Pua Thai to dismiss the Political Reform Committees

Pua Thai to dismiss the Political Reform Committees

Puea Thai Party is prepared to collect names in order to dismiss the newly-set-up Political Reform Committee.

Puea Thai Party’s spokesman Mr. Prompong Nopparit stated the political reform led by King Prajadhipok’s Institute was the secret, deceptive and hidden version as the mentioned institute was assigned to lead the political reform, following a secret meeting among seniors from the government, the military and King Prajadhipok’s Institute.

He added that Puea Thai party was reported that Professor Sujit Boonbongkarn was to serve as Chairman of the Political Reform Committee which would have a tenure of 19 months. This was to lengthen Mr. Abhisit’s Cabinet to be in power for 3 years.

While Mrs. Thitima Chaisaeng, a Chachoengsao MP, said as an alumna she was disappointed with the institute and she would collect names to dismiss the newly-set-up committees. She reasoned that after the 19 September coup, Professor Noranit Setthabut joined the Council for National Security (CNS) and nobody criticized the government in that period.

National News Bureau of Thailand
10 March 2009

The United Fronts of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) not taking part in the political reform

The United Fronts of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) not taking part in the political reform

The United Fronts of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) core leader, Jatuporn Prompan, said he and UDD leaders would not take part in political reform.

Mr. Jatuporn, a Puea Thai MP revealed he would not join the political reform which the government entrusted King Prajadhipok's Institute to conduct. He reasoned that as seen in the past when there was a revolution, persons from the institute often involved in the action and the institute was also the writer of the 2007 constitution.

Mr. Jatuporn also stated the mentioned institute lacked the democratic soul and this action was only to prolong Mr. Abhisit’s Cabinet in power. For him he thought the constitution of People’s Committee for Amending the 2550 Constitution was more suitable for a political reform.

He confirmed that a major rally of the red-shirt group would take place towards the end of March, after the no-confidence debate against the Government. The rally would be upgraded into a call for the Government to resign.

National News Bureau of Thailand
10 March 2009

Navy Chief : Thaksin’s phone-in will not affect Govt’s work

Navy Chief : Thaksin’s phone-in will not affect Govt’s work

The Navy Commander has expressed his belief that the former Prime Minister’s phone-in will not affect the government’s operation and that Thai people will use their discretion when receiving information through the media.

In response to the ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s planned phone-in on March 12 from the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Hong Kong, the Royal Thai Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Kamthorn Phumhiran deemed the information to be included in his speech as merely a personal viewpoint. He concurrently voiced his confidence that all Thai citizens would be capable of exercising their judgment and referring to past experiences while hearing such controversial statement. The Navy Chief also assured that the move would not disrupt the government’s administration by any means.

As for the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protest against the Prime Minister and Cabinet members during their provincial visit, Admiral Kamthorn reminded that every individual has the right to express opinion as long as it is in compliance with the law. In addition, he believed that the majority of Thai citizens understand and realize the government’s determination in driving the country forward.

National News Bureau of Thailand
10 March 2009

Satit: Govt not involved with community radio closures

Satit: Govt not involved with community radio closures

Minister to the Prime Minister's Office Satit Wonghnongtaey said several community radio stations had been using improper wordings and violating the monarchy and affirmed no Government’s intervention in their closures.

Mr. Satit denied rumors that the Government would close community radio stations. He said that the decision to open or close a community radio station would be made by the Radio and Television Broadcast Subcommittee under the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

Mr Satit said that he was informed of the letter sent to the community radio station FM 92.25 warning the use of improper wordings according to the complaints filed against the station. Mr Satit said that many other community radio stations would be put through legal proceedings for criminal charges also.

As the Minister in charge of the media, Mr Satit said that the Government had not ignored problems associated with community radio stations. He said that there had been so many complaints filed by the people indicating that some of the stations use agitating wordings against the Government and the monarchy.

Mr Satit also asserted that the subcommittee operated independently, not at the order of the Government.

Mr Satit said that the subcommittee would be working until the Organization of Frequency Allocation and Supervision of Radio Broadcasting, Television and Telecommunication Enterprises Act came into force.

The Act is expected to be in effect in about 7 to 8 months. Mr Satit said that license for operation of community radio station for community service would be issued as an initial measure for media reform.

National News Bureau of Thailand
10 March 2009

The Deputy Prime Minister denies having problems with the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD)

The Deputy Prime Minister denies having problems with the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD)

The Deputy Prime Minister has confirmed on having no problems with the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), deeming the recent argument as a misunderstanding, which should not affect the government’s operation.

Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs Suthep Thaugsuban affirmed today (March 10) that there has never been any conflict between him and the PAD or its core leader Sondhi Limthongkul. Following Mr. Sondhi’s words against him, the deputy premier viewed that it had been a result of a misunderstanding and admitted that his political role has posed a great difficulty for him to satisfy all sides. However, he expressed his readiness to listen to every voice while being confident that such personal issue would not impact the government’s operation.

Regarding the issuance of arrest warrants for 21 PAD members, Mr. Suthep assured that much progress has been reported. He further spoke of the possible transfers of Deputy Metropolitan Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Umnuay Nimmano as well as around 30 director-generals and provincial governors within the Ministry of Interior, saying that they would be considered with the appropriateness and benefits taken into account.

In preparation for the red-shirted group’s movement to take place on March 27, the Deputy Prime Minister said he would adhere to the security measures, which had been adopted over recent rallies.

National News Bureau of Thailand
10 March 2009

Defense Minister to visit Chiang Mai, no worries about UDD protest

Defense Minister to visit Chiang Mai, no worries about UDD protest

Defense Minister Gen.Prawit Wongsuwan will be visiting Chiang Mai province today (March 10th) to acknowledge problems of the locals while declining to comment on former premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s frequent phone-ins to his supporters.

Prior to his provincial visit in Chiang Mai, Gen.Prawit said that he would observe operations of military personnel there and listen to local people's problems in order to find solutions for them without paying special attention to particular problems. The minister said he was not worried about protests against him by the red-clad United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) supporters.

Gen.Prawit further stated that he might not need to make any special orders if Mr Thaksin would return to Thailand since there are existing legal procedures to deal with the fugitive former prime minister. He also said Mr Thaksin's phone-in is a personal matter.

National News Bureau of Thailand
10 March 2009

Govt Whip calls for more specific information in opposition’s censure debate

Govt Whip calls for more specific information in opposition’s censure debate

The Government Whip Chairman has called on the opposition to be more specific in its information during its censure debate while assuring that a committee would be established to oversee debates.

Chairman of the Government Whip Chinaworn Boonyakiat spoke in the occasion of the opposition’s threat to submit its no-confidence agendas this Wednesday, March 11, requesting that the opposition presents more specific details in its claims against members of the administration than in the past if it is bent on such an action.

Meanwhile, Mr. Chinaworn concurrently voiced confidence that the government's work over its brief period in power has not yielded any flaw that can be exploited by the opposition. Nonetheless, he said the Whip is forming a committee to monitor the opposition's censure debate and to create correct understanding among the public in case of the opposition’s provision of groundless evidence or distorted facts.

The Whip Chairman added that, upon the opposition’s proposal of no-confidence agendas on March 11, the censure debate should be able to commence around the end of this month. Regarding the Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s planned visit to foreign countries, he assured that the premier has arranged his schedule with the possible debate in mind.

National News Bureau of Thailand
9 March 2009

OAG to negotiate extradition treaty with Hong Kong soon

OAG to negotiate extradition treaty with Hong Kong soon

The Office of the Attorney General revealed that it was in the process of negotiating an extradition treaty with Hong Kong soon for the apprehension of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Director General of the Foreign Crimes Division of the OAG Sirisak Tiyapun revealed that the pursuit of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who had been sentenced to 2 years imprisonment for his unlawful purchase of land in the Ratchada area has progressed to the formation of a joint committee between the OAG and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The committee has been established with the singular purpose of following the movements of Dr. Thaksin and is currently coordinating with authorities in Hong Kong in preparation for the negotiation of an extradition treaty.

Mr. Sirisak assured that the seemingly extra effort being put into extraditing Dr. Thaksin was not a vendetta between him and the government, stating that the extradition treaty between Thailand and Hong Kong has been long overdue since steps to negotiate the document began several years ago.

He remarked that the exact whereabouts of the ousted PM were not even known, with only unconfirmed information indicating that he was in the Hong Kong area.

National News Bureau of Thailand
9 March 2009

Democrat Party spokesperson: extradition treaty not politically motivated

Democrat Party spokesperson: extradition treaty not politically motivated

Democrat Party Spokesperson Buranaj Samutharak asserts Thailand-Hong Kong’s extradition treaty is a collaboration to reach an agreement, not a political motive as alleged by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Mr Buranaj said that the Democrat Party wanted the Government to affirm that charges against Mr Thaksin were not political, and Mr Thaksin was not a political prisoner but a criminal.

Mr Buranaj’s statement was in response to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s allegation that extradition treaty between Thailand and Hong Kong was discriminatory and politically motivated.

Mr Buranaj also said that the extradition treaty was for criminal cases, not political ones. He added that the treaty was a result from the collaboration to reach an agreement between Thailand and Hong Kong, which had been in progress from recent past.

Regarding the coming censure debate that Phua Thai Party said that the party would not bring up sexual scandals as debating agenda, Mr Buranaj said that Phua Thai Party might have realized that the current Thai society would not accept old politics as much as before so they decided to change the agenda.

