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Phuket declares fired-ravaged pub area off-limits
PHUKET, Aug 17 -- Phuket authorities have declared the
fire-ravaged Tiger Pub and Discotheque off-limits area after this morning’s
death of four patrons, whose charred bodies were burned beyond recognition and
are awaiting identification.
Deputy Phuket Governor Chaiwat Thapee and senior police
officers inspected the fire scene at Tiger Pub and Discotheque at Soi Bang La,
Patong Beach in Kathu district after the fire had burnt the venue at around 2am.
Ten firefighters were called in to control the fire and the authorities took
about one hour to extinguish the blaze.
Four people were killed in the fire. Their remains were taken to Patong Hospital
for identification process.
Mr Chaiwat said that the province declared the Tiger Pub and Discotheque area
off-limits, and that civil engineers would inspect the structure which was
severely damaged by the fire.
Among the 11 persons injured from the fire, nine have been discharged, with two
severely injured people are under close medical supervision.
Meanwhile, Thamrongsak Boomrak, executive of Tiger Group which operates Tiger
Pub and Discotheque said that the fire broke out after the bar had closed but
many patrons both Thais and foreigners were still drinking.
He said an electrical short circuit may have been the cause of the fire as there
was an electrical transformer explosion at the time which caused blackout in the
area.
Mr Thamrongsak said that Tiger Group would be responsible to compensate all
victims. (MCOT online news)
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Forest fires in Thai South worry national officials
NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, Aug 17 – A fire which has burned for
some days in peat swamp protected forest ecological reserve in the southern
province of Nakhon Si Thammarat continues to worry officials here, and has
spread to destroy a home in the area, but no one has been injured.
Forest fires in five districts have damaged 15,000 rai (6,000
acres) so far, including 600 rai of a 1,900 rai forest reserve whose ecology is
being studied by the Chaipattana Foundation, under royal patronage, and one
vacant house was destroyed.
The province declared two districts disaster zones affected by forest fire.
Regarding making artificial rain to help control the fire, it cannot be done due
to low humidity.
Damrong Pidet, Director General of National Parks and Plant Conservation,
visited the province, meeting local officials in Chian Yai district.
An aerial survey found 30 hotspots.
Five thousand civil servants are being deployed to control the fire. The first
group of emergency workers from the North and the Northeast will arrive
tomorrow.
After the fire is put out, no trespassing will be allowed, he said. Orderly
plantations in the forest area identified in aerial surveys require large
investments and are likely to belong to large-scale businessmen, not to local
residents.
The Royal Forest Department offered land for local people to make a living but
more forest land was encroached.
The problem must be resolved, Mr Damrong said, as it is a national level
problem. Legal action will be taken against any official involved in wrongdoing,
he said. (MCOT online news)
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More rain forecast in North, Northeast due to impact of Kai-Tak
BANGKOK, Aug 17 - More rain has been forecast for the north
and northeastern regions of Thailand due to the impact of typhoon Kai-Tak which
approached China's Hainan on Friday morning, according to the Meteorological
Department.
The department said in its fourth warning advisory, issued Friday morning that
as of 4am typhoon Kai-Tak, was 200km east of Hainan with sustained winds about
120km per hour, and was moving west-northwest at a speed of 25km per hour.
The storm is expected to make landfall over Hainan this morning, increasingly
affecting rainfall countrywide with isolated heavy to very heavy rain especially
over the North and the Northeast from today through Sunday.
Strong wind and high waves are likely in the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of
Thailand. All ships are advised to proceed with caution during the next day or
two. (MCOT online news)
Govt: Water management projects transparent
BANGKOK, 17 August 2012 (NNT) – The government is prepared to
reveal to the public its 1-year performance report. It insists that the water
management projects have been transparent.
In response to the opposition’s concerns over the 350-billion-baht water
management project, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has ensured that the all
projects have been conducted with transparency. She also dismissed the rumors
that she had a disagreement with Chief Advisor of the coalition Chart Thai
Pattana Party Banharn Silpa-archa over a budget cut for the Royal Irrigation
Department.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit
chaired a video conference with provincial governors and related ministries in
preparation for the government’s 1-year performance report.
The government will organize exhibitions publicizing the administration's works
to the general public in addition to the Prime Minister’s weekly broadcast
program. The issues will include the government’s water management projects.
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Security tightened in restive South during post-Ramadan period
BANGKOK, Aug 16 - Thai Defence Minister Gen Yuthasak
Sasiprapa said on Thursday that security officials have been instructed to be on
high alert and monitor the situation in southern border provinces during a
ten-day period after the the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan as
intelligence reports indicate possible violent attacks.
The deputy premier who supervises national security said he
has instructed security concerned agencies to keep close watch for ten days
after Ramadan ends, especially between Aug 16-19 as the National Intelligence
Agency learned that there are preparations for possible attacks.
Gen Yuthasak said the insurgents have been convinced that if they launch the
attacks during this period, they will be more blessed by Allah.
The deputy prime minister added security personnel must closely monitor security
in the city areas because if the attack is successful, it will create the
perception of "violent incident".
Gen Yuthasak also revealed that the security personnel at operational level have
discussed with some groups of insurgents to restore peace in Thailand's southern
border region.
Officials however did not talk with the leaders of the Runda Kumpulan Kecil
(RKK), but with two groups which separated from the RKK. The new factions led by
a few key leaders comprise some 9,000 militia, mainly teenagers. (MCOT online
news)
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EXAT to install steel barrier on expressways to prepare for future accidents
BANGKOK, 17 August 2012 (NNT) – The operator of Thailand’s
expressway system is stepping up its effort to prevent serious accidents that
may happen in the future.
Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) Governor Aiyanat Tinapai said on
Thursday that EXAT has planned to install steel barriers at 13 risk spots along
the expressway routes to minimize the impact of future crashes.
Mr. Aiyanat said that the installation cost at each spot is estimated at 600,000
baht, or more than 7 million baht in total.
He stated that the actual installation will commence at the end of August and
the project is expected to complete by the end of this year.
The EXAT Governor went on to say that more barriers will be installed in 2013 at
other spots where serious crashes could happen.
He is confident that the initiative will help ease the seriousness of future
accidents to a certain level.
Mr. Aiyanat added that EXAT has already installed other safety measures, such as
signs and warning lights in order to help save motorists from deadly accidents.
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Culture Ministry to issue a special publication on Thai Kings and Buddhism
BANGKOK, 17 August 2012 (NNT) – The Culture Ministry has been
working on a special publication project, featuring various royal projects and
initiatives to promote Buddhism in Thailand.
