Thailand Live Sunday 2 Jun 2013

[Lite Beer]

Cambodian military men block border
The Nation on Sunday

ARANYAPRATHET: -- Two Cambodian military men, allegedly involved in smuggling of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Thailand into Cambodia, yesterday blocked the road during a one-hour protest at the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge opposite Klong Luek checkpoint in Aranyaprathet against stricter border pass checking by Thailand.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/643666-cambodian-military-men-block-border/

[Lite Beer]

Thawil may take case to NACC
The Nation on Sunday

Thawil

BANGKOK: -- NSC ex-chief says he is awaiting Yingluck's next move; Democrats ask govt to heed court verdict

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/643668-thawil-may-take-case-to-nacc/

[Lite Beer]

Defer talks with BRN until a deal is done on cutting violence: Thaworn
Pimnara Pradabwit,
Santhiti Khorjitmet
The Nation on Sunday

Democrat Party deputy leader Thaworn Senniam

BANGKOK: -- Democrat Party deputy leader Thaworn Senniam urged the government yesterday to integrate the work of 17 ministries and 66 agencies and postpone the third round of peace talks with the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), pending an agreement on ways to reduce violence in the Deep South.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/643669-defer-talks-with-brn-until-a-deal-is-done-on-cutting-violence-thaworn/

[Lite Beer]

CABINET RESHUFFLE
Matchima MPs set to defect to Pheu Thai
Pimnara Pradubwit,
Praphan Jindalertudomdee
The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Move may not be in time for Cabinet berths; Democrats look at legal option

MPs in the Matchima faction of the opposition Bhum Jai Thai Party have clearly indicated that they intend to defect to the Pheu Thai Party, but it is uncertain if they will make the move in time to secure a ministerial seat in the next Cabinet reshuffle, said government whip Amnuay Klangpa yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/643670-matchima-mps-set-to-defect-to-pheu-thai/

[Lite Beer]

Rival masked rallies planned in city today
The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Government critic Kaewsun Atibodhi speaks during a panel discussion on
Anti- and pro-government groups plan separate demonstrations today in Bangkok's business district, as the Guy Falkes white mask campaign gains more support from people opposed to the so-called Thaksin regime.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/643672-rival-masked-rallies-planned-in-city-today/

[Lite Beer]

Ministry wants to make Thais taller
The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- The Public Health Ministry aims to boost Thai youths' average height to 175cm for males and 162cm for females in 10 years and also lengthen the average life span to 80 years through a campaign to drink milk every day.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/643673-ministry-wants-to-make-thais-taller/

[Lite Beer]

Tankhun just ahead of Yuranan: poll
The Nation on Sunday June 2, 2013 1:00 am

BANGKOK: -- Democrat Party candidate Tankhun Jittitsara is slightly ahead of his Pheu Thai rival Yuranan Pamornmontri in the forthcoming Don Mueang by-election, according to a poll held by Bangkok University.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/643674-tankhun-just-ahead-of-yuranan-poll/

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL
A government of the people should not threaten
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Ministers have been getting overly sensitive and protective recently; they should learn some humility

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/643676-a-government-of-the-people-should-not-threaten/

[Lite Beer]

Chalerm says talks with BRN talk will continue

BANGKOK, 1 June 2013 (NNT) – Deputy Prime Minister Police Captain Chalerm Yubumrung has affirmed that the 3rd round of peace talk between Thailand and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), a separatist movement based in northern Malaysia, will continue.

The deputy prime minister said a team will be sent to Malaysia on June 13th to hold the third round of talk with the BRN. He added that if the situation in the three southernmost provinces does not improve after the renewed talk, the Thai government might have to shift its focus to other insurgent groups.

Meanwhile, Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-o-cha has asked Thais not to fall victim to propaganda by the BRN group, which recently released a VDO clip blaming Thai officials as the ones who are causing violence in the deep South. He called upon the BRN to follow the agreement made between both parties, or else peace negotiations might be derailed.

-- NNT 2013-06-02

[Lite Beer]

PM’s visit to Sri Lanka boosts investment opportunities

BANGKOK, 1 June 2013 (NNT) – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s visit to Sri Lanka has opened greater business opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs wishing to make investment in that country.

Speaking upon the completion of her visit to the South Asian country, the Thai Prime Minister affirmed her policy to expand the Thai-Sri Lankan economic cooperation. Towards that goal, the Prime Minister allowed 30 Thai businessmen to accompany her on the trip to Sri Lanka. They represented such businesses as energy, food, tourism, gems and jewelry, construction, education, and green businesses.

