Thai Press Reports articles from February 2006

Thai Press Reports archives from February 2006

Thailand: Thaksin issues open letter in Shin Corp share sale.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will release his open letter addressing government MPs and Thai Rak Thai Party members in a bid to fend off critical views on his leadership style,...

Thailand: Thaksin moves to please the poor and state workers.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - 5% rise for state workers, Bt200 a day for the poor, big tax incentives, The Nation reports. In a last-ditch effort to salvage his political future, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra...

Thailand: Opposition MP accuses SEC of whitewash in investigation of Shin Corp share sale.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government and Politics - Democrat MP Sirichok Sopha on February 23 accused the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of whitewashing the Shin Corp Plc sell-off, which involved an intricate series of...

Thailand: Privy Council president tells prime minister to take notice of the public.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda on February 23 advised Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to take more notice of the public when the two met to discuss current political...

Thailand: Prime minister announces dissolution of Houe of Representatives.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra announced a House dissolution Friday evening after he was granted an audience with His Majesty the King, The Nation reports. Thaksin told a TV live broadcast that he could...

Philippine Government declares state of emergency.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Regional News - Philippine President Gloria Arroyo declared a state of emergency Friday (Feb 24) to quell a military uprising that sought to overthrow her administration, The Nation reports. ...

Thailand: Bangkok's rapid bus project faces money problems.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service, a pet project of Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin, is likely to flop due to several setbacks, especially the lack of money, demand and governmental...

Thailand: Thammasat University Hospital withdraws from government's low-cost health care programme.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Financially strapped Thammasat University Hospital is to pull out of the government's low-cost healthcare scheme, saying it had gone into the red by Bt105 million since the service...

Thailand: High bird flu alert established following outbreaks in Europe.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The Public Health Ministry is on high alert after outbreaks of the lethal H5N1 bird-flu virus were reported in Africa, Europe and Malaysia, The Nation reports. The Department of...

Thailand: Free treatment for leukaemia at government registered hospitals.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - People suffering from leukaemia or malignant lymphoma who are registered with the National Health Security Office's universal healthcare scheme will from Wednesday be able to get free...

Thailand: Government conducts public event on surrenders of alleged southern militants while violence continues.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - While authorities in Narathiwat conducted yet another parade of young men they alleged to be sympathisers of Muslim militants, two men, including a village headman, were gunned down in...

Thailand: Thaksin ignores warning of more political troubles to come.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - Thaksin continues to ignore advice from former leaders as D-Day approaches, The Nation reports. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra appears to be ignoring the growing demands for his...

Thailand: Military concerned that anti-Thaksin demonstration may face actions by ill-intentioned people.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The military is worried that violence could erupt at Sunday's anti-government rally at Sanam Luang, Defence Minister Thamarak Isarangura said on February 23, The Nation reports. ...

Thailand: Government launches ad campaign to trumpet achievements.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government and Politics - The government has launched an advertising campaign to announce what it has done over the past five years in office as Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra faces mounting pressure...

Thailand: Ramkhamhaeng University students suggest constituitional amendments to pave way for Thaksin to leave office.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government and Politics - Ramkhamhaeng University Student Union on February 23 suggested a way for embattled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to exit the crisis over his leadership - amend four charter...

Thailand: National telecoms commission examines Shin Corp share sale to Temasek Holdings.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The national telecom regulator will seek information from government agencies as part of its inquiry to determine if the sale of Shin Corp by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's family...

Thailand: People's Alliance for Democracy opposes dissolution of House of Representatives.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government and Politics - The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has opposed calls for Parliament to be dissolved as a way out of the political crisis. It says Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is...

Thailand: Anti-Thaksin demonstrators come from many parts of the country.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government and Politics - North, Five thousand people from Phichit and nearby provinces joined a rally hosted by media firebrand Sondhi Limthongkul in Phichit on February 23, The Nation reports. ...

Thailand: Pro-government newspaper of unknown origin distributed in Bangkok.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government and Politics - Hundreds of copies of an anonymous eight-page pro-government newspaper were dumped in downtown Bangkok on February 23, The Nation reports. The paper looks to be a sign of...

Thailand: Law professor discusses legal issues in democracy.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - As the anti-Thaksin movement gathers steam, some critics say the rule of law may be supplanted by mob rule, The Nation reports. Pravit Rojanaphruk talks to Chiang Mai University law...

Thailand: Only minor violations in Shin Corp share sale, SEC says.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Pinthongta also exonerated, but Panthongtae faces three charges, The Nation reports. The Securities and Exchange Commission has given Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his...

Thailand: SEC says there is only one Ample Rich Investments Ltd.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) There is only one company named Ample Rich Investments Ltd, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), after it investigated four custodians and brokers involved in past transactions with the...

