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Stargazers nationwide witness rare spectacle of Venus passing in front of sun
BANGKOK, June 6 -- Stargazers across Thailand witnessed a
rare planetary spectacle -- Venus passing in front of the sun -- that could be
seen here between 5.49-11.49am today.
The Ministry of Science and Technology has warned viewers not
to look at the sun without eye protection as serious eye damage is likely to
result.
The transit of Venus across the sun from the eastern horizon to the western
horizon will be visible in Thailand for approximately six hours. It was
considered once in a life time event as this sight won't come again for more
than 105 years, Dec 11, 2117.
This spectacle on Wednesday was visible between 5.49-11.49am.
However, cloud cover in the capital was an obstacle for viewers as most of the
Bangkok sky was covered by vast cloud. (MCOT online news)
Court president adamant: decision within court authority
BANGKOK, June 6 - Thailand's Constitution Court president on
Wednesday reasserted that the court decision to suspend the parliamentary
process on a vote on the charter amendment draft is in the public interest and
that the decision was made within the court's authority.
Presiding judge Wasan Soipisut and a team of court
spokespersons held a news conference on the public dispute over the court's
authority after it agreed to consider the legality of the draft constitutional
amendment and issued an injunction to suspend the process until a court ruling,
as it accepted five petitions lodged by a group of senators and Democrat MPs
questioning the legality of the draft.
Court president Wasan stood by the panel’s decision, saying the court has the
authority to accept complaints under Article 68, considered as a preventive
measure as the petitioners claimed the charter amendment will lead to a new form
of administration.
Investigation of the accusation must be carried out as the draft amendment
allows the whole rewriting of the new constitution.
Mr Wasan explained that if the vote on the draft proceeds, the possible damage
incurred could not be later corrected.
The president however noted, at this stage, the court only accepted the
complaints and notified the House Speaker of its decision via the
secretary-general of Parliament.
Mr Wasan stated if the House Speaker decides to continue the vote on the third
reading of the charter amendment draft, it is the responsibility of the
Parliament.
Concerning the move to impeach the court judges, Mr Wasan said he was
unperturbed by the threat as the people have the right to do so, but he asserted
that previous court deliberations were carried out in a discreet manner with
precaution in order not to infringe on legislative power.
The court spokesperson said the delayed vote on the draft may interrupt
parliamentary work, but it will restore confidence abroad that the exercise of
power was legally right in accordance with checks and balances.
The spokesperson said if the hearing begins July 5-6, it will take about one
week for the judges to rule on the case.
Hours earlier, Chainarin Kularb-am led members of the Democracy Network Working
Group and red shirt supporters rallying outside the Constitution Court.
The group presented a complaint letter to court president Wasan via court
officials, urging the court to review its order. The demonstrators booed and
jeered, and draped black cloth around the court nameplate in protest against the
court decision.
During the rally, all judges reportedly continued their work, amid security
provided by the police.
Meanwhile, government chief whip Udomdej Ratanasathien said the parliament
president did not put consideration or a vote on the amendment for its third
reading on the agenda for Friday's joint House-Senate meeting. The president
will only notify lawmakers about the Constitution Court order which accepted
petitions against the bill.
In addition, the Friday joint session of Parliament will also consider proposed
frameworks for negotiations with other countries under Section 190 of the
constitution.
Mr Udomdej however said MPs could ask for a vote on the bill in its third
reading but that it is at the president's discretion.
The government chief whip said he personally viewed that the president's
decision to put the
bill off the agenda indicated that he might not want to put it for a vote as
there are differing views on the issue.
Panthep Puapongpan, spokesperson for the yellow shirt People's Alliance for
Democracy (PAD) movement, announced that the group will rally again if the
amendment leads to a structural change in the country's revered monarchy and
grants amnesty to ousted ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his associates.
If the two mentioned conditions are present, the PAD spokesperson asserted, the
yellow shirts will mobilise immediately in a mass protest.
Regarding deliberation of the reconciliation bills, key PAD leader Sondhi
Limthongkul said the movement is waiting to see the stance of the government and
Pheu Thai Party first, but the group will gather immediately once the bills are
put on the House agenda. (MCOT online news)
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Flash floods hit Thailand's southern provinces
RANONG, June 6 – Several southern provinces have been hit by
flash floods, triggered by heavy rain with one death reported in a storm-related
road accident in the Andaman coastal province of Krabi.
Flooding in Ranong extends to five districts with no sign of
abating while more flash floods and rains continue.
The governor met Wednesday morning with agencies concerned to assess the
situation to help local residents.
In Krabi, storms hit several areas, damaging scores of houses and crops in the
provincial seat.
One death was reported as a motorcycle crashed into a felled tree on a road.
A thousand small fishing boats in Satun have stayed ashore
for a week due to strong winds and 2-3 metre waves in the Gulf of Thailand. Some
seaside houses were damaged by smashing waves.
In Chumphon, Phinit Charoenpanit, governor reported the flood situation has
extended to five districts and warned fishermen to beware of rough sea until the
end of this week as rainfall continues.
A 200-metre portion of Asian Highway 41 in Sawi district is under 30-50cm water
and is impassable for small vehicles.
In Ranong, flash flood hit almost all areas of Kra Buri
district on Tuesday. A large number of people are stranded in their homes and
officials used flat-bottomed boats to evacuate them to safe areas. Some houses
were damaged by the flood.
A portion of Phetkasem Road, connecting Chumphon and Ranong, was flooded and
impassable for small vehicles; some topsoil running down a mountainside blocked
sections of the road.
Incessant rain triggered flash flood on Kra Buri mountain range, flowing into
Chumphon canal, flooding houses, farmlands, roads in the provincial seat.
Tha Sae district was hit by a flash flood from the Tanaosri
mountain range. Rescue workers helped evacuate local residents and move their
belongings to higher ground.
The meteorological department on Wednesday reported a strong southwest monsoon
over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. It warned of thundershowers being
likely across Thailand, with isolated heavy to very heavy rain in the South.
People in at risk areas along foothills and near waterways should beware of
flooding conditions.
At risk areas include Chumphon, Surat Thani, Ranong, Phang-nga, Krabi and Trang.
Strong winds and waves of 2-3 metres are likely in the Andaman Sea and upper
Gulf of Thailand. Shipping should proceed with caution; small boats should keep
ashore for a few days. (MCOT online news)
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Japan relaxes visa rules for Thai citizens
BANGKOK, June 5 – Japan has eased regulations in issuing
three-year visas with multiple entries for Thai citizens, said Thai Foreign
Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul.
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda had earlier informed
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra during her recent official visit to Japan
between March 6-9 that his government would relax visa regulations to allow
multiple entries for Thai citizens, Mr Surapong said.
The Japanese government began applying the new regulations June 1 to facilitate
Thai people travelling to Japan for holidays or business trips. (MCOT online
news)
Pheu Thai challenges Constitution Court order
BANGKOK, June 5 - Thailand's ruling Pheu Thai Party on
Tuesday issued its position statement saying the Constitution Court has no
authority to order the suspension of House deliberation of the draft charter
amendment and asked the Court to review its decision.
The Pheu Thai move came as the Court agreed to consider the
legality of the draft constitutional amendment and issue an injunction to
suspend the process until a formal court ruling, as it accepted five petitions
lodged by a group of Senators and Democrat MPs questioning the legality of the
draft.
The vote on the third reading of the amendment was earlier set for today but the
action could not proceed after the court action.
Reading the party statement, Pheu Thai Secretary-General Jarupong Ruangsuwan
said Article 68 of Constitution states that a petition on such a case must be
submitted via the Office of the Attorney-General to consider whether or not the
request has grounds before forwarding the case to the court.
On this case, the petitioners filed their complaint to the OAG and then
submitted it to the Constitution Court without deliberation by the OAG, the
statement said, meaning the court accepted to consider the case before the OAG
considered it.
The statement reiterated that the Constitution Court could not act beyond its
authority and the rule of law and that its order to suspend the parliamentary
process was done without authority.
The Pheu Thai reasoned there is no need for the Parliament to follow the court
order.
The statement noted that the legislative power is one of the three powers of the
Sovereignty and is not under the judicial power.
The OAG however on Tuesday said it would not infringe the decision of the
Constitution Court and that it will further discuss the matter on Thursday.
Pheu Thai party spokesman Prompong Nopparit said the party issued the statement
believing that the court order might violate the constitution.
Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung asserted that the Constitution Court has
no authority to order the suspension of the vote on the third reading of the
draft.
Mr Chalerm said he believed the judges could face impeachment if the court still
insists on its order.
Regarding the petition of the opposition Democrat Party lawmakers calling on
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to issue a draft royal decree closing the
current House session to defuse political standoff, Mr Chalerm said the issue
was not raised at today’s Cabinet meeting.
In the latest development, some key leaders of the United Front for Democracy
against Dictatorship (UDD), the red shirt movement, said they will gather
supporters at the Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road tomorrow to show
their opposition to the Constitution Court decision.
Weng Tojirakarn, a leading UDD leader who is also a Pheu Thai MP, said the court
decision is unlawful and that it has no authority to issue an injunction to
suspend the parliamentary process.
Mr Weng added that the Red Shirts will collect signatures to seek the
impeachment of the Court's judges, and that it will take about two weeks to
collect the names.
However, the move had nothing to do with the Pheu Thai party as it was not a
resolution of all the UDD key leaders. (MCOT online news)
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Democrats petition PM; seek closure of House session
BANGKOK, June 5 - Thailand's opposition Democrat Party
lawmakers petitioned Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Tuesday, calling on
her Cabinet to issue a draft royal decree closing the current House session to
defuse political standoff.
Democrat MPs Peerapan Saleerattawipak, Sansern Samalapa and
Chuenchob Kongudom submitted a letter to the premier via the PM's Deputy
Secretary-General Prasit Chaiviratana, reasoning that closing the Parliament was
the only solution to the current political crisis stemming from controversy over
the reconciliation bill deliberations in the lower house.
Mr Peerapan said that he has been assigned by the opposition chief whip to
submit the complaint letter to the premier as the ongoing turmoil was likely to
continue as a result of the consideration of proposed reconciliation bills.
If the House session continues, the Democrat MP said, it will be the beginning
of a conflict which will be later intensify and escalate.
Mr Peerapan added the only solution to the problem is to close the House session
to ease political tension.
The opposition whip also urged the MPs who earlier proposed reconciliation
drafts to withdraw their drafts from house consideration.
The premier's deputy secretary-general said he would urgently forward the issue
to the prime minister but said there were still some issues needing to be
deliberated in the House, including the international cooperation framework
under Article 190 of the Constitution requiring parliamentary approval prior to
signing any international treaties and agreements.
Parliament will be closed eventually, he said, but there is also a working
process before that.
The prime minister also worried over the differing views on the matter,
according to Mr Prasit.
The Democrat move came as the government chief whip on Monday asked the House
Speaker to call a joint parliamentary sitting on Friday to discuss Section 190
of the Constitution so that senators and members of the lower House may together
decide whether or not the Constitution Court has authority to order the House to
suspend deliberations on the charter amendment bill.
House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont earlier decided to cancel June 5-7
parliamentary sessions following last week’s chaos in the chamber.
Today the House had been scheduled to vote on the third reading of the draft
constitution amendment and consider the international cooperation frameworks
under Article 190, but the vote could not proceed after the Constitution Court
decided to consider the legality of the draft.
The House Speaker earlier cancelled the reconciliation bills debate last Friday
as yellow shirt activists of the people's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) blocked
lawmakers access to Parliament but was set to reconvene the House of
Representatives Wednesday and Thursday (June 6-7) to consider the bills. (MCOT
online news)
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Ghanaian arrested with 1 kg of ‘ice’ at airport
SAMUT PRAKAN, June 5- A Ghanaian was detained for attempting
to smuggle one kilogramme of crystal methamphetamine, also known as 'ice,' with
an estimated street value of Bt3.5 million (more than US$116,600) at Thailand’s
main international airport, according to a senior customs officer.
Kwabena Dwamena, 35, was apprehended Monday afternoon on
arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport with 60 packages of crystal meth, weighing one
kilogramme, in his stomach, Rakob Srisupa-at, director of the Investigation and
Suppression Bureau, told a news briefing on Tuesday.
Mr Dwamena flew Ethiopian Airlines from Ghana to Thailand.
As the man behaved suspiciously after disembarking, customs officers asked him
for a body X-ray scan inspection when unidentified objects were detected in his
stomach.
After the defecation, 60 packages of crystal meth were found.
The suspect said he swallowed the packages before leaving the
Ghanaian capital of Accra for Thailand, adding that he was hired for Bt45,000
(around $1,500) to carry the drugs.
Initially, he was transferred to the police Narcotics Suppression Bureau for
further investigation and legal proceedings.
Meanwhile in Pathum Thani province, Soontorn Sawangwong, 36, was arrested with
180,000 methamphetamine pills, worth Bt40 million (more than $1.33 million), at
a department store in Thanyaburi district while waiting to deliver the drug to
his agent.
The pills were hidden in the car's loudspeaker enclosure, Pol Maj-Gen Piya
Sorntrakul, deputy commissioner of Provincial Police Region 1, and Pol Maj-Gen
Smith Mukdasanit, Pathum Thani police chief, told a news briefing on Tuesday.
Mr Soontorn said that he was asked to deliver drugs to customers in Pathum
Thani, Samut Prakan and nearby provinces six times. (MCOT online news)
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Magnitude 4 earthquake hits Ranong
RANONG, June 4 - An earthquake measuring 4 on the Richter
scale jolted Thailand’s southern province of Ranong this afternoon, centreing on
the provincial seat.
The 12:49pm tremors were felt at Khao Niwet sub-district but
there was no immediate report of damage, according to the National Disaster
Warning Centre.
The quake was the strongest earthquake in the province this year, with residents
in Khao Niwet sub-district feeling the shake most strongly. No damage was
reported at dams, buildings or homes in Ranong and adjacent provinces.
Frightened residents evacuated to higher ground as a precaution after feeling
the shake and hearing loud noises. No agencies could initially explain what
happened.
Officials at the provincial Disaster Warning and Mitigation Office later
confirmed that there had been an earthquake and that its epicentre may have been
at the provincial seat.
Meanwhile, forest runoff and heavy downpours caused flooding of some 30
households in La-un district. Palm and rubber plantations in the province were
also damaged by the flood.
The authorities said the situation remain worrisome as incessant rain continued
in conjunction with high tides. (MCOT online news)
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Pattani school torched, ranger units attacked
PATTANI, June 4 - A local school in this southern border
province was burned Sunday night and two army ranger units were attacked with
M79 grenades.
In Yarang district, police investigators said three classrooms were burned and
that educational materials were destroyed after the school was set alight. The
arson was believed to be the work of insurgents.
In the same district, two army ranger units--one in Pattani near the Yala border
and other in Momawee subdistrict--were also hit with M79 grenades. No casualties
were reported.
In nearby Yaring, district, tyre burnings were reported at two locations and a
mobile phone-signal transmission pole was torched.
Investigators linked regional insurgency to the latest arsons and attacks. (MCOT
online news)
Thai soldiers return from Sudanese peacekeeping mission
BANGKOK, June 5 -- The first batch of 220 Thai soldiers
returned home today after completing their nine-month peacekeeping mission with
the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID).
This was the second contingent of Thai troops deployed in
Sudan after the first returned to Thailand last August.
Gen Sirichai Disakul, army chief-of-staff, presided over a ceremony to welcome
back the first batch of 220 soldiers from Thai-Darfur Task Force 980 from Sudan.
The group led by Col Thakoon Chaoraingern from the Logistics Department of the
Thai-Darfur Task Force 980 will undergo blood testing before returning home.
Gen Siricha thanked the troops who carried out their duties effectively and were
praised by the United Nations and local residents.
More soldiers will gradually travel home today through Friday on four commercial
flights after completing their nine month mission.
The second contingent, with 812 soldiers from the Thai armed forces went to
Sudan on Aug 19, 2011. The shift was led by Col Narongrit Panikabutr.
Thailand’s participation in UNAMID follows the government’s policy to support
the UN in maintaining international peace and security and to do its utmost to
help alleviate the plight of fellow human beings, as Thailand is a responsible
member of the international community, the general said.
Established in July 2007 by the United Nations Security Council, UNAMID was
mandated to protect civilians, provide security for humanitarian assistance,
monitor and verify implementing peace agreements, assist in the inclusive
political process, and contributing to promoting human rights and the rule of
law.
