TeakDoor.com - The Thailand Forum - Thailand and Asia News http://teakdoor.com en Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:54:44 GMT vBulletin 60 http://teakdoor.com/images/td_default/misc/rss.jpg TeakDoor.com - The Thailand Forum - Thailand and Asia News http://teakdoor.com Thai PM affirms Chiang Mai visit amid security concern http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60543-thai-pm-affirms-chiang-mai-visit.html Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:21:51 GMT *Thai PM affirms Chiang Mai visit amid security concern ...]]> Thai PM affirms Chiang Mai visit amid security concern
Editor: Lin Zhi

BANGKOK, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Sunday affirmed his plan to visit north province of Chiang Mai next weekend while the ruling Democrat Party is planning to propose the government to impose security law in the province.

The prime minister said during his weekly TV broadcast that he will attend the annual Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce meeting next Sunday to restore the confidence of investors.

He hoped that the event will bring about reconciliation because he believed people in Chiang Mai want to forget about the past political violence.

On Sunday, the Democrat Party said it will ask the cabinet to consider enforcing the Internal Security Act in Chiang Mai when the premier's visit to the province.

Party spokesman Buranat Samutharak said that the Democrat Partywas concerned that the anti-government red-shirted rallies could turn violent.

Earlier, a community radio station of the anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) made a joke that the red-shirts protesters may have a plan to assassinate Abhisit during his visit.

Buranat said there should be preventive measures against potential attacks on the prime minister, confrontations between demonstrators and security officers, certain media's move to urge people to gather in rallies and provoke violence, and activities aimed at creating fear and unrest.

However, the opposition Puea Thai has expressed opposition to the possible imposition of security law.

news.xinhuanet.com


one things for sure , he ain't going to be lonely .............:mid:


. ]]> Thailand and Asia News Mid http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60543-thai-pm-affirms-chiang-mai-visit.html <![CDATA[Malaysian activist's body exhumed for autopsy]]> http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60542-malaysian-activists-body-exhumed-for-autopsy.html Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:01:55 GMT Malaysian activist's body exhumed for autopsy
22 Nov 2009

KUALA LUMPUR: The body of a Malaysian opposition activist who died after being questioned by anti-graft officials was exhumed for a second autopsy Sunday after Thailand's top pathologist suggested the death appeared to be a homicide.

Teoh Beng Hock, an aide to an opposition legislator in central Selangor state, was found dead next to the office of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on July 16, a day after he was queried over alleged misuse of state funds by his boss.

Pathologists from first autopsy said he apparently jumped out of the 14th floor of the commission's office and landed nine floors below on the roof of an adjacent building.

The government launched an inquest into his death in August after thousands of opposition supporters staged rallies, accusing the commission of causing Teoh's death.

Commission officials denied responsibility saying Teoh died after being released.

Pornthip Rojanasunand, who heads the Thai Central Institute of Forensic Science, told the inquest last month she was 80 percent certain that Teoh's death was a homicide.

Her testimony contradicted evidence given by two Malaysian government pathologists, who claimed Teoh most likely committed suicide.

Gobind Singh Deo, a lawyer for Teoh's family, said his body was exhumed Saturday for a new autopsy.

"His body is still in good condition. With this second autopsy, the family hopes to unravel the truth and seek justice for Teoh," he told The Associated Press.

The autopsy will be conducted by the forensic head at a government hospital, assisted by Pornthip and five other doctors, including a British pathologist hired by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency and the two doctors who conducted the first autopsy, he said.

The findings may be presented at the inquest, which will resume Dec. 9, he added.

Pornthip, who gained prominence in her work to help identify the remains of Asian tsunami victims in 2004 and in the recent death of Hollywood star David Carradine in Bangkok, was requested as an expert witness by Teoh's family and the Selangor opposition-led administration.

Based on autopsy reports and photos, Pornthip said marks around Teoh's neck showed he may have been strangled.

A wound to Teoh's anus was caused by penetration from an object before his fall, she said.

A skull fracture also indicated he may have been bludgeoned, she added.

Accusations of police brutality against suspects during interrogations have been frequent, and some activists say this has extended to the anti-graft agency.

expressbuzz.com ]]> Thailand and Asia News Mid http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60542-malaysian-activists-body-exhumed-for-autopsy.html Pattaya: Another class tourist escapade http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60540-pattaya-another-class-tourist-escapade.html Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:26:53 GMT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbUv7q9eBLM]]> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbUv7q9eBLM ]]> Thailand and Asia News Fuzzy Bob http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60540-pattaya-another-class-tourist-escapade.html Bomb Severely Wounds Two Workers South Of Pattaya http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60518-bomb-severely-wounds-two-workers-south.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:37:31 GMT *BOMB SEVERELY WOUNDS TWO WORKERS SOUTH OF PATTAYA * Two young workers at a Condominium found a yellow flashlight on the ground in front of the...
BOMB SEVERELY WOUNDS TWO WORKERS SOUTH OF PATTAYA

Two young workers at a Condominium found a yellow flashlight on the ground in front of the building. When they switched it on, it exploded leaving one of the victims with his intestines ripped out, a broken arm and his genital organs crushed. The sales office has already been victim of a bomb attack on a previous occasion. Before the flashlight explosion, three cars were been seen turning around and have been identified as the same cars seen at the scene when the first bomb was placed.