Permanent Secretary to Culture Somchai Seanglai said on Thursday that the
Culture Ministry has joined a number of state and private offices in publishing
a special book, titled “Thai Kings and Buddhism”.
Mr. Somchai said that the publication has also seen the collaboration of former
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Dr. Amnuay Veerawan, who has shared
his knowledge on the history of Buddhism in Thailand and the roles of Thai Kings
in promoting Buddhism.
He stated that HM the King has granted permission to use one of his paintings as
the book cover.
The Permanent Secretary to Culture said that 92,000 copies of the book have been
printed and will be distributed to all Buddhism-related organizations and the
National Library of Thailand.
He went on to say that the book will later be translated into various languages,
such as English and Russian, before they are sent to all Thai embassies and
missions around the world.
Meanwhile, Dr. Amnuay said that, as more than 90 percent of Thais are Buddhist
and there are over 40,000 Buddhist temples across the country, he believes that
the blossoming of Buddhist belief has been benefited by all Thai Kings’ strong
faith during the past 700 years.
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National Park Conservation Dept reported vast damages from wildfires in Nakhon Si Thammarat
NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, 17 August 2012 (NNT) – Officials have
conceded that ongoing wildfires in southern Thailand have caused vast damages to
forest and farmland.
Director General of the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation
Department Damrong Phidet, on Thursday, visited the Phru Khuan Khreng Wetland in
southern Nakhon Si Thammarat to get firsthand update on the ongoing wildfires.
Mr. Damrong said he spotted more than 30 locations hit by wildfires and 13 other
spots covering some 9,000 rai of land, where the fire is yet to be put out.
He added that around 500 rai of wildfire-hit land was an experimental farm area,
belonged to the Chaipattana Foundation under the patronage of HRH Princess Maha
Chakri Siridhorn.
The Director General of the National Park Department conceded that the wildfires
may be more serious without timely solutions.
He said that 1,000 officers will travel on foot to put the fire out, as the use
of chemical could pose risks to locals living nearby.
Director of Protected Area Regional Office 5 Jirasak Chukwamdee said that
officials have been extra-vigilant about the situation, while asking locals to
refrain from setting fire and entering the Phru Khuan Khreng Wetland.
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Weather Bureau warns Bangkok residents to brace for more heavy evening rain
BANGKOK, 16 August 2012 (NNT) – The Meteorological Department
has warned residents of Bangkok to brace themselves for more heavy rain in the
evening during the next couple of days.
The Meteorological Department said that the gusty wind and the thunder storm
witnessed in Bangkok on Wednesday evening were the result of the monsoon trough
over Thailand and the accumulation of hot and humid weather.
It stated that these conditions will keep heavy rain to stay around the capital,
especially in the evening and at nighttime, for 2-3 more days.
The Met Office suggested Bangkok residents to be cautious while outdoor during
the next couple of days.
Moreover, it forecast that Thailand’s northern region will see rain hitting
around 60 percent of its area, while warning locals to beware of wild water and
flash flood.
Democrats slam government’s rice pledging scheme
BANGKOK, Aug 16 - The 2013 budget bill debate in the House of
Representatives enters its second day today after Thailand’s opposition Democrat
Party strongly criticised the government for the failure of its rice price
pledging scheme and said the policy was plagued with corruption.
On the first day of resumed parliamentary debate on
Thailand’s 2013 Budget Bill on Wednesday, Democrat MPs severely attacked the
government’s rice pledging scheme and other agricultural produce. They called on
the government to reintroduce the already-scrapped scheme of a rice price
guarantee.
Democrat MP Varong Dejkitvikrom from Phitsanulok province said the policy was
aimed at helping farmers but farmers could not sell their paddy at 15,000 baht
per ton as projected by the government.
Corruption has been rampant and the deputy prime minister’s order to deploy
police forces at rice mills to keep an eye on malpractice is meaningless, he
said.
But Pichet Chuamuangpan of the ruling Pheu Thai Party challenged the opposition
to spearhead a no-confidence debate against the commerce minister over the
scheme.
And Democrat MP Ong-art Klampaiboon called on the government to boost its budget
to fight corruption and focus more attention to the issue.
Democrat Party deputy leader and former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij
criticised the government’s position, saying the policy to slash corporate
income tax to 23 per cent this year and 20 per cent next year, down from 30 per
cent, would cost the government about Bt150 billion.
Deputy Prime Minister/Commerce Minister Kittiratt Na Ranong defended the policy,
saying that it aims to boost Thai corporations’ competitiveness as the 30 per
cent rate is higher than that of most ASEAN nations.
The three-day budget bill debate will proceed article by article and is
scheduled to end Friday. (MCOT online news)
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10,000 inmates released under royal pardon
BANGKOK, Aug 16 - A first batch of 10,000 inmates have been
released from prisons nationwide as part of a royal pardon to celebrate this
year’s birthdays of HM Queen Sirikit and HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Royal clemency was granted for the release of about 30,000
prisoners in accordance with the announcement published in the Royal Gazette in
conjunction with the Queen’s 80th birthday on Aug 12 and the 60th birthday of
the Crown Prince, celebrated on July 28,
The Corrections Department conducts a ceremony chaired by Preecha Thananan Vice
Minister for Justice to release inmates at Klongprem Central Prison in
Nonthaburi.
In Bangkok and adjacent provinces, 1,600 prisoners have been freed while the
remainder has been freed from 143 other prisons across the country.
They will receive Bt500 each from the government for transportation.
Another group, 20,000 convicts who will receive reduced sentences, will be
released later. (MCOT online news)
Temple of Dawn needs restoration
BANGKOK, Aug 16 - There is concern over deterioration of
Khmer- styled stupas at Wat Arun or Temple of the Dawn, one of Bangkok’s most
famous attractions, drawing several hundred thousands of tourists each year.
This is what remains of a statue of a horse, part of a stupa at the temple. Its
head fell off last week after enduring weather changes, heavy rain, strong winds
and scorching sunlight. It happened once last year. No one was hurt in either
incident.
The temple needs large-scale restoration of all its stupas as the last
government-sponsored restoration was done 50 years ago.
“If it is only partly repaired, it will not be beautiful. All parts should be
done at the same time. This is very difficult for the temple to do entirely on
its own,” said Phrakru Arunthammanuwat, assistant to the Abbot of the temple.
The Fine Arts Department has already surveyed the stupas’ structure and
confirmed it is still strong and intact. Moreover, City Hall’s flood prevention
measures are effective in protecting it.