With UNAMID, the Thai troops were tasked with conducting patrols, providing
protection to civilians, UN facilities, convoys and UN and other humanitarian
workers, as well as providing medical services. Their assignments complemented
the peace process in Darfur. (MCOT online news)
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Multi-coloured group petitions police chief
BANGKOK, June 5- Thailand's so-called 'Multi-Coloured Group'
on Tuesday petitioned the national police chief seeking clarification of the
policy towards protesters.
Tul Sittisomwong, coordinator of the Network of Citizen
Volunteers to Protect the Land, together with about 20 representatives of the
multi-coloured group submitted a letter to the national police chief Pol Gen
Priewpan Damapong via Pol Maj-Gen Piya Tavichai, secretary to Pol Gen Priewpan,
seeking clarification of police policy towards protesters.
The move came after Pol Gen Priewpan last Friday issued an order to abruptly
transfer Metropolitan Police Chief Pol Lt-Gen Winai Thongsong to an inactive
post at Royal Thai Police headquarters for 30 days. Currently, Pol Maj-Gen
Kamronwit Thoopkrachang, who earlier worked as an acting chief of Provincial
Police Region 1, is serving as acting city police commissioner.
Dr Tul, a doctor who has led several pro-monarchy street rallies, said the group
also called for the police and related authorities to avoid double standards and
not use force in handling the anti-reconciliation bill protesters. He explained
that the multi-coloured supporters staged a peaceful rally without weapons.
The group threatened to file a complaint with the Office of the National
Anti-Corruption Commission if the police use force against demonstrators in the
future.
In addition, the royalist group also gave moral support to deputy police chief
Pol Maj-Gen Wichai Sangprapai, who has been shifted to an inactive post for 30
days at Royal Thai Police headquarters. (MCOT online news)
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ONCB Sec-Gen satisfied with drug-fighting effort
BANGKOK, 5 May 2012 (NNT) – The Secretary-General of the
Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has expressed satisfaction with the
agency’s performance in drug suppression, while announcing that an event will be
held in honour of HM Queen Sirikit on 26th June, or the International Day
against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
ONCB Secretary-General Pol. Gen. Adul Sangsingkaew has reported that the agency
has, so far, siezed 53 million amphetamine tablets, 1 billion kg. of crystal
meth, 4 million drug-precursor tablets, and 1 billion kg. of cannabis; totaling
over 200,000 cases altogether. He added that the ONCB will reinforce its
strategies even further to annihilate narcotics in Thailand.
Meanwhile, Pol. Gen. Adul has also announced that the ONCB will join hands with
relevant agencies to hold an event under the name of "Power of the Land to Win
over Illicit Drugs in honour of HM the Queen’s 80th birthday" on the occasion of
the United Nation's International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit
Trafficking, which falls on 26th June.
The event will include activities such as the burning of confiscated drugs, an
anti-drug campaign, and rehabilitation for drug addicts. The ONCB, thus, invites
the general public to join in the celebration and collaborate in the nation's
efforts to eradicate drugs from the Thai society.
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Foreign Ministry clarifies Suu Kyi’s participation at WEF to Myanmar President
BANGKOK, 5 June 2012 (NNT) - The Foreign Affairs Ministry has
clarified to President Thein Sein of Myanmar that Aung San Suu Kyi was invited
to participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF).
In light of Myanmar President Thein Sein's abrupt cancellation of his official
visit to Thailand, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Thani Thongphakdi has clarified
that Myanmar Opposition Leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s visit to Thailand was an
invitation of the WEF. He said Ms Suu Kyi had managed her own schedule, saying
Thailand only facilitated the visit and ensured safety for her.
Mr Thani further elaborated that most of her visits concerned the conditions of
the Burmese workers in Thailand. He added Thailand has already discussed with
the Myanmar Embassy and Burmese representatives at the WEF in the hope of making
them understand the situation.
According to the spokesperson, the Burmese president’s visit scheduled for June
4-6 has now been put off until further notice. He hopes that Thein Sein will
visit Thailand to further strengthen the relationship between the two nations.
President Thein Sein was initially scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister
Yingluck Shinawatra on various bilateral issues and topics of mutual interest,
such as the physical connection of the two neighbors, the development of a
deep-sea port and the Dawei Industrial Estate.
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Police stages a riot control drill ahead of protests
BANGKOK, 5 June 2012 (NNT) - The Royal Thai police are
prepared for further clashes between different political groups, staging a riot
control drill at the Central Police Training Center in Salaya, Nakhon Prathom
province.
Newly appointed Metropolitan Police Chief, Pol Maj Gen Khamronwit Thoopkrachang,
will this afternoon travel to the police training center to supervise the drills
as well as to hold talks with relevant provincial officers this afternoon. The
meeting is aimed at expanding the police’s crowd control capabilities as more
protests against the National Reconciliation Bill are expected.
Pol Maj Gen Khamronwit has conceded that the security forces are currently not
fully prepared for a massive outpouring of demonstrators due to the reduced
frequency of protests and the internal shuffles that have occurred in the past
two years.
He elaborated that the police are set to re-strategize its crowd-control
policies, which may include the use of tear gas.
According to Metropolitan Police spokesman Preeda Sathaworn, police officers
will be dispatched to protest sites to maintain peace and public order.
Crowd-controlling methods will be implemented strictly in accordance with the
law and the Royal Thai Police’s regulations.
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Pheu Thai challenges Constitution Court order
BANGKOK, June 5 - Thailand's ruling Pheu Thai Party on
Tuesday issued its position statement saying the Constitution Court has no
authority to order the suspension of House deliberation of the draft charter
amendment and asked the Court to review its decision.
The Pheu Thai move came as the Court agreed to consider the
legality of the draft constitutional amendment and issue an injunction to
suspend the process until a formal court ruling, as it accepted five petitions
lodged by a group of Senators and Democrat MPs questioning the legality of the
draft.
The vote on the third reading of the amendment was earlier set for today but the
action could not proceed after the court action.
Reading the party statement, Pheu Thai Secretary-General Jarupong Ruangsuwan
said Article 68 of Constitution states that a petition on such a case must be
submitted via the Office of the Attorney-General to consider whether or not the
request has grounds before forwarding the case to the Court.
On this case, the petitioners filed their complaint to the OAG and then
submitted it to the Constitution Court without deliberation by the OAG, the
statement said, meaning the court accepted to consider the case before the OAG
considered it.
The statement reiterated that the Constitution Court could not act beyond its
authority and the rule of law and that its order to suspend the parliamentary
process was done without authority.
The Pheu Thai reasoned there is no need for the Parliament to follow the court
order.
The statement noted that the legislative power is one of the three powers of the
Sovereignty and is not under the judicial power.
The OAG however on Tuesday said it would not infringe the decision of the
Constitution Court and that it will further discuss the matter on Thursday.
Pheu Thai party spokesman Prompong Nopparit said the party issued the statement
believing that the court order might violate the constitution.
Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung asserted that the Constitution Court has
no authority to order the suspension of the vote on the third reading of the
draft.
Mr Chalerm said he believed the judges could face impeachment if the court still
insists on its order.
Regarding the petition of the opposition Democrat Party lawmakers calling on
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to issue a draft royal decree closing the
current House session to defuse political standoff, Mr Chalerm said the issue
was not raised at today’s Cabinet meeting.
In the latest development, some key leaders of the United Front for Democracy
against Dictatorship (UDD), the red shirt movement, said they will gather
supporters at the Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road tomorrow to show
their opposition to the Constitution Court decision.
Weng Tojirakarn, a leading UDD leader who is also a Pheu Thai MP, said the court
decision is unlawful and that it has no authority to issue an injunction to
suspend the parliamentary process.
Mr Weng added that the Red Shirts will collect signatures to seek the
impeachment of the Court's judges, and that it will take about two weeks to
collect the names.
However, the move had nothing to do with the Pheu Thai party as it was not a
resolution of all the UDD key leaders. (MCOT online news)
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Special Report: Thailand’s Grand Vesak Celebrations on the Occasion of Buddhajayanti, 2,600 Years of Buddha’s Enlightenment
On the full moon day of the sixth lunar month, Buddhists in
Thailand celebrate the enlightenment of Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. It is
this very same day that two other most important events in Buddhism are believed
to have occurred—the birth of Buddha, 45 years before his enlightenment, and his
passing away 35 years later. As the center of the world Buddhism, Thailand has
arranged special activities to celebrate the Day of Vesak this year as it marks
2,600 years of the Enlightenment of Buddha. The Sangha Supreme Council of
Thailand has named this auspicious occasion “Buddhajayanti,” which means the
celebration of Buddha’s victory over all sins and temptations by himself.
