Ministry of Defense says thase us of southern violence photos in censure debate inappropriate

Ministry of Defense says thase us of southern violence photos in censure debate inappropriate

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defense today indicated that the Ministry felt it was inappropriate for opposition party members to show photographs of violence from the southern border provinces during the recent censure debate as they were emotionally daunting to those involved.

Defense Ministry Spokesman Colonel Jittsak Charoensombut commented on Puea Thai MP Chaowarin Luthasaksiri's use of video images from southern border province incidents in his speech during yesterday's censure debate, referring mostly to an image of a decapitated soldier.

Colonel Jittsak stated that the video was not appropriate to be shown as it emotionally affected members of the public and the armed services, especially in the southern region. He assured that the military would not take any official action against the incident but would leave the matter to the MP's better judgment.

The spokesman continued to say that he had been following the debates closely, focusing on issues related to the armed forces and southern unrest and gave his personal opinion that the Prime Minister has adequately addressed all issues.

20 March 2009
National News Bureau of Thailand

Metropolitan Police 1 to finalize PAD seizure of Suvarnabhumi case in 2-3 weeks

Metropolitan Police 1 to finalize PAD seizure of Suvarnabhumi case in 2-3 weeks

Metropolitan Police Area 1 are preparing to conclude the case of People's Alliance for Democracy's seizure of Suvarnabhumi Airport within the next 2-3 weeks with over 20 people cited for offense including group leaders and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Commander of Metropolitan Police Area 1 Chalong Sonjai revealed today that all witnesses had been questioned in the PAD seizure of Suvarnabhumi Airport case, adding that the matter should be concluded in 2-3 weeks. The case will be, on completion, forwarded to Deputy Commander of the National Police Jongrak Jutanon who is leading investigations who will then file the case to the National Police Commander. Over 20 people have been cited as offenders in the case, including leaders of the PAD group the Minister of Foreign Affairs who police say they have clear evidence of his participation.

Asked when arrest warrants would be issued for the offenders, Pol. Lt. Gen. Chalong stated that the matter would be left to the discretion of the investigation leader before affirming that authorities are proceeding with the case in a just manner without political intervention.

20 March 2009
National News Bureau of Thailand

Food, energy and water shortage to face the world within 21 years

Food, energy and water shortage to face the world within 21 years

British Professor John Beddington revealed that a crisis of food, water, and energy shortage would hit the world before 2030.

Professor Beddington, UK Government Chief Scientific Adviser, disclosed that the world’s population which had rapidly increased might lead to the world’s shortage of food , energy and water before 2030 or within 21 years.

Professor Beddington also anticipated that before 2030 the world’s population could reach 8,300 million people and the need of food and energy would be 50% higher. He added the people’s need of freshwater would be 30% more than now.

20 March 2009
National News Bureau of Thailand

DPM urges police to clear up old cases

DPM urges police to clear up old cases

Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Security Affairs, Suthep Thuagsuban, urges police to clear up old investigation cases without double standards, while emphasizing the government will not use police as its instrument.

Mr.Suthep spurred police officers in every area to clear up old investigation cases and the cases which were in people interest such as the disappearance of Lawyer Somchai, the murder of "Shipping Moo", and an environmental monk Phra Suphoj, in order to restore people’s confidence, especially the case in the three south border provinces, including cases involved with People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).

The investigation had to be conducted with the same standard, even if Foreign Minister Mr.Kasit Piromya was involved. He emphasized that the government would not use police as its instrument, but the police would be the people's tool and responsible for security of the country and the monarchy.

Besides the Deputy Prime Minister had asked police officers to adhere to their ideal and the institution of monarchy. They had to prevent anybody from offending the monarchy, because if they ignored, a civil war might occur.

20 March 2009
National News Bureau of Thailand

DPM tells police to combat narcotics under rule of law

DPM tells police to combat narcotics under rule of law

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban gave the ‘rule of law’ policy for police to adhere to in combating drugs.

Mr. Suthep enunciated Government policies to suppress narcotic drugs to police officers at ranks higher than Superintendent, emphasizing police to use only the rule of law.

Police officers were also assigned to make lists of influential figures involved with narcotic drugs and threatening people. Mr Suthep told police to expand the suppression to arrest all narcotic networks, especially in Bangkok and its vicinities.

Mr Suthep also stressed to the police not to harm or cause troubles to innocent citizens, but to keep inspecting and enforcing strict measures on all entertainment spots which sometimes violate rules.

Mr Suthep lastly asserted police not to take advantage and not to receive any benefits or to get involved with narcotic trafficking.

