Anything & Everything About Thailand

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209 words
20 February 2006
Central News Agency English News
English

Taipei, Feb. 20 (CNA) Two Taiwan citizens nabbed in Bangkok last week are currently being held in Thai police custody on drug trafficking charges, Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) officials said Monday.

The two Taiwanese men, surnamed Yang and Lin, were arrested at Bangkok's international airport Feb. 17 after being discovered trying to smuggle some 2.6 kilograms of high-grade heroin out of the country in four plastic bags taped to their waists, the CIB officials said.

The heroin has an street value of NT$30 million (US$928,792).

According CIB officials in charge of international affairs, Yang and Lin were paid US$10,000 by a drug ring -- which includes a Taiwan drug lord and a Malaysian go-between -- to smuggle the heroin from Thailand to Taiwan. The two men arrived in Thailand in mid-February.

The CIB officials said that the drugs would not have been discovered without the assistance of narcotics control authorities from Thailand and the United States.

Yang and Lin are expected to face trial in Bangkok and be sentenced to prison terms of about one year before being repatriated back to Taiwan, the CIB officials said.

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330 words
20 February 2006
12:58
Platts Commodity News

Thailand has sent a diplomat to Nigeria to help two Thai oil workers kidnapped by militants there and is seeking assistance from the United States, Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon said Monday.

Thailand's ambassador in Kenya headed for Nigeria as militants threatened a new round of attacks on oil facilities if the Nigerian government tried to negotiate the release of nine foreign hostages, including the Thais.

"We have also asked for cooperation from the US government and the US employer of the Thai workers to make sure that they will be released safely," Kantathi said in an interview with a domestic television channel.

The Thais, Arak Suwama and Sonsak Mhadmho, who work for the US oil services contractor Willbros Group, were seized along with three Americans, a Briton, two Egyptians and a Filipino Saturday when the rebels launched a daring attack on an oil terminal.

Heavily armed militants, who claim to represent the 14-million-strong Ijaw people in their struggle for a bigger share of the Niger Delta's oil revenues, set fire to a tanker loading platform and blew up two pipelines in the attack.

"So far, we have had confirmed by the Nigerian embassy in Thailand that the Thai workers are safe," Kantathi said.

"The Nigerian government has insisted no violence has been used in the process of negotiations."

Kantathi refused to confirm media reports that the militants demanded a ransom of Baht 60-bil ($1.5-bil) for the hostages' release.

"We have not been able to confirm to date that any ransom is included in the negotiations," he said.

He added the foreign ministry would issue a statement warning about 30 Thais living in Nigeria and workers considering going there to be more cautious about their safety.

"Nigeria is a risky country in Africa, as we have seen several attacks so far that potentially leads to something more violent in the future," Kantathi said.

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729 words
21 February 2006
Bangkok Post
English

POST REPORTERS

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's proposal for a special joint session of parliament in a bid to defuse the political turmoil is too little and too late, opponents and critics of the government say.

Opposition Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said it was an attempt to distract public attention and sidestep the real issues. The government would avoid answering questions on the public's mind, as Mr Thaksin avoided answering them himself.

A joint session that would produce no resolution would allow the government to control proceedings, which meant that questions surrounding the sale of Shin Corp shares to Singapore's Temasek Holdings would not be debated.

"If inquiries into issues of public interest are not allowed, it will not be of much use," the Democrat leader said.

A censure debate was a better solution because public suspicions centred on the sale of the company Mr Thaksin founded and he would have to answer questions.

He demanded that Mr Thaksin keep his word, given earlier, that he would allow government MPs to support a motion to check on the government. The Democrats had prepared a censure motion and he demanded Mr Thaksin give it support.

Senator Thongbai Thongpao, one of the 27 senators who petitioned the Constitution Court to disqualify the prime minister for having a hand in the management of Shin Corp, said Mr Thaksin should agree to a censure debate and use the opportunity to clear all doubts.

Senator Winyu Ularnkul chided the government for its past rejection of attempts by a group of senators for a joint session to discuss the brewing political crisis.

Banharn Silpa-archa, the opposition Chart Thai leader, was more conciliatory.

He would go along with the joint sitting, but only if the government agreed to allow all questions and the prime minister was among those answering the questions.

Prommin Lertsuridej, secretary-general to the prime minister, said the government would listen to all questions and answer them. If the joint sitting could not solve the current turmoil, power could be returned to people although it might not take place immediately, he said.

Senate Speaker Suchon Chaleekrua said the government had made the right decision, and Senator Sawai Prammanee agreed it was the best constitutional and democratic way to solve the current crisis.