Pattaya, - Saturday 21st November 2009, [PDN]: - Police Lieutenant General Phonkrit Chamsathian, (an investigator at the Na-Jomtien police Station), received a report through the radio from the Sawang Rodjanatham Foundation in Sattahip that an explosion occurred in front of the sales office of the Montrari Jomtien Beach View Condominiums. The report said that two people, identified as Mr. Phamon Phansamrod aged 32 (320 Moo 8, Nakhornrachasima) and Mr. Sodsai Phiasura, aged 26 (134 Moo 6, Mahasarakham), had just been severely injured. Mr. Phamon was the most severely injured with his right arm being partly ripped off, his intestines ripped out and his genital organs crushed. As for Mr. Sodsai, he suffered from minor injuries including cuts to his eyebrows cut and hearing difficulties.

The Police rushed to the scene to find one of the victims lying on the floor, growning and unclothed in front of the sales office of the Montrari Jomtien Beach View Condominiums. Mr. Michai Thaojaroen, who is the owner of the Thao Jaroen Development Co. Ltd. is also the foreman for the project, stated that the two victims were employed by his company as builders; - (The owner of the Condominiums is named Mr. Thawirat Phai-Anan, aged 33). Mr. Michai further said that an explosion previously occurred at the front of the sales office on the 13th of November 2009 at 05.00 hrs (5.00 am in the morning), but nobody was hurt.





Police interrogated Mr. Michai and he declared that these acts are personal threats, but he has never had problems with anyone. However, Mr. Thawirat, who is a close relative, has already had different altercations regarding the parking lot as the Condominiums are located in the middle of several well-known seafood restaurants, which use the space for the parking of their customers’ vehicles.





In the mean time, Mr. See Bantit aged 42, who is the security manager for the project, divulged that on the 13th of November 2009 at around 05.00, he saw that a silver car and one green car with license number 97 came into the complex and drove around the project three times. He further said that before the flashlight inccident, he saw the green car driving around in the village again.

Mr. Sodsai, who has been slightly injured, declared that this morning he left the workers’ camp in the company of Mr. Phamon in order to get a bag of ice. While walking they found a new yellow plastic flashlight and tried it to see if it worked and that is when the explosion occurred.

Pattaya Daily News

]]> Thailand and Asia News dirtydog http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60518-bomb-severely-wounds-two-workers-south.html Indian Divorce Tourism http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60511-indian-divorce-tourism.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:07:57 GMT I just read an article about Indian Divorce Tourism, in which Indian couples who are experiencing marital difficulties take a trip abroad,... I just read an article about Indian Divorce Tourism, in which Indian couples who are experiencing marital difficulties take a trip abroad, accompanied by a marriage counselor, to try to fix the marriage. Unfortunately, I am not yet worthy to post attachments on this forum, so I can't post the article. But I did think it rather amusing that the first group is heading off to Bangkok and then Pattaya for 'treatment'. Yep, that should fix things..........:smileylaughing: ]]> Thailand and Asia News Davis Knowlton http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60511-indian-divorce-tourism.html Abhisit gets radio death threats http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60490-abhisit-gets-radio-death-threats.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:21:54 GMT *Abhisit gets radio death threats* *Stations in Chiang Mai may be shut before visit * * Published: 21/11/2009 at 12:00 AM * Newspaper... Abhisit gets radio death threats

