Thailand Live Sunday 16 Jun 2013

[Lite Beer]

New government spokesman speaks of challenges ahead


Teerat

BANGKOK: -- In less than two years, the Yingluck Shinawatra government has replaced its spokesperson several times in a bid to shore up its image and better communicate with the public. The Nation's Pravit Rojanaphruk spoke to the recently appointed fourth government spokesman, Teerat Ratanasevi. Here are some excerpts:

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/646905-new-government-spokesman-speaks-of-challenges-ahead/

[Lite Beer]

Police Affairs panel urges review of info on Akeyuth murder
The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- The House Committee on Police Affairs has called on police investigating the murder of businessman and long-standing government critic, Akeyuth Anchanbutr, to review any information that might shed new light on the case. The House Committee urged police not to jump to any conclusions until further evidence had been collected. Police investigators have insisted that the motive behind Akeyuth's murder was the stolen Bt5 million, however, Akeyuth's family and lawyer believe that it was politically motivated.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/646908-police-affairs-panel-urges-review-of-info-on-akeyuth-murder/

[Lite Beer]

Isolated small schools must run combined classes to cope
Tanpisit Lerdbamrungchai
The Nation on Sunday

Chiang Rai: -- When pupils from two classes have to study together under one teacher, those in one class are taught first while those in the other class do exercises and wait their turn to be taught by the same teacher. This is what normally happens at small schools with limited resources.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/646909-isolated-small-schools-must-run-combined-classes-to-cope/

[Lite Beer]

ANTI-GOVT PROTEST
PM urged to condemn attack by red shirts
Somroutai Sapsomboon,
Pimnara Pradubwit,
Praphan Jindalertudomdee
The Nation on Sunday

CHIANG MAI: -- After assault on white masks in Chiang Mai, Suriyasai warns these acts would aggravate tension

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/646910-pm-urged-to-condemn-attack-by-red-shirts/

[Lite Beer]

Crisis at football body
Kitinan Sanguansak
The Nation on Sunday

Worawi Makudi, the embattled incumbent president of the Football Association of Thailand, talks to the media after yesterday

BANGKOK: -- Court order forces FAT chief Worawi to cancel ballot for new president; FIFA will have to rule

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/646911-crisis-at-thailand-fa/

[Lite Beer]

Water project bids transparent: Govt
The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- The bidding for water mega-projects - prices for whose are currently being negotiated - has been carried out in a transparent manner, PM's Office Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan and office permanent secretary Tongthong Chandransu said on the "PM Yingluck Shinawatra's Government Meets the People" TV show yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/646913-water-project-bids-transparent-govt/

[Lite Beer]

DSI chief meets luxury auto firms
The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief, Tarit Pengdit, yesterday summoned representatives of 10 luxury auto companies to discuss the problem of tax evasion in an attempt to understand and solve the problem of luxury-auto-related tax evasion.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/646914-dsi-chief-meets-luxury-auto-firms/

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL
Returning the real cannons would be more worthy

PATTANI: -- Destruction of Phaya Thani cannons at Krue Se mosque shows historic bitterness remains in Pattani

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/646915-returning-the-real-cannons-would-be-more-worthy/

[Lite Beer]

-- The Nation 2013-06-16

[Lite Beer]

One dead, one arrested in Pattani
The Nation on Sunday

PATTANI: -- A combined security force had a gunfight yesterday with suspected insurgents in Tambon Barahoh in Pattani's Muang district, leading to the death of one suspect and the arrest of another.

After a tip-off that suspected insurgents had laid low in Ban Baeroh Ku-ing Moo 3, a 60-strong team of officials surrounded the area. The gunfight erupted when seven to eight alleged insurgents tried to escape. After they retreated, officials found the body of one suspect - identified as Ameen Dareng, 31 - in the back of a rubber plantation with a loaded 11mm pistol nearby.

Officials also apprehended a suspect - identified as Sakareeya Tohtayong, 26 , wanted for reported involvement in a drive-by shooting that killed six civilians in Muang Pattani on May 1.

-- The Nation 2013-06-16

[Lite Beer]

Automobile exports in May rise 28% month-on-month

BANGKOK, 15 June 2013 (NNT) – According to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), the volume of automobile exports in May rose 28 percent month-on-month, but its export value of 40 billion baht represented a decline year on year.

Surapong Paisitpatanapong, spokesman for the Automotive Industry Club, has revealed that in the month of May, Thailand exported 86,577 cars, up 28 percent from the previous month, and 0.68 percent from the same period of last year. However, in terms of value, the 38.9-billion-baht revenue from the exports in the month represented a decline of 3.75 percent compared to May last year.

The spokesman disclosed further that during January - May 2013, Thailand exported 438,184 cars, up 21 percent from the same period of 2012, with a total export value of 196 billion baht, which was 14.88 percent higher than the same period of last year.

In terms of overall production, Thailand produced 231,070 cars in May, up 35 percent month-on-month, and produced around 1,123,000 cars in the first 5 months of this year, up 32 percent year-on-year. Out of the number produced, 141,032 cars were for sale in the domestic market, representing 61 percent of the total production.

