Thailand Live Wednesday 2 Apr 2014

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Banana growers and OTOP production in Nong Khai severely hampered by drought

NONG KHAI, 02 April 2014 (NNT) – The drought situation remains severe, with waterways in several areas drying up. Meanwhile the air quality in the North remains sub-standard with haze continuing to blanket Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai.

In Nong Khai province's Sangkhom district, thousands of rai of banana plantations have been threatened by the lack of water. Banana trees at some plantations have started to dry off. The lack of banana fruit is also affecting the production of OTOP products in the district, which consist mostly of processed bananas.

In a bid to improve the air quality in Mae Hong Son, provincial governor Suraphon Phanat-amphon has coordinated for about 600 persons from the police force, the military, civil service and civilian population to simultaneously fight the forest fires raging in 7 districts. The effort came about after provincial authorities have been unsuccessful in reducing the air particulate matter reading to a safe level.

In Chiang Rai, those living in the city area still have to wear face masks to protect themselves against dust. According to the Pollution Control Department's air quality inspection, there is around 120-145 micrograms of PM10 particulate matter in a cubic meter of air, which is detrimental to people's health. Collaboration is being sought from all individuals in refraining from setting fire for all types of burning.


-- NNT 2014-04-02

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Military urges Songkran negotiations


Royal Thai Air Force Commander-in-Chief ACM Prajin Juntong talks to Nation Multimedia Group editor-in-chief Thepchai Yong during an exclusive interview.

BANGKOK: -- The military still wants all parties involved in the current political conflict to talk to each other, and prevent violence, Royal Thai Air force Commander-in-Chief ACM Prajin Juntong said in an exclusive interview with Nation Multimedia Group editor in chief Thepchai Yong.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715734-thai-military-urges-songkran-negotiations/

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DEATH OF CADET
Family suspect foul play
Aritach Porn-asavayothin
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- THE PARENTS of a police cadet killed in an apparent parachuting accident say they suspect foul play in the incident.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715735-death-of-thai-police-cadet-family-suspect-foul-play/

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ANTI-GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGN
Gun attack targets anti-govt protesters
The Nation



One guard killed; 500,000 red shirts expected

BANGKOK: -- ONE PROTESTER was killed and four others injured yesterday when gunmen fired in broad daylight at their convoy while travelling on an expressway in Nonthaburi province, in a further inflammation of the political conflict.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715606-str-guard-shot-dead-in-nonthaburi/page-3?p=7638948#entry7638948

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THAI-SAUDI RELATIONS
Surapong tells Saudis he 'feels regret'
Nuntida Puangthong,
Kesinee Taengkhiao
The Nation

Saudi diplomats seeking a meeting with him in the wake of key court verdict

BANGKOK: -- CARETAKER Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said yesterday that Saudi diplomats were seeking a meeting with him in the wake of a key court verdict acquitting five policemen of the alleged abduction and murder of Saudi businessman Mohammad al-Ruwaili.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715736-surapong-tells-saudis-he-feels-regret-al-ruwaili-verdict/

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ENVIRONMENT
Praksa fire leads to calls for nationwide dumpsite controls
Janjira Pongrai
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- THE RECENT massive fire at a dumpsite in Samut Prakan's tambon Praksa has prompted senators to call for a Health Department survey of 2,400 garbage dumps and for the issuance of ministerial regulations to control dumping sites nationwide.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715737-praksa-fire-leads-to-calls-for-nationwide-dumpsite-controls/

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VIOLENCE
Min Buri bombing suspect identified
The Nation

Warrant sought for man who rented house

BANGKOK: -- POLICE ARE seeking an arrest warrant for the prime suspect in a fatal bombing in Bangkok's Min Buri district on Saturday night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715738-min-buri-bombing-suspect-identified/

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ECO CAR
Thailand close to achieve 3mn auto production milestone
The Nation


Nissan March is the first eco car produced in Thailand.