Buddha attained enlightenment by discovering the Four Noble
Truths about suffering, the origin of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and
the path leading to the cessation of suffering. From its origin in the Indian
sub-continent, Buddhism has spread to Thailand and prospered here until it is
now regarded as the national religion, with the majority of Thais being
Buddhists.
There are many Buddhist activities and celebrations every year in Thailand to
pay respect to Buddha and remind Buddhists of his teachings. The Day of Vesak on
the occasion of Buddhajayanti is a historic event celebrated nationwide by all
sectors of the society since mid May 2012. The main activities taking place at
Sanam Luang in Bangkok include merit-making and walks around Buddha’s relics or
“Wien Thien.” The last walk on Vesak Day, which is on 4 June 2012, will be
presided over by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. Another
grand Vesak celebration is taking place at Buddha Monthon or Buddhist Park in
Nakhon Pathom province, where Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
will attend a “Wien Thien” ceremony on 4 June at 4.30 pm.
The Buddhajayanti celebrations extend beyond the Day of Vesak. After 4 June, the
International Buddhist Film Festival 2012 will be organized for the first time
in Thailand at SF World Cinema at CentralWorld from 7-10 June 2012. The event
features 15 films from 10 countries including Thailand, Japan, China, Korea,
U.S.A. and Germany. The opening movie is “Prem Sanyas” or “The Light of Asia,” a
1925 silent movie about the life of Buddha and the origin of Buddhism.
The Day of Vesak on the occasion of Buddhajayanti marking 2,600 years of
Buddha’s enlightenment is a once in a life time event. Buddhists should take
this opportunity to support Buddhism, practice his teachings, and do good deeds
as taught by Buddha, as well as by the founders of the world’s other religions.
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Buddhists invited to join Buddha Jayanti at Sanam Luang
BANGKOK, 4 June 2012 (NNT) – Buddhists across Thailand are
traveling to Sanam Luang to participate in merit-making and praying sessions on
the auspicious occasion of the 2,600th anniversary of Buddha’s enlightenment.
The Thai Health Promotion Foundation and Sathira-Dhammasathan have invited
people to together commemorate the 26th century of Buddha’s enlightenment, also
known as Buddha Jayanti. The celebration is being held at Sanam Luang today with
Buddhists from 15 countries in 5 continents attending.
The organizers have brought a black Buddha Jayanti statue from India to the
event in Bangkok for revelers to pay respect to. In an overnight praying
session, starting at 10.30 pm, 2,600 monks along with people in all 77 provinces
of Thailand will chant 2,600 Buddhist stanzas to celebrate the Buddha Jayanti
ceremony and also to honor Their Majesties the King and Queen and other members
of the Royal Family.
The event will be broadcasted live in 15 countries. Buddhists are advised to
wear white clothing to the event.
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People celebrate Visakha Puja Day with merit-making
BANGKOK, 4 June 2012 (NNT) – Buddhists in Bangkok are
celebrating Visahka Puja Day with merit-making, with the biggest celebration
being held in Sanam Luang.
Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra this morning led
the people in a merit-making ceremony, during which rice and dry food were
offered to 214 monks. A Wien Tien or walk with lighted candles in hand around a
temple ceremony will also be held on the auspicious occasion of Visahka Puja
Day.
This year is particularly special, as the day is also the 2,600th anniversary of
the Buddha’s Enlightenment. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has
brought a Buddha’s relic from the Grand Palace for the people to pay respect for
good blessings. Besides, a parade of four regional flowers is also be organized
for the people to take memorable pictures.
Another important part of the event, an overnight prayer will kicks off tonight
at 11 p.m.
Visakha Puja Day marks the three important incidents in the life of the Lord
Buddha on the same day, including the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana.
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Public Health warns residents of influenza spread during rainy season
BANGKOK, 4 June 2012 (NNT) – The Public Health Ministry has
warned residents to be aware of the spread of influenza during the rainy season,
citing up to 900,000 people have been infected with the virus each year.
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has revealed that influenza usually
spreads during the rainy season. The DDC and the National Health Security Office
(NHSO) are therefore offering free vaccines against AH1N1, AH3N2, and B-type
viruses to people in seven risk groups.
They are (1) people with chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, chronic
kidney disease, diabetes, and immunodeficiency, (2) elderly over 65 years of
age, (3) people heavier than 100 kilograms, (4) autistic patients, (5) children
from 6 months old-2 years old, (6) pregnant women, and (7) medical practitioners
and officials who work with poultry.
The Ministry expects to give the vaccines to 3.55 million people. The service is
provided at all hospitals participating in the NHSO from June 1st-September
30th.
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House Speaker cancels session on reconciliation bills, charter amendment
BANGKOK, June 2 - House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont on
Saturday decided to cancel next week's parliamentary sessions regarding charter
amendment and national reconciliation bills following recent chaos and
disruption in the parliament.
Deputy House Speaker Charoen Chankomol said Mr Somsak decided to suspend the
planned meeting on June 5 to deliberate the charter amendment and the June 6-7
sessions on the proposed reconciliation bills.
Mr Charoen said the House Speaker will call a meeting of representatives from
both the government and opposition next Tuesday to find solutions, and if there
is still problem with the deliberation of the reconciliation bills, other
pending bills may be raised for consideration instead.
On June 5, the House was scheduled to vote on the third reading of the draft
constitution amendment and consider the international cooperation frameworks
under Article 190 of the constitution which stipulate that before signing any
international treaties and agreements, they must first be approved by
parliament.
But the vote on the third reading of the draft charter amendment could not
proceed because the Constitution Court agreed to consider the legality of the
draft constitutional amendment and issue an injunction to suspend the process
until a court ruling, as it accepted five petitions lodged by a group of
Senators and Democrat MPs challenging the legality of the draft.
The House Speaker earlier cancelled the reconciliation bills debate on Friday as
yellow shirt activists of the people's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and
protesters blocked lawmakers access to parliament but were set to reconvene the
House of Representatives on Wednesday and Thursday (June 6-7) to consider the
reconciliation bills.
Meanwhile, Pheu Thai Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit said the decision of the
House Speaker could help reduce tension on the issues.
He said whether or not the deliberation of reconciliation bills can proceed soon
is not a problem and the party will assign MPs to create better understanding on
the bills to the public, as the drafted bills have nothing to do with returning
Bt46 billion in seized assets to ousted ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra as
worried. (MCOT online news)
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Yellow Shirts postpone June 5 rally
BANGKOK, June 2 - Thailand's yellow-shirted movement, the
People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) on Saturday decided to postpone its June 5
rally after House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont decided to cancel next week's
parliamentary sessions on charter amendment and national reconciliation bills.
The Yellow Shirt movement issued a statement today, saying
its planned protest at Makkawan Rangsan Bridge will be postponed, as the House
Speaker has suspended the controversial parliamentary sessions on June 5 to
deliberate the charter amendment and June 6-7 on the proposed reconciliation
bills.
On June 5, the House was scheduled to vote on the third reading of the draft
constitution amendment, but the vote could not proceed as the Constitution Court
agreed to consider the legality of the draft constitutional amendment and issued
an injunction to suspend the legistlative process until a court ruling, after it
accepted five petitions lodged by a group of Senators and Democrat MPs
challenging the legality of the draft.
The House Speaker earlier cancelled the reconciliation bills debate on Friday as
yellow shirt protesters blocked access to lawmakers into parliament, but were
set to reconvene the House of Representatives on Wednesday and Thursday (June
6-7) to consider the reconciliation bills.
The statement claimed that the House sessions were put off as
a result of protests by the PAD and allies at the parliament against the
deliberation of the reconciliation bill between May 30-June 1.
Combined with the planned prolonged rally at Makkawan Rangsan bridge and the
Constitution court's decision to consider the legality of the charter amendment,
the statement said, the process could not continue.
The PAD however noted that it could not consider the situation settled as the
new date for the House session is not yet set, but it is prepared to mobilise
supporters immediately if any new statements of the PAD leaders are issued.
Meanwhile, a rival political group, the red-shirted United Front for Democracy
against Dictatorship (UDD) on Saturday gathered at Thunder Dome, Muangthong
Thani on the outskirts of Bangkok, amid tight security.
