Thailand Live Friday 19 Apr 2013

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WORLD COURT
Govt downplays ICJ query
Supalak Ganjanakhundee,
Pakorn Puengnetr,
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation
The Hague


Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul and Defence Minister Sukampol Suwannathat talk with Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf of the International Court of Justice after Wednesday

Experts praise Thai team's performance at Preah Vihear hearing

THE HAGUE: -- The question raised by Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf after Wednesday's International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearing on the "vicinity" of Preah Vihear Temple reflected a personal interest of the judge, but sent no significant signals regarding the case, Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/633743-experts-praise-thai-teams-performance-at-preah-vihear-hearing/

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UPDATE:
CHARTER AMENDMENT
Chalerm offers his own version of reconciliation bill
The Nation

BANGKOK: - Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung said yesterday that he would propose his own version of the reconciliation bill, which will be beneficial for all sides and bring about true peace.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/633651-chalerm-offers-his-own-version-of-reconciliation-bill/#entry6315922

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SPECIAL REPORT
Romanian expert becomes star at the ICJ
Supalak Ganjanakhundee,
Budsarakham Sinlapalavan
The Nation
The Hague


Miron

THE HAGUE: -- Alina Miron, co-counsel on the Thai legal team that is presenting the country's case in the Preah Vihear land dispute before the world court, smiled in surprise when told she had become a celebrity in Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/633740-thai-legal-team-romanian-expert-becomes-star-at-the-i-c-j/

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Bangkok Police confirms 2013 Songkran celebrations ended without safety hiccup

BANGKOK, 19 April 2013 (NNT) – As the annual Songkran holidays drew to an end, the capital police have come out to confirm that all houses put under its surveillance have been safe from theft and burglary during the celebration period.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/633738-bangkok-police-confirms-2013-songkran-celebrations-ended-without-safety-hiccup/

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PREAH VIHEAR CONTROVERSY
Cambodia-backed map was 'never endorsed'
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Previous governments led by the Thai Rak Thai and People Power parties never accepted the 1:200,000-scale map used by Cambodia to make its case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Preah Vihear dispute, a legal adviser to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/633744-preah-vihear-cambodia-backed-map-was-never-endorsed-by-thai-rak-thai-and-people-power-parties/

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UPDATE:
AMNESTY
Amnesty bill tops House agenda
Khanittha Thepphajorn
The Nation


Democrat MP Attaporn Pollabutr holds up a sign

Bill to be taken up in August; MPs, senators back decision on vetting charter change bills

BANGKOK: -- The House of Representatives yesterday voted to move the amnesty bill proposed by Pheu Thai MP Worachai Hema to the top of the agenda. The move was preceded by hours of debate by the opposition, describing how the law would only benefit fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and how it would lead to rifts among people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/633587-pheu-thai-in-bid-to-push-up-amnesty-bill/#entry6315958

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Demographic shifts that will affect Thailand's future
Caspar Peek
Special to The Nation


Young boys in colourful costumes offer prayer during a Buddhist novice ordination rite at Wat Hua Wiang temple in Mae Hong Song province, northern Thailand, on April 3.

BANGKOK: -- Walk around a busy shopping mall anywhere in Thailand on a Saturday afternoon and you may think that this is a youthful country. Scores of young people shopping, hanging out; many young couples with children. Where are the old people, you might ask?

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/633745-opinion-demographic-shifts-that-will-affect-thailands-future/

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Phuket Tiger Disco fire charges parried, delayed
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- The Phuket Chief Public Prosecutor’s attempt to levy a series of charges against Tiger Group CEO Piya Isaramalai and Sara Entertainment Co Ltd after a fatal blaze killed four people at Patong’s famous Tiger Disco nightclub on August 17 have been delayed for a second time.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/633746-phuket-tiger-disco-fire-charges-parried-delayed/

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SONGKRAN HOLIDAYS
Fatalities rise as crashes get worse
WANNAPA KHAOPA,
TANATPONG KONGSAI
THE NATION



