Anything & Everything About Thailand

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Wednesday 15 March 2006 :-

'No need' for state of emergency

The military is opposed to declaring a state of emergency, saying the current situation does not warrant it. The assurances came from supreme commander Gen Ruangroj Mahasaranont and army chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin following their meeting with Defence Minister Gen Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya yesterday.

The meeting was also attended by navy chief Adm Sathiraphan Keyanont and air force commander ACM Chalit Phukphasuk.

Gen Ruangroj said judging from a situation assessment by intelligence units, the anti-Thaksin demonstrators had been well-organised and orderly.

''Therefore, a state of emergency is not necessary, unless the situation turns violent and private and state properties are set ablaze. The protesters are peaceful and they are unlikely to resort to violence to try and turn the tables on one another. In general, Thai people are peace-loving and know violence is not the answer to the country's political problems,'' he said.

The supreme commander noted that on the whole all parties involved have exercised restraint, despite some exchanges of provocative language.

The Supreme Command will publish a book containing His Majesty the King's speeches for distribution to the people calling for unity, Gen Ruangroj said, adding that he thought of doing this a long time ago but had been a bit too slow.

Gen Ruangroj saw nothing wrong with the airing of the post-Black May royal footage by the Thai Television Pool on Saturday night. The broadcast generated widespread speculation on why it was being shown, and the meaning behind it.

''I assure you for the 100th time that soldiers will be on the people's side and work for their well-being,'' he said.

Army chief Gen Sonthi also saw no justification for a state of emergency, which can be declared under the existing decree for administration in emergency situations.

When asked if it would be possible for the government to declare a state of emergency to disperse the demonstration if it was prolonged, Gen Sonthi said: ''Doing so will only damage the country's image. We should avoid its use.''

The army chief dismissed a report as not true that some academics had called for the military's intervention to bring the situation back to normal.

Gen Sondhi also agreed with the showing of the post-Black May royal footage but declined to say who ordered the TV Pool to do so.

Asked what if the government decided to declare a state of emergency, Gen Sonthi said soldiers would be on standby around-the-clock to cope with any situation.

The front gate of the army headquarters was ordered closed when the demonstrators of the People's Alliance for Democracy marched to the Government House yesterday morning.

The army also had an operational plan codenamed ''Pathaphi 149'' for its own security.

The plan was to be implemented by a combined force of one company of the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Division and military police with ten dogs, two fire trucks and a mobile radio vehicle in case protesters intruded into army headquarters.

Maj-Gen Jaray Arnupap, the army secretary, has been assigned to monitor the situation closely and keep Gen Sonthi updated on the latest developments.

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BANGKOK, March 15 (TNA) – Worried about a sign of investment and consumer confidence decline, the Federation of Thai Industry (FTI) has called on all conflicting parties to make one step back before the Thai economy experiences a setback.

FTI’s Chairman Praphad Phodhivorakun said on Tuesday that the conflicts between anti- and pro-Thaksin groups had already dragged on for long.

The longer the difference persists, the more adverse impact the Thai economy will have.

He said the country's economy had begun to recess moderately, as could be witnessed by a decline in confidence among industry executives and consumers.

Local and foreign investment had also begun to slow with a decrease in applications for investment promotions with the Board of Investment of Thailand (BOT), he noted.

Because of this, Mr. Praphad said he wants to call on both parties to make a one step back and find a best way out for the ongoing conflicts.

They should not allow the problems to continue unabated.

The FTI chairman said he had instructed all industry clubs to assess impacts from the situation and make a conclusion within the next 1-2 days.

Then, a tripartite meeting between FTI, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Thai Bankers’ Association will be held to evaluate impacts on all sides.

“The persistent political turbulence has affected investment, spending and exports as overseas purchasers have begun to slow product delivery to wait and see the clear political direction. Consumer products will be affected by the situation first. Should the situation drag on, it will affect both economy and employment,” he said. (TNA) – E005

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BANGKOK, March 15 (TNA) – The Independent Election watchdog The People's Network for Elections (P-Net) said it still awaits the government’s response to join a three-party negotiation to resolve the ongoing political crisis.

