Thailand Live Monday 22 Apr 2013

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WBC

Events to mark Bangkok becoming World Book Capital

The Nation

Suthichai Yoon, left, chairman of Nation Multimedia Group, moderates a seminar

BANGKOK: -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has kicked off a year-long series of activities to celebrate the city's status as World Book Capital 2013.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634345-events-to-mark-bangkok-becoming-world-book-capital/

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WORLD COURT
Heroes' welcome for legal team returning from Hague trial
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Thai legal team heading up last week's legal argument before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague over the disputed land along the Thai-Cambodian border was given a warm welcome as it arrived home at Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634340-heroes-welcome-for-thai-legal-team-returning-from-hague-trial/

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CHIANG MAI'S BY-ELECTION
Yaowapa wins Chiang Mai's by-election
Janjira Jarusuphawat,
Praphaporn Kreu-ngiew
The Nation
Chiang Mai


Yaowapa

CHIANG MAI: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's elder sister Yaowapa Wongsawat, who is the Pheu Thai Party candidate for the by-election in Chiang Mai, has officially won the Doi Saket district in Constituency 3.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634341-yaowapa-wins-chiang-mais-by-election/

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PREAH VIHEAR CONTROVERSY
Focus on reply to court
Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation


Virachai Plasai, left, the Thai ambassador to the Netherlands and leader of the Thai delegation to the world court.

Thai legal team to discuss response to judge about 'vicinity' of temple

THE HAGUE: -- Thailand's legal team for the Preah Vihear case will this week concentrate on the question raised by Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf after the hearing session about the 'vicinity' of the temple. The question was simple but the answer is complicated, officials in the team said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634344-thai-legal-team-to-discuss-response-to-i-c-j-judge-about-vicinity-of-preah-vihear-temple/

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AMNESTY PROPOSAL

Latest bill would cover lese majeste

Opas Boonlom

The Nation

Pheu Thai MP's draft also includes those convicted of torching city halls

BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai MP for Samut Prakan Vorachai Haema has unveiled his own amnesty bill, which will be read by Parliament in August. It differs from existing amnesty bills in its proposal that those convicted of lese majeste offences from September 19, 2006 to May 2010 would be granted amnesty along with protesters jailed for burning down provincial halls in various provinces.

The proposed bill would affect at least seven major cases, including those of former Voice of Taksin magazine editor Somyos Prueksakasemsuk, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison last December for two articles allegedly written by someone else; and red-shirt Daranee Chancherngsilpapreechakul, aka "Da Torpedo", who was sentenced to 15 years in jail for comments she made at a rally at Sanam Luang in 2008. She is the only known female lese majeste detainee.

Somyos told the court at his trial that former Thai Rak Thai executive Jakrapob Penkae was the author of the two articles over which he has been jailed. He was nevertheless sentenced and is fighting his case in the Appeals Court. Somyos' requests for bail have been denied 13 times.

Another who will benefit if the bill is passed into law is Surachai Danwattanusorn, a leader of the Red Siam group of left-wing red shirts, who is currently serving five lese majeste sentences amounting to 12 years and six months in jail. Surachai is seeking a royal pardon.

Under Vorachai's bill, five protesters sentenced to prison for setting fire to the Udon Thani Provincial Hall on May 19, 2006 would also be granted amnesty. The same goes for four people sentenced to jail for 33 years and four months for burning the Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Hall and three people sentenced to jail for burning down Khon Kaen Provincial Hall and the NBT station in the same province.

In Mukdahan, 13 people were handed 20-year jail terms for burning down the provincial hall. They would benefit from the bill too but are now out on bail.

-- The Nation 2013-04-22

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Private involvement urged as a way to prevent graft in Bt2-trillion plan
Achara Deboonme
The Nation


Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong, right, former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij, left, with moderator Nation Multimedia Group Chairman Suthichai Yoon, centre, at the Nation Group-hosted debate last week.

BANGKOK: -- Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong has been urged to strengthen collaboration with the private sector to prevent corruption in the government's Bt2-trillion infrastructure investment programme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634346-private-involvement-urged-as-a-way-to-prevent-graft-in-bt2-trillion-plan/

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EDITORIAL
Just a thin line between caution and paranoia
The Nation

Channel 3 has raised eyebrows again by reportedly censoring dialogue in another soap opera

BANGKOK: -- Dr Jekyll and Mr Hide of TV Channel 3 continue to baffle us. According to reports, the latest self-censorship by the TV station has some parts of dialogue "silenced" in a romantic comedy when it comes to corruption by a fictional agricultural business giant. But just when we start wondering again if Channel 3 has turned into an oversensitive media outlet, when it comes to the powers-that-be, some evidence of the station's "insensitivity" hits us right between the eyes, virtually every day.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634347-just-a-thin-line-between-caution-and-paranoia-thai-editorial/