The gathering came on the occasion of celebrating the 5th anniversary of the
"Truth Today" programme, with a talk show of the hosts and UDD key leaders
Veerakan Musikapong, Natthawut Saikua and Jatuporn Prompan.
Ousted ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra was also scheduled to make a phone-in
address to his supporters at 3pm. (MCOT online news)
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PM flies to inspect Phayao lake, water retention area
BANGKOK, June 3 – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on
Sunday travelled to the northern province of Phayao to inspect a proposed water
retention area.
Ms Yingluck, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and
Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit, left Bangkok on a mission to inspect a
northern area of Phayao lake proposed as a water retention area.
Giving an interview before departing from a military airport, the prime minister
said she will see progress of work adjusting the lake area to be able to absorb
more water as well as improving the environment.
Regarding follow-up inspections of water management schemes in other provinces,
she said the government has started planning trips for ministers to review
operations of each project. (MCOT online news)
Majority of Thais want government to tackle cost of living problems: ABAC poll
BANGKOK, June 3--- Most Thais want the government to focus on
solving the ongoing economic problems rather than on pushing the proposed
reconciliation bills through deliberation, according to the latest Assumption
University ABAC poll released on Sunday.
The poll, which surveyed public opinion on drafts of the reconciliation bill and
peace in the country, was conducted between May 25-June 2 among 2,258
respondents over the age of 18 in 17 provinces nationwide.
Some 88.9 percent of poll respondents said that they wanted the government to
speed up easing problems related to high cost of living and rising goods prices
first while the rest of them, or 11.1 percent, want the government to give
priority to the deliberation of the four drafts of the reconciliation bill.
Meanwhile, most respondents said that they have never known about details within
the four drafts of the reconciliation bill.
In addition, more than half, or 66.2 percent, feel that the drafts of the
reconciliation bill will not pave the way for the country’s peace and
reconciliation.
The poll also revealed that 80 percent of those surveyed believed that the
political sector would mainly benefit most from the reconciliation bill while 20
percent of them said that most Thai people would benefit.
Regarding the recent disorder in the Parliament last week, a large majority, or
79.8 percent, thought that the chaos reflected on backwardness and poor quality
of MPs. (MCOT online news)
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90% of plants affected by flood to resume output in Q4
BANGKOK, June 3 – Ninety percent of factories in industrial
estates hit by devastating floods last year are expected to resume output in the
fourth quarter of this year, said Pongsvas Svasti, Industry Minister.
The production sector has almost returned completely to
normal with plants and factories in seven industrial estates in Pathum Thani and
Ayutthaya exhibiting positive signs after the post-flood rehabilitation, the
minister said.
Currently, about 75 percent of all factories, or about 626 from all 839
entrepreneurs, have resumed business. Meanwhile, 97 percent, or 7,669 plants out
of all 7,893 plants located outside industrial estates, have resumed output.
The ministry will seek approval from the Cabinet on June 5 to support two-thirds
of a 3.2 billion baht budget for construction of permanent flood prevention
walls at industrial estates.
Meanwhile, Witoon Simachokedee, permanent secretary for industry remarked about
assistance given to the industrial sector affected by floods that the measures
have satisfied investors.
So far, import duties for the purchase of new machinery to replace ones damaged
by floods have been exempted in 410 investment projects worth more than 94
billion baht. Visas and work permits were issued to 823 foreign officials of 218
companies to repair machinery. (MCOT online news)
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Flash flood warning for several areas
BANGKOK, 3 June 2012 (NNT) - The Meteorological Department
has issued a nationwide flashflood warning saying many areas of the kingdom will
see widespread rain, with heavy precipitation in certain parts.
With a monsoon trough still present over the upper areas of the North and the
Northeast, in combination with the southwest monsoons covering the Andaman Sea
and the Gulf of Thailand, rain is predicted for most of the country.
Citizens in risk-prone areas, such as those near waterways, are asked to be
cautious. Flash flood warnings have been issued for the provinces of Chiang Mai,
Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Chanthaburi, Trat, Ranong, and
Phang-nga. These provinces are also put on alert for forest runoff.
Winds in the Andaman Sea and the upper portion of the Gulf of Thailand are still
strong, and people venturing out in boats are asked to exercise caution.
Prime Minister Yingluck pleased with visit to Australia
BANGKOK, 2 June 2012 (NNT) - The prime minister has expressed
satisfaction with her official visit to Australia and hoped the two countries
will cooperate more in various areas, especially trade and investment.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra spoke of her trip to Australia from May 26 to
29 in her program “Yingluck Government Meets the People” this morning. The
objectives of the trip were to strengthen bilateral relations and promote
cooperation in educational exchanges. Furthermore, the discussion between the
two leaders centered around trade and exports. Both sides agreed to set a growth
target of 20% per annum in bilateral trade and investment.
The prime minister also discussed a possibility for Thailand to export fresh
meat to Australia, including chicken and shrimp. Australia, at present, has in
place a number of strict import regulations regarding these types of products.
If further negotiations on the matter are successful, Thai exports to Australia
will significantly rise.
The prime minister also raised the problem of Thai laborers in finding jobs in
Australia. Although Australia is experiencing a labor shortage in the fields of
construction and engineering and wants Thai laborers to fill in the shortage, it
is still hard for Thais to fill in the jobs as they have to pass an English
test. The requirement has greatly reduced the number of Thai laborers who can
work in Australia. The prime minister proposed to her Australian counterpart
that exceptions be made for laborers in certain fields, such as food and service
industries.
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Mysterious illness afflicts 40 soldiers in Uttaradit
UTTARADIT, 2 June 2012 (NNT) - Forty conscripts of a cavalry
unit were immediately taken to Uttaradit’s Fort Phichaidaphak Hospital after
they all suffered headaches, fever, fatigue, breathing difficulties, and
accelerated heartbeat. Military officials put up a sign that declared the
hospital to be in quarantine until June 5.
Inside the hospital, medical staff and military personnel alike wore protective
masks. Outsiders were strictly forbidden entry to the hospital. Doctors and
nurses were reportedly busy treating the conscripted soldiers from the 1st
Cavalry Unit of the Third Army Region who were afflicted by a contagious disease
still unidentified.
While the forty soldiers fell ill because of an unknown disease, another sixty
were put under close medical observation. Another solider was critically ill and
have to be taken to the provincial hospital. The soldiers’ symptoms included
headaches, fever, fatigue, breathing difficulties, accelerated heartbeat, and
lung inflammation similar to a cold disease, but of a greater severity.
No high-level authorities at Fort Phichaidaphak Hospital could be reached for
comment on the matter.
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PM Yingluck implores all parties to unite and resolve conflicts for the sake of Thailand
BANGKOK, 2 June 2012 (NNT) – The Prime Minister has implored
all in Thailand to resolve conflicts and unite for the country’s sake.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said during the weekly TV program “Yingluck
Government Meets the People” on Saturday that the government’s proposed
reconciliation laws were intended as a step towards Thailand’s unity and peace.
PM Yingluck stated that reconciliation is needed after the country has suffered
serious damaging discords.
She said that the Parliament is a suitable start for talks to build
understanding, with MPs as people’s representatives in ending all sorts of
conflicts and moving the country forward.
Concerning recent face-offs between police and protesters, the Premier has asked
all sides to opt to dialogue to resolve their issues under the principles of
democratic rule and the code of laws, in order to help restore peace and
strengthen Thailand again.
Survey shows people lack understanding in reconciliation bill
BANGKOK, 2 June 2012 (INN) - A survey of public opinions
regarding the reconciliation bill found that the majority of respondents did not
understand the content of the bill. The respondents were also uncertain whether
the bill would be of any benefit to any individual.
One of the surveyed people who is a security guard for Srivara Housing Village
in the Ramkhamhaeng area, Mr. Sa-ard Boonmalert, stated that he could not yet
decide if he agreed with the bill or not. His personal opinion was that it would
be difficult for reconciliation to take place amidst the present conflicts.
According to Mr. Sa-ard, the difficulties in fostering reconciliation stem from
the great number of people and political parties involved in the issue.
The security guard added that the society would see reconciliation only when
people abandon their bias and enter into peaceful negotiations.
Abhisit tweets thanks to reconciliation bill opponents
BANGKOK, 3 June 2012 (INN) - Leader of the Democrat Party,
Abhisit Vejjajiva posted a message of thanks to the social media site Twitter.
