Thailand Live Thursday 14 Mar 2013

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NSC chief prepares for talks with BRN
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- National Security Council (NSC) chief Paradorn Pattanathabutr yesterday laid out a framework for the March 28 talks with BRN, but would not commit to the idea of a Pattani metropolitan administration.

Insisting that the pact he signed on February 28 with BRN in Malaysia was lawful, Paradorn also called a meeting of related agencies and gave 15 people the job of talking with separatists in Kuala Lumpur. They include Defence deputy permanent secretary Nipat Thonglek, Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre (SBPAC) deputy chief Piya Kijthavorn, Internal Security Operations Command official Nakrob Boonbuathong.

Paradorn said initial assessment showed that the separatists might want to voice their ideas about a special administration zone - whose format has yet to be crystallised - and if it is proposed, the Thai side will have to discuss the issue with various parties first.

He said Thailand's stance would be based on the Constitution, adding that this upcoming talk should open the door to negotiations with other insurgent groups.


-- The Nation 2013-03-14

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Cardinals pick first Latin American pontiff, Pope Francis
Nick Rigillo
Vatican City

ROME: -- Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected Wednesday as the supreme leader of the Roman Catholic Church, the first ever pope to hail from Latin America.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625840-cardinals-pick-first-latin-american-pontiff-pope-francis/

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UPDATE

Bangkok poll still up in air
The Nation



National EC to discuss local watchdog's annulment call

BANGKOK: -- The more than 1.25 million supporters of Bangkok governor-elect Sukhumbhand Paribatra will have to keep their fingers crossed as the man they voted for in the March 3 election has yet to be endorsed by the Election Commission despite the record number of votes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625596-central-election-commission-to-decide-fate-of-bangkok-governor-elect/#entry6202473

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
'I want to work for the people'
Budsarakham Sinlapalavan,
Somroutai Sapsomboon
The Nation



Deputy govt spokesperson talks about what she hopes to achieve

BANGKOK: -- Sunisa Lertpakawat, the Army lieutenant who rocketed into the spotlight after she wrote the book "Thaksin Where Are You?", received a big boost to her budding political career by being appointed deputy government spokeswoman this week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625841-deputy-thai-govt-spokesperson-sunisa-i-want-to-work-for-the-people/

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UPDATE

Navy dismisses reports on Rohingya killings
The Nation, Agencies

BANGKOK: -- Royal Thai Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Surasak Rounroengrom dismissed the report as impossible and untrue and asserted that the Thai navy had not killed any Rohingya people as it did no more than offer them humanitarian aid. "I state that no [Thai] Navy officer could be that ruthless," he said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625625-thailand-denies-shooting-rohingya-boat-people/#entry6202495

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Extension of rice-pledging scheme: bad news
PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The government's insistence on maintaining the rice-pledging price at Bt15,000 per tonne for another year will not only continue to dampen Thailand's export competitiveness and the rice-trading industry, but also lead to higher budgetary losses and a gloomy future for rice-farming development.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625842-extension-of-thai-rice-pledging-scheme-bad-news/

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Baht rise 'a sign of confidence'
SARUN KIJVASIN
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- Bank of Thailand Governor Prasarn Trairatvorakul yesterday calmed nerves over Tuesday's sudden spurt in the baht, saying it reflected growing investor confidence in the country's economic fundamentals.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625843-baht-rise-a-sign-of-confidence/

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THAI TALK
A new reconciliation bill will further split the country
Suthichai Yoon
The Nation


Plodprasob Suraswadi

BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai Party members who are pushing for the passage of an amnesty bill insist, despite scepticism from their detractors, that they have no hidden agenda to slip in a clause that could include ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra in the deal.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625844-a-new-reconciliation-bill-will-further-split-the-country-thai-talk/

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EDITORIAL
Past success led to complacency and lethargy
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thai businesses bemoan the fact they are unprepared for the advent of the AEC, but they have had plenty of time to prepare for regional competition.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625846-past-success-led-to-complacency-and-lethargy-thai-editorial/

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BURNING ISSUE
Thaksin still very much the CEO of this govt
Attayuth Bootsripoom
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's Skype address on Monday marks a major political step for his supporters, because this is the first time that Pheu Thai Party MPs and ministers have proudly admitted that Thaksin is indeed fully involved in the party's affairs.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625848-thaksin-still-very-much-the-c-e-o-of-this-govt/