BANGKOK: -- THAILAND IS on the road to hitting the target of 3 million vehicles produced annually by 2017, with automakers showing overwhelming interest in the second phase of the eco-car scheme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715739-thailand-close-to-achieve-3mn-auto-production-milestone/

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EDITORIAL
Viewers in the driver's seat for TV revolution
The Nation

The launch of digital television means far more than extra channels

BANGKOK: -- Six decades after the 1955 debut of black-and-white TV, Thailand reached another milestone yesterday with the "soft launch" of digital TV. The move is among changes in the broadcasting industry heralding major opportunities for both companies and consumers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715740-viewers-in-the-drivers-seat-for-tv-revolution-thai-editorial/

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STOPPAGE TIME
Take the best guess is all we can do
Tulsathit Taptim

BANGKOK: -- One thing about being journalists is that some people assume we have the psychic power to know exactly how and when a phenomenal conflict involving the two biggest political parties, top judges, top anti-graft busters, Thaksin Shinawatra, Chalerm Yoobamrung, Jutuporn Prompan and millions more who hate each other's guts is going to end.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715741-thai-opinion-take-the-best-guess-is-all-we-can-do/

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NACC allows 3 witnesses of PM to testify
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The National Anti-Corruption Commission yesterday allowed three of 11 defence witnesses to testify against the charge of dereliction of duty by the prime minister in connection with the government's rice-pledging scheme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715743-nacc-allows-3-witnesses-of-pm-yingluck-to-testify/

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BURNING ISSUE
Let's think - and not be seduced by the war drums
Pravit Rojanaphruk

Who are the victims of Thai politics? Or - are we all victims of politics?

BANGKOK: -- These are disturbing questions that we might want to ask ourselves and try to come up with honest answers to - no matter how ugly the reply might be, as political violence and hatred rage unabated.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715744-thai-politics-lets-think-and-not-be-seduced-by-the-war-drums/

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Court to decide today on hearing petition from senators to disqualify premier
Piyanut Tumnukasetchai,
Nuntida Puangthong
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Constitutional Court will decide today whether to accept the petition filed by senators to disqualify caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra for her alleged interference in the transfer of National Security Council secretary-general Thawil Pliensri, said court chief spokesman Pimol Thampitakpong.

The petition was filed after the Supreme Administrative Court's ruling that Thawil be reinstated, as Yingluck's order to transfer him was unlawful.

The senators have taken recourse to Article 91 of the Constitution, appealing to the court to rule on whether Yingluck must be disqualified in accordance with Article 180, 182 (7) 268 and 266 (2) (3).

Pimol said it would take the court at least five days to issue a ruling.

Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana said that the point about Thawil's transfer is whether the PM has the authority to transfer him. If she has the authority, then she should not be accused of interference.

"It is a separate matter from whether the transfer is lawful or not. Decisions on the transfer of high-ranking officials rest with the Cabinet, so it is not interference but a normal practice,'' he said.

The court would also decide on whether to accept a petition filed by Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order director and caretaker Labour Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, seeking an order from the court to stop the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) rally. Chalerm said the PDRC protest was not peaceful and unarmed as they claimed but was an act of sedition and insurrection to bring down a democratic ruling system.


-- The Nation 2014-04-02

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Road safety network calls for ban of double-deck buses during Songkran festival



BANGKOK: -- The Network of Road Safety and academics Tuesday called on transport ministry to ban the use of double-deck buses as supplementary buses during the Songkran festival, citing unsafety reason of the buses.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715746-road-safety-network-calls-for-ban-of-double-deck-buses-during-songkran-festival/

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Controversial Beach Booms claim their first life on Jomtien Beach



PATTAYA: -- Following previous reports of people sustaining injury after falling off beach booms on Pattaya and Jomtien Beaches, they have now claimed their first life and residents of Pattaya are now calling for their immediate removal before the booms claim further victims.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715747-controversial-beach-booms-claim-their-first-life-on-jomtien-beach/

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Tourism association wants tougher action against cheaters
Bamrung Amnatcharoenrit
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The government should take serious action against tour operators who have cheated consumers, says Yutthachai Soonthronrattanavate, president of the Association of Domestic Travel (ADT).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715750-thai-govt-urged-to-get-tough-on-dishonest-tour-operators/

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Powerful quake hits Chile, tsunami warning: officials

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715751-powerful-quake-hits-chile-tsunami-warning-officials/

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TDRI says corruption in rice scheme exceeds 450 billion baht



BANGKOK: -- Corruption plagues the government’s rice pledging scheme in almost every step with damages during the past two years since the implementation of the scheme now exceeds over 450 billion baht.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715752-tdri-says-corruption-in-rice-scheme-exceeds-450-billion-baht/

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PM urges Civil Servants to remain neutral toward political matters

BANGKOK, 2 April 2014, (NNT) - Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has urged civil servants nationwide to stay neutral towards political issues.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715765-pm-yingluck-urges-civil-servants-to-remain-neutral-toward-political-matters/

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Princess Maha Chakri grants an audience to well wishers on 59th anniversary

BANGKOK, 2 April 2014 (NNT) - Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn yesterday granted an audience to groups of well wishers on the occasion of her birthday anniversary on April 2, at Chaipattana Building, Chitralada Villa.

