Thailand Live Monday 11 Feb 2013

[Lite Beer]

Group pushes for Thailand’s inclusion in list of world’s worst IP violators

By Shane Danaher

Movie stall. Photo: Flickr

BANGKOK: -- The International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA), a US-based intellectual copyright lobbying group, has asked that Thailand be placed once again on a list of the world’s worst IP violators.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....t-ip-violators/

[Lite Beer]

Former Foreign Minister defends Democrat-led govt against released activist's accusations

BANGKOK, 11 February 2013 (NNT) - Former Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Piromya has defended the Democrat-led government against the accusation by activist Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, who has been recently released from a Cambodian prison, that the Democrat-led government failed to do enough to secure the release of her and her compatriots, and to protect Thailand's territory in the territorial dispute with Cambodia.

Mr Kasit insisted that his government did all it could to provide legal and humanitarian support for the detainees. He said the government retained two Thai-speaking Cambodian lawyers to defend Ms Ratree and her fellow detained Thai Patriots Network activist Veera Somkwankid. The Democrat-led government also helped arrange for the detainees' families to visit them in jail, said Mr Kasit.

Mr Kasit also added that Mr Veera had been arrested "several times" prior to the last one, but that he was always deported back to Thailand. It was the last arrest, however, that angered the Cambodian leaders, Mr Kasit claimed.

Mr Kasit at the same time defended the former Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban's meeting with Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister in Hong Kong by saying that it was initiated by the latter, and that all the relevant governmental departments were aware of the meeting, since they had the responsibility to prepare documents for the meeting.

Mr Kasit, however, did not respond to Ms Ratree's claims that the Democrat-led government, or some of its supporters, had threatened her not to take the administration to task.

-- NNT 2013-02-11

[Lite Beer]

Govt may abandon plan to bid for World Expo 2020

BANGKOK, 11 February 2013 (NNT) – The government is considering abandoning the move to continue with the bidding for the World Exposition 2020, citing it has to invest tens of billions of baht in new buildings and infrastructures.

According to Prime Minister’s Office Minister Niwatthamrong Bunsongphaisan, the government is assessing the worthiness of the investment for the World Expo bidding. A research team from Kasetsart University has earlier estimated that the government, if selected as the host, may have to spend tens of thousands of baht for the construction of new buildings and infrastructures linking to the event in Ayutthaya.

The government is weighing the project’s worthiness as it has to clarify the matter to the people, said the PM’s Office Minister.

Meanwhile, Thai Chamber of Commerce Chairman Pongsak Assakul said the private sector has asked the joint public-private sector committee whether to continue with the project or not. He said if the committee decided to go ahead, the preparation must continue without any gap to show sincerity.

He voiced his disappointment that it was a shame that former Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) President Akapol Sorasuchart had planned the project well; but the project has somewhat been stalled after he resigned.

Mr Pongsak said it would be difficult to continue the bid for the grand Expo given the TCEB has yet to pick its new president, adding that Thongchai Sridama, the acting president, lacks full authority to push the project forward.

The five cities that have lodged bids for the World Expo 2020 include Ayutthaya, Thailand; Dubai, UAE; Ekaterinburg, Russia; Izmir, Turkey; and Sao Paulo, Brazil. The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) will decide in November this year which country will have the honor of hosting the grand event.

-- NNT 2013-02-11

[Lite Beer]

Haze situation in North troubling

LAMPANG, 11 February 2013 (NNT) – The air pollution problem in Northern provinces of Phrae and Lampang is still troubling, as the level of dust particles is about the go over the safety standard.

The Lampang provincial meteorological office has reported that the amount of small particles has been increasing. Many northern provinces are covered with white fog, which reduces visibility.

Phrae and Lampang are the two most troubled provinces, with the levels of dust particles standing at 112 and 106 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively. The dust amount considered dangerous is at 120 micrograms. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai now have around 70 and 50 micrograms of dust particles per cubic meter.

Haze is an annual problem, severely affecting local businesses in the North from February to March.

-- NNT 2013-02-11

[Lite Beer]

Growth in in use of credit / debit card to pay for goods added U$1.8bn to Thai GDP in past 4 years: Moody's study for Visa /Nation

Baht fell to 1-week low at Bt29.82/U$ Mon. amid speculation BoT may curb foreign capital inflow into local assets /Nation

[Lite Beer]

AVIATION

Furby can travel but without batteries

File photo : Furby

BANGKOK: -- Airports of Thailand on Monday dismissed a report that a Furby, a popular electronic robotic toy, is not allowed on board aeroplanes, saying the toy can travel if the batteries are taken out.

