Thailand Live Tuesday 6 Aug 2013

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Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at the celebration of 126th founding anniversary of the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy

BANGKOK, 6 August 2013 (NNT) - Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on August 5 attended a ceremony in commemoration of the 126th anniversary of the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, at the Academy’s compound in Muang district, Nakhon Nayok province.

Upon her arrival, Her Royal Highness accepted the respect from the troops of honor and then laid floral offering and lighted candles and incense sticks in front of King Rama V’s monument. King Rama V was the founder the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, and the latter holds celebrations every year on the day in recognition to the royal benevolence.

The Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy is currently committed to produce commissioned officers for the Royal Thai Army to serve the country both in development and protection of the national sovereignty. The academy aims to equip its officers with four aspects, namely university knowledge, military knowledge, capabilities to lead a platoon in the Royal Thai Army and possessing good health filled with morals and ethics.


-- NNT 2013-08-06

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POLITICS
Monarchy being treated unfairly, says Prayuth
The Nation


About 300 crowd-control police stand guard outside Government House yesterday in preparation for the possible arrival of anti-government protesters.

Royals' trip to Hua Hin has nothing to do with the political situation: Army Chief

BANGKOK: -- Army commander General Prayuth Chan-ocha yesterday defended the monarchy against what he called unfair criticism, and lambasted rumour-mongers calling for a coup to end the ongoing political instability.

He said Their Majesties' current stay outside Bangkok did not signify anything about a looming political confrontation, and that comment and speculation on reasons for their trip, on social media, was not fair towards the monarchy.

The general also criticised people who spread rumours of a military coup and tell others to hoard food supplies ahead of political "turmoil" that could turn violent.

Prayuth said he was personally happy with the King's improving health and many senior foreign military officers congratulated him upon what he described as a national delight.

"But I don't know what's with some Thai people who do not like the monarch," he said, without elaborating.

The general said he did not agree with certain statements made on Sunday at a rally held by an anti-Thaksin Shinawatra movement that referred to the monarchy. He maintained that the monarchy played no part in Thai politics and stayed neutral, and beyond political conflicts, all along.

"I don't understand what's wrong with some people, who not only fight against compatriots but also hurt the monarchy and attack the military, or these people want the country to no longer exist, through internal conflicts, or they are not Thai people," he said, in an emotional way.

Meanwhile, the "People's Army" plans to petition the Constitutional Court, the Administrative Court and the Ombudsman over the government's move to implement the Internal Security Act, which it deems a violation of people's constitutional rights, leader Thaikorn Polsuwan said yesterday.

He said he would also file a petition with the National Anti-Corruption Commission to take action against the national police chief for instructing police to block the public from joining a political rally.

The People's Army, who are rallying at Lumpini Park, decided to step up their campaign today and tomorrow after being tipped off that the Cabinet may back an emergency decree on political amnesty, and cite the anti-government rally as a reason for doing this.

The group yesterday submitted letters clarifying the causes and objectives of the rally to the EU, United Kingdom, Chinese and Japanese embassies in Bangkok.

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai Party secretary-general Phumtham Wechayachai has insisted that an amnesty bill not be withdrawn from the Parliamentary agenda even though the Opposition and anti-government groups have demanded it be withdrawn - or they will not join Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's political reform plan.

-- The Nation 2013-08-06

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UPDATE:
Internal Security Act necessary, diplomats told
Nuntida Puangthong
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Internal Security Act (ISA) is necessary in three Bangkok districts to prevent violence from political protests as well as to maintain peace and order, diplomats to Thailand were told yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/658651-thailands-foreign-minister-surapong-to-explain-isa-to-envoys-and-intl-agencies/#entry6688164

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Thailand concerned after key peace talk imam shot dead

BANGKOK, August 6, 2013 (AFP) - A Muslim leader seen as a major figure in efforts to end a bloody insurgency in Thailand's south was shot dead Monday, raising concern about the future of peace talks.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/658771-thailand-concerned-after-key-peace-talk-imam-shot-dead/

