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PM satisfied with new cabinet line-up
BANGKOK, Jan 19 - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra
on Thursday said she was satisfied with the new cabinet line-up, while
reaffirming that the reshuffle was due to suitability for the tasks at hand,
not as political rewards.
The premier commented this morning before departing for the Philippines
after His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej yesterday endorsed the cabinet
reshuffle involving 16 ministerial posts including 10 newcomers and six
swapped positions.
Ms Yingluck said the reshuffle was done after the government had worked for
a time, and that she wanted to bring in more people with knowledge and the
ability to work for national rehabilitation.
She insisted that the reshuffle positions are not political paybacks but
have been done for "suitability", saying she believed those who were removed
from the list would have no problem.
The prime minister defended her selection on key Red Shirt leader Natthawut
Saikua, who now has become deputy agriculture minister, saying the protest
leader understood well the agriculture-related works and problems of the
farmers.
Regarding news reports that the U.S. Treasury Department in 2008 named
Nalinee Thaveesin, newly-appointed as Minister to the Prime Minister's
Office, as a crony of Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, Prime Minister
Yingluck said she believed that was not a problem since Ms Nalinee's
qualifications have been examined and verified to be acceptable under the
country's Constitution.
"Ms Nalinee will clarify the matter and (I) will instruct the foreign
ministry to look into the matter," Ms Yingluck said.
The appointee was reportedly on the list of the US Treasury Department in
2008, which said she and three other persons were a crony of Zimbabwe
president Robert Mugabe. She was alleged to have facilitating financial,
real-estate and gem-related transactions for the president's wife Grace
Mugabe.
Concerning Mr Kittiratt Na Ranong, re-appointed as deputy prime minister and
shifted from the commerce ministry to become finance minister, the prime
minister said Mr Kittiratt will be in charge of the country' rehabilitation
work and macroeconomic policy.
Ms Yingluck said the new position would allow him to directly oversee the
matter and his working style is unlikely to be changed.
Following reports that the appointment of ACM Sukumpol Suwanatat as new
defence minister replacing Gen Yutthasak Sasiprapa is not appreciated by the
top brass, the premier stood firm that her government's policy towards the
armed forces remains unchanged.
She said ACM Sukumpol understood well the military work as he himself was
also a senior military officer, while the former defence minister, now
reappointed as deputy premier, will still supervise national security.
"I am satisfied with the overall picture of the new cabinet," the prime
minister stated, asking the public to allow her cabinet members time to
work.
Ms Yingluck pledged that the new cabinet will continue working on the
economic stimulation and that all ministers have strong determination to do
a good job. (MCOT online news)
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Hat Yai hotels fully booked for Chinese New Year
SONGKHLA, Jan 18 -- Hotel rooms in Thailand’s southern
tourist haven of Hat Yai are now fully booked mostly by tourists from
Malaysia and Singapore for the Chinese New Year this weekend, according to
Hat Yai-Songkhla Hotel Association President.
Mr Somchart Pimthanapoonporn said that all hotel rooms in
Songkhla's Hat Yai were fully booked Jan 23-31 as domestic tourists and
visitors from Thailand’s neighbouring countries have confidence in the
safety measures and have shrugged off the floods that have occurred and may
be yet to come during this season.
It was expected that at least Bt200 million would be in circulation for the
jubilant Chinese New Year, the same amount as last year, he said.
Mr Somchart said the public and private tourism industry sectors jointly
organised the celebration for Jan 21-25 at Srinakorn Foundation School and
Sanaehanusorn Road in Hat Yai municipality.
A wide range of activities were to be held including an acrobatic troupe
from Gansu province in China, silver and golden dragons and a lion dance
troupe from Nakhon Sawan, a Chinese singers concert, the Miss Hat Yai 2012
beauty contest and the China Doll 2012 contest. (MCOT online news)
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Three Vietnamese fishing boats impounded in Thai territorial waters
SONGKHLA, Jan 18 – The Thai navy impounded three
Vietnamese fishing boats for intruding into Thai territorial waters on
Wednesday.
After being informed by a Thai fishing boat that about
ten Vietnamese fishing boats intruded into Thai territorial waters, a Royal
Thai Navy patrol vessel and reconnaissance aircraft entered the area and
found the Vietnamese fishing boats, east of Kra island in Nakhon Si
Thammarat.
Three Vietnamese boats – CM 99102 TS, CM 99207 TS, and CM 99129 TS – were
impounded and 30 Vietnamese crew members were taken into custody.
Rear Admiral Somsak Wanichcharoen, Chief of Staff of Songkhla Naval Region 2
said that he ordered patrols in the area and to impound any other fishing
boats found to violate Thai territorial waters. (MCOT online news)
Thai PM Yingluck visits Philippines to boost ties
BANGKOK, Jan 19 -- Thai Prime Minister Yingluck
Shinawatra on Thursday left Thailand for a one-day official introductory
visit to the Philippines, her eighth overseas trip to the 10-nation
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) since she took office last
August.
The Manila visit is aimed at introducing the Thai premier
to one more ASEAN country member and boosting bilateral ties between the two
countries.
During the visit, she is expected to hold a one-on-one bilateral with
Philippine President Benigno Aquino III before the plenary session of the
two nations delegations.
Ms Yingluck told reporters before the visit that she and President Aquino
will discuss trade and investment, particularly agricultural exports such as
vegetables, fruit, and meats that Thailand wants to export more, in terms of
volume and categories.
She will also focus on resolving double taxation issues to benefit the Thai
business community who invested in the Philippines. Energy cooperation was
also on the agenda.
The premier said that Manila has proposed hosting the 5th Joint Commission,
which is a good sign as there have been no new developments in trade and
investment between the two nations for quite a long time.