20 March 2009
National News Bureau of Thailand

PM opens the National Public Volunteer's Day

PM opens the National Public Volunteer's Day

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva presided over the opening ceremony of the National Public Volunteer’s Day, with a benefit of 3.6 billion baht paid to public health volunteer nationwide.

The Prime Minister gave a speech at the opening ceremony of the National Public Volunteer’s Day 2009 and gave awards to 15 outstanding volunteers in 12 fields, which were selected from a total of 987,019 volunteers nationwide.

The Prime Minister praised the volunteer for their spirit to work for the Thai people for 32 years without being paid. Meanwhile the Public Health Minister needed much help from the volunteers, therefore the government had allocated a budget to give the benefit of 600 bath a month to each volunteer for six months in order to encourage them, while the economy experienced a slowdown.

The Government had already spent 3.6 billion baht as benefits to the volunteer from April to September 2009.
นายกรัฐมนตรี เปิดงานวัน อสม.แห่งชาติ พร้อมกดปุ่มจ่ายงบประมาณในการบำรุงขวัญกำลังใจให้แก่ อสม.ทั่วประเทศแล้ว 3,600 ล้านบาท
นายอภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ นายกรัฐมนตรี กล่าวในการเป็นประธานเปิดงานวัน อสม.แห่งชาติ ประจำปี 2552 และมอบรางวัล อสม.ดีเด่นระดับภาคทั้ง 12 สาขา ให้แก่ อสม.ทั้งสิ้น 15 คน ซึ่งได้รับการคัดเลือกมาจาก อสม.ทั่วประเทศที่มีถึง 987,019 คน โดยนายกรัฐมนตรี ได้กล่าวชื่นชม อสม. ที่มีจิตสาธารณะดำเนินการช่วยเหลือด้านสุขภาพแก่คนไทยในชุมชนมาอย่างยาวนาน ถึง 32 ปี ทั้งที่ไม่เคยมีค่าตอบแทนให้ ขณะที่ภาระงานของกระทรวงสาธารณสุข ที่เน้นหนักลงไปในแต่ละพื้นที่ต้องใช้กำลังของ อสม.เป็นหลัก ปีนี้รัฐบาลจึงได้จัดสรรงบประมาณบำรุงขวัญให้แก่ อสม.คนละ 600 บาท เป็นเวลา 6 เดือน เพื่อช่วยเหลือ อสม.ช่วงเศรษฐกิจซบเซา เพื่อเป็นกำลังใจในการทำงานต่อไป
ทั้งนี้ นายกรัฐมนตรี ได้ทำพิธีกดปุ่มจ่ายงบประมาณกว่า 3,600 ล้านบาท เพื่อมอบให้แก่ อสม.เป็นเงิน 600 บาท เริ่มตั้งแต่เดือนเมษายนนี้ ไปจนถึงเดือนกันยายน 2552

20 March 2009
National News Bureau of Thailand

House Speaker says censure debate to end in time

House Speaker says censure debate to end in time

House Speaker Chai Chidchob said he will make the censure debate finish within the scheduled time frame and denounced rude words and manners during the meeting yesterday (march 19th).

However, the House Speaker admitted that if the debate was prolonged, he would have to extend the debate time. Mr Chai said he wanted the censure debate to end before 24.00 hrs tonight for MPs to cast their no-confidence vote tomorrow.

Regarding improper words and rude actions of some MPs during the censure debate yesterday, Mr Chai said they defame the House and promised that he will make sure that such behaviors will not take place again.

Mr Chai also admitted that the footage depicting brutal Southern incidents shown in the House yesterday by Puea Thai MPs was his fault as he did not examine the material carefully before allowing it to be shown to the House. Mr Chai said from now on he will examine all materials to be shown during the meeting one day prior to the censure debate.

National News Bureau of Thailand

House continues no-confidence debate for 2nd day

House continues no-confidence debate for 2nd day

The House of Representatives continues the censure debate against the Prime Minister and five ministers on the second day while the deputy House Speaker is confident the debate will finish tonight.

Today (March 20th) is the second day of the no-confidence debate starting since 9.00 am. It will continue on Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Piromya after the House Speaker paused the debate at 01.00 last night. Deputy Finance Minister Pradit Phataraprasit has answered the Opposition's inquiries on the donation scandal of the Democrat party this morning.

Deputy House Speaker Mr. Samart Keawmeechai said the overall of the debate yesterday proceeded smoothly and expected that it will be able to end today.

National News Bureau of Thailand

TPI Polene to sue Mr Chalerm over Democrat's donation scandal

TPI Polene to sue Mr Chalerm over Democrat's donation scandal

TPI Polene threatens to sue Chairman of the Puea Thai party MPs Chalerm Yubamrung over the alleged 258-million-baht donation for the ruling Democrat party.