The Prime Minister assured that the government would give those investors full support as well as help them build business network between ASEAN and South Asia as both regions had a long history of close relationship.

In her meeting with the Sri Lankan President, Ms. Yingluck said she and Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa agreed that they would create an atmosphere conducive to investment expansion between the two countries. The Sri Lankan President encouraged Thai businessmen to invest in public infrastructure, electricity production, small and medium-sized industries and export-oriented production. Both leaders also discussed ways to improve aviation links in order for peoples of the two countries to come closer. Thailand also showed interest to invest in aircraft and airport businesses in Sri Lanka.

-- NNT 2013-06-02

[Lite Beer]

Pegging of LPG price extended by another month

BANGKOK, 1 June 2013 (NNT) – The price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will not be raised for at least another month as the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) has decided to maintain the current price until the end of June.

Energy Minister Pongsak Raktapongpisal said the cooking gas price hike will be delayed for another month. The price for LPG is now 18.13 baht per kilo which was supposed to be raised at the end of May, but due to the concerns over the readiness of LPG consumers, EPPO has decided that the adjustment of cooking gas price will not be made until next month.

-- NNT 2013-06-02

[Lite Beer]

Canadian tourist caught rare virus in Thailand

A Canadian woman has been diagnosed with a rare virus after she returned from a trip to Thailand, according to public health authorities. The woman from the western province of Alberta tested positive.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/643679-canadian-tourist-caught-rare-virus-in-thailand/

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: #Bangkok Weather: Scattered thundershowers mostly in the lower areas. Temperature 24-37°C. Southwesterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

[Lite Beer]

PTT to develop eco-forest on Rayong industrial estate
The Nation

Rayong is the biggest home to industrial plants in Thailand. Industrial activities are deemed the main polluter, but PTT and the province are trying to change that perception.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/643682-ptt-to-develop-eco-forest-on-rayong-industrial-estate/

[Lite Beer]

Great oaks grow from little acorns
TANPISIT LERDBAMRUNGCHAI
THE NATION

NAN: -- "If one day we have no forestland left, what will we do?" asks 17-year-old Suriyo Suropan, chairman of the Children Love Forestland group in Nan province, as he sees more and more tree-covered land disappear.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/643683-great-oaks-grow-from-little-acorns/

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Phuket Opinion: Keeping pace with disaster
Phuket Gazette -

Is Phuket ready for any potential disaster? Image: Gazette Graphics

PHUKET: The construction of a wall along Kamala Beach that could be a barrier during an emergency evacuation once again highlights the need for constant vigilance and above all, common sense in the never-ending preparation for a tsunami or other natural disaster.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/643692-phuket-opinion-keeping-pace-with-disaster/

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RT@RichardBarrow: Hundreds of opponents of the Formula 1 Night Race in #Bangkok will gather next Saturday at the Democracy Monument

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RT@KristieKenney: Bring the family! USA Fair at Central World Mall in Bangkok. Today is last day.

[Lite Beer]

Namthip's "eco-crush" initiative a hit
THANAPAT KITJAKOSOL
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Bottled water has become increasingly popular among Thai people. Countless brands are available, but one brand, "Namthip", clearly stands out, thanks to its "Eco-Crush" bottle.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/643707-namthips-eco-crush-initiative-a-hit/

[Lite Beer]

Phuket Opinion: Let the taxis go free
Phuket Gazette -

Taxis have a restricted existence on Phuket. Image: Gazette Graphics

PHUKET: I saw many things of interest in Bangkok last week, including a woman riding a motorbike with a squirrel on her shoulder.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/643736-phuket-opinion-let-the-taxis-go-free/

[Lite Beer]

One drug suspect killed in Chiang Rai
By Digital Media

CHIANG RAI, June 2 – One drug suspect was killed and at least 50,000 methamphetamine pills were seized in a clash between a drug gang and border patrol soldiers in this Northern province.

The clash occurred in a valley at the Thai – Myanmar border in Mae Fah Luang district. The soldiers were deployed to the area early Sunday following a tip-off about a planned drug delivery from a neighbouring country into the kingdom.

About 20 men travelled on foot with another 8-9 persons carrying luggage. Officials requested to search their belongings but they fled and opened fire at the soldiers.