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'Attacked' student, 5, still in serious condition
Supachai Petchthewee
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- A five-year-old Suphan Buri kindergarten boy who was seriously injured in an alleged assault by a seven-year-old Prathom 1 student earlier this week must remain on respiratory aid for at least six weeks.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625849-5-year-old-kindergarten-boy-seriously-beaten-by-7-year-old-prathom-1-student/

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UPDATE:
Tourists told not to buy any ivory products
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation



People carrying illegal ivory can be arrested at the airport or back home

BANGKOK: -- Foreigners visiting Thailand have been advised not to buy elephant tusks or any ivory products, even if it is something as small as an earring or a bracelet.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625724-dont-buy-ivory-in-thailand-foreign-visitors-warned/page-2#entry6202572

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Teenage gang nabbed for over 60 robberies
Mary Bradley
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- A gang of teenagers was arrested for allegedly robbing more than 60 men during the past three months, including Chulalongkorn University students.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625852-teenage-gang-nabbed-for-over-60-robberies-bangkok/

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Senate speaker concerned over amnesty bill
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Senate Speaker Nikom Wairatpanit Wednesday voiced concern that the amnesty bill proposed by the Pheu Thai Party empowers police and public prosecutors to over-exercise their judgement, which may benefit certain groups and result in negative consequences.

Article 3 of the proposed amnesty bill, for instance, stipulates that the following actions are not regarded as offences -- and those who committed them are not held responsible: Any actions of any political groups which were a political expression, including those who did not attend political rallies but did anything which was the result of political conflict either verbally or advertising to oppose the state, defended themselves, resisted officials' arrests, held rallies or did any activity which adversely affected the lives, assets and rights of others in incidents continued from the political rallies or which were politically expressions from September 19, 2006 to May 10, 2011.The actions mentioned above do not include actions of those who made the decision and ordered the staging of a political movement during the specified period.


-- The Nation 2013-03-14

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Sirichok denies breaking election rules
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Democrat MP Sirichok Sopha has dismissed allegations about being involved in the alleged violation of electoral rules in connection with the Bangkok gubernatorial race.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625854-sirichok-denies-breaking-election-rules-bangkok-gubernatorial-race/

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Illegal resorts in Phetchabun raided by DSI
Piyanuch Thamnukasetchai
The Nation

PHETCHABUN: -- The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has begun taking action against resorts operating illegally in the forest reserve of Phetchabun's Khao Kho district.

Although military units in the area have lodged complaints against them with police, the resorts have continued to expand their services.

An informed source said the owners were influential figures and that some of them were local politicians.

"We will pursue the cases against them to the end," DSI deputy chief Yanaphon Youngyuen said yesterday.

However, as the prosecution could take some time, he urged people to stop visiting the resorts in question. He was speaking as he led a team to inspect the Khao Kho resorts, whose owners were not present during the inspection.

Colonel Chainarong Klaewkla of the Pha Muang Force said the encroachment on forestland had upset a reforestation project that was launched in response to advice from Her Majesty the Queen.

"We have the list of encroachers' names. There are more than 200 of them. Together, they have invaded over 40,000 rai of forestland. We are going to pass this information to DSI," Chainarong said.

Meanwhile, many people yesterday lodged complaints with that DSI that firms had lured them into buying land plots in the forest reserve.

"Now all my savings are gone for nothing," lamented one of the complainants, Thiranuch Boonyadamrong. She bought her plot under the Diamond Tree Project in 1993.

Another victim, Anan Noprattanotai, said that when the project was promoted, land officials and commercial-bank officials were also present.

"How could we imagine that the project was a scam?" he said.

Yanaphon promised to take legal action against officials found involved in the scam.

He also advised people to check the encroachment map on the DSI website before buying land plots in the Khao Kho area.


-- The Nation 2013-03-14

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DSI chief threatens House panel
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Tarit Pengdith, director general of the Department of Special Investigation, yesterday threatened to take action against the House committee that summoned him for questioning over the 2010 "men in black" and walked out when panel members wanted to turn on a video clip.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625856-d-s-i-tarit-chief-threatens-house-panel-for-questioning-him-over-the-2010-men-in-black/

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Police raise alarm after Phuket hotel thief uses master key
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- Police have warned hoteliers across the island to beware of thieves targeting Phuket hotels after a Patong hotel room safe was robbed by a man who reportedly used a master key to enter the room.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625866-police-raise-alarm-after-phuket-hotel-thief-uses-master-key/

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Thai stock index opens on Thursday at 1,577.68, down 1.02 points /MCOT

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Repeated calls for reduction of policy interest rate
By English News



BANGKOK, March 14 – Two of Thailand’s financial heavyweights have called on the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to review the policy interest rate as a short-term prevention of foreign capital inflow.