Executive Vice President of TPI Polene Public Co.,Ltd. Silapin Booranasilapin said today (March 20th) that the company will file both criminal and civil lawsuits against MPs implicating TPI in the controversial donation during the ongoing censure debate against the government. Mr Silapin said he has recorded the debate and collected evidences for pressing charges against the MPs including Mr Chalerm and Sunai Chunlapongsathorn. However, he said the company’s legal team is still deciding whether to sue Mr Sunai.

Mr Chalerm revealed information concerning the controversial donation yesterday, saying that the money was approved by the company’s founder Prachai Leophairatana and explaining the money trail.

National News Bureau of Thailand

BKK Governor assures no drought problems in capital

BKK Governor assures no drought problems in capital

The Bangkok Governor has affirmed that the capital’s residents will not be affected by drought or experience water shortages.

Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra has today (March 10) guaranteed that Bangkok will not be troubled by drought and will have adequate water for consumption and cultivation. He cited his recent survey conducted through the districts of Min Buri, Nong Chok, Lat Krabang, and Khlong Sam Wa last Saturday, March 7, together with a report from related officials, collaboration with the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority as well as the 900 billion cubic meters of water currently reserved by the Royal Irrigation Department.

MR Sukhumbhand further stated that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has adopted stringent measures against grass burning in the effort to prevent fire accidents while also coordinating with the Medical Service Department and public health offices to stave off possible summer diseases.

National News Bureau of Thailand
10 March 2009

PM assigns DPM with tackling drought situation

PM assigns DPM with tackling drought situation

The Prime Minister has today (March 10) appointed Major General Sanan Kajornprasart to urgently call a meeting for dealing with the current drought crisis.

Deputy Spokesman of the Prime Minister’s Office Putthipong Punnakan informed that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has tasked Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kajornprasart with urgently conferring with relevant organizations in preparation to alleviate the severe drought conditions troubling many areas of the country and reporting progress to the Cabinet meeting next week.

Meanwhile, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reported that 29 provinces nationwide have been declared drought-stricken zones while seeking coordination with relevant agencies on distributing water supply to all drought-affected residents.

National News Bureau of Thailand
10 March 2009

Marine police continue searching for missing tourists

Marine police continue searching for missing tourists

Marine police continue searching for six tourists and one Thai national missing during a shipwreck last Sunday (March 8th) in Phuket province.

Chief of the Marine Police Division Pol.Col.Anan Huangsaithong said the seven missing victims include two Austrians, one Germans, two Swiss, one Japanese, and a Thai cook and twenty-three tourists survived. Pol.Col.Anan said the boat, Choksomboon 19, was sunk by a storm on its way to Phuket after heading back from a diving trip at Similan Islands.

Pol.Col.Anan said the marine police and the Third Navy dispatched boats and helicopters to the scene to search for the missing passengers. One dead body was found facedown and later identified as female foreigner.

National News Bureau of Thailand
10 March 2009

Labor minister: unemployment problem solving to result in April

Labor minister: unemployment problem solving to result in April

Labor Minister Phaithoon Kaewthong said the unemployment problem would be solved and the result seen in April.

Mr.Phaithoon said that the government had a firm policy to solve unemployment problem during the economic slowdown. Every ministry would finalize the number of jobless people in order to inject money to solve the problem.

A budget of 6.9 billion would be allocated to solve unemployment problem from a total budget of 116.7 billion baht. The problem would be solved and the result could be seen in April.

The Minister added that new graduates who could not find jobs would be provided with short-term career training for 24 days and they would receive an initial allowance of 4,800 baht for three months.

National News Bureau of Thailand
10 March 2009

Education Miniser says Bt2 billion needed for changing milk bags

Education Miniser says Bt2 billion needed for changing milk bags

Education Minister Jurin Laksanawisit says a budget of two billion baht is required for replacing milk bags with milk cartons in the scandalous school milk project.

Regarding a plan to substitute UHT milk cartons for pasteurized milk bags for students, the education minister said Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu is in charge of the matter and details of the replacement will be reviewed by the Cabinet.

The minister affirmed the government wants to provide good-quality milk for students nationwide and the school milk project will cover students up to the sixth grade in the second semester of this academic year.

National News Bureau of Thailand
10 March 2009

Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo cools down the animals during hot weather

Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo cools down the animals during hot weather

Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo cools down the animals during hot weather. Director of Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo Banyat Insuwan said that with the prevailing hot and stuffy weather, the zoo had tried to cool down the animals and relieve their stress by many ways.

