<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"><channel><atom:link href="http://www.movethailand.com/rss/newsen.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /><title>Thai News, M&amp;B Thailand</title><link>http://www.movethailand.com</link><description>The First International Market Place in Thailand!</description><copyright>Copyright M&amp;B 2006</copyright><language>en</language><image>	<title>Move &amp; Buy Thailand</title>	<url>http://www.movethailand.com/design/logo-move-and-buy-thailand.gif</url>	<link>http://www.movethailand.com</link></image><pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:49 +0100</pubDate><item><title><![CDATA[Bangkok Lions heading out to Singapore]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-bangkok-lions-heading-out-to-singapore-en-1837.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-bangkok-lions-heading-out-to-singapore-en-1837.html</guid><pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The DHL Bangkok Lions RFC are once again embarking on a tour to Singapore to participate in the annual Singapore International Mini and Youth Rugby Tournament on November 29 and 30. 

This year, the DHL Bangkok Lions RFC will be touring with an Under 8, 9, 11 and 14 side and will participate in the tournament alongside 14 different teams in each age group. In total, over 50 DHL Bangkok Lions players will travel to Singapore, departing on November 28. Many of the touring players experienced this tournament in 2007, and this year there are many debutants across all age groups. 

Hosts Singapore Centaurs be well represented in all age groups with the remainder of the teams from around the region, including Kings College, Thailand. 

Club amanager Ahmed Fawzi is excited about the prospects of the DHL Bangkok Lions competing at the tournament, stating that with many experienced players within the squad and some new faces, the potential for success is high. 

For more information contact Ahmed Fawzi on 08 9811 9683.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Police extract student who claimed to be a dentist]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-police-extract-student-who-claimed-to-be-a-dentist-en-1836.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-police-extract-student-who-claimed-to-be-a-dentist-en-1836.html</guid><pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[WASSAYOS NGAMKHAM

A student studying business administration was arrested in Bangkok yesterday for using fake documents to work and to apply for work as a dentist over the past two months. Ratchadatorn Laptanacharoen, alias Thanaratcha Tongtem, 20, from Nakhon Ratchasima, had been working at various dental clinics. 

After gaining some experience by working as a dentist's assistant in his hometown for one year, he offered to do a variety of dental work including tartar removal, amalgam fillings and making dentures. He was arrested at a rented apartment in Bang Khen district and charged with cheating, identity theft and forging documents. 

Dentist Santi Boonlertyiam alerted Min Buri district police that someone had assumed his identity and applied for a job at the Ban Rak Fun clinic in the district. The real dentist, who works at the Kham Sakae Saeng district hospital in Nakhon Ratchasima, learned of the theft of his identity after some patients were reimbursed their dental service fees from the Social Security Office, citing his name as their dentist. 

The fake dentist also applied for a job at the Ban For Fun clinic in the Rom Klao area, the Rak Fun clinic in the Nawamin area and the Ban Tantabhaet clinic on Nuan Chan-Rarm Intra road, damaging his name, said the dentist. 

Police tracked down the suspect and sought warrants for his arrest. 

Mr Ratchadatorn confessed that he is now studying at the business administration faculty of the Pak Chong Industrial and Community College in Nakhon Ratchasima's Pak Chong district and said he wanted to make extra money. 

''I learned about dental work from my previous job at a dental clinic. I have an interest and a passion to be a dentist someday, so I applied for a job at dental clinics. 

''After I finish college, I want to further my studies in dentistry,'' he said. 

Mr Ratchadatorn said some clinics where he applied for jobs did not ask to see his qualifications.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Royal urn enshrined]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-royal-urn-enshrined-en-1835.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-royal-urn-enshrined-en-1835.html</guid><pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The relics and ashes of the late HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana, elder sister of His Majesty the King, were collected Sunday morning at the royal crematorium and transferred to the Grand Palace for a merit making ceremony.

HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn represented HM the King to preside over the ceremony, also attended by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, and other royal family members. 

As monks intoned Buddhist chants, the crown prince and princess received the golden urn containing the remains of Princess Galyani, who died of cancer in January at the age of 84. 

A procession of more than 800 soldiers carried the urn from the crematorium to the Grand Palace. 

The royal urn containing royal relics has been enshrined at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall, while the royal ashes have enshrined at Phra Si Rattana Chedi in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. 

On Monday, a merit-making ceremony to pay homage to the royal relics will be held at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall. The following morning, Tuesday, a merit-making ceremony will take place at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall before the royal urn containing the royal relics is moved to be enshrined at the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, also in the Grand Palace compound. 

On Wednesday, the royal ashes will be moved to be enshrined at Rangsi Vadhana Memorial, at nearby Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram. (TNA)]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Final journey]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-final-journey-en-1834.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-final-journey-en-1834.html</guid><pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[(Bangkok Post)

His Majesty the King on Sunday assigned His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to collect the remains of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana following the royal cremation ceremony on Saturday.

At 8.30am, the Crown Prince arrived at the royal cremation site at Sanam Luang, accompanied by members of the royal family. 

The Crown Prince entered the royal crematorium to gather the remains of the princess, the elder sister of His Majesty. 

He presented saffron robes to six senior Buddhist monks, who chanted prayers for the princess as part of the religious rites. 

The Crown Prince put the relics in a newly-created golden urn covered with precious stones. 

The ashes were placed in a separate container. 

A palace official then took the golden urn housing the relics to the Songtham Pavilion and placed it on an elaborate Busabok throne. 

In the pavilion, the Crown Prince performed religious rites and offered food to monks. 

He also offered each of the monks Krueng Sangket - a set of mementoes of the princess specially made to commemorate the royal cremation ceremony. After the religious rites, a ceremonial procession - the fourth of six scheduled for the royal funeral ceremony - was formed with the golden urn containing the relics placed on another ornate throne atop a four-poled palanquin. 

His Majesty assigned Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to accompany the procession. The golden urn was moved and placed in the Dusit Maha Prasart Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace. 

A casket containing the princess' ashes was placed atop a palanquin covered with a roof and was moved to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. 

A royal merit-making ceremony for the relics will be held on Monday in the Dusit Maha Prasart Throne Hall. 

On Tuesday, the golden urn housing the relics will be transferred to the Chakri Maha Prasart Throne Hall in the Grand Palace, where it will be kept permanently. 

On Wednesday, the casket containing the ashes will be moved to the royal cemetery at Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Maha Simaram, where it will stay. 

Group Capt Arvuth Ngernchuklin, a national artist who led a team of artisans building the royal crematorium, said the Crown Prince praised officials of the Fine Arts Department for the good job they had done during the royal funeral ceremony. 

Department director-general Kriangkrai Sampatchalit said credit for the success went to all artisans and officials involved in the event.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Textile orders 'will shift to Thailand']]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-textile-orders-will-shift-to-thailand--en-1832.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-textile-orders-will-shift-to-thailand--en-1832.html</guid><pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[By Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul
The Nation
Published on November 15, 2008

Despite the global recession, which threatens to lower demand for textiles and garments, the Thailand Textile Institute (THTI) foresees foreign buyers shifting their orders from China and Bangladesh to Thailand. 

"This will be an opportunity for us. We believe our exports next year will still expand even though growth will decline from 10 per cent this year," said executive director Virat Tandaechanurat.

He explained that foreign buyers were reducing their orders from Chinese textile and garment manufacturers, due to delivery problems.

Moreover, the cost in China has stopped being so low, ever since the government cancelled tax incentives for exporters and tightened up labour-welfare laws.

Bangladesh, one of the leading textile-manufacturing countries, is avoided by the United States and Europe, because it does not strictly regulate manufacturers, whose employees are often children.

Apart from product quality and punctual delivery, Thailand also has better credit than the other two countries in terms of benefits from the Asean Free-Trade Area, Virat said.

Asean this year will record about US$1 billion (Bt35 billion) worth of textile and garment imports, one sector in which demand is growing robustly. Most of the imports are from Taiwan and Japan.

"Our country is located in the centre of the region. Hence, if we improve our products to conform to customer demand, we'll have an obvious advantage in increasing our regional market share," Virat said.

At the beginning of the year, the institute set a target to boost the country's textile and garment exports to $12 billion in 2013, up from $7.6 billion this year.

However, Virat admitted the THTI was evaluating the impact of the global economic slowdown, in order to make a new projection next January.

The textile and garment industry employs 1.08 million workers. Virat said the economic recession would not affect employees in this industry, because labour demand remained strong in garment factories.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Thais bid farewell to HRH Princess Galyani]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-thais-bid-farewell-to-hrh-princess-galyani-en-1831.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-thais-bid-farewell-to-hrh-princess-galyani-en-1831.html</guid><pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[By Wannapa Phetdee
The Nation
Published on November 16, 2008

Thousands of citizens, dressed in black, convened from across the country yesterday to witness the grand royal cremation at Bangkok's Sanam Luang and to send their beloved Princess to heaven. 