Ms Yingluck said that she would take this opportunity to explore the
opportunity to export more rice to the Philippines and believed that the
visit could help strengthen other fields of bilateral cooperation including
education.
President Aquino will host a luncheon to honour the Thai premier before her
return to Thailand. (MCOT online news)
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Cabinet reshuffle royally endorsed
BANGKOK, Jan 18 - His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on
Wednesday endorsed the cabinet reshuffle proposed by Prime Minister Yingluck
Shinawatra involving 16 ministerial posts--10 newcomers and six swapped
positions.
The premier decided to have a major reshuffle after
taking office in August, saying the changes were based on her team’s
suitability in continuing the government’s work following its first six
months in office.
She also insisted that her brother, ousted prime minister Thaksin
Shinawatra, was not involved in the reshuffle.
Among key ministers being reshuffled are Kittaratt Na Ranong being
re-appointed as deputy prime minister and shifting from the commerce
ministry to concurrently take the helm at the finance ministry, Defence
Minister Gen Yutthasak Sasiprapa was appointed as deputy prime minister,
while Minister of Transport ACM Sukumpol Suwanatat replacing him as defence
minister.
Pheu Thai Party Secretary-General Jarupong Ruangsuwan was appointed
transport minister; telecom veteran Arak Chonlatanon, former chief advisor
of Thaicom plc replaces Pichai Naripthaphan as energy minister.
Deputy Minister of Finance Boonsong Teriyapirom was moved to a higher post
as commerce minister; Suchart Thadathamrongvej, a former finance minister in
the Somchai Wongsawat government was appointed as education minister,
replacing Woravat Auapinyakul who was shifted to become minister attached to
the prime minister's office.
Pongsawat Svasti of the Chart Pattana Peua Pandin Party was named industry
minister to replace ailing Wannarat Channukul who wishes to focus on his
health.
A new female minister was included in the reshuffle list. Former Thailand
Trade Representative Nalinee Taveesin replaces outgoing female minister
attached to the prime minister’s office Kritsana Seehalak.
A key leader of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD),
Red Shirt Nattawut Saikua, who is facing terrorism charges after leading
UDD's anti-government protest against Abhisit Vejjajiva, was appointed
deputy agriculture minister.
The other ministers who lost their jobs were finance minister Thirachai
Phuvanatnaranubala; deputy prime minister Pol Gen Kowit Wattana and minister
of public health Torphong Chaiyasarn. They were among the 10 ministers who
got the boot.
The 16 newly-appointed ministers are scheduled to take an oath of allegiance
before His Majesty the King before starting their new responsibilities.
(MCOT online news)
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Lebanese-Swedish terror suspect questioned before more detention
BANGKOK, Jan 17 - Lebanese-Swedish terror
suspect Atris Hussein was to be questioned further by police Tuesday before
being transferred to Bangkok Criminal Court for further detention.
According to the Border Patrol Police Bureau, Mr Hussein entered the Thai
capital several times during Jan 10-12 and conversed with several persons,
both Thais and foreigners.
Police from the Crime Suppression Division will
participate in investigating the suspect, Deputy National Police Chief Pol
Gen Pansiri Prapawat said.
Mr Hussein was charged Monday afternoon with possessing agricultural
fertilisers, chemicals which were linked to a terror plot after the
substances, which can be used to compound explosives, were discovered in a
building in suburban Samut Sakhon, adjacent to the capital.
Despite the fact that a large amount of urea fertiliser and ammonium nitrate
solution was found, the suspect said the building was used only to store the
chemicals, but not to produce explosives. Pol Gen Pansiri said fingerprints
on the seized items will be ready within two days.
Meanwhile, no hidden traces were found after being thoroughly examined at
400 fans, which were among the items seized at the building. Police said
there were believed to be more than one suspect involved and who might have
planned to ship the fans abroad with the ammonium nitrate solution.
According to Mr Hussein, there was no terror plot planned for Thailand but
the country was being used as a transit site to distribute materials for
making bombs overseas.
However, the location was not disclosed by the Thai authorities.
Mr Hussein was detained for questioning Friday at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi
Airport under Thai immigration law with suspected links to Hezbollah, a
militant political party in Lebanon which holds 11 of 30 cabinet seats in
the Lebanese government and which is considered as a terrorist organisation
by Israel, the United States, Britain, Canada and several other countries.
He was leaving Thailand the same day as the US embassy in Bangkok issued a
terrorist threat warning for the capital. (MCOT online news)
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Alleged elephant killing official surrenders to police
PHETCHABURI, Jan 17 – An assistant to the Kaeng
Krachan National Park chief allegedly involved in poaching four elephants in
the park turned himself in to the police today.
Suriyon Phothibundit turned himself to the
Kaeng Krachan police to acknowledge charges related to the killing of four
elephants and destroying the evidence in Kaeng Krachan National Park in the
western province of Phetchaburi.
His surrender came after the Phetchaburi Provincial Court on Friday issued
arrest warrants for Mr Suriyon and other four officials -- Surin Maikaew,
Mana Nokkaew, Jinda Phuangmalai and Phol Thomya.
The five officials were charged with destroying and hiding evidence, jointly
possessing carcasses of wildlife without permission and jointly hiding
wildlife and the carcasses of wildlife for sale.
Mr Suriyon denied the charges, but admitted that he burned the carcasses of
the dead elephants in line with the regulations and procedures of the
Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
The park official explained that he found the carcasses which had been shot
dead during the New Year holiday Jan 1 and 2. He said that he was advised by
Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation veterinarian
to burn and destroy the remains of the elephants to avoid their being
sources of disease as carcasses near the riverside gradually decay.
Initially, the suspect was detained and bail was not allowed.