Deputy Prime Minister/Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong said Wednesday that the capital inflow due to high interest rate in the Thai market will not be beneficial, but rather a risk, to the country.

He said the Finance Ministry has signalled the Monetary Policy Committee and the BoT Board to take into consideration an appropriate policy interest rate.

No matter how the decision is made, the Finance Ministry can take it, Mr Kittiratt said, saying an appreciating Thai currency is not completely negative for it enables industrialists to import products at cheaper prices.

The National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) said the inflow of foreign capital has not contributed to investment or employment in the country and the inflow is a short-term phenomenon.

Therefore, the policy interest rate should be reduced thanks to Thailand’s solid economic fundamentals and the country’s revival from the massive floods in 2011.

A reduced policy interest rate will stimulate investment and prevent short-term capital inflow, the NESDB said. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-03-14

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HRH Princess Chulabhorn visits people in Yasothon

BANGKOK, 14 March 2013 (NNT) - Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn yesterday afternoon (March 13) visited people in Yasothon and observed the operation of a mobile medical team of the Princess Mother’s Medical Volunteer Foundation in this northeastern province.

Her Royal Highness, in her capacity as honorary president of the Princess Mother’s Medical Volunteer Foundation travelled from a temporary residence at Sirindhorn Dam in Ubon Ratchathani province to Rajaprachanukroh 28 School in Kham Kheun Kaeo district, Yasothon province, where members of the Princess Mother’s Medical Volunteer Foundation were giving medical service to local people.

On this occasion, Her Royal Highness presented Foundation pins and plaques of honor to participating medical volunteers and distributed books and school uniforms to student representatives, and clothes and medicines to elderly people.

The mobile medical unit of the Princess Mother’s Medical Volunteer Foundation in Yasothon province has been established since 1974, now comprising doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists and public health volunteers numbering altogether 2,245. Yesterday, the team provided medical and dental services to 253 people.

Most of the patients were suffering from cataracts and skin diseases. However, 8 cases were found in serious condition and Her Royal Highness ordered their transfer to Sapphasit Prasong Hospital in Ubon Ratchathani province for further treatment.

Their illnesses were related to atrial septal defect, arthrogryposis , deaf, and meningioma, among others. People in this sub-district of Yo are mostly engaged in agriculture. There is one small hospital in the sub-district.


-- NNT 2013-03-14

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Bangkok's airports safe from April 5-14 power outage impact
By English News



BANGKOK, March 14 – The Airports of Thailand (AoT) has given reassurances that a possible power outage during April 5-14 will not affect operations at Bangkok’s two major airports – Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625900-bangkoks-airports-safe-from-april-5-14-power-outage-impact/

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Xi Jinping elected Chinese president

BEIJING, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping was elected Chinese president Thursday morning at the ongoing session of the 12th National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625903-xi-jinping-elected-chinese-president/

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Commerce Ministry affirms 2013 export growth target at 8-9% despite stronger baht

BANGKOK, 14 March 2013 (NNT) – The Commerce Ministry has come out to assure that the export outlook in 2013 remains strong despite the baht appreciation.

Deputy Commerce Minister Nattawut Saikuar said on Wednesday that Thai furniture exports, so far this year, have improved satisfactorily after the industry was hit by the flood crisis in 2011 and the economic crisis both in the US and EU.

In 2013, the Commerce Ministry forecasts that the value of exported furniture will amount to 1.25 billion US dollars, which represents a 5% year-on-year growth.

Mr. Nattawut stated that the furniture exports account for nearly 10% of Thailand’s total exports.

Based on the latest projection, the Deputy Commerce Minister is confident that the overall growth of Thai exports will hit the target of 8-9% in 2013.

He went on to say that the strengthening of the baht has not had any impact of the exports during the first quarter of this year.

