No coup: Army spokesman

BANGKOK: -- The military remains firm on the stand for political noninterference, Army spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnoed said Tuesday, ruling out speculation that the soldiers might intervene and seize power.

"The coup won't solve the political problem," he said, quoting earlier remarks by Army chief General Anupong Paochinda.

Anupong and top military commanders made it explicitly clear that they had no thoughts for power grabbing, Sansern said.

-- The Nation 2008-10-14

10 provinces warned of big waves, storms before yearend

BANGKOK: -- Ten provinces on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand have been warned to brace for one or two storms before yearend, which could unleash big waves to hit the provinces.

The provinces are Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat.

Deputy Government Spokeswoman Suparat Nakboonnam said the Meteorological Department has alerted the governors of the province to make preparations for the storms, which could hit the Gulf of Thailand anytime from this month until December.

The storms would also unleash heavy rains and cause flooding in the provinces.

Suparat said the department also informed the Cabinet about the possible storms, big waves and floods in the ten provinces.

-- The Nation 2008-10-14

Only Thaksin could unlock country's problems : Anand

BANGKOK: -- Former prime minister Anand Panyarachun said only Thaksin Shinawatra can settle ongoing tensions in the country.

"At present, the country is polarised, Lt Col Thaksin is the only one who could unlock all the country's problems. I have no suggestion for Lt Col Thaksin on the matter. But I think he can do it if he has enough sincerity," he said.

Anand was speaking after presiding over a cremation of Lt Col Methee Chartmontree, who was killed on October 7 when police dispersed anti-government protesters near the Parliament.

Methee was chief of security guards of People's Alliance for Democracy leaders who have led the anti-government protests against ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his successors including Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

Police's violent dispersal killed a protester; Angkana Radubpanyawoot, 28, and injured many others. The government set up committees to investigate the incident.

HM the Queen presided over the cremation of Angkana on Monday and praised her for protecting the country and monarchy.

Anand told reporters that he did not know what the government should do regarding the Oct ober 7 violence because he was not sure whether Somchai government is independent enough.

-- The Nation 2008-10-14

Top private banker warns of severe impact from global economic crisis

BANGKOK: -- The Thai economy is expected to feel the pinch of the global economic crisis late this year and experience a real impact from the turmoil next year, according to a top banker.

Siam Commercial Bank president Kannikar Chalit-arporn said the US financial meltdown will cause the world economy to slow down and definitely have an effect on the Thai economy.

Thailand is likely to be affected late this year and have a more severe impact from the global economic meltdown next year.

The repercussions would be clearer in 2010 as product sales in the business sector are set to decline and exports to grow at a slower pace because economies of key export destinations including the United States, Europe, and Japan will have slowed down.

Simultaneously, the local consumption would continue slowing, resulting in the debt repayment problem and an increase in non-performing loans.

So, she said the bank had closely monitored and suggested its customers to expand investment with caution.

It also told its customers to postpone loan applications and warned them of impacts from the global economic crisis, which would cause incalculable damage.

He said the bank had prepared enough cash for entrepreneurs, who are expected to seek onshore loans instead of offshore ones.

Regarding the domestic interest rate trend, she said the rate is likely to decline in tandem with global interest rates.

However, any interest change depends on Bank of Thailand decisions, she said.

-- TNA 2008-10-14

Cambodian PM asks Thai troops to withdraw from border area in 24 hours

PHNOM PENH: -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen here Monday asked Thailand to evacuate its 81 troops from the Veal Intry area near the Preah Vihear Temple on Cambodian soil within 24 hours, and warned war otherwise.

"The Veal Intry area is the dead or alive point for us," he told reporters at the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation after meeting with visiting Thai Foreign Minister Sompong Amornviwat.

"The situation at the Veal Intry area is too hot. They have to remove tonight or tomorrow. If they don't remove from the Veal Intry area, war will be waged," he said.