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Five-year deadline 'can't be met'
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation



Govt's dams, flood plans face tough obstacles, RID warns

BANGKOK: -- It will be impossible for the government to meet the five-year deadline for its ambitious Bt350-billion water and flood management plans - as at least 16 dam projects face environmental hurdles and strong opposition from local communities, according to the Royal Irrigation Department (RID).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634348-five-year-deadline-for-thai-govts-water-management-plans-cant-be-met/

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Temperature reading to spot H7N9 flu virus 'unnecessary'
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Strict screening of people for the H7N9 virus using body temperature detectors is unwarranted as there is no clear evidence that this type of bird flu can be transmitted from human to human, the Public Health Ministry said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634350-temperature-reading-to-spot-h7n9-flu-virus-unnecessary-thai-health-ministry/

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Probe into life-saving drug sought
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A Bt10-million batch of life-saving heart-disease medicine that is about to expire in October will be going to the universal healthcare scheme, raising questions over why it has been held in inventory for so long.

Boonchai Somboonsuk, secretary-general of the Food and Drug Administration and a member of the board of the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO), said recently that several board members have proposed the setting up of a fact-finding committee to look into the matter.

According to a GPO board resolution, this lot of Clopidogrel will be distributed to the National Health Security Office (NHSO) for use in its scheme.

NHSO spokesman Atthaporn Limpanyalert said Clopidogrel, which can inhibit blood clots and is used by heart patients especially stent users, is usually procured under compulsory licensing by the GPO before delivery to the NHSO.

"We make a purchase contract for the medicine with the GPO every year," he said. However, one lot had quality problems and had to be returned and replaced.

"We have been informed that the GPO was worried that the new lot from its supplier in India might not arrive in time, so it decided to buy a lot from a Thai firm. After the purchase was made, the legal team of the GPO warned that the lot could constitute a legal violation. This firm is not covered in the L/C contract," Atthaporn said.

"That's why the lot had been kept at the GPO for a long time."


-- The Nation 2013-04-22

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Learning languages of region is critical
Wannapa Khaopa
The Nation



Experts warn if Thais don't prepare their communication skills now, they'll struggle when the AEC takes off

BANGKK: -- Learn the languages of our neighbouring countries today or be losers tomorrow. This is not an overstatement given that the Asean Economic Community (AEC) is going to create one economic community for citizens from 10 countries.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634351-if-thais-dont-prepare-their-communication-skills-now-they-will-struggle-when-a-e-c-takes-off/

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CAMPUS UPDATE
Thai stroke device wins awards in Geneva
The Nation


Watchara

A Thai inventor has won prizes from an international inventions exhibition recently in Switzerland.

BANGKOK: - New Innovation of Early Detected Ischemic Stroke Device Reach to Community invented by Watchara Kaewmahanin, a lecturer at Biomedical Research Unit in Cardiovascular Sciences of Faculty of Allied Health Sciences at Naresuan University won a special prize on stage and Geneva bronze prize at the 41st International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634352-thai-stroke-device-wins-awards-in-geneva/

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Cambodian Seamstress Brutally Murdered In Rayong

The body of a brutally beaten 40-year-old Cambodian woman was found chained to a bicycle near a trash area in Rayong. A fertilizer bag covered her head and battered face. A nearby resident said she heard a woman screaming at 3 a.m., but did not go outside to check.

RAYONG – April 21, 2013 [PDN]: at 7 a.m., a report of a woman’s body being found near the trash area opposite of soi Samrit, Paknam, Muang, Rayong, was received by Pol. Lt. Col. Mitchai Singhakarn, special detective officer, of Muang Rayong police station.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634354-cambodian-seamstress-brutally-murdered-in-rayong/

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Proposed border fee for Canadians ruffles snowbird feathers

TORONTO, Canada - The United States government wants Canadians to pay to enter the United States to help ease their desperate financial situation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634355-u-s-government-wants-canadians-to-pay-to-enter-the-united-states/

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Expat discovered buried under Koh Samui home



KOH SAMUI: -- Neighbours of a Koh Samui Villa saw Police digging around the foundations of the house this weekend, as they discovered the skeletal remains of a body, thought to have been buried under the home over two years ago.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634357-expat-discovered-buried-under-koh-samui-home/

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Thai auto production to reach 3 million units in 4 years
By English News



BANGKOK, April 22 – Thailand has targeted auto production at 2.55 million units this year and a jump to three million units in the next four years, a senior Commerce Ministry official said.

Srirat Rastapana, director general of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), said Thailand ranks No. 1 as the world’s manufacturer of one-tonne pick-up trucks and No. 9 for vehicles.

Exports of automobiles, motorcycles and parts in the first two months of this year were reported at Bt123 billion, she said, adding that the country’s rapid expansion was mainly due to its geographic advantage as a manufacturing base, highly skilled labour and the government’s successive support of the industry.

