Thailand Live Sunday 13 January 2013

[Lite Beer]

Thailand Live Sunday 13 January 2013

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.

FOLLOW US: You can also follow us on -

Twitter: http://twitter.com/georgebkk -

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ThaiVisaNews -

Google+: http://plus.google.c...38430460700577/ -

Breaking News via SMS text messages to your mobile phone or handheld device

To subscribe dial *424010011 on AIS, One-2-Call, DTAC or True Move networks 14 days complementary subscription for Thaivisa members.

If you have questions about the Breaking News SMS service, email: sms [at] thaivisa.com ________________________________________________________________________________

Thailand's current weather and forecasts: http://weather.thaivisa.com/

________________________________________________________________________________

Related topic: Thailand Live Saturday 12 Jan 2013

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/611294-thailand-live-saturday-12-jan-2013/

[Lite Beer]

THAIVISA CONNECT

Thaivisa Forum Apps for your mobile or tablet

"Thaivisa Connect" for iPhone, iPad and iPod:

iTunes App Store:

http://itunes.apple....and/id492600537

"Thaivisa Connect" for Android:

Android Market

https://market.andro...aivisa.activity

OR

For QR code just go here with your desktop or mobile:

http://apps.thaivisa.com

[Lite Beer]

Stop the intimidation, media body tells Army

Panya Thiosangwan,

Kornchanok Raksaseri

The Nation on Sunday

Dozens of soldiers gather in front of the ASTV Manager headquarters Saturday morning.

ASTV Manager also told to behave after second protest by soldiers at paper over attack on 'lousy' Army Chief

BANGKOK: -- The Thai Journalists Association called on the military yesterday to stop intimidating the media, while urging media practitioners to abide by their code of conduct after dozens of uniformed officers protested twice at ASTV Manager's offices.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/611471-stop-the-intimidation-media-body-tells-army/

[Lite Beer]

Soldiers' protest against media a threat to freedom

Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation on Sunday

Dozens of soldiers gather in front of the ASTV Manager headquarters yesterday morning calling for the newspaper to apologise to Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha for its strong criticism. It was a second day in a row that soldiers protested against the newspaper

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....eat-to-freedom/

[Lite Beer]

State-owned land illegal occupation by firms a big problem

Thanapat Kitjakosol

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Civic group urges govt to enforce law as companies stay on 130,000 rai in 2 provinces even after expiry of leases

Illegal occupation of state-owned land by private firms across the country after their leases have expired has frequently led to violence. Companies also often intimidate activists or landless villagers who campaign against them - or even eliminate opponents in their way, like a recent double murder in Surat Thani province.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/611473-state-owned-land-illegal-occupation-by-firms-a-big-problem/

[Lite Beer]

Woman, two sons injured by falling arch at Govt House fair for Children's Day

The Nation on Sunday

Chutima Ploenwong

BANGKOK: -- A 35-year-old mother and her two young sons were injured at Government House yesterday when a wooden arch erected as part of National Children's Day festivities collapsed on them.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/611474-woman-two-sons-injured-by-falling-arch-at-govt-house-fair-for-childrens-day/

[Lite Beer]

Nation photographer still critical

Supachai Petchthewee

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- The condition of Sakol Sandhiratne, a Nation Multimedia Group photographer who collapsed at Parliament House on Thursday, was still critical last night. He has not responded to stimuli.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....k/#entry6014357

[Lite Beer]

2 Vietnamese boats detained in Gulf

The Nation on Sunday

Two Vietnamese trawlers were impounded and 20 crewmembers detained by the Royal Thai Navy yesterday, after the trawlers were found fishing in the Gulf of Thailand off Chon Buri and Prachuap Khiri Khan.

After tip-offs that Vietnamese trawlers were in Thai waters, First Region Navy Commander Vice Admiral Rungsak Serisawat, also director of the Thailand Maritime Enforcement Coordinating Centre Region 1, sent a ship to patrol Prachuap Khiri Khan and stop Vietnamese trawler CM 6226 TS along with eight crewmembers.

Another patrol boat off Chon Buri found another trawler (CM 99127 TS) and arrested 12 men on board. The two vessels were taken to the Navy pier at Sattahip and the crews sent to police to face charges of illegal entry, intrusion into an exclusive economic zone in Thai waters and violating the Thai Fisheries Act.

-- The Nation 2013-01-13

[Lite Beer]

Students raise concerns with govt

Chuleeporn Aramnet

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- To mark Children's Day, some 200 Student Council representatives yesterday expressed issues of concern and possible solutions to Education Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana, while a Suan Dusit Poll revealed children's suggestions to the government to fight corruption.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/611476-students-raise-concerns-with-govt/

[Lite Beer]

Military's history of intimidation

The Nation on Sunday

Military threats to press freedom were notorious in 1959-1963 under the government of Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat. Soldiers were sent to seize and destroy the presses of newspapers that ticked the government off. It was only after Sarit's death that the media exposed large-scale corruption under the government.