National News Bureau of Thailand
9 March 2009

Phua Thai Party to propose PM dismissal on Mar10

Phua Thai Party to propose PM dismissal on Mar10

Phua Thai Party will propose the dismissal of the Prime Minister on March 10, and remains confident that coalition parties and opposition parties will accept if the information is revealed.

Phua Thai Party’s Members of Parliament (MP) of Yasothon Pheeraphan Phalusuk , who was responsible for the submission of a no confidence motion on the Prime Minister had revealed the progress of the no-confidence debate preparations that the executive board of the party agreed to submit dismissal proposal of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on March 10 and submit no-confidence debate on the Prime Minister and the Cabinet on March 11.

The Prime Minister would be debated for his dismissal on 14 issues, such as ignoring to maintain the country’s benefit and breaking the law.

The executive board of Phua Thai Party believed that if the information was revealed to public, the coalition parties and the opposition parties would accept the information.

Meanwhile ministers who will be debated and the Phua Thai Party MPs who will be debaters will be finalized on March 11. Currently Opposition Chief Whip Witthaya Buranasiri was assigned to select MPs who would like to join the debate.

National News Bureau of Thailand
9 March 2009

THAI Labor Union opposes the move to Suvarnabhumi Airport

THAI Labor Union opposes the move to Suvarnabhumi Airport

Thai Airways International (THAI)’s labor union opposes moving all THAI flights to Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

President of THAI Labor Union Jamsi Sukchoterat together with THAI employees had submitted a petition to the Senate Committee on Consumer Protection and on Transportation, seeking THAI's continued service providing at Don Muang Airport. They argued that it was not reasonable to move all operations to Suvarnabhumi Airport in order to save 640 million baht of expense, if the executives had vision, they should find the way to increase income and see the opportunity to compete with other airways, but not destroying the company’s competitiveness with this plan.

Moreover the government’s policy of “Single Airport” had not been clarified as there were still other airlines that provide their services at Don Mueang Airport. However if the Suvarnabhumi Airport was developed in the second phase, Don Mueang Airport could be used as maintenance center, and the company could then move all services to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Meanwhile both committees affirmed to examine the petition for transparency and maximum benefits of consumers.

National News Bureau of Thailand
9 March 2009

Thai-Hong Kong extradition treaty to completed soon

Thai-Hong Kong extradition treaty to completed soon

An extradition treaty between Thailand and Hong Kong is soon to be completed but may not come up in time for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s speech on 12 March.

The Sunday Morning Post, a local newspaper in Hong Kong reported that the extradition treaty between Thailand and Hong Kong was due to be completed soon.

Director-General of the Office of the Attorney-General's International Affairs Department Sirisak Tiyaphan said that the cooperation between Thai and Hong Kong was to bring criminals using loophole of the law to jump off their cases back to their home countries.

The treaty is known as one of the bids to bring the ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra back to Thailand. However, the treaty may not be in time with the speech that the ousted Prime Minister will deliver at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Hong Kong on 12 March.

A legal source said that there have been constant negotiations on the extradition treaty between Thailand and Hong Kong, but the process has been speeded up since last year. It is certain that the treaty will include Mr Thaksin in the list although the treaty in general is not initially made for any specific purposes.

Mr Phongthep Thepkarnchana, the personal Spokesperson of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said that Mr Thaksin will not go to give his speech on the stage at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Hong Kong on 12 March but will deliver it via video-link instead.

Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister and acting Government Spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said that the government would negotiate with countries, where traces of Mr Thaksin were found, to narrow down movements of the ousted Prime Minister.

Mr Panitan said that Mr Thaksin would be forced to go to some small countries and become less powerful until he had to return to Thailand.

Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs Suthep Thaugsuban asserted on the treaty that he always welcomed Mr Thaksin's return. Mr Suthep also said that Mr Thaksin’s phone-in talk during the anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) rallies was acceptable since Thailand is a democratic country.

National News Bureau of Thailand
9 March 2009

King Prajadhipok's Institute discusses political reform

King Prajadhipok's Institute discusses political reform

The meeting at King Prajadhipok's Institute this morning (March 9) focused on the setting up of a Political Reform Committee while the Academic Committee of the Institute showed no objection if Professor . Sujit Boonbongkarn was to serve as Chairman of the Committee.

The meeting on political reform at King Prajadhipok's Institute this morning emphasized on drawing a format of the Political Reform Committee after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva had said the institute would act as mediator of the political reform.

Professor Dr. Somkid Lerdphaitoon, a member of the Academic Committee of the King Prajadhipok's Institute affirmed before he joined the meeting that he agreed to King Prajadhipok's Institute's role in political reform as a neutral agency.

