Thailand Live Wednesday 13 Feb 2013

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PM launched 1st wind power project in NE,which is SE Asia largest in move to become regional leader in green energy;production capacity 207 MW /The Nation

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RT @mpoppel: Most awkward REU bulletin ever: 5-YEAR-OLD AFFENPINSCHER NAMED BANANA JOE WINS BEST IN SHOW AT NEW YORK'S WESTMINSTER DOG SHOW

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Phuket takes precautionary measures after terrorist threats to US consulate in Chiang Mai

Phuket Gazette

Phuket Provincial Police Commander Choti Chavalviwat has boosted security measures across the island. Photo: Gazette file

PHUKET: -- Phuket’s top cop has increased security measures across the island in the wake of Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung’s warning of possible Al-Qaeda and Salafist terrorists attacks on the United States consulate in Chiang Mai this month (story here).

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24-hour curfew imposed in parts of Narathiwat, Pattani

By Digital Media

BANGKOK, Feb 13 - Security agencies have imposed a 24-hour curfew in four Narathiwat sub-districts and two Pattani sub-districts following an assault early today by uniformed insurgents who attempted to storm a Narathiwat military base.

Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 Front spokesman Col Pramote Phrom-in said the curfew was in effect in the areas near the military base in Narathiwat's Bacho district.

The areas under curfew are Barae Nue, Barae Tai, Balookasamoh and Kayohmati sub-districts in Narathiwat as well as Saithong and Don Sai in Pattani.

The curfew is aimed at helping the authorities track the assailants who were wounded in the assault, the spokesman said. For the safety of the public, the populace is banned from leaving home from 6am today until 6am tomorrow.

Over 30 insurgents dressed in camouflage-like security force uniforms attacked the military base at about 1am Wednesday.

Sixteen attackers were killed and no casualties were reported on the government side.

Sixteen assault rifles, a motorcycle and a pick-up truck were seized. The police believed that several wounded attackers still at large are attempting to flee. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-02-13

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Teachers: Tablet PCs help improve teaching efficiency

BANGKOK, 13 February 2013 (NNT) - While the assessment of the tablet PC usage among Mathayom 1 students has yet to be concluded, many teachers believe the device helps improve teaching efficiency.

Teachers and academics responsible for assessing the effectiveness of tablet PCs among Mathayom 1 students in pilot schools said the findings would be released in March.

Currently, four state-run pilot schools have been given 60 tablets each for their students to use as part of their learning in five core subjects: Thai, English, mathematics, science, and social studies. The assessment will be for the government to base on when it makes decision on the next purchase of more tablets for all other schools in the nation.

Meanwhile, most teachers from the pilot schools have expressed that the tablet PCs enable teachers and students to enjoy the learning process and make research easier. They are of the opinion that the devices encourage students to seek more knowledge on their own.

-- NNT 2013-02-13

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Educational jellyfish signs erected on Phuket's popular beaches

Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- A collaborative effort between the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) and the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office has seen educational signs about jellyfish springing up on beaches across Phuket.

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RT @mpoppel: 3-year-old girl in Cambodia tests positive for H5N1 bird flu; in critical condition: health ministry

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New website dedicating to all kinds of polls launched

BANGKOK, 13 February 2013 (NNT) – A new website has been launched as a site for all the people to vote on a number of issues of interest. The survey on the Bangkok Governor post is among its first polls.

The Patriot Business Consultants Co., Ltd. has launched the website, www.thaicybervote.com, creating surveys to gather people’s opinions on different matters. The website allows a wider group of people to vote on issues of their interests, including politics, environment, sport, tourism, IT, real estate, cars, pets, fashion, among others.

The poll on the candidates for the gubernatorial election, set to take place on March 3rd, is among the top polls the website is conducting, with tens of thousands of people expected to join in the voting.

-- NNT 2013-02-13

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Deputy PM Chalerm orders strict security for at risk locations in southernmost provinces; SBPAC informs families of insurgents killed /MCOT

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Businesses, individuals receive awards for environmentally-friendly practices

BANGKOK, 13 February 2013 (NNT) – The Social Venture Network Asia (SVN) has held an award presentation ceremony to those with outstanding commitments to help preserve the environment and fight corruption.

Former Prime Minister, Anand Panyarachun, in his capacity as the SVN advisor, presented the award to praise businesses and individuals who are models for environmentally-friendly and corruption-free practices.

This year, the awards were given to 10 businesses, 3 people, and 1 youth. A special outstanding award is given to the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand, which has been fighting against all types of corruption and is the first organization to raise awareness about corruption in the country.