To promote and stimulate the auto industry in Thailand, the DITP has cooperated with the Thai Autoparts Manufacturers Association and auto industrialists in organising ‘Thailand Auto Parts and Accessories’ (TAPA) to be held in Bangkok on April 28-May 1 next year, she said.

More than 400 manufacturers in Thailand and other countries including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, China and Vietnam will join the trade exhibition. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-04-22

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RT @191Thailand: Two Thai teenagers were killed & 5 others injured when a grenade they were playing with exploded (Bangkok Post)

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,558.06 up 12.60 points /MCOT

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'Only God Forgives' competing at Cannes, official poster released
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Ryan Gosling Bangkok crime film “Only God Forgives” will compete for the Palm d'Or at the 68th annual Cannes Film Festival in France this May.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634388-ryan-gosling-bangkok-crime-film-only-god-forgives-competing-at-cannes-film-festival/

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Korkaew's release ends, bail denied /Bangkok Post

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PM Yingluck back to work

Bangkok, 22 April, (NNT) Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who has reportedly recovered from the weekend food poisoning, arrived at the government house this morning, getting ready for an afternoon briefing by the Thai Phra Viharn Legal Team.

The premier earlier met with Mongolian Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Mr. Chimeddorj Battumur, before taping her special television program regarding her official visit to Mongolia, and her participation in the 22nd ASEAN Summit in Brunei Darussalam.

Later on in the afternoon, Ms. Yingluck is scheduled to meet with the Thai legal representatives in the Phra Viharn dispute case, which includes Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul and Thai Ambassador to the Netherlands, Weerachai Palasai.


-- NNT 2013-04-22

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Court rejects bail by by Pheu Thai MP, UDD leader Korkaew, charged with intimidating Constitution Court judges, inciting unrest /MCOT

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Two foreigners dead in Phuket big bike smashes

Tanyaluk Sakoot

Mr Loh's Kawasaki lies at the side of the road after the smash. Photo: Golf Thairath

PHUKET: -- A 33-year-old Briton wearing only a pair of blue shorts died just after midnight this morning (April 22) when he overshot the bend near Wat Tai on Chao Fa East Rd and smashed into the guard rail.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634405-briton-and-malaysian-die-in-separate-phuket-big-bike-smashes/

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Anti-peace talks banners surface across Thailand's restive South
By English News



NARATHIWAT, April 22 - Banners against the peace dialogue between the Thai government and insurgent movements have appeared in dozens of districts across Thailand's restive southern border region.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634428-anti-peace-talks-banners-surface-across-thailands-restive-south/

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Transport Min on road show in Thailand's Northeast

BANGKOK, 22 April 2013(NNT) – The Transport Ministry is on a road show in the northeastern part of Thailand to clearly elucidate the government’s 2-trillion-baht infrastructure project to the people. The mega-project aims to uplift the country’s logistics system and connect Thailand to other ASEAN countries.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634432-transport-min-on-road-show-in-thailands-northeast/

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Insurgency crackdown heats up as peace dialogues continue
By English News



BANGKOK, April 22 – Peace talks on resolving violence in Thailand’s far South must be conducted in parallel with anti-insurgency operations, Thailand’s defence minister said today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634428-anti-peace-talks-banners-surface-across-thailands-restive-south/#entry6326611

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Thai government party MP back in jail as immunity expires
By English News



BANGKOK, April 22 – Thailand’s Criminal Court today rejected a bail request by Pheu Thai MP/Red Shirt activist Korkaew Pikulthong who was charged with intimidating Constitution Court judges and inciting unrest in the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634438-thai-government-party-m-p-korkaew-back-in-jail-as-immunity-expires/

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RT@191Thailand: Soldier injured by bomb in Narathiwat (Bangkok Post)

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BMA speeds up fight against narcotics

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is set to speed up the city’s fight against narcotics

BMA advisor Police General Wichai Sangprapai said that according to a recent study, there are a total of 1.2 million drug addicts in the capital, most of whom are dependent on methamphetamine. The spread of drug use in the metropolitan area remains serious despite continued clampdown, prevention and rehabilitation efforts.

The BMA will step up its watch on drug problems at the community level by assigning district offices to dispatch officers to work with community members in a bid to extract information on drug-trafficking networks. Some of the worst-affected areas in the capital include Klong Toey and nearby port communities.

Re-elected Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra earlier announced that his top priority policies included the recruitment and formation of community volunteers to monitor crimes and illicit drug problems.

-- NNT 2013-04-22

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Serial shoe thief on the loose in Thonburi
By Coconuts Bangkok

Police are on the hunt for a suspect who has allegedly stolen almost 200 pairs of shoes from numerous homes in the Thonburi district of Bangkok.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634456-serial-shoe-thief-on-the-loose-in-thonburi/