Stations in Chiang Mai may be shut before visit

  • Published: 21/11/2009 at 12:00 AM
  • Newspaper section: News
  • Bangkok Post



Community radio stations in Chiang Mai are being closely monitored and could face closure after reportedly threatening to kill Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva during his planned visit to the province next weekend.
PM's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey said authorities are keeping track of community radio broadcasts in Chiang Mai, which he said have repeatedly incited red shirt supporters to protest against Mr Abhisit's visit to the province on Nov 29 where he will attend a meeting of the chambers of commerce.
Some community radio stations are said to have threatened to kill Mr Abhisit in a bomb attack during his visit.
Mr Sathit said the PM's Office had sent warnings to the stations several times telling them to refrain from any unlawful activity.
"When there is clear evidence that they have violated criminal law and community radio regulations, the stations will be shut down and face legal action," he said.
The minister said he has instructed the authorities concerned to record the broadcasts of the anti-government community radio stations in question.
Mr Sathit said precautions are being taken because the prime minister is being targeted by some elements.
His comments came as Democrat MP for Bangkok Boonyod Sukthinthai lodged a complaint with Crime Suppression Division police against the host of a programme broadcast on FM 92.5 community radio in Chiang Mai.
The complaint demanded an investigation into Phetchawat Wattanapongsirikul, host of the Sapha Kafae (Coffee Council) programme, and his co-host, who was not identified.
Both were accused of encouraging their audience to come out to protest violently against Mr Abhisit.
Mr Boonyod also handed over audio clips of the programme broadcasts to the CSD for further investigation.
But Mr Abhisit yesterday said he would travel to Chiang Mai next weekend as planned. He expressed confidence in the security authorities.
"Nothing has changed yet because I have confidence in the authorities in charge of providing security," he said.
Extra-tight security is being planned. Twenty companies of police and another 20 companies of troops from the 3rd Army will be deployed during the prime minister's visit.
Mr Abhisit also warned the radio stations that they faced possible legal action for making death threats and told the authorities to keep a close watch on the stations' broadcasts.
Mr Abhisit will travel to Chiang Mai, the political stronghold of the opposition Puea Thai Party, to attend a seminar at the invitation of the Thai chambers of commerce around the country.
He will give a lecture to northern businessmen on economic affairs.
The prime minister warned Thaksin Shinawatra's supporters in Chiang Mai to stop their hostile action, saying they should work with the government to bring about peace and reconciliation in the province.
"Frankly speaking, Chiang Mai has lost a lot of opportunities because of political conflicts despite the fact that the government gives full backing to every area," he said.
Wittaya Krongsap, secretary-general of the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce, expressed concern that the event would be exploited by interest groups.
Mr Abhisit also said the cabinet would also consider whether to implement the Internal Security Act during the cabinet meeting on Tuesday to control a planned red shirt rally in Bangkok.
The pro-Thaksin United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship is calling a major rally on Nov 28 in Bangkok.
"The government cannot surrender (to the red shirt protesters), if they do anything illegal," Mr Abhisit said.
He asked the red shirts to stop their planned protest because he would not submit to their demands to dissolve the House and call a general election.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said the government needs to assess the situation before it decides whether to invoke the security law.
"We are considering invoking the security law because they say that they are going to bring down the government. I am still haunted by the Songkran riots," Mr Suthep said. ]]> Thailand and Asia News BKKBoet http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60490-abhisit-gets-radio-death-threats.html Supermodel Daul Kim found hanged after posting web messages http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60487-supermodel-daul-kim-found-hanged-after.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:09:25 GMT Supermodel Daul Kim found hanged after posting web messages Daul Kim, a South Korean supermodel who starred in a string of high-profile fashion... Supermodel Daul Kim found hanged after posting web messages
Daul Kim, a South Korean supermodel who starred in a string of high-profile fashion campaigns, has been found dead at her luxury flat in Paris.
http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/m...m_1527555c.jpg
By Henry Samuel in Paris
Published: 6:15PM GMT 20 Nov 20
Her death was discovered after she left a series of messages on a website saying she was "lonely" and "depressed".
Kim, 20, was a regular on catwalks in New York, Milan and Paris was found hanged in her city centre apartment by a friend, according to police.
She had modelled for leading designers, including Chanel, Dries van Noten and Alexander McQueen. Despite her professional success, she had hinted at her desire to end her life in her popular internet blog – a series of poems, photos and thoughts called "I like to Fork Myself".
On October 30, she sounded upbeat: "I left Seoul and I'm in Paris – I'm happy!" Her former home town had, she said, made her "mad, depressed and overworked".
The following day she wrote: "No more running away from something or someone or myself." But her thoughts had apparently darkened by November 5, when she wrote: "I already accepted that I relate to nothing. The more I gain the more lonely it is... I know I'm like a ghost."
And in a final comment on November 18, she posted an entry entitled "Say hi to forever" accompanied by a video of the song I Go Deep by British singer Jim Rivers.
One internet link redirects to a website on Joy Division, whose lead singer Ian Curtis hanged himself in 1980.
Raised in Seoul and Singapore, Kim modelled in Asia before making her fashion week debut in Paris in 2007. She most recently appeared during Seoul fashion week in October.
Known for her thick mane of hair, often blond, and her quirkiness, the 5ft 10in model was appreciated for her sense of style. She recently featured in a Topshop commercial for designer Christopher Kane.
Kim was also an accomplished painter and video filmmaker who had a solo show of her artwork in Seoul.
French commentators pointed to the parallels between her death and that of Lucy Gordon, 28, the British model-turned-actress who hanged herself in May. Like Gordon, who featured in Spider Man 3 and stars as Jane Birkin in an forthcoming film, she was found by a friend in a flat in the trendy 10th arrondissement of Paris.
Bloggers in South Korea mourned her death online with many speculating that she had succumbed to the pressure of high-fashion modelling and a loss of identity.
In one blog post she quotes the American philosopher and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson, whose ideas are "considered a reaction to a commercial identity; he calls for a return to individual identity".
Kim's mother was expected in Paris yesterday night.
South Korea, which has the highest suicide rate among the 30 nations in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, has had a string of high-profile suicides in recent months.
Roh Moo-hyun, the former President, jumped to his death in May while under investigation for corruption and the ex-chairman of South Korea's oldest conglomerate killed himself earlier this month. In 2008, Choi Jin-sil, one of the country's top actresses, committed suicide, shortly after a fellow actor did the same. One of South Korea's popular soap opera actresses also killed herself recently.view-source:Supermodel Daul Kim found hanged after posting web messages - Telegraph ]]> Thailand and Asia News crippen http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60487-supermodel-daul-kim-found-hanged-after.html Pattaya - Northern Irish Man arrested during drugs bust in Soi Kow Tha Low. http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60473-pattaya-northern-irish-man-arrested-during.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:12:21 GMT
Northern Irish Man arrested during drugs bust in Soi Kow Tha Low.