He posted under his handle of “Abhisit Vejjajiva ”. The message, or tweet, was
directed towards citizens who opposed the reconciliation bill. The message
expressed appreciation for the opponents’ stalwart fight against injustice.
The leader of the Democrat Party further added he understood the frustration
some citizens have with the prime minister, but it is his opinion that since Ms
Yingluck has been selected to the post, she should be allowed to continue to do
her job.
The party leader also disputed assertions that the Democrats opposed all issues,
stating that in the past year, they supported a number of government-sponsored
foreign relations laws. Any laws deemed useful received their approval.
Government: Parliament session remains opened until 2 crucial laws get approval
BANGKOK, 3 June 2012 (NNT) – The government has confirmed
that the current Parliamentary session will remain opened until 2 of its
proposed laws have sailed through it.
PM’s Office Minister Worawat Uea-aphinyakun said that there
has not been any plan to close the current Parliamentary session on Tuesday,
June 5th, as some reports have suggested.
Mr. Worawat said that the current session will stay opened until the draft
anti-money laundering law and the anti-financing of terrorism law have been
approved by the Parliament.
The PM’s Office Minister stated that the 4 controversial reconciliation laws
will likely be brought up again at the next Parliamentary session, after the
deliberation of all drafts has been postponed indefinitely.
When asked about the Constitution Court’s order to the Parliament to suspend the
deliberation of all 4 drafts, Mr. Worawat commented that the order, which has no
legal endorsement, should not affect the process as such an action was viewed as
interference into the Legislative Branch.
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PM urges all parties to create better atmosphere to end conflict
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PM urges all parties to create better atmosphere to end conflict
BANGKOK, June 2 - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on
Saturday urged all parties to use the parliamentary process for national
reconciliation and consider the content of the proposed reconciliation bill
before dismissing it.
The premier made these remarks in her weekly televised
address following the chaos and disruption at the Thai parliament after a
majority of MPs voted to move the national reconciliation bills to the top of
the agenda.
Opposition Democrat party MPs opposed the bills, which they said would benefit
fugitive ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra among others and help bring
him home after several years of self-exile without serving his jail term.
Ms Yingluck said the proposal of the reconciliation bill was part of the
government's policy to promote reconciliation and the government believes it is
appropriate to push ahead any move which can help the country move forward.
There have been many recommendations for reconciliation, and the country will
have no way out of its problems if the government does nothing, said the
premier.
Ms Yingluck noted the content of the bills should first be considered, as the
ongoing reconciliation process is just beginning with dialogue.
The prime minister however said she has not yet seen all the details of the four
proposed reconciliation bills but said she believes that all the bills share the
same aim to end conflicts and move forward.
Following concerns that the bills will benefit her brother, ousted premier
Thaksin Shinawatra, Ms Yingluck said it was too soon to talk about the result as
the process has just begun and the bills' contents still need to be discussed
and adjusted through deliberation in parliament.
"I understand that it is difficult to ask everybody to forget the past but I am
asking everyone to offer forgiveness in order to reduce conflict. If we do not
begin with forgiveness, how can we move forward? The reconciliation process is
not instantaneous; similar to the process of amending the constitution, it will
take several months of deliberation in the parliament," said the premier.
Ms Yingluck also urged lawmakers to respect the parliamentary process and asked
for cooperation from all parties to go through the parliamentary mechanism,
where both MPs and senators serve as representatives of Thais throughout the
country. (MCOT online news)
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NDWC issues flood, mudslide warnings in North and South
BANGKOK, 31 May 2012 (NNT) - Northern and southern residents
living in flood-prone areas have been warned to prepare for heavy rains and
dangers from flash floods during the next few days.
The National Disaster Warning Center (NDWC) has issued its weekly warning,
saying that flash floods, forest runoffs and mudslides can be expected today and
tomorrow in the northern province of Chiang Rai. Due to recent heavy rainfall in
the province, locals are urged to closely follow weather updates as a
precaution.
NDWC Director Somsak Khaosuwan said that warning signs of approaching mudslides
and floods include a rapid increase in rivers’ water levels and a faint rumbling
or cracking sounds which gain volume as the runoffs near. Residents in risky
areas are urged to evacuate immediately upon detecting these natural warnings.
Meanwhile, those living along the Andaman coast, particularly in Phang Nga,
Krabi and Phuket provinces, are warned of high tidal waves approaching the
shorelines. Small boats are to be kept ashore for the next few days.
Mr Somsak added that the NDWC is coordinating with relevant agencies in relaying
timely alerts and warnings to residents in all disaster-prone areas.
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Aung San Suu Kyi asks Thailand to assist Myanmar workers
BANGKOK, 1 June 2012 (NNT) – Myanmar’s democracy icon has
asked Thailand to extend necessary assistance and ensure sound living conditions
for millions of Myanmar workers in the country.
On Thursday, Myanmar’s opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi held a meeting with
Thai Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubumrung, during which both discussed the
issues surrounding the problems of Myanmar workers in Thailand.
During the 1-hour discussion, Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi has asked DPM Chalerm to
ensure that Thai entrepreneurs will offer Myanmar workers a fair treatment,
after many have complained of difficult living conditions as their passports
have been taken away by employers.
She has stressed with Mr. Chalerm that unless the Thai government provides sound
employment conditions, she will urge all workers to return home.
The Thai Deputy PM said that he had assured Myanmar’s opposition leader that the
government has resolved several problems she was raising, particularly the
nationality verification, which enables workers to earn a high minimum wage of
300 baht and to be covered under the 30-baht universal healthcare system, just
like Thai workers.
According to Mr. Chalerm, there are currently around 2 million Myanmar workers
in Thailand, and around 800,000 of them have been registered and the rest are
being processed under the collaboration of the governments of Thailand and
Myanmar.
He also assured Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi that Thailand will treat all Myanmar
refugees under the principles of human rights and will offer them refuge until
the situation in Myanmar returns to normal.
The Thai DPM said that, since 2005, Thailand has helped around 77,000 refugees
relocate to the third countries.
At the end of the meeting, Mr. Chalerm wished Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi a victory in
the 2016 elections.
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PM to inspect flood prevention projects in the provinces in June
BANGKOK, 31 May 2012 (NNT) - Prime Minister Yingluck
Shinawatra has revealed that she will personally inspect construction works in
upstream, mid-stream, and downstream provinces which are part of the flood
prevention measures in June.
Speaking after the closing ceremony of a canal dredging project at Klong
Sanamchai in the capital, Prime Minister Yingluck said that 50 percent of the
planned repair works on sluice gates have been carried out in mid-stream
provinces while canal dredging in downstream provinces are 80 percent complete.
The prime minister said she will reiterate to relevant ministers to conduct
inspection of flood-control projects together with provincial governors
concerned and to forward her their progress reports. Ms Yingluck herself is
scheduled to pay visits to affected provinces starting next month.
Ms Yingluck elaborated that in the next stage, the government will integrate the
information gained, for use in flood-control preparations, particularly in the
flood forecasting system using real-time stream-flow data.
Regarding a stream of complaints lodged by affected residents in flood-hit areas
on compensation pay-outs, the prime minister said she will discuss the issue
with provincial governors when she visits their respective provinces.
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Siriraj Hospital creates new surgical method to help diabetes patients
BANGKOK, 31 May 2012 (NNT) – The Siriraj Hospital has for the
first time in the world successfully found a new surgical method that could save
diabetes patients from having their limbs amputated.
Head of Vascular Surgery Division of the Mahidol University's
Faculty of Medicine at Siriraj Hospital, Dr Pramook Mutirangura has announced
that the new method provides blood supply to the ischemic foot through the
venous system instead of the arterial system. He said the method allows better
blood circulation and so that the doctors do not have to amputate the patient's
foot.
Dr Pramook said Thailand is the first country in the world to successfully
perform the method on a patient. The surgical method has been published in the
International Society for Vascular Surgery magazine.
He stated that the faculty will teach this method to Thai surgeons across the
country so that diabetes, as well as other vascular-related, patients will have
a better chance of survival.
Siriraj Hospital has been conducting experiments on this method since 2002 until
it is certain that the method is highly safe. The new surgical procedure has so
far been performed on forty patients with a very high success rate.
