Thailand Live Friday 13 Sep 2013

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Thai PM meets the Pope
By English News



VATICAN CITY: -- Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra had an audience with Pope Francis here yesterday – the first Thai political leader to visit the Holy See in 58 years.

She said Thailand was one of the countries that respects and understands diversities of religions and nationalities, and people of every religion are allowed to freely perform their rituals and live harmoniously in Thai society.

Pope Francis and Ms Yingluck exchanged views on global poverty and people’s access to health, peace and faith.

They advocated interfaith dialogue as a tool in promoting international peace. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-09-13

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INFRINGEMENT OF RIGHTS
CTH sues Apple for Bt100 million over EPL app
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- CTH, the exclusive holder of English Premier League (EPL) football broadcasting rights in Thailand, yesterday sued US-based Apple Inc and its local office for allegedly violating the Thai cable-TV operator's rights, and sought Bt100 million in damages.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667456-cth-sues-apple-for-bt100-million-over-epl-app/

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BURNING ISSUE
Govt must learn to pay heed before things get out of hand
SUPON THANUKID
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- ALL SORTS of people have taken to the streets to make their voices heard. More often than not, they cite their constitutional right to gather in public places, yet in many cases, this exercising of rights exceeds the legal limit and affects the rights of others.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667457-thai-govt-must-learn-to-pay-heed-before-things-get-out-of-hand/

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BANGKOK
Capital to get a new storm tunnel
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- A new tunnel in Bangkok to drain floodwater from five inner districts northwards to a Chao Phraya outlet in Nonthaburi will be ready for use by September 2016, after a contract was signed yesterday between the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the contractors.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667458-bangkok-to-get-a-new-floodwater-tunnel/

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DIGITAL TV
Fierce battle in digital TV bids
Watchiranont Thongtep
The Nation



With only 24 channels up for grabs, 49 bid packages snapped up

BANGKOK: -- Fierce competition is anticipated after 33 more companies yesterday expressed their intention to participate in the auction next month for 24 digital-TV licences.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667459-thailand-fierce-battle-in-digital-tv-bids/

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SOUTH CRISIS
NSC denies BRN demands accepted
ANAPAT DEECHUAY,
PARES LOHASAN,
NAKARIN CHINWORAKOMON
THE NATION



Three rangers shot dead while they repaired villagers' roofs in Pattani

BANGKOK: -- National Security Council (NSC) secretary general Paradorn Pattanatabutr yesterday insisted that the Thai government had not yet accepted any demands by the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667460-thai-south-crisis-nsc-denies-brn-demands-accepted/

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EDITORIAL
However you spin it, THE PEACE PROCESS IS DEAD



Separatists in the South saw through the government's clumsy attempts to whitewash the past right from the start

BANGKOK: -- The deep South peace process that was hastily put together and announced on February 28 is dead, but one wonders how many more violent deaths it will take before the government accepts this reality.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667461-thai-editorial-however-you-spin-it-the-peace-process-is-dead/

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POLITICS
Bangkok police chief under investigation
Chanikarn Phumhiran
The Nation


File photo : Camronwit

BANGKOK: -- Police investigation into Bangkok police chief Pol Lt Gen Camronwit Thoopgrajank's ethics as recommended by the Office of the Ombudsman is underway.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667462-bangkok-police-chief-being-investigated/

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POLITICS
Rejecting 'stupid' remark
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Dozens of women gather outside Parliament yesterday to protest against opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva's "stupid women" remark.

Led by Pheu Thai female MPs, the group called on House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont to order an investigation into Abhisit's conduct. They also asked Deputy House Speaker Visuth Chainaroon to hand sarongs over to the Democrat leader.


-- The Nation 2013-09-13

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Govt accused of rushing public hearing on Bt350-bn scheme
JEERAPONG PRASERTPOLKRUNG
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- The Stop Global Warming Association (SGWA) has accused the government of ignoring the Central Administrative Court's order related to its water management master plan.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667463-thai-govt-accused-of-rushing-public-hearing-on-bt350-bn-scheme/

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Germans air views on green energy, water management
PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- GERMAN EXPERTS on green energy and a low-carbon economy have held two days of talks with their Thai counterparts in a bid to promote closer bilateral cooperation in the field.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667464-germans-air-views-on-green-energy-water-management-bangkok/

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CHARTER REVIEW
Legality of amendment questioned
OLAN LERTRUDTANADUMRONGKUL,
ANUPHAN CHANTANA
THE NATION

Spirit of charter would be violated if senators ousted early : expert

BANGKOK: -- The termination of appointed senators before the end of their term would be against the will of the Constitution, Senator Anurak Niyamaveja said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667466-thai-charter-review-legality-of-amendment-questioned/

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A woman died Thursday after falling from skytrain platform

BANGKOK: -- A 36-year-old woman suffered serious injuries after falling from the platform of Phra Khanong skytrain station in Klongtan district Wednesday night. Mail Sompong of Thaweewattana district was announced dead at Klueynamtai Hospital.