Thailand: Political instability spooks stock investors.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Business News - The current political impasse is forcing investors to hold back on their decisions to invest in the stock market, a seminar on the impact of the current political situation was told on...

Thailand: PTT Plc to join up with Japan's Asahi Kasei Chemicals to make resin.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - Japanese chemicals group Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corp said on February 23 that it would link up with PTT Plc to jointly make resin for computers and cars, The Nation reports. The...

Survey says Taiwanese executives most stressed out by overworking.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Stress levels among business leaders around the world have risen by 50 per cent over last year, with those in Taiwan proving to be the most overwhelmed by work, according to the 2006...

Thailand: GE Energy signs service agreement with Ratchaburi Electricity Generating.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - $500m pact covers servicing turbines, The Nation reports. US-based GE Energy celebrated the opening of a regional contractual service office in Bangkok on February 23 by signing a...

Thailand: Sweden-based paper manufacturer Billerud AB looks for factory locations in Asia.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - Swedish paper manufacturer Billerud AB is looking for Asian locations to set up new plants, with the company predicting that the business potential of the emerging Asian markets will...

Thailand: Consumer groups want operating licence of Thai AIrAsia revoked following Shin Corp-Temasek Holdings share sale deal.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The Confederation of Consumer Organisations on February 23 handed a letter to the Transport Ministry, seeking to revoke Thai AirAsia Co's aviation licence, because the company no longer...

Thailand: DVD rental firm Tsutaya in expansion mode.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - The country's leading movie rental company, Tsutaya (Thailand), has announced an aggressive improvement and expansion programme to upgrade both its operations and customer relations...

Thailand: Triple T Broadband assigned 300,000 fixed line phone numbers.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - The telecom regulator on February 23 approved a licence for a TT&T Plc subsidiary to operate a nationwide telephone service, The Nation reports. National Telecommunications...

Thailand: LCD television prices expected to fall further.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Business News - LCD television prices will fall 10 per cent on average this year after dropping 40 per cent in 2005, The Nation reports. This is the result of high competition and production cost...

King Juan Carlos of Spain wants closer business ties between Spain and Thailand.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - King Juan Carlos of Spain said on February 23 that corporations in his country could support Thailand's modernisation projects with technology and expertise, The Nation reports. ...

Thailand: TOT Plc labour union issues threat to block calls by True Corp fixed-line subscribers.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - Move would be in retaliation for arbitration ruling, The Nation reports. TOT Plc's labour union has threatened to block calls by True Corp Plc fixed-line subscribers to cellular...

Thailand: SEC finds Thaksin's son in minor violation of disclosure rules.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Watchdog finds PM's son violated securities law on three occasions, The Nation reports. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced on February 23 that Panthongtae...

Thailand: Central bank mover to expand use of e-payments.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The Bank of Thailand (BOT) is campaigning to convince more than 10 major corporations and state agencies to use more electronic payments and reduce their use of cheques, The Nation...

Thailand: Picnic Corp to use proceeds from rights offer to pay debts.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - Latest move aims to resolve legal dispute with two creditors, The Nation reports. Picnic Corp told the Stock Exchange of Thailand on February 23 that it would use the proceeds from...

Myanmar (Burma): Human rights conditions have not improved, UN official says.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Regional News - Throughout his six-year mission in Burma, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, the outgoing United Nations Special Rapporteur, said on February 23 that human rights in the military dictatorship have...

Thailand: Government moves to mend ties with Malaysia.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Both sides back away from politicising the repatriation of 130 Thai Muslims still across the border, The Nation reports. The Thaksin administration has apparently decided to cut its...

Thailand: Is Thaksin looking for a successor?
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Commentary - Amid growing pressure to either resign or dissolve Parliament, Prime Minister Thaksin Shina-watra is now understood to be looking for a nominee to succeed him. You must be curious to know...

Thailand: Surakiart speaks out on his ambition to become UN Secretary-General.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - After two years in the running for the post of UN secretary-general, Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai finally broke his silence on Tuesday night and publicly stated the reasons...

Thailand: Political turmoil to affect key policy initiatives.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The country's deepening political crisis has created a power vacuum that will have an impact on key public policy initiatives. How markets and investors react this week will also signal...

Thailand: Plan to privatize Metropolitan and Provincial Electricity Authotiries may be scrapped.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Plans to privatise the Metropolitan and Provincial electricity authorities could be scrapped altogether following a new analysis of the business structures of the two state enterprises,...

Commerce Ministry of Thailand ruling to affect status of Shin Corp subsidiaries.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The fate of the subsidiaries of Shin Corporation could hang on a Commerce Ministry ruling on whether the buyout of the group by Singapore's Temasek Holdings breached the 1999 Foreign...