Regarding the fallen head of the horse statue, the Fine Arts Department will
speed up repairs by using an old technique of stuccowork and painting from a
model of the remaining heads. It will take about three months with an estimated
budget of some 300,000 baht. (MCOT online news)
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Verdict on 8 Thais held in Myanmar expected in 2 weeks
BANGKOK, Aug 16 - The trial of eight Thais, arrested in
Myanmar on charge of possessing war weapons, was scheduled to end today, but it
could take two weeks before the court delivers its verdict, according to Foreign
Ministry deputy spokesperson Sek Wannamethee.
Mr Sek reported that two other Thais who were held and charged with drug
offences would appear before another court on the same day for witness hearings.
The maximum penalties for possessing military weapons and drug offences are 20
years and 30 years in jail respectively.
The eight are among 92 Thais arrested by the Myanmar authorities at Koh Song
opposite Thailand’s Ranong province in early July. They were initially alleged
to have encroached into Myanmar territory and having grown crops there without a
permit. The charges of illegal possession of weaponry and drugs were later added
to some of them.
In a courtesy call on Myanmar President Thein Sein on Wednesday, Thai Defence
Minister Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat discussed the plight of the 92
Thai detainees and requested that they be released and returned to Thailand.
The Myanmar leader promised to look into the issue, the Foreign Ministry
spokesperson said. (MCOT online news)
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Museum of Human Body opens in Bangkok, first in Southeast Asia
Those loving anatomical studies should listen to this:
Chulanglongkorn University's Faculty of Dentistry in the Thai capital recently
launched a museum of the human body for anyone interested in what's inside our
physical selves.
The plastination technique, first developed in 1977 by
Gunther von Hagens from Poland, was applied, where water and fat are replaced by
plastics, yielding specimens that can be touched, do not smell or decay, and
retain most properties of the original sample.
The first and only in Southeast Asia and one of only 11 museums of this kind
worldwide using such technique, the Museum of Human Body presents whole
plastinated human bodies and bodily organs in detail, both internal and
external, including muscles, vascular system, and baby formation while still in
mothers' wombs.
The display covers 131 pieces, valued at over Bt100 million.
The Faculty of Dentistry was donated the human bodies from
Japan's Medical Doctor Soft House Company in cooperation with Prof Kazuhiro Eto,
former dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Tokyo Medical and Dental University.
Chulalongkorn Rector Prof Dr Pirom Kamol-Ratanakul said the human body parts are
for medical and dental students to study in three-dimensions, which is
supplementary to 'the principles' bodies', or bodies donated for teaching.
"Actually, the plastinated human bodies cannot replace the 'principles' but they
support better understanding of anatomy. In class, there're many students
learning from the teachers, or maybe they learn the human body piece by piece,
so maybe the connection of each part of the body is not as clear as displayed in
this museum," said Prof Dr Pirom.
 Some
high school students visiting the museum said they knew of its opening from
website news, and they invited others to have a look, saying it's surely worth a
visit.
Currently, the 'principles' are insufficient for the medical studies due to the
small numbers of donated bodies due to religious beliefs. A donated body is for
up to six students for study.
Campaigns must be made to educate the public to the idea that a body donation
can be a type of merit-making and that it allows medical students to study
further and become doctors to cure others.
The Museum of Human Body is open for students and the public Wednesdays from
12.30-3.30pm free of charge until the end of September at Chulalongkorn
University’s Faculty of Dentistry. Admission fees will be charged after that.
Individuals and groups are welcome. (MCOT online news)
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PM reaffirms transparency in 2013 budget bill
BANGKOK, Aug 15 - Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on
Wednesday reaffirmed the transparency of her government’s 2013 budget bill and
vowed that the government would strictly observe fiscal discipline to prevent
any possible future economic crisis.
As the House of Representatives began its budget bill
deliberation, the premier took 50 minutes reading from a prepared statement to
launch the second reading.
The 2013 budget was prepared transparently and strictly observed fiscal
discipline, she said.
The proposed bill allocates Bt2.44 trillion for government spending to develop
infrastructure, stimulate the economy and improve the quality of life, creating
jobs, generating more income and narrow the gap between Thailand’s rich and
poor, she said.
She added that the budget would be used to prepare Thais ready for the ASEAN
Economic Community (AEC) in 2015.
Meanwhile, the opposition Democrat Party lambasted the budget
bill, saying the Bt2.4 trillion was the country’s biggest ever budget. The
government estimated revenue of only Bt2.1 trillion so it may be forced to seek
loans to compensate for the deficit.
Democrat Party listed MP Samart Ratchapolsit pointed out that the Bt350 billion
loan for the flood prevention scheme would not be worthwhile and that the Terms
of Reference (ToR) also lacks detail.
The three-day budget bill debate will proceed article by article and is
scheduled to end Friday.
On May 23, the House of Representatives voted 274-1 with 177 abstentions to
approve the 2013 budget bill in its first reading after three days of
deliberation. (MCOT online news)
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PM unhappy with counter-insurgency plans: Defence Minister
BANGKOK, Aug 15 - Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is not
satisfied with current plans by 17 ministries for resolving the continuing
violence in Thailand’s Malaysian border provinces, according to Defence Minister
Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat.
The plans will be forwarded to the committee tasked with
driving policies and strategies to deal with the southern violence, chaired by
Deputy Prime Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa, who supervises security affairs.
The committee will see which plans or projects must be implemented urgently. Any
unnecessary plan will be removed, he said.
“The prime minister is not satisfied with some points of the plans and those
will be adjusted to fit the need. It is not difficult to do so, but it depends
on the committee to revise them as needed,” the defence minister said.
Regarding a report about the distribution of pamphlets bearing messages
threatening Thai Buddhists in the region, the defence minister said it is a part
of insurgents’ tactics and the authorities are dealing with the problem. (MCOT
online news)
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BMA to facelift areas around Victory Monument
BANGKOK, 16 August 2012 (NNT) – The Bangkok Metropolitan
Administration (BMA) is preparing to renovate the areas around the Victory
Monument to make it more attractive and ensure safety of commuters and tourists.
Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra yesterday inspected the safety
system and cleanliness around the Victory Monument, one of the capital’s major
land transport hubs and tourist attractions, and found that many spots had
deteriorated and sorely needed renovation.
The governor said places such as public toilets must be improved to meet the
international standard, adding that facilities for the handicapped and the
elderly must also be provided. He explained that the renovation will help uplift
Bangkok to become one of the leading cities in Asia or even in the world.
In addition, CCTVs and more lights must be installed in the area to ensure
safety of commuters and tourists. The BMA has already signed an MOU with the
Metropolitan Electricity Authority on the laying of electrical wires and cables
underground to make it safer for the public, according to the Bangkok Governor.