The carcasses of four male pachyderms were found only a few days after the
New Year in Phetchaburi's Kaeng Krachan district, where the incident took
place close to the road.
Hunters shot the animals in their foreheads with a powerful gun, while
destroying evidence by cutting out the front of the skulls, burning bullet
holes, and the elephant corpses themselves. Ivory tusks, tails, and sexual
organs were taken. (MCOT online news)
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Thai PM making official visit to Philippines Thursday
BANGKOK, Jan 17 - Thai Prime minister Yingluck
Shinawatra will make a one-day official visit to the Philippines on
Thursday, her eighth overseas trip to the 10-nation Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN) since she took office last August, Government
Spokesperson Thitima Chaisaeng said on Tuesday.
The spokeswoman said the Manila visit is aimed
at introducing the Thai premier to the ASEAN country member and boosting
bilateral ties between the two countries.
Ms Thitima disclosed the information after Ms Yingluck chaired a preparatory
meeting for her upcoming trip to the ASEAN co-founder, in which she expects
to notify Philippine President Benigno Aquino III during bilateral talks
that the situation in Thailand has now returned to normal after the
country’s recent worst flooding in decades.
Ms Yingluck will also discuss and explore further trade opportunities with
the Philippine leader. Thailand will also demonstrate its readiness to sell
rice to the island nation
Ms Thitima said the premier advised that Thailand should propose to the
Philippines to set up Rice Reserve regarding food security so that the
country could consider buying more rice from Thailand.
Also on the agenda are the expansion of cooperation in particular education
and alternative energy, the government spokesperson said.
The Thai premier is scheduled to leave Suvarnabhumi International Airport
Thursday morning and will be officially welcomed at Malacañan Palace by the
Philippine president.
The two leaders will hold bilateral talks, both private and with the full
delegation, before attending luncheon hosted by the Philippine president.
Ms Yingluck is scheduled to return to the kingdom at 4.45pm Thursday. (MCOT
online news)
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Tragedy strikes Children’s Day at Wing 41
Soldier dies as parachute fails
Parents and children watched
in horror as a parachutist plunged to the ground after his parachute failed
to open at the Air Show at Wing 41 for Children’s Day.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Parents and children watched in horror as the popular Children’s Day Air
Show at Wing 41 turned tragic when the parachute of one of the soldiers
failed to open as he jumped from a helicopter.
The field was filled with parents and children watching fighter jets make
their maneuvers and parachutists leapt from helicopters. Planes, weapons and
Air Force officers were all on hand as the kids enjoyed a grey and cloudy
Children’s Day.
The accident took place during the Air Show at around 1:50 p.m. when 19
paratroopers based with the Phamuang Task Force in Mae Rim jumped out of a
helicopter. Sergeant Khanchit Sriseu, 38, died instantly when he hit the
runway after his parachute failed to open.
The children and their parents were quickly taken from the scene and the
rest of the show cancelled as military officers quickly sealed the scene.
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Chiang Mai Governor inspects nightlife areas after noise complaints
Chiang Mai Governor ML
Panadda Diskul joins Police and Public Health officials to check that local
nightlife venues are complying with laws and regulations.
Nopniwat Krailerg
Chiang Mai Governor ML Panadda Diskul joined with the Deputy Commander of
Provincial Police Region 5, excise and Public Health officials to
investigate nightlife venues after area residents complained about noise.
They visited Nimmanhaemin area bars the Warm Up Café and Monkey Club where
police carried out random drug tests, however none were found. Additionally,
owners have been warned to follow the closing times and enforce age
regulations, clubs must check ids to make sure that children under the age
of 18 are not allowed to enter.
Area residents have complained about late hour closing times, heavy traffic
and noise and parking issues around these venues. The Governor encouraged
the owners to initiate a dialogue with area residents.
Nightlife venues have been warned that if they are found in violation of the
regulations they can be shut down immediately.
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Bor Sang Umbrella Festival from January 20-22
Supakin Wongsa ,Ton Pao
Mayor, Chalermsak Suranant, Director of TAT Chiang Mai office and Pichet
Pisutthikun Vice President of the Provincial Administration Organization
announce the upcoming Bor Sang Umbrella and Handicraft Festival with the
beauty contestants.
Nopniwat Krailerg and Supoj Thaimyoj
The Ton Pao Municipality announced the upcoming 29th annual Bor Sang
Umbrella and Crafts Festival on January 13, 2012. The festival will be held
from January 20-22 at Bor Sang.
Supakin Wongsa ,Ton Pao Mayor, Chalermsak Suranant, Director of TAT Chiang
Mai office and Pichet Pisutthikun Vice President of the Provincial
Administration Organization for Chiang Mai, announced the 3 day event which
will see not only the famed Bor Sang hand painted umbrellas but also the
sale of local handicrafts, an umbrella contest, Muay Thai, and Thai country
music concerts and the parade of beauty contestants on bicycles with hand
painted umbrellas. Authorities will close the roads so that people can
safely walk the village streets to view the beautiful hand painted umbrellas
and fans and to shop and enjoy the atmosphere.
A mother, daughter beauty contest will be held as well as the annual Miss
Bor Sang competition. The Grand Opening is scheduled for January 20 at 5
p.m. with the parade of contestants on bicycles in honor of HM the King’s
84th birthday last December.
The Bor Sang Umbrella and Handicrafts Festival runs from January 20-22, 2012
from 10 a.m. to midnight daily.
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National police chief denies Lebanese terrorist suspect detained with explosives ingredient
BANGKOK, Jan 14 - National police chief Pol Gen Prewpan
Dhamapong on Saturday denied that Atris Hussein, a 48 year-old Lebanese man with
suspected links to a militant group in Lebanon, was detained with urea
fertiliser as an explosives ingredient.