Thailand: SET explains why its investigation of Dhin Corp share sale takes longer than usual.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The Stock Exchange of Thailand acknowledges that an investigation into possible securities violations involving Shin Corp shares has been prolonged due to the sensitivity of the case, the...

Thailand: 3-G Mobile phone technology touted as having many wireless applications.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - As well as bringing a whole new language to the mobile-phone circuit in Thailand, the term third-generation technology (3G) is being used to tout all kinds of wireless communication...

Thailand: International Engineering announces IT investment plan.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - International Engineering plans to invest 710 million baht in IT and alternative energy projects in the first half of this year, according to chief executive Sumit Champrasit, the...

Thailand: Intercultural communication expert discusses role of best practices.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Business News - 'Khun Kriengsak, I want my Thai staff to visit other businesses and learn best practices from them. Do you think this approach to learning is beneficial for Thais?" Peter asks me during...

Thailand: Company Reports.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Business News - Christiani & Nielsen said it had been awarded a contract worth 543.48m bt for the construction of an interconnecting pipeline project for Reformer and Aromatics Complex II with a work...

Thailand: Royalties on gold mining to rise.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Royalties and other special benefits offered or paid to the government in exchange for mining rights will be raised to suit soaring gold prices, officials say, the Bangkok Post reports....

Thailand: More Thais expected to travel overseas this year.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Travel organisations are seeing a rising number of Thais travelling abroad this year after a slight drop last year, the Bangkok Post reports. At the same time, the proportion of...

Thailand: Pfizer (Thailand) upbeat over sales prospects in 2006.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - The pharmaceuticals manufacturer Pfizer (Thailand) expects to see healthy sales this year on the back of domestic market growth, private hospital expansion and overall economic growth,...

Thailand: Thai Union Frozen uses reserve fund for investment.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - Thai Union Frozen Products (TUF), the country's largest tuna exporter, plans to use its reserve fund of US$100 million or about 3.9 billion baht for future investment in a bid to keep...

Thailand: Body of suspected insurgent found in Pattani.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Officials found a body of an insurgent leader in the southern unrest, who had a 1-million-baht bounty on his head, after he suffered injury in a clash with military officials. Deputy...

Thailand: PM said he won't block political reforms.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government & Politics - Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawat insists that he will not block attempts to initiate political reforms, but said that the reforms must be based on reality. Prime Minister...

Thailand: Less than 100 people gather in Si Sa Ket to protest government.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Sisaket governor Santad Jatuchai said that less than 100 people gathered in the areas, which is much lower than the number reported in the news. Mr. Santad commented on reports that...

Thailand: Opposition parties submit draft of declaration on political reforms to PM.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government & Politics - Deputy Chart Thai leader Somsak Prissananantakul indicated that the opposition parties have submitted a draft of declaration to the prime minister to consider proposals on...

Thailand: General Prem refuses to speak on political matters, to maintain his neutrality.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government & Politics - Chairman of the Privy Council and Statesman General Prem Tinsulanon refused to speak on the current political situation, saying that he rather remain neutral. General Prem...

Thailand: Bangkok Film Festival comes to an end.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The Bangkok Film Festival came to an end yesterday (February 26, 2006), as organizers expressed satisfaction with the event. Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Jutamas...

Thailand: Chart Thai party submits separate declaration on political reforms to PM.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government & Politics - Chart Thai party submitted a separate declaration on political reforms to the Prime Minister, after an internal discussion with party leaders. Chart Thai party leader Banharn...

Economists said Thailand remains interesting investment hub.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Economists expressed confidence that, Thailand remains an ideal place for investments, adding that if political situation becomes clearer, investment inflows will continue. Associate...

Thailand: There will be enough water for consumption during dry season, says Yasothon governor.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Yasothon governor Amnat Pakarat insists that water for consumption in the province will be sufficient for the upcoming dry season, while asking for cooperation from the people to conserve...

Thailand: Legal experts of Thai Rak Thai Party converge to determine whether the party will sign proposed 4-party joint ratification.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government & Politics - Legal experts in the Thai Rak Thai Party are converging to determine whether the party will join the signing of the ratification proposed by Opposition parties, and will report...

Thailand: Prime Minister declines to comment on signing of 4-party ratification to foster political reform, but says this will be discussed at his party.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government & Politics - Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has declined to comment on the signing of a 4-party ratification to foster political reform. Prime Minister Thaksin arrived at Government...

Thailand: Deputy Thai Rak Thai party leader Sudarat admits that she asked to join in signing of ratification.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government & Politics - Deputy Thai Rak Thai party leader Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, said she has been asked to participate in the signing of the ratification for political reform. Khunying...

