Thailand Live Wednesday 13 Mar 2013

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ENDANGERED SPECIES
Three Thai butterflies close to extinction
Tanpisit Lerdbamruchai
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Three Thai butterfly species are close to extinction but can still be traded under international laws.

Watana Sakchoowong, of the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, said yesterday the endangered species are Teinopalpus imperialis, Troides amphysus and T Helena.

They are listed in Cites' Appendix II alongside the Bhutanitis lidderdalii and T aeacus butterflies.

Insects on Appendix II can be traded but with certain control measures. Only the species on Appendix I receive full legal protection and cannot be sold.

"The Bhutanitis lidderdalii butterflies have vanished from Thailand for more than three decades now," he said. The T aeacus butterflies can still be found but only in small numbers, he said.

Thailand is home to about one million butterfly species, 20 of which are protected under Thai laws and five under Cites. The country is a butterfly exporter, sending millions of pupas to Europe each year. "The major buyer is Britain," he said.

The 16th CITES conference - a triennial forum governing the international trade in flora and fauna - is being held in Bangkok and will run until tomorrow.

Theerapat Prayurasiddhi, deputy head of the department, said the CITES meeting yesterday considered Denmark's proposal for Corsican swallowtail butterflies to be moved from Appendix I to Appendix II.

"We have not expressed our stance on the proposal because we do not yet have complete information in hand," he said.


-- The Nation 2013-03-13

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SPECIAL REPORT
Amnesty law could free many convicted for arson attacks
The Nation

Damage to provincial halls, TV station estimated at hundreds of millions of baht

BANGKOK: -- If the ruling Pheu Thai Party and red-shirt leaders succeed in pushing through an amnesty law, those involved in the 2010 torching of provincial halls and a state-run TV station in the Northeast could also benefit.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625549-thai-amnesty-law-could-free-many-convicted-for-arson-attacks/

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NSC Chief exceeds his brief?
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- National Security Council (NSC) secretary general Paradorn Pattanathabutr's statement yesterday suggesting the controversial idea of a Pattani metropolitan administration has raised questions over whether he has overplayed his role as a negotiator.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625550-pattani-metropolitan-administration-n-s-c-chief-exceeds-his-brief/

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SPECIAL REPORT
Silken threads that bond Thailand, Myanmar relations
Sathapat Phaethong
Special to The Nation
Yangon


Silken costumes are put on display at a department store in Myanmar. The exhibition, hosted through cooperation between Myanmar authorities and the local Red Cross, is held in honour of Her Majesty the Queen

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625551-silken-threads-that-bond-thailand-myanmar-relations/

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Unions appeal to embassies over abuse
Thammarat Kijchalong
The Nation

Some foreign firms 'taking revenge' against workers in wake of wage hike

BANGKOK: -- The Thai Labour Solidarity Committee (TLSC) is today leading 650 representatives from four labour unions to rally outside the Australian, US and Netherlands embassies against alleged abuse of Thai workers by employers from those countries.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625552-thai-unions-appeal-to-australian-u-s-netherlands-embassies-over-abuse-of-thai-workers-bangkok/

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THAI-BELGIAN TIES
Belgian crown prince to lead trade mission to Thailand
Marisa Chimprabha
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Crown Prince Philippe of Belgium will arrive in Thailand on Sunday, leading a delegation of ministers and hundreds of leading business people to boost economic cooperation, Belgian Ambassador to Thailand Marc Michielsen said yesterday.

The delegation, comprising Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Didier Reynders and other high-ranking officials as well as hundreds of businesspeople representing 105 leading companies, is the biggest since 2001, the envoy said.

The visit from March 17-22 by the crown prince, who is also chairman of the Belgian Foreign Trade Board, is aimed at strengthening relations and enhancing cooperation on trade and investment between Bangkok and Brussels.

In 2011, Thailand ranked 41st in the league table of Belgium's main clients and Belgian exports to Thailand amounted to Euro 995.9 million (Bt38.41 billion) compared with Euro 803.7 million in 2010. Meanwhile regarding imports, Thailand was Belgium's 37th supplier in 2011 while Belgian imports from Thailand grew by 9.1 per cent, from Euro 1.0571 billion in 2010 to Euro 1.1531 billion in 2011.

Of about 23,000 companies listed in the Belgian Foreign Trade Agency, about 1,100 export to Thailand. Another 1,783 companies have shown a particular interest in the Thai market.

Michielsen said that during the visit, economic seminars focusing on alternative and clean energy, healthcare, medical supplies, agricultural industry, food, infrastructure and logistics would be held.

Belgium believes that the two countries could cooperate and invest more in those fields, he said. Brussels sees Thailand as a regional hub in many fields, which he could see for himself, as although he is based in Bangkok, he also oversees Belgian affairs in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.