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Thailand Post celebrates 10th year anniversary, setting up EMS Center
BANGKOK, 16 August 2012 (NNT) – Celebrating its 10th year
anniversary on Wednesday, Thailand Post announced the launch of an EMS Center to
provide a faster and more effective express mail service.
Thailand Post President Anusara Chittmittrapap has revealed that the company
will continue to improve its service and transport systems after the service has
reached its 10th year anniversary. Thailand Post has invested 18 million baht in
setting up the EMS Center near the Government Complex on Chaengwattana Road.
Ms Anusara expected around 20% increase in express mails. Currently, the
Thailand Post company delivers up to 100,000 parcels through its EMS service per
month. With the rising demand in the express service, she anticipated that the
company would recover its investment within two years.
According to her, Thailand Post has generated 860 million baht in profits in the
first six months of this year.
Presiding over the opening of the EMS Center, Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) Minister Anudith Nakornthap said the center establishment is an
important step for Thailand’s logistics development. He said the company has
been supporting the government’s Smart Thailand project. As for the free
internet service, the Minister said the ICT will complete the installment of
free internet hotspots at 1,200 branches of Thailand Post across the nation
within this year.
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Help underway to stop southern forest fires
NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, Aug 15 - More forestry and national park
officials will be dispatched to Thailand's southern province of Nakhon Si
Thammarat to fight forest fires that have damaged large areas and have showed
signs of getting worse, a Thai official said.
Thanakorn Raktham, chief of the forest fire station in Pak
Panang District of Nakhon Si Thammarat province, said the fires have ravaged
peat swamps in three national parks and severely affected residents in five
nearby districts.
Dust has accumulated at a higher level, he said, warning that the worsening
situation could drag on until September unless it rains.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has reinforced forestry and
national park officials to help extinguish the fires and predicted that the
situation should be under control in at least a week.
The fires are man-made and the Fourth Army Region has been requested to take
action against those who set fire to the area so as to clear the land for
commercial plantation.
Department of Pollution Control director Vichien Jungrungrueng expressed concern
that the worsening situation was intensified by atmospheric haze from forest
fires and annual burning in Sumatra, Indonesia, which has spread over several
southern provinces of Thailand.
Two air-quality measurement vehicles will be sent to Nakhon Si Thammarat and
Trang provinces to check the level of dust in order to correctly evaluate the
situation and dispatch assistance to people there, Mr Vichien said. (MCOT online
news)
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PM Yingluck heads heroes’ welcome for returning Thai Olympians
BANGKOK, Aug 14 - Thailand’s Olympic squad returned home
Tuesday amid a warm welcome en route from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Siam Paragon
shopping mall where Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra headed a government
reception in their honour.
People cheered and waved flags welcoming boxing silver medallist Kaew
Pongprayoon, weightlifting silver winner Pimsiri Sirikaew and taekwondo bronze
medallist Chanatip Sonkham.
Ms Pimsiri returned home last week and she joined other members of the Olympic
team at Suvarnabhumi Airport before they left in a parade to Siam Paragon for
the government welcome, presided over by Ms Yingluck.
The government gave six million baht each for the silver medallists and four
million baht for the bronze medallist.
At Paragon Hall, the premier and Tourism and Sports Minister
Chumphon Silpa-archa welcomed the three Thai medalists, took photos with them
and invited them for a talk in a private room for 15 minutes.
The premier praised and thanked them for bringing fame to the country.
Special Thai food was served to all the sportsmen returning from London after a
month of foreign cuisine. Apart from the contestants, their families received
special attention from the media.
The premier presided at the opening ceremony, gave a welcoming speech to the 37
sportsmen, rewarded them with money, and presented plaques to representatives to
Thailand's sports associations. (MCOT online news)
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Thailand extends financial aid to Philippine flood victims
Foreign Minister Surapong Tovijakchaikul will present the
financial aid to a Philippine diplomat in Bangkok early next week. Floods from
tropical storm Saola have submerged vast areas in mainly rice-growing provinces
and the Philippine government has declared eight provinces in the central area
"disaster zones."
More than 2.4 million people are homeless and 360,000 are crammed into temporary
shelters provided by the government. The Philippine Ministry of Social Welfare
and Development has asked for relief goods including food, drugs and clothes.
There has been no report of Thai residents affected by the flooding, recorded as
the worst since 2009. (MCOT online news)
Thai Prime Minister shows empathy with quake victims in Iran
BANGKOK, Aug 15 - Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra sent a
letter of condolence to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in response to the
major earthquakes during the weekend that killed at least 250 people, injured
thousands and flattened villages in the northwest of Iran, a Foreign Ministry
spokesman said on Tuesday.
The Thai embassy in Teheran, meanwhile, reported to Bangkok that there were no
casualties among the more than 300 Thai people living in Iran. About half of the
Thai residents are workers and 55 are students. Some 120 others have been
married to Iranians.
The Thai embassy assured that it would closely monitor the situation and update
the Foreign Ministry in Bangkok on a regular basis.
Two large quakes with magnitudes of 6.4 and 6.3 struck East Azerbaijan province
last Saturday. (MCOT online news)
Cabinet increases compensation for southern violence victims
BANGKOK, Aug 14 - The Cabinet on Tuesday increased the amount
of compensation to be awarded to southern violence victims, with each case of
death and disability receiving the same amount of Bt500,000, retroactive to
2004, according to government spokesperson Sansanee Nakpong.
Ms Sansanee said that the government intended to give fair and equal
compensation to all groups of people affected by the southern violence.
She said the compensation for death would rise to Bt500,000 from the previously
set Bt100,000 while those who have been disabled would receive the same amount,
rising from Bt80,000.
The increase will take effect today and be retroactive to Jan 1, 2004 when the
insurgency in the southernmost provinces re-emerged.
Payment for the retroactive cases would be completed no later than the fiscal
year 2015.
Since Jan 1, 2004, 2,739 people have been killed and 303 others have become
disabled.
There were in total 2,739 deaths and 303 persons with disabilities eligible for
the adjusted compensation, with disbursement starting from Aug 16 onwards. (MCOT
online news)
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Thaksin visa to US unrelated to politics: US Ambassador Kenney
BANGKOK, Aug 14 - US Ambassador to Thailand Kristie Anne
Kenney said the US visa granted to self-exiled former prime minister Thaksin
Shinawatra had nothing to do with politics.
Issuing US visas is done strictly according to US laws and regulations, she
explained, when asked whether the action would make some Thai people feel
negative towards the US government.
The ambassador spoke to the Thai media after meeting privately for 30 minutes
with Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung on Mr Thaksin’s current visit to
the United States which was opposed and protested by some Thais living there.
Mrs Kenney said many Thais travel to the US, with each year about 50,000 persons
granted visas to the country.