Pattaya, November 20 [PATTAYA ONE NEWS] : On Friday Morning at Banglamung Police Station, Police Major General Tanaert, Commander of Chonburi Provincial Police led a press conference to announce the arrest of 5 people including a man from Northern Ireland, caught ingesting class 1 and class 2 drugs in a house located at Egmongkol Village 2/1 in Soi Kow Tha Low. Police received a tip-off that the drug party was taking place and conducted a raid of the house. 100 Ecstasy Tablets, 107 packets of Crystal Methamphetamine and 5 bottles of Ketamine were seized in the operation. Khun Griengai aged 25, Khun Suwidar aged 36, Khun Apinyar aged 36, Khun Jatupon aged 36 and Mr. Phillip Smackels aged 26 from Northern Ireland were charged with a variety of class 1 and class 2 drug offences and will be held on remand pending a court appearance next week.

]]> Thailand and Asia News dirtydog http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60473-pattaya-northern-irish-man-arrested-during.html Pattaya - THREE OMANI NATIONALS DRUGGED AND ROBBED ON BUS FROM BANGKOK http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60472-pattaya-three-omani-nationals-drugged-robbed.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:07:50 GMT *THREE OMANI NATIONALS DRUGGED AND ROBBED ON BUS FROM BANGKOK* During a minibus ride from Bangkok to Pattaya a group of three Omani nationals...
THREE OMANI NATIONALS DRUGGED AND ROBBED ON BUS FROM BANGKOK

During a minibus ride from Bangkok to Pattaya a group of three Omani nationals have been drugged and subsequently robbed by 2 unknown men from Monaco.

Pattaya, the 20th of November 2009 [PDN]: In the early hours of Friday morning police Lieutenant General Phatsa Detphakkul (inspector with the Pattaya police) received a report that 3 Omani nationals were in need of assistance at the Maine Yensabai condominium complex, South Pattaya. A team of police officers and members from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation attended the scene.

When officers arrived at the scene they found the 3 foreign men asleep in their room. Upon further investigation one of the men, now known to be a Mr Zahran Saud Salim age 28 awoke in a somewhat dazed state. Mr Zahran explained to police that the other two men were his brothers, a Mr Bader Saud Salim age 40, and Mr Hamed Saud Salim age 32. He further informed police that he believed that they had been drugged by 2 men from Monaco with which they shared a minibus from Bangkok the previous night.





After a brief interview with the still dazed man, police were able to assertain that the trio had caught a minibus from the Nana Inn Hotel in Bangkok sharing the fair with a pair of men from Monaco who were unknown to the brothers. During the journey the bus made a stop at a food center on the motorway in order for the men to get something to eat. At this time the 2 men from Monaco allegedly went to purchase some burgers for them all to enjoy, which the Omani brothers assumed was just a kind gesture. After the meal was consumed the trip continued, at which time the 3 brothers fell asleep in the bus, only awakening when the bus stoped out the front of the Marine Yensabai Condo, which they had pre-booked from Bangkok. At the time the 3 men thought that nothing untoward had occurred and put their dazed states down to suffering from a dose of travel sickness.

Mr Zahran explained that when he and his brothers arrived in their room they decided to get some more sleep as they all were still feeling very tired. Mr Zahran was the first to awake at which time he started to unpack his bags, discovering that almost all their money, an amount nearing 63,000 baht and their 3 mobile phones had gone missing. Suspecting the 2 men that had accompanied them on the journey Mr Zahran went to talk with the driver of the minibus who explained that the 2 other men had been dropped off at the Central Pattaya intersection on Sukhumvit Road. The police were then called to the scene to investigate the situation further.