The crown prince will also visit the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate in Rayong province, which houses many Belgian companies and plants.

The Belgian royal couple will be granted an audience with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on March 22. Michielsen said Princess Mathilde would also attend several activities to promote the role of women in society and business. She will also meet leading Thai businesswomen and representatives of international organisations.


-- The Nation 2013-03-13

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STOPPAGE TIME
Thais give new meaning to 'reconciliation'
Tulsathit Taptim



BANGKOK: -- When people want to reconcile, they talk. That is not happening in Thailand, despite all the fuss about forgiving, forgetting and bringing back political peace. Nobody is opening up or reaching out. Dirt is dug up everywhere, although it should be the least of our concerns.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625553-thais-give-new-meaning-to-reconciliation/

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EDITORIAL
Violence-induced blame game now the political norm
The Nation

Exploited by rivals on both sides, the 2010 bloodshed has aggravated the problem of regionalism in Thailand

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625554-violence-induced-blame-game-now-the-political-norm-thai-editorial/

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DSI may cancel teacher test in four provinces
The Nation

List of 486 top scorers will be closely vetted to be fair to all

BANGKOK: -- With initial inquiries revealing a high incidence of cheating in assistant teacher exams held in Udon Thani, Yasothon, Chaiyaphum and Khon Kaen provinces, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) may call on the Education Ministry to cancel test results in these provinces. A final decision by the ministry will be announced next Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625556-d-s-i-may-cancel-teacher-test-in-four-thai-provinces/

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It's unclear who speaks for who in Thailand's deep South
Don Pathan
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- With a long history of failed initiatives to end the Malay-Muslim insurgency in Thailand's deep South, the Thai government is determined to make the recently-inked "peace agreement" with a group of self-proclaimed Barisan Revolusi Nasional-Coordinate (BRN-C) leaders a success.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625558-its-unclear-who-speaks-for-who-in-thailands-deep-south/

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Crime 'gangs shot elephant'

The Nation

A group of 20 elephants that strayed from a larger herd in Ang Reu Nai Forest, Khao Chamao, Rayong were yesterday being tracked by forest conservation officials.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625560-organised-criminal-gangs-shot-elephant-in-kaeng-krachan-national-park/

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UPDATE
Skype address proves Thaksin still the boss
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Former premier Thaksin Shinawatra's address to Pheu Thai Party via Skype on Monday once again proved that he is the leader, something Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has been consistently denying, at least in public.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625420-skype-address-shows-thaksin-orders-pheu-thai-follows/page-4?p=6198929#entry6198929

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Most SMEs not ready for AEC
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation

Lack awareness of benefits, challenges of new era; prefer push-back to 2016

BANGKOK: -- With less than two years to go before the Asean Economic Community (AEC) come into effect, more than half of Thai small and medium-sized enterprises still lack a proper understanding of what is going to happen and are unprepared for the challenges of market liberalisation, according to a new survey.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625564-most-thai-small-and-medium-sized-enterprises-unprepared-for-asean-integration/

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Associations ask government to reconsider cigarette warnings
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Both the Department of Intellectual Property and the International Trademark Association have complained to the government of Yingluck Shinawatra about a Public Health Ministry proposal to increase the size of warning labels on cigarette packs.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625584-associations-ask-thai-government-to-reconsider-cigarette-warnings/

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Number of Thai smokers on upward trend to 13 million
By English News



BANGKOK, March13 – Despite unrelenting measures to curb smoking, the number of Thai smokers has increased to 13 million, a rise by 500,000 people in four years, a senior health official said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625592-number-of-thai-smokers-on-upward-trend-to-13-million/

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3G mobile phone service to be launched in April
By English News




BANGKOK, March 13 – Thailand's long-awaited third-generation mobile phone service on the 2.1 GHz spectrum will be available in this country in April, according to a senior official of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625594-3g-mobile-phone-service-to-be-launched-in-thailand-in-april/

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Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 1,579.12, up 2.44 points /MCOT

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Central Election Commission to decide fate of city governor-elect

By English News

BANGKOK, March 13 – A hot potato will be passed to the Central Election Commission (EC) which will have to decide on the fate of former Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra who was re-elected in the March 3 gubernatorial election.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625596-central-election-commission-to-decide-fate-of-bangkok-governor-elect/

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Expert predicts Thai rice pledging scheme to drive market prices up soon

BANGKOK, 13 March 2013 (NNT) – An expert in agricultural economics predicts that the Thai government’s rice pledging scheme will soon help drive prices in the market up.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625604-expert-predicts-thai-rice-pledging-scheme-to-drive-market-prices-up-soon/

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Interior Ministry on course to launch anti-road accident campaign during Songkran