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ENVIRONMENT
Samet region to be tested for a year: PCD
Suriyan Panyawai,
Janjira Pongrai,
Jumpol Nikomrak
The Nation



More than 560 want compensation after oil spill, minister says

BANGKOK: -- The Pollution Control Department (PCD) will test the quality of seawater and air around Khao Laem Ya-Mu Koh Samet National Park for one year, after the oil leak in the Gulf last week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/658772-samet-region-to-be-tested-for-a-year-pollution-control-department/

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FDA launches probe after milk scare
Duangkamon Sajirawattanakul,
Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn
The Nation


A staff member stands beside a shelf of Dumex infant formula in a supermarket in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China. China has suspended imports of all milk powder from Australia and New Zealand, after global dairy giant Fonterra disclosed bacteria

Five Dumex products disappear from shelves after NZ supplier issues contaminant alert

BANGKOK: -- After Dumex Thailand recalled five products on Sunday, the Food and Drug Administration has flexed its muscles to ensure the safety of dairy products.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/658773-thailands-fda-launches-probe-after-dumex-milk-scare/

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Alarm raised over prolonged political activism
Sarun Kijvasin,
Sucheera Pinijparakarn,
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Bank of Thailand is keeping a close watch on the political situation, which if prolonged could affect the country's credibility on both economic and investment issues.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/658774-alarm-raised-by-bank-of-thailand-over-prolonged-political-activism/

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STREETWISE

Facebook: Heaven and hell for expressionists

Achara Deboonme

Mark Zuckerberg may never have thought that his idea of a dating network could turn into heaven and hell for people across the world.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/658776-facebook-heaven-and-hell-for-expressionists-thai-opinion/

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Superstar's Affair With Son Of Wanted Politician Raises Eyebrows
By Khaosod Online


A photo posted by the actress Ms. Janie Tienphosuwan. Many guessed that the person next to her is Mr.Chonsawat Asavahame, son of politician convicted with corruption charge.

BANGKOK: -- Thailand is inundated with daily shares of gossip news about which superstar is in love with whom. But one particular piece of such "news" manages to get the attention of the Kingdom′s law enforcement agency - the Office of Attorney General, no less.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/658778-superstars-affair-with-son-of-wanted-thai-politician-raises-eyebrows/

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Trang Woman Shot Dead For 'Trying To Break Up Fights'
By Khaosod Online

TRANG: -- An 18-year-old woman was shot dead in Trang province after she reportedly tried to break up a fight between a man and his wife.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/658779-trang-woman-shot-dead-for-trying-to-break-up-fights/

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Brothers behind car scam to pay fine
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Nareunart and Thanan Kuansawat, two brothers believed to be part of a luxury-car scam, agreed yesterday to pay a fine for evading car import taxes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/658781-thai-brothers-behind-luxury-car-scam-to-pay-fine/

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BURNING ISSUE
True impact of oil spill may not be known for years
Pongphon Sarnsamak

BANGKOK: -- Even though the oil spill on Koh Samet has been almost removed from Ao Phrao beach, there is a long road before the marine ecosystem and local tourism industries, which make Bt16 billion from 5.5 million visitors a year, recover.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/658782-true-impact-of-rayong-oil-spill-may-not-be-known-for-years/

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Wirapol in Laos, 'may surrender'
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Fugitive ex-monk Wirapol Sukphol is in Laos and is prepared to return home via Nong Khai, Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief Tarit Pengdith said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/658783-fugitive-ex-monk-wirapol-in-laos-may-surrender/

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5 Lisu tribesmen, 1 Nepalese caught with big heroin haul
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Five members of the Lisu tribe were arrested yesterday along with a 22-year-old Nepalese man for trying to smuggle 34 kilograms of heroin into Malaysia, Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) secretary-general Pongsapat Pongcharoen said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/658784-chiang-mai-5-lisu-tribesmen-1-nepalese-caught-with-34-kilograms-of-heroin/

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Desperately in need of over 4,000 tour guides, Govt lowers education criteria to 4th grade
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- The Thai government lowered the minimum education requirements needed to become a tour guide from grade nine to grade fourth on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/658786-desperately-in-need-of-over-4000-tour-guides-govt-lowers-education-criteria-to-4th-grade/

