Thai Press Reports articles from December 2009

Thai Press Reports archives from December 2009

Thailand: 5 candidates named for new public health minister.
December 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Five Democrat members are shortlisted for the new public health minister position to replace Mr Witthaya Kaewparadai who announced his resignation on 29 December 2009. According to Deputy Prime Minister...

Thailand/Cambodia: Thai engineer to resume work in Phnom Penh.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Thai engineer Sivarak Chutipong is planning to return to work in Phnom Penh after an 8-day ordination. Mrs Simarak, the mother of the Thai engineer insisted that she did not feel worried about her son's plan to...

Thailand: New GPF Secretary-General appointed.
December 31, 2009... Section: Business News - The board of directors of the Government Pension Fund (GPF) has approved the appointment of Ms Sophavadee Lertmanaschai, as a new secretary general of GPF. Ms Sophavadee, vice president for marketing at the Stock...

Thailand: Royal New Year cards 2010 published.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - New Year Cards of 2010 from the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess of Thailand have been created and bestowed upon Thai citizens. The New Year card granted by HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn contained HRH's...

Thailand: Over 1.7 mn loyal Thais sign get well books for H.M. the King.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - The number of visitors who signed get well books for His Majesty the King has reached 1.7 million after 101 days of HM's hospitalization. Thai citizens have continuously traveled to the 100-Year Hall, Siriraj Hospital...

Thailand: PM affirms people of every religion are best protected and supported.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - On 28 December, 21.30 hrs, The Foundation of Islamic Center of Thailand, Nongjok District, Bangkok, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva presided over the closing ceremony of Maolid Klang of Thailand Hingra Era 1430,...

Thailand: Baan Tawai's Innovation to The World Fair kicks off.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is orgnaizing Baan Tawai's Innovation to The World (BTIW 2010) Fair at Baan Tawai Handicraft Center in Tambon Khun Khong, Hangdong District of Chiang Mai from 29 December 2009 to 3...

Thailand: Deputy Prime Minister Suthep insists no reports about terrorism at present.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - There have been no reports about terrorism during the New Year Festival thus far but authorities will be watching over the security, according to Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs, Suthep Thaugsuban. Mr Suthep...

Thailand: Security in restive South beefed up.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Army Chief, General Anupong Paochinda, has ordered tight security measures in the restive South during the New Year festival and has asked all security officers not to take leave during this period. General Anupong...

Thailand: Natioanl Park Hotline launched for emergency reports during New Year holidays.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has set up service centers in the National Park areas across the country to facilitate tourists during the New Year Festival. According to DNP...

Thailand: New Year celebrators leaving town.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Bangkok residents start to travel to other provinces to celebrate the New Year 2010. Roads in Bangkok leading to Nakhon Ratchasima province are heavily congested, allowing only slow mobility. The congestion has made...

Thailand/Malaysia: Thailand - Malaysia to enhance Halal foods business.
December 31, 2009... Section: Business News - The Board of Investment (BOI), in cooperation with the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) in Malaysia, will organize the seminar of Halal Food: The Best Opportunity between Thailand and Malaysia, during 18-21...

Thailand: PM to inject 8.69 mn THB for the Village and Urban Community Fund.
December 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva presided over the ceremony of transferring money for the second phase of the Village and Urban Community Fund, under the Strong Thailand Project. The National Village and...

Thailand: 1.047 bn THB approved for job training in restive south.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - The government will increase an additional budget of 1.047 billion THB to support the job training program for people in 600 villages in the five southernmost provinces, according to Deputy Prime Minister for Security...

Thailand: Entrepreneurs asked to peg chemical fertilizer prices.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Commerce Minister Pornthiva Nakasai has asked the private sector to pin prices of chemical fertilizers until next year as a New Year present for farmers while entrepreneurs have asked the government to help reduce cost by...

Thailand: EC chair admits difficulties in ruling Democrat scandalous cases.
December 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Election Commission (EC) Chairperson, Apichart Sukhagganond, in his capacity as the political-party registrar, has admitted difficulties in considering the scandalous cases of the Democrat Party as all...

Thailand/Cambodia: Hun Sen urged to cut friendship with Thaksin.
December 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Foreign Minister, Kasit Piromya, has pleaded with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen not to keep his friendship with deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for the sake of rehabilitating Thai-Cambodian...