On Thaksin extradition, she only said the United States was honoured that there
is bilateral legal cooperation between the two nations such as on an extradition
treaty, while the US government in the past has answered Thailand’s requests on
such matters.
Ousted in a 2006 coup, twice-elected ex-prime minister Thaksin has mainly stayed
in Dubai during his self-imposed exile after being sentenced in absentia to two
years in jail for violating conflict of interest laws while securing a prime
piece of Bangkok property for his then-wife at a below-market price. (MCOT
online news)
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Nikom Wairatpanich elected Senate Speaker
BANGKOK, Aug 14 -- Deputy Senate Speaker Nikom Wairatpanich
was elected new Senate Speaker, in two rounds of voting, defeating appointed
Senator Pichet Sunthornpipit by 77-69 votes.
The Senate has 150 members -- 76 elected, one from each
province, and 74 appointed in a selection process. At present there are only 146
serving senators. The new speaker was required to get at least half, or 73
supporting votes.
The selection of a new Senate Speaker selection was held after Gen Teeradej
Meepian lost the post when a court sentenced him to jail last month.
The Criminal Court on July 25 found Gen Thiradet guilty of illegally awarding
himself and two subordinates a pay increase when he was chief ombudsman in 2004
and sentenced him to two years jail, suspended for two years.
Gen Thiradet was disqualified as Senate speaker under the Article 124 (4) of
Constitution which states that the Senate speaker must be disqualified once
given a jail term, regardless of whether imprisonment is suspended or not.
The vote was chaired by second deputy senate speaker Pornthip Lohveera
Chanrattanapreeda.
Four senators were nominated as contenders -- two elected senators, Mr Nikom
from Chachoengsao and Kecha Saksomboon from Ratchaburi; and two appointed
senators Mr Pichet and Sunan Singsomboon.
After the nomination, the four candidates had 10 minutes each to clarify their
vision if elected to the top job of the senate.
In the first round of secret voting, Mr Pichet placed first with 63 votes,
followed by Mr Nikom with 46, Mr Kecha with 35, and Ms Sunan with two votes.
The first two candidates, Mr Pichet and Mr Nikom, competed in the second round
of voting and Mr Nikom beat Mr Pichet with 77-69 votes.
After the vote, Mr Nikom thanked senators who supported him, promised neutrality
and said that he would not give in any pressure. (MCOT online news)
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PM Yingluck pledges support to Thai sport development
BANGKOK, 15 August 2012 (NNT) – The Prime Minister has
pledged full support to improve Thailand’s sports and athletes.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, on Tuesday, attended a special reception
party, hosted by the government, for Thai athletes who have contested in the
2012 Olympic Games in London and the 3rd Asian Beach Games in Haiyang, China.
The Premier congratulated both the athletes and those involved in the Thai sport
circle on the achievements they have helped make happen.
Prime Minister Yingluck also pledged the government’s continued support for the
development of Thai sports in order to help athletes contest more competitively
in the future.
In addition, she called on the private sector to take part in encouraging Thai
sports men and women to excel further on the international arena.
Thailand & Korea signed MOU on water management
BANGKOK, 15 August 2012 (NNT) – Thailand and South Korea have
signed a Memorandum of Understand (MOU) on water management.
Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Theera Wongsamut, on Tuesday, represented
Thailand in the signing of an MOU on water management with Mr. Myung Pil Shim
from South Korea’s Ministry of Transport, Land and Maritime Land Affairs.
Mr. Theera stated that the newly-signed MOU allows senior officials and
operating staff of both countries to exchange ideas and knowledge on how to
efficiently manage water. It also opens doors for meetings and seminars on the
issue, which will enable academics, researchers and interested individuals to
share their information and technological advancement as well as experiences in
respective areas.
The Thai Agriculture Minister believes that the closer cooperation of both
nations will help Thailand improve its approaches for drought and flood, induced
by global climate change.
Meanwhile, Mr. Myung Pil Shim said that South Korea’s leading construction
companies have expressed an interest in Thailand’s water management project.
He stated that the MOU will pave way to more involvement of South Korea’s
private sector and tighter relations between the two countries.
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ICT invites Thais to join in the online campaign to celebrate HM the Queen’s 80th birthday anniversary
BANGKOK, 10 August 2012 (NNT) – The Ministry of Information
and Communication Technology (ICT) is inviting the public to join in the special
online campaign to celebrate HM the Queen’s 80th birthday anniversary.
ICT Minister Anudith Nakornthap said that the ICT Ministry has opened a special
website to commemorate HM Queen Sirikit’s 80th birthday anniversary on August
12th.
The new website “www.welovequeenonline.com” has been intended for the public to
show loyalty to HM the Queen at any time convenient for them.
At the site, visitors will get to send their wishes in the form of e-postcard
for which 8 choices of poems and 4 messages are provided for selection.
Moreover, a special documentary depicting HM the Queen’s various royal
activities is made available for the public to view.
Thailand Post invites Thais to celebrate HM the Queen’s birthday through “Smart Postcard”
BANGKOK, 10 August 2012 (NNT) – Thailand Post has come up
with a new idea for Thai people to express their wishes to Her Majesty Queen
Sirikit on the occasion of Her Majesty’s 80th birthday anniversary.
According to Thailand Post President Anusara Chittmittrapap, in order to make
well-wishing activities more convenient and modern on the occasion of HM the
Queen’s birthday, Thailand Post is cooperating with Advanced Info Service
Company, or AIS, to open up new doors for all Thais to wish HM the Queen a
wonderful birthday through text messages. Thailand Post will then collect those
wishes and print them onto postcards before presenting them to Her Majesty.
Well-wishers who are AIS customers are encouraged to send in their wishes to
4567890 from now on until 14th August, 2012.
Additionally, those well-wishers may pick up free postcards at all the branches
of Thailand Post and write down their wishes to the Queen as well.
Their Majesties to help improve livelihoods of far South residents
BANGKOK, Aug 8 - Their Majesties the King and Queen have been
concerned about people in all troubled areas across the country, including the
violence-plagued southernmost region, and as a result the royally-sponsored
Chaipattana Foundation has been asked to create more jobs to improve the
livelihoods of residents in the region, according to its head.
 Sumet
Tantivejkul, the foundation’s secretary-general, said on Wednesday that Their
Majesties the King and Queen have been most concerned about their subjects in
all troubled zones in the country, including the deep South where insurgency has
intensified since 2004.
Their Majesties requested the Chaipattana Foundation to help address the
problems in the southernmost region by focusing on job creation to improve the
living conditions of residents there.
