Four months needed to build Royal crematorium

Four months needed to build Royal crematorium

(BangkokPost.com) – The Fine Arts Department believes the construction of the Royal crematorium furnace to be used for the Royal cremation of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana will cost approximately 200 million baht.

Kriengkrai Sampatchalit, director-general of the Fine Arts Department, affirmed that a budget of 180-200 million baht had already been aside for the construction project but is awaiting government approval.

Total construction time for the Royal crematorium is expected to range between 4-6 months and a team of 400-500 people will be involved in its completion.

10:44 Jan 08, 2008


Thaksin's wife returns to Thailand

(BangkokPost.com) - Potjaman Shinawatra, wife of ousted premier Thaksin landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Tuesday morning to defend herself on corruption charges concerning the controversial Ratchadaphisek land deal.

She was handed an arrest warrant upon arrival.

"We are asking her to double-check the document to insure that she is the same person for which the court has issued the arrest warrant and then we will take her to the court," Pol Maj Gen Thaweesak Toochinda said.

Khunying Potjaman, who arrived on flight TG 603 from Hong Kong is expected to go directly to the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions.

Family lawyer Pichit Chuenban said her decision to return to Bangkok at this time is most suitable to fight the charges, after the pro-Thaksin party People Power party won the majority in the Dec 23 general election.

He added that she had prepared money to bail herself out of court. Mr Pichit would not reveal the amount of money she has set aside for the bail.

A few MPs from People Power party were at the airport to welcome her, although there were no supporters from the Shinawatra family.

10:27 Jan 08, 2008


Potjaman expected to be granted bail

(BangkokPost.com) – Secretary to the Supreme Court Rakkiart Wattapong maintained that Mrs Potjaman Shinawatra, wife of ousted premier Thaksin, will be accompanied by police to the Supreme Court as soon as she lands at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport.

Udom Fuangfoong, a member of the Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC) investigating the controversial Ratchadaphisek land deal, said chances were high that Mrs Potjaman will be granted bail if she is able to produce the bail money requested by the court.

“The court would not be able to proceed with the case unless Mr Thaksin, the other defendant in this case, returns to Thailand,” he said.

Meanwhile, National Police Chief Seripisuth Temiyavej promised to provide Mrs Potjaman with maximum security as soon as she sets foot into Thailand. Several teams of police are on hand to provide security and to accompany her to the Supreme Court.

09:27 Jan 08, 2008