The five-minute clash left one drug suspect dead and the soldiers managed to seize a rucksack containing about 50,000 methamphetamine pills. The investigation continues to identify the deceased person. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-06-02

[Lite Beer]

Eight children hurt by earthquake in southern Philippines

Manila - Eight children were injured and structures damaged by a magnitude-5.7 earthquake in the southern Philippines, officials said Sunday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/643745-eight-children-hurt-by-earthquake-in-southern-philippines/

[Lite Beer]

Phuket Opinion: Finding a cure for overloaded courts
Phuket Gazette -

Chief Judge at Phuket Provincial Court Parinya Chaowalittawin is worried about the burden his courts are carrying. Photo: Chutharat Plerin

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/643750-phuket-opinion-finding-a-cure-for-overloaded-courts/

[Lite Beer]

Five killed in road accident in Nakhon Phanom

Nakhon Panom - Five people were killed when two pick-up trucks crashed head-on in this northeastern province early Sunday.

Police said the accident happened at 4 am on the highway No 212 in Ban Paeng district.

A truck was driven by Chumpol Singkha, 40, who died at the scene. He was killed along with his father and his son. His wife and sister were seriously injured, police said.

Police said two men inside the other truck were also killed and had yet to be identified.

-- The Nation 2013-06-02

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Narathiwat officials detain one suspect for fatal shooting of Rueso policeman in 2010; suspect denies all charges /MCOT

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Phuket tourists, divers to be warned off damaged coral zone
Phuket Gazette -

PHUKET: The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) will install floating signs to warn tourists and local divers not to disturb coral that is undergoing restoration after suffering extensive damage at a seawalking site off Phuket.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/643763-phuket-tourists-divers-to-be-warned-off-damaged-coral-zone/

[Lite Beer]

Government Confident about Its Projected Net Income for 2014

The Government is confident about achieving its projected net income of 2.275 trillion baht in the 2014 fiscal year, which will begin in October 2013.

Speaking in the weekly program “Yingluck Government Meets the People,” on 1 June 2013, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong referred to the Government’s 2.525-trillion-baht budget bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives in its first reading on 31 May 2013.

Mr. Kittiratt said that the Thai economy has continued to grow and that the Government would be able to expand its tax base for more income collection. Moreover, the Government’s earnings would also come from other sources, as well, such as various state enterprises.

Regarding the fiscal policy, he said, a budget deficit is still necessary in preparing the 2014 national budget. Even so, he believed that the Government would be able to reduce the amount of deficit in moving toward the target of balancing the fiscal budget in the next few years.

He explained that the budget deficit had been set at 400 billion baht when the Government assumed office. The amount has dropped to 300 billion baht now and would be cut further to 250 billion baht in the 2014 fiscal year.

Mr. Kittiratt stated that the Government had adjusted the country’s economic balance by reducing its dependence on exports and placing greater emphasis on domestic consumption. The adjustment was meant to sustain economic growth, since Thailand’s major export markets have faced economic problems.

Meanwhile, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Varathep Ratanakorn said that the 2014 national budget had been worked out by taking into consideration the framework of the “Country Strategy,” Thailand’s preparations for the ASEAN Community, and the Government’s urgent policies.

He stressed that the Government intended to spend the national budget with great efficiency and transparency in accordance with related laws. Apart from the 2.525-trillion-baht national budget, the Government would also have another two trillion baht in loan for infrastructure development.

The House of Representatives has already passed the bill on the 2.2-trillion-baht loan for infrastructure development in the first reading. The second and third readings are expected in August 2013 before the bill is forwarded to the Senate for consideration.

The Secretary-General of the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board, Mr. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, said that in handling macro-economy, fiscal and monetary policies would be focused upon. But at the micro-economy level, sources of income must be considered. For Thailand, major sources of revenue come from agriculture and tourism sectors, which would help distribute wealth to rural areas.

He pointed out that Thailand’s economic fundamentals remain strong. The question is how Thailand will use its potential fully to ensure stability and sustain ability.


Foreign Office, The Government Public Relations Department, Office of the Prime Minister

[Lite Beer]

Russian Arrested After Loaning Money At High Interest Rates

The DSI and Pattaya police worked together to arrest a 25 year-old Russian male. He reportedly lent out money to Thai people at extremely high interest rates.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/643765-russian-arrested-after-loaning-money-at-high-interest-rates/

[Lite Beer]

Bangkok’s Bad Habit: Plastic Bags
By Sarah Cuiksa


"Mai toung ka/khap."

BANGKOK: -- If it’s not already in your vocabulary, add it. “No bag, please,” is a phrase not often heard at supermarket checkouts or in street vendor transactions. But it should be, given the amount of roadside fruit that’s double-bagged, or the number of iced coffees that come with a plastic handle, or the orange soda served on ice out of a plastic bag. Or that pack of gum the 7-Eleven cashier won’t hesitate to bag.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/643770-bangkoks-bad-habit-plastic-bags/

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54 endangered Siamese rosewood logs worth around Bt250,000 seized in Nong Khai by local naval patrol unit /MCOT