"They entered there (Monday morning) and are deploying and camping their tents about 30 meters from our soldiers. They said they stay here only one day," he said.

"Cambodia still keep our maximum restraints and won't mind if they go back to their own stronghold," he said.

"We want to solve the matter with a peaceful deal. We are trying to shorten the conflict," he said.

The international court is the best way for both sides to solve the border conflict and it can also avoid blame from the people of the two nations, he said.

In addition, Cambodia can't hand over concession land to Thailand, and Thailand either, he said.

The Veal Intry area is on the Phnom Trap hill side, approximately 2,000 meters from the west side of the Keo Sikha Kiri Svara Pagoda, which is situated on the only way leading to the Preah Vihear Temple.

Earlier Monday, Sompong Amornviwat and his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong decided to resume both sides' border talks between Oct. 21 and Oct. 24 in Siem Reap province.

In July, tensions ran high after the ancient Preah Vihear Temple was awarded world heritage status by UNESCO, angering nationalists in Thailand who still claim ownership of the site.

The tension later turned into a military confrontation, in which up to 1,000 Cambodian and Thai troops faced off for six weeks. In mid-August, most troops evacuated and just a few dozen soldiers stationed near the temple.

However, bilateral talks to discuss withdrawing troops from around the temple were postponed late August amid political turmoil in Thailand.

In October at the border area, at least one Cambodian soldier and two Thai troops were wounded during an exchange of gunfire, and two other Thai soldiers were seriously injured after stepping on a landmine.

-- Xinhua 2008-10-14

--------------------------------

War threat

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered fresh troops to the border with an ultimatum to Thailand: Pull military forces back today or the border will become a "life and death battle zone".

Hun Sen told reporters in Phnom Penh that he had warned Thailand's visiting Foreign Minister Sompong Amornvivat that without a quick pullout, Thai soldiers could face being fired upon by Cambodian troops in "large-scale armed conflict".

"If they cannot withdraw tonight, they must withdraw tomorrow," said Hun Sen.

"We have tried to be patient, but I told the Thai foreign minister today that the area is a life-and-death battle zone."

His comments came after talks with Mr Sompong in Phnom Penh.

Mr Sompong also met with his counterpart Hor Namhong in a bid to resolve the dispute over the area near the ancient Preah Vihear temple.

The Cambodian foreign minister said yesterday's talks failed to end in agreement because his Thai opposite number "could not sign anything".

Hun Sen and Hor Namhong both told reporters that Cambodia could choose to take the border dispute before an international court if it was not resolved soon.

The comments made by the Cambodian prime minister and foreign minister surprised Mr Sompong and Thai officials, who were adamant that the meetings had not been a failure.

Mr Sompong said the tone during the meetings between the two countries had been different as the Cambodian leaders agreed that both sides had to be patient in resolving the border spat.

He said no Thai troop withdrawals would be made from the 4.6 sq km overlapping area between Kantharalak district in Si Sa Ket and Preah Vihear province of Cambodia until the dispute over ownership is cleared through negotiations in the Joint Boundary Commission that was set up to demarcate the land border.

Thailand reiterated its ownership over the area, Mr Sompong said in Bangkok and rushed to report the talks to Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

Suranaree Task Force commander Maj-Gen Kanok Netrakavaesana will hold talks with his Cambodian counterpart tomorrow on the border issues and the Thai and Cambodian defence ministers will meet next Tuesday , according to Mr Sompong.

Cambodian Deputy Defence Minister Gen Neang Phat said more Cambodian troops were heading to the area after up to 500 Thai soldiers had tried to cross the border near an ancient Hindu temple that is claimed by both countries.

"We are building up our troops at the border in response to Thailand, but I cannot reveal the number," he told reporters.

Maj-Gen Srey Deok, who oversees the Cambodian military in the disputed area, said: "Thai troops have already entered the area. They are confronting our troops."

But Maj-Gen Kanok denied that more troops had been sent to the disputed area near the Preah Vihear temple.

