Thailand Live Monday 25 Mar 2013

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UN staff to aid survivors after refugee-camp fire
Waratthaya Chailangkarn
Somjit Roongcharmrassami
Tanpisit Lerdbamrungchai



Those who escaped inferno - including many children - left traumatised, aid groups say; victim identification ongoing

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627865-fire-kills-27-at-mae-hong-son-refugee-camp/?p=6237103#entry6237103

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VIDEO

One Of North Thailands Best Road Trips - 8 Miles From Home

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/628231-one-of-north-thailands-best-road-trips-8-miles-from-home/

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CONSTITUTION
Govt to push for article by article change
Somroutai Sapsomboon,
Prapasri Osathanon,
Praphan Jindalertudomdee

The Nation

Pheu Thai seen acting on advice from Thaksin

BANGKOK: -- The government has opted to push for constitutional amendment by individual articles after its efforts to have the post-coup charter replaced by a new one ran into strong opposition.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/628312-thai-constitution-govt-to-push-for-article-by-article-change/

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Govt says loan bill report transparent, runs to 268 pages and over 100 projects
Nuntida Puangthong,
Chanikarn Phumhiran,
Wattana Khamchu
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The Democrats' attempts to fault the government in regard to the Bt2.2-trillion loan bill are unjustified, Deputy Government Spokeswoman Sunisa Lertpakawat said yesterday. "The Democrats are making a number of groundless allegations against the government," she said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/628313-thai-govt-says-loan-bill-report-transparent-runs-to-268-pages-and-over-100-projects/

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HEALTH CARE REFORM
Plan to change health funding
Chularat Saengpassa
The Nation



New body a threat to status quo: Jon Is a new agency key to a better public health system?

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/628318-plan-to-change-thailands-health-care-funding/

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Kittiratt, Korn to face-off over economy
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong and former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij will share a stage for the first time in a debate organised by Nation Group and Nation University.

To be held at Shangri-La Hotel on April 18, the debate on "The Future of the Thai Economy" will be moderated by Nation Multimedia Group chairman Suthichai Yoon, and will draw their views on the Kingdom's economic future. Up for debate are hot issues like the Bt2 trillion borrowing bill.

"This is a must-observe debate for all executives, as the economic chiefs of the government and the opposition will exchange views on every economic issue face to face, not through the media as before. Given their role in shaping economic policies, this will shed light on the country's economic future and serve as guidelines for all in shaping their organisations' strategies," Suthichai said.

Participants in the debate will help raise funds for Nation University.

-- The Nation 2013-03-25

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Five senior police transferred

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Five senior police have been abruptly transferred from two stations in Bangkok after more than 100 commandos rounded up over 300 gamblers from dens in Phra Khanong and Watthana districts on Saturday night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/628320-five-senior-bangkok-police-officers-transferred-gambling-dens/

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Phongthep backs student visas, with longer stay till graduation
Wannapa Khaopa
The Nation
Hanoi, Vietnam

BANGKOK: -- Education Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana said he wants to introduce student visas, and that such visas should allow foreign students to remain in Thailand until they graduate, rather than for renewable one-year periods as is the current practice.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/628322-phongthep-backs-student-visas-with-longer-stay-in-thailand-until-graduation/

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Seven army rangers wounded in Pattani bombing
The Nation
Pattani

PATTANI: -- Seven rangers were wounded, two of them critically, when a motorcycle bomb exploded in Sai Buri district yesterday.

The seven men from the 42nd Ranger Regiment were patrolling on Panare-Sai Buri Rd at around 10.30am.

The body and neck of Surat Kongkaew, 26, were pierced by shrapnel, while Kamron Pakddee was hit in the back. Both were receiving treatment at Pattani Hospital.

The five other victims suffered minor injuries.

The rangers' pickup truck was severely damaged. All glass parts were shattered, all tyres flattened and the body riddled with holes.