Thailand: Commerce Minister dismisses rumors of changing ministries.
December 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Commerce Minister, Pornthiva Nakasai, has dismissed the rumors of exchanging ministers supervising the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Public Health. The minister on Wednesday travelled to inspect...

Thailand: People encouraged to observe solar eclipse.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Educational institutes and relevant state agencies urged Thai people to attend the Solar Eclipse Exhibition on 15 January 2010. Dr Sathorn Vijarnwannaluk of Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn...

Thailand: Repatriation of ethnic Hmong to Laos done under human rights principles.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Thailand's Minister of Foreign Affairs Kasit Piromya reaffirmed Wednesday that the repatriation of Thailand's ethnic Hmong population to Laos was conducted under human rights principles, with all being well treated by...

Thailand/Cambodia: Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit urges PM Hun Sen to consider Thai-Cambodian relations as priority.
December 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Thailand's Minister of Foreign Affairs Kasit Piromya on Wednesday urged Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to show concern for better long term relations between the two kingdoms by not getting involved with...

Thailand: Securities Companies Association concerned by 'no commission' offer.
December 31, 2009... Section: Business News - Executive directors of Thailand's Association of Securities Companies will meet early next year to discuss impacts of the move by two securities firms to collect no commission on the excess to a trading amount of Bt20...

Thailand: Export chief confident Thai exports to grow as targeted next year.
December 31, 2009... Section: Business News - Thailand's exports are quite likely to grow 10-14 per cent as targeted for 2010, according to the Department of Export Promotion (DEP). Director-General Srirat Rastapana said she is confident that exports next year...

Thailand: 40 dead on first of seven high-risk New Year's holidays.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - The death toll from road accidents throughout Thailand reached 40 on Tuesday, the first day of the "seven high risk travel days during the New Year period with heavy traffic streaming into the provinces carrying to Thais...

Thailand: Court nullifies Cabinet resolution on Thai-Cambodian joint communique.
December 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - A Thai court has ruled to revoke the Cabinet's resolution endorsing the joint communique of Cambodia and Thailand to back Phnom Penh's bid to list the ancient 11th century Preah Vihear Khmer temple complex as...

Thailand: ABAC Poll says Thais most happy about King's recovery.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - ABAC poll reveals the thing Thais are most happy about in 2009 is the recovery of HM the King, while survey respondents are least happy about how Thais are divided into different opposing groups. The most-liked...

Thailand: Deputy PM hints 5 candidates in running for Public Health Minister post.
December 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Deputy PM Suthep Thaugsuban hints there are 5 individuals in the running for the public health minister post. A new public health minister is expected to be appointed today to replace outgoing Public Health...

Thailand/Laos: Thai-Laos joint border committee preside Hmong repatriation ceremony.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Thai government, in cooperation with Lao authorities, has sent more than 4,000 Hmong people from a refugee shelter in Thailand back to Laos. Lao defense authorities and a Thai-Laos sub-committee for border peace led by...

Thailand: Provinces begin road safety campaigns for New Year.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Road safety campaigns have been launched in several provinces, to promote safe driving and reduce accidents during the New Year holidays. On the resort island of Phuket , a road safety center has been set up to assist...

Thailand: Finance Minister says alleged corruption scandal in Health Ministry hits Strong Thailand's image.
December 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - The finance minister admits the alleged corruption scandal in the Public Health Ministry has affected the image of the Strong Thailand scheme. He added that the Cabinet has tasked the screening committee...

Thailand: Fake cigarettes, medical supplies seized in Sa Kaew.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Military officers have seized a variety of fake cigarettes and medical supplies smuggled through the Thai-Cambodia border in Sa Kaew province. The Royal Thai Army's Burapha Special Task Force, led by Colonel Wasu...

Thailand: New Politics Party says Public Health Minister deserves praise for decision to resign.
December 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - The secretary-general to the New Politics Party has praised the public health minister for his decision to resign. The minister is expected to hand in his resignation today, after a fact-finding committee...

Thailand: Industry Ministry to assist investors to solve Map Ta Phut problems.
December 31, 2009... Section: Business News - The Industry Ministry will use the One-Start One-Stop Investment Center or OSOS to assist the private sector regarding the 65 suspended projects on the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate. Industry Minister Charnchai...

Thailand: Cabinet approves 5 measures to press disbursement of Strong Thailand funds.
December 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - The Cabinet has approved five measures to accelerate the disbursement of the Strong Thailand funds. Deputy Government Spokesperson Watchara Kannika has announced that the Cabinet has approved the five...