At the display zone of orangutan and chimpanzee, the zoo staffs had provided big chunks of ice and ice cream after lunch, in the afternoon Demo, a chimpanzee would be brought to take a walk outside its cage in order to relieve its heat, besides the visitors also had a chance to see it closely. At Bengal tiger cage, the staffs had to put the boiled chicken into the ice bucket before feeding the tiger in order to cool it down. Meanwhile water sprinklers were installed at display zone of macaw and giraffe.

Zoo visitors have a chance to see the animal closely during hot season, because the animals would come out from their shelters to receive ice, ice cream and to play with water. These measures were practiced every year at the zoo in order to decrease animals’ fierceness and illness because of intense heat.

National News Bureau of Thailand
10 March 2009

Social Security Office (SSO) warns employers to send the correct allowance

SSO warns employers to send the correct allowance

Social Security Office (SSO) warns employers to register their employees with SSO and pay the counterpart fund based on real salary for benefits of both sides, as violators may be fined and jailed.

Secretary General of SSO Pan Wannaphinit said that according to the examination of SSO, some employees intended to break the law by submitting false figures of counterpart fund not calculated from the real payment base of employees, therefore the employees might not be able to receive full benefit from the SSO.

Employers were told to register every employee with SSO and send the figures of counterpart fund based on their real salary. Violators could be jailed up to six months or fined 20,000 baht, or both.

Mr.Pan said that the counterpart fund had been calculated based on the salaries of 15,000 baht at the maximum and 1,650 baht at the minimum, therefore the maximum payment would be 750 baht and the minimum 83 baht.

National News Bureau of Thailand
10 March 2009

Public health volunteers to get money on Mar 20

Public health volunteers to get money on Mar 20

Public health volunteers will receive money as allowances on March 20 as the first day, while Public Health Ministry will train more of them.

Permanent Secretary for Public Health Doctor.Prat Boonyawongsiroj said that 830,000 public health volunteers in villages nationwide had public health knowledge to promote people’s health. In order to encourage their working, the government agreed to give them 20 baht per day or about 600 baht per month.

They would receive this benefit on March 20, coinciding with the Public Health Volunteer’s Day. The Ministry still trained and educated them and provided them a note book to write down what they had done in a day in order to make up a work portfolio of the month.

National News Bureau of Thailand
10 March 2009

Preah Vihear National Park reopens

Preah Vihear National Park reopens

Preah Vihear National Park reopens for tourists again after the Thailand-Cambodia Preah Vihear disputes has been improved.

Director of Ratchaburi Natural Resources and Environment Cherdchai Chariyapanya said that now Preah Vihear National Park is open for tourists from 1 March 2009 onwards.

Owing to the Thailand-Cambodia Preah Vihear border disputes, the national park located in Si Sa Ket province had been temporary closed for safety in life and property of tourists, according to the announcement of the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department dated 25 July 2008.

The national park is reopened again since the situation at Mo I Daeng cliff in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket province has been improved and will be restored back to normal again soon.

The National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department has announced the national park to be open again for tourists who want to visit Preah Vihear from 1 March 2009 onwards to promote tourism and economy of Si Sa Ket and neighboring provinces.

National News Bureau of Thailand
10 March 2009

DDPM: 29 provinces declared drought-stricken zones

DDPM: 29 provinces declared drought-stricken zones

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reports that 29 provinces nationwide have been declared drought-stricken zones while coordinating all relevant agencies to provide water supply to the affected residents.

The department said more than 9,000 villages from 228 districts and 204,000 rai of agricultural lands have been severely affected by drought so far this year. 811 water trucks will be dispatched to the areas. More than 87,000,000 liters of water have been distributed to the villages.

People in the drought-ravaged areas are encouraged to contact the provincial office of disaster prevention and mitigation nearby or dial 1784 for further assistance.

National News Bureau of Thailand
10 March 2009

Minister of Social Development and Human Security ready for censure debate

Minister of Social Development and Human Security ready for censure debate

The Minister of Social Development and Human Security has expressed confidence that he will be able to rebut any attacks made on him during the planned censure debate of the Opposition party while indicating that a ministry investigation into the rotten canned fish incident will be concluded within this month.

Minister of Social Development and Human Security Issara Somchai said he was surprised to see his name in the Opposition's list of ministers to be called out during the censure debate as he had only recently come into the post of Cabinet member. He stated that he does not know what issues will be brought up against him but is preparing to respond to any attacks against him.

Speaking of the rotten canned fish scandal that prompted the resignation of his predecessor, Mr. Issara said that the matter is being reviewed by a House of Representatives commission, adding that the National Counter Corruption Commission has not itself pinpointed a clear individual at fault in the matter. The minister assured that an investigation being held by his own ministry would be concluded by mid March or late March.

National News Bureau of Thailand
10 March 2009