Thailand Live Thursday 21 Mar 2013

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Chalerm opposes lese-majeste law amendment

BANGKOK, 21 March 2013 (NNT) - Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Chalerm Yubumrung has said that he will oppose an amendment to the lese-majeste law, even though the government has not yet drawn conclusion on the issue.

Mr Chalerm said that the government has not yet discussed an amendment to Article 112 of the Criminal Code, also known as the lese-majeste law. He added, however, that if the amendment is proposed, he will personally oppose it.

Article 112 of the Criminal Code states that any person who "insults, commits libel against, or threatens the King, the Queen, the Heir Apparent, or the Regent" shall be liable to imprisonment of between 5 and 15 years.

Critics have argued that the fact that the article is categorised as national security law, any person could file a charge against anybody else, leading to tentative abuse of the law, and possibly being used as a political weapon.

The government has maintained its stance of not amending the law. A petition to amend the law was submitted to parliament last year by activists who gathered about 40,000 signatures, but the amendment draft was discarded by the House Speaker.


-- NNT 2013-03-21

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Transport Minister: One firm will run all high-speed train routes

BANGKOK, 21 March 2013 (NNT) - The transport minister has revealed that only one company will be selected to run all high-speed train routes, scheduled to be operatiional between 2018 and 2019.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627411-thai-transport-minister-one-firm-will-run-all-high-speed-train-routes/

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Agriculture Ministry confident in sufficient water supply for consumption until rainy season

BANGKOK, 21 March 2013 (NNT) – The Agriculture Ministry has come out to assure that there will be sufficient supply of water for consumption in drought-hit areas until the rainy season arrives.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627413-thai-agriculture-ministry-confident-in-sufficient-water-supply-for-consumption-until-rainy-season/

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Vietnamese man killed and stuffed in garbage container in Bangkok

BANGKOK, 21 March 2013 (NNT) – The corpse of a Vietnamese man has been found bound and left inside a black garbage bag in Charansanitwong 40, Bangkok. Police believe he was murdered due to conflict of interest involving a prostitution business.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627415-foreigner-murdered-and-stuffed-in-garbage-container-in-bangkok/

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TAT joins private sector in organizing "Bangkok Bike 2013"

BANGKOK, 21 March 2013 (NNT) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has joined the private sector in organizing a campaign to encourage more people to ride bicycles.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627417-t-a-t-joins-private-sector-in-organizing-bangkok-bike-2013/

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DSI found corruption in 4 education areas that hosted testing for assistant teachers

BANGKOK, 21 March 2013 (NNT) – The Department of Special Investigation indicated it found acts of corruption in 4 education areas out of the areas that hosted examinations for assistant teachers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627418-d-s-i-found-corruption-in-4-education-areas-that-hosted-testing-for-assistant-teachers/

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Low grade rice banned from rice pledging scheme

BANGKOK, 21 March 2013 (NNT) - The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has announced that 18 low quality rice strains will not be accepted in the government’s rice pledging scheme. To improve the overall quality of Thai rice, new types of rice seeds will be used nationwide.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627419-low-grade-thai-rice-banned-from-pledging-scheme/

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Thai taxman asserts revenue hits target
By English News



BANGKOK, March 21 – The total revenue from this year’s tax collections will reach the targeted amount despite a corporate tax reduction to 20 per cent, leading to the state’s loss of over Bt100 billion, according to the director general of the Revenue Department.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627420-thai-taxman-asserts-revenue-hits-target/

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Govt won't act to halt baht's rise
Business Reporters
The Nation

Currency hits 16-yr high; govt spending will ease pressure on unit, Kittiratt says

BANGKOK: -- Financial authorities yesterday remained adamant that they would not intervene in the foreign-exchange market despite renewed calls for action from the private sector as the baht strengthened to a 16-year high of 29.14 to the US dollar on waves of capital inflows.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627421-thai-govt-wont-act-to-halt-bahts-rise/

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Police scandal firm "double dipped"
Piyanut Tumnukasetchai
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The Government's Saving Bank (GSB) is considering filing a police complaint against PCC Development and Construction Co (PCC), the firm at the centre of the police station construction scandal, for double dipping.

Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief Tharit Pengdit yesterday said the bank wanted to file a complaint with the DSI after finding irregularities with the PCC collateral account.

PCC allegedly used the same documents to withdraw money deposited in order to send the money to its subsidiary's account.

He cited one construction material order was used to repeatedly withdraw a sum of Bt93 million, while a material order was used to repeatedly withdraw a sum of Bt42 million and the money was sent to PCC's subsidiary, E Built Co.

The firm also allegedly used expenses from other projects, work done before it signed the construction contract with the Royal Thai Police (such as the U-dome, the Eua Arthorn Housing and the Night Safari). It allegedly withdrew construction work installments from its GSB bank account and used fake documents to move the money to its subsidiary account, he said.