Thailand: Deputy Thai Rak Thai party leader raises doubt about Alliance for Democracy's protest.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government & Politics - The Deputy Leader of the Thai Rak Thai Party, Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, is unconvinced over the Alliance for Democracy's protest. The alliance is demanding Prime Minister...

Thailand: Interior Minister ACM Kongsak assigns related agencies to evaluate movement of the protestors.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Interior Minister Kongsak Wanthana has assigned concerned agencies to evaluate the movement of the protestors, following the news of 200,000 people will travel to Bangkok to join the...

Thailand: Democrat Party Secretary-General demands Thai Rak Thai leader to join in political reform meeting by himself.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government & Politics - Democrat Party Secretary-General Suthep Thuagsuban has demanded Thai Rak Thai Party Leader Thaksin Shinawatra to take part in the meeting on political reform by himself, while...

Thailand: Thai Citizen Party asks to participate in signing of ratification for political reform.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government & Politics - The head of the Thai Citizen Party is asking to participate in the signing of the ratification for political reform, as proposed by the Opposition. Mr. Sumit Sunthorawet, the...

Thailand: There is still no clear standing point whether the opposition will send candidates for general election.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government & Politics - Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silpa-archa is still attending the meeting between the core figures of his party. However, there has not been a clear indication whether the party...

Thailand: Commerce Minister Mr. Thanong says parliament dissolving has least impact on economy.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Commerce Minister Thanong Bidaya has insisted that the government's decision to dissolve the parliament will have less impact on the national economy since the primary factors are still...

Thailand: Farmers group travels to Government House to urge quick solving of farmers' debt problem.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - A farmer's debt group is urging Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to quickly solve the problem of farmers' debt. As many as a thousand people of the Thai farmers' debt network have...

Thailand: Prime Minister says he will keep fighting because people give him moral support.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government & Politics - Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has indicated he is unattached to the current political situation but he had to fight because people have given him moral support. The...

Thailand: DPM Chidchai says security measures for rally not adjusted.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Chidchai Wannasathit stated that the officials have not adjusted their security measures for the rally this afternoon. He said the protestors...

Thai Finance Minister says Thailand's economic forecast figures for 2006 will not need to be adjusted during this period.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Economy - Finance Minister Thanong Bidaya affirmed that the economic forecast for year 2006 would not need to be adjusted despite the current political uncertainty. Although the political situation...

Thailand: Local in Narathiwat's Su_ngai Padi gunned down by assailants.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - A local resident in Narathiwat's Sungai Padi District was shot and killed by assailants this morning (February 27, 2006). This morning policemen and soldiers inspected the vicinity...

Thailand: Mahachon Party demands answer from Thai Rak Thai Party on whether it will participate in ratification of political reform.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government & Politics - The head of Mahachon Party is demanding an answer from the Thai Rak Thai party today over whether it would participate in the signing of the ratification for political reform....

Thailand: Education Minister insists he will not use his post to gain political advantages.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government & Politics - Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang revealed after a meeting between 5 major departments of the Education Ministry that he will not use his post to gain political advantages....

Thailand: Majority of Thai Rak Thai party candidates for election in southern region are same persons.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government & Politics - The Deputy Leader of the Thai Rak Thai Party, Mr. Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, who is administrating the election in the southern region, stated that 80 percent of the party's...

9th Thailand International Kite Festival to be held in Petchaburi.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The province of Petchaburi will host the 9th Thailand International Kite Festival to celebrate His Majesty the King's 60th anniversary of his accession to the throne. At the fair, you can...

Thailand: Metropolitan police Chief indicates that reporters can ask for security from authorities during reporting news at demonstration.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The Metropolitan Police Chief, Lieutenant-General Wiroj Jantarangsri, indicated that news reporters at the demonstrations can ask for more security from authorities whenever they feel...

Thailand: BMTA takes tourists to Chawak Lake.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Suphanburi is one of the provinces under the Happy Family with the BMTA Services project. The BMTA, or the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, is offering tourists and their family members an...

Thailand: New Shell cemetery in Krabi gets boost by getting road routed there.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The Krabi's Khao Panom district deputy Chief Wiratdetch Bunruengkhao said his office has received a governor's CEO budget to spend on building a 5 kilometre concrete road leading to a...

Thailand: Phang-Nga sets up operation units for poverty eradication in each district to ease people's problems.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - In response to the government's policy for integrated strategies of poverty eradication, the Phang-Nga authority has set up an operation unit in each district as well as provincial levels...

Thailand: JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa wins 2005 Hotel of the Year Award from Marriott International.
February 28, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - The local Resort & Spa won the Hotel of the Year Award and earned six more prestigious awards of the year 2005 from Marriott International recently, beating more than 2,600 properties...