The foundation has promoted jobs involving creating embroidery, baking and
handicrafts, particularly Muslim hijab, or women’s headscarves as occupations
for women, while the foundation has offered motorcycle mechanic training for
men, Dr Sumet explained.
In addition, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, as the foundation’s executive
chairperson, assisted youth in the southern border region by granting
scholarships to local students on the condition that recipients must return to
work in their communities after graduation.
Regarding ways to resolve the ongoing regional unrest, Dr Sumet admitted that
the southern problems were complicated and involved several agencies.
To fight the southern problems effectively, relevant agencies are needed to
integrate their works in terms of procedures, measures and manpower.
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Yuthasak visits Pattani, inspecting response to southern problems
BANGKOK, Aug 10 -- Deputy Prime Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapa
on Friday flew to the southern province of Pattani to inspect police, military
and other security agencies response to the ongoing southern border problems and
to visit all agencies operating to deal with the violence and give them moral
support.
 Gen
Yuthasak, in charge of security affairs, was accompanied by Defence Minister Air
Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat, Army chief Gen Prayuth Chanocha and Deputy
National Police chief Pol Gen Adul Saengsingkaew.
However, Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm
Yubumrung have not accompanied Gen Yuthasak as earlier reported.
Gen Yuthasak was scheduled to visit Sirindhorn Camp in Pattani's Yarang district
to review the latest developments in the southern border provinces and follow up
measures implemented to address the problems.
He was expected to visit religious leaders and meet residents there before
returning to Bangkok at 4pm.
Gen Yuthasak's trip, for only one day, follows his assignment to head the new
operations centre, which will work on new strategies to restore peace in the
restive south.
However, the new centre has drawn criticism particularly from the opposition
Democrat party which said that the centre is just one more of a large number of
agencies whose functions overlap, complicate and confuse the government
response.
But Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra defended the government’s action, saying
the new body would not overlap with existing agencies but would instead bring
them together to follow the same strategy and work more effectively in dealing
with the southern problems. (MCOT online news)
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“Faith of Lumbini” project held in honor of the King and Queen
BANGKOK, 10 August 2012 (NNT) - A group of Thai people has
launched a project to develop Lumbini, the site where the Lord Buddha was born,
as a tribute to Their Majesties the King and Queen.
Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, chairperson of the Lumbini Development Project has
stated the “Faith of Lumbini” project is progressing into its 3rd phase which
focuses on developing the area surrounding the Baby Buddha statue, and a
1-kilometer road access to the statue. After the development, a first-aid
station will be built to facilitate sick pilgrims visiting the place. A number
of restrooms will be built as well.
To support the project, a fund-raising is taking place at Central World in
Ratchaprasong area during August 9-16, 2012, starting from 9 am to 7.09 pm. The
highlight of the event is the unveiling of a replica of the Pillar of Ashoka,
which the Lumbini Administration has given as a gift to the Thai people who have
helped restore the pilgrimage site. Furthermore, 500 bottles of holy water are
distributed daily to people who come and pray at the event. The holy water comes
from the 3,000-year-old sacred pool of “Puskarni” in Lumbini, known to Thais as
Bok Khorani pond. Those people who cannot make it to the fund-raising event can
make donations at all branches of 7-Eleven and Thailandpost.
At present, over 400,000 people have come to the event and donated gold sheets
with their names inscribed on to the project. There are 200,000 sheets left to
be donated. These sheets will be used to cast a 3.55-meter height Buddha statue.
The casting will be implemented during September to October at Sanamluang and
the statue will be placed in front of the Lumbini gate when finished.
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Thai embassy in Myanmar leads families to visit first group of 12 Thais
BANGKOK, Aug 9 - Officials of the Thai embassy in Myanmar led
families to visit the first group of 12 Thais, out of 92, detained in the
country, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Department Director-General
Thani Thongpakdee said.
 He
said the visiting team was accompanied by the Township Border Committee (TBC)
chairman from the southern province of Ranong. The visit went well, while all
detainees were mentally strong and have been treated well by the prison's
officers.
According to the Mr Thani, the Thai embassy in Myanmar had reported that the
Myanmar court on Wednesday investigated more suspects on illicit drugs charges
while the suspects were allowed to be present at the court for the hearing.
The inquisition was made among Myanmar witnesses, but so far the case has not
yet been ruled by the court. The court has not informed when the ruling will be
made.
The 92 Thai villagers, 82 men and 10 women, were detained for encroaching onto
Myanmar territory on July 4. The suspects maintained they were lured by a broker
to clear the land for rubber plantation which they later learned was beyond the
areas authorised by the Myanmar officials for Thais to use.
The court in Kawthaung province adjacent to Ranong sentenced the Thais to three
years and six months for deforestation and illegal entry, the first two of five
counts for which all were charged.
Last week, Myanmar's Township Border Committee (TBC) at Kawthaung province
informed its Thai counterpart in Ranong that nine of the 92 detainees confessed
to charges of illegal possession of military weapons. They will receive an
additional jail term on top of the three and a half years prison.
The punishment did not include the other one count under investigation by the
Myanmar authorities, which was obstruction of official duties. (MCOT online
news)
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Court set to read verdict on bail revocation for 19 Red Shirt leaders on Aug 22
BANGKOK, Aug 9 - Thailand's Criminal Court on Thursday set
Aug 22 as the date to read its verdict on revoking bail for 19 Red Shirt
leaders, while another five ruling Pheu Thai Party MP cases were also deferred
for consideration in November.
The Criminal Court consideration came because the Constitution Court earlier
petitioned it seeking to revoke bail for former Pheu Thai party-list MP Jatuporn
Prompan, after he criticised the Constitution Court's decision to review
petitions against the government-sponsored Constitution amendment bills on June
7.
The Criminal Court postponed its decision on Mr Jatuporn's case until today,
together with its consideration of similar cases of 23 Red Shirt leaders whose
bail revocation was sought by the opposition Democrat Party and the Constitution
Court, alleging them of violating bail conditions.
The Criminal Court earlier decided to postpone its hearings on withdrawing bail
for five Red Shirt leaders who are Pheu Thai Party-list MPs until Nov 29 for
fear that there could be legal problems as the five have parliamentary immunity.
The five leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD)
are Deputy Agriculture Minister Nattawut Saikua, Weng Tojirakan, Korkaew
Pikulthong, Wiphuthalaeng Pattanaphumthai and Karun Hosakul.
The MP status of Mr Karun is uncertain as the court has not yet decided its
position after receiving the Election Commission recommendation that he be
disqualified for allegedly defaming the Democrat Party during his election
campaign.