P-Net co-ordinator Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said his organisation is continuing its effort to convince representatives from the former opposition parties, the People’s Alliance for Democracy that is seeking caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s resignation and the caretaker government to come to the negotiation table on March 24.

But before that round, P-Net would like representatives of the conflicting parties to hold a preparatory session to agree on format and procedures.

To date only the former opposition parties and the People’s Alliance for Democracy responded positively to P-Net’s initiative but the government has yet to respond.

Mr Somchai said the co-ordinator’s stance is that both rounds of talks on 16 and 24 March will be conducted in a transparent manner. The forum will go on regardless involving only the Opposition and PAD in the advent the government decides to shun, he said.

The Opposition parties boycotted the general elections on April2. (TNA)-E007

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BANGKOK, March 15 (TNA) –Singapore’s government-linked investment firm Temasek acquired 2.905 billion shares amounting to 96.12 per cent of telecoms conglomerate Shin Corporation, SCB Securities announced on Tuesday.

M. L. Chayothit Kridakorn, Managing Director of SCB Securities announced what amounts to the completion of the takeover following the launch of public tender offer for 50.01 per cent of shares at 49.25 baht per share between 2 February to 9 March, after the shareholders of Shin Corp who are family members of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra sold their big lot of shares to Temasek in late January.

Temasek bought the shares through affiliate Cedar Holdings and wholly-owned subsidiary Aspen Holdings, and SCB Securities conducted the tender offer on their behalf.

As a result of the tender offer, Cedar Holdings now owns 51.98 per cent, or 1,571 million shares and Aspen Holdings 44.14 per cent or 1,334 million shares.

The deal was sealed as demonstrators rallied in front of Government House to demand Prime Minister Thaksin’s resignation for ethical reasons, in a series of protests kicked off since his family members raked 73 billion baht in tax-free sale of Shin Corp shares to Temasek late January. (TNA)-E007

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BANGKOK, March 15 (TNA) – Local oil traders are poised to raise retail oil prices by around 0.40 baht per liters on Thursday if refined oil prices in Singapore further rise, according to an industry source.

The source said on Tuesday that the oil traders would consider a possibility of raising the oil prices on Wednesday since the marketing margin of fuel prices had already dropped to one baht per liter only.

At the same time, global oil prices are so volatile with fuel prices in most markets rising upon concern over mounting conflicts between Iran and the West on nuclear energy and continuing unrest in Nigeria.

Given these factors, the source said, the local oil prices are likely to stay high in the short run.

Should refined oil prices in Singapore continue to rise, the local oil traders will have no choice, but to raise the fuel prices accordingly.

On Monday, the crude oil price in Dubai dropped by US$0.33 to US$56.41 per barrel, while the Brent crude price increased by US$0.58 to US$61.45 per barrel.

For refined oil prices in Singapore, a premium gasoline price edged up by US$0.35 to US$68.75 per barrel, while a diesel price edged down by US$0.33 to US$70.10 per barrel. (TNA) – E005

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Wednesday 15 March 2006 :-

Thaksin considers stepping aside

Prime Minister Thaksin told the media in Buri Ram today he is considering a proposal to step aside for a neutral replacement to allow elections and constitutional reform.

Seen on national TV, a tired looking premier said: "It is a good proposal, and I am considering this."

But he quickly added: "This does not mean that I would bow to mob rule.

"I will disclose my decision only when the time is right and the decision will be based on the benefit of the country, not influenced by the demands of those losers," meaning anti-Thaksin demonstrators in Bangkok.

Protest leaders camped out at Government House seemed resolute. As leader Sondhi Limthongkul said last night, ""If Thaksin doesn't quit, we won't leave." The protest remains entirely peaceful.

Mr Thaksin, on TV, said this:

"I will base my decision on what is good for the nation, and not make a decision based on pressure from various groups. I am not a man who clings to power, but since I still have duty to accomplish I will have to be very careful and consider all aspects.