Police asked the officers from the Sawang Boriboon foundation that were at the scene to take the three men to the Banglamung Hospital were they could undergo a blood test and recover from their ordeal. Mr Zahran’s 2 brothers had still not awoken yet, which was also a cause for concern. It was later discovered that the 3 brothers had been drugged with sleeping pills possibly inserted into the burgers that they had consumed the night before.

Police will now wait for the three men to fully recover before further questioning them. They will also be asked to describe the appearance of the 2 men from Monaco so that police may get a sketch drawn up of their faces. In light of this recent criminal activity police are urging all tourists to be careful who they befriend and to watch over their possessions with extreme vigilance. Officers believe that this was not the first time that these men had performed such a trick and that they will most probably do it again.

Pattaya Daily News

]]> Thailand and Asia News dirtydog http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60472-pattaya-three-omani-nationals-drugged-robbed.html Phuket murder suspect collared in coffin shop http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60471-phuket-murder-suspect-collared-coffin-shop.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:04:38 GMT *Phuket murder suspect collared in coffin shop* ...
Phuket murder suspect collared in coffin shop

Mr Kiattisak arrives at Chalong Police Station last night after his capture in Chumphon earlier that day.
The suspect poses in a group photo with arresting officers, together with a small arsenal of weapons seized as evidence in the case.
CHALONG, PHUKET: Police yesterday morning arrested two suspects for the November 4 shooting murder of 38-year-old Weerathep Kamchan inside a flower shop on Chao Fa East Road.

Police initially suspected romantic jealousy as the motive for the murder, as the victim was known to be having a relationship with 36-year-old Boonruen Buasi, a married woman.

Mrs Boonruen, who was with the victim at the time of the shooting, immediately reported his murder to police.

Chalong Police Inspector Jarun Bangprasert said Boonruen’s husband, 36-year-old Kiattisak Buasi, was picked up at the ‘Mai Coffin Shop’ in Chumphon’s Muang District at around 7:30am yesterday.

About half an hour earlier, police had arrested his alleged accomplice, 27-year-old Weerawat Sonsuwan.

Mr Weerawat was apprehended as he was arriving to work at the nearby Chumphon Hospital.

Inside Mr Weerawat’s red Isuzu pickup police found four shotguns of various calibers, ammunition and five cellphones, Maj Jarun said.

The nature of his work at the hospital has not been reported.

Both men have already confessed to charges of conspiracy to commit murder.

Mr Weerawat has also been charged with two arms violations.

Police have not yet determined which man actually pulled the trigger.

The key piece of evidence leading to the arrest was CCTV surveillance footage of the two men passing though the Tah Chat Chai checkpoint about an hour after the shooting, Maj Jarun said.

Phuket Gazette

]]> Thailand and Asia News dirtydog http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60471-phuket-murder-suspect-collared-coffin-shop.html Thai PM: Thai-Cambodian relationship now stable http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60458-thai-pm-thai-cambodian-relationship-now.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:29:22 GMT *Thai PM: Thai-Cambodian relationship now stable ...]]> Thai PM: Thai-Cambodian relationship now stable
Editor: Xiong Tong

BANGKOK, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Thai-Cambodian relationship is currently stable and is not expected to deteriorate, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Friday.

Thailand and Cambodia have downgraded their diplomatic relations due to conflict over an appointment of Thaksin Shinawatra as an economic advisor to Cambodia's government and Prime Minister Hun Sen on Nov.4.

A day after the appointment of the ousted former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra, the Cambodian government announced recall of its ambassador to Thailand in a move to respond to the Thai government's recall of its ambassador to Cambodia.

"The Thai-Cambodian relationship is now stable," Thai News Agency quoted Abhisit as saying.

Also, both sides are ready to discuss as there will be a meeting of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), said Abhisit.

The JBC meeting will be co-chaired by Thai Defense Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan and Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Banh, he said.

Thaksin was ousted by the military coup in September 2006, in accusation of corruption, and has been kept in exile since then.

He returned to Thailand in February 2008 to face corruption charges, but he later fled into exile again and was convicted in absentia.

news.xinhuanet.com ]]> Thailand and Asia News Mid http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60458-thai-pm-thai-cambodian-relationship-now.html Penis Measuring Device To Fight HIV/AIDS In Thailand http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60457-penis-measuring-device-fight-hiv-aids.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:25:46 GMT *Penis Measuring Device To Fight HIV/AIDS In...]]> Penis Measuring Device To Fight HIV/AIDS In Thailand
November 20, 2009
D. Arul Rajoo

BANGKOK, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- Thai health authorities are introducing an official penis measuring device with the aim of advising condom users which size to wear for comfort and protection against sexual diseases.