Thailand and Cambodia have 10 soldiers each at the Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda near the Preah Vihear temple and 45 around the compound on joint patrol, according to the agreement between the two countries to ease border tension.

The two countries also have back-up troops near the border.

The number of soldiers there remained unchanged, Maj-Gen Kanok said.

Maj-Gen Kanok slammed Cambodia for distorting information and taking advantage of the political crisis in Thailand to launch an offensive move for its own political benefit.

The Suranaree chief, his patience wearing thin, called for a quick solution to the border spat and a clear direction to be provided by the government as it could become an armed conflict if it was left unsettled.

"I want the government to solve this problem and make it clear what to do. If it is left this way, nobody knows what is going to happen," he said.

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia first flared in July after the Preah Vihear temple was awarded World Heritage status by the World Heritage Committee.

The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the temple belongs to Cambodia, but the surrounding land remains in dispute.

Tensions escalated into a military confrontation in which up to 1,000 Cambodian and Thai troops faced off for six weeks.

The two countries have swapped accusations of violating each other's territory in the dispute.

-- Bangkok Post/Agencies 2008-10-14

Unsafe sex major risk factor for deaths among Thai people

BANGKOK: -- Records of the Public Health Ministry show that unsafe sexual behaviour remains the number one risk factor and potential cause of death among Thai people, followed by smoking and drinking alcohol.

Speaking at a " Gender, Sexual Health and Healthy Well-being " conference yesterday, Dr Wichai Chokeviwat of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, said in 2000, housewives were seen as the community members most at risk from sexual disease. Next year he expected it would be male sex workers topping the danger list, mostly from HIV/Aids infection.
" This trend has stemmed from changes in behaviour and society," Wichai said. "There are many things luring people to have unsafe sex -while the attitude about sex among Thai people is not to promote good sexual health."

Researcher Yannatorn Jianrattanakul studied questions about sex in the media, to find topics most hit on in question and answer columns in two newspapers, two magazines, and two websites.

In the four years between 2003 - 2007 she collected 4,4406 questions. She found women have more queries about sex than men- 25 per cent were about sexual affairs, 18 per cent about reproductive health, 18 per cent about sexual organs, 16 percent about beauty, 5 per cent about sexually transmitted disease.

She said the top five questions most asked by women were about the vagina, reproductive health, beauty, sexual intercourse, and society and culture. Men wanted information about sexual intercourse, the penis's size, sexual transmitted disease, and masturbation.

Yannatorn added that a sexual questionnaire appearing in the printed media showed many people do not understand how to protect themselves from sexually transmitted disease and unwanted pregnancy.

"Society has to find out the appropriate way to disseminate this information to build understanding and knowledge on this issue. This would help prevent and resolve the problems," she said.

-- The Nation 2008-10-14

Thaksin's passport must be seized by British govt if allowed to stay

BANGKOK: -- The British government must seize the passport of Thailand's ousted, fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra if he and his wife are granted political asylum and stay in Britain, according to a senior member of the opposition Democrat Party.

Kasit Pirom, currently shadow deputy prime minister for the Democrat Party, said Mr. Thaksin is now considered under under British government protection after he had filed for political asylum although it is still under consideration.

A British newspaper reported last Monday that Britain's Home Office had confirmed that Mr. Thaksin and his wife Pojaman had applied for political asylum to remain in that country.

The couple left here in early August and attended the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing. The couple then departed for London after skipping bail and failing to report for court hearings on corruption charges, prompting the court to issue arrest warrants.

Mr. Kasit, former ambassador to Washington, said Mr. Thaksin must refrain from using Britain as springboard in attacking Thailand while his passport and other important documents must also be seized by the British government to ensure that he would not travel outside of Britain.

He said the Thai foreign ministry along with immigration police and the interior ministry must consider documents relating to Mr. Thaksin's request for political asylum in Britain to be sent by the British government later. The Thai agencies must inform the British government that if it allows the ousted premier to live there, and that he must not use Britain as a springboard for attacking Thailand.