Three processions relocated Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana's golden urn from the Grand Palace's Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall to the royal crematorium at Sanam Luang. HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and the Crown Prince's Royal Consort, HRH Princess Srirasmi, joined the processions.

Many attendees arrived early in the morning to stake out a spot with a good view.

Wanpen Angkaew, a 38-year-old woman from the capital's Phra Khanong district, awoke at 3am and rode a public bus to the site. When she arrived at 5am, she secured a place where she could see the procession. It started at 7am and transported the urn from Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall to Wat Phra Chetuphon.

Wanpen watched as the Phra Yannamas Sam Lam Khan palanquin, a royal chair carried by human bearers, transported the urn. The Saliang Kleeb Bua palanquin preceded it, carrying His Holiness Somdet Phra Buddhacharya, president of the Executive Committee for the Supreme Patriarch.

Soldiers partaking in the procession dressed in traditional Thai uniforms or in brightly coloured red, orange, white and green costumes. Despite the strong late-morning sun and the crowded atmosphere, people stood patiently and watched the proceedings, hoping to glimpse the elaborate ceremony and the Royal Family. 

Thong Siengsai, 68, said she came from her home in Nong Bua Lamphu province to witness the royal cremation. She departed on Friday evening and arrived at 4am yesterday.

"I will wait until their Majesties the King and Queen place the royal fire in the royal crematorium at 10pm," said Thong. "I want to see Royal Family members and the procession closely as I've never seen them in person before" 

A family that lives near the Rama II Monument in Bangkok also came out to see the Royal Family step out on the Sanam Luang lawn. The grandmother, Thananna Nakhornwong, 70, said she, her daughter and two granddaughters planned to wait near the cremation site until the royal fire, placed at night, sent the late Princess off to heaven.

"The Princess was a very good person. She was kind. She helped so many Thais. I love her and I feel overwhelmed to see a lot of Thai people at the cremation," said Thananna, who visited the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall 10 times to pay respect to the Princess's body. "Today, we packed enough food to eat all day, as we plan to stay for a long time."

The cremation also drew attention from foreigners. Bill and Nancy Martin from California read about the procession plans in their home country's newspaper. When they travelled to Thailand for their third visit to the country, they decided to attend the proceedings and pay their respects. 

"It's nice to see so many people with so much respect for the King and his sister," Bill Martin said. "We can't get very close [to the processions] at all. We will come back to see the pyre after the processions." 

Both insisted they would return to the Sanam Luang in the evening to watch the performances conducted in honour of the Princess.

Canadian Allan Ramsay, 55, said he also could not see the procession closely. 

"I would like to get a better view, but it's crowded," he said. "I like processions, but I have to go home to see it on TV."]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Collection of Royal Relics and Ashes]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-collection-of-royal-relics-and-ashes-en-1830.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-collection-of-royal-relics-and-ashes-en-1830.html</guid><pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[By The Nation

HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn represents His Majesty the King to preside over a ceremony to collect the royal relics and ashes of the late HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana Sunday. The Nation follows the historic event as it unfolds as following:

8:35 am: HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn arrives at Sanam Luang to preside over the rite to collect royal relics and ashes.

8:37am:  HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn arrives at the Royal Merit-Making Hall.

8:38 am: HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn comes up to the royal crematorium. The Crown Prince lights joss sticks and candles at the royal offerings to the royal relics. 

8:40 am: The Crown Prince gives robes to six monks to make merit for the late Princess. 

8:46 am: Officials on duty remove the cloth covering the royal relics and ashes. The Crown Prince sprinkles consecrated water over the royal relics and ashes. Officials present the cloth to cover the relics.

8:47 am: HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn takes up the royal relics and sprinkles aromatic water over them, before placing them in the lacquered and gilded royal urn, encrusted with diamonds.

8:50 am: Officials take the royal urn containing the royal relics from the royal crematorium to the Royal Merit-Making Pavilion. HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn follows the royal urn to the Royal Merit-Making Pavilion.

8:51 am: Officials take the royal urn containing the royal relics to be placed over a portable throne over a layered royal seat.

8:53 am: HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn lights joss sticks and candles before the the royal urn.

8:55 am: The crown Prince gives foods to six monks to make merit for the late Princess.

9:10 am: A procession of honor has been formed near the Royal Crematorium to transfer the royal relics and royal ashes into the Grand Palace. 

9:25 am: Officials give special offerings to the first set of monks to make merit for the late Princess. All in all, 30 monks will take part in the merit making ceremony and chant prayers for the late Princess.

9:31 am: The first team of senior monks chant prayers as the Crown Prince pours water to make merit for the late Princess.

9:39 am: The procession of honour moves closer to the Royal Merit-Making Pavilion to wait for the royal urn.

9:49 am: The second team of monks comes to the Royal Merit-Making Pavilion again. The monks chant prayers for the late Princess as the Crown Prince pours water for the late princess.

9:57 am: The monks finish chanting and the Crown Prince gives them robes before they leave and pave way for the  new team to come into the Royal Merit-Making Pavilion.

Meanwhile, The procession of honour is ready, waiting for the royal urn.

10:05 am: HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn waits to join the procession of honour.

10:06 am: Officials bring the royal urn containing the royal relics and place it on the portable throne, upon the Royal Palanquin with Four Poles.

10:07 am: The royal ashes is transferred to the Royal Palanquin with Two Poles.

10:09 am: HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and other Royal Family members and royal servants join the procession.

10:10 am: The royal procession of honour starts heading to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

10:27 am: The front of the procession reaches the back gate of Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

10:30 am: The procession of honor takes the royal relics and royal ashes into the Temple of the Emerald Buddha through the back gate.

10:34 am: HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn waits for the royal urn inside the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall.

10:39 am: The procession of honor then brings the royal urn containing the royal relics through Phiman Chaisi Gate and halts the Royal Palanquin with Four Poles at the mounting platform in front of Aphon Phimok Prasat Royal Hall.

10:41 am: The royal ashes are placed in Phra Si Rattana Chedi.

10:42 am: Officials bring the royal urn into Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall and put the royal urn upon the movable throne on a golden layered base.

10:43 am: After officials set up the royal urn containing the royal relics.

HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn lights joss sticks and candles at the royal offerings to the royal relics.

10:53 am: HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and other Royal Family depart.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Thaksin and Potjaman divorce in Hong Kong]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-thaksin-and-potjaman-divorce-in-hong-kong-en-1829.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-thaksin-and-potjaman-divorce-in-hong-kong-en-1829.html</guid><pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[AEKARACH SATTABURUTH AND THANIDA TANSUBHAPOL

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is reported to have divorced his wife Khunying Potjaman, in a move that has shocked many of the couple's friends and colleagues. 

Thaksin told People Power party (PPP) MPs at a dinner in Hong Kong last night that his 32-year marriage had ended. 

"We divorced in order to make everybody feel comfortable," a PPP MP, who was at the dinner, quoted Thaksin as saying. 

The divorce was sealed at 11.00am yesterday at the Thai consulate in Hong Kong, the source said. 

Thaksin's announcement shocked everyone at the table which became suddenly silent, said the MP, who declined to be named. Khunying Potjaman was not at the dinner, he added. 

A high-ranking government source confirmed the couple had signed the divorce papers at the Thai consulate in Hong Kong. 

The divorce took place less than a month after the Supreme Court sentenced Thaksin to two years in jail and acquitted Khunying Potjaman over conflict of interest charges in the Ratchadiphisek land deal case. 

The prison sentence is alleged to have prompted the UK to cancel entry visas for Thaksin and his wife. 

A political observer said the divorce could be legally motivated to protect the couple's assets, which are mostly held in the name of Khunying Potjaman. 

The National Anti-Corruption Commission revealed last year that Thaksin officially declared assets worth 614.39 million baht when he took office, while Khunying Potjaman had 8.48 billion baht. 

Thaksin and Khunying Potjaman married in 1976 and have three children. 

The family often appeared in public together, even after Thaksin was ousted in a coup and went into self-exile in London before his and Khunying Potjaman's visas were revoked. 

During his controversial phone-in speech to supporters at Rajamangala stadium on Nov 1, Thaksin lamented that his family had been torn apart after the Sept 19 coup. 

Thaksin reportedly flew to Dubai last night after the dinner with the PPP MPs, who went to Hong Kong to meet Thaksin, who arrived from Beijing on Tuesday. 

The group included Yaowapa Wongsawat, his younger sister and wife of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, her close aide Yongyuth Tiyapairat and former Thai Rak Thai executive Newin Chidchob. Veera Musikhapong and Chatuporn Promphan, hosts of the Kwam Jing Wan Nee (Truth Today), were also seen in Hong Kong yesterday. 