Among the well wishers were the Prime Minister and Cabinet members together with their spouses, the Parliament President, members of the Senate, senior parliamentary officials, the President of the Supreme Court and members of the court of justice, the National Anti-Corruption Commission, the Election Commission, the Ombudsman and executive members of the Thai Red Cross Society.

Later at the Dusidalai Hall, Chitralada Villa, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn granted an audience to village scouts, members of the armed forces and their spouses, as well as representatives of people from all walks of life who offered their good wishes and financial donations on the royal birthday anniversary.

The Princess on this occasion thanked the crowd and said their donations would be spent on promoting the quality of life of the poor in various aspects, particularly education. She said the donations would go towards Phra Pariyattitham Schools for monks in rural areas as well as Ponoh Islamic boarding schools, in order to promote their health and ability to learn. The Princess committed she would conserve cultural heritage and find occupations for people living in remote areas through the promotion of agricultural processing and handicraft production. The Princess also wished everyone happiness and strong health.

In the afternoon HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn also granted an audience to members of the Privy Council and private sector representatives who congratulated the Princess on her 59th birthday anniversary on April 2, 2014.


-- NNT 2014-04-02

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Dance For Health: Thai Red Cross AIDS Gala at Amari Hotel Hua Hin

Find out more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715779-dance-for-health-thai-red-cross-aids-gala-at-amari-hotel-hua-hin/

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Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 1,390.37, gains 2.89 points /MCOT

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Governor pushes for black water solution after Karon Beach water runs foul again
Phuket Gazette


Governor Maitri washed his hands in the black water at Karon Beach. Photo: Saran Mitrarat

PHUKET: -- The Phuket governor was on-site yesterday when a fresh flow of black water washed into the sea at Karon Beach.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715786-governor-pushes-for-black-water-solution-after-karon-beach-water-runs-foul-again-video/

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Cabinet approves loans to MRTA for construction of 3 BTS lines

BANGKOK, 2 April 2014, (NNT) - The Cabinet has approved a request from the Ministry of Finance to grant loans to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) for the construction of three Sky Train lines.

The Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, Pakdehan Himathongkam, made the announcement after Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, saying that the loan would also be used to pay down the MRTA’s debts and related expenses. He noted that 10.9 billion baht would be allotted to the construction of the Purple Line from Bang Yai to Bang Sue; 4.5 billion baht will go to the Blue Line, for the construction of the routes from Hua Lampong to Bang Kae, and Bang Sue to Tha Phra, while another 1.6 billion baht has been set aside for the Green Line linking Bearing and Samut Prakan.

According to the Transport Ministry, the three railway constructions have already started, specifying that the Purple Line is estimated to cost 37.7 billion baht. Of that amount 23.2 billion baht has been disbursed since September last year. The cost of the Blue Line and Green Line projects was set at 55 billion baht and 17 billion baht respectively; about half of the Blue Line budget has already been withdrawn while the Green Line has already cost about 3.4 billion baht. The remaining amount of budget is expected to be disbursed in coming weeks.


-- NNT 2014-04-02

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No charges yet in Krabi boat collision case
Phuket Gazette


Six people were injured in the speedboat crash, but no one has been charged for the incident. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- Police have yet to charge anyone involved in the speedboat crash that occurred off the coast of Krabi in February, as they have not been able to determine fault, confirmed Sophon Kongthong of the Krabi City Police.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715815-no-charges-yet-in-krabi-boat-collision-case/

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Suthep leads PDRC to Finance Ministry, urges government officials to side with PDRC /MCOT

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Military not imposing martial law

BANGKOK, 2 April 2014 (NNT) – Army Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-Ocha says there is no need to invoke martial law, while also urging all sides to respect the justice system.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715818-thai-military-not-imposing-martial-law/

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Two drug dealers shot dead by police in Chiang Mai clash; 400,000 meth pills seized /MCOT

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Govt pressures EC on new election decree

BANGKOK, 2 April 2014 (NNT) – The government has added to mounting pressure on the Election Commission (EC) to schedule a new general election following the Charter Court’s decision to nullify the Feb 2 election result.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715820-thai-govt-pressures-ec-on-new-election-decree/

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Police commander transferred in wake of Phuket dive 'extortion'
Anthika Muangrod


New job in Thalang: Pol Col Krittapas Dechintarasorn.

PHUKET: -- The Commander of Chalong Police Station has been swapped with his counterpart in Thalang.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715823-police-commander-transferred-in-wake-of-phuket-dive-extortion/