"I have to take some time to consider and decide what to do, because I have a duty to complete my mission."

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Wednesday 15 March 2006 :-

Top-up cash card trend taking off in Thailand

Tired of carrying around a bulky wallet and coin purse? According to Payment Solution Co, cash cards could be the answer.

Teenagers in tech-savvy Hong Kong and Singapore have been quick to adopt cash cards as substitutes for money.

Like mobile pre-paid cards, cash cards are easily ''refillable'' through ATMs and mobile phones, and are typically accepted at retail stores that accept credit cards.

Thanin Angsuwarangsri, general manager for Payment Solution Co, a subsidiary of Shin Corp and the issuer of the OK cash card, said the cards were most suitable for small-value transactions, because they don't require the holder's signature.

''One just places his card into a reading machine or shows it to the retailers,'' Mr Thanin said.

The cash card's limit stands at 100,000 baht for registered users and 25,000 baht for gift cards. On average, users' limits are 2,000 baht per card.

Cards cost different amounts upfront depending on their designs. Users must pay a 100-baht annual fee, 10-15 baht for fund transfers in Bangkok and 20 baht for transfers upcountry.

Fashionable designs and loyalty programmes distinguish the cash cards from debit cards.

The only other local cash-card issuer is Thaismartcard Co, founded by the CP Group. However, its cards can only be used at CP-affiliated 7-Eleven convenience stores. OK cash cards - which are co-branded with Visa and MasterCard - can be used at any outlet with a credit card reading machine.

Since their launch last October, OK cash cards are now used by some 200,000 people. The firm aims to have one million cards in use by the end of this year.

''Our targeted customers currently are aged between 15 and 25 and their parents. They are trendy and receptive. It would take them no time to learn how to top up the money or use our cards,'' he said.

At the moment the cash card business has better market potential than credit cards, given a targeted market share of three million.

Most people spend about 1,000 baht per month on their cash cards, compared with 6,000 to 7,000 baht per month on credit cards.

''The trend of cash card growth will be similar to that of prepaid cards for mobile phone services. People have increasingly used the prepaid system to help control their spending,'' said Mr Thanin.

He added cash cards could also become an educational tool to teach youngsters about financial management and were less open to fraud.

''We have found that the cards have been used most by teenagers during the weekend at shopping malls, restaurants and gas stations,'' he said.

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BURIRAM, March 15 (TNA) – Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra reiterated on Wednesday he had never thought about a temporary political suspension, saying he would make a decision on his political future based on people’s interest, not under the political pressure.

Giving an interview on news reports that People’s Alliance of Democracy (PAD) is ready to talk to end ongoing conflicts, he said no approach for formal talks had been made. There is only discussion for possible talks for now.

“The matter has nothing to do with me. It is rather a matter of the country’s rules,” he said.

Asked whether he used to think about the temporary political suspension to end the conflicts, he said he personally intends to work for the sake of the country.

“People still want me to solve the country’s problems in various areas. But a handful of people disliked me because I do not bow to them. Actually, I’m not stubborn. I’m ready to accept if there is a suitable successor.

“I have a little more mission to do. When it is done, I see no reason to stay on. I will be 57 years old soon. I never think of the temporary political suspension. It is not the point. Enough is enough,’’ he said.

The embattled premier pledged he would attempt to work harder for the country.

At present, he said, the world had changed so rapidly that the country could not keep up with it. The capital would flow out immediately if the country turned its back to the globalisation.

People, who join the rallies, did not absolutely understand about the globalisation, he said, adding that he believed the rallies would have an impact on the economic growth.

Asked whether it is better if he leaves politics temporarily and appoint someone he entrusts to do his job for a certain period, Mr. Thaksin said it is one of good proposals.

He said he would made a decision when it is time and would do it based only on the country’s interest, not under pressure from a group of people who lose interest or did not understand anything.