Police was alerted at about 11.30pm on Wednesday that she fell from skytrain station and was rushed to the hospital. She suffered from swollen brain, broken arm and wrist, doctors said, she was resuscitated and admitted to ICU.

Her sister Panawan Sompong, 32, said Mail just finished having a meal with a friend who just returned from overseas. She was on her way home and got off the skytrain at Phrakanong station when she and her friend missed from each other.

Panawan learnt about her sister's incident after the hospital called her. She said she did not think that her sister committed suicide.


-- The Nation 2013-09-13

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Chile, Thailand to sign free trade agreement

SANTIAGO, September 13, 2013 (AFP) - Chile and Thailand have closed a free trade agreement which they will sign on October 4, when Chilean President Sebastian Pinera travels to the Asian nation, Chile's foreign ministry said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667467-chile-thailand-to-sign-free-trade-agreement/

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False alarm as Brit decides not to make Phuket leap of despair

Naraporn Tuarob

PHUKET: Police were called to a hotel in Patong around 2.30am today (September 12) after reports that a British man was preparing to jump off a room balcony after a fight involving his British girlfriend and a Thai bargirl

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667395-false-alarm-as-brit-decides-not-to-make-phuket-leap-of-despair/

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Phuket university student busted with 2,200 meth pills
Naraporn Tuarob


University student Krityot.

PHUKET: -- A university student from Phuket was arrested this morning (September 12) after he was caught in possession of 2,200 methamphetamine pills, two guns and 7 grams of crystal meth.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667468-phuket-university-student-busted-with-2200-meth-pills/

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THE RED BULL HEIR AND INEQUALITY IN THAILAND
POSTED BY NEWLEY PURNELL

BANGKOK: -- Early on a Monday morning in September, 2012, Vorayuth Yoovidhya, an heir to Thailand’s Red Bull energy-drink fortune, allegedly sped down a Bangkok street in his silver Ferrari and crashed into a police officer on motorcycle patrol.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667469-the-red-bull-heir-and-inequality-in-thailand/

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Study to commence on creation of backup runway at Suvarnabhumi airport

BANGKOK, 13 September 2013 (NNT) – Transport Minister Chatchart Sitthiphan has established a working committee to consider the construction of a backup runway at Suvarnabhumi airport, to accommodate emergency situations.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667476-study-to-commence-on-creation-of-backup-runway-at-suvarnabhumi-airport/

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Canadian teacher seriously injured in Phuket bike smash
Claire Connell

PHUKET: -- The parents and wife of Canadian teacher Mark Schofield, left with serious injuries after a bike smash on September 6, were due to arrive on the island yesterday (September 12), Canadian media has reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667477-canadian-teacher-seriously-injured-in-phuket-bike-smash/

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Bangkok hit by heavy downpour since early morning causing flooding in some areas; Traffic jams on Lat Phrao, Vibhavadi, Sathorn roads /MCOT

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Thai stock index opens on Friday at 1,393.20, down 4.70 points /MCOT

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Jaran's hammer: 73-year-old beaten to death across the bay from Phuket
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- A man confessed to killing his wife with a hammer yesterday because she moved to Krabi to live with her daughter, leaving him alone in the Isarn province of Yasothon for about a year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667489-jarans-hammer-73-year-old-beaten-to-death-across-the-bay-from-phuket/

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Alleged extortionist re-elected to run Phuket taxi group
Phuket Gazette


Pom Sukkasam was re-elected to run the taxi group operating at Central Festival Phuket. Photo: Saran Mitrarat

PHUKET: -- “Brother Pom” was re-elected to head the Central Festival Phuket taxi group yesterday, despite facing charges of extortion and using violence to force member-drivers to make payments.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667490-alleged-extortionist-re-elected-to-run-phuket-taxi-group/

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Yukol: Thailand can be ASEAN rubber hub

BANGKOK, 12 September 2013 (NNT) – The Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives believes that Thailand can be the para rubber center of ASEAN given its logistic advantages, while insisting the government should not intervene in the rubber market.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667494-yukol-thailand-can-be-asean-rubber-hub/

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NSC: No date set for next round of peace dialogue with BRN; awaiting decision on its 5-point demand, national benefit comes first /MCOT

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Quarrels in parliament unacceptable: Poll
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Among 10 political ploys exercised by politicians, quarrels in Parliament is the most unacceptable, according to Suan Dusit Poll.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667501-quarrels-in-parliament-unacceptable-thai-poll/

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Thailand-Italy look to strengthen economic ties

BANGKOK, 13 September 2013 (NNT) – Thailand and Italy are determined to deepen their economic ties, as both nations see investment opportunities for the small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinwatra, during her visit to Italy has met with Giorgio Squinzi, who is the Chief Executive Officer, President and Managing Director of Mapei International.