A PPP source said the former prime minister chose Dubai because the UAE has no extradition treaty with Thailand. 

The source said Thaksin told his associates he would use "all means" to fight his political enemies, whom he blamed for his political downfall and the two-year jail sentence imposed by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions. 

Thaksin blamed a group of "privileged elites" including retired army generals, said the source.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[People's farewell]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-people-s-farewell-en-1828.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-people-s-farewell-en-1828.html</guid><pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The people of Thailand have begun to pay their final respects to Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana - who will be especially missed by the poor and disadvantaged. FEATURE

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By Sanitsuda Ekachai 

The elder sister of two kings of the Chakri dynasty, Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana occupied a special place in the Thai people's hearts through her lifetime of dedication to people's welfare, education, and her love for the arts. 

The eldest child and only daughter of Prince Mahidol of Songkla and HRH the Princess Mother, then Mom Sangwan, Princess Galyani was born in London on May 6, 1923. She was two years older than King Ananda Mahidol, Rama VIII, and four years older than His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX. 

Serene and regal, Princess Galyani was a patron of the arts and many public health and education charities. Her kindness and resolve to help the needy and to promote local talent in the fields of music, science and languages, is vividly captured in a song in her tribute entitled "Saeng Nueng Kue Roong Ngam" (One Light, Beautiful Rainbow), which compares her compassion to the light that makes everything it touches shining bright. 

That light ceased when the princess passed away at 2:54am on January 2, 2008, after a battle with cancer. She was 84. 

A thoroughly modern woman of her era, the princess was schooled with a Western education. She received degrees in both science and liberal arts from Lausanne University, reflecting her thirst for knowledge and her well-rounded personality. During her youth, the princess also excelled in numerous adventure sports such as skiing, horse riding and flying, while most Thai women of her generation were confined to traditional roles. 

Her quiet royal grace and her compassion for the poor endeared her to the public. Throughout her life, the princess maintained a simple, down-to-earth style while maintaining classic regality with the least amount of fuss and protocol.

Meanwhile, the princess' sharp mind, intellectual knack for knowledge and her deep commitment to the profession of teaching won her high respect in academic circles. 

When the Princess Mother passed away, the princess dedicated herself to the Princess Mother's charities, becoming a patron of 63 charitable organisations. 

The princess was born in London when her father, Prince Mahidol of Songkla, was studying medicine in England. May was the baby princess' given name on her birth certificate. King Vajiravudh, Rama VI, who was her royal uncle, later bestowed on her the royal name Her Serene Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Mahidol. 

Four years later, King Prajadhipok, Rama VII, also her royal uncle, elevated the little princess to Her Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana. 

She became Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana when King Rama VII abdicated and Princess Galyani's younger brother ascended the throne as King Ananda Mahidol. 

In 1995, when the princess turned 72, His Majesty the King elevated her further to HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana, Princess of Naradhiwas, or Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra in Thai. 

The princess returned to Siam with her family when she was about six months old. She lived at the Sra Pathum Palace until she was two, when, due to Prince Mahidol's frail health and need for recuperation, the Mahidol family left for Germany, where King Ananda Mahidol was born. 

When the princess was three years old, her family moved to Boston, USA, so that Prince Mahidol, in his wish to improve public health care in his homeland, could pursue an education in medicine at Harvard University. 

It was here in Boston that her youngest brother was born, later to become His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. 

She recalled with fond memories in her book Chao Nai Lek Lek: Yuwakasat (Little Royals: The Young Kings) that she was so excited to see her baby brother but was not allowed to touch him at the hospital. Once home, she said she had fun playing nanny but was later told to keep out of the way because she was more a hindrance than a help.

In 1928, the Mahidol family was home again. After less than a year, the princess faced the first great loss of her life. Due to hard work in the medical field and frail health from kidney problems, Prince Mahidol passed away in 1929. 

The princess was only six years old then. But she remembered that day vividly, as the princess wrote in Chao Nai Lek Lek: Yuwakasat: "Mother was sitting on a bench by the window. She drew me close to her and said something I couldn't remember, and then she cried, which made me cry, too." 

A young widow at 29 with three small children, the Princess Mother braved her grief to ensure that the little royals had a normal and happy childhood.

They did. Thanks to the Princess Mother's personal supervision and dedication, the royal children grew up in a healthy environment and got to enjoy outdoor games such as playing in a sand box, digging waterways in the lawn, riding horses, flying kites and swimming in the sea together - the happy threesome that the late Prince Mahidol would have wanted them to be. 

Life for the little royals took a twist when the 1932 revolution ended absolute monarchy in the country. To protect the royal children from political instability, and to improve little Prince Ananda Mahidol's health, which was vulnerable to tropical heat and humidity, their concerned grandmother the Queen Dowager Savang Vadhana advised the Princess Mother to move to Switzerland with her three children. At the time, Princess Galyani was a student at Rajini School. 

In 1933, the family arrived in Lausanne, Switzerland, where Princess Galyani started her primary education at the Miremont School. But her family could not escape the political turmoil back home. 

In 1934, the turbulence of Thai politics ended the Mahidols' normal family life when King Prajadhipok, Rama VII, abdicated in 1934 and nine-year-old Prince Ananda Mahidol was called upon to take the throne in accordance with the Palace Laws on succession. 

Thanks to the Princess Mother, the royal children were able to have a relatively normal childhood. HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana continued her secondary education at Ecole Superieure de Jeune Filles de la Ville de Lausanne, where she also studied Latin and German. An ace student, she was enrolled at the International School of Geneva, a boarding school, in 1938. When she graduated, she not only topped her class, she was also ranked third in the country. 

Given her interest in both science and the liberal arts, the princess chose to study chemistry for her bachelor's degree at Lausanne University's Faculty of Science while studying in parallel courses in literature, philosophy and psychology at the Faculty of Social Science. 

In 1944, she married Col Aram Ratanakul Serirerngrit, a commoner, and relinquished her royal title, as required by Palace Law. They had one daughter from the marriage, Thanpuying Tasanavalaya Sornsonggram. His Majesty the King restored her royal title after the couple divorced. 

In 1950, the princess returned to Thailand to answer her calling as a teacher. Fluent in French, the princess began teaching French as well as French literature and history at Thammasat and Chulalongkorn universities. 

The princess was highly admired for her dedication as a teacher, as well as for her down-to-earth personality which never failed to touch everyone's heart. At Thammasat University, the princess took up a post as head of the French Language and Literature section as well as the Foreign Language Department, which covered German, Japanese, Chinese and Russian. 

The teaching of French, in particular, received a boost under her royal patronage during this period. The princess not only helped formulate the curriculum for the university's French language and literature courses, she was also a key figure in setting up the Thai Association of Teachers of French. 

Despite the busy schedules at Thammasat and Chulalongkorn universities, the princess still found time to give special lectures at other universities across the country. The rugged terrain and potential danger from the communist insurgency apparently failed to deter her from meeting her people and sharing her expertise. 

When the increasing royal duties became more demanding, the princess decided to stop her full-time teaching job but continued to provide support to various institutions as well as scholarship programmes to rural students. During this time, she also stepped up efforts to assist local talents in science and classical music where her heart was. 

Having been academically trained in science, the princess was very keen to see Thailand participate in the Academic Olympics. The princess herself gave both financial and moral support to assist this project in order to nurture excellence in the fields of mathematics, physics, chemistry, computers and biology, which she believed essential to national development. 

An educator with great compassion for the disadvantaged and the disabled, the princess' interest in the education of autistic children has also helped garner state commitment, resulting in better facilities and rehabilitation programmes for those afflicted. 

Throughout her life, one of her main missions was to continue the legacy of her father, Prince Mahidol of Songkla, who won nationwide respect as Thailand's Father of Modern Medicine. Hence her many royal charities in public health care. She almost always accompanied the Princess Mother with mobile medical units to visit villagers in remote areas. She also worked hard behind the scenes to make sure the needy there received much-needed health services. 

Thanks to her dedication to carrying the torch of her parents, the charities under the royal patronage of the Princess Mother continued uninterrupted. While many people her age would be happy to retire, the princess continued to make extended trips to villages far from modern health facilities to fill the gap. She did this with a strong vigour without concern for her health. 

Apart from the Princess Mother's mobile medical units, the princess also gave royal patronage to several other charitable foundations which give health services to the needy. They included the Kidney Foundation of Thailand, the Cardiac Children Foundation, the Prosthesis Foundation and the Foundation for Slum Child Care. 

Ever serene, the princess might have come across as aloof to some. It was through her many books that readers would learn about her touching, down-to-earth personality. 

Her fondness for writing started when she was very young. She wrote her first book, Nitaan Samrab Dek (Tales for Children), when she was only nine. Altogether, the princess wrote 11 books on the royal family and 10 travelogues. She also translated three books. 