-- TNA 2008-10-12

Warning on leptospirosis in Northeast

KHON KAEN: -- The Khon Kaen Disease Control Office chief yesterday issued a public warning about leptospirosis after the northeastern region recorded 1,287 cases and 25 deaths.

Of 2,094 leptospirosis patients nationwide this year until October 4, Dr Narong Wongba said 42 had died.

His office, covering Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lampu, Loei, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et and Kalasin, recorded 656 leptospirosis patients and 12 deaths in its jurisdiction, he said. Kalasin had 11 deaths and Maha Sarakham one.

He predicted more than the 2,824 cases and 39 deaths recorded last year, due to the floods and heavy rains in many areas. He urged people to cover foot wounds and avoid wading through floodwater or walking far barefoot on mud. Feet must be washed thoroughly immediately after wading through water, he added.

This bacterial infection is transmitted to humans by water contaminated by animal urine coming in contact with unhealed breaks in the skin, eyes or mucous membranes.

-- The Nation 2008-10-12

FROM TOC

Attorney-General Forwards People Power Dissolution Case to Court

UPDATE : 10 October 2008

The Attorney-general's Office has forwarded the People Power Party dissolution case to the Constitution Court today.

Attorney-general, Chaikasem Nitisiri has signed the document concluding the Office of the Attorney-general's investigation into the People Power Party dissolution case.

The case has now been forwarded to the Constitution Court, which is also looking at dissolution cases for the Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties.

This case was sent to the OAG by the Election Commission, who's five commissioners voted unanimously that there is merit to dissolve the PPP and ban all of its board of directors from politics for five years, after its deputy leader, Yongyuth Tiyapairat was found guilty of electoral fraud. He was stripped of his MP status and banned from politics for five years.

The EC said there is reason to believe the party's leader and/or its board of directors knew about the electoral fraud activity but did not try to stop it or amend it.

The Constitution Court will now decide whether to accept the case.

The OAG has come under fire on allegations of deliberately delaying this case to benefit the PPP as the EC decided on this case and forwarded it to the OAG on September 2nd.

PPP executives Chusak Sirinin and Sukhumpong Ngonkam have announced that they will fight the case in court and will seek an opportunity to clarify the facts before the court.

At least 19 dead in Thai bus accident: police

BANGKOK (AFP / 10 minutes ago) - At least 19 people were killed and more than 50 injured Friday when a bus carrying university students crashed in eastern Thailand, a police officer said.

"Nineteen bodies are retrieved and I saw at least three more bodies trapped under the bus. I fear that there may be more victims after we lift the bus," local police officer Major Akkapark Jitprayoon told AFP.

"The accident may have been caused by the driver, who is presumed killed."

A highway police officer in eastern Prachinburi province, where the accident happened, said they suspected the driver had fallen asleep at the wheel, as the bus overturned with no other apparent cause for the crash.

Sixteen men and three women were killed immediately in the accident 135 kilometres (83 miles) east of Bangkok, police said.

The charter bus was will filled with students from a technology university in northeastern Khon Kaen province.

They were travelling to a field trip in the coastal province of Chantaburi when the bus overturned at 3:30 am (2030 GMT Thursday).

Injured passengers were taken to three nearby hospitals. It was not immediately clear how many were wounded, with police saying only at least 50 were being treated.

From Bkk. Post today.



Former minister openly calling for the military to step in.

FROM TOC:

Democrats and Senators Press Charge against PM

UPDATE : 8 October 2008


A group of 40 senators have urged the prime minister to step down or dissolve the House to help restore the country's peace.

Meanwhile, the Democrat's legal team has pressed criminal charges against the prime minister for issuing an order for yesterday's crackdown on the PAD.