Asked about Professor Sujit Boonbongkarn as the committee’s chairman, he said the final resolution should come later.

While Associate Professor Noranit Setthabut, another member of the Academic Committee thought Mr. Sujit was well qualified for the position.

National News Bureau of Thailand
9 March 2009

DPM satisfied with security during provincial visits

DPM satisfied with security during provincial visits

Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs Suthep Thaugsuban expresses his satisfaction with security measures for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and the ministers during their provincial visits last weekend.

The deputy premier lauded the governors of the provinces the Cabinet's members had visited during their provincial tours, especially Lop Buri province where the prime minister visited yesterday despite the slight chaos by the anti-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) supporters.

Mr Suthep also dismissed the criticisms about the large deployment of police and military officers to provide security during the provincial tours, saying that the deployment was up to each province to arrange with no instructions from the government. He said people who threw objects towards the premier's motorcade would be punished, not the governor.

Meanwhile, Mr Abhisit said that he was not discouraged by the red-clad UDD’s attack in Lop Buri yesterday and he believed that people who threw bottles of water at his cars did so due to tensions caused by heat. The premier affirmed the government is obliged to be patient with protesters.

National News Bureau of Thailand
9 March 2009

Surin Public Health concerned over teens' immobility during long holiday

Surin Public Health concerned over teens' immobility during long holiday

Public Health Doctor in Surin Phaisarn Worasathit is concerned about obesity among teenagers, who spend free time during long school holiday immobilized.

Doctor Phaisarn said that during long school holiday, some teenagers spent their free time listening to music, playing games, surfing the internet, which no physical movements. Therefore they are at risk of excessive waistline, potbelly, heart and blood vessel disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer in the future.

The doctor said that according to the teenage behavior statistics, 29 per cent of teenagers like listening to the radio, 20 per cent talking on the phone, 19.4 per cent shopping, 17 per cent play computer, game, and internet, and 15 per cent travel to other provinces, there are not many activities which needed mobility, therefore teenagers may gain more weight and risk to have potbelly.

He said that they should spend their time exercising for 30 minutes a day for five days in a week, then they would be strong, have association, keep away from obesity and potbelly. สมบัติ ชัยรัตน์......ข่าว/พิมพ์

09 March 2009
National News Bureau of Thailand

Respiratory disease patients in Chiang Mai increase by 20 per cent

Respiratory disease patients in Chiang Mai increase by 20 per cent

Air pollution in Chiang Mai causes an increase of respiratory disease patients by 20 per cent, while sinusitis patients increased by 40 per cent recently.

Director of Nakhon Phing Hospital in Chiang Mai Doctor.Chatchawan Siriniran said that with air pollution crisis in Chiang Mai last week, there were patients admitted to the hospital with respiratory diseases, eyes irritation, coughing, sneezing, allergy, bronchitis and skin disease which increased by 20 per cent from the same period of last year, while patients who suffered from sinusitis increased by 40 per cent compared to the same period of last year both before and after the rainy season.

The director had asked for cooperation from people to not burn all kinds of stuffs in open air space and avoid outdoor exercises such as playing golf and jogging because they might face more impacts, currently the hospital had given masks to patients who got respiratory problems and those who requested by spending the normal budget of the hospital.

09 March 2009
National News Bureau of Thailand

PL Law to facilitate consumers to sue for unsafe products

PL Law to facilitate consumers to sue for unsafe products

The Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) says Product Liability Law facilitates consumers to be protected from unsafe products.

Secretary-General of OCPB Nirot Jaroenprakorb said that the law came into force since February 20. The law covered all kinds of movable properties, produced or imported for sale, including the agricultural product and electric appliances. The law would directly affect the entrepreneurs’ cost from stricter control and examination of the production process, as consumers could sue the producer, importer and seller easier.

However OCPB has a committee to screen and examine the fact in case consumers sue about unsafe products, in order to be fair to both consumers and business owners.

09 March 2009
National News Bureau of Thailand

Permanent Secretary for Labor supports PM’s SSO reform concept

Permanent Secretary for Labor supports PM’s SSO reform concept

The Permanent Secretary for Labor has expressed consent today (March 9) to the Prime Minister's idea to reform the Social Security Office (SSO) into an independent organization, though noting that its benefit should first be weighed.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labor Somchai Chumrat, as the Chairman of the SSO Board, today responded to an idea posed by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva for a transformation of the SSO into a public company or otherwise an independent organization. He remarked that the SSO does require an amount of flexibility and would stand to benefit from such a reform. He suggested however that the deliberation should be made based on the question of how much citizens would benefit from the change.

Moreover, Mr. Somchai pointed out that the idea had been considered in preceding to the current administration as well as his entry into office but was long left pending due to much attention being paid to solving the growing unemployment problem.

