Thailand Live Wednesday 11 Sep 2013

[webfact]

Merit-making ceremony dedicated to the Queen Grandmother of Thailand

BANGKOK, 11 September 2013 (NNT) - At the Green Building, Sa Prathum Palace, yesterday (10 September) at 17.00 hrs, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn hosted a merit making ceremony dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Sri Savarindira, the Queen Grandmother of Thailand.

The ceremony was held in conjunction with the 151st anniversary of the Birth of Queen Sri Savarindira, born on September 10, 1862. As a daughter of King Rama IV, she was born HRH Princess Savang Vadhana. When King Rama V gained accession to the Throne, he accepted Princess Savang Vadhana as a royal consort because of her comprehensive skill and knowledge in court affairs, as well as in royal traditions. Queen Sri Savarindira had 8 children including the first Crown Prince Maha Vajirunhis. Her youngest son was Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, the father of King Bhumibol.

Throughout her life, Her Majesty Queen Sri Savarindira had paid serious attention to educational and medical development. She initiated a mobile medical unit, sending out carts loaded with medicines and medical tools to provide treatment to villagers in faraway districts.

Her Majesty was a founder of the Siam Red Cross Society, which becomes the Thai Red Cross Society nowadays. She had contributed a lot of funds to develop the Siam Red Cross into a stable organization. Her Majesty had served as president of the Siam Red Cross for 35 years. Her Majesty passed away at the Sa Prathum Palace on December 17, 1955, at the age of 93. With Her numerous activities beneficial to the Thai people, Her Majesty Queen Sri Savarindira has been recognized by UNESCO as one of the World’s Great Personalities for the years 2012-2013. The recognition was given on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of her birth last year.


-- NNT 2013-09-11

[webfact]

POLITICS
Pheu Thai, Democrat MPs row via the press
ANAPAT DEECHUAY,
ANUPHAN CHANTANA,
BUDSARAKHAM SINLAPALAVAN
The Nation


Photo by Prasert Thepsri

BANGKOK: -- Female MPs from the ruling Pheu Thai Party and opposition Democrat Party staged a cat fight of sorts by holding separate press conferences in the Parliament compound to voice their sentiments on the opposition leader's reference to "stupid women".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667009-pheu-thai-democrat-mps-row-via-the-press/

[webfact]

Khaosod English Clarifies Usage Of "Stupid Bitch"
By Khaosod Online

Anti-government critics have regularly portrayed PM Yingluck Shinawatra as stupid or brainless.

BANGKOK: -- In an article published yesterday, we translated former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva′s now-controversial remark about Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra as "stupid bitch". The original term in Thai was "อีโง่".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667011-khaosod-english-clarifies-usage-of-stupid-bitch/

[webfact]

FIRE TRUCK TRIAL
Arrest warrant issued for exminister Pracha
Kesinee Taengkhieo
Thanatpong Kongsai
Anupan Chantana
The Nation



Court acquits Apirak and exministers Bhokin, Watana in fire vehicles case

BANGKOK: -- FORMER DEPUTY interior minister Pracha Maleenont was yesterday sentenced in absentia to a 12-year prison term on graft charges for his involvement in the Bt6.68-billion procurement of a huge fleet of fire-fighting vehicles for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in 2004.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667012-bangkok-fire-truck-trial-arrest-warrant-issued-for-exminister-pracha/

[webfact]

HERB
Push for legalisation of kratom
Piyanut Tumnukasetchai
The Nation



NCB will be urged to consider developing herb for economic benefits

BANGKOK: -- Relevant authorities have decided to push for the legalisation of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a herb that for years has been included in the prohibited narcotics list.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667013-push-for-legalisation-of-kratom/

[webfact]

RUBBER

Farmers sign on for subsidies

The Nation

Saturday rally called off; govt's offer only valid for seven months

BANGKOK: -- Rubber farmers in Songkhla and other provinces have started registering for government aid as they are satisfied with the Bt2,520-per-rai fertiliser subsidy for up to 25 rai per farmer.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667014-thai-rubber-farmers-sign-on-for-subsidies/

[webfact]

THAI AIRWAYS
Thai Airways chairman confident in standards, pilots
The Nation


Backhoes are brought in to Suvarnabhumi Airport as part of the effort to salvage the aircraft. Machines removed dirt from around the wheels so the Airbus A330-300 aircraft could be removed. The salvage operation was scheduled to be complete within 48 hour

Thai Airways International chairman Ampon Kittiampon says he remains confident in the airline's safety standards, and in the capabilities of the captains of its airliners despite the accident on Sunday at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667015-thai-airways-chairman-confident-in-standards-pilots/

[webfact]

