People get ready for the day of love

TREEFAH SAE KHOW

THE NATION

TRANG: -- This Valentine's Day, a 70-year-old man is preparing to declare his everlasting love for his wife of 45 years at a mass wedding ceremony in Trang.

newsjs"Trang people are very hospitable. We have been here before," Suchart Chawanaphuthorn said yesterday as they arrived at the airport.

Though Suchart and his wife Suporn will not be diving into the ocean with the 30 other couples, they are prepared to take part in all other activities.

Trang's underwater wedding programme continues until tomorrow under the theme of "Sea Trough of True Love". Four couples have flown in from Australia, Malaysia, the United States and China to participate.

"One of our sons and his wife have also joined this colourful event," Suchart said with a smile.

He attributed their happy married life to honesty, sincerity and commitment. Meanwhile, people across the country are buying up romantic gifts and the scarcity of roses has forced some florists to have the flowers shipped in from overseas.

In Songkhla, flower shops were busy dealing with orders, selling bouquets for between Bt1,000 and Bt4,000 and a single rose at up to Bt150. "Some customers also want chocolate bouquets," florist Panuwat Bulan said.

"He has up to 5,000 roses in stock, including some that were shipped in from overseas.

In Ratchaburi, the central prison has arranged for marriage registration for its inmates, and some 72 couples are scheduled to sign the dotted line as man and wife at 9.09am today.

Chief warden Surachai Phum-kaew said a religious ceremony will also be held or the newlyweds.

The institution hit on the idea of civil registration because some convicts were not allowed to meet their partners without a marriage certificate.

"Some have lived together for years but are not legally married, so they can't visit their spouse behind bars. We wanted to help such couples," he said.

-- The Nation 2013-02-14

South on alert after deadly marine ambush

The Nation

Arson attacks feared; officials praise residents' intelligence contribution to Marine ambush

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ANALYSIS

Raids aim for psychological impact

DON PATHAN

THE NATION

Bacho, Narathiwat

Relatives claim bodies of insurgents yesterday at a hospital.

Coordinated assaults on bases a fairly rare tactic

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Environmentalists unimpressed by candidates' ideas

Budsarakham Sinlapalavan

The Nation

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Stock speculation under control: sec

Business Desk

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Securities and Exchange Commission has insisted that measures already in place are adequate to contain speculation in the Thai stock market, amid fears that more capital inflows may lead to a bubble in asset prices.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....er-control-sec/

Experts cast gloom over water plan

PONGPHON SARNSAMAK

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Water experts and engineers expressed concern yesterday that the government would not be able to go ahead with its plan to complete the Bt350-billion water-management plan because of mismanagement over the bidding process and environmental hurdles.

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AirAsia execs seek govt support to make Thailand a hub

PIYANAT SRIVALO,

NONGNAPAS PITHAPATI

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes yesterday met with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to ask the government to help Asia's biggest low-cost carrier to expand its flight network here so that the country is strategically located for regional tourism.

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THAI TALK

The art of persuasion versus crude political threat

Suthichai Yoon

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Finance Minister Kittirat na Ranong is supposed to have written a special letter to the chairman of the board of the Bank of Thailand, Dr Virabongsa Ramangkura, who was asked to read it aloud to the board members at the January 31 regular meeting.

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EDITORIAL

Medical hub must work for Thais, not just tourists

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The country's healthcare system still needs more doctors, nurses and better treatment for everyone, regardless of the ability to pay.

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Fugitive cop in Saudi case will not be prosecuted: DSI

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has invoked the witness-protection law to bring fugitive Pol Lt-Colonel Suwichai Kaewpaleuk to a witness stand overseas, but has no plans to bring him back to face justice in Thailand.

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Abused Karen girl to get official help in applying for Thai nationality

Thanissara Chaowaritroj

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Karen girl who was allegedly kidnapped, enslaved, tortured and scarred over half of her body by a couple in Kamphaeng Phet will be assisted in applying for Thai nationality, Rights and Liberties Protection Department chief Police Colonel Narat Sawettanant said yesterday.

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US consulate in Chiang Mai under tight security

THE NATION

CHIANG MAI: -- Chiang Mai police have put the US consulate under maximum security in a move to shore up confidence that everything is under control.

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Calorie warning for Valentine's Day

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A small bar of chocolate contains 260 calories - half the amount contained in a typical meal - according to the Thai Health Organisation.

Sanga Damapong, coordinating manager of a project to boost Thai children's nutrition, said it would take 45 minutes of quick walking or 15 minutes of swimming to burn off that amount of calories.

Chocolate is a popular item among teens as a Valentine's Day gift. Sanga suggested teens switch to giving red apples or strawberries, which contain fewer calories and are high in fibre.