09 March 2009
National News Bureau of Thailand

Unofficial investigation of Santika Pub case released

Unofficial investigation of Santika Pub case released

Result of the unofficial investigation of the Santika Pub fire has been s released, revealing that at least three officials are found guilty for neglecting their duties.

Permanent Secretary for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Pongsak Semson revealed the unofficial investigation of Santika Pub case in public works and financial aspects that building inspector, building construction chief and public works chief were found guilty.

The committee inspecting on public works is chaired by Mr Chatnai Navaphut, Director of the BMA’s Public Works Department and comprises representatives from the Ministry of Justice while tax issue is inspected by representatives from the Ministry of Finance.

The three officials are found guilty for neglecting their duties of inspecting the building which was not constructed according to the approved construction draft.

Moreover, other persons, who are at risk of being found guilty in the case are the District Director at that time and other public works officials who were responsible for the documents due to the lost of the construction draft.

The result of the investigation will be forwarded to M.R Sukhumbhand Paribatra, the current Bangkok Governor and the Personnel Department to check the wordings if there are enough evidence to take disciplinary actions or to inquire any related persons or not.

For environmental inspection conducted by environmental officials, it needs revision on the law since Santika Pub had not asked for permission to conduct the business as an entertainment spot. Therefore, officials were not aware of Santika as an entertainment spot and did not inspect the pub accordingly.

Another committee inspecting the tax case of Santika Pub also found an abnormality as there was a tax collection after the pub was burned down already. The committee will keep investigating the issue and complete the report as soon as possible.

09 March 2009
National News Bureau of Thailand

Wildfire Raged in Chaiyaphum’s sugar cane plantations

Wildfire Raged in Chaiyaphum’s sugar cane plantations

Chaiyaphum Province in the Northeast still daily faced with wildfire which just burned sugar cane plantations of villagers.

4 families in Chaiyaphum’s Phu Khiao District had difficulty to stop the wildfire burning their sugar cane plantations for the lack of water. They needed to wait for fire engine from Ban Phet Sub-District before it could extinguish the fire in an hour.

The fire originated from the forest near the foothill which spread to the plains where villagers had their sugar cane plantations of over 1,000 rais in area. The sugar cane had dry leaves which were highly inflammable.

Villagers said if the fire engine came 10 minutes later, their houses might be burnt down as they had not enough water to stop the fire.

09 March 2009
National News Bureau of Thailand

Interior Ministry forms 17 teams to examine entertainment venues

Interior Ministry forms 17 teams to examine entertainment venues

The Ministry of Interior sets up 17 special sub-committees to randomly check entertainment venues both in Bangkok and local provinces from March 15 onwards.

Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat said after chairing a meeting to present policies in entertainment venue examination that the meeting had approved the setting up of 17 special sub-committees ito examine entertainment venues. The sub-committees are made up of government officials of the Interior Ministry, representatives of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), and the representatives from the police.

6 teams would be responsible for the Bangkok area, while the other 11 teams would be responsible for local provinces. They would randomly examine the entertainment venue in order to strictly enforce the law concerning tourists’ safety, license, entrance and exit layout, and the insurance of guests.

Any entertainment venue that fail to meet legal requirements would be warned with 15 days to rectify or its license renewal would be affected. The special sub-committees would start their duty on March 15. They would examine at day time, while police would examine at night time, and their works would be evaluated two times a month.

The Deputy Interior Minister added that the ministerial regulations were in the process of revision and would be proposed to the Cabinet later.

09 March 2009
National News Bureau of Thailand

Thailand to host World Congress of Malacology

Thailand to host World Congress of Malacology

Thailand is the first country in Asia to host the “World Congress of Malacology", the forum of world class mollusc academics in the Southern Island of Phuket this July.

Professor Dr Somsak Panha, who now assumes the role of President of Unitas Malacologica (UM or the World Scientific Society for Molluscs) revealed that Thailand will host the “2010 World Congress of Malacology" during 18-24 July 2009 in Phuket.

Professor Dr. Somsak, also a lecturer at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University added that this congress will be the 17th held by the UM. He added that it would be such a great honor for Thailand as the first country in Asia to host the congress, as the congress would be organized for the first time in Asia as well.

“2010 World Congress of Malacology" is hosted by UM, Chulalongkorn University and the Biodiversity Research and Training Program (BRT) of National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).

The congress will be a forum of discussions among more than 500 world-class malacology academics from various countries on global studies and researches of molluscs. The studies and researches range from basic knowledge of biology, ecology, aquaculture to conservation of molluscs. The discussions will also include courses to support new researchers in South East Asia for higher level of researches.