Thailand: Mae Hong Son tourist operators calls on revision to cancel northern airline routes.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - A group of tourist operators and local people in Mae Hong Son province have gathered to ask Thai Airways International to reconsider the cancellation of flights between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son provinces. Some 300...

Thailand: Fresh latex merchant robbed in Pattalung.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - A fresh latex merchant in Pattalung Province was robbed by the outlaws who made away with over one hundred thousand baht in cash. Superintendent to Papayom police office in Pattalung, Police Colonel Sompop...

Thailand: National Security Council to regulate immigrants' rights.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - The National Security Council has assigned its secretary-general to amend the guidelines for the status and rights of immigrants in the country. The deputy prime minister in charge of security affairs, Suthep...

Italy: Suspect package triggers bomb scare at Milan Airport.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - An Italian bomb squad has detonated an abandoned package found at Milan's Malpensa airport. An Italian bomb squad detonated an abandoned package found at Milan's Malpensa airport on Tuesday, but it turned out not to...

Iran: Iranian Parliament demands punishment for anti-govt protesters.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Iranian Parliament lawmakers want the harshest punishment for anti-government protesters and insulting religion. Iranian parliament lawmakers on Tuesday call for punishment for those who offended religion during the...

Yemen: US plane bomber wants to study Islamic sharia Law in Yemen.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - A Nigerian man charged with trying to blow up a U.S plane told his parents he wanted to study Islamic sharia law in Yemen shortly before cutting off contact with them. Nigerian Information and Communications Minister...

Brazil: Brazilians make annual offerings to Iemanja ahead of New Year.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Hundreds of Brazilians gather at Copacabana beach to make their annual offerings to Iemanja, considered the goddess of the sea and fertility. Hundreds of people flocked to Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beach on Tuesday...

Thailand: Charges postponed in Saudi Arabian businessman case.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - The public prosecutor has put off the filing of charges against suspects in the case of missing Saudi Arabian businessman, Mohammad Al-Ruwaili. The Office of the Attorney-General has postponed its confirmation of...

Thailand: Office of insurance commission campaigns for car insurance during New Year.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - The deputy finance minister and the Office of Insurance Commission held an event near Asoke expressway to remind drivers to check the expiration date of their car insurance before traveling during the New Year holiday. ...

Thailand: Cabinet approves Bt 50 Bln more for double-track rail project.
December 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - The Cabinet has approved an additional 50 billion baht for construction of a double-track rail system. Transport Minister Sophon Saram has stated that the Cabinet has endorsed an additional 50 billion baht...

Argentina: Peace March starts Argentine leg of journey.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Global March for Peace participants arrive in Buenos Aires where they are received by Argentine President Cristina Fernandez. Hundreds of peace crusaders who are making their way across six continents in 90 days met...

Austria: Filipino woman stabbed to death in Austria.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - A Filipino woman is found stabbed to death in the basement of the Vienna residence for the Lebanese ambassador to Austria. A spokeswoman for Vienna Police, Iris Seper, said a 30-year-old woman from the Philippines, was...

Philippines: Animals evacuated from volcano danger zone in Philippines.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - An animal welfare group evacuates livestock away from a danger zone, as Mayon Volcano threatens to erupt in the Philippines. As Mayon Volcano continued spewing ash and lava on Tuesday, an animal welfare group evacuated...

Iran: Iran warns Britain not to interfere in anti-govt protest.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Iran's Foreign Minister calls on Britain to stop its "nonsense remarks" against the anti-government protests in Tehran or it will receive "a punch in the mouth." Iranian foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki told Britain on...

Thailand: Maria Sharapova teams up with Danai in mixed doubles in Hua Hin.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Maria Sharapova has prepared to team up with Danai Udomchoke in a mixed doubles tennis match. The pair will play against Paradorn Srichaphan-Venus Williams team at Hua Hin Centennial Invitation on January 2. Maria...

Thailand: Police set up checkpoints for New Year.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Police have set up traffic checkpoints and road safety centers across the country for the upcoming New Year holidays. In Nakhon Ratchasima province, some 7,000 police officers have been deployed at various traffic...