The caretaker premier also called on the media to perform duties neutrally and insisted he would return to work at Government House despite a mass rally against him in front of the place. (TNA) – E005

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BANGKOK, March 15 (TNA) – The Finance Ministry will study details of a 20 billion baht recapitalisation plan for TMB Bank before deciding whether to continue as the institution's major shareholder, a senior official said.

The Finance Ministry owns 20.88 per cent of the former Thai Military Bank.

Ministry permanent secretary Suparat Kawatkul said no final decision had yet been made on whether to sustain the stake in light of the recently-announced recapitalisation plan, adding that it was awaiting further detail about the proposal from the bank.

But Mr. Suparat did not rule out the possibility that the ministry would remain as major shareholder. “If the objective is to raise capital for future business expansion as other commercial banks normally do, then the move should be supported by investors,” he told journalists.

The bank's board of directors endorsed the recapitalisation plan on March 10. It involves the issue of debt papers worth 200 million dollars and the offer of another 3,223 million shares to current shareholders at 4.75 per one new share.

The money raised is earmarked for redeeming five billion baht worth of due debt; to repay loans; and to dilute its non-performing loan portfolios from the current 12 per cent to eight per cent. (TNA)-E007

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BANGKOK, March 15 (TNA) - Internet users in Thailand are changing their behaviour to use more domestic websites for searching information while formerly they preferred to surf foreign websites, according to a leading Thai Internet provider.

True Internet Co., Ltd general manager Natthawut Amornwiwat said there are seven million Internet users in Thailand, more and more "Thai netizens" are turning to the use of domestic websites to search for information.

"Watching television via Internet as well as multimedia information gathering is increasingly popular," he said, adding that news and current affairs websites are among the favourites.

Now, there are more domestic websites on news and current affairs created in response to the higher demand of the users, he added.

Mr. Natthawut said that True plans to expand the its Internet network to the provinces to serve more clients and to prepare itself for increasingly fierce competition in the internet provider market of the future. (TNA)-E003

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BANGKOK, March 15 (TNA) - Thailand's northern provinces will soon be relieved from summer storms, as high pressure from China covering the region is weakening, according to the Meteorological Department.

The weather bureau reported on Wednesday that the cool front from China which moved in to envelop the warmer part earlier this week was receding.

The country's northern region will, therefore, be relieved from possible summer storms within a couple of days.

The cool front would, however, continue to affect other parts of the kingdom, especially the Upper-South--namely Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon Provinces, warned the weather bureau.

There will also be high waves over two metres and strong winds in the Gulf of Thailand later this week.

Thai trawlers should, therefore, be more careful and should closely follow updated news reports before sailing out.

Earlier, the Meteorological Department warned that the country's northeastern, northern, and central regions, as well as Bangkok and its surrounding provinces, could face summer storms this week due to the influence of the high pressure from China.

As the different weather systems collide, some affected areas may experience hailstone showers.

Meanwhile, heavy downpours of rain were reported in Hua Hin's municipality of Prachuap Khiri Khan Monday afternoon, causing a widespread flood of 50-70 centimetres which blocked traffic in the area and that on Petchakasem Road for hours.

Heavy rain with a summer storm was also reported in the southern Satun Province Monday evening, damaging about 70 villagers' houses. (TNA)-E002

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Wednesday 15 March 2006 :-

2nd Bangkok Fashion Week kicks off

Bangkok (dpa) - Bangkok kicked off its second fashion show Wednesday with organizers confident the fashion and trade fair would generate more than 1 billion baht (25.6 million dollars) in purchases.

"I believe that there will be not less than 1 billion baht spending through purchase orders at this event while revenue from exports is expected to increase 20 per cent from that of the previous year," said Pramode Vidhyasuk, director of the Bangkok Fashion City Project.

The first Bangkok Fashion Week was initiated in August as part of the government's bid to turn the capital into a regional fashion hub, in part to boost Thailand's well-established textile and garment industries, which are facing increasing competition from other countries with low-cost labour.

Thai exports of textiles and garments during the first 10 months of 2005 amounted to 5.6 billion dollars, up 5.2 per cent from the same period in 2004, according to government statistics.