The five are among the 24 UDD leaders and activists facing bail withdrawal
including Mr Jatuporn, Veerakan Musikapong, Kwanchai Sarakham (Praipana), Nisit
Sinthuprai and Yossawaris Chuklom aka Jeng Dokchik.
For the case of Jeng Dokchik, Democrat Party MP Nipit Intarasombat, who filed
the petition, has shown a video footage of the defendant announcing the charter
court judges' names, their addresses and telephone numbers during a Red Shirt
rally on June 7.
Mr Jeng's lawyer requested the court to postpone the hearing for his client,
saying a video verification is needed to decide whether the footage was edited
and distorted.
The court later agreed to postpone Mr Jeng’s hearing to Aug 22 at 9am, and will
rule on the case together with those of the other 18 Red Shirt leaders at 3pm.
(MCOT online news)
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Search for new contractor recommended for the construction of new Parliament building
BANGKOK, 10 August 2012 (NNT) – The committee in charge of
the new Parliament building construction has suggested a search for a new
contractor for this widely-anticipated project.
Parliament President Somsak Kiartsuranont, who chairs the committee tasked with
the construction of the new Parliament building, revealed that the Thursday
committee meeting has agreed to cancel the current committee and to set up 2 new
committees to oversee the construction project.
The two committees include a construction directing committee, which Mr. Somsak
will be chairing, and an advising committee, which will be chaired by First Vice
President of the Senate Nikom Wairatpanij.
The Parliament President said that the meeting has also resolved to set the
construction timeframe of 900 days and the budget of 12.287 billion baht for the
new Parliament building construction, an adjustment from the previous timeframe
of 1,200 days and the budget of 11.462 billion baht.
Mr. Somsak stated that the changes are within the committee’s discretion, as
stated by an earlier Cabinet resolution.
Under this new plan, the committee decided to look for a new contractor, which
will be selected from a pool of interested and eligible companies, based on the
original Terms of Reference (TOR).
According to the Parliament President, 4 companies have submitted their
proposals to the committee, including Italian-Thai Development Plc, Sino-Thai
Enginerring & Construction Plc, Syntec Construction Plc and Power Line
Engineering Plc.
Mr. Somsak expects the selection of the construction company to be completed by
the beginning of December and the actual construction to begin by January 2013.
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Damaged light bulbs to be fixed throughout Bangkok
BANGKOK, 10 August 2012 (NNT) - Bangkok Governor has signed a
memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA)
on replacing burnt out light bulbs around Bangkok. The governor also visited
Bang Khen water pumping station to check on its readiness for this year’s water
situation.
Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukumpan Boripat, along with his officials, yesterday
visited Bang Khen water pumping station to check up on its readiness and
capacity to handle heavy precipitation predicted for this year. The Bang Khen
pumping station has just recently been renovated.
According to the governor, the installation of 2 additional water pumping
machines has just been completed. The pumping capacity of the 2 machines is 4
cubic meters per second. With the 2 additional pumping machines, Bang Khen
station’s total water pumping and draining capacity is now around 7 cubic meters
per second; sufficient to deal with flood problems on Vibhavadi Road and in
Laksi area as well as 8 square kilometers in the proximity of the station. The
governor has also urged people not to litter or dump any trash in canals or
drains as they will be clogged up.
Additionally, M.R. Sukumpan has signed an MOU with the Metropolitan Electricity
Authority. The objective of the signed MOU is for both sides to join hands
brightening up Bangkok by changing burnt out lightbulbs throughout the city,
which in turn will increase safety of the people and reduce crimes in the city.
People are encouraged to call 1555 or 1330 if they come across any burnt out
lightbulbs.
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National Science and Technology Fair to be held on August 17-31
BANGKOK, 10 August 2012 (NNT) - The National Science Museum
has announced that it is ready to hold a National Science and Technology Fair
2012 at BITEC during August 17-31.
According to Science and Technology Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi, the National
Science Museum will hold the fair under the theme “Sparkling Ideas with
Science.” He expected the fair to draw up to 1.2 million visitors.
The 6th National Science and Technology Fair 2012 is a grand event of the year,
showcasing the latest in science and technology. It will propagate the
potentials of Thai researchers and scientists. Over 150 agencies from 7
ministries from 10 nations help organize this fair.
Seventeen agencies from abroad will be among the exhibitors. Mr Plodprasop said
the fair will be the grandest science fair in Asia this year.
The event will include an exhibition on His Majesty the King, the father of Thai
science, showcasing His Majesty’s science projects and achievements. The fair
will also celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s 80th birthday anniversary this
month. Her Majesty is considered the protecting mother of Thailand’s
biodiversity.
As many people have of late been paying close attention to the US satellite
launch to Mars, the National Science Museum has bought a weightless room, worth
12 million baht, from Japan; to allow visitors to experience zero gravity as if
they were in space. Visitors can also take a ride in a 4D Theater, simulating a
disastrous incidents and how to cope with disasters.
Another highlight is that guests will get a chance to look at the sky in
Argentina from a telescope connected to an observatory in the Latin American
country, which enables them to observe skies from both hemispheres at the same
time.
The National Science and Technology Fair 2012 will be held at BITEC during
August 17-31 .
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HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn opens an exhibition on HM the Queen
BANGKOK, 9 August 2012 (NNT)-Her Royal Highness Princess Maha
Chakri Sirindhorn opened an exhibition in honor of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on
her 80th Birthday Anniversary at Central World earlier this morning.
Her Royal Highness was welcomed upon her arrival by the Prime Minister and
government officials.
The exhibition is being held until August 15th to celebrate Her Majesty’s 80th
Birthday Anniversary. Her Majesty’s accomplishments and initiatives have been
portrayed via arrays of portraits and artworks. Prime Minister Yingluck
Shinawatra mentioned in her speech that Her Majesty has invested much of her
labor, intelligence and personal funds towards the goal to offer the
impoverished citizens the accessibility to education and vocational training.
Her Majesty the Queen’s abundant generosity has played a major role in restoring
happiness and prosperity for Thai people as seen in many projects that are under
the royal patronage. After the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Yingluck led Her
Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to the exhibition area which
consists of 4 sections.
The first area is called “the Mother of Land” where a majestic garland, 4-storey
high, is located. Beautiful floral arrangements and decorations are spectacular
and second to none. Visitors can also express their well wishes to Her Majesty
the Queen in a number of ways available within this zone. In the second
exhibition area, entitled “the Art of Silk Weaving”, there are several displays
of Thai contemporary designs by 42 leading Thai designers. All of these dresses
have been inspired by Her Majesty the Queen. They are made of silk and have been
brought from the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and
Related Techniques under the Royal Patronage of HM the Queen, or SUPPORT.