In 1987, hundreds of Army rangers went to the residence of MR Kukrit Pramoj after the former prime minister, in his column "Soi Suan Plu" in Siam Rath newspaper, criticised General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh's idea to establish a Soviet-style presidium.

The article provided insights on what was behind the idea and the possible consequences of implementing it. Kukrit ended the article with the famous line: "I am not afraid of you!"

The conflict was settled when Chavalit, then the Army chief, let his close aide Maj-General Sornchai Montriwat stay at Kukrit's house to make sure that no such threat reoccurred. The government later requested a royal command giving Kukrit the rank of major-general.

-- The Nation 2013-01-13

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL

Klity Creek case sends strong signal to govt

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Villagers win over Pollution Dept a triumph for all Thais

After a 15-year legal battle, the Supreme Administrative Court recently ordered the Pollution Control Department (PCD) to pay a combined Bt3.8 million in compensation to 22 villagers living around Klity Creek and to rehabilitate their local environment.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/611477-klity-creek-case-sends-strong-signal-to-govt/

[Lite Beer]

LIFESTYLE

Lit up for the future

Khetsirin Pholdhampalit

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Siam Center's hi-tech appeal extends to art, fashion and the social media

Not many of us can afford a Bt1.8 billion facelift when we turn 40 but Bangkok's oldest shopping Siam Center is celebrating middle age by going for a younger and tech-savvy look. The new and sophisticated centre opened to the public on Friday after five months of rejuvenation and it's earning more than a few wolf whistles.

Both interior and exterior have completely changed. Gone is anything dull and blocked. In its place is an open plan design with high ceilings, free form shapes, glass walls and dazzling lights. Forget traditional posters and billboards fixed on the walls - more than 500 LED screens have been installed on the ceilings, walls, columns and even in the bathrooms to serve as interactive channels between shoppers and retailers and keep them up to date with all the breaking news.

"We call our place "Ideaopolis' - a convergence of inspiring ideas and experiences," says Chadatip Chutrakul, CEO of Siam Piwat, the company that operates the mall. "More than Bt70 million has been invested in interactive technology alone to make our place paperless. Our loyal customers are aware of global trends and appreciate arts and fashions, and at the same time, they're techno-geeks. They always expect the unexpected."

On the fourth floor, visitors can use a digital closet made for digital fittings for clothes from the mall's boutiques. A stylist is there to offer personalised tips. Once satisfied with the digital fitting, visitors can get a photo of their new look and promptly upload it to Siam Center's Instagram and Facebook pages.

At Idea Flow, six tablets are provided so that visitors can send their digital messages for display on specially designed overhead screens.

New York's brand strategy firm 2x4 has worked on re-branding the mall with a young, stylish, yet modern look through its advertising campaign. Finnish artist Santtu Mustonen's colourful, computer-generated illustration that looks like floating brushstrokes appears in the advertisement to reflect the new movement.

New York's SoHo area was the main inspiration for the interior design, with its twisted combination of industrial chic and modern. The 300 retailers have joined forces to create new prototype store designs consistent with the overall concept.

"You can see a timeless and invigorating mix of art, fashion and technology presented in a way that matches the unique character of SoHo. We want to showcase this unique character under one roof," says Chadatip.

"The integrated marketing approach between the developer and the tenants in a fast-changing retail environment can help promote success. But most of all, it depends on trust, friendship and passion."

Bt1 billion was spent on common facilities and infrastructure while retailers invested over Bt800 million more on custom-designed outlets that make them unlike any of their stores in other locations, and also carry product lines that are exclusive to Siam Center.

"During the last 18 months we've been working in detail with shop designers, locally and abroad, to develop new product lines exclusively for us that we call 'Absolute Siam', including special menus and drinks in restaurants and cafes," says Chadatip. "They all agreed to offer around 20 per cent of their collections as absolutely unique items only available here. For example, stores that have traditionally only made available fashion goods will begin offering home decorative items and stationery as part of their exclusive lines."

Siam Center has long been a hub for home-grown designers, and the third floor remains their abode, with the Thai designers' own flagship stores. The floor is now revamped with an organic look dominated by glass, wood, steel and copper.

"We redesigned our shop not only to become a fashion boutique, but also a small art space. One third of the total area is set for temporary exhibitions," says designer Jitsing Somboon of Thai fashion house Playhound by Greyhound.