To keep its exports competitive, Thailand's government and private sector are hoping to move into higher-quality, locally designed high-fashion products to add value to its locally made garments, shoes and jewelry, a development that the Bangkok fashion shows are meant to facilitate.

Thai brands number 122 at this year's Bangkok Fashion Show, which will be open exclusively to international fashion buyers for the first two days and thereafter will be open to the general public.

Organizers did not reveal how many international fashion buyers had registered to attend this year's show although they expressed disappointed with last year's turnout.

Among the collections on display was one designed by Thai Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, 19, who made her debut at the first Bangkok Fashion show last year.

Her collection this year, inspired by retro fashions of the 1920s, uses Thai silk from her a project initiated by her grandmother, Queen Sirikit.

"I think Thai silk is the most distinctive aspect of Thai design," the princess

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Wednesday 15 March 2006 :-

Chidchai promotion worries PM's critics : Thaksin 'could call a state of emergency'

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has sent a mixed message by promoting Chidchai Wannasathit to become his first deputy - that he is pondering both soft and hard options for dealing with the biggest challenge of his political career. But core members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) saw the move as paving the way for the government to take a hard line against demonstrators massed at Government House.

A cabinet announcement yesterday moved up Pol Gen Chidchai's ranking as caretaker deputy prime minister for security affairs to first in line, demoting Somkid Jatusripitak, in charge of economic affairs, to third place. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, in charge of industry and communications, remains in second spot.

Surapong Suebwonglee, government spokesman, said the new order stemmed from the importance of security affairs right now.

Suriyasai Katasila, a PAD co-ordinator, said it would be ''optimistic'' to interpret the promotion of Pol Gen Chidchai as a case of Mr Thaksin paving the way for Pol Gen Chidchai to become caretaker prime minister so that he could step down.

The ''pessimistic'' reading was Mr Thaksin was preparing to fight for his political life by declaring a state of emergency.

''But the PAD will have to consider his conditions for leaving. If it's just for him to return after the April 2 elections, the PAD won't accept it.

''It's better still if he resigns and allows for scrutiny. Once he's cleared of the charges, he can return,'' said Mr Suriyasai.

Surachai Sirikrai, a political scientist at Thammasat University, said Pol Gen Chidchai's appointment showed the prime minister's determination to fight on and that he was well-prepared.

''I don't think he's stepping back. He's fighting and that's why he's going to other parts of the country,'' he said.

Well away from the siege at Government House, Mr Thaksin did not rule out the possibility of declaring a state of emergency if the situation warranted it.

Speaking in Ubon Ratchathani, Mr Thaksin said he was ready to declare the state of emergency under the decree for administration in emergency situations if the mass protest turned violent.

''Of course, we are ready. The decision whether or not to impose the state of emergency rests with me. I am ready to sign [the decree] if necessary.''

''There's nothing wrong with preparing the ground for a state of emergency in advance. If it isn't necessary, we do not have to announce it,'' he said.

Mr Thaksin, who was on the election campaign trail in the Northeast, said the government thought a state of emergency might be necessary judging from reports that key protest leaders were involved in previous violent incidents.

Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, a core leader of the PAD, took the lead in the May 1992 popular uprising.

Mr Thaksin said the government would evaluate the situation daily. ''So far, nothing has happened, and there are fewer protesters than expected,'' he said.

Pol Gen Chidchai, who as first deputy prime minister would make the recommendation, played down the possibility.

''I insist that given the present situation declaring a state of emergency would be superfluous,'' he said.

The state of emergency act, if imposed, would affect the rally, including banning the right to assembly, while infringing upon other fundamental rights, including freedom of expression.

He dismissed speculation that his appointment as the first-ranking deputy prime minister had political implications.

He said that other deputies were tied up with election campaigns while he was not because he was not running in the April 2 polls.

''Please keep your best wishes. So far, I feel honoured,'' he said of the observation that he would become the caretaker prime minister if Mr Thaksin quit.