-- NNT 2013-06-15

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: [sun 16 June] #Bangkok Weather: Scattered thundershowers mostly in the afternoon to evening. Temp 25-34°C. Southwesterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: Bangkok Farmers Market: Friday 21 June, 5pm-8pm at the Renaissance Bangkok Hotel | Saturday 29 June, 8am-3pm at K Village

[Lite Beer]

Phuket Opinion: Deputy PM adds insult to injury
Phuket Gazette -

Phuket’s International Convention and Exhibition Center project was cancelled shortly before one sprouted up in Chiang Mai. Image: Gazette Graphics

PHUKET: Recent protests over inflammatory comments made in Chiang Mai by controversial Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi are just one small reflection of growing national unease with the administration of Yingluck Shinawatra.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/646927-phuket-opinion-deputy-pm-adds-insult-to-injury/

[Lite Beer]

Bidding for the 350-Billion-Baht Water Management Scheme

The Government has reaffirmed that the bidding for its 350-billion-baht water management scheme is transparent. Starting in July 2013, it will organize road shows at various river basins to communicate with local people and provide better understanding about the project.

In the weekly program “Yingluck Government Meets the People” on 15 June 2013, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan and Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office Professor Tongthong Chandransu gave explanations about the project, which involves a well-integrated water management infrastructure and flood prevention system.

Mr. Niwattumrong said that the concept for the project came about after Thailand suffered the severe floods of 2011. He quoted the World Bank as saying that the total damage and losses from the 2011 floods amounted to about 1.43 trillion baht (46.5 billion US dollars). The floods affected five million families, involving 16 million people, and inundated 11 million rai, or 4.4 million acres, of farmland.

He pointed out that the widespread damage and losses prompted the Government to implement the long-term water management project to help the people and prevent the recurrence of huge losses. A master plan on water management was worked out, based on His Majesty the King’s initiatives, and then the Water and Flood Management Committee was set up to translate the master plan into action.

After that, Mr. Niwattumrong said that the Government invited both Thai and foreign companies to propose their plans on water management in Thailand. A total of 398 companies were interested in the mega-water management project. Finally, eight bidders, comprising 34 companies, were selected.

Professor Tongthong was appointed to handle the bidding process. The Government also broadcast live its presentation of the results of bidding on the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand, or Television Channel 11, on 10 June 2013, when four companies passed the technical criteria in nine modules. The Government had entrusted a 50-member subcommittee to look into the technical aspects to ensure that they were in line with the terms of reference. Members of the subcommittee came from many government agencies, such as the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the Council of State, and the Royal Irrigation Department.

According to Professor Tongthong, price negotiations took place on 11-13 June, when the winning bidders were invited to discuss deals on prices. Then he submitted a report on the outcome to the Water and Flood Management Committee, which would then forward the report to the Cabinet for decision on 18 June. It will take about two or three months before construction contracts are signed. An environmental impact assessment will be conducted, as well.

He said that the National Counter Corruption Commission had given useful advice on the most careful approaches to the 350-billion-baht water management scheme.

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

[Lite Beer]

Financial Burden on Border Hospitals in Thailand

Border hospitals in Thailand are facing a heavy financial burden in providing medical services to migrant workers along the border.

Public Health Minister Dr. Pradit Sinthawanarong said that the Ministry of Public Health spends several million baht each year on health services for migrant workers and non-Thai citizens.

Dr. Pradit and his team on 14 June 2013 inspected hospitals in the northern province of Tak to follow up on the implementation of the Government’s policy on health care and get first-hand information about problems concerning medical services in border areas.

He said that, in Tak province alone, the Government spends more than 100 million baht annually on health care for migrant workers and those crossing the border to seek shelter in Thailand. Five districts in Tak share borders with Myanmar. They are Mae Sot, Mae Ramat, Tha Song Yang, Phop Phra, and Umphang.

Major diseases found in these areas include tuberculosis, AIDS, respiratory problems, digestive disease, malaria, dengue fever, and diarrhea.

A total of 15,911 foreign workers have registered with Tak authorities. More than 300,000 people are outside the Universal Health Coverage program and 71,789 people are staying at temporary shelters in the province. Since 80 percent of migrants in Tak are not in the industrial sector, public health facilities in this province have to shoulder the financial burden of providing healthcare services for them.

According to Dr. Pradit, the Ministry of Public Health has allocated 310 million baht for all border hospitals in the 2013 fiscal year. He stressed the need for these hospitals to improve their management, while more financial support should be provided for them, as well.

In order to ease the problems concerning medical services in border areas in the long run, Dr. Pradit said that neighboring countries would be urged to introduce a health insurance system to guarantee health care for the people. While waiting for the implementation of this system, the Ministry of Public Health would seek cooperation from the neighboring countries to set up a temporary health fund for the people. Talks on this issue will be held with them at the government level.

Thailand has been successful in its universal healthcare coverage scheme in providing equitable health care, especially for vulnerable groups. It has been working on sharing its experiences and best practices with the international community on the universal health coverage.