The Nation daily, quoting Dr Somyos Kittimankhong of the Department of Disease Control's (DDC) anti-Aids division, said the disposable paper measuring tape would be launched under the the Public Health Ministry's "Condom for All" campaign.

"Men's instinctive concern over their penis size will soon be discussed more openly - or even boasted about - with the news that an official penis measuring device is being introduced to Thailand," the daily said.

According to Dr Somyos, the tape records widths of between 49 and 56 millimetres - covering the "Thai penis size standard", The campaign was launched following the rise in the number of gay men and sex workers contracting HIV.

The Government has alloacted 20 million baht (RM2 million) for a nationwide campaign to give away free condoms to gay men, and males and females aged 15 to 25, with a special focus on ensuring that people wear the right size protection.

"Larger size condoms can slip off or deaden the pleasure during sex, while smaller ones will cause discomfort to wearers. These factors dissuade people from using condoms - which encourages the spread of HIV/Aids," said Somyos.

He said making good fitting condoms available would be useful in dealing with the re-emerging HIV/Aids problem as well as promoting widespread practice of safe sex in the country.

The department's statistics showed that HIV infection rates among gay men who went for HIV/AIDS testing was 17 per cent in 2003, 28 per cent in 2005 and 32 percent in 2007, a rise that has prompted warnings of a second wave of HIV/Aids infection.

According to reports, one in four new HIV infections occur among men who have sex with men while new cases among married women in the country have increased by 30 percent to 40 percent.

The campaign, where more than 7,000 local authorities would be asked to participate in promoting the practice of safe sex and in distributing the free condoms, is aimed at cutting infection rates in half by 2011.

bernama.com ]]> Thailand and Asia News Mid http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60457-penis-measuring-device-fight-hiv-aids.html Burmese migrants to remit half of salaries http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60453-burmese-migrants-to-remit-half-salaries.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:45:28 GMT *Burmese migrants to remit half of salaries * Reporting by Aye Nai Nov 20,...]]> Burmese migrants to remit half of salaries
Reporting by Aye Nai

Nov 20, 2009 (DVB)–Burmese nationals working abroad have been instructed by the ruling junta to send up to 50 percent of their salary home in remittances, via a state-owned bank.

According to the new regulation, enforced by Burma’s labour ministry, those who earn less than $US200 per month working abroad are to send 30 percent of their salary back to Burma, while those earning above $US400 are to send 50 percent back.

The latest data available from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) shows that remittances to Burma in 2004 totaled $US81.3 million.

The announcement, made last week in several Burmese journals, said that the regulation will be enforced by government employees working abroad under departments such as the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation.

On top of this, all Burmese nationals working overseas are to pay 10 percent of their salary as tax to the Burmese embassy in their respective countries of employment.

The announcement follows the recent granting of temporary passports to Burmese working in Thailand, although it is not clear whether these will also be scrutinised under the new regulation.

A Burmese national working in Singapore said however that it would be impossible for migrant workers to follow the rule. “Some people have their whole family here; they have kids to send to school here and families to look after.

How would they be able to pay half of their salary?”

Another Singapore-based Burmese national said that the regulation could force people into adopting a new citizenship to avoid paying the fee, which “could lead educated citizens of Burma to become citizens of other countries”.

Critics of the idea claim that the regulation will bring more stable foreign currency to the state-owned bank, while those who receive the remittance will be given the unstable Burmese currency, which has recently appreciated.

Although the government puts the official exchange rate at six kyat to the United States’ dollar, the unofficial blackmarket rate is closer to 1000 kyat per US dollar.

The government has been accused in the past of using the irregularity between the official and unofficial exchange rate to hide income, particularly from sales of oil and gas.

Outrage at the apparent siphoning off by the government of aid funding to Burma following cyclone Nargis last year exposed levels of state corruption in the country, which were reinforced earlier this week by a Transparency International report which ranked Burma as the third most corrupt country in the world.

english.dvb.no ]]> Thailand and Asia News Mid http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60453-burmese-migrants-to-remit-half-salaries.html Thai factory worker kills Cambodian colleague with an axe http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60452-thai-factory-worker-kills-cambodian-colleague.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:38:34 GMT Thai factory worker kills Cambodian colleague with an axe
Nov 20, 2009

Bangkok - A Thai labourer allegedly killed a Cambodian co-worker with an axe early Friday after a heated and inebriated argument over the two countries' deteriorating diplomatic relations, police said.

Thai national Sinchai Namnon, 44, was the chief suspect in the slaying of Cambodian national Dieng, 40, who died shortly after midnight from a gash in the head and a nearly severed arm. Both injuries were inflicted with an axe.

