Thailand Live Thursday 14 Nov 2013

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Special Feature: ICJ’s verdict on Phra Viharn Temple -- Way to the end of conflicting legend

The International Court of Justice’s ruling on disputed land surrounding the Phra Viharn Temple on the Thai-Cambodian border on November 11th, 2013 is the interpretation of the 1962 verdict by the same court which declared the temple to be Cambodian, but did not rule on the area around it. Both Thailand and Cambodia have accepted the ICJ’s verdict with calmness, showing satisfaction with the court's decision. The court this time defined the vicinity of the temple but stressed that it was a “very small portion of territory”. Thailand and Cambodia will from now on have to work together what the exact area is, and the job must be done in good faith as the court had emphasized.

On 11 November 2013 at the Peace Palace in the Hague, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, General Yutthasak Sasiprapha, Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr. Virachai Plasai, Ambassador to the Hague, Mr. Nuttavudh Photisaro, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and the Thai delegation attended the reading of the ICJ’s judgment on Cambodia’s request for interpretation of the Court’s 1962 Judgment on the case concerning the Temple of Phra Viharn.

Shortly after the Court delivered its judgment, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong commented that the Judgment should be acceptable to both sides. He said that Thailand and Cambodia would discuss the implications of the Judgment under their Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation. Ambassador Virachai, and leader of the Thai legal team, summarized the Judgment, saying that the Court found that Cambodia’s request was admissible and ruled that the 1962 Judgment had decided that Cambodia had sovereignty over the promontory of the Temple, an area which is in fact close to alternative Method One considered by the Thai Cabinet in 1962. He also said that the Court did not specify the exact area and instructed Thailand and Cambodia to negotiate in good faith.

Later, the Thai delegation in The Hague had a videoconference with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her team at the Government House. The legal working group, headed by Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and comprising high-level officials from relevant agencies and the foreign legal counsels, will study the Judgment in detail and present its recommendations to the Government on the best course of action. However, the exact timeframe for the negotiations with Cambodia is yet to be determined, as Thailand needs to look into legal aspects of the case first. According to Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkaew the meeting with the legal working group should start in the next couple of weeks.

Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul explained from the Netherlands that a Thai-Cambodian Joint Commission will provide a forum for the two countries to settle the issue. Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong agreed to the plan, Mr Surapong said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said the Thai troops will not be withdrawn from the disputed area as required by the International Court of Justice until a meeting is held between the Thai and Cambodian governments. The premier said the security personnel will stay put while Thailand awaits a conclusive meeting with the Cambodian side. In its ruling, the ICJ has requested that both nations sort out their differences through peaceful means.

Prime Minister Yingluck reiterated that Thailand will enter negotiations with Cambodia to put an end to the issue. She said the court’s verdict created a win-win situation for both countries and there have been no reports of border fighting as previously anticipated. She added that Thailand will use bilateral negotiation with Cambodia to decide how to proceed after the ICJ’s ruling, adding that the talks will not violate the Thai constitution, but would be in the national interest and the spirit of Asean.


-- NNT 2013-11-14

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Govt denies approving budget for tapping phone conversation of demonstrators

BANGKOK, 14 November 2013 (NNT) - Deputy Government Spokesperson Sunisa Lertpakawat has denied the rumor that the government is planning to monitor phone conversations of demonstrators.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681548-thai-govt-denies-approving-budget-for-tapping-phone-conversation-of-demonstrators/

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Anti-govt demonstrators call for rejection of ICJ ruling

BANGKOK, 14 November 2013 (NNT) - The Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand has issued a demand for the government to reject the ruling on the Phra Viharn case by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681551-anti-govt-demonstrators-call-for-rejection-of-icj-ruling/

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POLITICS
PM orders THAI to explain reported strike
Piyanart Srivalo
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra Wednesday ordered Thai Airways International to explain a report that its labour union has resolved to allow THAI staffs to lay down tools, a Government House source said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681552-pm-yingluck-orders-thai-to-explain-reported-strike/

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ANALYSIS
Salvaging 4.6sq km area 'a victory'
SUPALAK GANJANAKHUNDEE
THE NATION

With Cambodia's claim on the disputed area rejected by the ICJ, talks on the Preah Vihear promontory may go smoothly

BANGKOK: -- THE EXACT coverage of the Preah Vihear Temple's promontory might matter for many nationalists but it pales next to the 4.6-square-kilometre area claimed by Thailand that was fortunately not included in the definition of the temple's "vicinity" under Cambodian control by the World Court on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681553-preah-vihear-salvaging-46sq-km-area-a-victory/

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Residents protest floodway scheme
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation
Samut Songkhram



People in Samut Songkhram say the new river will affect their fishing activities

BANGKOK: -- THOUSANDS of residents of Samut Songkhram province yesterday protested against a floodway construction project that is part of the government's Bt350-billion water- and flood-management scheme. They said the new river would affect their fishing activities, especially for tuna - the most famous fish in Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681555-samut-songkhram-residents-protest-floodway-scheme/

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Thai strike threat recedes after amnesty bill dropped