Several surveys have revealed that this health insurance system is strongly supported by the Thai people. The scheme is also seen as a form of investment for the country’s economic and social development.


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

[Lite Beer]

Don Muang by-election's voter turnout expected at 60%, unofficial result to be known around 7pm /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

In focus: Staying safe at Phuket's beaches
Phuket Gazette -

PHUKET: With the return of the annual southwest monsoon conditions, Phuket’s popular tourist beaches are at their most dangerous. Members of the fledgeling Phuket Livesaving club have once again warned tourists and locals to be vigilant about swimming safety.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/646956-in-focus-staying-safe-at-phukets-beaches/

[Lite Beer]

Don Mueang MP by-election voter turnout expected at 70%.
By Digital Media

BANGKOK, June 16 - Don Mueang by-election's voter turnout on Sunday is expected at 70 per cent, according to Chairman of the Election Commission (EC) Apichart Sukhagganond.

There are about. 100. ,. 000. Eligible voters and 171 Polling stations in Don Mueang District.

Mr Apichart Sunday visited 8-9 constituencies at Don Mueang temple as the by-election is held today to replace Karun Hosakul whose parliamentary membership as a Pheu Thai representative was revoked by the Supreme Court for slandering his political opponent, Tankhun Jitt-itsara of the. Democrat Party.

Pheu Thai party-list MP Yuranunt Pamornmontri is running in the by-election while Tankhun Jitt-itsara of the Democrat Party is his main opponent.

Will the polls close. at 3 PM. Unofficial and the result Will be Known around. 7 PM today. , the EC Chairman said.

Meanwhile, Election Commissioner said that Don Mueang District's Prapan Naikowit Eligible voters were quite active in the last MP Election, with Voter turnout at. 72. per Cent. So far, he said there have been no election-related complaints filed with the EC. (MCOT online news).

-- TNA 2013-06-16

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: Monkey Training School in Surat Thani. This is one of the activities to join for people staying at Klong Noi Homestay pic.twitter.com/B7kxlfhDzj

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: To enrol your monkey in this school costs 3,500B. After about 1 month your monkey will be able to pick coconuts. pic.twitter.com/0uE8NOluUw

[Lite Beer]

Phuket Opinion: Airports welcoming pros, avoiding cons
Phuket Gazette -

Angkarn Yasanop believes safety, not speed is paramount. Photo: Orawin Narabal

Angkarn Yasanop, 29, graduated from the Sampran Royal Police Cadet Academy in Nakhon Pathom in 2007. After he served as an immigration officer at Phuket International Airport, he was moved to Phuket Town to work as an immigration office Sub-Inspector. Here he discusses the need to pair swift immigration processing at the airport with sufficient security.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/646983-phuket-opinion-airports-welcoming-pros-avoiding-cons/

[Lite Beer]

Foreigner dives to rescue motorbike – in Phuket street
The Phuket News

PHUKET: A Thai and his foreign friend were lucky last night when they drove their motorbike into a huge hole in Pang Muang Sai Kor Rd in Patong.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/646986-foreigner-dives-to-rescue-motorbike-in-phuket-street/

[Lite Beer]

Police nab three major drug dealers in Bangkok, seize 400,000 meth pills /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

IMF bullish on Thai economy with 2013 GDP projected to grow 5% but high household debt, rice pledging scheme worrisome: Fiscal Policy Office /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

Court approves detention of fourth suspect in Akeyuth murder
By Digital Media

BANGKOK, June 16 – Thailand’s court has approved police request for 12-day detention period of the fourth suspect who surrendered to police last Friday for the murder-robbery of outspoken businessman Akeyuth Anchanbutr.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/646908-police-affairs-panel-urges-review-of-info-on-akeyuth-murder/

[Lite Beer]

DSI ready for inspection of suspect luxury cars later this month
By Digital Media

BANGKOK, June 16 –The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) will begin a comprehensive inspection of luxury cars on a suspected list for tax evasion on June 24.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/646914-dsi-chief-meets-luxury-auto-firms/

[george]

Sattahip, Thailand:
British Real Estate Agent Mysteriously Dies Near Potato Field

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/647013-british-real-estate-agent-mysteriously-dies-near-potato-field/

[Lite Beer]

RT@nationnews: Democrat candidate beats Pheu Thai rival in Don Muang by-election

[Lite Beer]

Democrat candidate beats Pheu Thai rival in Don Muang by-election
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Democrat Party candidate Taenkhun Jitisara won the Don Muang by-election, beating his Pheu Thai rival Yuranan Phamornmontree, according to unofficial results.

After the vote tally was done by 100 per cent, Taenkhun received 32,751 votes while Yuranan got 30,357 votes.

It was Democrat's first victor in Don Muang over a decade. The constituency has been won by the Pheu Thai for several consecutive elections.

After learning the results, Yuranan congratulated Taenkhun. He said he would continue to work to serve the people although without a political position.

Yuranan said he had himself to blame because he had only about 16 days to campaign and meet Don Muang voters. He said Taenkhun had been working closely with Don Muang people for over two years.

-- The Nation 2013-06-16