-- The Nation 2013-02-14

Tarit apologises to angry police chief over summons

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- National police chief Pol General Adul Saengsingkaew and Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief Tarit Pengdit are reported to have reconciled, following acrimony over the DSI's plan to summons Adul over the controversial police station project.

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Belgian national, convicted for sexual assault at home, arrested in Pattaya

By Staff Reporter

PATTAYA: -- PATRICK FREDERIC DANY OEPEN a 42 year old Belgian convicted of raping his step daughter in his home country has been arrested in Nongprue, Pattaya on Wednesday.

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Primary students loaded down

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok primary school students, weighing about 30-kilograms themselves, carry schoolbags weighing up to 6kg on average to school every day, a survey by University of Thai Chamber of Commerce revealed.

The survey covered 120 students in four schools in Din Daeng, Chom Thong and Bang Khunthien districts.

A study conducted by Ramathibodi Hospital earlier showed that youngsters should carry no more than 10 per cent of their body weight to avoid accidents.

-- The Nation 2013-02-14

Alleged South mastermind killed in shootout

PAKORN PUENGNETR

THE NATION

NARATHIWAT: -- Marohso Jantarawadee, the alleged mastermind behind several attacks in the deep South, was killed in a gunfight with security officials during an attempt to raid a military base early yesterday.

If a remark made late last year by a high-level military officer in Narathiwat's Bacho district proves accurate, peace should soon be returning to this southern province.

"Frankly speaking, if Marohso is gone, peace can be guaranteed," a senior officer of the Narathiwat Taskforce 32 said at the time. He considered Marohso as a big threat to peace, because his name alone could be used to intimidate locals. Also, he played an active part in several attacks.

"I once said loudly in a crowded tea shop that I would reward anybody who could help me locate Marohso, and almost all the patrons got up and left very quickly," the military officer said.

Marohso was born on February 16, 1982, in Bacho district, Narathiwat, and according to the village head of the man's hometown, the suspect had disappeared for several years.

At the time of his death, Marohso was wanted in 14 cases including the fatal shooting of a teacher at a school canteen on January 23.

Marohso managed to escape several previous clashes with security officials until yesterday.

A tip-off about the pending attack on a military base in Bacho district gave soldiers time to prepare a response. Marohso showed up early yesterday as expected, and his body was discovered after the gunfight came to an end. He was among 16 armed insurgents killed.

-- The Nation 2013-02-14

'Outdated curriculum needs to focus on skills'

WANNAPA KHAOPA

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Our national curriculum is out of touch with the modern world and is failing to equip students with the skills demanded by the fast-changing 21st-century job market, a researcher has told Education Ministry officials.

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'Preparation, help from locals key to defence of camp'

PATIDTA NOOSANTHAD

SANTHITI KOEJITME

THE NATION

NARATHIWAT: -- The Marines' success in protecting their camp in Narathiwat against an insurgent raid in the early hours yesterday was credited to good preparation and tip-offs from local residents and some alienated insurgents weary of violence after nine years of strife in the deep South.

Security forces discovered information on a possible plan to attack the camp of Taskforce 32's Second Rifle Company in the southern border province's Bacho district during a recent hunt for suspected insurgents wanted for the killing of a local teacher.

About 50 heavily armed insurgents attacked the camp from the front and the rear. They faced strong resistance from nearly 50 Navy Seal Marines who had been deployed following tip-offs.

Sixteen of the raiders were killed in the gunfight, which continued for more than one hour. There were no casualties among officials.

General Udomchai Thammasarorach, commander of the Fourth Army Area, which covers the deep South, said yesterday that this was an important blow against the insurgents. The successful defence of the camp would have a psychological impact by sending a message to locals that the insurgents were not in control.

"If the insurgents' operation had succeeded, local residents would continue to fear them," Udomchai said in his capacity as local director of the Internal Security Operation Command's Forward Unit.

He said the success was due to the Marines' strong combat experience and tip-offs from the locals. The Marines have built trust among local residents due to their politeness, assistance and friendship, the general said.

"Also, some of their men [the insurgents] have become fed up and gave us information," he added.

Commodore Somkiat Pholprayoon RTN, commander of the Marines, said the insurgents failed because the Marines received cooperation from the locals.

"The locals are aware that the Marines have good intentions towards the innocent. Many people [in the majority-Muslim region] realise that some beliefs have been distorted from the original religious teaching," he said.

"After more than nine years of violence, they have become fed up. They want peace to be restored and the soldiers make them feel that they have someone who can help."

Earlier this month, Marines were involved in gunfights with suspected insurgents in Narathiwat wanted for the murder of teacher Chonlathee Charoenchon.

In one raid on February 4, the suspects fled. Among the items left behind was a map of the camp. In another raid on February 9, leading insurgent Suhaidee Tahe was killed in a gunfight. Found at his hiding place was a map of the camp and writings in the local Malay language, according to Captain Thammanoon Wanna RTN, commander of Taskforce 32.