According to police's preliminary investigation, the attackers must have seen the rangers' vehicle approaching and triggered the device planted inside the motorbike parked beside the road. Security officials believe the ambush was meant to fan unrest in the deep South.

In another incident, Roseh Mareusoh, 63, was shot dead while walking back from a mosque.

Just about 100 metres before reaching his home, Roseh was sprayed with fire by an unidentified man.

Police believe the attack was related to insurgent activity that has plagued the southernmost provinces for about one decade in its latest incarnation.

Another fatal shooting was reported, but police have not ruled out a personal conflict as the motive.

The wife of Mada-o Matae, 38, said they were at home when a friend knocked on their door early in the morning. When Mada-o went outside, a conversation started but it ended with gunfire.

Mada-o was shot five times and died on the spot.


-- The Nation 2013-03-25

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'Ignoring court advice may ignite protests'
Busarakham Sinlapalavan
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thammasat University will warn the government not to ignore the Constitution Court's advice to hold a public referendum on rewriting the Constitution as that could rekindle political protests.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/628324-ignoring-court-advice-may-ignite-protests-referendum-on-rewriting-the-constitution/

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Man trapped in Thailand for four years is back home

PILLING: -- A MAN locked in a legal battle trapping him in Thailand for nearly four years is back on British soil.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/628326-british-man-trapped-in-thailand-for-four-years-is-back-home/

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Body of murdered woman left in lake close to Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- The body of a 47 year old woman was discovered in a small lake in Sriracha District, close to Pattaya on Sunday Morning and Police suspect she was murdered.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/628329-body-of-murdered-woman-left-in-lake-close-to-pattaya/

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Strong baht to wreak havoc on Thai auto industry
By English News



BANGKOK, March 25 – The rapid appreciation of the baht combined with a labour shortage may inflict a serious blow on Thailand's automotive industry as some companies mull relocating their production bases to Indonesia, according to a Thai industrialist.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/628342-strong-baht-to-wreak-havoc-on-thai-auto-industry/

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,499.23, up 20.26 points /MCOT

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Ankle bracelet monitoring hits Thailand
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- In an announcement made yesterday, the Ministry of Justice revealed that it had approved the use of electronic monitoring for criminals, meaning that Thai wrongdoers can now be tracked through the use of ankle bracelets, wristbands and other high-tech paraphernalia.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/628366-ankle-bracelet-monitoring-for-criminals-hits-thailand/

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HM the King pays homage to the late Prince Father and Princess Mother

BANGKOK, 25 March 2013 (NNT) – His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Sunday paid a visit to the statues of the Prince Father, the Princess Mother and King Rama V, within the compound of Siriraj Hospital.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, at 16:45 hours, made his way down from the 16th floor of Siriraj Hospital's Chalermphrakiat Building, to pay respect to the statues of the Prince of Songkla, Princess Mother Srinagarindra and King Chulalongkorn respectively.

His Majesty also went to see the Jacaranda tree, locally known as Si Trang, which he planted on August 6th, 2011, in the hospital’s compound.

Along the way, His Majesty was welcomed by well wishers with their cheers of “Long Live the King” as they were happy to catch a glimpse of the monarch and to see him in good health.

Later on, His Majesty the King, joined by his favorite pet dog, Khun Thong Daeng, proceeded by car to Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital located by the Chao Phraya River to watch the scenic view of the river and have a riverside dinner.


-- NNT 2013-03-25

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RT @tulsathit: Criminal Court has dropped Central World arson case against 2 red shirts, citing insufficient evidence.