BANGKOK, November 14, 2013 (AFP) - Calls by Thailand's opposition for a general strike Wednesday against a controversial amnesty bill appeared to go unheeded after the senate rejected the legislation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681556-thai-strike-threat-recedes-after-amnesty-bill-dropped/

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POLITICS
Social media fans fires of dissent
ASINA PORNWASIN
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- SOCIAL MEDIA plays an important role as a key online channel for people to keep abreast of the current political climate and protest movement. Social media usage across services like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pantip.com in Thailand have surged over the last month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681557-thai-politics-social-media-fans-fires-of-dissent/

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PREAH VIHEAR SPAT
Life on the border returns to normal
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- ALL 47 SCHOOLS in the border province of Si Sa Ket reopened yesterday as there was no backlash from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on Preah Vihear Temple.

The schools, all in Si Sa Ket's Ban Kraud district, were closed on Monday and Tuesday. Yesterday, teachers and students said they were relieved and happy that Thailand had, so far, not lost any territory or sovereignty as speculated by critics and analysts.

The only negative occurrence in relation to Preah Vihear yesterday was the death of Tri Narin, governor of Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey province, in a road accident while he was heading for a press conference on the ICJ ruling.

The accident took place across from Thailand's Sa Kaew province, when the governor's vehicle slammed into the back of a large truck, possibly because his driver had fallen asleep, news reports said.

Traders and tourism operators in Chanthaburi, meanwhile, said everything, including border trade, had returned to normal with Thai and Cambodian vendors setting up stalls.

Teacher Damrong Samphan said he expected bilateral relations to resume without any disputes or clashes taking place.


-- The Nation 2013-11-14

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THAI to tackle business structure next year
NONGNAPAS MAIPANIT
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THAI AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL expects to launch a business rehabilitation plan next year aimed at ensuring sustainable growth in profitability.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681558-thai-to-tackle-business-structure-next-year/

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DOUBLE IMPACTS
Foreigners pull money out of Thai stocks and bonds
The Nation


A foreign tourist yesterday crosses a street where anti-government protesters at Democracy Monument. (EPA photo)

BANGKOK: -- Foreign investors' extended retreat has raised their net-sell position in the Thai stock market so far this month to Bt18.7 billion, amid the raging political chaos at home and rising volatility in the global financial market.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681559-foreigners-pull-money-out-of-thai-stocks-and-bonds/

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Foreign investors sure Thailand will tide over political difficulties
PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI,
THITIKARN SUPATTARAKUL
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- FOREIGN INVESTORS would like the government and every sector of society to build a better investment environment for both foreigners and locals and believe that Thailand could break through the current political impasse with negotiations and better communication, Stanley Kang, chairman of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand, said recently.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681560-foreign-investors-sure-thailand-will-tide-over-political-difficulties/

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THAI TALK
Despite talk to the contrary, a new election is the only option
Suthichai Yoon
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Suthep Thaugsuban's call for widespread civil disobedience might have been aimed at firing up the protesters at Democracy Monument. It was, at most, a symbolic gesture.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681561-thai-talk-despite-talk-to-the-contrary-a-new-election-is-the-only-option/

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EDITORIAL
Who is responsible for this amnesty mess?
The Nation

Those guilty of splitting the country by pushing controversial legislation should not be allowed to remain silent

BANGKOK: -- The Senate on Monday night voted unanimously to reject the controversial blanket-amnesty bill. That leaves us in a situation that's extremely rare in Thai politics.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681562-thai-editorial-who-is-responsible-for-this-amnesty-mess/

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Monk gets drunk over lottery loss in-front of South Pattaya Temple



PATTAYA: -- A 55 year old Monk was found drinking whisky in front of a South Pattaya Temple on Wednesday morning and it is reported he was drinking to forget a substantial loss of money invested in lottery tickets.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681563-monk-gets-drunk-over-500000-baht-lottery-loss-in-front-of-pattaya-temple/

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Pattaya Ferry Disaster Salvage Operation in Pattaya Bay



PATTAYA: -- The delayed salvage operation to recover the sunken Ferry which resulted in the death of 7 and injuries to over 100 passengers, took place on Wednesday in Pattaya Bay.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681564-pattaya-ferry-disaster-salvage-operation-in-pattaya-bay/

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Multi-National Disaster Response Meeting in North Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- Following the recent devastating Typhoon which caused death and destruction in the Philippines, 15 countries took part in a Disaster Response Meeting at a North Pattaya Hotel on Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681565-multi-national-disaster-response-meeting-in-north-pattaya/

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Chuwit asks Suthep to understand "Mr Green Tea"



BANGKOK: -- Rak Prathet Thai (Love Thailand) party leader Chuwit Kamolvisit pleaded with Ratchadamnoen protest leader Suthep Thuagsuban to understand and be fair with wellknown businessman Tan Pasakornnathee, producer of the Ishitan brand bottled green tea.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681566-chuwit-asks-suthep-to-understand-mr-green-tea/

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Kittirat brushes aside IMF's suggestions