The Democrat Party's legal team, led by its Deputy Secretary-general, Thavorn Sennium, has submitted a complaint to the National Police Chief, Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwan, asking for legal action against Prime Minister and Defence Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

The opposition party said the prime minister has breached several articles of the Criminal Code as he issued an order that resulted in the loss of several lives.

If found guilty, Somchai could face the maximum sentence of capital punishment.

Sathit said the opposition Democrat Party can no longer allow Somchai to administer the country and legal action could be the best way out, as the party is still not allowed to hold a censure debate in the upcoming House legislative session.

Meanwhile, the party's shadow Defence Minister and former Third Area Army Chief, General Picharnchet Muangmanee said yesterday's use of homemade teargas by police officers was inappropriate as it can cause powerful explosions when mixed with pieces of glass or iron.

At the same time, some Democrat MPs such as Asi Mahamadyanggee and Yukol Chanawatpanya showed the press the wounds they suffered during their observation of yesterday's crackdown.

In a related development, 40 senators led by Bangkok Senator Rossana Tositrakul released a statement to deliver their condolences for the families of the people killed and for those injured in yesterday's crackdown on the PAD rally.

The group said Prime Minister Somchai should resign or dissolve the House, as the situation could deteriorate.

The senators will submit a complaint with the Administrative Court tomorrow to seek an injunction against the use of border police officers and teargas in dealing with the PAD rally. The PAD had submitted a similar complaint today and the court has already accepted the case.

Senator Prasarn Marukapitak said he will send pictures and evidence related to yesterday's crackdown to the United Nation's Human Rights Committee, the Human Rights Watch, and foreign ambassadors in Thailand for clariification of the incident.

Prasarn added that he will file a motion with Parliament, asking the prime minister to clarify his involvement and policies that are not in compliance with international practices, as well as the actions against officials related to the brutal crackdown.

The group of 40 senators also plans to file a complaint with the Constitution Court, seeking a trial on the possible share concealment of the prime minister and his daughter, Chinnicha Wongsawat, a Chiang Mai MP.

The group also visited PAD protesters and police officers who were injured in yesterday's crackdown.


Supreme Court Accepts PAD Petition for Temporary Injunction

UPDATE : 8 October 2008


The Supreme Court has accepted the People's Alliance for Democracy's petition for a temporary protection against more crackdowns or tear gas attacks on the protesters.


Is this why the police maybe need to infiltrate the PAD for to get the "alibi" for to start an other "crack-down" while bupassing the Supreme Courts decision as claimed in the following report?


PAD Claims Plain Clothed Police Have Infiltrated PAD Gathering

UPDATE : 8 October 2008

According to PAD's intelligence, plain clothed police have infiltrated the PAD's gathering and intend to set fire to the Metropolitan Police Bureau.

The alleged arson attempt would give the police the reason to launch another crackdown on the PAD protesters.

Urgent: Chavalit resigns as deputy prime minister

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh submitted his resignation to the prime minister to show responsibility over the use of force against protesters.

He submitted his resignation at 9 am.

-- The Nation 2008-10-07

Urgent: Police fire tear gas at protesters in front of Parliament

BANGKOK: -- Police fire dozens of tear gases at protesters, who staged a blockade outside Parliament at 6:20 am.

The firing of tear gases managed to open an access to Parliament at the gate on Phichai Road.

Leading members of the People's Alliance for Democracy urged the protesters to remain protesting there.

-- The Nation 2008-10-07

Thaksin and Pojaman apply for asylum in England

Fugitive ex-PM Thaksin and wife apply for asylum : UK Home Office

Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, Pojaman, are seeking political asylum in Britain, the UK Home Office confirmed.

It is understood that the UK Home Office is considering their request, UK media reported.

Both are on the run after being wanted in Thailand on on several corruption-related charges.

Thaksin and his wife fled from Bangkok to London after jumping bails. Thai officials issued arrest warrants on them.

After fleeing, Thaksin sold his Manchester City Football Club to an Abu Dhabi group for 210 million pounds,

-- The Nation 2008-10-06