Thailand Live Friday 8 Mar 2013

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Farmers buoyed by ruling against shrimp farm
Prasit Tangprasert
The Nation
Nakhon Ratchasima



NAKHON RATCHASIMA: -- The Court of Appeals has awarded Bt1-million compensation to an elderly woman whose farmland suffered at the hands of a nearby shrimp farm.

Noi Meepuang, the 86-year-old plaintiff from Non Thai district, welcomed the verdict.

"I have solid evidence to prove my case," she said.

A number of her neighbours congratulated her on winning the case yesterday. The court issued the ruling on March 5.

The court ruled that a shrimp farm operated by Kraisorn Chotichakornphan had ruined 45 rai of Noi's paddy fields.

Noi said she would use a part of the compensation to repay her Bt200,000 debt to the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operatives.

"Then I will make merit and buy more plots to farm," she said.

The court has also ordered Kraisorn to pay Noi's legal costs of Bt20,000.

Thavorn Petchkhunthod, who heads a group of Nakhon Ratchasima farmers affected by salt fields, said Noi's case marked a victory for those he represents.

"It will boost the morale of people affected by the salt fields in Non Thai, Non Sung, and Phra Thongkham districts," he said.

Thavorn said his group is now gathering evidence of salt fields' adverse impact on surrounding farmland and will soon present it to Nakhon Ratchasima Governor Winai Bua-pradit.

Well over 850 local farmers had voiced complaints against neighbouring salt fields, he said, with some 600 having signed a petition of protest.

"We are gathering the signatures of 250 others," he added.

Thavorn said that if the petition did not receive a satisfactory response, his group would appeal to the Nakhon Ratchasima Administrative Court.

"At least seven government agencies should be held responsible for failing to do their duty. Had they not been negligent, people would not be suffering from the impacts of the salt fields," he said.

Among the seven agencies he blames are the Pollution Control Department, the Department of Primary Industries and Mines, and several local administrative bodies.

"We are also preparing to seek a compensation via the Civil Court," Thavorn confirmed, adding that the amount sought would be over Bt250 million, for 10,000 rai of farmland affected since 2002.


-- The Nation 2013-03-08

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ARMOURED TRUCK HEIST
Guard's story 'suspicious' : police
Varattaya Chailangka
The Nation



CHIANG MAI: -- Police investigating the disappearance of Bt9.2 million in cash from a Krungthai Bank (KTB) armoured truck on Wednesday in Chiang Mai say the story of one of the three guards forgetting his wallet is suspicious.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/624355-armoured-truck-heist-in-chiang-mai-guards-story-suspicious/

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2010 POLITICAL VIOLENCE

Centralworld verdicts 'set no precedent'

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A ruling by the Civil Court regarding the arson attack on CentralWorld could not be used as precedent for other related cases, said a vice president of the Law Society yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/624356-2010-political-violence-in-bangkok-centralworld-verdicts-set-no-precedent/

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BURNING ISSUE
An issue that could ignite Bangkok again
Avudh Panananda
The Nation

Should the rival camps decide to throw caution to the wind, Thailand may once again be mired in street protests and chaos.

BANGKOK: -- As the reds and their rival yellow-shirts step up their activities in order to push for their respective versions of amnesty, they should exercise utmost restraint so as to avoid holding the country hostage.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/624357-an-issue-that-could-ignite-bangkok-again/

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POLITICS
Soldier tells court of 'men in black'
Kesinee Taengkhiao
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- In his testimony to the Criminal Court yesterday, an Army lieutenant said that he saw two "men in black" hiding behind a Skytrain pillar near the Ratchaprasong intersection when six people were killed inside Wat Pathum Wanaram on May 19, 2010.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/624358-thai-soldier-tells-bangkok-court-of-men-in-black/

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FRAUD
Contractor denies fraud in Bt3-bn police projects
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- In its first statement to criminal investigators, construction company PCC Development and Construction has dismissed two charges of fraud and violation of a law against rigging of bids for government projects, a senior Department of Special Investigation official said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/624359-contractor-denies-fraud-in-bt3bn-thai-police-projects/

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CONSUMER CONFIDENCE
Consumer confidence reaches its highest level in 19 months
Nongnapas Pithapatee,
Nakarin Srilert
The Nation