Her books on the Princess Mother and her two brothers in their childhood were instant bestsellers. They have become some of Thailand's most favourite books. The readers noticed, however, that the princess rarely wrote about herself. Yet her personality shone through. The voice of the royal narrator was one of a very honest person who treasured simple happiness, frugality, discipline and life wisdom beyond material indulgences. 

During her golden years, Princess Galyani Vadhana was very fond of travelling. She took the Thai people with her through many TV documentaries and travelogues about royal trips. A teacher at heart, the news documentaries and travelogues were her way of sharing the experiences and knowledge she gained from the educational trips with the Thai public. She always made sure that they were about the places she visited, not herself. 

The princess was also an avid dog lover. Although she kept several of them, all received her fond affection. When her favourite dog, Sip Sam, which means "13", died, the princess transformed her grief into an effort to help less fortunate animals. In Sip Sam's memory, she set up a fund for the Department of Veterinary Medicine at Chulalongkorn University to care for sick and homeless animals. She also initiated a special emergency care unit and a hospital for abandoned animals. 

Honouring her love for animals and science, a Thai biologist who discovered a new species of terrestrial crab in Kanchanaburi province named his discovery after the princess. It was Potomon galyaniae, or Poo Pra Pinang in Thai.

A highly cultured person, Princess Galyani also played an important role in supporting traditional arts in Thailand, particularly those at risk of dying off. One of the troupes that benefited from her generosity and concern is the Joe Louis Theatre, a traditional Thai puppet troupe. 

When it suffered financial problems and risk of closing down in 2004, the princess intervened by appealing for rescue from the culture authorities. 

The princess was always active in the cultural scene, lending support through her royal presence and patronage. This continued despite her frail health. 

Probably no one was more surprised at the toll of ageing than herself. The princess had enjoyed good health for most of her active life. She enjoyed different kinds of outdoor sports in her younger days. She also travelled extensively in her golden years. When she was approaching the age of 80, however, she more often heard words of concern for her to slow down. That was when she started to feel the pangs of ageing, she said. 

"Only when they started to emphasise the fact that I was turning 80 did I actually start feeling my age; all the aches and pains associated with old age began to appear," she said good-humouredly during one gathering at her royal residence. 

No one probably was more concerned than her daughter, Thanpuying Tasanavalaya, who tried to persuade the princess to take a year off to rest and undertake physical therapy. To no avail, however. 

The princess' health weakened and after surgery she had to rely on a walking frame to aid her movement. That failed to deter her from attending cultural performances, classical music concerts and other charity events close to her heart. 

Saeng Nueng (One Light), on July 15 at the Thailand Cultural Centre was the last concert she graced. It was a concert to express gratitude for the princess' dedication to the arts. 

All 19 performers were recipients of the Fund for Classical Music Promotion under the Patronage of the HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana scholarship programme. The fund was one of the Princess' initiatives to promote the study of Western classical music by gifted Thai musicians. 

On June 15, the princess was admitted to Siriraj Hospital. She was diagnosed as having abdominal cancer. 

The public was first officially informed of the princess' illness on Oct 25, when the Bureau of the Royal Household announced that a brain scan had revealed extensive damage to the left side of her brain due to clogged blood vessels. 

An announcement on Oct 26 said the princess' abdominal cancer was the same kind as her breast cancer, which had been diagnosed 10 years earlier. 

On Dec 31, the Bureau of the Royal Household informed the public of the princess' breathing problems, partial kidney failure and blood infection. Her condition continued deteriorating until she became unconscious, her breathing weak and her kidneys no longer functioning. 

His Majesty the King and other members of the royal family rushed to Siriraj Hospital on Jan 1 to be with the princess. His Majesty was beside his elder sister throughout her last hours. 

HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana is survived by her only daughter, Thanpuying Tasanavalaya Sornsonggram, and grandson, Jitas Sornsonggram. 

Though Thailand's beloved Princess Galyani Vadhana is no longer with us, the fond memories of her dedication to the people and the arts will always remain in the hearts of the Thai people.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Princess farewell begins]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-princess-farewell-begins-en-1827.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-princess-farewell-begins-en-1827.html</guid><pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[BangkokPost.com, AFP

Thousands of Thais clad in black gathered around Sanam Luang to welcome and pay respect as Their Majesties the King and the Queen presided at the Friday evening merit-making ceremony at Dusit Maha Prasart Throne Hall for HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana on the first day of the six-day funeral ceremony.

HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana, the elder sister of His Majesty the King, passed away on January 2. 

It is the first full royal funeral in Thailand since 1996, a potentially unifying moment at a time of deep political strife and anti-government protests in the Buddhist kingdom. 

"I want to express my loyalty to her and the monarchy and I do it with my heart. I am appreciate that most Thais are wearing black today to mourn her," said Watchara Somsean, 39, a black-clad food vendor in Bangkok. 

Bangkok's normally vibrant streets were muted Friday, with most people on the futuristic Skytrain system wearing black shirts or jackets, while flags flew at half mast for the princess. 

The government has asked television and radio stations to keep programming "appropriate" while all Thais have been asked to wear black for the first three days of the ceremony. 

"If someone passes away you should wear black or white but we prefer black ... because white to many means wedding," an official from the Government Public Relations Department told AFP. 

At least 1.5 million people have paid their respects to the late Princess's embalmed remains, which have lain in state at the Grand Palace's Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall since her death from cancer, the Royal Household Bureau said. 

The 10-month period between her death and the funeral was to make preparations for the building of the huge gilded crematorium and for the procession that will take her remains there. 

An official 15-day mourning period followed her death in January, although royal palace employees stayed in mourning 100 days after her death. 

"I am Thai and must show respect to her. It's also our tradition," said government official Kachorchan Kakhao, 51. "I feel grateful to see Thais are wearing black everywhere -- in the bus, traders."]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Thailand needs to protect HR defenders]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-thailand-needs-to-protect-hr-defenders-en-1825.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-thailand-needs-to-protect-hr-defenders-en-1825.html</guid><pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[By By Kavi Chongkittavorn
Published on November 14, 2008

Thailand has yet to take seriously the issue of human rights defender even though the country professed to adhere to the principles of Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Afterall, Thailand was the first Asian country to sign the UDHR in 1948. The country's strong cultural mindsets of non-interfering and weak enforcement of rule of law related to human right violation have attributed to the culture impunity.

Thailand has many sayings such as ya bai yuk rueung khon uean (Mind your own business or fai nai ya nam ouk, fai nok ya nam khao--don't bring outside fire inside your house and vice versa." These sayings reflect the culture of complacency and detachment.

Dr. Visanu Varunyu, judge of Supreme Administrative Court, said that the Thai taboo and culture have made defending both human rights and human rights defenders more difficult. "There is a strong mindset among the Thai people that one should not get involved in other people's business," he said adding that the overall human rights situation in Thailand would improve if the Thai people are willing to express concerns of other people's plights.

He highlighted this point during the panelist's discussion, which he chaired yesterday, on the situation of Thailand's human rights defenders at the launch of revised EU guidelines on Human Rights Defenders. The event provided an excellent opportunity for the Thais to take stoke of the overall human rights situation and people who are working very hard to defend them.

The EU Guidelines has been translated into Thai and Patani Malay for the Thai readers both in three southern provinces of Yala, Patani and Narathiwas and the rest of the Thailand. EU attaches huge importance to the human right defenders who help to monitor and end the violation of human rights. The first guidelines came out in 2004. Therefore it is imperative to protect the defenders' rights and their safety.

Although the rights of Thai human right defenders was mentioned in the country's first national human right plan 2002, but the implementation was lacking. The government under former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra did not play any attention. Indeed, it was right after he took over the Thai leader that he initiated the anti-drug campaign all over the country, which led to more than 3000 deaths by extra judicial killings.

But Aungkhana Neelaphaichit, chairperson of Working Group on Justice for Peace minced no words in saying that the Thai judicial system does not protect human rights because the culprits have yet to be brought to justice. For instance, she pointed out that no Thai laws exist to punish those who committed crime in enforced disappearance. She knew the subject well because her husband, Somchai, the well-known Muslim human right lawyer, was abducted and reportedly killed by uniformed officials in March, 2004. She also lamented that quite frequently those who violate the human rights were those who supposed to keep the rule of law.

She is now actively defending human rights. Members of relatives and families of those who suffered from similar injustice have joined her in ensuring that all people living in Thailand must be protected. "The rights of minority, especially the people who live on the fringe must be respected," she declared, knowing full well the quagmire that these marginalized communities have to encounter. During the discussion, Aungkhana said that at 20 human rights defenders were killed from 1999-2005. None was punished.