In addition, the congress will feature exhibitions of molluscs in Thailand with the cooperation of Phuket Marine Biological Centre and Phang-nga Mangrove Forest Natural Resource Study Centre. Academics attending the congress will also have a field trip in Phuket to see biological diversity and fertility of Thailand.

Interested persons can register for the conference from now on until May 2009 at www.wcm2010.com or 02-218-5273.

09 March 2009
National News Bureau of Thailand

THAI Labor Union opposes the move to Suvarnabhumi Airport

THAI Labor Union opposes the move to Suvarnabhumi Airport

Thai Airways International (THAI)’s labor union opposes moving all THAI flights to Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

President of THAI Labor Union Jamsi Sukchoterat together with THAI employees had submitted a petition to the Senate Committee on Consumer Protection and on Transportation, seeking THAI's continued service providing at Don Muang Airport. They argued that it was not reasonable to move all operations to Suvarnabhumi Airport in order to save 640 million baht of expense, if the executives had vision, they should find the way to increase income and see the opportunity to compete with other airways, but not destroying the company’s competitiveness with this plan.

Moreover the government’s policy of “Single Airport” had not been clarified as there were still other airlines that provide their services at Don Mueang Airport. However if the Suvarnabhumi Airport was developed in the second phase, Don Mueang Airport could be used as maintenance center, and the company could then move all services to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Meanwhile both committees affirmed to examine the petition for transparency and maximum benefits of consumers.

09 March 2009
National News Bureau of Thailand

DPM satisfied with security during provincial visits

DPM satisfied with security during provincial visits

Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs Suthep Thaugsuban expresses his satisfaction with security measures for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and the ministers during their provincial visits last weekend.

The deputy premier lauded the governors of the provinces the Cabinet's members had visited during their provincial tours, especially Lop Buri province where the prime minister visited yesterday despite the slight chaos by the anti-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) supporters.

Mr Suthep also dismissed the criticisms about the large deployment of police and military officers to provide security during the provincial tours, saying that the deployment was up to each province to arrange with no instructions from the government. He said people who threw objects towards the premier's motorcade would be punished, not the governor.

Meanwhile, Mr Abhisit said that he was not discouraged by the red-clad UDD’s attack in Lop Buri yesterday and he believed that people who threw bottles of water at his cars did so due to tensions caused by heat. The premier affirmed the government is obliged to be patient with protesters.

09 March 2009
National News Bureau of Thailand

FM to discuss Rohingya issue with Myanmar Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Piromya affirms Thailand will cooperate with Myanmar in returning illegal Ro

FM to discuss Rohingya issue with Myanmar

Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Piromya affirms Thailand will cooperate with Myanmar in returning illegal Rohingya migrants back to their home country without punishing them. The Thai government is preparing to systematize the legal import of Myanmar laborers.

The minister said he was scheduled to visit Myanmar on March 23rd to hold talks with the Burmese government about the Thai-Myanmar relations in terms of problems along the border, alien laborers, and measures to import legal Myanmar laborers.

During his provincial tour in Ranong province yesterday, Mr. Kasit met with 120 illegal alien laborers there. They consisted of Rohingya, Burmese, Lao, and Cambodian people. Most of the illegal Rohingya migrants told the minister that they were afraid that they would be punished if they were sent back to Myanmar. Mr Kasit assured them that they would not be maltreated and Thailand and Myanmar had reached an agreement on their issue during the last ASEAN Summit in Thailand.

The minister expressed his confidence that his trip to Myanmar would lead to collaboration in setting up a laborer import system for alien laborers in a bid to help prevent human trafficking.

09 March 2009
National News Bureau of Thailand

PM assures priority on tackling women’s problems

PM assures priority on tackling women’s problems

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has today (March 8) affirmed the government’s priority being stressed on solving women’s problems including elevating their roles in Thai society.

On Sunday, March 8, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva addressed the government’s stance on dealing with women’s problems during the weekly “Having Confidence in Thailand with PM Abhisit” program on the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT) channel as the date is marked as International Women’s Day. He admitted that Thai women still today remain inferior in society and are vulnerable to unrelenting abuses.

Therefore, Mr. Abhisit firmly stated that the government has put its utmost attention on tackling the issue and is preparing to adjust various regulations for an enhanced protection of women. He added that higher participation from women would be encouraged at all levels of administration in order to create true gender equality as well as to utilize the individuals’ abilities for propelling the nation forward.

In addition, the premier pleaded for cooperation from the media to exercise caution when presenting information pertaining to violence against women and also to promote positive attitude towards them.

National News Bureau of Thailand
08 March 2009

Airport shift protested

Airport shift protested

Don Mueang residents and demonstrators rally in protest of the move of Thai Airways International's flights from Don Mueang Airport, requesting the government to revise its plan and hold a referendum.