Thailand: Pra Nakorn District to host 'united heart with 100 good deeds' at Chai Prakarn Park.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Pra Nakorn District has announced plans to organise the 'United Heart with 100 Good Deeds' event to wish the royal family a happy New Year for 2010. Pra Nakorn Distict Office Director Suerchana Sudjaroen stated that...

Thailand: Key to saving national treasures.
December 31, 2009... Section: Editorial - Kao Sod Newspaper Sadly, smuggling of ancient artifacts and vandalizing of ancient ruins in order to steal precious articles have been on the rise during the past twelve months. Sluggish economy has been blamed for the...

Thailand: Get one; Get them all!
December 31, 2009... Section: Editorial - From Post Today Newspaper Whether the decision to resign was his own or not doesn't take away from the fact that this is a rare show of political responsibility. Thais are used to Thai politicians stubbornly clinging on to...

Thailand: Former chief advisor of supreme command urges PM to launch investigation into army procurement scheme.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - The former chief advisor of the Supreme Command has urged Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to launch an investigation into the procurement scheme for bomb detectors and a patrol airship being used in the deep South of...

Spain: Stranded passengers continue to protest amid Air Comet crisis.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Air Comet passengers stranded in Lima, Peru march on Spanish consulate to demand Spain's government pays return tickets. Some 100 passengers affected by the suspension of flights of the Spanish company Air Comet on...

Spain: 25 provinces in Spain put on alert due to heavy rains.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - A total of 25 provinces in Spain are placed on alert as severe floods leave some towns without drinking water. Heavy rain flooded parts of Spain on Tuesday with 25 provinces placed on alert for further stormy weather....

Thailand: 2 defense volunteers killed in Pattani bomb attack.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Southern insurgents bombed a teachers' protection unit in the southernmost province of Pattani, killing two defense volunteers and seriously injuring three. Military and police personnel in Pattani province inspected...

Thailand: Former military strongman believes Thais will reconcile.
December 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Former military strongman General Suchinda Kraprayoon voices confidence that all sides in the Kingdom will finally reconcile in the time of crisis. In addition, he points out that the Abhisit...

Thailand: Swiss delegation signs well-wishes for King.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - A delegation from Lausanne, Switzerland, where His Majesty the King grew up, visits Siriraj Hospital today to sign well-wishes for His Majesty. Members of the public continue to travel to Siriraj Hospital's Centennial...

Thailand: Five eyed for Health Minister seat.
December 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - The deputy prime minister discloses that five Democrat MPs are potential candidates to replace outgoing Public Health Minister Wittaya Kaewparadai. The five are Phitsanulok MP Juti Krairirk, Bangkok MP...

Thailand: Govt injects Bt8.69 billion into village fund.
December 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - The government injects a stimulus budget of nearly 8.7 billion baht into the Village Fund and extends the repayment period for borrowers to two years. At the Government Savings Bank head office, Prime...

Thailand: House Speaker suggests Thaksin stop political movements.
December 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - The House speaker suggests that fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra stop his political campaign from overseas and turn to parliamentary means in his attempt for an amnesty. He also calls for...

Thailand: Court annuls Cabinet resolution on Preah Vihear.
December 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - The administrative court has nullified the Samak Cabinet's approval of the Preah Vihear joint communique with Cambodia after finding the resolution was made unconstitutionally. The Central Administrative...

Thailand: Bus, train terminals packed with New Year revelers.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Although the New Year holidays have yet to officially start tomorrow, train and transport hubs in provinces are reportedly crowded today as passengers begin to rush out for New Year celebrations. Many main roads in the...

Thailand: Govt Insurance Office campaigns for road safety precautions.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - The deputy finance minister and the Office of Insurance Commission have held an event to remind drivers to check the expiration date of their car insurance before traveling. Meanwhile, the toll fee for expressways in...

Thailand: Bt1 billion approved for career development in south.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - The Cabinet has officially approved a one billion-baht budget for career development projects in the deep South. Meanwhile, the Army chief has ordered security tightened for the New Year long weekend. Deputy Prime...

Nepal: Baby elephants play soccer in Nepal.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Crowds flock to Nepal to watch baby elephants play soccer. They may appear large and bulky, but during a soccer game, these elephants calve in Nepal proved nimble on their feet at the annual elephant festival. One of...

World: Video footage shows senior leadership of Al-Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula has transformed itself from a regionalized threat into what U.S. spy agencies see as the network's most active affiliate outside Pakistan and Afghanistan with global ambitions. U.S....