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Greenpeace goes over the edge to protest Krabi coal plant
Phuket Gazette


Greenpeace activists up in the air to protest proposed coal plant in Krabi. Photo: Greenpeace

PHUKET: -- Hanging from the cliffs of Railay Bay in Krabi (view here), east of Phuket, Greenpeace activists staged a dramatic protest against the Thai government’s plan to build coal power plants across Thailand, including an 800 Megawatt plant in Krabi.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/628384-greenpeace-goes-over-the-edge-to-protest-krabi-coal-plant/

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Bail revocation sought for Thai police officers in missing Saudi case
By Digital Media



BANGKOK, March 25 – The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) today sought a Criminal Court order to revoke bail for five Thai police officers implicated in the murder of a Saudi Arabian businessman in Bangkok in 1990.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/628410-bail-revocation-sought-for-thai-police-officers-in-missing-saudi-case/

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Two walking British tourists killed by crash in Koh Samui

By Coconuts Bangkok


Roads in Koh Samui are some of the most dangerous in Thailand. Photo: Coconuts Bangkok

KOH SAMUI: -- Two British men were reportedly hit and killed by an out of control truck while walking along a road in Koh Samui on March 23.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/628411-two-walking-british-tourists-killed-by-crash-in-koh-samui/

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Senator files charge against Constitution Court judges over "careless" ruling

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/628453-samak-disqualification-ruling-queried/

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Judges finally agree to implement UN's rules on female inmates

Thai judges have finally agreed to implement the United Nations' rules on the treatment of female convicts, after years of pressure by international organizations.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/628427-judges-finally-agree-to-implement-uns-rules-on-female-inmates/

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Criminal Court dismisses fire-related charges for 2 Red Shirt defendants in CentralWorld case, but sentences both to 9 months jail for violating emergency decree /MCOT

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Mae Hong Son expects new refugee camp to be complete in one month after part of camp destroyed by fire /MCOT

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Thailand, Papua New Guinea foster trade, investment, education ties
By Digital Media

PORT MORESBY, March 25 – Thailand and Papua New Guinea today signed initial agreements on bilateral trade, investment and educational cooperation.

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her Papua New Guinea counterpart Peter O’Neil told a news conference that the two countries will work closely to boost investment in various fields including energy, infrastructure and tourism.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of two memorandums of understanding which will lead to future dialogues and technical cooperation.

Mr O’Neil reaffirmed his country’s strong interest in having Thai business investment in the South Pacific island country, especially in energy exploration and infrastructure development.

He urged Thailand to increase direct flights between Bangkok and Port Moresby and provide tourism expertise to his country.

He called for an annual Thai-Papua New Guinean meeting, and said he will make an official visit to Thailand soon.

Ms Yingluck said Thai business operators will be encouraged to invest more in the island nation, while experts in various fields will be assigned to help it develop.

The Thai premier is scheduled to return to Thailand today after having visited both New Zealand and Papua New Guinea for several days. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-03-25

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Thai court acquits two Red Shirts of torching mall

BANGKOK, March 25, 2013 (AFP) - Two supporters of Thailand's "Red Shirt" protest movement were acquitted Monday of setting fire to a huge shopping mall during mass anti-government rallies that rocked Bangkok in 2010.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/628449-thai-court-acquits-two-red-shirts-of-torching-central-world-mall/

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UPDATE

Court postpones bail hearing for suspects in Saudi case
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court Monday postponed to next week a hearing on the Department of Special Investigation's request for bail revocation against two suspects in the case of abduction and murder of a Saudi businessman.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/628410-bail-revocation-sought-for-thai-police-officers-in-missing-saudi-case/#entry6238700

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Criminal Court schedules April 19 to hear Kokaew's bail
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court Monday scheduled April 19 for Pheu Thai MP Kokaew Pikulthong to hear its decision on whether to allow him to be released on bail.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/628459-criminal-court-schedules-april-19-to-hear-kokaews-bail/

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120,000 police, volunteers mobilised for public security during Songkran; 12,000 additional checkpoints nationwide on top of 2,554 existing checkpoints /MCOT

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Missing Russian diver found dead in Phuket

Nattha Thepbamrung

PHUKET: -- The body of a Russian tourist who went missing while diving on Friday (March 22) was found floating this morning off Kata beach at about 8am, apparently drowned.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/628464-missing-russian-diver-found-dead-in-phuket/