Airports of Thailand's director Somchai Sawasdipol said Furby, a toy resembling a hamster or owllike creature, has a sophisticated electronic system and its batteries generate more electrical power than mobile phones.

The batteries could therefore possibly be adapted for illegal use and for safety reasons, he said, the toy could be carried on board only if the batteries were removed. A passenger must notify officials about the batteries.

He added that under aviation rules, batteries as well as guns and knives are prohibited from being carried on board an aircraft.

Somchai held a press briefing Monday to respond to widespread rumours that Furby, a popular and must have toy in Thailand, was not allowed to be carried on board. It capabilities have been translated into 24 languages.

-- The Nation 2013-02-11

[Lite Beer]

RT@BBCWorld: Largest saltwater #crocodile in captivity - blamed for the death of at least one person - dies in Philippines. Photo: bbc.in/15565Og

[Lite Beer]

Farmers protest at GHB for non-performing loan inaction.

By English News

BANGKOK, Feb 11 - About 3,000 farmers rallied at the Government Housing Bank (GHB) today, demanding the bank to cut non-performing loans (NPL) incurred by farmers and transfer them to the state's rehabilitation scheme.

Kim-ung Pongnarai, coordinator of the Federation of Farmers Association Networks of Thailand, said farmers have repeatedly called on the GHB and several other state-operated banks to subtract the farmers' NPLs the way most commercial banks did.

She said the NPLs could be transferred to the Farmers Rehabilitation and Development Fund (FRDF) to be further managed under conditions set by the fund and leniency to debtors.

Ms Kim-Ung said commercial banks have shifted their NPLs to the FRDF at a total value of Bt3 billion, involving 200,000-300,000 farmers. The combined NPLs at commercial banks, incurred by about 500,000 farmers between 2003 and 2013, are worth Bt60 billion.

State-run banks said they are not allowed by law to transfer their NPLs, Ms Kim-ung said, urging the government to amend the law to facilitate and equalise the financial leniency.

She said farmers 'debts should be slashed by half to enable them to repay the other half with the FRDF as practiced by commercial banks but state-owned banks took the farmers' assets which were put as collateral for public auction.

State-run banks should hold their assets for 10 years, instead of six years, before subjecting them to auction, she said.

Other state-operated banks as mentioned by Ms Kim-ung included the Small-and Medium-Enterprises Bank, Government Savings Bank, Islamic Bank of Thailand and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-02-11

[Lite Beer]

Ruangkrai files complaint with EC against Abhisit

BANGKOK: -- Former senator Ruangkrai Likitwatana Monday filed a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and a Democrat MP with violating the election laws.

Ruangkrai submitted his complaint with EC Chairman Apichart Sukhagganond and Thaweesak Tuchinda, the chairman of the Bangkok Election Committee, alleging that Abhisit and Sirchok Sopha had violate Article 57 of the Local Councils and Administrations Act.

In the complaint, Ruangkrai said Sirichok framed Pheu Thai candidate Pongsapat Pongcharoen by linking him with political violence of the red-shirt protesters.

Ruangkrai alleged that Abhisit deceived Bangkok voters by announcing that he was running on Number 16, which is actually the candidacy number of Democrat candidate Sukhumbhand Paribatra.

Ruangkrai also called on the EC to investigate the case that Seri Wongmontha, an academic, tacitly urged Bangkok voters to vote for the Democrat candidate to block the Pheu Thai from "seizing control of Bangkok".

But Thaweesak said Ruangkrai had no right to file the complaint because the such a compliant would have to be filed by Pongsapat or other candidates.

Meanwhile, Sanhapong Suksrimuang, an independent candidate, submitted more evidences to the EC to back up his allegations that Suan Dusit Pollster, Abac Poll and Bangkok University Pollster had conducted unfair opinion surveys.

-- The Nation 2013-02-11

[Lite Beer]

Fun named best new artist at Grammy awards

Los Angeles - Indie rock trio Fun won the best new artist trophy at the Grammy Awards Sunday night, beating out a strong field that included Frank Ocean, The Lumineers, Alabama Shakes and Hunter Hayes.

Earlier in the evening the band won the song of the year award for their hit anthem We Are Young.