Kothom Ariya, Chairperson, National Economic and Social Advisory Council of Thailand, Secretary General of Advisory Council of Economic and Social board, echoed Aungkhana's sentiment that the human right defenders were at the frontline and they exposed themselves to all kinds of dangers. He said most of the human rights defenders killed were community leaders trying to defend the rights of local community followed by those who worked for anti-corruption campaign and in the Muslim communities.

According to Suwana Suwanchuja, Director General of Right and Liberty Protection Department, Ministry of Justice, Thailand would soon set up a group on enforced and involuntary disappearance. Thailand has officially filed a report to the UN Human right Council and stated that there were a total of 35 cases of disappearances since 1992. But there has never been any change in their status. She said Thailand has an important role to play to realize the establishment of an Asean human right body, which was mandated under the Asean Charter.

Back in 1997, Thailand was among few countries in the world that incorporated human rights in the conduct of foreign policies. EU foreign policy places importance to human rights. As part the promotion and protection of human right defenders, EU has vowed to promote the human rights defenders in the third countries and international forums.

Panelists took part in the discussion yesterday shared similar views that changes of mindsets both at the people's and government's levels are pivotal to eradicate the cultural of impunity and promote human rights. They said that even with laws that explicitly promote and protect human rights and its defenders, law enforcers must also defend human rights and punish the wrong-doers.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Nine northern Thai provinces under special watch for bird flu]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-nine-northern-thai-provinces-under-special-watch-for-bird-flu-en-1824.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-nine-northern-thai-provinces-under-special-watch-for-bird-flu-en-1824.html</guid><pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[By The Nation
Phitsanulok
Published on November 14, 2008

Thailand's Public Health Ministry has placed nine northern provinces under tight watch for the deadly avian influenza after the disease was discovered in chickens in two districts in the region recently, a senior ministry official said. 

Deputy Permanent Secretary for Public Health Dr. Paichai Varachit said the decision to impose the special monitoring of the disease in the nine northern provinces was made at a meeting of ministry officials here early Thursday.

All hospitals in the nine provinces have been instructed to provide immediate treatment to patients suspected to have contracted the avian influenza or live in areas where birds have died for unknown causes without waiting for laboratory tests, said Dr. Paichit.

As cold weather began in most parts of Thailand, health officials on October 28 detected the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu in a dead fowl in Thung Salium district of Sukhothai province. 

A number of birds were also found dead of unknown causes in Nong Chang district of Uthai Thani province recently.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[PAD calls on army to 'subdue' govt]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-pad-calls-on-army-to-subdue-govt-en-1823.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-pad-calls-on-army-to-subdue-govt-en-1823.html</guid><pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[By The Nation
Published on November 14, 2008

Chaiwat Sinsuwong, a leader of the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy, yesterday urged the First Army Region to "subdue" the government for abusing its power.

"When the government commits treason, it's the duty of the First Army Region, which has jurisdiction over the capital, to enforce martial law. They have the personnel and equipment to solve the problem completely," Chaiwat said. 

"The Army is considered a state mechanism. But when the government is believed to have committed treason, the Army has to review its role and take action against the government," he said. 

As the secretary-general of the People's Assembly of Thailand, Chaiwat submitted his open letter to Lt-General Kanit Sapithak, chief of the First Army, in which he accused the government and coalition MPs of exercising political power in the interest of a single person and themselves, instead of the public. 

Their actions were a threat to the constitutional monarchy and a deviation from the spirit of the Constitution, he said. 

Those people have set up a private army and encouraged the use of war weapons, which is a threat to national security, he said. 

The appeal was not to ask the Army to take sides, but rather for it to perform its constitutional duty, he said. 

Another open letter would be submitted after 10 days, he said, adding that in the meantime he would collect signatures from members of the public who agree with his move. 

The PAD also said it would arrange activities to observe the funeral of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana from today to Sunday. 

There would be no political speeches at the PAD's rally site at Government House, which has been seized by PAD supporters for more than two months, said Pipob Dhongchai, a core PAD leader. Stage activities would focus on the Princess' life and contributions, he said. 

The PAD began clearing Rajdamnoen Nok Avenue at 6am, after blockading the stretch between Makkhawan and Misakawan intersections as part of its protest.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Explosions seen as show of strength]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-explosions-seen-as-show-of-strength-en-1822.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-explosions-seen-as-show-of-strength-en-1822.html</guid><pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[By Budsarakham Sinlapalavan
The Nation
Published on November 14, 2008

Academics fear there could be more violence in Bangkok

While some academics explain explosions around the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) rallying sites as political tactics, others fear they could get worse and lead to more violence.

Ramkhamhaeng University political scientist Atsadang Panikabutr said he had foreseen long ago that the political conflict would get more fierce, with explosives and weapons common around Bangkok as people prepared to fight with their opponents. 

Now that violence has occurred, the winner could be the group with more patience, he said. 

As for non-partisan Bangkok residents, for their safety they should avoid large gatherings or risky places.

National Institute of Development Administration rector Sombat Thamrong-thanyawong said behind the recent explosions were political opponents trying to gain advantage over each other. 

The bombs were threats. However, an ill-intentioned third party could use them as an opportunity to cause violence.

"Thailand already has a restive situation in three southernmost provinces, with frequent losses of life. 

"I fear it could expand to Bangkok; it could hurt the country's economy. 

"But now I think it is still just a threat in Bangkok," Sombat said. Siam University law lecturer Jade Donavanik said the country was reaching a critical point, with all sides - the government. PAD and the police - having bombs and power in their |hands. 

"They are trying to show each other who is the more powerful. The opposing groups should take some steps back; otherwise, they'll go ahead and do anything they want - until they're exhausted." 

Bangkok residents who are not taking sides should make their voices heard and tell those in power that they exist and want peace restored to the country, Jade said.

Senator Varin Thiemjaras said bombs laid in places to inflame situations had been uncovered at many political rallies in the past. 

The explosives found this time were also likely to be a tactic by one or other of the opposing parties to attract people's support.v Party leaders are experienced and know such tactics well, he said. 

However, whether violence would really come to pass is unpredictable. 

He said national security agencies should take action to restore peace to the country.

Independent political scientist Sukhum Nualsakul said he did not expect any more violence, as all parties have become more cautious since the clash of October 7.

People Power Party Chaiyaphum MP Surawit Khonsomboon said police should investigate whether the explosions around PAD rally sites were self-instigated. 

Suspects around the PAD's rally had admitted carrying explosives. PAD leader Chamlong Srimuang said they had been expelled as PAD guards, but the issue was a big one and police should investigate further.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[School 'tea money' probe]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-school-tea-money-probe-en-1820.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-school-tea-money-probe-en-1820.html</guid><pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[KING-OUA LAOHONG

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is scrutinising more than 1,000 schools in Bangkok over allegations of "tea money" being demanded for student places. 

Deputy DSI chief Suchart Wong-ananchai said if any evidence is turned up, the case will be given special treatment. 

He said demands for "tea money" had turned education into a money-making business, adding it was highly inappropriate, given the annual subsidies the government injects into state and private schools. 

The "tea money" is often disguised by fancy names, such as financial support for school alumni or a school, he said. 

"This practice is deep-rooted, but we have never talked about it. The general public has an idea of the amount of money prestigious schools demand. It is extortion of parents and discriminatory treatment against low-income families," Pol Col Suchart said. 

The demands for "support" can be in the six or seven figure range and can total more than a billion baht per semester. 

Students who find obstacles to certain schools being cleared by the payment of "tea money" tended to grow up with a money and profit fixation rather than a community-oriented attitude, he said. 

Public schools in Bangkok are run by the Education Ministry and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. 

Deputy Bangkok governor Wallop Suwandee, who oversees education, said he had never received any complaints about "tea money" requests. 

He insisted it did not occur in city-run schools, citing the BMA's policy of providing 12 years of free schooling.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Post pays tribute to beloved princess]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-post-pays-tribute-to-beloved-princess-en-1819.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-post-pays-tribute-to-beloved-princess-en-1819.html</guid><pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Joining the whole nation to bid a final farewell to Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra, the Bangkok Post has produced three special publications as a tribute to the beloved princess. 

Tomorrow, the Bangkok Post will feature a special 8-page full-colour wrap-around printed on glossy art paper. The special publication to go with the regular newspaper will be free of charge and will contain all important details of the royal procession with colourful graphics, the royal cremation ceremony, the Phra Merumas, the regalia in the royal cremation ceremony, the Phra Kosa, which is a large, urn-like receptacle, and many other items involved in the royal ceremony, which starts tomorrow. 

The special publication can be an excellent guide to follow the royal funeral ceremonies on Saturday, which will be presided over by Their Majesties the King and the Queen. The ceremonies will bring to life the country's ancient cultures and royal pageantry in order to pay a final tribute to the late princess. 

