district and the provincial seat of this southern province on Sunday, affecting residents particularly riverside communities.

Overflowing water from two canals reportedly flooded several transportation routes in villages and caused traffic inconvenience.

The inundation was triggered by heavy incessant rain and high tide during the past few days.

Responding to the ongoing situation, Satun Governor Nuachai Jiraapirak instructed relevant agencies to closely monitor the rainfall situation along foothills and near waterways, particularly in mudslide-prone areas. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-12-02

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Alleged killer of Hungarian businessman named by Phuket police

Phuket Gazette –

An arrest warrant was issued for Moshe David, 38, for the killing of Peter Reisz. Photo: Golf Thairath

PHUKET: Police obtained an arrest warrant today for the alleged executioner of Hungarian businessman Peter Reisz, whose body was found with wrists tied in an isolated rubber plantation on Patong Hill in Kathu.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/602064-police-tentatively-identify-body-found-in-phuket-rubber-plantation/#entry5896780