But many academics and pro-democracy activists were adamant that Mr Thaksin has lost all legitimacy to run the country and should step down.

Suriyasai Katasila, secretary-general of Campaign for Popular Democracy and a founding member of the People's Alliance for Democracy, condemned Mr Thaksin's proposal as another political ploy to deceive the people because a joint session would not allow questions to be put directly to the prime minister.

He insisted Mr Thaksin resign rather than dissolve the House. Calling a snap election was not the right solution because the Thaksin government would remain the caretaker and retain authority to organise the election, which would not be fair.

Mr Thaksin dismissed rumours that the House would be dissolved and an election held by May. "You are imagining things. I've never said a word," he said.

Labour leaders also insisted that Mr Thaksin resign. Sirichai Mai-ngarm, secretary-general of the State Enterprise Workers Relations Confederation, told Mr Thaksin to stop buying time.

"Political reform cannot be achieved as long as Mr Thaksin remains in office. He must step down first," he said.

Somsak Kosaisuk, the confederation's adviser, said Mr Thaksin's time was running out. "The countdown has begun."

Labour organisations would not only join Sunday's rally at Sanam Luang, they would have pre-rally activities starting with an anti-Thaksin caravan on Friday and distribution of campaign leaflets at Chatuchak market on Saturday.

Wuthisak Lapcharoensap, dean of political science faculty at Ramkhamhaeng University, said the prime minister had lost all legitimacy and should resign.

Nakharin Mektrairat, dean of political science at Thammasat University, said a joint sitting was a desperate attempt to deflect political pressure.

"The prime minister has not paid attention to parliament in the past, but now wants to use it as a way out.

"He has seriously underestimated political developments and finds himself in a tight spot because the people's trust in him is at the lowest point," he said.

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153 words
21 February 2006
Thai News Service
English

Section: Corporate News - Sales of BMW cars rose 18 per cent in Asia but dropped 24 per cent in Thailand in 2005, a report in Krungthep Turakij said.

In 2005 BMW sold 111,000 cars in Asia, up 17 per cent from 2004. BMW's sales rose over 37 per cent in China (including Taiwan and Hong Kong), up to 31,600 units. The largest market was still Japan, however, with sales of 58,767 cars, up 13.5 per cent. The Japanese automotive market as a whole grew only three per cent in 2005.

BWM was able to sell 3,624 cars in Singapore, up 17 per cent from the year before.

However, in Indonesia BMW's sales dropped 39 per cent down to 1,250 units and in Thailand sales dropped 24 per cent to 2,852 units.

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552 words
21 February 2006
Thai News Service
English

Section: General News - Thailand's northern resort city of Chiang Mai and France's southwestern resort city of Leon have agreed to become sister cities.

Chaiang Mai Chamber of Commerce Vice Chairman Somsak Vanichkhachorn said Friday that he would attend the signing ceremony of the accord, aimed to forge close trade and investment ties and cooperation between the two cities.

The Chiang Mai Chamber and its counterpart in Leon have also agreed to become fraternal chambers, with an agreement to be signed at Saturday's ceremony as well, Mr. Somsak noted.

"The accord between the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce and its counterpart in Leon is believed to pave the way for expanding trade and investment between Thailand's northern Lanna cluster of provinces and Leon, which is a business and tourism centre in Europe," he said.

Thailand's northern Lanna cluster of provinces include Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Lampang, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Phrae and Nan.

"The accord is expected to particularly benefit local small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as producers of community-based products under the government-supported One Tambon, One Product (OTOP) scheme," Mr. Somsak said.

Their Majesties the King and Queen received the French president and his wife at the Royal Thai Air Force's at the Don Muang Air Base in Bangkok last Friday afternoon.

The visit, the first-ever for a French head of state since the two countries established their diplomatic relations 150 yeas ago, is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

Last Saturday, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and members of the Thai cabinet held a plenary meeting with the French president and his entourage, including the ministers of foreign affairs, finance and industry, external trade, defence and tourism.

The two parties discussed a Franco-Thai action plan, proposed by the Thai government, covering bilateral cooperation in science and technology, tourism, and fashion businesses, including a plan to set up Thailand Fashion House in Paris.

The Thai government will invite French businesses to invest in Thailand's mega-development projects as well.

Thailand and France will sign bilateral agreements on postal services, information and communication technology (ICT) and science and technology.

The two countries' private sectors will also sign agreements, including those between Thai Airways International Pcl (THAI), Bangkok Airways and France-based Airbus Co. on purchases of 21 Airbus aircraft over the next five years.