Don Mueang residents and representatives from State Enterprises Workers Relations Confederation (SERC) gathered in front of domestic terminal of Don Mueang Airport, calling for the Government to revise its plan to move THAI flights from Don Mueang Airport back to Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The airport shift is the result of the Government’s single airport policy, allowing flights to be operated solely at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Protesters pointed out negative effects from the airport shift, which include immediate unemployment of staff and entrepreneurs working in Don Mueang Airport as well as residents dwelling near the airport.

Mr Pruekpong Premsiri, a former Don Mueang member of Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) said that the gathering was to request the Government to hold a public hearing through public discussions. Then, people will have opportunities to express their opinions towards the move while the Government will be able to use the referendum as a part of decision-making process.

Today, the protesters collected names of people disagreeing with the policy. Then, the names and the objection will be submitted to Transport Minister Sopon Zarum to postpone the airport shift.

National News Bureau of Thailand
08 March 2009

UNESCO, Southern Municipal Leagues to host seminar to eliminate discrimination in the society

UNESCO, Southern Municipal Leagues to host seminar to eliminate discrimination in the society

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Southern Municipal League will host an academic seminar to strengthen community and eliminate discrimination in the society.

Mayor of Thakham Sub District, Surat Thani Province Thanongsak Thaweethong, revealed that an academic seminar on the topic of ‘Strengthening the Community and Eliminating Discrimination in Asia and the Pacific Region’ would be organized on 9 March 2009 at Diamond Plaza Hotel, Surat Thani province.

The seminar is organized by UNESCO, the National Municipal League of Thailand and the National Municipal League of Southern Thailand.

The seminar is meant as an academic forum of discussion and opinion exchanges in economic, social, cultural and other aspects. In addition, the seminar is to develop and seek for strengths in forming policies to be used as a role model for future operation.

The model will help strengthen the community and eliminate discrimination to achieve a harmonious coexistence in the society.

National News Bureau of Thailand
08 March 2009

PMO Minister visited people in Sukhothai

PMO Minister visited people in Sukhothai

Minister to the Prime Minister's Office Virachai Virameteekul today (March 8) visited Sukhothai to acknowledge the needs and problems of people and to confirm government assistance.

Mr. Virachai joined Sukhothai Governor and government officials to visit and listen to problems of Sukhothai people. The government had policies dealing with tourism promotion, drought, and village fund of Sukhothai province.

Moreover the Minister visited the village fund office of Tambon Ban San in Si Samrong District and the drought-stricken area of Tambon Na Khunkrai.

Mr.Virachai said the biggest problem to be urgently solved in Sukhothai was drought. People lacked water for agriculture. He affirmed that the government knew the problems and was ready to help.

As for tourism, he thought that the project to renovate ancient ruins called Inlet-Outlet Development was good and he would bring the proposition to discuss further in the Cabinet’s meeting.

National News Bureau of Thailand
08 March 2009

3rd Army Support Command help drought-affected people

3rd Army Support Command help drought-affected people

The 3rd Army Support Command is ready to provide assistance to drought-affected people in Phitsanulok Province.

Commander of the 3rd Army Support Command Major General Wichean Chaiyapakorn revealed that his force stood ready to provide assistance to people facing water shortage.

To support local administration agencies in Phitsanulok, the 3rd ASC has set water tankers and officers available to help people round the clock. Drought-stricken people who need help can contact 3rd Army Support Command at 085-524-2851 and 085-525- 8455.

National News Bureau of Thailand
08 March 2009

DSI believes ID counterfeit gang collaborated by government officials

DSI believes ID counterfeit gang collaborated by government officials

Department of Special Investigation (DSI) announces its arrest of identification card (ID) counterfeiters and the case will be investigated, while government officials are believed to be involved with the case.

Deputy Director-General of DSI Police Colonel Suchart Wongananchai announced the arrest of ID card counterfeiters in Nakhon Phanom, which was used to benefit financially, while government officials are suspected as collaborators.

DSI issued arrest warrant of five suspects who were related to the case on charges of making, using or showing the counterfeit document for putting their own names or other people’s name in the house registration certificate illegally.

Currently three suspects had been arrested, Tun or Mr.Weera Pakdee a Myanmar citizen disguised as a Buddhist monk for immigrating and then counterfeiting an ID card, Mr.Phonsri Sornphang and Mrs.Duangjai Lehkon who counterfeit ID card for aliens, charging them at 100,000 baht per person.

DSU Deputy Chief added that according to an investigation, there were more than 300 aliens with counterfeited ID cards, which was considered high, compared to the number of arrested suspects, therefore the gang should be quite large and government officials might have collaborated in the case.

However he said that disguising as a Buddhist monk for entering the country was a sensitive case, which might affect national security and Buddhism, therefore DSI would accelerate the investigation and promptly arrest the rest of the gang.