-- NNT 2013-02-13

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Swedish proposition: Send the elderly to Thailand – services are cheaper

BY ANDERS HOLM NIELSEN

BANGKOK: -- A new controversial idea from Sweden brings export and import of services to a whole new level. The elderly in Sweden are an increasing group that requires much and expensive care. At the same time, recruiting manpower for the needed services is becoming a challenge. A study group in the Swedish town Nora that discussed health care needs in the future suggest that in stead of importing labour, it might be easier and cheaper to simply export the elderly.

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Pitak Siam leaders hear, reject police charges

BANGKOK, Feb 13 - Anti-government Pitak Siam group leader Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit and nine other protest leaders today rejected all charges after reporting to the police to acknowledge charges of violations of the security law.

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An Al-Qaeda suspect already fled Thailand while police continue security protection on terrorist target

CHIANG MAI, 13 February 2013 (NNT)-It has been reported that a suspect believed to have planned an attack on the U.S. Consulate in Chiang Mai has fled Thailand and is currently hiding in Malaysia.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/618772-security-tightened-ahead-of-yinglucks-chiang-mai-visit-following-terrorism-reports/page__st__100#entry6110811

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Defence Minister praises Marines for defence against southern insurgents

By English News

BANGKOK, Feb 13 – Thai Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat today praised Marines in Thailand’s southern province of Narathiwat for successfully protecting a military base from an insurgent attack in which 16 assailants were killed.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/618911-17-gunmen-dead-in-thai-military-base-attack-army/page__st__25#entry6110867

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RT@RichardBarrow: Bangkok: 17 year old boy slain after an argument in a gambling den (Bangkok Post)

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Imprisoned former editor seeks temporary freedom

By Digital Media

BANGKOK, Feb 13 – Thai activist and former magazine editor, Somyot Pruksakasemsuk, who was recently sentenced to 10 years imprisonment on two lese majeste charges, sought leniency and permission for a release on bail to the Criminal Court today.

In an open letter submitted by his lawyer to Criminal Court Chief Judge Thawee Prachuablarb, he compared his case to former comedian Yossawaris Chuklom, alias Jeng Dokchik, who was charged with similar offence and was released on bail.

His lawyer said Mr Somyot personally wrote the letter, saying he has never contemplated fleeing. The lawyer added that he intended to use the same letter to officially seek bail for Mr Somyot in 30 days.

Two controversial articles which led to the charges against Mr Somyot were published under a pseudonym in the Voice of Thaksin magazine. He was handed five-year jail terms for each of the two articles. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-02-13

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Ladyboy arrested in German pickpocket case from Pattaya Beach

PATTAYA:--Just after 5am on Wednesday Pattaya Police were called to the middle of Soi 8 off Pattaya Beach Road to help a German National who was assisted by members of the public to detain a ladyboy is accused of stealing money from him.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/618977-ladyboy-arrested-in-german-pickpocket-case-from-pattaya-beach/

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Thailand's world no.1 selling most expensive roses

BANGKOK, 13 February 2013 (NNT)-Thailand has once again made it to the top of the world; however, this time it is not for tourism or shopping but the prices of roses, which are the highest on the planet.

According to Miss Lily Flower, a florist company, a bouquet of 12 roses costs an average of 3,000 baht overseas, whereas it costs 4,000 baht in Thailand for the same bouquet.

The company has been monitoring the prices prior to the Valentine’s Day and forced to raise the price per bouquet of roses from 370 baht to 400 baht as a result of higher fuel prices and daily minimum wage.

While the price of a bouquet of local roses is 4,000 baht, one made up of special roses imported from Holland or black roses could cost as much as 9,000 – 10,000 baht each .

Despite exorbitant prices, the company has claimed that Thai people are willing to pay for them during the festive season this year; thanks to their higher purchasing power .Its customers are now paying 500 baht more for a bouquet similar to the one they bought during the same period last year.

Following directly behind Thailand is Japan, where a bouquet of 12 roses is selling for 3,600 baht, while it is going for 3,000 baht in the U.S., 2,900 in Singapore, and 2,700 baht in China.

The most expensive type of roses is the long-stemmed species, which costs around 1,500 baht per stem, while a black rose is priced at 900 baht, and others of common types cost around 400 baht.

-- NNT 2013-02-13

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Misleading News Reporting Annoys Police Official

An irate police Deputy Commisioner criticized a misleading news report that he had ordered all police departments to meet a daily quota of 100 traffic tickets. His order to step up traffic enforcement used the 100-ticket number to reflect his expectations in high-traffic areas, and was not a quota, he clarified.