Academic blames rising number of deaths on roadside obstacles, ineffective laws

BANGKOK: -- Traffic accidents over long holidays have gone down over the past few years, but fatalities remain stubbornly high because the crashes have become more severe, an academic said yesterday as the death toll hit 321 in the seven dangerous days of Songkran.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/633747-songkran-holidays-fatalities-rise-as-crashes-get-worse/

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PM calls for CCTV surveillance system integration in Deep South
Pimnara Pradubwit,
Pares Lohasan
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Thursday called a meeting on the southern unrest and pressed for the integration of the CCTV surveillance system for better and more efficient coverage, a security official said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/633748-thailands-yingluck-calls-for-c-c-t-v-surveillance-system-integration-in-deep-south/

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Candidates mulled
THANATPONG KONGSAI
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- Two-time Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra is considering some 20 qualified candidates for deputy city clerk after Jumpol Sumpaopol submitted his resignation early this month to start serving as a deputy governor.

"I will nominate the new deputy city clerk after Jumpol's resignation receives royal endorsement," he said without disclosing any names.

Krungthep Thanakom, the project management unit of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, would also arrange for the selection of new board members soon, he said.

Although the incumbent board's term still runs for another year, its members are expected to step down soon to allow the newly elected Bangkok governor to make any changes.

One of his deputies, Amorn Kitchawengkul, is the ex-managing director of Krungthep Thanakom.


-- The Nation 2013-04-19

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BURNING ISSUE
Will Democrats heed reform call before it's too late?
Samudcha Hoonsara
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The opposition Democrat Party is struggling in its effort to beat the country's No 1 party, which has dominated the "market" with its "populism" brand, to which the public has increasingly become addicted, securing the party its leading position.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/633749-will-thai-democrats-heed-reform-call-before-its-too-late/

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Thailand's farmer-friendly rice subsidy backfires
By Bruce Einhorn

file photo

BANGKOK: -- Until last year, business was good for Charoen Laothamatas, the president of Thai rice exporter Uthai Produce. With Thailand dominating the global market for rice exports, Uthai enjoyed strong demand. In 2012, though, Charoen had to cut his workforce by 40 percent.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/633752-thailands-farmer-friendly-rice-subsidy-backfires/

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Two Elephants fight to the death at Jomtien Elephant Park



PATTAYA: -- On Thursday Morning two male elephants fought to the death at a popular Elephant Park in Na-Jomtien as workers and tourists looked on, powerless to stop the two large mammals who were reportedly fighting over a female elephant who was ready to mate.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/633753-two-elephants-fight-to-the-death-at-jomtien-elephant-park/

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Musharraf takes flight from court
Khurrum Anis and Haris Anwar

KARACHI: -- Former Pakistani military leader Pervez Musharraf and his army guards fled a court in Islamabad after judges had revoked a bail agreement preventing his arrest on charges relating to the 2007 declaration of emergency rule.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/633754-former-pakistani-military-leader-musharraf-takes-flight-from-court/

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Body Of Tourist Discovered On Jomtien Beach

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/633646-body-of-tourist-discovered-on-jomtien-beach/

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PROPERTY SCENE
Out-bound investments grow as buyers look to resort residences, provincial markets
Aliwassa Pathnadabutr



BANGKOK: -- The trend we have seen since the beginning of this year is the growth in outbound investments to provincial cities and key resort markets. As many have already heavily invested in Bangkok and options are becoming exhausted, it is only reasonable to look to other markets.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/633758-out-bound-investments-grow-as-buyers-look-to-resort-residences-provincial-markets/

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UPDATE

Surveillance Video Related to Boston Bombings

Suspects (FBI posters)

http://www.fbi.gov/news/updates-on-investigation-into-multiple-explosions-in-boston/seeking-information-posters

-- FBI 2013-04-19

http://www.fbi.gov/news/updates-on-investigation-into-multiple-explosions-in-boston/updates-on-investigation-into-multiple-explosions-in-boston

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HM the King receives visiting King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain

BANGKOK, 19 April 2013 (NNT) - At the Chalerm Phra Kiat Building, Siriraj Hospital, yesterday (April 18) at 17.01 hrs, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej had a meeting with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, on the occasion of the latter’s official visit to Thailand from April 18-20, at the invitation of the Royal Thai Government.