A highly-placed source in the army said that it was likely that Pol Gen Chidchai would be in charge if a state of emergency was declared. The source said the appointment reflected the prime minister's mistrust of the military.

Mr Surachai, the political scientist, echoed the army source's observation.

''The prime minister doesn't trust the military. It looks like some are ready to intervene if the government resorts to violence.

''It's a guessing game, but I'm totally sure that the prime minister isn't confident he can order the military,'' he said.

Early in the day, PAD leaders shrugged off Pol Gen Chidchai's appointment, saying it did not pose a threat to the rally.

Maj-Gen Chamlong said that the appointment had no political implications and Pol Gen Chidchai was only the prime minister's puppet.

He said the PAD's stand remained the same _ camping out in front of Government House and staying put.

He said that the PAD's decision-makers were ready to be arrested if the state of emergency was enforced.

''We're not challenging anyone. But it would be better if we were to be arrested than to allow the country to fall into trouble,'' he said.

Maj Gen Chamlong said the five core PAD members would surely be arrested if a state of emergency were declared. Sondhi Limthongkul, Piphop Phongchai, Somkiat Pongpaibooon and Somsak Kosaisuk are the other core PAD leaders.

Mr Sondhi urged Pol Gen Chidchai not to accept the political hot potato job and suggested he instead set up a committee to confiscate Mr Thaksin's assets if and when he inherits the seat of caretaker prime minister.

''His wife and kids were resigned to their fate when they saw our parade this morning. There's only Mr Thaksin who is trying to take leave, instead of simply leaving,'' he said.

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BANGKOK, March 15 (TNA) - The Thai business sector has lost billions of baht so far from continued mass rallies against caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a senior executive said on Tuesday.

Businesspersons in Thailand's prime trade areas in Silom, Mahesak and Patpong said here on Tuesday that the continued rallies had caused stress and had disrupted normal trade and investment flows in the country.

Businesses in Bangkok's prime areas have lost billions of baht from continuing mass rallies over the past two months, according to jeweller Pornchai Chuenchomlada.

The baht fluctuates at about Bt40 per US$1; one Bt1 billion equals US$25 million.

Mr. Pornchai said damage to the overall Thai economy could, thus, be much more greater.

Business representatives called for all parties to stop their protest and use electoral means to decide on the country's political direction.

"Traders do not take any side in politics, but are against those who are against the country's economic growth," said Mr. Pornchai.

Meanwhile, president of Thailand's gold traders association Chitti Tangsithiphakdi called for all parties in the current conflict to return to the negotiation table to quickly end the political turmoil for the sake of the country's steady growth and development. (TNA)-E002

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BANGKOK, March 15 (TNA) - Thailand's Criminal Court on Wednesday acquitted a media activist and a local newspaper sued for defamation by a telecommunications company formerly owned by family of Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The court ruled that Supinya Klangnarong expressed her opinion in good faith without any intention to defame Shin Corp.

The telecommunications giant brought a lawsuit against Ms. Supinya of the Campaign for Popular Media (CPM) in July, 2004 for her comments, which were published in the Thai Post newspaper in which she suggested that the Thaksin administration had benefitted his personal business interests.

Supinya was sued in a libel case in which Shin Corp sought Bt400 million (US$10 million) in compensation. Other co-defendants--Thai Post and its three staff--were also acquitted.

The case drew attention from regional and international free speech advocates.

The Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA), the region's leading advocate for press freedom, issued a statement on Tuesday saying the decision on the defamation case against media advocate Supinya Klangnarong and Thai Post will have a direct and long-lasting impact on free expression in Thailand.

Mr. Thaksin's family and close relatives sold nearly 50 per cent of their stake in the company to Singapore's Temasek Holdings investment company January 23.

The tax-free sale sparked major anti-Thaksin street protests in the capital demanding the premier to step down.

The caretaker prime minister, however, denies any wrongdoing. He dissolved the Lower House and call snap election on April 2, but the three former opposition parties have boycotted the polll by not fielding
any candidates in the election. (TNA)-E001