The man was apprehended for questioning on Friday at
Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport under the immigration law, which allows for a
60-day detention, while he was leaving Thailand on the same day as the US
embassy in Bangkok issued a terrorist threat warning for the capital.
After questioning, Gen Prewpan said Mr Hussein, a Lebanese with a Swedish
passport, will be deported back to his country without being charged, as he had
not yet committed any wrongdoing.
The national police chief said an act of terrorism had been planned for Bangkok,
according to the suspect, but the plan was aborted after Mr Hussein was
detained.
Gen Prewpan asked the public to rest assured that security measures of secret
service agents, the army, and police are keeping a close eye on the situation,
particularly at the capital's terror watch zones on Khao San Rd, Rambutri Rd,
and Sukhumvit 22, including other areas where foreigners gather.
Regarding the man in the sketch, he is about 180 cm tall and around 30-40 years
old. Mr Hussein claimed he was not aware if the man had left the country or
remained at large. Officials will investigate the matter further, the national
police chief noted.
Both men are allegedly from Hezbollah, a Shiite Muslim militant group in Lebanon
backed mainly by Iran and Syria.
On Friday and Saturday, the embassies of the United States, Canada, and
Australia publicly issued a terrorist threat warning for Thailand. (MCOT online
news)
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PM: Foreign ministry to clarify to other countries after terror threat alert
BANGKOK, Jan 15 - Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra ordered
the ministry of foreign affairs to foster understanding with the US and other
countries following terror threat alert issued by embassies.
Speaking before the Sunday'™s mobile cabinet meeting, she
said she ordered the ministry of foreign affairs to clarify the situation with
other countries to avoid an impact on prospective tourists.
The premier reaffirmed security at public places and safety for tourists. She
instructed the Royal Thai Police and the National Security Council to closely
monitor the situation and report to her.
'œWe do our utmost to ensure full security, with officials ready to work around
the clock. Security officials can certainly do their duties just like the
security operations during the New Year holidays, the premier said.
However, she would not disclose information about another suspect who has not
yet been located due to security reasons.
Meanwhile, the situation on Khao San Road, the capitalโ€™s backpacker haven
remains normal, said Piyabut Jiwaramonaikul, chairman of the Khaosan
entrepreneurs association.
He said businesses here closely monitored the area in cooperation with state
officials to ensure safety in this busy tourist area and always remain vigilant
for bins or unattended luggage.
There have been neither room cancellations nor early checkout of tourists so far
in the area, he added.ย However, he viewed that the terror threat alert may
affect the country'™s overall tourism.
The website of the US embassy in Bangkok on Friday published a warning, urging
all Americans living or visiting the Thai capital to be on high alert when
"visiting public areas where large groups of Western tourists gather in
Bangkok."
On the same day, Atris Hussein, a 48 year-old Lebanese man, with suspected links
to a militant group in Lebanon was detained and questioned under immigration
law, while the other suspect from the Middle East is still at large. (MCOT
online news)
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New round of flood hits Nakhon Si Thammarat
NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, Jan 15 – A new round oof floods
triggered by incessant heavy rain hit some areas of the southern province of
Nakhon Si Thammarat on Sunday.
Some flood-prone communities in Nakhon Si Thammarat
municipality have been affected by the new round of the flooding due to two days
of incessant downpours. Rising floodwater forced residents to move their
belongings to higher ground.
On Sunday, rainfall continued in the Nakhon Si Thammarat municipality which was
earlier hit by floodwaters on Jan 2-5.
Meanwhile, all municipal communities raised the red flag™ to warn residents to
prepare for possible evacuation as water in several areas continued to rise.
In Phra Phrom district, inbound Nakhon Si Thammarat-Thung Song road is under
water. The 50-centimetre-deep floodwater eroded some parts of the road,
disrupting traffic. Local disaster prevention and mitigation officials blocked a
section of damaged road for safety reasons.
In addition, forest runoff hit flood-prone Lan Saka and Sichon districts.
However, the residents were on high alert for possible evacuations if the
situation worsens.
In a related development, the Meteorological Department on Sunday issued a
warning that the easterly wave remains across the Gulf and southern Thailand.
Fairly widespread rain is likely from Chumphon southward with isolated heavy to
very heavy rain especially in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat,
Phatthalung, Songkhla, Trang, Satun, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat during 1-2
days. People in risky areas along foothills near waterways are warned of flash
flood. Strong wind-waves in the Gulf of Thailand are expected at 2-3 meters
high. All ships should proceed with caution and small boats stay ashore. (MCOT
online news)
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PM opens National Children Day 2012
BANGKOK, Jan 14 -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on
Saturday presided over the opening ceremony of National Children's Day 2012 at
the Royal Plaza and Government House, urging adults to give precedence to
children, as they would eventually become the strength of the nation.
Ms Yingluck and her son Supasek Amornchat joined the
activities at Royal Plaza and Government House.
The premier said that she wished everyday was children's day because adults
would place great importance to children, who were the future of the nation.
She also clarified her National Children Day's motto this year, "Unity with
Knowledge and Wisdom, Preserve Thai Identity, Mind the Technology" and that she
wanted to see unity in the society, with knowledge acquired from training, and
that knowledge was all around, not only in the classroom.
She added that the government gives equal education opportunity to all children
and wanted them to bear in mind Thai values.
They should also pay attention to the information technology and utilise new
technology, she said.
There was a variety of activities held for children at the Government House.
Youth representatives would have a chance to sit in the prime minister's chair
and pose for pictures with the prime minister.
After the activities at the Government House, Ms Yingluck would travel to Chiang
Rai to inspect the Doi Tung Development Project and attend the first cabinet
retreat meeting in Chiang Mai on Sunday. (MCOT online news)
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Mobile cabinet meeting in Chiang Mai discusses logistics development
CHIANG MAI, Jan 15 - The mobile cabinet meeting in Chiang Mai
is considering logistics development in northern provinces on Sunday.