On Sunday, the Bangkok Post will also have a special cover, an 8-page panorama special publication featuring photos of the royal ceremonies on Saturday. The panorama will be printed on bond paper and will accompany the regular Sunday edition. 

As well, the Bangkok Post and its sister newspaper, Post Today, will jointly produce a bilingual commemorative book. 

It will contain special features about the late princess, including a biography, photos and other content that will make it a collector's item. It will have full details of the royal cremation ceremony. The book will be available, at 120 baht a copy, at bookstalls tomorrow.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Market violence]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-market-violence-en-1818.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-market-violence-en-1818.html</guid><pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[(BangkokPost.com)

A man on a motorcycle hurled a bomb into a group of vendors protesting against management at the Klong Toey market in central Bangkok early on Thursday morning, wounding 15, two of them critically.

Eyewitnesses reported a single man on a motorcycle threw the device from the Rama III bridge which passes and overlooks the market, said Klong Toey police officers. 

According to police, the incident took place before 2am, when the core leaders of the vendors got on the stage to demand the Port Authority of Thailand end its concession of managing the market by the company called Legal Professional Company Limited. 

The vendors were disgruntled by efforts to evict many of the current sellers at the market, the largest outdoor or "wet market" in Bangkok. 

On Tuesday night, more than 10 men reportedly invaded the market and fired several gun shots into the sky to threaten the vendors. 

Legal Co took over the lease to run the the market late last month from state-owned Port Authority of Thailand (PAT), which owns the land for the market and operates the next-door port on the Chao Phraya River. 

The former lessors, consisting of three companies, have refused to vacate the market, and virtually all the roughly 1,000 market vendors have continued to pay them the rent. 

Legal Professional is headed by Thamanat Pompao, a former army officer. Vendors claim he has a shady background and connections with organised crime in the market area. 

The protests were halted on Thursday for the royal cremation, but are due to resume again next Tuesday, and violence is possible.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Car bomb hits officials in deep South]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-car-bomb-hits-officials-in-deep-south-en-1811.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-car-bomb-hits-officials-in-deep-south-en-1811.html</guid><pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[By The Nation
Narathiwat
Published on November 5, 2008

Suspected insurgents, blending in with some 300 village headmen and officials, set off a car bomb near the venue of a monthly meeting in Sukhirin district yesterday. 

Seventy people were hurt in an attack police said was meant to inflict maximum damage.

At least 12 of the victims were in critical condition. A woman had been reported as dying from the explosion, but authorities said she was still fighting for her life at Sukhirin Hospital.

The homemade explosive was packed inside a fire extinguisher weighing about 50 kilograms and placed inside a sedan parked alongside the personal vehicles of officials attending the meeting.

Minutes later, a second bomb tied to a motorbike was detonated near a teashop. A third blast was heard soon after, but it was an exploding tyre, not a bomb. 

Vice governor Niphan Naraphitakkul said the first bomb was aimed at some 300 officials as they were walking to their vehicles. 

The victims were taken to hospitals in Sungai Kolok and Sukhirin, with about 30 in serious condition, a hospital source said.

Sukhirin chief Worachet Promopart said violent incidents were rare in his district, compared to other areas in the Muslimmajority border area.

"We had received briefings from intelligence officials warning about attacks on government installations in Muang district but they said nothฌing about Sukirin," he said.

Human Rights Watch's Sunai Phasuk said the fact that insurgents employed powerful explosions to take out relatively lowprofile targets in a district that is quite remote suggests a titfortat between the local militant cell and security officials in the area.

"It was in response to something specific," he said. "If anything, this was a strong statement to the security apparatus."

Assoc Professor Srisompob Jitpiromya, director of the Deep South Watch centre at the Prince of Songkhla University Pattani, said that since January 2004, this wave of insurgency attacks  had left 3,200 dead and 5,226 injured in the Malayspeaking southernmost provinces. 

He said the government had become complacent over this past year as rebel attacks became more intermittent. However, the level of uncertainty and insecurity was still very high.

"The problem with the government is that it doesn't treat the insurgency in the deep South as a conflict but as an issue of law and order that can be handled by the military alone," he said. ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[If politics is an art of compromise - use it!]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-if-politics-is-an-art-of-compromise-use-it-en-1810.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-if-politics-is-an-art-of-compromise-use-it-en-1810.html</guid><pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[By Pana Janviroj
The Nation
Published on November 5, 2008

There is an old Thai saying about an elephant blocking a wisp of hair from view. This is about a solution that sometimes is overlooked. People say Thai politics is complex and difficult to unwind - especially the current standoff between the pro- and anti-Thaksin factions. But it is a solution within grasp but blurred by the complexity of events and personalities - which are themselves obstacles rather than solutions. 

What is at stake - and despite what both sides are saying - is not whether democracy is here to stay in Thailand or not. But rather it is about how to make politics work in order to have a robust democracy. 

Politics is the essential mechanism of democracy. Politics is an art of compromise and sharing of group interests under the rule of law. Governments or anti-government movements come and go as compromises are made. But in the current crisis, this mechanism has been rendered obsolete. The blame rests with ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, the military establishment and certain restrictions under the 1997 Constitution. 

Prior to the 2006 coup, Thaksin had at least four opportunities to resign or dissolve the House. He didn't act on them. But the prerogative to change the government did not lie with just one man. Change could also have come about if the coalition parties had pulled out of the government. But they couldn't because MPs were locked under the 1997 Constitution, barring them from switching parties under the 90-day rule. The deadlock in September 2006 led to a coup, which the military and many others hoped would help to unlock the deadlock. 

Well, it didn't because of gross incompetence, a lack of vision and scant attention paid to the understanding of the political process. The military and the drafters of the 2007 charter concentrated on trying to clean up politics and politicians and in bringing clarity to the conflict-of-interest agenda for public office holders. What they forgot to do and did not think of was to unshackle the democratic mechanism to allow for a smooth democratic process including an easy transition of governments - when there is a political dead-end. 

In its place has come the unsavoury People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), two successive nominee governments, military influence in politics, and the exercise of a one-man one-vote as an absolute political justification over minority interest. But these are symptoms of factional politics or at best, they further complicate the situation prevailing at the moment. 

Again, normal democracy is prevented from taking its natural course. If politics is an art of compromise, the situation calls for a House dissolution at best once again. But this has not happened - why? The Somchai government is refusing to shuffle its cards to protect the interest of the ex-premier. Other coalition partners are understood to be fed up with the deadlock but can't act. This time, it has less to do with the 90-day rule but rather the threat of their party's dissolution as punishment for election fraud. 

Factional leaders including the military have talked about allowing politics to resolve itself but they have not followed through. PAD's new politics is a Trojan Horse and so too is Thaksin's drum-up about Thai democracy, which fires the imagination of the foreign press and the international community. 

So, what's to be done? It can well start with what suppressed factions within the ruling People Power Party and the coalition parties want - including giving the opposition Democrat Party a role to play. Like many, the Democrats have become obsessed with Thaksin issues rather than trying to see through the political system that allows room for the democratic process to move the system and players forward. Here, can the Democrat Party support the eventual constitutional amendment to aid, say, the Chart Thai Party? Can they all sink their mutual interests into a solution that can break the political impasse? 

Can the Democrat Party appear credible enough to other political parties and some factions of the People Power Party to see through the interests of MPs? Politicians are a peculiar animal - whose foes can become friends at odd times! Political old hands from the Democrat, Chart Thai and Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana parties as well as Newin friends can see through what Thaksin is after - and make accommodations where long-term national interest is served! 

Another point to ponder is a spin on the judiciary and legal decisions involving Thaksin. His cases are mainly associated with a conflict of interest - a subject quite new to most Thais. 

Thaksin's best hope of reversing these cases against him is something not without precedent in world politics. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi dominated his political agenda with his personal and corporate interests. His government had been rushing through an immunity bill and other ad personam measures to protect himself against prosecution. The Italian prime minister, however, has no such staunch opposition like the Thai PAD. 

Again, this is a game in which the Democrat Party and MPs from other parties can have a say. A political compromise is not an end in itself but a means to an end. 

Opponents of Thaksin and his nominee government may have succeeded in creating wishful thinking but the country is counting the cost of this illusive victory. 

The real victory lies with the judicial ruling, but don't confuse this with a political victory. Here, PAD, the military and others have adopted erroneous strategies, which play into Thaksin's hands. 

They are no match against the marketing and PR skills of the former Thai prime minister. And the battle is not won on public sentiment on a day-to-day basis but on seeing through democratic mechanisms and principles that have their own natural course. Thaksin was the prime example of failing to see this through but other politicians should not be held hostage to this narrow vision. 

Simple as a strand of hair being blocked by an elephant!]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[PAD may consider peace talks]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-pad-may-consider-peace-talks-en-1809.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-pad-may-consider-peace-talks-en-1809.html</guid><pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[By THE NATION
Published on November 5, 2008

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) yesterday insisted that only the group and the government should be involved in any dialogue to end the ongoing political conflict. 