The French and Thai leaders will issue a joint statement on bilateral ties and cooperation.

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213 words
21 February 2006
Thai News Service
English

Section: General News - Two Nordic men die in unexpected circumstances in leading Thai seaside resort.

A 59-year-old Norwegian man, identified as Konrad Haugen, died on Tuesday night February 7 in a hotel in South Pattaya area, according to Pol Maj Chatchai Srisuwan of Tambon Pattaya police station.

The Norwegian man lived with Thai wife, Nonglak, 49, for two years by renting the Day-Night-2 Hotel in Chon Buri's Bang Lamung.

Nonglak said her husband drank several glasses of vodka before going to bed. She said she noticed that he stopped snoring at 9 pm so she tried to wake him but found him already dead.

Meanwhile witnesses said Danish Jurgen Sondergaard jumped from the 13th floor from his own apartment. Jurgen Sondergaard, 71, was found dead at the entrance to the underground car park in the area of the Jomtien Paradise Condominium in Jomtien Beach, Pattaya.

A suicide letter in Danish was found inside the man's pocket.Police Major Satien from Dongtan police sub-station said the man simply climbed the ladder, placed himself on the ledge and jumped. Evidence of third party involvement could not be found and the police have recorded the death as a suicide. - ScandAsia

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BANGKOK, Feb 21 (TNA) – Last Update : 2006-02-21 / 00:52:48 (GMT+7:00)

Bank of Thailand’s Governor M.R. Pridiyathorn Devavkula on Monday expressed confidence that the ongoing political tension would neither undermine foreign investors' confidence in the Thai economy, nor affect a foreign capital inflow.

He said the foreign capital had currently continued to flow into the local money market uninterruptedly although the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)’s index had dropped to a certain extent in the past week.

The BOT found no sign of foreign capital outflow for now, he noted.

Foreign investors earlier dumped some shares to take profits and held cash for timely investment.

He said foreign investors have not only had confidence in the Thai economy, but have also believed in the local currency exchange rate.

M.R. Pridiyathorn said he viewed inflation rates had increased along with the upward oil price adjustment.

However, he believed the inflationary pressure would ease in the middle of this year unless there were other factors that could affect the inflation such as an oil price surge.

Under the circumstance, the BOT's policy interest rate, or 14-day repurchase rate, could keep pace with the inflation rate.

It would result in actual interest rates moving in a positive territory, he noted.

“Although the inflationary pressure is expected to ease in the middle of this year, we continue to closely monitor the movement of the Fed fund rate and other interest rates,” said the BOT chief. (TNA) – E005

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BANGKOK, Feb 21 (TNA) – Last Update : 2006-02-21 / 12:11:59 (GMT+7:00)

An ongoing political uncertainty will not slow the country’s economic growth, according to a top banker.

Khunying Jada Wattanasiritham, President of Siam Commercial Bank Plc, said she believed the current political tension would not lead to the economic slowdown.

The bank still maintained its economic growth projection at 5-6 per cent this year since the country’s exports and tourism continued to expand as usual.

She said the business sector should not be affected since it had nothing to do with the public policy.

The SEC chief believed businesses to which the government had given a clear policy would be able to proceed smoothly.

Asked to comment on an anti-government rally planned on February 26, she said all parties hoped it would proceed peacefully. (TNA) – E005

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BANGKOK, Feb 21 (TNA) – Last Update : 2006-02-21 / 11:39:53 (GMT+7:00)

An ongoing political tension has affected confidence among investors, but has little impact on business operations, according to a top executive of the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

Vichet Tantivanich, SET’s Senior Executive Vice President, said the investors viewed the political uncertainty could have an impact on the government’s economic policy while entrepreneurs felt it would not adversely affect their business.

On criticism over SET’s dealing with the sell-off of Shin Corporation Public Company’s shares, he affirmed SET’s officials had coped with the matter according to the law and without discrimination.

The officials could not dare making the discrimination on the case because it is against the law.

He believed local and foreign investors still had confidence in the transparent and reliable performance of SET.

In the past, he said, SET had performed its duty in harmony with the Securities and Exchange Commission all along.