BANGKOK, 13 March 2013 (NNT) – The Interior Ministry is getting ready to launch an anti-road accident campaign for the upcoming Songkran holidays.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625607-songkran-thai-interior-ministry-on-course-to-launch-anti-road-accident-campaign/

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PM Yingluck in Vientiane to attend 5th Summit of Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy /The Nation

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Public Health Ministry overhauling Bt30 healthcare system,will limit role of National Health Security Office in providing hospitals with payments /The Nation

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Three arrested for trying to move 65.8 kgs of heroin to Malaysia
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Yesterday, police announced the arrest of three suspects (two Thais, one Malaysian) who allegedly planned to smuggle 65.8 kilograms of heroin into Malaysia.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625613-three-arrested-for-trying-to-move-658-kgs-of-heroin-from-thailand-to-malaysia/

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BoT says baht hits 28 month peak, asserts capital inflow manageable, no plan for special Monetary Policy Committee meeting /MCOT

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Kids with heart disease to get free surgery on April 1

BANGKOK, 13 March 2013 (NNT) – The Cardiac Children Foundation of Thailand is providing free checkups and surgery for kids with congenital heart disease on April 1st.

According to Cardiac Children Foundation of Thailand President Dr. Boonchob Pongpanich, the foundation, under the patronage of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana, is giving free surgery to children born with heart disease. He is urging those parents who think their babies might have a risk of catching a heart disease or have a congenital heart disease to see a doctor immediately. Symptoms of heart disease include fatigue, unusual breathing, and catching cold frequently. There will be free checkups and surgery provided on April 1st, from 9am to 12pm, at Sikharin Hospital.

Furthermore, a charity concert on ‘Musical... Musicals’ will be held on April 28th, with an aim to raise money for heart disease patients. The concert will take place at M Theatre on Petchaburi Road. Tickets are available at ThaiTicketMajor, with prices ranging from 1,000-2,000 baht.

For more information, please call 0-2716-6070-1 or 0-2716-5001


-- NNT 2013-03-13

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Thailand denies shooting Rohingya boat people

BANGKOK, March 13, 2013 (AFP) - Thailand on Wednesday denied accusations its sailors shot Rohingya boat people fleeing sectarian strife in Myanmar, after a rights group urged a probe into the alleged deaths of at least two migrants.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625625-thailand-denies-shooting-rohingya-boat-people/

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UPDATE:
Computer 'malfunction' responsible for opening BTS doors
By Coconuts Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- Further information has surfaced regarding yesterday’s premature opening of the BTS’s doors, which threw riders into a flurry of (seemingly well justified) doubts as to the Skytrain’s safety.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625503-bangkok-riders-horrified-by-skytrain-doors-opening-before-station/page-4?p=6199671#entry6199671

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Health Ministry considering plan to force tourists to buy insurance
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- In a bid to reduce the financial costs of public hospitals operating within the Kingdom, the Ministry of Public Health is contemplating a measure which would, in effect, force foreign tourists to purchase travel and health insurance prior to entering the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625628-thai-health-ministry-considering-plan-to-force-foreign-tourists-to-buy-insurance/

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I am no puppet, Yingluck tells FCCT
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Showing considerably improved English-language skills as compared with her appearance last year, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra used the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand (FCCT) annual "Dinner with the PM" to deny she was a mere puppet of her brother, fugitive former premier Thaksin.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625638-i-am-no-puppet-yingluck-tells-foreign-correspondents-club-of-thailand-fcct/

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Thailand Elephant Conservation Centre marks National Elephant Day
By English News

LAMPANG, March 13 -- The Thailand Elephant Conservation Centre (TECC) in the northern province of Lampang held a variety of activities marking the National Elephant Day today.

Nipakorn Singhabhudathangkoon, head of the National Elephant Institute of the Forestry Industry Organisation, presided over the ceremony to give alms to nine monks at the elephant centre in Hang Chat district.

Staff from the TECC led 50 elephants to join the merit-making ceremony as mahouts had prepared food in large baskets and let the elephants present them to the monks.

The monks sprinkled lustral water over the elephants as numbers of tourists and local residents joined the event taking photos of the memorable moments with the pachyderms.

Other good luck ceremonies were also held for the elephants, with a spectacular elephant parade in traditional northern Lanna style before the feast for 50 elephants.

Special treats with many kinds of fruits such as banana, pineapple, melon, and sugar cane were set in a large wooden tray or Stoke Chang.

The activities at the elephant centre were free and tourists had up close experiences with the pachyderms to raise awareness about elephant conservation and to campaign against the illegal ivory trade.

According to the TECC, Thailand's elephant population has dramatically declined from more than 50,000 wild and domesticated elephants to around 5,000 over the past three decades. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-03-13