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Pheu Thai MPs say they will not allow more attacks on House Speaker
BANGKOK, 31 May 2012 (NNT) – Members of Parliament for the
Pheu Thai Party affirm they will take action if Opposition MPs show intent to
physically attack the House Speaker in today's Parliament meeting. They also
urged the leader and the chief advisor of the Democrat Party to give verbal
warning to their MPs to stick to parliamentary disciplines.
Pheu Thai Member of Parliament for Samut Prakan Province, Mr. Pracha Prasopdi,
said that Democrat MPs’ attempt to link yesterday's consideration of four draft
bills related to national reconciliation, with the 46-billion-baht frozen asset
belonging to Police Lieutenant Colonel Thaksin Shinawatra, was possibly made to
incite demonstrators camping outside of Parliament.
Mr. Pracha added that if Democrat MPs still show intention to harm the House
Speaker, he will not let such an act to happen. Mr. Pracha also asked Mr. Chuan
Leekpai, the Chairperson of the Democrat Party Advisory Council, and Mr. Abhisit
Vejjajiva, the leader of the Democrat Party, to caution their party members
against inappropriate behavior.
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‘Connectivity’ the theme as Thai PM inaugurates World Economic Forum on East Asia
BANGKOK, May 31 - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on
Thursday will preside over the official inaugural of the 21st World Economic
Forum (WEF) on East Asia 2012 being held at the Shangri-La Hotel.
The official opening ceremony is scheduled at 3.30pm and the
theme of this year’s meeting is "Shaping the Region’s Future through
Connectivity." The WEF will continue through tomorrow.
This morning the prime minister is attending a CNBC Power Breakfast where she
will interact with corporate leaders and address the gathering on "Asia’s New
Reality: Growth vs Inflation."
Ms Yingluck and other dignitaries will have an opportunity to share their
perspectives on the new challenges and opportunities of shaping East Asia’s
future through connectivity.
The premier will deliver welcoming remarks at the opening ceremony in the
afternoon and will host a gala dinner for all participants.
More than 630 participants from 50 countries will meet at the World Economic
Forum on East Asia taking place for the first time in Thailand.
The Bangkok meeting will welcome over 50 public figures representing 20
countries, including Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Lao Prime
Minister Thongsing Thammavong and Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.
More than 450 business leaders, over 60 ‘Global Growth Companies,’ 33 ‘Young
Global Leaders’ and 14 persons recognised as ‘Social Entrepreneurs’ together
with other members of civil society and academia will convene to discuss the
challenges and opportunities facing East Asia.
The 21st East Asia meeting is also bringing together key international public
figures such as Aung San Suu Kyi, Chairman of the National League for Democracy
(NLD); Pascal Lamy, Director-General, World Trade Organization (WTO); Rajat M
Nag, Managing Director-General, Asian Development Bank (ADB); Supachai
Panitchpakdi, Secretary-General, United Nations Conference on Trade and
Development (UNCTAD); Surin Pitsuwan, Association of South-East Asian Nations
(ASEAN) Secretary General; Naoyuki Shinohara, Deputy Managing Director,
International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Top-level government representatives from Thailand at the meeting include
Kittiratt Na-Ranong, Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Finance; Chumpol
Silapa-Archa, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism; Surapong
Tovichakchaikul, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Anudith Nakornthap, Minister of
Information and Communication Technology; and Arak Chonlatanon, Minister of
Energy.
WEF yesterday held a surprise meeting of Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu
Kyi with more than 60 young World Economic Forum participants in a one-hour
session with her. (MCOT online news)
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House consideration of reconciliation bill postponed upon chaos
BANGKOK, 30 May 2012 (NNT) - Chaos broke out during
Parliament’s deliberation of the National Reconciliation Act today, causing the
meeting to be put on hold and rescheduled for tomorrow.
An extraordinary meeting of Parliament today was presided over by House Speaker
Somsak Kiatsuranont. The meeting involved discussions over 4 drafts of the
National Reconciliation Act. Opposition MPs voiced their suspicion that the bill
might be linked with attempts to return 46 billion baht in frozen assets to
former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
The meeting's atmosphere became tenser when opposition MPs proposed that the
consideration of the National Reconciliation Act be rescheduled. Pheu Thai MPs
countered that the consideration could instead be temporarily put on hold.
Arguments over whether or not the session should be rescheduled took place for
almost half an hour. Chaos erupted when Democrat Party MPs, led by Mr. Apichat
Supapang, rushed to pull House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont from his seat. This
resulted in Pheu Thai Party MPs rushing to protect Mr. Somsak.
Parliament police officers were called in to prevent the two sides from
clashing. The House Speaker called for an end to the meeting at 19.35 hrs and
rescheduled it for tomorrow at 09.00 hrs.
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Suu Kyi pledges to help improve rights of Myanmar workers
SAMUT SAKHON, May 30 - Myanmar opposition leader and
democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday promised to help resolve
unequal rights of Myanmar nationals working in Thailand.
Thousands of Myanmar workers were waiting to see her in
person and it took her over 10 minutes just to manage getting out of the car.
Addressing a cheering crowd of migrant workers in the Burmese language from a
balcony on the third floor of the Migrant Worker Rights Network (MWRN) office in
this Thai province, the iconic opposition leader asked the multi-ethnic Myanmar
workers gathered to see her to live peaceably and to not cause trouble to the
Thai people.
Apart from what she asked the crowd, Ms Suu Kyi's speech was short, saying her
visit to the area was to see the living conditions of the Myanmar people in
Thailand and to see if they were happy here. Her supporters cheered and
applauded when the iconic opposition leader asked if they all wanted to go to
their homes in Myanmar.
Suu Kyi pledged to do the best she could to make her country
better, so that the workers from Myanmar could go back home.
More applause came when 'The Lady' noted she will discuss with related Thai and
Myanmar agencies, before returning, labour issues such as unequal wages.
The Myanmar opposition leader arrived in Bangkok Tuesday night to attend the
World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia, her first foreign trip in 24 years.
(MCOT online news)
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Yellow Shirts kick off anti-reconciliation bill rally
BANGKOK, May 30 -- The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD),
Thailand’ yellow shirt movement, began a mass gathering at the Royal Plaza
Wednesday afternoon to protest the proposed reconciliation bill.
PAD core leader retired Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang led the
yellow shirt supporters to oppose the proposed reconciliation bill which was set
to be deliberated in the House of Representatives today amid tight security.
Earlier, PAD spokesman Panthep Puapongpan announced that today’s rally will be
conducted peacefully within the legal limits, saying that untoward violence or
confrontation, if any, could be due to provocation.
The Yellow Shirt key leaders were scheduled be on the rally stage at the Royal
Plaza to address the crowd this afternoon.
However, the exact time when the scheduled rally in front of Parliament will
start was not set, Mr Panthep said, explaining that the key leaders needed to
assess the overall situation.
Meanwhile, Pol Maj Gen Wichai Sangpraphai, deputy chief of the Metropolitan
Police Bureau said 1,240 metropolitan police, anti-riot and crowd-control
officers have been deployed to provide security and maintain law and order at
the protest sites around the Royal Plaza, Parliament and the surrounding area.
Gen Wichai also asked some red shirt supporters showing up in support of the
reconciliation bill to leave the Parliament compound as a precautionary measure.
Currently, U-Thong Nai Road in front of Parliament is closed, with barriers
placed along the road. (MCOT online news)
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Court jails ex-minister as political ban on former TRT execs ends
BANGKOK, May 30 - Former Thai Rak Thai party executives
celebrate the expiration of their five-year ban from politics on Wednesday as
the Criminal Court handed down a 40 month jail term for former party deputy
leader and defence minister Thammarak Issarangura Na Ayutthaya for poll fraud.
The Constitution Court in 2007 dissolved the Thai Rak Thai
party, headed by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra after two senior party
members including Mr Thammarak were found guilty of election law violations by
bribing candidates from smaller parties to compete in particular constituencies
to ensure the minimum of 20-per cent eligible votes to win the seat in 2006
election was achieved.
In today’s action Mr Thammarak was given a jail term without suspension as the
Criminal Court judges found him guilty of ordering state officials to commit
malfeasance. The former defence minister was charged with hiring Amornwit
Suwannapha, an election official, and three others to revise the database of
Pattanachartthai Party members so that those who were disqualified could run
against Thai Rak Thai party candidates in the April 2, 2006 election, as the
election results could satisfy the requirements of the law. Mr Amornwit received
30,000 baht in return.
Mr Amornwit was handed a five-year jail term without
suspension, while the three others received 40 months jail each.