However, key PAD leader Chamlong Srimuang said they would consider a mediator that is acceptable to both sides.

"The government should send an authorised person, not just anyone, to take part in the talks," Chamlong told reporters during a press conference at Government House.

The PAD and its supporters have occupied the compound for more than two months, forcing Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, his deputies and the PM's Office Ministers to set up office at the Don Mueang Airport. 

Chamlong said yesterday that he was not against the efforts made by groups like the King Prajadhipok Institute to initiate peace discussions.

He also said the PAD would temporarily remove its blockades on Rajdamnoen Avenue during the royal funeral of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana between November 14 and 19.

"We will open the blockades only when necessary. We are more concerned about the safety of our people," Chamlong said, adding that recently there have been more attacks against the PAD.

The latest attack occurred early yesterday when a hand grenade was thrown onto Orathai Bridge, near the PAD protest site at Government House. There were no reports of injuries.

Police Colonel Vibulyuth Santadvej, superintendent of the Nang Lerng police station, said investigators were questioning PAD guards and soldiers stationed near the explosion site.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Americans, Brazilians top seeds in Phuket]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-americans-brazilians-top-seeds-in-phuket-en-1808.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-americans-brazilians-top-seeds-in-phuket-en-1808.html</guid><pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[TOR CHITTINAND

The 3rd Phuket Beach Volleyball Thailand Open will be held on Karon Beach, Phuket commencing tomorrow, It is the penultimate stop on the Swatch-FIVB Women's Beach Volleyball World Tour. 

The top four seeded teams in the main draw are the US pairings of April Ross and Jennifer Boss, Nicole Branagh and Tyra Turner who occupy the tournament no.1 and no.2 slots. The 3rd and 4th seeded teams are the Brazilians, Maria Clara and Carol, and Antonelli and Leao. 

A total of 20 countries will be representing in the main draw including: Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and the USA. 

Thailand as the host has three teams in the main draw, Jarunee Sannok and Usa Tenpaksee, Kamolthip Kulna and Yupa Phokongploy and Kasinee Godtalang and Supunee Doksuntia. 

An additional 2 teams, Manerat Udomchavee and Julaluk Radarong and Aunchalee Yunsuwan and Orradee Phupanee will participate in the qualifying rounds. 

Admission to the tournament is free. 

For further information, please contact Pentangle Promotions Co., Ltd; Tel , Fax:  or e-mail ppc]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rice plan goes to cabinet today]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-rice-plan-goes-to-cabinet-today-en-1807.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-rice-plan-goes-to-cabinet-today-en-1807.html</guid><pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[WICHIT CHANTANUSORNSIRI and PHUSADEE ARUNMAS

The Finance Ministry's plan to propose 110 billion baht for rice mortgage programmes is scheduled to go before the cabinet for approval today.The pledging programmes will be administered by the state-owned Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operatives (BAAC) with loans from Krung Thai Bank, the Government Savings Bank, Siam City Bank and TMB Bank backed by the ministry. 

The suggested interest rate is the minimum lending rate (MLR) minus two percentage points. The final rate has not yet been decided, but will probably be based on that of Krung Thai Bank. 

This is the first time in the history of the rice-buying scheme that state banks will finance the plan instead of the BAAC. This is partially because the government has obligations of 40 billion baht outstanding to the BAAC due to delays in repayments, affecting the state bank's ability to support lending to farmers and rural communities under other development programmes. 

In the past, the BAAC financed the upfront costs and sought reimbursement later from the government, which settled its obligations using revenues gained from the sale of government rice stocks accumulated from the mortgage programme. 

Deputy Finance Minister Pradit Phataraprasit said the pledging programme needs to proceed despite losses over the last three to five years, as farmers are the key food and energy crop producers and play a key part in the country's economic system. 

Of the planned budget of 110 billion baht, 97 billion would be allocated to buy 8.5 million tonnes of paddy from the main 2008-09 crop, with the remaining budget slated to pledge corn and cassava. 

Krung Thai Bank president Apisak Tantivorawong said it would be held responsible for lending 40 billion baht, with 40 billion baht from the GSB, and 15 billion each from TMB and SCIB. 

GSB president Lersuk Chuladesa said the bank is ready to extend more loans to the pledging schemes if it is solicited by the government. 

The bank would move investments in the capital market worth a total of 240 billion baht. 

The GSB invested its excess liquidity in the repurchase market, which offers interest rates of only 3.75%, much lower than those of the pledging programme, he said. 

According to Mr Pradit, the government expects to sell its existing rice stocks as soon as possible to repay debts. Since 2006, the government accumulated 4.3 million tonnes of milled rice through intervention schemes. 

The government will focus on selling 3.1 million tonnes from state stockpiles, 2.1 million tonnes of milled rice from old stock and another one million from new rice the government recently bought from the second crop, said Commerce Minister Chaiya Sasomsab. The rice is slated for export. 

Rice exporters will be asked tomorrow to propose directly to the ministry their volumes and prices. 

Chookiat Ophaswongse, the president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said the purchase proposals by exporters were likely to be small, such as 100,000 tonnes, because the government's conditions for the rice sales call for each exporter to retain purchase prices for 30 days, making them highly subject to price fluctuation risks. 

Normally, exporters take only two to three days to settle prices through the bidding process. 

Mr Pradit said the government's buying scheme would target small-scale farmers and the budget would cap payouts at 500,000 baht per farmer. 

Pongpanu Svetarunda, the director-general of the ministry's Public Debt Management Office, said the financing scheme will be immediately booked as public debt. 

At the end of August this year, the country carried public debt totalling 3.4 trillion baht, representing 35.5% of gross domestic product (GDP).]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Critics in green]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-critics-in-green-en-1806.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-critics-in-green-en-1806.html</guid><pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[By Wassana Nanuam and Manop Thip-Osod

The military top brass declared the Thaksin speech at the Rajamangala Stadium rally "out of bounds" because the fugitive former prime minister appeared to put pressure on His Majesty the King.

The remarks, made during a 10-minute phone-in on Saturday, were the centre of Monday's meeting of the armed forces leaders, the supreme commander and the defence permanent secretary. 

According to a highly-placed military source, Thaksin's speech was "out of bounds" and appeared to put pressure on His Majesty the King. 

In one of the most controversial parts of his speech, Thaksin told his supporters at the rally that nothing could bring him home apart from royal clemency or the power of the people. 

"[Thaksin's remarks] have involved His Majesty in politics. His comments are out of bounds. He was talking about royal clemency in spite of a guilty verdict by the court," said the source. 

The military leaders would coordinate with the Lawyers Council in carefully examining Thaksin's remarks for lese majeste, said the source. 

They also believed Thaksin was likely to make similar comments again. 

The source said the top brass were concerned Thaksin's remarks will be used to incite his supporters to campaign against the two-year jail sentence in the Ratchadapisek land case given him by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions. 

Defence permanent secretary Gen Apichart Penkitti said Thaksin's speech troubled military leaders. 

"To us, Thaksin's remarks bring discomfort to His Majesty the King. He should not have involved His Majesty,"," Gen Apichart said. 

Opposition and Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva called on Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to block the planned broadcast of Thaksin's Saturday night speech on the Kwam Jing Wan Nee (Truth Today) political talk show on the state-run NBT channel. 

Mr Abhisit said Thaksin's speech was widely seen as highly controversial and could be insulting to the judiciary and the monarchy. 

He said broadcasting it would show the government's insincerity about solving the political stalemate and its willingness to be Thaksin's mouthpiece.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Triple blast]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-triple-blast-en-1805.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-triple-blast-en-1805.html</guid><pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[(BangkokPost.com)

Three bombs apparently set on motorcycles by southern insurgents killed a woman and wounded at least 71 passersby in Sukhirin district of Narathiwat on Tuesday, police said.

Police said the first two bombs went off almost together around 11:15am on the edge of a parking lot near the entrance to the district office, where village leaders from the area were holding an outdoor meeting. 

The third went off a few minutes later near a tea shop. 

Wounded people were rushed to Sukhirin and Sungai Kolok hospitals. Mobile phone access to the area was cut to try to prevent more explosions, adding to the chaos. 

Initial reports by hospital officials said a woman was killed in one of the blasts. At least 30 of the 71 wounded were taken to hospital with serious injuries. 

Military officials said they had received reports of a bomb and explosives disposal teams tried to rush to the scene. 

"But as they were closing the area, the bomb exploded and many bystanders were also injured," said an officer. 

The bombs were the latest incidents in a sudden upsurge of violence as students returned to school after the autumn harvest break. 