-- The Nation 2013-03-21

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Push for charter change 'mired in conflict of interest'
KHANITTHA THEPPHAJORN
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The senatorial clique known as the Group of 40 has threatened to seek judicial review in a bid to block the ruling party's push for charter change.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627422-push-for-thai-charter-change-mired-in-conflict-of-interest/

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THAI TALK
Too many teaching graduates, not enough good teachers
Suthichai Yoon
The Nation


Education Minister Pongthep Thepkanachana

BANGKOK: -- As we keep hearing reports about how Thai students are lagging behind in academic performance compared to their counterparts in the rest of the region, the Education Ministry has just released a report suggesting that we are producing too many teachers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627423-too-many-teaching-graduates-not-enough-good-teachers-thai-talk/

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EDITORIAL
Will we get value for money from spending plan?
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The government is borrowing heavily to finance infrastructure projects; while these are necessary, we must ensure that the process is transparent.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627424-thai-editorial-will-we-get-value-for-money-from-spending-plan/

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Bangkok rates bottom in nation's happiness stakes
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The people of Mae Hong Son are the happiest in the country, while Bangkokians are the least happy, according to the results of an Abac poll released yesterday, which marked the International Day of Happiness.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627426-bangkok-rates-bottom-in-nations-happiness-stakes/

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Is Thailand's Floodplain Plan Realistic?
Written by David Fullbrook

It might be wiser to move the city

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627427-is-thailands-floodplain-plan-realistic/

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RT @ChadapornLin: Police hunting for 30-yr old man who tried to rape 71-yr old woman out searching for her missing granddaughter in BKK

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RT @mpoppel: REU: NORTH KOREA MILITARY THREATENS TO TARGET US AIRBASES IN OKINAWA,

AIRCRAFT CARRIERS - KCNA

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RT @mpoppel: REU: NORTH KOREA MILITARY THREATENS TO TARGET US SUBMARINE BASES IN JAPAN (NOT CARRIERS) -KCNA

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Large haul of drugs seized in Chiang Rai
By English News

CHIANG RAI, March 21 - Thai police arrested an ethnic Hmong man in this northern province Wednesday and seized one million amphetamine pills and 30 kg of ice (methamphetamine) in his possession.

Police said the suspect, identified as Surapong Sae-Song, 22, was apprehended with the amphetamine pills in 10 fertiliser bags and ice in a truck bound for Bangkok.

The suspect was driving along the outer Chiang Rai-Therng route, heading for Nan to avoid the authorities. He was escorted by two cars.

Mr Surapong said he was hired at Bt300,000 to deliver the drugs to an agent in the capital.

Police said the drugs, produced by a group under Lt Col Yi Seng, were brought into Thailand via Doi Wawee in Mae Sruay district of Chiang Rai.

The drugs could fetch up to Bt250 million if successfully distributed, police said. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-03-21

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University produces first amphibious vehicle for flood use
By English News



BANGKOK, March 21 – Thailand’s first amphibious vehicle to brace for floods was unveiled by a leading university in Bangkok on Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627443-leading-university-in-bangkok-produces-first-amphibious-vehicle-for-flood-use/

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Thai stock index opens on Thursday at 1,548.12, up 4.45 points /MCOT

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Princess Maha Chakri opens a meeting in honor of late Queen Grandmother

BANGKOK, 21 March 2013 (NNT) - Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn yesterday morning declared open a technical meeting held as part of the celebrations on the 150th anniversary of the birth of Her Majesty Queen Sri Savarindira, the Queen Grandmother of Thailand, who has been recognized by UNESCO as one of the world’s great personalities.

The meeting, organized at the Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital in Si Racha district, Chonburi province, was aimed at providing a platform for heathcare professionals and hospital personnel in the eastern region to exchange knowledge and experience. It was also attended by representatives from industrial factories and organizations which are located in the province. The meeting was highlighted by two talks, one on “Public health preparations before entering the Asean Economic Community” and the other on “Preparations to deal with accidental hazards in industrial factories in the East”.

Later on the same morning, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn proceeded to the construction site of a blood plasma production center of the Thai Red Cross Society in Tambon Bang Phra, Si Racha district, where Her Royal Highness laid the foundation stone for the building. Once completed, the ‘Plasma Fractionation Plant’ will produce blood plasma that is usually imported at a higher price each year. The plasma fractionation plant will be able to produce three by-products: Albumin, IVIG (intravenous Immunoglobulin), and Factor VIII that are used to treat illnesses such as kidney diseases, cancer, diabetes, hemophilia and chronic autoimmune disorders.

The plant is expected to be completed by 2016 and will be able to produce 200,000 liters of plasma annually, using state-of-the-art technology to be transferred from the Republic of Korea. An agreement to that effect has already been signed between the two countries, in order to reduce the production cost. The project will help patients with blood disorders to thoroughly access an up-to-an-international-standard quality of treatment.