On calls for an amendment to a rule governing an exemption of capital gain taxes, Mr. Vichet said it was an authority of the government to make it. SET was not in a position to tell whether it has agreed or disagreed with the calls. (TNA) – E005

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Mini Bus driver hit-and-run

本報訊】曼谷大眾運輸機構代理總裁下令吊銷肇事撞行人的77線迷你公車行車執照，堅稱雖然仍然發生公車肇事 ，但肇事率逐漸下降。
曼谷大眾運輸機構代理總裁歐博透露，關於一輛77線迷你公共汽車前天(19日)撞死行人事件後，駕駛員棄車 逃跑，警方正通緝中。至於車主將被吊銷駕照及必須負責肇事民事賠償責任。
根據公車肇事統計，從去年10月至今年2月中旬，小型公車肇事率逐漸下降約10%，該機構將嚴格加強對公車 及駕駛員的管理，以期使公車的服務更為安全。

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30 schoolgirls fight over boy

【本報訊】兩校女生逾30人在街頭打群架，11人被警逮捕。洛坤府直轄縣警署前天下午5時30分接報，在該 府縣克郎區博他那干丘權路有女學生打群架。
警馳至現場發現，逾30名女學生正在該處互相拉扯對方頭髮，用指甲傷害對方臉部。她們見到警察當即拔足奔逃 。警即上前攔截，結果捕獲11人帶返當地教育處學生糾察辦事處。經詢問悉，其中6人是該府某校摩5學生，另 5人則是該府某商校學生。
警詢問為首的商校學生琳(化名，17歲)小姐。她供說，她的英俊，家境富有的男友乃易(化名，17歲)被對 方1女生葛(化名，17歲)小姐搶走。她不服氣，約葛小姐到肇事點理論。
雙方各邀了約15名同學赴約，而在該處大打出手，致被警逮捕。警錄供後，連繫上述女生家長來接 返家。

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 21 February 2006 :-

Wanted German thief arrested in Thailand

Thai police have arrested a German national wanted in his homeland for allegedly stealing 5 million euros (nearly 6 million dollars) from bank delivery vans, Thai immigration police said Tuesday.

Romuald Mariusz Wanaatowicz, 49, was arrested Monday in Lamphang province, 500 kilometres north of Bangkok, after Thai police had confirmed he faced an arrest warrant in Germany for robbery, said the immigration police commissioner, Lieutenant General Suwat Thamrongsrisakul.

Wanaatowicz is accused of participating in two bank van robberies in 1999 and 2003. Two of his suspected accomplices were arrested in Germany after the robberies, but Wanaatowicz fled to Thailand on September, 27, 2004, said Suwat, citing information obtained from German Interpol.

Wanaatowicz moved to Prachuab Khiri Khan province, a seaside town 220 kilometres south of Bangkok, where he opened a restaurant and tour company with his Thai wife and built a house.

"Prachuab police got suspicious about Wanaatowicz's unusual wealth, so inquiries were made with the German embassy about his background," Suwat told a press conference.

Wanaatowicz's fondness for luxury items was also demonstrated in Germany. "He used a BMW to stage his robberies," Suwat said.

In an apparent effort to avoid increased police scrutiny, Wanaatowicz moved to the quiet town of Lamphang in October.

Suwat said the German embassy had revoked Wanaatowicz's passport prior to his arrest, giving them legal grounds to arrest and deport him. The robbery suspect is to remain in Immigration Jail in Bangkok until his deportation.

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 21 February 2006 :-

Wanted German thief arrested in Thailand

Thai police have arrested a German national wanted in his homeland for allegedly stealing 5 million euros (nearly 6 million dollars) from bank delivery vans, Thai immigration police said Tuesday.

Romuald Mariusz Wanaatowicz, 49, was arrested Monday in Lamphang province, 500 kilometres north of Bangkok, after Thai police had confirmed he faced an arrest warrant in Germany for robbery, said the immigration police commissioner, Lieutenant General Suwat Thamrongsrisakul.

Wanaatowicz is accused of participating in two bank van robberies in 1999 and 2003. Two of his suspected accomplices were arrested in Germany after the robberies, but Wanaatowicz fled to Thailand on September, 27, 2004, said Suwat, citing information obtained from German Interpol.

Wanaatowicz moved to Prachuab Khiri Khan province, a seaside town 220 kilometres south of Bangkok, where he opened a restaurant and tour company with his Thai wife and built a house.

"Prachuab police got suspicious about Wanaatowicz's unusual wealth, so inquiries were made with the German embassy about his background," Suwat told a press conference.

Wanaatowicz's fondness for luxury items was also demonstrated in Germany. "He used a BMW to stage his robberies," Suwat said.

In an apparent effort to avoid increased police scrutiny, Wanaatowicz moved to the quiet town of Lamphang in October.

Suwat said the German embassy had revoked Wanaatowicz's passport prior to his arrest, giving them legal grounds to arrest and deport him. The robbery suspect is to remain in Immigration Jail in Bangkok until his deportation.