An army spokesman said security personnel also found a 5kg bomb in next-door Rueso district, also in Narathiwat, but it did not explode. On Monday, a roadside bomb targeting soldiers escorting teachers exploded but there was no casualty. 

Last week, Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat visited the South and commented that troubles in the region appeared to have eased. 

On Monday night a 47-year-old religious teacher was shot dead in Narathiwat province, while a 41-year-old man was killed laterthe same night in a similar attack in nearby Pattani province, police said.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bird flu threat returns with cool weather]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-bird-flu-threat-returns-with-cool-weather-en-1803.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-bird-flu-threat-returns-with-cool-weather-en-1803.html</guid><pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[By The Nation
Published on November 3, 2008

No local cases yet but public health on alert 

With the transition from the rainy season to winter fast approaching, authorities are taking precautions against the reemergence of human bird flu cases.

"Even though no one's been infected with the H5N1 virus during the past two years, we have to be on alert for an outbreak because the cool weather provides a good environment for the virus," Public Health Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung said yesterday.

As a preventive measure, he has ordered all provincial public health offices and 800,000 health volunteers to monitor for avian flu and flu infections in humans especially in the provinces where the virus appears frequently, such as the lower North.

The health ministry wants local public health offices to check closely anyone with bird flulike symptoms such as pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. 

Chalerm said the bird flu virus had spread among poultry in these areas. 

"If any suspicious symptoms are found, people will also be sent to the hospital immediately," he said.

Villagers should avoid cooking food using chickens or ducks that have died suspiciously, he said. 

Any such poultry should be incinerated to minimise the risk of the H5N1 virus reaching other areas, he said.

Permanent secretary Prat Boonyawongvirot said the ministry is preparing medical treatment and medicine to provide to any patients catching bird flu. 

The ministry has established a sterile room in all hospitals to provide emergency medical care, especially the antiviral drug Oseltamivir, to flu victims.

Dr Somchai Chakkrabhand, directorgeneral of the Disease Control Department, said his agency has been on the lookout for signs of the bird flu virus since January. So far, it has not found any bird flu cases in humans. The department has found only 873 patients who had come down with seasonal flu and were admitted in institutions across country.

However, according to World Health Organisation records since earlier this year, bird flu virus has become endemic in five countries - China, Egypt, Indonesia, Vietnam and Bangladesh. About 36 patients from these countries are suffering from the H5N1 strain, and 28 people have died. 

Indonesia is the worst hit country with 20 patients showing bird flu symptoms and 17 deaths, followed by Egypt with seven patients and three deaths, then Vietnam with five patients and five deaths.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Somchai to Vientiane to introduce himself]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-somchai-to-vientiane-to-introduce-himself-en-1802.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-somchai-to-vientiane-to-introduce-himself-en-1802.html</guid><pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[By The Nation

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat he plans to address the issue displaced Hmong from Laos residing in Thailand will be on the agenda of discussion with his Laos counterparts during his vist.

Speaking to reporters just before he departed Bangkok for Vientiane as part of a customary visit to Asean countries for newly appointed leaders in the Southeast Asia region, Somchai said he was prepared to discuss the issue if his Laos counterpart raises it.

Lao Hmong residing without legal or official status in Thailand has long been a thorn in the side of relations between the neighbours. 

While most are deemed economic refugees, a significant numbers are members or relatives of Hmong rebels engaging in a guerrilla warfare against the Lao government deep in the jungle. The Vientiane government continues to dismiss the presence of the rebels in spite of independent confirmation from international media and human rights organisations.

"The visit to Laos is to introduce myself, as Thailand has a new government. We will reaffirm to Laos that we maintain the same policies," Somchai told reporters just before he deaparted Bangkok for Vientiane on Monday morning.

Somchai, who became Thailand's premier in September, has postpone trips abroad to tend to political crisis inside Thailand.

During his one-day visit, Somchai is due to meet his counterpart Bouasone Bouphavanh and President Choummaly Sayasone.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[October inflation down to 3.9% on weaker oil prices]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-october-inflation-down-to-3-9-on-weaker-oil-prices-en-1801.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-october-inflation-down-to-3-9-on-weaker-oil-prices-en-1801.html</guid><pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[By The Nation

Thailand's inflation was down to 3.9 per cent in October, a sharp drop from 6 per cent in the previous month, thanks to the weakening oil prices, according to the Commerce Ministry. 

Commerce Permanent Secretary Siripol Yodmuangcharoen said at a press conference on Monday that in the month, core inflation, exclusive of volatile food and energy prices, stayed at 2.4 per cent. The annualised core inflation is also chopped from 3.5 per cent to 2.2-2.7 per cent. 

The decline in oil prices also encouraged the ministry to revise down the annualised inflation from 6.5-6.9 per cent, to 5.9 to 6.3 per cent.

"The lower inflation is contributed largely by the decline in oil prices. We also foresee a continued drop in product prices," Siripol said.

In the first 10 months, inflation grew 6.3 per cent from the same period last year.

Oil prices have weakened to about US$60 a barrel, down about 50 per cent from its peak in July. ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[School's first day greeted with bombing]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-school-s-first-day-greeted-with-bombing-en-1800.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-school-s-first-day-greeted-with-bombing-en-1800.html</guid><pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[By The Nation 
Narathiwat

Thailand's deep South's first day of public school's second semester was greeted with a roadside bomb that was targeting security details for teachers.

In Narthiwat's Bacho district, a roadside bomb aimed at eight-man security details securing a rural road leading to a local public school. No injuries were reported. 

Authorities immediately unleashed 80-strong personnel to conduct a mop up operation but came out with no information leading to the attackers.

Sanugan Inthrak, chairman of Federation of Narathiwat Teachers said he was satisfied with the overall level of security provided to the teachers.

In Srisakorn district of the same province, Che-mamah Che, 66, the owner of a local teashop, was shot dead in front of about five customers. His body was riddled with four bullets from a gunman who was riding pillion on a motorbike and fired at close range.

In Yala's Than To district, a combined forces of about 50 security personnel cut off villagers in this highly contested district to carry out what appeared to be a blind sweep. Two men were taken in for questioning from the operation. 

Authority said Doramae Donu, 24, had .357 handgun in his resident. It was not clear if the gun was registered and some electrical wires that could be use in roadside bombing operation.

Than To's district chief, Surachai Wongsupalak, said Doramae will be detained under the emergency law that permits detention without trial.

Surachai said two other suspects residing in the area had fled as the villages were being surrounded.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pro-Thaksin people seizes Thai PBS station in Chiang Mai]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-pro-thaksin-people-seizes-thai-pbs-station-in-chiang-mai-en-1799.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-pro-thaksin-people-seizes-thai-pbs-station-in-chiang-mai-en-1799.html</guid><pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[By The Nation

A group of over 100 red-shirt members of the pro-government camp yesterday laid siege to the Chiang Mai office of Thai Public Broadcasting Service (TPBS).

They demanded an apology from Thepchai Yong, the TPBS director, after the TV station reported that some government supporters were paid to join the Nov 1 rally in Bangkok's Rajamangkala stadium.

Petchawat Wattanapongsirikul, head of the pro-government "Love Chiang Mai" group, said group members were upset and would not leave the station's Chaing Mai branch until they got the apology from the TPBS director.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Eggs sold in markets safe from melamine]]></title><link>http://www.movethailand.com/news-eggs-sold-in-markets-safe-from-melamine-en-1797.html</link><guid>http://www.movethailand.com/news-eggs-sold-in-markets-safe-from-melamine-en-1797.html</guid><pubDate>Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><description><![CDATA[APIRADEE TREERUTKUARKUL

Eggs sold in local markets should be safe for consumption after laboratory tests on seven products from three major egg producers found no melamine contamination, Vicharn Meenchainan, the deputy Public Health Minister, said yesterday. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) collected eggs for tests after Hong Kong authorities detected melamine in chicken eggs, which led to a panic among consumers. 

To allay Thai consumers' fears, the FDA conducted tests on seven egg items sold in local markets. The test results showed the products were melamine-free. 

"Consumers should be confident that eggs from local farms are safe to eat. The test results should also help boost Thailand's egg exports," said the deputy minister. 

FDA secretary-general Pipat Yingseree said his agency would continue to test varieties of food products to ensure they are free from the chemical. 

The agency had so far completed melamine tests on a total of 962 products and ordered nine items testing positive off the shelves.Dr Pipat said the FDA would meet with dairy manufacturers to seek solutions to melamine contamination in baby milk formula. 

The move came after the FDA this week found Nestle infant formula lot 10-3-10937-1-0221, with an expiration date of Aug 15, 2009, was tainted with melamine. 

Authorities had not banned the product lot for sale because the melamine level did not exceed the safety limit. 

"Although the level of contamination in infant milk powder is safe, it depends on the manufacturer's responsibility to its customers," he said. ]]></description></item></channel></rss>