National News Bureau of Thailand
08 March 2009

Thai national artist invents first fiber glass-music instrument in the world

Thai national artist invents first fiber glass-music instrument in the world

Thai National Artist Manop Kaewbucha has invented Thai traditional music instrument, xylophone and gong made of fiber glass, as the world first such inventions, which help to reduce the use of natural materials and keeping the production prices down.

Mr. Manop, a National Artist in Sculpture 2006 said that in the past Thai traditional music instruments mostly were made of wood. At present, forest resources had decreased, therefore he had an idea to use fiber glass for the instruments in the place of wood.

The material used is a mixture of polyester resin and fiber glass, resulting in a strong, flexible, weatherproof, chemical substance-proof and light material, comparable to a reinforced concrete. It differs from plastic and is much cheaper than wood, therefore it would help popularize the Thai traditional music instrument more widely.

Such gong and xylophone made of fiber glass, had been invented for the first time in the world.

Permanent Secretary for Culture Weera Rojphotjanarat said that the invention was a good beginning to promote Thai classical music among Thai children and people. The Culture Ministry therefore fully support the use of fiber glass in the production of Thai traditional musical instruments. Moreover. it would help create jobs for artists and lower prices of musical instruments as well.

National News Bureau of Thailand
08 March 2009

Schools in Surin help reduce global warming

Schools in Surin help reduce global warming

Over 300 schools in Surin Province in the Northeast had their students grow trees to reduce global warming effects.

Surin Governor Pramote Sajjarak lauded Surin Educational Service Area Office and 300 schools under it which created an activity encouraging students to grow trees in the schools and public places, with each responsible for one tree, to help reduce global warming effects. Mr. Pramote said it was an admirable project and he wanted to see all schools in Surin initiate good projects such as this one.

He added that there were many ways to help reduce global warming such as growing trees in front of houses as one tree could absorb a ton of carbon dioxide throughout its life. Other means include the growing of bamboos as fences and the reduction of the use of plastic bags.

National News Bureau of Thailand
08 March 2009

90 per cen of Buri Ram SSO members registers to get 2000-baht allowance

90 per cen of Buri Ram SSO members registers to get 2000-baht allowance

90 per cent of Social Security Office (SSO) members in Buri Ram, who are qualified to receive the benefit, had registered to receive the 2000-baht allowance, while Buri Ram SSO accelerates the transfer of information to the headquarters in order to pay check before Songkran Festival.

Buri Ram SSO Chief Kalaya Phonwiset said that as of March 5, there were 31,000 SSO members or about 90 per cent of 32,814 SSO members, whose incomes were lower than 15,000 baht a month, had registered to receive the 2,000-baht allowance.

The office had sent the information to the headquarters already in order to be able to hand out checks to SSO members before Songkran Festival.

For workers who have not registered yet, the office is speeding up the calls for them to register as soon as possible.

National News Bureau of Thailand
08 March 2009

PM receives WWUG’s request to help women workers

PM receives WWUG’s request to help women workers

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva accepted requests from the Women Workers’ Unity Group, promising to help create nurseries and solve social security funds’ problems.

A group of ‘Women Workers’ Unity Group’ (WWUG) demonstrators had rallied from in front of the Office of the United Nations on Ratchadamneon Nok Road to the Government House to mark the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day.

Ms Plernpit Srisiri, the WWUG leader had filed a request to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, asking the Government to set up more nurseries in industrial areas and renovate the existing ones to suit the needs of users as government welfare.

He said the ratio of women taking part in the management of nurseries must also be clearly and fairly stated in the law.

Furthermore, the group asked the Government to make the International Women’s Day as an official public holiday too.

After receiving the request, Prime Minister Abhisit admitted that abuse and the use of violence against women workers are always one of the prime issues of the Government.

Mr.Abhisit said that apart from law enforcement, another priority would be to create a proper attitude towards women workers. The media would be an important player in this respect. Still, the premier confessed that it might be difficult to solve labor problem during the current economic slump.

The Prime Minister confirmed the creation of more nurseries and said tax privileges would be granted for such nurseries.

Regarding the requests for social securities, the Prime Minister said that the Government had strong intention to reform the social security funds and would try to cover unregistered workers outside the system.

The Government aims to give all kinds of workers equal rights to the social security funds. Anyway, Mr Abhisit said that the amendment of the law and procedures involved would be taken into consideration.

Meanwhile, the Labor Congress of Thailand (LCT) staged a demonstration and made speeches at gate 4 of the Government House. The group also submitted a request to the Government to oversee compensation to unemployed people and to extend the unemployment period guarantee from eight to twelve months.

LCT also called for justice for workers, especially women workers who are affected by the economic slump and become unemployed according to the section 75 of the Labor Protection Act.

National News Bureau of Thailand
08 March 2009