The mobile cabinet meeting is being held at the Bank of
Thailand office in this northern provinces amid tight security. Five companies
of police officers were deployed and sniffer dogs were utilized. A US made bomb
disposal robot was also used for the first time.
Logistics-related megaprojects are on the agenda such as Bangkok “ Chiang Mai
high speed rail under a joint agreement recently signed between Thailand and
China and other rail systems worth over 180 billion baht.
Other projects include a Chiang Mai –Chiang Rai motorway, the 150 kkilometre
route, which will cut travel time from six hours to 3-4 hours, Chiang Mai
international airport expansion, and flood prevention and management system.
Before the cabinet meeting, the prime minister met the Joint Private-Public
Standing Committee to listen to their proposals on transportation development in
the North in relation to the agenda to be discussed by the cabinet Sunday.
The meeting agreed with the committee's proposals that the construction of 774-
kilometer Bangkok-Chiang Mai high speed train be expedited with an investment
budget of 230 billion baht. Construction of the six routes of double-track
railway in the north should be finished by 2017, sooner than earlier schedule in
2525. (MCOT online news)
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Thai Foreign Minister hails Myanmar amnesty for political prisoners
BANGKOK, Jan 14 -- Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Surapong
Tovichakchaikul on Saturday hailed the move by Myanmar government to free more
than 300 political prisoners as a milestone that will lead the country to
democracy.
Myanmar said on Friday it has pardoned some 600 prisoners
including more than 300 prominent political dissidents, journalists and former
premier Khin Nyunt who was placed under house arrest after a power struggle in
2004.
Mr Surapong said the amnesty was a positive sign in Myanmar and a step further
towards democracy.
He also urged the United States (US) and the European Union (EU) to end economic
sanctions against Myanmar, as the situation in the country has totally changed
and they have made significant progress for reforms.
The minister added that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Foreign Ministers™ Meeting (AMM) Retreat in Siem Reap, Cambodia earlier this
week agreed to encourage the US and EU to end their sanctions against Myanmar.
The ASEAN members also supported Myanmar to assume the rotating chairmanship of
ASEAN in 2014, said Mr Surapong. (MCOT online news)
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Chalerm orders reinvestigation of ‘Seh Daeng’ killing
BANGKOK, Jan 13 -- Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm
Yoobamrung on Friday said he has ordered metropolitan police to reopen the
investigation of the assassination of late army specialist Maj-Gen Khattiya
Sawasdipol, who was shot dead at Saladaeng intersection during the Red Shirt
protests last year.
The deputy premier who also oversees national security
reasoned that there are more findings on the case and that he knew all the
persons who were involved in the murder.
The reinvestigation of the trajectory of the bullet that killed the general is
needed, Mr Chalerm said, as new evidence show that the bullet was not fired from
Chulalongkorn Hospital, but from the front of the Dusit Thani Hotel.
Gen Khattiya, also known as Seh Daeng, was shot in the head as he was being
interviewed by international media outside the Red Shirt barricades at Sala
Daeng intersection in May, 2010, when the demonstration of the United Front for
Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) against the Abhisit Vejjajiva
administration reached its peak.
Seh Daeng was the hardline Red Shirt leader who supervised the UDD security
operation and Red Shirt guards. He stood firm in opposing the Democrat-led
government.
The Silom incident took place after the government announced that it would seal
off the Red Shirt’s main rally site at Ratchaprasong intersection in an attempt
to pressure the anti-government protesters to end their rally. (MCOT online
news)
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Heavy rain triggers flash flood in Narathiwat
NARATHIWAT, Jan 13 – A flash flood from the Sankalakhiri
mountain range in Narathiwat’s Sukhirin district and heavy downpour damaged a
section of road and a bridge.
The flood remains high in some areas and cloud has covered
all13 districts, threatening further rain. Rainfall triggered a flash flood from
Sankalakhiri mountain range, flowing down to inundate farmland and residential
areas in Sukhirin district.
A main road, connecting villages, is under water and impassable. Soldiers are
using flat-bottomed boats to transport local residents and carry supplies.
The water level in the Sungai Kolok River, the main river taking the water from
the Sankalakhiri mountain range is rising and was about to burst its banks.
Riverside communities in the Sungai Kolok municipality have evacuated to a
temporary shelter.
Although the situation has returned to normal in some areas,
almost 200 families have been staying in roadside temporary shelters provided by
the military because they are not confident about the rainfall situation.
In Pattani, the head of the local disaster prevention and mitigation office,
Panyasak Sophonwasu said there is no severe flooding at the moment but six
coastal districts were at risk of strong winds and high waves, smashing the
shoreline. (MCOT online news)
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Canalside homes flooded in Songkhla
SONGKHLA, Jan 13 – Up to a hundred households along a canal
in Songkhla’s Hat Yai district have been inundated by a second round of flooding
this year.
The U-tapao canal overflowed its banks, inundating
communities along the canal, and flooding blocked a shortcut roadway linking two
districts.
However, the flash flood which hit many communities in the outer areas of Hat
Yai district has receded. Flooding on Kanchanawanit Road, connecting Hat Yai and
Sadao districts has fallen as the water quickly flowed into the U-tapao canal.
The local weather service in Songkhla warned of heavy rain and flash floods in
the lower south today through Sunday in Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani, Songkhla,
Phatthalung, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang and Satun and from Saturday through
Monday in Phatthalung, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Chumphon and Prachuap
Khiri Khan.