Miss Yingluck told Mr Squinzi that she was glad to see the free trade agreement (FTA) between Thailand and the EU moving forward, while expressing high hopes that the agreement will be finalized by next year.

According to the Thai Premier, both parties see possible investment opportunities in the SME sector, and the move will further strengthen the already strong economic ties between the two countries.

Miss Yingluck praised Italy for its capability to combine handicraft works and technology together, She said she hoped the two nations could cooperate on industrial design, given that Thailand had expertise in handicraft works and abundant raw materials, while Italy had the knowledge and experience required. If the two countries joined hands, they would be able to penetrate Asia, which boasts a diverse market and is expected to grow at a rapid pace.


-- NNT 2013-09-13

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Reopening of Surin Airport to Cope with Tourism Growth in Northeastern Thailand

SURIN: -- Surin Pakdi Airport in the northeastern province of Surin has been further developed and will reopen for commercial use in November 2013 to cope tourism growth.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667521-reopening-of-surin-airport-in-november-2013/

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Niwatthamrong will call a meeting of Thai commercial attaches to review export target

BANGKOK, 13 September 2013 (NNT) – Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan will call a meeting of commercial counselors from Thai embassies worldwide to review the country’s export target in the last quarter of this year.

The Commerce Minister said the meeting of Thai commercial counselors is scheduled for September 23 during which the export growth estimates for this year’s fourth quarter and next year will be considered. He said each commercial attache is usually responsible for analyzing the market in his area so that the right stimulus measures can be issued. However, the minister admitted that every country, including Thailand, is now faced with tough economic challenges. Related officials must, therefore, come up with fresh strategies to enable Thai goods to better penetrate the markets, both old and new.

The minister believes that Thailand will, in the latter half of 2013, see a better economic expansion than in the first half as the second half is normally the high season for Thai exports. He added that whether the original 7.5 percent growth estimate will be adjusted or not depends on the result of the meeting of commercial counselors on September 23 .

-- NNT 2013-09-13

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Thai court acquits man accused by brother of royal slur

BANGKOK, September 13, 2013 (AFP) - A Thai court on Friday acquitted a man held for nearly a year under controversial royal defamation laws after his own brother accused him of insulting the king in their home.

The unusual case raised concerns among rights activists that a suspect could be held without bail for so long under the lese majeste rules, on the basis of one person's allegations of remarks made in private.

Bangkok's Criminal Court dismissed the case against Yuthapoom Martnok, 36, who was accused of defaming the king while watching television at home in 2009, his lawyer Saovalux Pongam said.

"The judge said the brother had serious conflicts with the defendant, therefore the court must treat the plaintiff's testimony cautiously," Saovalux added.

The defendant's wife Jongkol Khongtin, 36, said the two brothers had a history of feuding.

"Most of the time they barely talked to each other because they do not get along," she told AFP after the verdict.

Yuthapoom -- who denied the charges -- had been held in the Bangkok Remand Prison since September 2012. Several requests for bail were denied.

"He should have been granted bail to fight the case. Putting him in jail for 11 months is like diminishing his rights as a being human," Jongkol said, adding that she was now struggling with debts.

Jongkol said she hoped lese majeste allegations would be examined more carefully in the future before a suspect is indicted.

The royal family is a highly sensitive subject in politically turbulent Thailand and King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 85, is revered by many Thais. He has suffered from a range of ailments in recent years.

Thai courts have handed down a series of tough sentences for insulting the monarchy in recent times, to the dismay of human rights campaigners.

Under the legislation, anyone convicted of insulting the Thai king, queen, heir or regent faces up to 15 years in prison on each count.

Critics say the lese majeste law has been politicised, noting that many of those charged are linked to the Red Shirt political movement, which is broadly loyal to ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Thailand has been riven by political divisions since Thaksin was overthrown by royalist generals in a coup in 2006.

Two months of mass street protests by the Red Shirts in early 2010 triggered the kingdom's worst civil violence in decades with 90 people killed.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2013-09-13