Mexico: Mexican authorities arrest suspected police assassin.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Mexican authorities arrested Gilberto Sanchez, "El Gil", a man they suspect of being behind the deaths of several Tijuana police officers. Mexican authorities had another success on Tuesday when they captured a man...

Philippines: Worries about possible Mayon Volcano eruption despite apparent lull.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Mayon Volcano's ash explosions and tremors have minimised, but scientists say it could still erupt. Scientists observed only one ash explosion at Mayon Volcano after a 24-hour period ending on Wednesday, a decrease...

Japan: JAL shares tumbled 32% to hit new low.
December 31, 2009... Section: Business News - Shares of Japan Airlines tumbled as much as 32 percent to a record low on Wednesday as expectations grew the struggling carrier will be restructured in bankruptcy court as part of a state bailout. A bankruptcy could...

France: French FM says political crisis to be solved through dialogue.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - While Iranians living in exile demonstrate on the streets of Paris, the French Foreign Ministry says the repression in Iran is unacceptable and a political solution involving dialogue must be sought. Dozens of Iranian...

United States: Charlie Sheen's wife admits to domestic violence.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - In an emergency phone call to a Colorado police dispatcher, the wife of Charlie Sheen asserts claims the actor threatened her with a knife. A recording released on Monday revealed Charlie Sheen's wife accused the actor...

Mexico: Mexican gay community elated over Latin America's first gay wedding.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Mexican legislators and activists congratulate Latin America's first same-sex couple to marry. Their well wishes come during a news conference where legislators celebrated the publication of details of Mexico City's...

Thailand: Transport services ready for New Year revelers.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - Public transport services are readied for New Year celebrants leaving Bangkok en masse today. Transport Company President Wuthichart Kalayanamitr estimated that the number of revelers leaving the capital will peak...

Thailand: 5 eyed for Health Minister post.
December 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - The deputy prime minister discloses that five Democrat MPs are potential candidates to replace outgoing Public Health Minister Wittaya Kaewparadai. The five are Phitsanulok MP Juti Krairirk, Bangkok MP...

Thailand: 40 killed on first day of "dangerous week".
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - The first day of the government-declared dangerous week of road traveling during the New Year holidays saw at least 40 people dead and almost 500 others injured in traffic mishaps. The government's Road Safety Center...

Thailand: Poll shows King's recovery bestows best happiness to Bangkokians.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - A poll finds the recovery of His Majesty the King brings the greatest joy to Bangkok residents in 2009. A survey by the research center of the Bangkok University revealed the majority of its Bangkok respondents voted...

Thailand: EXIM Thailand appoints new first Vice President for Legal Affairs.
December 31, 2009... Section: Business News - EXIM Thailand appointed Mr. Senut Chavana as First Vice President of Office of Legal Affairs, effective on January 1, 2010. Export-Import Bank of Thailand (EXIM Thailand) appointed Mr. Senut Chavana as First Vice...

Thailand: Bank of Thailand reports economic and monetary conditions for November 2009.
December 31, 2009... Section: Economy - The economic conditions in November 2009 improved after a slight slowdown in the previous month in tandem with continued expansion of overall demand, from both consumption and investment. Exports, though slightly decelerated...

Thailand: New Year celebrations in Thai way.
December 31, 2009... Section: General News - A campaign has been launched to encourage people to celebrate the New Year festival in Thai ways. On this occasion, people have also been urged to buy Thai products created from the cultural capital as New Year gifts. ...

Thailand: SEC hearing on draft amendment to investment unit selling rules.
December 31, 2009... Section: Business News - The SEC is inviting public comment on the draft amendment to the rules regarding procedure for sale of investment units suitable for investors with different risk profiles. As mutual funds' features have become...

Thailand: SEC hearing on regulations governing issuance of Islamic bonds and trustees.
December 31, 2009... Section: Business News - The SEC is inviting public comment on the draft regulations governing issuance of Islamic bonds or Sukuk and trustees to promote variety of products, expand investor base in Muslim communities and offer alternative...

Thailand: Life insurance in 2010: Premiums to grow 18-23 percent.
December 31, 2009... Section: Business News - The global recession in 2009 and subsequent Thai economic contraction - expected to be a contraction of around (-) 3.1 percent - has hit hard on a number of economic sectors, i.e., manufacturing, finance and services....