In other early awards last year’s big winner, Adele, collected the pop solo performance trophy for Set Fire to the Rain, the Zac Brown Band won best country album for Uncaged and Carrie Underwood grabbed the prize for country solo performance

-- The Nation 2013-02-11

[Lite Beer]

Curfew for Thailand’s far South on Friday agenda

By English News

BANGKOK, Feb 11 – Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubumrung said today a curfew in selected areas in Thailand’s far South will be discussed in a meeting of all security-related agencies this Friday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/618406-pm-says-curfew-yet-to-be-decided-as-five-killed-in-yala/#entry6104368

[Lite Beer]

Mumford & Sons' Babel wins album of the year at Grammys

Los Angeles - English folk rock band Mumford & Sons won the coveted album of the year trophy Sunday at the Grammy Awards for their album Babel.

The award was presented by last year’s winner Adele.

Other nominees were El Camino, from The Black Keys; Some Nights by Fun; channel ORANGE by Frank Ocean; and Blunderbuss by Jack White

-- The Nation 2013-02-11

[Lite Beer]

Students might be able to take tablets home

BANGKOK, 11 February 2013 (NNT)-The Deputy Minister of Education, Mr. Sermsak Pongpanit, is set to meet with the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) to find a way to allow students to take the tablets home.

Mr. Sermsak has proposed during the 1st education meeting attended by representatives from local education offices across the country that students should be allowed to take the tablets home.

The tablets given to Grade 1 students were part of the government’s one tablet per child policy. Mr. Sermsak said it is the wish of the Ministry of Education to make the most of the tablets by allowing them to be used at home.

He said children as well as their parents can be part of the learning experience. He added that the devices were not allowed to be taken home because they could have been damaged. Mr. Sermsak will discuss this issue with the OBEC whether taking out damage insurance coverage would be a better option than keeping the tablets locked inside the school at the end of the day.

Meanwhile, The Deputy Minister of Education further stated that he would oversee the next purchase of tablet computers by himself to assure its transparency.

-- NNT 2013-02-11

[Lite Beer]

Govt works with private sector to fight public procurement corruption

BANGKOK, 11 February 2013 (NNT) - The Comptroller General’s Department, under the Ministry of Finance, has held an anti-corruption in the public sector meeting with the private sector.

The meeting agreed on the use of an “Integrity Pact” to obligate project owners who are government units and bidders to cooperate for transparent and fair procurement.

The meeting, which took place on 8 February 2013, was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong and co-chaired by Secretary-General of the Joint Standing Committee on Trade, Industries and Banking Pramont Sutheewong, who is also the chairman of the Anti-Corruption Network.

The meeting focused on promoting cooperation between the government and the private sector on anti-corruption in public procurement under the principles of morality and law. The participants also considered guidelines for the implementation of anti-corruption campaigns.

The government gave high priority to the problem of corruption and considered it national agenda. The government encouraged the private sector and the public to take part in its public procurement process, Mr Kittiratt said.

The meeting also approved the “Integrity Pact,” a written agreement to be signed by government units and their bidders. The pact ensures that public procurement is conducted in a free and fair manner with third parties observing the procurement process.

-- NNT 2013-02-11

[Lite Beer]

EXTORTION OF MONEY

Police officer removed and two sergeants detained pending investigation

A police officer allegedly involving in extorting money from a shop owner has been removed to headquarters while two sergeants have been put into detention for 30 days, city police chief Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit Thoopkrajang said Monday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/618399-cops-demand-money-from-shopowner-in-front-of-reporter/page__st__25#entry6104587

[Lite Beer]

Gasohol consumption spikes

BANGKOK: -- The abolition of 91-octane petrol retail sale pushed gasohol consumption by 4 million litres a day, according to the Energy Business Department.

The 91-octane petrol sale was scrapped on January 1, 2013.

Comparing consumption during December 2012 and January 13, on average gasohol consumption rose from 13.58 million litres per day to 17.70 million.

However, octane-95 showed an increase in consumption, from 100,000 litres a day to 970,000.

-- The Nation 2013-02-11

[Lite Beer]

Patients with dengue fever increased five times this year

BANGKOK, 11 February 2013 (NNT)-Public Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr Narong Sahamethapat revealed that the number of people with dengue fever exceeded 5,700 people during January 1st to February 5th.

According to Dr. Narong, the number of patients with dengue fever has increased 5 times compared to that reported during the same period last year. He said the number could rise to around 100,000 – 120,000 people.