The two men were employees at the Srimaharacha rubber processing company in Sri Racha, Chonburi province, 60 kilometres south-east of Bangkok.

'They were drinking together and got in an argument about the Thai engineer who was arrested on spying charges in Cambodia last week,' Police Lieutenant Colonel Praphan Wangkanom said.

Sinchai had fled the scene by the time police arrived.

'We are still investigating whether there were others involved in the attack,' Praphan told the German Press Agency dpa.

Thai engineer Sivarak Chutipong, an employee of the Cambodian Air Traffic Service (CATS), was arrested in in Phnom Penh on November 11.

The Cambodian government has accused Sivarak of passing on confidential information to the Thai embassy about the arrival of fugitive former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on November 10.

Sivarak's arrest was part of an escalating spat between the two neighbouring countries, triggered by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's decision to name Thaksin his personal adviser.

Thaksin, who was toppled in a 2006 coup, faces a two-year jail term in Thailand on an abuse-of-power charge and is the main political antagonist of the current Thai government.

Thailand recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh following the official announcement of Thaksin's appointment and called for a review of all aid and economic agreements with Cambodia.

Cambodia also recalled its ambassador and expelled Thailand's second secretary on charges of recruiting Sivarak.

The spat is likely to harm both countries' economies.

Cambodia is a major market for Thai exports, while Thailand is a major source of employment for Cambodian labourers.

According to a report released Friday by the International Organization for Migration, some 148,420 Cambodians had obtained permission for 'temporary stay' in Thailand as labourers as of early September.

Another 6,130 Cambodians have been granted work permits, allowing them to work in the country year round.

Cambodians account for about 10 per cent of the one million-plus migrants working legally in Thailand. Thousands more work illegally in the kingdom.

monstersandcritics.com
]]> Thailand and Asia News Mid http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60452-thai-factory-worker-kills-cambodian-colleague.html <![CDATA[Govt safe as Suthep charms 'Tiger Warriors of the East']]> http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60451-govt-safe-suthep-charms-tiger-warriors.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:25:30 GMT FROM THE BARRACKS

Govt safe as Suthep charms 'Tiger Warriors of the East'
  • Published: 19/11/2009 at 12:00 AM
  • Newspaper section: News

Deputy PM in charge of security, Suthep Thaugsuban, is flanked at a press conference by deputy army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha (left) and army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda.

The country's most powerful security figures dine together and look out for each other. Their story of an extraordinary friendship is full of intrigue, betrayal, plots and counter-plots to fend off an enemy far away.

As the top security supervisor, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban is naturally drawn into the circle of Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda and deputy army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha.

But the closeness of their relationship is far from coincidental. Gen Prawit is the "big brother" to Gen Anupong and Gen Prayuth who all fought side by side during their younger years in the 2nd Infantry Division in Sa Kaeo on the Thai-Cambodian border.

In those days, the three men were among the "Tiger Warriors of the East," the code-name assigned to them by the division.

They rose through their ranks in the division which also oversees the Queen's Guard unit. The three generals' fraternal bonds grew stronger during the time when they served in the 21st Infantry Regiment, Queen's Guard in Chon Buri. Their steadfast loyalty to the monarchy has been the reason they came to be known as 'The Queen's Musketeers."

Now that the three men have been elevated to the highest positions at the control of the national security wheel at the same time, many have called this the "golden era" of the "Tiger Warriors of the East."

The opportunity has arrived for Mr Suthep to manufacture amicability and forge ties with the generals as he seeks a solid military cushion for the government.

Mr Suthep has calculated that he should have no problem blending in with the generals because he and they are up against a common enemy: convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Thaksin, who is refusing to serve a two-year jail term in the Ratchadapisek land case, is alleged to be the money and the brains behind the drive for the government's downfall.

Mr Suthep's friendship does not stop with Gen Prawit, it goes beyond mere acquaintance with both Gen Anupong and Gen Prayuth.

The deputy prime minister wants to ensure his hand of friendship extends to Gen Prayuth, who is touted as the army chief-in-waiting. Gen Prayuth is also a staunch royalist who is said to be rather put off by the sight of red, the theme colour of the pro-Thaksin movement.

Mr Suthep and the three generals have more than a common enemy. In fact, they were brought together by a common goal of forming the current government in December last year when the "Friends of Newin" politicians broke ranks with the now-defunct People Power Party and switched sides to align themselves with the Democrat Party.



Mr Suthep discusses a point with Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon

The government is built on the support of the Friends of Newin, mentored by the politically-banned politician Newin Chidchob, and smaller parties.

The tie-up was discussed under the roof of Gen Prawit's residence inside the compound of the 1st Infantry Regiment, Royal Guard, on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road.