The meteorological department also forecast high waves in the Gulf of Thailand
and small boats were advised to stay ashore. (MCOT online news)
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Justice Minister: Government to consider compensation for southern violence victims
YALA, Jan 12 - Justice Minister Pol Gen Pracha Promnog on
Thursday reaffirmed that the government will consider compensation package for
victims of Deep South violence based on the same standards as those earlier
approved for victims of political violence.
The justice minister made the remark as he attended a meeting
on compensating victims of the southern border insurgency in Yala province. The
meeting was held just days after the cabinet approved Bt2 billion in
compensation for victims of political violence between 2005 and 2010 in which
Bt4.5 million will be paid to the family of each fatality while those who were
wounded will be entitled to a different amount of compensation.
The newly-approved package has sparked concern among critics that it did not
include compensation for insurgency-impacted victims in the troubled southern
region as well as political demonstrations which took place before 2005.
Gen Pracha said the meeting, which convened for a second time,dealt with the
overall regulations and criteria of the scheme as Prime Minister Yingluck
Shinawatra instructed that victims of southern violence must also receive
compensation as soon as possible.
As the government has laid out compensation measures for victims of political
violence, the minister said, the scheme for those affected in southern violence
will be based on the same standards.
The Southern Border Police Operation Centre earlier reported, as of the end of
2011, the death toll from Southern violence which erupted in January 2004 has
resulted in a death toll of 5,243, comprising civilians, security forces, monks,
teachers and insurgents themselves while nearly nine thousand persons were
wounded or otherwise injured in 12,604 insurgent attacks.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister/Interior Minister Yongyuth Vichaidit said a
sub-committee will be set up at the earliest, hopefully within next week, after
the cabinet approved the compensation package of political violence victims
earlier proposed by the Truth for Reconciliation Commission of Thailand (TRC).
The interior minister noted that the families of 91 persons who were slain and
shops damaged in the 2010 political chaos will be the first group to receive
compensation.
Mr Yongyuth defended the cabinet decision, saying it was not designed to satisfy
only Red Shirt protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship
(UDD) but was carried out in response to the TRC proposal established by the
previous government.
The interior minister said the concerned agencies will determine details of the
scheme with the Bureau of the Budget and apply the relief measures as soon as
possible. (MCOT online news)
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ASEAN urges US, EU to end Myanmar sanctions
ASEAN urges US, EU to end Myanmar sanctions
SIEM REAP, Jan 12 -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on
Wednesday agreed to encourage the United States and the European Union to end
their sanctions against Myanmar, and expressed hope that the transition of
leadership in North Korea would run smoothly, according to Thai Minister of
Foreign Affairs Surapong Tovichakchaikul.
Mr Surapong attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers'™ Meeting (AMM) Retreat in Siem
Reap, Cambodia on Tuesday and Wednesday, the first ASEAN meeting under the
chairmanship of Cambodia.
He told the media after the meeting that apart from following-up implementation
of the 19th ASEAN Summit actions in Bali, the AMM Retreat also worked towards
setting the direction to guide ASEAN this year under Cambodia'™s chairmanship.
One issue widely discussed was the situation of Myanmar and Myanmar Foreign
Minister Wunna Maung Lwin reported on his country's progress after the general
election on November 7, 2010.
Mr Surapong said Myanmar has requested the ASEAN to encourage
the United States and European Union to end economic sanctions against Myanmar
as the situation in the country has totally changed and has made progress on
reforms.
The Thai foreign minister said that the ASEAN foreign ministers proposed that
Myanmar invite them to visit Naypyidaw, the capital, and he has taken this to
discuss with his government. The Myanmar minister believed that the visit was
most likely to take place after the by-election in April.
Mr Surapong said the ASEAN foreign ministers also discussed the situation in
North Korea and expressed hope that the transition of the leader would run
smoothly after the death of Kim Jong-il. (MCOT online news)
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PM assures Japan of Thai govt support for Japanese entrepreneurs
PM assures Japan of Thai govt support for Japanese
entrepreneurs
BANGKOK, Jan 11 --Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Wednesday reassured
Japan'™s visiting Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yukio Edano that
Thailand would complete its rehabilitation of flood-damaged infrastructure
within six months.
She also told the Japanese minister that the government has prepared a credit
line of US$1.2 million for Japanese entrepreneurs and investors whose factories
have been impacted by the flood crisis last year.
Ms Yingluck welcomed Mr Edano at Government House Wednesday afternoon as he
formally thanked Thailand for extending assistance to Japanese victims of the
massive earthquake and tsunami of March 11 last year.
The Japanese minister also expressed sympathy for Thailandโ€™s flood victims and
asked about rehabilitation measures for the industrial sector and the
international business community which operate their businesses in Thailand.
Thailand's plan for economic revival was important for the entire region and was
in the spotlight by many countries worldwide, he said.
The Japanese minister advised that Thailand should put comprehensive
flood-prevention measures in place in the future.
Ms Yingluck took the opportunity to thank Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko
Noda, government and people for helping Thailand during its hardships in the
form of financial assistance, relief supplies and experts.
The flood crisis caused extensive damage, but the country's
strong economic fundamentals as well as helping hands from all parties have
helped Thailand get back to its feet quickly, the Thai premier said.
The government targeted achieving gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 4-5 per
cent and its post-flood revival plan has focused on industry and investment, she
said.
Thailand has prepared a credit line of US$1.2 million for Japanese investors who
were affected by the flood, Ms Yingluck said, adding that damaged
infrastructure, including roads and hospitals, would be returned to normal
within six months.
Other measures include tax exemption for imported machinery, and fast tracks for
experts on flood prevention who would facilitate quick revival, said the
premier.