According to the Permanent Secretary, people who are at risk of contracting the fever include adults, overweight people, and teens. He cautioned that 90% of the patients have mild fever while red rashes on their bodies are not visible which, to the doctor’s first diagnosis, might not appear to be the symptoms of dengue fever.

However, if the symptoms have gone undetected, the lives of those who have it could be at great risks. 4 patients have reportedly succumbed to the disease so far this year. To prevent more deaths, public health provincial offices have been instructed to kill mosquito larvae before the rainy season arrives.

Thai people are also encouraged to keep all containers closed to prevent mosquitoes from using them as their breeding grounds. A war room has been set up to devise a strategy to reduce the number of deaths and contain the outbreak.

-- NNT 2013-02-11

[Lite Beer]

3G

Another 3G controversy emerges

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Another controversy concerning the 3G auction could emerge, as the Finance Ministry and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) apparently apply different methods to interpret the Bt22.3 billion proceeds from the 2.1GHz spectrum auction.

Supa Piyajitti, a deputy permanent secretary for finance, has signed a letter to the NBTC on behalf of permanent secretary Areepong Bhoocha-oom, instructing the telecom regulator to retrieve the proceeds. In the letter, she said NBTC has to retrieve the proceeds within 15 days, on ground that court cases are still under the Supreme Administrative Court’s consideration.

The proceeds were delivered to the ministry on December 13, 2012.

Meanwhile, NBTC Secretary General Takorn Tantasit said that the commission would send a reply to the ministry within a day or two, vowing not to retrieve the amount as it is now considered parts of government proceeds. He said that the NBTC has followed the Frequency Allocation Act and the law governing the commission in launching the auction and as the Finance Ministry received the fund, the repatriation process is considered complete.

-- The Nation 2013-02-11

[Lite Beer]

Attorney denies Norwegian man willed millions of baht to Phuket elderly, children

Phuket Gazette -

PHUKET: Police have not been able to find a will to substantiate rumors that a Norwegian man left a portion of his 100-million-baht estate to Phuket foundations for the elderly and for children.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/618518-attorney-denies-norwegian-man-willed-millions-of-baht-to-phuket-elderly-children/

[Lite Beer]

SET index closed at 1489.11, down 8.19; Bt/USD29.65; GBP46.76; AUD30.49; EUR39.54; CAD29.37; HKD3.82; SGD23.80; JPY31.88

[Lite Beer]

Ratrees thanks PM for helping her, calls for more help to Veera

BANGKOK: -- The Thai female activist who has been released from a Cambodian prison met Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra Monday to thank her for her help that contributed to her freedom.

Ratree Pipatanapaibul met Yingluck at the Government House. She said she came to thank Yingluck in person for helping talk to the Cambodian government to free her.

Ratree said she also called on the prime minister to help Veera Somkwamkid, who is still being jailed in a prison in Phnom Penh. She said Veera had been denied of his basic human rights to read for both information and entertainment.

Yingluck said she was glad to meet Ratree. As a woman, Yingluck said, she said she understood the hardship Ratree had faced.

Yingluck said her government was trying to negotiate with Phnom Penh to help Veera by both seeking his pardon and transferring him to be detained in Thailand.

-- The Nation 2013-02-11

[Lite Beer]

30,000 Seized Wildlife: Burden of Care

By Digital Media

As the number of seized animals in wildlife smuggling cases has increased, Thailand’s National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department now have at least 30,000 animals under its care at wildlife breeding centres nationwide, some of whose facilities are nearly overwhelmed with the burden.

Three years ago, a tiger cub was rescued from a smuggler’s suitcase at Suvarnabhumi Airport. It was put to sleep by anesthesia. Now, the cub has grown to become a joyful and healthy adolescent tiger named Phum under good care of officials at the Khao Prathapchang wildlife breeding centre in the central province of Ratchaburi.

Three other tigers were seized at an apartment in Navanakhon, Pathum Thani and were sent to the centre. Moving the tiger cubs to bigger cages with abundant food, they become strong and lively.

Centre head Sathit Pinkul said the rising number of animals seized every year can lead to overburdened facilities and it will not be able to take proper care of them.

“Now, the centre houses 50 tigers, 10 leopards about 13 Asian golden cats. With 73 cats in total, it is at full capacity. The National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department will allocate more budget to build another 20 cages to house more seized animals in the future,” said Mr Sathit.

A few adolescent tigers are ready to be separated to live in their own cages. This means there will be no vacant cells left for more newcomers.