Thereafter, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn proceeded to the district office of Si Racha, in Chonburi province, to unveil a new building named by Her Royal Highness as ‘Si Racha Prachakhom’ or Si Racha community. The building was constructed with money from the provincial administrative organization, as a multi-purpose building for use in royal ceremonies and official functions. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn also graciously permitted the district office to put her initials on the name plaque of the building. On this occasion, Her Royal Highness toured the exhibition featuring important places of Si Racha district which have a history connected with the Royal Family, cultural heritage of Thailand and the One Tambon One Product fair.

Later in the afternoon, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the opening ceremony of a drinking water factory in Sam Khok district, Pathum Thani province. The TTC Siam Drinking Water Company Limited is located on a 33 rai plot of land in Tambon Chiang Rak Noi. It has the capacity of producing 45 million bottles of drinking water per month, both fresh and mineral water, 30 percent of which are for export.

In the evening, Her Royal Highness granted an audience to Mr. Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister, Interior Minister and Minister of Security Affairs of Singapore and his party on the occasion of their visit to Thailand. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn also hosted a dinner reception for the delegation.


-- NNT 2013-03-21

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Why Phuket needs the Russians

PHUKET: -- A Russian guest was so happy recently with the service at a swanky restaurant, where he had been dining with his family, that at the end of the meal he threw a wad of baht notes into the air as a tip for the Thai staff.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627449-why-phuket-needs-the-russians/

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Central bank chief calms concern on baht’s strength
By English News



BANGKOK, March 21 – Thailand’s central bank chief admitted that the Thai baht has strengthened too rapidly, mainly due to speculation and manipulation by currency traders and buyers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627421-thai-govt-wont-act-to-halt-bahts-rise/#entry6224866

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Suvarnabhumi Airport launches road safety campaign

BANGKOK, 21 March 2013 (NNT)-Suvarnabhumi Airport has launched a safety road campaign in collaboration with Suvarnabhumi Airport Police to encourage commuters to drive sensibly around the airport.

According to Suvarnabhumi Airport Deputy Director Itthipol Boonaree, over 125,000 cars visit the airport each day. Reportedly, accidents occur frequently, and the number increases significantly during Songkran Festival.

The road safety campaign is aimed at encouraging commuters to follow traffic rules in an attempt to reduce the number of accidents around the airport and raise the standards of services. Check points have been set up to prevent drunk driving and overspeeding; from now until April 18th, 2013.


-- NNT 2013-03-21

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RT @mpoppel: REU: TWO ROCKETS FROM GAZA SLAM INTO SOUTHERN ISRAEL DURING OBAMA

VISIT - POLICE

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Bangkok Election Commission postpones discussion on city poll complaints
By English News



BANGKOK, March 21 – Seven complaints involving the March 3 Bangkok gubernatorial election are pending review by the Bangkok Election Commission (EC) as the 30-day deadline is drawing closer.

Bangkok EC chairman Taweesak Tuchinda said Wednesday that the commission already submitted two complaints to the Central EC for its final decision while the seven pending complaints will be discussed by the Central EC soon.

One of the seven complaints, filed by Green Politics Group coordinator Suriyasai Katasila, also a core leader of the Yellow Shirt group, charged Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra with abusing her authority by campaigning for Pongsapat Pongcharoen, candidate No 9, during working hours.

She allegedly visited the First Infantry Department and was welcomed by senior army officers during the campaign. The Bangkok EC unanimously agreed to accept Mr Suriyasai’s complaint for consideration.

Another complaint was lodged by Ruangkrai Leekitwatana and Winyat Chartmontri who charged Bangkok candidate Sukhumbhand Paribatra and some Democrat Party executives for slandering rival candidate Pongsapat.

The Bangkok EC chairman promised to speed up the agency's discussion of the two complaints but would not say if it will be finished by April 2 – the final day of the deadline.

Whether consideration of the complaints is completed within the deadline or not, the Central EC is required to announce its endorsement of the Bangkok gubernatorial election results by April 3, while discussion of the pending complaints can carry on despite the new governor taking office.

Regarding news of his desire to quit the Bangkok EC chairmanship, Pol Lt Gen Taweesak said he merely intended to leave the job but he decided to remain in the position until one of the five commissioners steps into his shoes. He named Supote Paiboon as his successor. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-03-21

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Chiang Mai steps up law enforcement to reduce burning.
By English News

CHIANG MAI, March 21-Concerned authorities are now tightening measures to control all kinds of burning as this northern city is now clogged with smog which is already affecting the health of local residents.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627505-chiang-mai-steps-up-law-enforcement-to-reduce-burning/

[Lite Beer]

AIR QUALITY
Haze worsens in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai authorities held an urgent meeting on Thursday to discuss solutions after thick haze blanketed the downtown area and the concentration of dust particles exceeded safe standards.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627505-chiang-mai-steps-up-law-enforcement-to-reduce-burning/#entry6225517

[Lite Beer]

Three-month-old baby elephant found dead in Salak Phra forest, Kanchanaburi; investigation underway /MCOT