SOUTH CRISIS
Two soldiers killed, schoolboy injured in Yala blast
The Nation



YALA: -- Two soldiers were killed and two others, including a 12-year-old schoolboy, were wounded in a bomb attack at Kanarasdornbumroong 2 School in Yala's Muang district yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667016-two-soldiers-killed-schoolboy-injured-in-yala-blast/

[webfact]

Warning Issued Over 'ATM Phone Scam'
Khaosod Online

BANGKOK: -- The anti-money laundering agency of Thailand has urged the public to be vigilant of scammers claiming to be police officers and tricking the victims to transfer large amount of money from the ATM.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667018-thailands-amlo-issues-warning-over-atm-phone-scam/

[webfact]

STOPPAGE TIME
Yingluck, please throw away your passport
Tulsathit Taptim



BANGKOK: -- People of my age may be familiar with a song entitled "I've never been to me." Before some of you start screaming, no, it's not its sexual content that I'm associating Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra with.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667019-yingluck-please-throw-away-your-passport/

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
Tariff cut on luxury good sounds good for some
The Nation

The plan to lure more tourists would benefit certain sectors, but could have an overall detrimental effect on the economy

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667020-thai-editorial-tariff-cut-on-luxury-good-sounds-good-for-some/

[webfact]

Surapong says Kofi Annan understands Thai political situation

BANGKOK, 11 September 2013 (NNT) - Minister of Foreign Affairs Surapong Tovijakchaikul has revealed that former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan understands the Thai political situation and is willing to travel to Thailand to join in national reconciliation forums.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667021-surapong-says-kofi-annan-understands-thai-political-situation/

[webfact]

'Educate men to reduce attacks against women'
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Violence against women by men is pervasive across Asia and the Pacific, a quantitative study of 10,000 men and 3,000 women in the region has revealed. The study was included in a report on why some men use violence against women released yesterday in Bangkok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667022-educate-men-to-reduce-attacks-against-women/

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE
Thailand deserves a turn at the UN Security Council
Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Whether they love or hate this current government, Thai people should support the Foreign Ministry in its campaign for a seat as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667024-thailand-deserves-a-turn-at-the-un-security-council/

[webfact]

Police report 1,204 crimes in Phuket in August
Tanyaluk Sakoot


Gov Maitree Intusut presided over the meeting.

PHUKET: -- A total of 1,204 crimes were reported to police in Phuket in August, with 1,264 people arrested, a meeting at Phuket provincial Police Commander’s office was told this afternoon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667027-police-report-1204-crimes-in-phuket-in-august/

[webfact]

New Phuket provincial hall plan is dead
Naraporn Tuarob


The 100-year-old Provincial Hall will remain in use.

PHUKET: The plan to build a new, larger and more modern Provincial Hall to replace the original 100-year-old building is officially dead, killed off by stout local opposition in public hearings.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667028-new-phuket-provincial-hall-plan-is-dead/

[webfact]

Phuket taxi cartel head arrested, denies extortion charges
Phuket Gazette

Pom Sukkasam (left), 42, and his brother Sern, 52, have denied charges of using physical violence to extort money from taxi drivers. Image: YouTube

PHUKET: -- The head of the group of taxis operating out of Central Festival Phuket and his brother have denied using physical violence to extort money from fellow taxi drivers operating at the renowned shopping mall.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/666931-phuket-taxi-cartel-head-arrested-denies-extortion-charges/

[webfact]

Permanent Residency Quota Unveiled (2013)

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667026-permanent-residency-quota-unveiled-2013/

[webfact]

Chiang Mai: Urgent need for O-negative blood

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667033-urgent-need-for-o-negative-blood-at-rajavej-hospital/

[webfact]

Probe of Sunday's THAI aircraft accident begins
By English News



BANGKOK, Sept 11 – Investigation into Sunday's Thai Airways International aircraft incident at Suvarnabhumi Airport has begun but it was not speculated as to when the results would be disclosed, according to a senior aviation official.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667044-probe-of-sundays-thai-aircraft-accident-begins/

[webfact]

Sea water quality off Samet Island improves
By English News



BANGKOK, Sept 11 – The quality of sea water near Samet Island off the coast of Rayong province, tainted by an oil spill from a crude oil pipeline, has greatly improved and should return to normal later this month, according to the director general of the Pollution Control Department.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667046-sea-water-quality-off-samet-island-improves/

[webfact]

Nearly all mislabeled medicines recalled

KANCHANABURI, 11 Sep 2013 (NNT) - Nearly all of the medicine being mislabeled have been recalled.

According to Kanchanaburi Provincial Public Health Officer, Dr. Apichart Rodsom, almost all of the 60,000 hypertension pills being distributed to 939 patients with congestive heart disease had been recalled. The recalling process is expected to be completed today.

The Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) earlier reported that it had accidentally packaged Amlodopine, which is used to treat hypertension, as Isosorbide Dinitrate, used to treat congestive heart failure.

Two hundred thousand mislabeled pills had been delivered to the Thamaka Bumrungrak Hospital in Kanchanaburi Province.

Dr. Apichart stated that despite the fact that both types of the pills have similar effects on patients, the hospital would closely conduct checkups on patients who already took the pills.


-- NNT 2013-09-11

[webfact]

Young Norwegian assaulted and robbed on Pattaya Beach

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667051-young-norwegian-assaulted-and-robbed-on-pattaya-beach/

[webfact]

More Rohingya migrants flee Songkla center

SONGKLA, 11 September 2013 (NNT) - Another group of 28 Muslim Rohingya asylum seekers in Songkla province escaped from an immigration detention center last night.

The group consisting mainly of women and children was picked up by unidentified men in a pickup truck and a car. According to police, the escape was well planned ahead of the time of their escape.

Only 26 Rohingya migrants remain at the center, from the initial number of 102. Many have attempted and succeeded at fleeing the shelter in a bid to travel to a third country or to reunite with their families, 9 months after being transferred to Songkla.

More than 1,800 Rohingya who fled Myanmar by sea this past year are being detained across Thailand, often in overcrowded centers and shelters.


-- NNT 2013-09-11

[webfact]

Hat Chao Mai National Park on Andaman coast of Trang is closed until end of this month following heavy rain, 2m.waves for safety reasons /The Nation

[webfact]

Heavy rain forces delay in returning TG679 aircraft to runway; Suvarnabhumi airport runway continues closed until 6pm, some 300 flights delayed /MCOT

[webfact]

Tropical storm sweeps Trat, destroys 30 houses and school

BANGKOK, 11 September 2013 (NNT) – A tropical storm has hit Thailand’s Trat Province, destroying over 30 homes and a school in Muang District. Nine students have reportedly been injured.

Satree Prasertsin School in Trat’s Muang District was hit by a powerful tropical storm yesterday. Two of the school buildings were destroyed and 9 students were injured and taken to a hospital nearby after suffering wounds from pieces of broken glasses. According to the principal, the damage is estimated at two million baht,adding that he has called for residents in the area to help restore the school.

The storm also damaged more than 30 homes; 3 cars were smashed by a fallen tree. Street signs collapsed and roofs were swept away by strong winds. Fortunately, nobody other than the 9 students in Satree Prasertsin School was hurt.


-- NNT 2013-09-11

[webfact]

Sukhumbhand reveals renovation plans for areas around Victory Monument

BANGKOK, 11th September 2013 (NNT) – Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra has revealed a grand-scale renovation of the area around the Victory Monument including traffic and public utilities.

Speaking after his inspection of the area, the governor stated that the Victory Monument is considered an important landmark in terms of transportation as over 500,000 vehicles commute past it each day. It is a hub of transportation, being a center for buses, vans and the BTS sky train.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has a policy to improve the landscape including sidewalks and public rest rooms around the Victory Monument to make them more convenient for the disabled and the elderly, cleaner and more pleasant. More lighting systems and surveillance camera systems will also be installed.

Motorbike taxis and passenger vans offering services on over 100 routes from the monument have been asked to relocate their parking points to a well regulated space. When asked about the 6.8 billion baht fireboat and truck procurement case, the Bangkok governor chose not to speak about it as the case is still pending court ruling.


-- NNT 2013-09-11

[webfact]

Privy Council Prem out of hospital after lung surgery

BANGKOK, 11 September 2013 (NNT) – Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda has left Phramongkutklao Hospital after recovering from a lung surgery.

Former Prime Minister and Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda was released from the hospital and returned to his Sisao Thewes residence yesterday.

According to his doctor, the surgery went as planned and the 94-year-old former Prime Minister is now in good condition, adding that he can talk and walk normally, and the team of doctors found no irregularities in his latest examination.

Prem was admitted to the hospital for treatment for lung inflammation on August 30th.

Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda was born on August 26th, 1920. General Prem is a retired Thai military officer who served as Prime Minister of Thailand from March 3, 1980 to August 4, 1988.

General Prem, as the Chief of the Privy Council, has been a leader in promoting King Bhumibol's ideologies and royal projects.


-- NNT 2013-09-11

[webfact]

Tourist Police launches Road Show to boost tourists' confidence

BANGKOK, 11th September 2013 (NNT) – The ‘Thailand Tourist Police Road Show 2013’ has been launched to boost tourists’ confidence in their safety and convenience.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667095-thai-tourist-police-launches-road-show-to-boost-tourists-confidence/