"As a sister of the Greyhound shop, whose title and logo is inspired by the racing dog, we reflect our origin by offering special 'Absolute Siam' T-shirts for dogs and their owners in identical patterns. There is also a bracelet for the owners, but it can be adjusted to become a pet's chain."

Art appreciation can be found in Siam Center upon arrival. Hovering above an entrance linking to the Siam Discovery is a commissioned reflective installation titled "Mist Seam" by well-known Japanese artist Hirotoshi Sawada.

About 4,000 bits of plastic were painstakingly combined by hand to form a mobile-like, delicate screen subtly moving with the air currents. Reflecting the light, the sculpture can be viewed as a twinkling stream and easily attracts the attention of pedestrians outside.

"Adding lustre to people and space, the plastic bits - transparent, silver and dark - are combined to get contrasting effects when reflecting light. Thanks to spacious and high-ceilinged area, it can be suspended like a cloud whose shape can be interpreted subjectively," says Sawada.

Sharing the same materials, another of his mobile-like installations, called "Line Forest", hovers at a front door, providing fluid space. Screening on two adjacent walls is an animated series by Sooklek Chanyavongse featuring his late father Prayoon's sharp illustrations. Prayoon was a respected newspaper cartoonist whose column "Ka Buan Kan Kae Chon" ("Mission to overcome poverty") in Thai Rath dwelt on his love for Thai food and promoted self-sufficient living.

The first floor also has a pop-up room showcasing some screen prints of pop icons Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein from the private collections of local art collectors. The compact room can accommodate 10 art lovers for each view, and among the works are Warhol's "Mao" and "Marilyn Monroe" together with Lichtenstein's "Mirror, from Harvey Gantt".

Siam Center and fashion are inseparable. There is a showcase of black clothes from Comme des Garcons, Yohji Yamamoto and Issey Miyake, from the collections of Thai celebrities. The clothes are housed in several transparent spheres installed along the first floor walkway together with Thai fashion brands Theatre, Playhound and Wonder Anatomie.

-- The Nation 2013-01-13

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: Free “Concert in the Park” at Lumphini Park this afternoon from 5:30pm. Have a picnic on the grass while listening to some great music.

[Lite Beer]

Phuket Opinion: Taxis – a decade of blocking progress

Phuket Gazette -

PRESERVING SIN CITY: Taxi "cartels" and other law-breakers are being rewarded for undermining the rule of law. Image: Gazette Graphics

PHUKET: The recent police-ordered closure of tour counters run by Russian nationals in Kata-Karon is just the latest in a long series of protest-related events in Phuket that undermine the rule of law by rewarding law-breakers and punishing those who play by the rules.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/611485-phuket-opinion-taxis-a-decade-of-blocking-progress/

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: 2007-2012: Thai court ordered suspension of 102,191 web addresses. Of these, 77,491 were deemed to defame the monarchy (Bangkok Post)

[Lite Beer]

Pattaya Airport Owner dies in mystery plane crash

PATTAYA:--Reports came in late on Saturday Night of a plane crash which occurred close to the Pattaya Dolphin World & Resort located in the Huay Yai area.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/611487-pattaya-airport-owner-dies-in-mystery-plane-crash/

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: Dept of Pollution Control: Quality of water is deteriorating & air pollution worsening (Bangkok Post)

[Lite Beer]

Police investigates cause of fire at warehouse near Zeer Rangsit IT shopping mall after fire put under control, no injuries reported /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: Carabao and Loso in Charity Concert for Slum Kids on Monday buff.ly/V3MyZE

[Lite Beer]

Large number of people join in “Pink Day Love Run 2013” charity run for breast cancer patients at Lumpini Park /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

Upcoming Visit of the Japanese Prime Minister to Thailand

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife will pay an official visit to Thailand on 17-18 January 2013, as guests of the Thai government.

It will be the first official visit of a Japanese Prime Minister to Thailand in 11 years after former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visited the country in 2003, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the visit, the Japanese Prime Minister will meet Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra for talks on various issues, covering bilateral, regional, and multilateral cooperation. They will exchange views on the Thailand – Japan Strategic Partnership, based on longstanding relationships between the two countries and shared values of democracy and mutual interest. Thailand and Japan celebrated the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2012.

The two leaders will also discuss ways to promote peace, prosperity, and sustainable development in the region through the ASEAN-Japan Dialogue Partnership, Mekong-Japan Cooperation, and other regional frameworks. Emphasis will be placed on connectivity, ASEAN community-building, and cooperation between ASEAN and Japan.

ASEAN and Japan will celebrate the 40th year of their friendship and cooperation in 2013. Japan is one of ASEAN’s largest trading partners and investors.