Pitchaya Pituttikul, left, president of The Jewellers Association, Jitti Tangsithpakdi, second left, president of the Gold Traders Association, Ekachai Apisakkul, second from right, dean of the School of Business, University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce

Index rises for fifth time, but risks remain

BANGKOK: -- Consumer confidence last month reached its highest level in 19 months, driven mainly by economic expansion, fiscal stimulus and higher purchasing power, according to the Centre for Economic and Business Forecasting (CEBF).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/624360-consumer-confidence-reaches-its-highest-level-in-19-months-thailand/

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ECONOMY
Economy may be growing too fast
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's economy is rapidly gaining momentum on loose monetary and fiscal policies, but it may be growing too quickly for its own good, according to Nomura Research.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/624361-thailands-economy-may-be-growing-too-fast/

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OVERDRIVE

'Recovery' looks more like illusion

Thanong Khanthong

Pedestrians watch the Japanese stock index on a display in Tokyo Thursday. The Nikkei Stock Average returned to the level of 12,000 to end the morning trade session at 12,004.37 for the first time since the collapse of Lehman Brothers Holdings.EPA

BANGKOK: -- The Thai stock market peaked at the 1,700 level in 1994, two and a half years before the 1997 financial crisis. The SET index hit bottom at 207 at the height of the crisis in 1998 before starting to recover.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/624362-recovery-looks-more-like-illusion-thai-opinion/

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'No support' so far to bail out detained Reds
Khanittha Thepphajorn
The Nation


House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont is interviewed about the 42 Pheu Thai MPs led by Worachai Haema who have submitted their proposed amnesty law.

BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai MPs have been slow in gathering signatures to help bail out the detained red-shirt supporters, MP Sangiam Samranrat said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/624363-no-support-so-far-to-bail-out-detained-red-shirts/

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UPDATE
Polar bears lose, but Thai rosewood likely winner at CITES summit
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Polar bears have failed to receive the protection of CITES, the world's biggest wildlife and plant summit, meeting in Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/624241-bangkok-meeting-fails-to-strengthen-protection-for-polar-bears-c-i-t-e-s/#entry6182934

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Campaign will target 'silent killer' salt on Kidney Day
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- With some eight million Thais suffering from kidney disease and at risk of fatal complications, the Public Health Ministry will launch a week-long campaign from Monday at state hospitals nationwide to warn Thais against their addiction to sodium-laced salty food.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/624364-campaign-will-target-silent-killer-salt-on-kidney-day-thailand/

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Google adds Bulgaria, Russian cities to popular Street View feature

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/624352-google-adds-bulgaria-russian-cities-to-popular-street-view-feature/

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Russian found dead in bathroom of rented room in South Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- On Thursday Morning Police and rescue services were called to a rented room situated above a Massage Parlour to investigate reports of a Russian who was found by his friend, lying dead on the bathroom floor.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/624366-russian-found-dead-in-bathroom-of-rented-room-in-south-pattaya/

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Newin now constructing Buriram Circuit
Kanittha Pantong
The Nation



Costing at least Bt2 billion, the German-designed project will stage top world racing events and include an auto test centre

BURIRAM: -- Throughout his political career, Newin Chidchob has been able to make headlines.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/624367-newin-now-constructing-buriram-circuit/

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UN tightens sanctions as N. Korea threatens nuclear attack

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/624371-un-tightens-sanctions-as-n-korea-threatens-nuclear-attack/

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Ex-deputy premier, Police Chief Pao Sarasin, dies at 83 at Siriraj Hospital from blood infection /MCOT

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RT @mpoppel: BBC: N. Korea says it is closing crossing point with S. Korea, shuts down hotline with Seoul

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Former deputy PM Pao Sarasin passes away at 83
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Former deputy prime minister Pao Sarasin died of blood infection Thursday night. He was 83 years old.

He died at the Siriraj Hospital at 8:55 pm.

A bathing rite will be held at 4 pm Friday at the Benjamabophit Temple. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will represent His Majesty to grant water for the bathing rite at 6 pm.