BANGKOK: -- The Government will have to study the budgetary transfers targeted at low-income agricultural households as proposed by the International Monetary Fund to replace the controversial rice pledging scheme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681567-kittirat-brushes-aside-imfs-suggestions/

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PM assures the opposition of parliamentary consent



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra assured the Opposition Wednesday that the government would seek parliamentary approval for every procedure or step of actions in negotiating with Cambodia over the ruling of the International Court of Justice pertaining to the Preah Vihear temple row.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681568-icj-ruling-pm-yingluck-assures-the-opposition-of-parliamentary-consent/

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TAX EVASION
House approves tax-law negotiations with US
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The government Wednesday won House approval to start negotiations with the United States over an intergovernmental agreement on the US's Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681569-thai-govt-approves-tax-law-negotiations-with-us/

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New Supreme Patriarch named
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- SOMDET Phra Maharatchamongkha-lachan has been nominated as the 20th Supreme Patriarch, the Office of National Buddhism (ONB) said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681571-bangkok-new-supreme-patriarch-named/

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Police want safe, sober Loy Krathong
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Police have imposed strict limits on people's usage of fireworks during the November 16-18 Loy Krathong Festival. Also, Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt wants to keep the number of accidents involving public transport vehicles at zero, with no injuries or deaths, during this year's festival.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681572-thai-police-want-safe-sober-loy-krathong/

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UPDATE:

Govt will make no sneaky pacts over Preah Vihear, Yingluck assures Parliament
Kornchanok Raksaseri,
Khanittha Thepphajorn,
Tanatpong Kongsai
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE GOVERNMENT will present a framework on Preah Vihear negotiations for parliamentary deliberation as per law, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681568-icj-ruling-pm-yingluck-assures-the-opposition-of-parliamentary-consent/#entry7036217

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Nine luxury cars seized in tax sweep
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Provincial Police Region 2 chief, Pol Lt-General Kawee Supanant, yesterday announced the seizure of nine cars worth Bt33 million in Chon Buri, Prachin Buri, Pathum Thani and Bangkok whose owners are allegedly involved in tax-evasion scams.

The October 1-November 13 seizures stemmed from a police investigation into vehicles on whom tax had been evaded, and which had been sold to the public or used in criminal activities, said Kawee.

The vehicles - two Toyota Vellfires, one Mercedes Benz E250, one Mercedes Benz CLK, one Mercedes Benz CLS 350, one BMW 523I, two BMW 320Is and one Bentley Continental - were smuggled from Malaysia and Japan and sold at prices Bt500,000-Bt2 million cheaper than market value.

He urged those duped into buying such vehicles to file a police complaint against the seller and join a Customs Department bid to get the vehicles back.

Kawee warned the public about too-cheap car purchases and to alert police of suspicions of tax evasion involving cars.

-- The Nation 2013-11-14

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UPDATE:
Skimming gang suspected in latest Songkhla ATM heist
Khwanhathai Malakan
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- MORE THAN Bt600,000 has gone missing from the bank accounts of Bangkok residents, very likely at the hands of an ATM skimming gang, which withdrew the cash in the southern province of Songkhla.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681254-thieves-hack-atm-in-cp-building-in-bangkoks-phaya-thai-district/#entry7036228

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Two killed, five injured in gas canister explosion at Chachoengsao gas shop /MCOT

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Motorists Beware: Traffic Jam…Again



BANGKOK: -- Traffic police are advising motorists to avoid Silom road as they expected traffic jams again today when an anti-government protest rally planned to march to Silom from Rajadamnern Nok road to persuade office employees to join their protest.

Motorists are advised to keep off Yommarj, Larng Luang, Phetburi, Phyathai, Ratthevi, Sam Yarn, Rama IV and Silom as they will be used by protesters to march to Silom late this morning.

The protesters hosted by the Network of Student and People for Reform of Thailand planned to begin their long march to Silom at 10 .00 a.m.

Leader of the protesters and also advisor to the Network Mr Nitithorn Lamlua said the protesters would march from Makkawan bridge on Rajdamern Nok to Silom to mobilize more public support to oppose the government and the amendment of Article 190 to the Constitution.

He said that Article 190 empowers the prime minister to enter any agreement with foreign countries without having to seek prior approval from the Parliament.

Such absolute power given to the prime minister put the country at risk of falling into disadvantageous position if it was abused by ill-intentioned politicians wanting to make international deals for personal interests, he said.

He said the network will oppose this amendment to the end.

He said they would seek support from businesses and office employees to join in the protest to oppose the amendment.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/motorists-beware-traffic-jamagain/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=motorists-beware-traffic-jamagain

-- Thai PBS 2013-11-14

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UPDATE:

Police remind people not to violate laws on fireworks during Loi Krathong

BANGKOK, 14 November 2013 (NNT) – The national police office asserted it will be tough on sales and usage of fireworks during the Loi Krathong festival.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681572-thai-police-want-safe-sober-loy-krathong/#entry7036715

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Explosion kills 3 people in Chachoengsao

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681609-three-killed-in-oxygen-tank-blast-thai-police/