A local resident who lives near the targeted camp said there had been a rumour over the past five days that a military camp in Pattani or Narathiwat would be raided. "But it was not clear which one was the target," he said.

-- The Nation 2013-02-14

Thai accused of providing minors to foreigners in Soi Sunee Plaza, South Pattaya

PATTAYA: -- A 21 year old Thai Man was arrested by officers from the Police Region 2 Child and Women Protection Unit on Wednesday afternoon in East Pattaya, accused of providing underage boys to foreign patrons situated in Soi Sunee Plaza, South Pattaya.

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Pattaya DSI plan crackdown on Industrial and Commercial Corruption

PATTAYA: -- The Pattaya Branch of the Department of Special Investigations (DSI) who specialize in complex crimes, especially those involving corruption, held a meeting at their office in North Pattaya on Wednesday afternoon to discuss plans to initiate a crackdown on Industrial and Commercial Corruption around the Eastern Seaboard.

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Brand New Police Vehicle slams into Bus Stop close to Pattaya

PATTAYA: -- A Police truck which had only been purchased by Plu Ta Luang Police Station 1 month ago was badly damaged after its driver drove the vehicle into a Bus Stop located on the side of the road as he took evasive action to avoid a rear-end collision with a car.

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Fire leads to panic at North Pattaya Massage & Spa

PATTAYA: -- For the second time in under 12 months a fire caused panic amongst foreign patrons and staff at a North Pattaya Massage & Spa. Luckily no injuries were reported.

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Extortion involving government officials caught-on-tape at Sattahip Coffee Shop

SATTAHIP: -- The owner of a factory which produces animal cages recorded a transaction involving 4 men who claimed to be Local Government Officials who required protection money paid monthly as the factory employed illegal immigrants.

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UPDATE:

Murder trial starts for Dokset

Phuket Gazette

Stein Havard Dokset was in court on Tuesday as witnesses started to give testimony in the murder trial. Photo: Gazette file

PHUKET: -- Stein Havard Dokset, the retired car dealer from Norway who confessed to accidentally killing his girlfriend and keeping her decomposing body in a trash bin in his house, was in court on Tuesday as his murder trial began.

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BEER BUDDIES: Singha to distribute Carlsberg in Thailand

By Coconuts Bangkok

Fun fact: Media outlets in Thailand aren't allowed to show pictures of brand-name alcohol.

BANGKOK: -- Carlsberg has had a rough time of it in Thailand. After its mercurial distribution deal with Chang ended nearly a decade ago, the Danish beer lost ground to another of its continental rivals – Heineken.

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Thai stock index opens on Thursday at 1,522.29, up 8.18 points /MCOT

PM wants Thailand upgraded as regional hub for low-cost airlines

By English News

BANGKOK, Feb 14 – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra wants to boost Thailand as the region's budget airlines hub and vowed to expand airports in tourism provinces to accept more overseas travellers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....b/#entry6113502

US ambassador to Thailand visits NBT channel to mark 180th year of Thai-US relations

BANGKOK: -- As part of her tour to mark the 180th anniversary of the Thai-US relations, US ambassador to Thailand Kristie Anne Kenney has visited the NBT broadcasting station on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in Bangkok.

According to NBT’s Executive Director Chamlong Singtongam, Ms Kenney’s was the first group of embassy staff to visit the government-owned television channel in the past five years.

In fluent Thai, the ambassador delivered a speech greeting station staffs. She then expressed her hope that the NBT would continue to support the US embassy’s mission by helping publicize its activities. She emphasized the role that the Thai media could play in strengthening the Thai-US relations.

Asked why she was interested in NBT in particular, the ambassador said the NBT was distinguished in its coverage. She said she had visited most of NBT's 12 regional stations outside Bangkok.

To mark the long-standing relationship between Thailand and the US, she said the embassy would organize activities both in Bangkok and other provinces. Upcoming events would include fashion shows, food fairs, and cultural performances, she said.

The ambassador’s visit came two days after the opening ceremony of “Cobra Gold”, an annual joint military exercise in Thailand, in which over 10,000 American servicemen are joined by their Thai counterparts, and, recently, also by soldiers from some other Asian countries.

The Thai-US relations dates back to 1833 with the signing of the Siamese-American Treaty of Amity and Commerce. But the relationship grew exceptionally strong during the Cold War, when the US poured financial and military aide into Thailand, arming the Thai military against Communist forces and promoting the Thai monarchy as an anti-Communist symbol. Today Thailand remains the US oldest ally in Asia, and one of the US four key Asian security allies, along with Japan, South Korea and the Philippines.

-- NNT 2013-02-14

Boards of American Airline and US Airways approved merger to create world's largest airline w/ U$11bn mkt value /The Nation