-- The Nation 2013-03-08

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N. Korea voids non-aggression pacts with South

PYONGYANG: -- North Korea announced Friday it was voiding non-aggression pacts with South Korea and severing a hotline with Seoul, hours after the UN Security Council adopted tough new sanctions on Pyongyang.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/624376-north-korea-voids-non-aggression-pacts-with-south/

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Thai stock index opens on Friday at 1,572.33, up 11.35 points /MCOT

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Thai PM asks for patience in resolving southern unrest
By English News



BANGKOK, March 8 – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said it will take years to resolve the crisis in Thailand’s far South, saying that the recent agreement with an insurgent group was merely a primary step towards peace.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/624388-yingluck-asks-for-patience-in-resolving-southern-unrest/

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Thailand struggles to curb high teen pregnancy rate
By Amy Sawitta Lefevre

BANGKOK: (Reuters) - When Mallika told her parents she was pregnant at 17, they pulled her out of school and ordered her to marry the baby's father. But the marriage didn't happen and the one-time aspiring singer now cares for her baby girl alone.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/624391-thailand-struggles-to-curb-high-teen-pregnancy-rate/

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Central bank retains 2013 targeted inflation at 0.5-3%; economic, financial stability sets interest rate direction /MCOT

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Don Mueang Airport to pass 27 million passengers in 3 years
By Digital Media



BANGKOK, March 7 – Don Mueang Airport, Bangkok’s budget airline facility, will boost its capability to take 27.5 million passengers annually in 2016, an airport executive said today.

Don Mueang Airport director Paranee Wattanotai said Terminal II is being developed to cope with expanded service capacity given its clear-cut role as an aviation facility for low-cost airlines.

Combined with Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand will serve as a gateway for 87.5 million passengers a year in 2016, she said.

She said the relocation of AirAsia to Don Mueang Airport has significantly boosted the aviation traffic to 54,694 flights in the first five months of the 2013 fiscal year (Oct 2012-Feb 2013) – 15,283 international and 39,411 domestic.

By the end of this year, Don Mueang should have 153,000 flights and 16.9 million passengers, she added.

Friday marks the 99th anniversary of Don Mueang Airport. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-03-08

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Pattaya Police cracking down on Xanax sales at pharmacies

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/624398-police-cracking-down-on-xanax-sales-at-pharmacies/

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April energy crunch won’t affect Eastern Seaboard, ERC says

PATTAYA: -- The Eastern Seaboard will not be affected by April’s looming energy crisis, with any blackouts only affecting the western section of the country, the Energy Regulatory Commission said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/624396-april-energy-crunch-wont-affect-eastern-seaboard-erc-says/

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Bangkokians doubt smooth administration for new governor
By English News



BANGKOK, March 8 – Nearly half of Bangkok residents are pessimistic regarding the future relations between the Pheu Thai-led national government and the administration of newly-reelected Bangkok governor, under the Democrat Party, saying they doubt the prospects for ‘seamless’ cooperation, given their opposite political blocs and opinions, according to an academic survey.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/624407-bangkok-residents-doubt-smooth-administration-for-new-governor/

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Thai army chief insists border landmines planted by others, not Thais
By English News



BANGKOK. March 8 - Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha stood firm today that the landmines on the common border with Cambodia in Thailand’s northeastern Surin province, which exploded and wounded three Thai rangers on Tuesday, were not planted by the Thai authorities.

He said the 2nd Army Region Command was instructed to protest to Cambodia for the landmines.

Ranger from Suranaree Task Force were seriously wounded after stepping on the landmines in Chong Kana, in Surin’s Panom Dongrak district, near Marker 21 on the Thai-Cambodian border.

The army chief said he has instructed military personnel in risk-prone border areas to be on alert and more careful in carrying out their duties. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-03-08

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BoT assures baht movement now more in balance

BANGKOK, 8 March 2013 (NNT) – The Bank of Thailand (BoT) reports that the movement of the baht is now more balanced while assuring a close eye on the foreign exchange market will remain in place.

Deputy BoT Governor Pongpen Ruengvirayudh said on Thursday that the movement of the Thai currency has not been volatile and is now more in balance.

Mrs. Pongpen stated that, with lessening capital inflows into the bond market and normal capital outflows from the stock market, the baht ended up moving within a narrow range lately.

Still, the Deputy BoT Governor stressed that the central bank will continue to monitor the foreign exchange movement as more funds are expected to enter Thailand soon due to the fact that Asian economy remains attractive for global investors.

Mrs. Pongpen added that several factors around the world can still affect the baht and the exchange rate, such as the US economic conditions, Japan’s monetary policy and the economic recovery in Europe.


-- NNT 2013-03-08