Attempts to release tigers in captivity back into the wild have not been successful.

Researchers worldwide cannot not find the way to help the creature adapt themselves to survive in the natural habitats. They need care for the rest of their lives.

Besides tigers, Khao Phrathap wildlife breeding centre also houses 11 orangutans, pheasants and hornbills and another 300 seized animals. Proper care comes with the cost of several million baht each year.

Twenty six wildlife breeding centres under the responsibility of the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department currently house at least 30,000 seized animals.

“More cages and food will be provided. We try to give these animals the best care and we’ll seek additional budget from the government if it is needed,” said Theerapat Prayurasiddhi, deputy director general.

Building more facilities may not be the only solution to the overburdened facility problem.Tougher implementation of wildlife protection laws and punishment of offenders--smugglers, traders and hunters--is a key to prevent wildlife smuggling and to save the animals from extinction. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-02-11

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Myanmar urges expedited processing of its migrant workers in Thailand

Phuket Gazette -

BANGKOK: Myanmar has urged Thailand to speed up registration of its citizens working in the Kingdom, with nearly one million workers and hundreds of thousands of their children still undocumented as the deadline draws near.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/618537-myanmar-urges-expedited-processing-of-its-migrant-workers-in-thailand/

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RT@mpoppel: BREAKING NEWS -- REU: POPE BENEDICT TO RESIGN - ANSA NEWS AGENCY

RT@mpoppel: Did a pope ever resign?

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RT@mpoppel: Source is RAI RT @felix85: BREAK // pope to resign on Feb 28th

RT@SkyNewsBreak: Italian news agency reports Pope Benedict XVI is to resign

RT@mpoppel: FLASH -- AFP: Pope says will resign on February 28, according to Vatican spokesman

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RT@mpoppel: REU: POPE SAYS STRENGTH NO LONGER ADEQUATE TO CONTINUE IN OFFICE DUE TO ADVANCED AGE -STATEMENT

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RT@mpoppel: FULL STATEMENT FROM THE POPE: tinyurl.com/cp4lwp4

STATEMENT BY THE POPE

Posted on 02-11 at 11:09:43 CST

as released by the vatican

Pope Benedict XVI on Monday said he plans on resigning the papal office on February 28th. Below please find his announcement.

Full text of Pope's declaration

Dear Brothers,

I have convoked you to this Consistory, not only for the three canonizations, but also to communicate to you a decision of great importance for the life of the Church. After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry. I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering. However, in today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the bark of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me. For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the Cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is.

Dear Brothers, I thank you most sincerely for all the love and work with which you have supported me in my ministry and I ask pardon for all my defects. And now, let us entrust the Holy Church to the care of Our Supreme Pastor, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and implore his holy Mother Mary, so that she may assist the Cardinal Fathers with her maternal solicitude, in electing a new Supreme Pontiff. With regard to myself, I wish to also devotedly serve the Holy Church of God in the future through a life dedicated to prayer.

From the Vatican, 10 February 2013

http://www.bnowire.com/inbox/?id=1478

[Lite Beer]

Pope Benedict XVI announces resignation in statement

VATICAN CITY (BNO NEWS) -- Pope Benedict XVI will step down as head of the Catholic Church at the end of this month, he announced in a statement released by the Vatican on Monday afternoon, saying his strengths are no longer sufficient to adequately exercise his duties due to his age.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/618559-raw-pope-benedict-xvi-announces-resignation-in-statement/

[Lite Beer]

Employment Dept encourages senior people to work

BANGKOK, 11 February 2013 (NNT) - The Department of Employment will organize trainings on independent careers for the elderly and hire retired civil servants to work at provincial employment offices nationwide.

Director-General of the Department of Employment Prawit Khiengphon stated that the department had a policy to encourage senior citizens to work by providing training courses on more than 100 independent careers for them to choose from. Examples of the careers are flower arranging, batik art, beading and bag weaving. Mr Prawit said the elderly could work at home and generate income for themselves.

Another effort by the Department of Employment for the elderly is to give retired civil servants work at provincial employment offices, one person per each office. The job is to give advice and information to local workers and the wage is 300 baht per day, three days a week. The retirees will be hired on an annual contract.

The provincial employment offices are also looking for senior citizens who have expertise in various fields in order to hire them to pass on their knowledge to other interested people.

-- NNT 2013-01-11

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Thailand Live Tuesday 12 Feb 2013