Accompanying the Bahraini King during the meeting were his son, His Highness Shaikh Nassar bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the Bahraini Ambassador to Thailand, Mr. Adel Yousif Sater, while Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and the Thai Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Mr. Wichai Warasirikul were also present at the scene.

During the visit, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa conveyed his wish, as well as those of the Bahraini people, for His Majesty the King’s good health and happiness. HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa said he has been impressed by the Thai people’s loyalty shown toward His Majesty the King, who is the center of unity and cooperation of the Kingdom of Thailand. The visiting monarch also praised the close Thai-Bahraini relationship as seen in the exchange of visits between the two royal families and the existing bilateral cooperation in trade and investment. HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa also mentioned the popularity of Thai goods in Bahrain, particularly food and rice exported to his country.

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa added that the Kingdom of Bahrain currently gives much importance to the development of education, human resources and society, and particularly women’s roles and religious freedom. He also expressed thanks and appreciation to the members of the Thai community in Bahrain for their contributions to the Kingdom of Bahrain’s development march.

His Majesty King Bhumibol, in his response, admired the warmth of friendship that the Bahraini people have shown to Thailand and that it was a great pleasure for him to meet and discuss with the Bahraini King on the outstanding Thai-Bahraini relations of friendship and cooperation.


-- NNT 2013-04-19

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Pawn shops see business surge by people broke after Songkran

BURIRAM 19 April 2013 (NNT) – Pawn shops are seeing an increase in business as the Songkran festival dies down and people find themselves less endowed than they were just a couple days earlier.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/633770-buriram-pawn-shops-see-business-surge-by-people-broke-after-songkran/

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4,691 people ordered under probation from drunken driving offenses during Songkran

BANGKOK 19 April 2013 (NNT) – The Probation Department is supervising activities for the benefit of society, being undertaken by those arrested for drunk driving during the Songkran holiday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/633771-4691-people-ordered-under-probation-from-drunken-driving-offenses-during-songkran/

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Nongkhai wrecked by storms

Nongkhai, April 19, (NNT) The Tha Bor District Chief in Nongkhai Province has said that heavy storms have hit the area, damaging homes and felling trees.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/633773-nong-khai-wrecked-by-storms/

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Thai stock index opens on Friday at 1,535.77, up 6.01 points /MCOT

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Strong baht deters Thai industrial exports
By English News



BANGKOK, April 19 – The rising Thai baht, now less than Bt29 to the dollar, has dipped the value of Thailand’s industrial exports by more than Bt35.48 billion (US$1.22 billion) in the first two months of this year, according to the Ministry of Industry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/633778-strong-baht-deters-thai-industrial-exports/

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RT @ReutersIndia: Quake with preliminary magnitude of 7.0 hits northern Japan - NHK

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Phuket Justice: Hope fades for finding Jintana's executioners
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- Police officers’ hopes are dissipating as they once again turn to the public for help in finding the executioners of Jintana Mahattanapak, who was shot in the head on her way home from work in January.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/633783-phuket-justice-hope-fades-for-finding-jintanas-executioners/

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Yarang district police inspector shot dead in Pattani while conducting investigation /MCOT

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Thailand prepared for final statement on Phra Viharn case
By English News



THE HAGUE, April 19 -- Thailand is ready to present its final statement on the Phra Viharn (Preah Vihear) case at the Internatioanal Court of Justice (ICJ), to counter arguments made by Cambodia in its final oral statement on Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/633743-experts-praise-thai-teams-performance-at-preah-vihear-hearing/#entry6316598

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Murdered foreigner's body found dumped in bags in Chainat

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/633793-murdered-foreigners-body-found-dumped-in-bags-in-chinat/

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Chuwit's youngest son robbed while walking home



BANGKOK: -- Yesterday, Chuwit Kamolvisit, leader of the Rak Thailand Party, brought his youngest son Tortrakul Kamolvisit to the Din Daeng police station to give testimony regarding a robbery committed against him on April 15.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/633799-chuwits-youngest-son-robbed-while-walking-home/