As for short term water management measures, Ms Yingluck said her government
will invest Bt120 billion this year to improve flood-prevention dykes and dams
while some Bt300 billion would be spent for sustainable water management
programme to deal with floods in the future. (MCOT online news)
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Activists ask court to stop planned Thai troop withdrawal from disputed border
Activists ask court to stop planned Thai troop withdrawal
from disputed border
BANGKOK, Jan 11 – Thai nationalist activistts on Wednesday sought court approval
to suspend the Thai government order that the army withdraw troops from the
disputed Preah Vihear temple border area as earlier demanded by the World Court.
A group of nationalist activists led by Chaiwat Sinsuwong petitioned the
Administrative Court, asking it to stop Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra from
interfering with the Thai military after her government ordered the military to
withdraw its troops from the area around the ancient Preah Vihear temple.
The group also asked the court to order the Thai government to withdraw from the
case filed by Cambodia at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and reject
the legal binding of any court rulings.
Following sporadic deadly clashes between Thai and Cambodian militaries, the
Cambodian government last April asked the world court to interpret its 1962
ruling which awarded Preah Vihear to Cambodia but left the surrounding area in
dispute. The Thai government at that time led by Abhisit Vejjajiva decided to
contest the case in court.
The ICJ on July 18 last year issued an injunction during the trial, ordering
Thailand and Cambodia to withdraw their troops from the newly defined
demilitarised zone in a disputed portion of their border around the temple while
urging both countries to work with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) to allow the regional bloc's observers to enter the disputed zone.
Mr Chaiwat said the current government reiterated many times that it accepted
and would follow the ICJ's order. He claimed that the prime minister and Defence
Minister Gen Yutthasak Sasiprapa also tried to interfere with the army over the
troop withdrawal.
The activist claimed that the commanders of the Thai armed forces refused,
however, to proceed with the government's request, but the government kept
pressuring them to move.
He said the group had no choice but to seek a court order to stop the premier's
action to protect the country's interest and sovereignty. (MCOT online news)
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TAT sees Chinese New Year bringing Bt10 billion into circulation
TAT sees Chinese New Year bringing Bt10 billion into
circulation
BANGKOK, Jan 11 - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects the Chinese
New Year festival Jan 22-30 to bring in over Bt10 billion in circulation from
domestic and foreign travellers of Chinese origin.
TAT Governor Surapol Sawetserani spoke at a news conference today on this year's
event with Zhang Yiming, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand
along with provincial governors and other related representatives.
Chinese New Year will be celebrated lavishly in 10 provinces
nationwide--Bangkok, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Chon Buri, Ratchaburi, Chiang Mai,
Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Songkhla, and Phuket--with different activities
at each venue.
Highlights will be cultural performances from China, which the Chinese Ministry
of Culture provides for five countries around the world, including Australia,
the United Kingdom, France, and the United States, in addition to Thailand.
The special entertainment, which will be performed in rotation at each province,
is to celebrate His Majesty King Bhumibol on his 85th birthday, Her Majesty
Queen Sirikit on her 80th birthday, and Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn on his
60th birthday, as well as to celebrate the 37th anniversary of Thai-Chinese
diplomatic relations.
According to Mr Surapol, at least 300,000 visitors are expected from China, Hong
Kong, Taipei, Malaysia, and Singapore, celebrating Chinese New Year in Thailand
and creating a flow of money circulating in the country of over Bt4 billion.
Around 2.5 million Thais of Chinese origin are projected to travel for the New
Year celebration, creating revenue of Bt7 billion.
The TAT governor added that the Thai tourism industry has seen positive signs in
regard to the event. About 200 charter flights flying to Thailand are currently
booked, 150 of which have Phuket as their destination. (MCOT online news)
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19 million foreign tourists travelled to Thailand in 2011, up 19% year-on-year
19 million foreign tourists travelled to Thailand in 2011, up
19% year-on-year
BANGKOK, Jan 11 - Thailand recorded 19 million tourist arrivals in 2011, an
increase of 19.84 per cent year-on-year, said Department of Tourism
Director-General Supol Sripan.
Increased tourism around the world contributed to the recovery of the global
economy and the popularity of tourist attractions in Thailand continued to make
an impact on arrivals in Thailand.
Mature markets in eastern Asia and Europe rose 26.56 per cent and 11.40 per cent
respectively. In May 2011, tourist numbers grew by as much as 70.26 per cent but
in November, tourist numbers dropped by 17.92 per cent before improving in
December.
The country realised income of Bt734.59 billion, an increase of 23.92 per cent,
compared to last year.
Tourism is likely to grow constantly in 2012 if the domestic political situation
is in order. The number of tourists is expected around 20.5-20.8 million. (MCOT
online news)
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Two persons injured in Narathiwat car bombing
Two persons injured in Narathiwat car bombing
NARATHIWAT, Jan 11 - Two persons were injured by a roadside car bomb in
Tanyongmus municipality in Rangae district on Tuesday night.
Placed in car parked near a Krung Thai Bank branch, the bomb may have been
intended for an armoured pickup truck carrying a security team. Comprising a15kg
gas cylinder plus a container with a gallon of gasoline in the boot of the car,
the explosion may have been intended for a passing security patrol.
The police believe the unidentified bombers targeted an armoured pickup truck
carrying army rangers, but no security personnel were wounded in the incident.ย
Police said the bomb failed to function completely, but two persons passing by
on a motorcycle -- Mah Maree and Waenasrin Maree, a father and his daughter –
were wounded and taken to hospital..
The police are tracking the culprits from surveillance cameras and from accounts
of witnesses. (MCOT online news)
Cabinet extends measures for low-income earners
Cabinet extends measures for low-income earners
BANGKOK, Jan 10 – Thailandโ€™s Cabineet on Tuesday approved the extension of
free bus and train services to help low-income earners through end of April,
according to a government spokesperson.