Thailand and Japan are important economic partners of each other. Both countries have signed several economic cooperation agreements. The most significant one is the Thai-Japanese free trade agreement, the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement, known in short as JTEPA, which was signed in April 2007 and came into force in November the same year.

From January to November 2012, trade between the two countries amounted to 2.11 trillion baht. Japan is Thailand’s largest trading partner, while Thailand is currently Japan’s sixth largest trading partner. In terms of investment, Japan is the largest group of investors in Thailand, with investment value of 312 billion baht, accounting for 63 percent of the total foreign direct investment in Thailand. There are currently about 7,000 Japanese companies operating in Thailand.

The two nations have worked closely together to tackle investment problems, and Thailand has received a positive response from Japan, even when it faced severe floods in late 2011.

Thailand has been a popular tourism destination among the Japanese. A total of 1,239,555 Japanese tourists visited Thailand between January and November 2012, compared to only 211,976 during the same period of 2011. The number represents an increase of 62.4 percent. Among the largest groups of international visitors to Thailand, Japan comes third, after Malaysia and China.

At present, there are 40,957 Thais living in Japan, while 47,251 Japanese people are living in Thailand.

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

[Lite Beer]

Bangkok holds charity run for breast cancer

By English News

BANGKOK, Jan 13 – A large number of people on Sunday joined in the annual charity run for breast cancer patients at Lumpini Park.

King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital’s Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer, the Red Cross, together with the private sector held the “Pink Day Love Run 2013” charity run to boost morale for patients and to promote regular checkups for early detection of breast cancer.

All proceed will go to the centre’s fund for poor cancer patients.

Film stars, athletes, foreigners and people of all ages joined the 6.6-kilometre race from the plaza at the King Rama VI statue through Wireless Road, Pleonchit, Chitlom and Ratchaprasong area to the finish line at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.

At the starting point in Lumpini Park, participants wrote encouraging messages on pink ribbons to be displayed at the breast cancer centre.

Assoc Prof Doctor Krit Chadamara, the Head of the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer said that in the past, there were a small number of breast cancer patients in Thailand however, the number has grown continuously.

According to the centre’s statistics, breast cancer cases rank first with 600 new patients each year and current patients are up to 10,000 cases. He urged women aged above 40 years old to have mammogram screening every year. With early diagnosis at the first stage, the chance of cure is high. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-01-13

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: The largest resort in Khao Yai will add a water park and community mall aimed at attracting foreigners (Bangkok Post)

[george]

Thai mum sells child bride for B2,000

Full story:

[Lite Beer]

Pol Gen Pongsapat Pongcharoen is official Pheu Thai candidate in BKK governor election; Khunying Sudarat to lay down policies for campaign /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

RT@veen_NT: Social network group in front of #Ch3 Maleenont Bldg to protest against the banned TV show #Nuamek2 (pic @anapat_nna)pic.twitter.com/10kz2zBb

[Lite Beer]

Spending on devices predicted to reach 666 billion dollars in 2013

Stamford, Connecticut - Worldwide spending on devices such as mobile phones, tablets, printers and PCs will reach 666 billion dollars in 2013, according to market research firm Gartner.

The increase is 50 billion dollars less than previously estimated, but is still a 6.3-per-cent increase on the 2012 figure. The move to tablets from desktop or laptop computers is playing a role in the rise.

"The transition from PC to tablet is running faster than we thought," said Richard Gordon, managing vice president at Gartner. "The tablet market has seen greater price competition from Android devices as well as smaller, low-priced devices in emerging markets."

Long-term, the forecast for worldwide device spending has been reduced as well, with growth from 2012 through 2016 now expected to average 4.5 per cent, down from the previous estimate of 6.4 per cent.

Worldwide IT spending in 2013 is projected to be 3.7 trillion dollars, a 4.2-per-cent increase on 2012. The lion’s share, 1.7 trillion dollars, will be spent on telecommunications services

-- The Nation 2013-01-13

[Lite Beer]

Bus Driver Accused Of Raping Girl In Bus Toilet.

An Udon Thani bus driver was arrested by police and charged with raping a 7-year-old girl in the toilet of the bus. The incident reportedly occurred about six months ago, when the bus was parked at the Udon Thani bus terminal. The suspect denied the accusations and told police he only accompanied the girl in the toilet.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/611547-bus-driver-accused-of-assaulting-7-year-old-girl-in-bus-toilet/

[Lite Beer]

RT@KristieKenny: US citizens in Koh Samui, we're bringing services to you Jan 17! Follow @ACSBKK for details & information.

[Lite Beer]

Private sector in Ranong to push for set-up of special trade zone at Thai-Myanmar border in Ranong to prepare for ASEAN Economic Community /MCOT