The third exhibition zone features a number of selected portraits of Their
Majesties the King and Queen. They are about Their Majesties’ accomplishments
and works both in the past and the recent ones. The portraits have been taken by
9 well know Thai photographers and each one has its own interpretation.
The last section of the exhibition contains a collection of photographs
portraying the relationship between His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the
Queen. The story of their life is divided into different phases. They include
the time when Their Majesties the King and Queen met each other and many
photographs about Her Majesty’s motherhood. The exhibition is opened every day
with no admission fee at Central World.
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Residents in the North and Northeast told to brace for flash floods
BANGKOK, 9 August 2012 (NNT) - The Department of Disaster
Prevention and Mitigation is warning residents in the North and upper Northeast
of possible flash floods and heavy rains in the next few days.
DDPM Chief Wiboon Sa-Nguanpong said torrential rains and severe storms in the
North of Thailand can cause flash floods, mudslides and forest runoffs in the
next two days.
Residents living near hillsides, waterways and low-lying areas are urged to
closely follow weather updates and to stay alert for natural warning signs of
flash flooding.
Mr Wiboon said the department has instructed provincial authorities and local
DDPM offices in the Northern and Northeastern provinces to closely monitor the
situation and to prepare rescue gear in case of an emergency.
Flood victims are urged to contact their local DDPM office, or to call their
1784 hotline for further assistance.
UN Women appreciates Thailand’s women rights promotion efforts
BANGKOK, 9 August 2012 (NNT) – The UN Women has appreciated
Thailand’s efforts in promotion equal rights for women.
PM’s Office Minister Nalini Thawisin, on Wednesday, officially welcomed Mr.
Ramanathan Balakrishnan, Deputy Resident Representative of the UN Entity for
Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), during his visit to
discuss the collaboration on the development of Thailand’s National Development
Fund for Women.
Mrs. Nalinee informed Mr. Balakrishnan that the newly-set Fund is one of the
government’s key policies to empower Thai women and has received strong support
from various private organizations.
Mr. Balakrishnan praised the government’s efforts while stating that the Fund is
unprecedented in any country, while pledging the UN Women’s support to the Thai
government in all possible ways.
He went on to say that the UN Women has planned the Development Agenda, which
will specifically focus on women and invite leading women from within the
Asia-Pacific region to exchange ideas at an international seminar, scheduled to
be hosted in Bangkok later this year.
The PM’s Office Minister has assigned the National Development Fund for Women
Committee to coordinate with the UN Women in all issues from now.
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PM Yingluck urges more focus on local wisdom towards ASEAN Community
BANGKOK, 9 August 2012 (NNT) - The Prime Minister has urged
the country to prop up the introduction of more local wisdom as a means to drive
Thailand towards the emergence of the ASEAN Community.
PM Yingluck said on Wednesday that Thailand has continued to prepare itself
economically for a more liberal ASEAN, scheduled in 2015.
The PM's assertion was heard during her chairing of the official opening of the
international seminar titled "the Upgrade of the Quality of Life and Local
Wisdom within ASEAN", held in Chiang Mai Province.
The Prime Minister stated that, for Thailand to enter the ASEAN Community, the
country needs to prompt itself in the areas of politics and stability,
economics, as well as social and cultural affairs.
Therefore, she stressed that more should be done to strengthen and develop the
society and the culture as well as local wisdom, which is unique and main income
sources of all communities.
Ms. Yingluck went on to say that the elevation of local wisdom into something
more tangible will benefit the Thai economy at both community and national
levels greatly.
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Govt pledged to adhere to velvet-glove approaches to solve southern unrest
BANGKOK, 9 August 2012 (NNT) – The Prime Minister has pledged
to adopt HM the King’s advice to build understanding and offer development to
solve the years-long unrest in the country’s southern border area.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said the meeting of the Policy Committee to
Resolve Problems in the Southern Border Provinces on Wednesday agreed that a new
central command center in charge of the southern unrest will adhere to all nine
strategies mapped out by the National Security Council (NSC).
The PM added that the meeting also discussed the allocation of budget for the
command center in order to help it focus on the building of understanding and
accessibility of residents of the southern border region as well as to improve
their quality of life, all of which are hoped to help restore peace in this
violence-torn area.
The Prime Minister noted that more time is needed to effectively solve the
problems on the Deep South.
She also said that there was no talk on the imposition of the curfew rule in the
southern border provinces, while asking all media to be more cautious in
reporting any situation in the strife-torn region so that the public will not be
panicked for nothing.
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ASEAN celebrates its 45th year anniversary
BANGKOK, 9 August 2012 (NNT) – The Foreign Affairs Ministry
has held a celebration to mark the 45th year anniversary of the Association of
South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Wednesday.
Officials from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Thai ambassadors in ASEAN
countries, and student representatives from over 70 schools participated during
the celebration.
The Bangkok Declaration established the ASEAN on 8 August 1967, which then
comprised five countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and
Thailand.
According to Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, the association at
present consists of 10 nations and cooperation has been extended in many
dimensions, including political, security, economic, and cultural. He added that
peoples’ connectivity is a vital element to push the region forwards.
Mr Surapong also urged education institutions to place an emphasis on English
and neighboring languages to prepare Thais for the ASEAN Community. On this
occasion, the Foreign Minister presented study tools concerning ASEAN to student
representatives. A quiz on the ASEAN was also held to find winners to go on a
field trip to the ASEAN Secretariat Office in Jakarta, Indonesia.
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Kaew goes through, while Chanatip wins bronze medal
BANGKOK, 9 August 2012 (NNT) - Kaew Pongprayoon,
49-kilogram-division boxer has qualified for the semi-finals in the Olympic
games, while Chanatip Sonkham, taekwondo fighter in the women's 49-kilogram
division has won Thailand a bronze medal.
Kaew, 49-kilogram-division boxer and Thailand's only medal hope in boxing has
lived up the expectations by qualifying for the semi-finals in Olympics after
beating Aleksandar Aleksandrov from Bulgaria with a unanimous decision 16-10
after a 3-round fight. In the semi-finals, Kaew will fight David Ayrapetya of
Russia tomorrow at 7.45 pm Thailand's time.
Meanwhile, Chanatip Sonkham, Thai taekwondo fighter in the 49-kilogram division
has won Thailand a bronze medal which is the second London Olympic medal for
Thailand. She had a comfortable win by outclassing Elizabeth Zamora Gordillo
from Guatemala. The final score was 8 to zero.
58-kilogram division taekwondo fighter Pen-ek Karaket lost to Colombian fighter
Oscar Munoz Oviedo during the contest for bronze medal. He lost the bout by 4-6
to the Colombian.
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