Still, Mr. Nattawut noted that the Commerce Ministry will continue to keep a close watch on the performance of the export industry in the second quarter.

He added that, if the stronger baht ever hits the sector markedly, the ministry will promptly introduce necessary measures to assist exporters.

Lastly, he expressed confidence that the Finance Ministry and the Bank of Thailand will be able to maintain the stability of the baht and prevent its movement from hurting the exports and the economy.


-- NNT 2013-03-14

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Bus driver charged with drunk driving after dropping tourists off at Phuket Airport
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- Police arrested a drunk bus driver returning from dropping tourists off at the Phuket Airport last night after he clipped a truck near the airport and was chased down by the upset victim to the Thalang Museum.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625909-bus-driver-charged-with-drunk-driving-after-dropping-tourists-off-at-phuket-airport/

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Animal quarantine center in "crisis" as more seized dogs arrive

BANGKOK, 14 March 2013 (NNT) - An animal quarantine centre in Nakhon Phanom province is facing a "crisis" as it receives more and more dogs, seized from dog smugglers, into its custody.

At present the quarantine centre has to take care of 765 dogs, in addition to other animals. Not only dogs seized in Nakhon Phanom province, but also in provinces around it, are sent to the quarantine centre.

The latest lot of 139 dogs were seized by authorities in Bueng Kan province, when a dog smuggling gang was trying to load the dogs into a boat, to be shipped across the Mekong river onto a neighbouring country.

Quarantine officials say dog food alone now costs the quarantine centre about 20,000 baht a day. The quarantine centre has received donations totaling 23 million baht. A foundation has been set up to oversee the use of the money. The foundation's fund is now down to less than 5 million baht, according to officials.


-- NNT 2013-03-14

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Sukhumbhand appears at DSI on donation charge
By Digital Media



BANGKOK, March 14 – Bangkok governor-elect Sukhumbhand Paribatra today officially acknowledged an allegation that he had breached the law concerning his financial contributions to the Democrat Party.

He appeared at the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to take notice of the charge that he violated the Political Party Act which requires that donations of Bt20,000 or more to a political party must be made in the form of a money order or a crossed cheque, and a violator is subject to a maximum three-year jail term or a fine to at least triple the donation.

Mr Sukhumbhand had donated to the Democrat Party by having the House of Representatives make a deduction from his official salary to the party’s account. He said he had informed the Election Commission about the money transfer and received no objection.

“This is another occasion that the DSI is acting without clarity and is overacting. The authority belongs to the EC,” he said.

He refused to comment on a pending decision by the central Election Commission to officially endorse him as Bangkok’s new governor, saying he respected its decision.

The central EC has yet to decide on Mr Sukhumbhand’s fate given two public complaints against him but referring to Democrat MP Sirichoke Sopha and media academic Seree Wongmontha who threw their support to him during the Bangkok election campaign. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-03-14

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Siam Crocodile retains top CITES protection listing
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation


Siam crocodile. File photo, source: Wikipedia.org

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's proposal to downgrade the Siamese freshwater crocodile from Appendix I, the list of most endangered species, has once again been defeated.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625914-siam-crocodile-retains-top-c-i-t-e-s-protection-listing/

[Lite Beer]

Thai, Lao authorities cooperate to help wild elephants return home
By English News

NAKHON PHANOM, March 14 – Thai and Lao PDR authorities are working together to help wild elephants return to a Lao national park after they crossed border to Thailand.

Provincial wildlife monitoring Kritsada Sakornwong and concerned Thai officials here met with Lao officials to trace the movement of wild elephants in the Banlaoluang area, connecting Thailand’s provinces of Bueng Kan and Nakhon Phanom to prevent elephants crossing from Laos from being hurt.

Khamphanh Nanthavong, Thailand’s Department of Forest Resources Management and other concerned officials are attempting to move the elephants across the Mekong River back to Laos.

The Lao authorities said the elephants originally lived in a national park in Bolikhamsai district bordering Thailand’s Ban Paeng in Nakhon Phanom. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-03-14

[Lite Beer]

REAL ESTATE
Land prices double in Songkhla, Phuket since 2010
SOMLUCK SRIMALEE,
SUCHAWADEE SURAKUN
THE NATION

Land prices in Phuket and Songkhla more than doubled last year from 2010 on booming demand for residences.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/625948-land-prices-double-in-songkhla-phuket-since-2010/