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Australian beaten by 7-man gang behind South Pattaya Market



PATTAYA: -- A 52 year old Australian was beaten by a group of 7 young men after he was forced to stop his motorbike behind the South Pattaya Road Market in the early hours of Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/658787-australian-beaten-by-7-man-gang-behind-south-pattaya-market/

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Political reform council likely to be formed soon
Hataikarn Treesuwan,
Jeerapong Prasertpolkrung
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A political reform council is likely to be formed after the stakeholders meet by the end of this month to discuss and outline what its goals are, according to a key Pheu Thai leader.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/658788-political-reform-council-likely-to-be-formed-soon-pheu-thai/

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No Al Qaeda threat to Phuket – top policeman
Tanyaluk Sakoot


Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Col Arun Kaewvatee.

PHUKET: -- The island has no need to worry about the Al Qaeda threat alert issued by the US in the past couple of days, says Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Col Arun Kaewvatee.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/658790-no-al-qaeda-threat-to-phuket-top-policeman/

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Early this morning, tanks were spotted in #Bangkok. This DOES NOT mean a coup is imminent (Pic @OHcrime_ThaiPBS) http://twitter.com/OHcrime_ThaiPBS/status/364513114152124416/photo/1

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RT @richardbarrow: People's Army have now moved inside Lumpini Park - RT @Kamonnate_NBC: http://t.co/ciIioBNPjf

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Temporary terminal to provide quick relief for Phuket Airport


Phuket's existing terminal is jammed. Photo DenverKid

PHUKET: -- The overcrowded Phuket International Airport will get some quick relief by the end of the year with a new temporary passenger terminal.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/658813-temporary-terminal-to-provide-quick-relief-for-phuket-airport/

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Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,412.42, down 11.89 points /MCOT

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Education Minister downplays prospects of a coup

BANGKOK, 6 Aug 2013, (NNT) - Education Minister Jaturon Chaisang has downplayed a possibility of a military coup, pointing out that everyone has already learned from the past, while urging anti-amnesty bill demonstrators to resort to peaceful solutions.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/658816-thailands-education-minister-downplays-prospects-of-a-coup/

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UPDATE:

Thai police summon Facebook users over coup-rumor posts, threaten to jail people for 'liking'

BANGKOK — Police in Thailand have opened investigations of four people for allegedly causing panic by posting rumors of a possible military coup on Facebook — and an investigator threatened Monday to charge anyone who even “liked” the postings on the social media site.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/658612-four-people-to-be-summoned-for-posting-unwanted-texts-on-social-media/page-4?p=6688785#entry6688785

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Military top brass meet ex-PM Gen Suchinda to bless him on his 80th birthday, he asserts he'll not join govt political reform plan /MCOT

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Unrelenting activists to upgrade protest intensity
By English News



BANGKOK, Aug 6 – Anti-government protesters at Lumpini Park have vowed to heighten the extent of their political rally today and tomorrow.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/658819-bangkok-unrelenting-activists-to-upgrade-protest-intensity/

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Thais are some of the least rude people in the world - Int'l travel site

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/658823-thais-are-some-of-the-least-rude-people-in-the-world-intl-travel-site/

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Heavy rains bring more Phuket floods
Naraporn Tuarob

PHUKET: -- Heavy rain overnight and this morning (August 6) brought more flooding on roads, along with water and mud in people's homes and shops.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/658827-heavy-rains-bring-more-phuket-floods-video/

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Court rules six killed at Wat Pathum Wanaram died from bullets from state authorities occupied side on BTS Skytrain during 2010 protest /MCOT

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CORRUPTION CASE
Pracha Maleenont faces arrest warrant
The Nation


A file photo of Pracha Maleenont, dated April 19, 2004.

BANGKOK: -- Police on Tuesday issued an arrest warrant against former deputy interior minister Pracha Maleenont, for failing to show up to hear the Supreme Court's judgement on an alleged corruption case.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/658849-former-deputy-interior-minister-pracha-maleenont-faces-arrest-warrant/