Deputy Spokesperson Anuttama Amornvivat told a news briefing that extending free
non-air conditioned bus and third-class train services, which are due to expire
Jan 15, through April 30 is aimed at reducing the cost of living for people with
low incomes.
Under the free transport measures, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA)
will provide 800 buses per day for free rides while the State Railway of
Thailand (SRT) will run 164 rail trips daily.
Ms Anuttama explained that the measures will cost the government some Bt1.17
billion.
The measures were initiated during the administration of the late former prime
minister Samak Sundaravej to assist low-income earners in 2008. (MCOT online
news)
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Cabinet approves Bt2 billion compensation for protest victims
Cabinet approves Bt2 billion compensation for protest victims
BANGKOK, Jan 10 - The cabinet on Tuesday resolved to pay Bt2 billion to
compensate all the victims of political rallies which turned violent from late
2005 through 2010, according to the government spokesperson.
Speaking after today'™s weekly cabinet meeting, Thitima Chaisang said the
compensation as proposed by the Truth for Reconciliation Commission (TRC) would
cover all groups of affected people be they state officials, government
personnel, civilians, media personnel as well as citizens who either lost their
lives or suffered injuries during violent protests by anti-Thaksin ralliers led
by the People's Alliance for Democracy (Yellow Shirts) in late 2005, the 2006
coup, violent incidents during the protests against the Somchai Wongsawat and
Samak Sundaravej administrations and the anti-government protests of the UDD
(UDD-United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, or Red Shirts) during
April-May 2010.
Families of those who lost their lives will be paid Bt4.5 million plus 250,000
for funeral expenses.
Those who were left permanently physically impaired would be entitled to Bt5.5
million compensation, Bt3.6 million for those who lost vital organs, other
injuries would be paid compensation ranging from Bt3.6 million to 670,000 and
225,000 for minor injuries, the government spokesperson said.
In addition, those who were jailed more than 180 days but later acquitted by
court order would be entitled to receive Bt1.5 million and 750,000 for those who
were put behind bar for less than 180 days.
Concerning those who had been in jail longer than their jail terms for over 180
days would be paid Bt1 million and Bt500,000 for those whose days in jail not
exceeding 180 days.
The government however did not release the exact numbers of those who are
entitled to the compensation. (MCOT online news)
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Rubber protest on hold; compromise expected next week
Rubber protest on hold; compromise expected next week
SONGKHLA, Jan 10 – Falling rubber prices annd rising anger on the part of Thai
rubber growers resulted in blocked roads and one shooting by an inconvenienced
driver in daylong demonstrations.
At nightfall it was reported that an agreement has been reached and that the
highway blockade would be lifted tonight. Through the day para rubber growers
had blocked a main road in this southern province, demanding that the government
guarantee the price of rubber.
Latest reports said that negotiations between the minister and protest
representatives ended late in the day with a joint statement released with
protesters agreeing to end their demonstration tonight and await the
governmentโ€™s response to their proposal after the Jan 17 cabinet meeting
before announcing their next move.
The statement will be read to the protesters and they are expected to disperse
tonight.
About 1,000 para rubber growers closed Phetkasem Road in Songkhla, the South's
major thoroughfare, calling for the government to guarantee the price of rubber
at 120 baht per kilogramme after its price dropped to about 80-90 baht per
kilogramme.
Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Theera Wongsamut went to Songkhla
Tuesday afternoon to meet the governor and negotiate with the protesters in
Rattaphum district.
The minister said he will bring the issue to the Jan 17 cabinet meeting as the
protesters proposed that the Rubber Estate Organisation intervene to offer price
support for 200,000 tonnes of rubber.
However, the growers want an answer from the government today, so they
intensified their protest by blocking both inbound and outbound traffic lanes.
They threatened further movement to block roads in Phatthalung, Nakhon Si
Thammarat, Surat Thani and Chumphon if their demands are not met.
During the protest, a driver who was dissatisfied with the traffic disruption
fired at the crowd, wounding one traffic police officer, Pol Sen Sgt-Maj Somkid
Katenuan, and slightly injuring five protesters.ย (MCOT online news)
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Police hunting gunman in rubber protest shooting
Police hunting gunman in rubber protest shooting
SONGKHLA, Jan 11 – The governor of Songkhla todaay ordered police to hunt down a
gunman in a black sedan who fired several shots at a group of protesting rubber
growers Tuesday evening, wounding eight people including one policeman.
Speaking to reporters after visiting three victims still in hospital, Songkhla
Deputy Governor Surapol Panas-ampol said Governor Kritsada Boonraj instructed
police to speed up hunting the gunman.
Initial investigation found that the car's licence plate was fake. The gunman
randomly shot at the protesters with 9mm handgun, the deputy governor said.
It was believed that there were at least two people in the black Toyota Vios
sedan and after the shooting, the car was heading to Hat Yai district, a route
which has many intersections along the way, Mr Surapol said.
The shooting took place after hundreds of rubber growers blocked the Hat
Yai-Phatthalung stretch of the Asian Highway at Khu Ha intersection on Tuesday,
demanding that the government help shore up rubber prices to Bt120 per
kilogramme.
Eight people were injured from gunshot wounds but only three remain in the
hospital including one policeman.
The rubber growers closed Phetkasem Road in Songkhla, the Southโ€™s major
thoroughfare, calling for the government to guarantee the price of rubber at 120
baht per kilogramme after its price dropped to about 80-90 baht per kilogramme
currently.
Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Theera Wongsamut went to Songkhla
Tuesday afternoon to meet the governor and negotiate with the protesters in
Rattaphum district.
The minister said he will bring the issue to the Jan 17 cabinet meeting as the
protesters proposed that the Rubber Estate Organisation intervene to offer price
support for 200,000 tonnes of rubber. (MCOT online news)
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