Mr Thammarak was later granted bail with a Bt500,000 bond.
The court ruling was delivered on the same day as the five-year political ban on
the former Thai Rak Thai party executives expired. The day began with a
merit-making rite and other activities joined by Mr Thammarak's political
companions. Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to phone in to a
seminar at a Bangkok hotel in the evening to air his grievances from the 2006
coup which removed him from power.
Jaturon Chaisang, one of the former TRT executives, commented that the ruling on
the Thammarak case was neither related to the expiry of political ban nor the
now-defunct Thai Rak Thai party and other persons. He said Thammarak might
consider filing an appeal.
Mr Jaturon criticised the decision on the party dissolution case which he
described as unjustified and that the court was unable to deliver a clear
explanation of the party's wrongdoing.
"It was the coupmakers' ticket determined beforehand to destroy the rule of
law," he stated.
He pledged to push ahead with the charter amendment that will pave the way for
full-fledged democracy. (MCOT online news)
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DDPM: Droughts ease up in 8 provinces
BANGKOK, 30 May 2012 (NNT) - The Department of Disaster
Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reports that droughts have ended in 8 provinces
while 43 other provinces remain on the drought-affected list.
According to the DDPM, 8 provinces, namely Phrae, Lamphun, Uttaradit, Yasothon,
Chanthaburi, Si Sa Ket, Trat and Phuket, are no longer suffering from drought
conditions.
However, there are currently 43 provinces, 440 districts, 2,993 sub-districts,
and 32,360 villages where drought emergencies are ongoing. A total of 2.89
million households, comprising over 10 million people, are currently affected by
droughts. 943,089 Rai of agricultural land has been damaged.
Droughts are especially severe in 26 provinces, consisting of Prachuap Khiri
Khan, Sukhothai, Surin, Udon Thani, Kalasin, Nan, Khon Kaen, Buri Ram, Nong Bua
Lam Phu, Bueng Kan, Phayao, Uthai Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Tak, Chaiyaphum,
Amnat Charoen, Chiang Rai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Kamphaeng Phet, Mukdahan, Nakhon
Phanom, Maha Sarakham, Lampang, Nong Khai, Phitsanulok and Sakon Nakhon. There
are 9 other provinces with moderate drought situations, and 8 provinces with
mild drought situations.
The DDPM has been providing aid to local residents. 110 water trucks have been
used to distribute nearly 1.3 million liters of water for agriculture while
another 471 water trucks have distributed over 55 million liters of water for
consumption.
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PM Yingluck: Government will fairly compensate flood victims
BANGKOK, 31 May 2012 (NNT) – The prime minister has come out
to assure the public that the government has been making fair compensation to
those hit hard by last year’s severe flooding.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, on Wednesday, chaired the closing ceremony
of the drainage and sewerage improvement project in Bangkok and nearby
provinces, which has been completed earlier than scheduled.
The PM stated that the government’s preparation for this year’s rainfall has
been 50% completed in upstream areas and all related ministers will be
instructed to work with concerned provincial governors to speed up the works.
At the same time, planned projects in downstream areas have achieved about 80%,
according to the Premier.
When asked about reported conflicts in the payout of flood compensation, the
prime minister said that the government has instructed relevant agencies and
provincial governors to rectify any problems and speedily extend the much-needed
help to flood-hit residents.
She went on to say that, despite complaints over discrepancies in the
compensation amounts, a soon-to-be-set-up new central committee will able to
assure that all payouts will be fairly and accurately distributed.
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Aung San Suu Kyi visits Burmese workers in Samut Sakhon
SAMUT SAKHON, 30 May 2012 (NNT) – Visiting Myanmar democracy
leader Aung San Suu Kyi greeted Burmese workers in Samut Sakhon Province, amidst
large crowds of onlookers and the media.
Crowds gave loud cheers when Ms Suu Kyi arrived at Mahachai Villa in Muang
District, Samut Sakhon, where a large number of Myanmar migrant workers reside
in.
The National League for Democracy (NLD) Leader said she is happy to see Burmese
brothers and sisters. She added that she never forgets fellow Burmese who work
in Thailand and will discuss with the Burmese government about the problems they
are facing here to improve their living conditions.
The 66-year-old Nobel Laureate asked the migrant workers to be patient and put
full efforts to work. She promised to help improve Myanmar so that everyone can
return to the country and bring back the knowledge learned from Thailand for use
in developing the nation further.
Ms Suu Kyi will give a speech on Friday at the World Economic Forum on East Asia
in Bangkok. She will return to Myanmar on June 3.
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Expert: Major flood to recur this year, but less devastating
BANGKOK, 30 May 2012 (NNT) – A flood management expert has
warned Thai people to prepare for a flood crisis this year; however, the damage
will possibly be less severe than the flood last year.
Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) Executive
Director Dr. Anond Snidvongs has told that all related agencies and people must
be prepared for another flood threat. He is certain that major floods will
happen later this year, but the extent will not be as severe as last year’s
crisis.
Dr. Anond Snidvongs indicated that several areas around Bangkok, particularly
Don Muang, are subsiding 2-3 centimeters per year, a faster-than-usual rate. He
further explained that many people do not bring the issue up for discussion or
rectification. GISTDA is looking at the soil humidity and other variables
affecting the direction of water courses and soil erosion.
As for flood prevention plans, the executive director said there is not a
one-cure-all formula, but each community must find the most suitable way for its
area. He said related agencies must do a mock-up flood situation and manage a
good water system. GISTDA is currently working with Japan, figuring out rain
amount by using satellite information.
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VN eager to discuss defence cooperation
Phnom Penh , May 29 (VNA) — Vietnam willactively engage in
discussions at the sixth ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus (ADMM6) to help
make it a success. The fruitful outcomes of this meeting willfurther contribute
to promoting peace, stability, co-operation and development in the region. The
remarks are made by Minister of Defence Phung Quang Thanh during a bilateral
meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Tea Bank in
Phnom Penh on May 30. On this occasion, Thanh expressed his thanks for the
support of the Cambodian Government, Defence Ministry and Cambodian Royal Army
towards Vietnamese military-owned enterprises operating in Cambodia . For his
part, Tea Banh spoke highly of the operations of these companies and affirmed
his country's continuing support. The two defence ministers also discussed
opportunities for further co-operation. Previously, Thanh visited Metfone
Telecom, owned by Viettel and a Military Bank branch in Phnom Penh.
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Anti-virus service launched
Hanoi, May 29 (VNA) — One of the country's top anti-virus
software developers, Bach Khoa Antivirus (BKAV), has launched its free online
scanning service that allows individuals and companies to better manage security
risks on their websites. Using cloud computing, an online data storage
technology, the service allows online-users to detect and evaluate thousands of
hacker vulnerabilities and their current security status without installing any
software. According to BKAV's statistics, six Vietnamese websites see attacks
from hackers everyday. More than 2000 websites are hacked annually, causing
great damage to the development of domestic companies. According to Nguyen Minh
Duc, Director of BKAV's Security Division, the first seven months of testing,
the service saw 1,063 registrations for the new BKAV product. More than 70
percent of the registered websites saw security holes and risks after an initial
scan. The service is provided at BKAV's website: webscan.bkav.com. BKAV is one
of the first three antivirus software producers including McAfee and Comodo to
provide a free online scanning service.
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DNP to step up prevention measures against elephant trafficking
AYUTTHAYA, 30 May 2012
(NNT) – The government has pledged to speed up the registration of domestic Thai
elephants, in another bid to prevent animal trafficking.
Mr. Ittipan Kaolamai,
manager of the Royal Elephant Kraal and Village in Ayutthaya Province, said that
officials from the National Institute of Elephant Research and Health Service
and the Thai Elephant Conservation Center on Tuesday have started the inspection
and the registration of 159 elephants at the Kraal.
He said that the entire process is expected to be completed within 3-days.
Mr. Ittipan commented that the inspection and registration work show the
government’s serious interest in tackling the problem of wild animal trafficking
after Thailand has hardly kept official records of domestic elephants and their
new-born.
According to Mr. Ittipan, there have always been attempts by unscrupulous groups
to register wild elephants and trade them.
The Royal Elephant Kraal and Village manager added that the Department of
Natural Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has pledged to complete the
registration of domestic elephants nationwide within this year.
He went on to say that, under the current practice, all registered elephants
will be implanted with 16-digit microchips to allow for verification later.
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