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The importance of preparing a will in Thailand

For many people, estate planning and the preparation of a last will and testament is a dreaded thought and something that is rather avoided. However, it is certainly advisable to settle such affairs and this holds true in particular if you have property in Thailand.

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Opinion polls urged not to release result 7 days before Bkk Governor election

BANGKOK, 13 February 2013 (NNT)-The Election Commission of Thailand (EC) is urging survey centers to abide by their principles when doing opinion polls on the gubernatorial election.

According to Election commissioner Prapan Naiyakowit, the Administrative Court, in light of numerous complaints, has demanded that the EC stop polling centers from releasing any more opinion polls on the gubernatorial election.

Although local election laws do not prohibit anyone from conducting a survey, an announcement by the EC bans the release of the results during the 7 days leading up to the Election Day, according to Mr. Prapan.

The EC has thus asked for cooperation from any research centers to unconditionally abide by the law. However, the EC has no legal authority to force any of them not to run any polls in relation to the Bangkok Governor Election.

-- NNT 2013-02-13

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Russian Conked By Ladyboy For Copping A Feel

PATTAYA:--A Russian tourist on Beach Road was injured from being hit on the head with high heel shoes by a Pattaya ladyboy, after he squeezed the breasts of the ladyboy but didn’t pay money. The man had newsjsagreed to pay for sex, but changed his mind when realizing it was a ladyboy. They argued and then started fighting.

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Thailand 2G auction tentatively earmarked for 2014

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....arked-for-2014/

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Chernobyl Plant Roof Collapse Not Dangerous - Officials

MOSCOW, February 13 (RIA Novosti) – A partial roof collapse at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant reported late on Tuesday does not pose any health hazard, officials from the power station said on Wednesday.

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Energy Ministry toughens law on LPG vehicle conversion

BANGKOK, 13 February 2013 (NNT) - The Energy Ministry is set to toughen the regulation on Liquefied Petroleum Gas vehicle conversion following a car explosion last week.

On February 7, an explosion took place at a garage offering LPG installation in Bangkok’s Taling Chan district. The blast injured five people and destroyed four nearby cars.

Energy Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal said that after a meeting with officials from the Ministries of Transport and Industry, new safety measures have been outlined in a bid to prevent a repetition of the incident. The Industry ministry will speed up a probe into existing safety requirements for LPG-powered cars while the Transport Ministry plans to tighten registration rule for LPG vehicles.

According to the minister, LPG can form explosive mixtures with air. Once leaked from its container, the gas may lead to an explosion upon contacting a source of ignition.

Touching on the issue of LPG smuggling out of Thailand, Mr Pongsak said police have been tracking the smuggling routes used by unscrupulous exporters. Those found guilty of smuggling are subject to a fine of up to 100,000 baht and a prison sentence of up to 10 years. In recent years, LPG has consistently been smuggled from Thailand to neighbouring countries where prices are higher in significant volume.

-- NNT 2013-02-13

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SET index closed at 1514.11, up 25.16; Bt/USD29.65; GBP46.37; AUD30.55; EUR39.78; CAD29.43; HKD3.82; SGD23.82; JPY31.64

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Pheu Thai Bkk Gov.candidate,Pongsapat vows to cut time Bangkok residents spend commuting to/from work during rush hrs by 20-30% /The Nation

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Norwegian Stein Dokset tried to buy his way out of a trial

BY ANDERS HOLM NIELSEN

(Photo:Robert S. Eik – VG)

PHUKET: -- Yesterday was the first day of trial against Norwegian Stein Dokset who stands accused of murdering his ex-wife in a gruelling case that has had huge coverage in his homeland as well as in Thailand.

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Police restart construction project after scandal

Kwanhathai Malakan,

Piyanuch Thamnukasetchai

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- National police chief General Adul Saengsingkaew has called a meeting on Friday (February 15) to find solutions for the 396 police stations affected by the corruption-tainted rebuilding project. The original Bt5.84-billion contract was awarded to PCC Development and newsjsConstruction Co in 2010 but later scrapped when work was abandoned at stations across the country. A cost estimate for the remaining construction work will be delivered by March 3 and new contractors hired, police spokesman Pol Maj-General Piya Uthayo said yesterday.

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Lee Chestnutt free to leave Thailand after dispute

BANGKOK: -- A man stuck in Thailand after a legal dispute lasting three years has been told he can now leave the country.

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