That occasion gave Mr Suthep a lot to smile about and so it was high time that he began cultivating an alliance with the three generals.

In the midst of intense speculation about the cabinet portfolios, Mr Suthep arrived at Gen Prawit's residence with a large bouquet of roses, to formally invite the general to be the defence minister.

Back at Government House, there was much scepticism about Mr Suthep's suitability to take charge of national security, given his lack of experience in security management.

It was explained that Mr Suthep was suitable for the job of liaising and providing a dialogue with the military leaders.

Mr Suthep has obviously set his sights higher than mere liaising, however. He appears to be happily playing buddy with the generals, as he always makes time, despite his tight schedule, to have lunch with Gen Anupong at the army headquarters at least once or twice a week. Gen Prayuth is always at the table where Mr Suthep solicits the generals' opinions on important affairs of state.

Mr Suthep has been a regular visitor to army headquarters. If he is not available for lunch, then he meets the generals over afternoon coffee.

The deputy prime minister is also a regular guest at Gen Prawit's residence where he, Gen Anupong and Gen Prayuth meet for lunch or dinner every week. Often when Gen Prawit slips into his study, Mr Suthep follows him and they wind down with light-hearted banter.

Backing from the military top brass has been crucial for the government, especially during the current diplomatic spat with Cambodia. Mr Suthep has reportedly been in talks more regularly with the generals, with whom he has closely confided and discussed counter-strategies.

Mr Suthep is rarely far from Gen Anupong and Gen Prayuth, who frequently accompany the deputy prime minister on visits to the far South. Gen Prawit also goes on the trips as well, though less frequently than the army chief and his deputy.

It has been observed in jest that Gen Anupong and Gen Prayuth are so often seen standing behind Mr Suthep that they have turned into "wall paper" providing a human backdrop for the deputy prime minister.

His close association with the generals has led to Mr Suthep being described as a mouthpiece of the armed forces. He has indeed spoken with rather realistic understanding of the military's needs.

The ties between Gen Prawit and the government, through Mr Suthep, were put to the test when the defence minister was accused of "having something to do" with the shooting of People's Alliance for Democracy co-leader Sondhi Limthongkul.

Relations were further strained after the National Anti-Corruption Commission found Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwon, Gen Prawit's brother, guilty of involvement in the crackdown on PAD demonstrators on Oct 7 last year.

Pol Gen Patcharawat was dismissed retroactively for his role in the crackdown which had left two dead and hundreds of others wounded.

Reports also emerged of the government-leaning PAD pushing for Gen Prawit to be replaced by the hawkish former assistant army chief Gen Saprang Kalayanamitr.

Mr Suthep rushed to clear the air with Gen Prawit and requested that he be patient for the sake of the country. His words were able to soothe Gen Prawit's displeasure with the government.

Mr Suthep has helped narrow the perceived distance between Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and the armed forces. He was reported to have negotiated with Mr Abhisit on the force's behalf over the military procurement budget.

Insiders agree Mr Suthep is the glue that binds the government and the armed forces together.

The alliance functions on the basis of reciprocity and so is likely to carry on at least for as long as the government remains in power.

A change of government, possibly seeing Puea Thai Party swinging back into power, would bode ill for the chances of Gen Prayuth succeeding Gen Anupong.

A source close to Gen Prawit said the defence minister continues to overlook any problems and sticks by the government. He continues to support the government so that at least it lasts until the military reshuffle in September next year, which would guarantee that Gen Prayuth takes over the army's top position from Gen Anupong.

Mr Suthep, who chairs the Police Commission, has finalised the shake-up of senior police posts including the appointment of Pol Lt Gen Santan Chayanont as the new Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner.

The appointment is said to have been made at the request of Gen Prayuth, who was Pol Lt Gen Santan's classmate in the armed forces academy. With Pol Lt Gen Santan heading the bureau, the city police and the military are in for smoother coordination in handling anti-government protests in Bangkok.

Mr Suthep, meanwhile, has maintained that the police reshuffle has been "free of connections".

Over in the army, a young cavalry lieutenant-colonel sharing the prime minister's surname is reported to have enjoyed a leap in his promotion to commander of a battalion based in Saraburi. Mr Abhisit's nephew, the lieutenant-colonel is facing resistance from those in the force who feel the principle of seniority has fallen by the wayside.

Gen Anupong and Gen Prayuth are the final authorities, and perhaps the only voices that matter, in the army reshuffle
So for now, it looks as though the generals and Mr Suthep are very much on the same page.

Wassana Nanuam reports on military affairs for the Bangkok Post.




I am sure all this ensures dominance of royalists and the military until the big day ]]> Thailand and Asia News gjbkk http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60451-govt-safe-suthep-charms-tiger-warriors.html