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 21 February 2006 :-

Chatuchak market : BMA moves to settle fee dispute

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will tomorrow seek to settle a dispute over rental fees of a large land plot at Chatuchak market with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and continue to run the bustling market.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin said the city administration is willing to pay more for the land, but no more than 50 baht per square metre, or a total of 5.5 million baht.

He said the increment of 2.1 million baht will be retroactive to 2001 - when the SRT sought to raise the rental fees.

The rail agency threatened to scrap a 30-year land lease contract after the city administration refused to pay the new rental fees. In 2001, the SRT sent a letter to City Hall asking to raise the fees to 397 baht per square metre per year, or 42.9 million baht. Under the contract starting from 1982, the BMA would pay 3.4 million baht a year, or 32 baht per square metre, for the 70-rai land plot.

According to Mr Apirak, the BMA will make two payments worth 6.8 million baht to the SRT at tomorrow's meeting. The payments are for Jan 2, 2005 to Jan 1, 2006 and Jan 2, 2006 to Jan 1, 2007.

He said the BMA wants to run the weekend market but the decision rests with the SRT, which owns the plot.

Chalermchai Khiewpradit, director of Chatuchak weekend market, said the BMA cannot afford to pay 42.9 million baht in rental fees when it makes a net profit of only 12 million baht a year.

He said the profit is allocated to fund development of the second weekend market in Min Buri.

"And the rate of 50 baht per square metre we suggest is based on the inflation rate," he said.

Meanwhile, it appears the SRT is unlikely to accept the BMA's proposal.

Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal said he has made it a policy that rental fees must be in accordance with the financial status of the lease-holder.

"The SRT must know its status. It's not right for the poor to help the rich. And it isn't right for the BMA to develop a new market instead of improving Chatuchak," he said.

He said the BMA's proposed rate will be submitted to the SRT's board for consideration.

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 21 February 2006 :-

HomePro opens Hua Hin's first big shopping complex

Hua Hin _ More than a thousand local and foreign shoppers flocked to the Hua Hin Market Village over the weekend for a first look at the two-billion-baht lifestyle centre in the popular resort town.

Officially opened as the first giant retail centre in Hua Hin, it occupies a 27-rai plot, with 60,000 sq m of retail space.

"Being the first should guarantee success so we opted to launch a large shopping project here," said Khunawut Thumpomkul, president of Home Product Centre Plc (HomePro), the project's developer.

The Hua Hin site is the first retail project of SET-listed HomePro, which had until now operated a major home furnishing and hardware retail chain. Its major shareholders are Land & Houses Plc (29.47%), Quality Houses Plc (20.07%) and American International Assurance (4.87%).

Mr Khunawut said the new shopping centre would serve 220,000 people in the beach town, as well as more than two million tourists each year.

HomePro's research showed that there was demand among local people and tourists for a shopping centre, especially on weekends and holidays, he added.

"I believe it will be the landmark of Hua Hin district soon," he said.

Besides a HomePro store, which covers 10,000 sq m, the centre houses retail shops, entertainment complexes, a Tesco Lotus discount store, five cinemas, bowling alleys and restaurants.

About 10 million baht is expected to be spent at the centre each day excluding income from rental fees, which are projected at about 150 million baht a year.

First-year revenue of Hua Hin Market Village was estimated at nearly 500 million baht, of which around 350 million will come from HomePro sales and the rest from the rental income.

Encouraged by Hua Hin's booming property business, Mr Khunawut is confident of achieving the revenue target, especially from high-end customers and new residents. "When you travel to Hua Hin, you'll see many residential projects. Condominiums, single houses and resort projects line the main street and the beach," he said.

While the new shopping centre, located not far from the famous central market in Hua Hin, could become a favourite among young people and tourists, some small retailers feel differently about it.

"I'm concerned that the shopping centre could affect the natural, unique way of life of this resort town and take away our customers," said Somsak, a 48-year-old retailer.

"One of the charms of Hua Hin is its conventional market and I'm afraid of losing it."

In addition to Hua Hin, HomePro plans to open similar shopping complexes in other tourist destinations such as Pattaya, Samui, Phitsanulok and some provinces in the central region this year.

Shares of HomePro (HMPRO) closed yesterday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at 7.75 baht, unchanged, in trade worth 1.10 million baht.



Khunawut: 'Being first guarantees success'
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Covering 60,000 sq m, Hua Hin Market Village is the largest retail attraction in the seaside town.
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