Thai Press Reports articles from July 2006

Thai Press Reports archives from July 2006

Thailand: Wife of abducted and presumed murdered lawyer appeals to Asean for help on hunman rights grounds.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The wife of a missing Thai lawyer has appealed to the Southeast Asian regional body to pressure Bangkok to investigate human rights violations, The Nation reports. Somchai...

Thailand: 3 former election commissioner remain in jail.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government and Politics - Three ex-EC commissioners convicted of malfeasance will have to spend third night behind bars on Thursday as their lawyer said he could not forward bail request to court in...

Thailand: Ausralian foreign minister says foreign terrorists seek ties with Thai insurgents.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Foreign "jihadis" are suspected of having tried and failed to make links with Islamic militants in southern Thailand, Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said Thursday, The...

Thailand: New screening of candidates for Election Commission to begin in August.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government and Politics - The general assembly of the Supreme Court judges will start screening candidates for the posts of election commissioners on August 10, Supreme Court secretary Wiraj...

Thailand: Senator says general election may be delayed due to selection of new Election Commission members.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government and Politics - The process of picking five new members of the Election Commission (EC) will take almost three months, probably delaying the October 15 election, Senator Chirmsak Pinthong...

Thailand: CAT Telecom plans to offer CDMA service in most provinces in 2007.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - CAT Telecom Plc will kick off the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) 2000 1x cellular service in 51 provinces in next January and will rely on the lowcost handsets to quickly nab...

Thailand: Youbg man in Phichit province dies of bird flu.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - A 17-year-old man from the northern province of Phichit has died of bird flu to become the country's first victim of the virus this year, The Nation reports. Caretaker Prime Minister...

Thailand: Foreign Ministry back pedals on travel warning to France.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Foreign Ministry said a warning for Thai travellers to cancel or postpone their trips to France was a "technical slip-up.", The Nation reports. The government only meant to urge...

Thailand: 3 former election commissioners resigned but remain in prison.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government and Politics - Supreme Court rejects latest request, saying they damaged democracy and could obstruct judicial proceedings, The Nation reports. The convicted election commissioners had to...

Thailand: Patent on mangosteen granted by US firm raises call to protect Thai products.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Officials say government needs to take action to stop 'theft of Thai products', The Nation reports. Thailand needs to do more to protect its property rights and prevent other...

Thailand: Study says poor children cannot afford to pay for basic education.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - A new study shows that poor children cannot afford even basic education, in spite of guarantees of state-funded schooling for a minimum of 12 years, The Nation reports. It discovered...

Thailand: Famed social thinker urges political parties to adopt His Majest the King's sufficiency economy theory.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Respected social thinker and champion of the poor Prawase Wasi on July 26 insisted political parties adopt His Majesty the King's "sufficiency economy" theory in their election-campaign...

Thailand: Foreign Ministry says Surakiart still in the running for UN top post.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The Foreign Ministry remains positive Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai is still firmly in the race to become the next UN secretary-general, The Nation reports. In a...

Thailand: Democrat wants former election commissioners to reimburse the government for mishandling last national poll.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government and Politics - Democrat exec says state officials accountable for govt losses caused by their abuse of office, The Nation reports. The jailed Election Commissioners should reimburse Bt2...

Thailand: Legal expert says government can't transfer officials because there is no operative Election Commission.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government and Politics - A legal expert on July 26 argued that the caretaker Cabinet had now lost its legitimacy to transfer any government official, The Nation reports. "It can transfer a...

Thailand: Thaksin says he was shocked at guilty verdicts of former election commissioners.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government and Politics - TRT leader warns of a new era in politics that requires candidates to keep 'clean', The Nation reports. Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is shocked at the...

Thailand: Bangkok governor says skytrain extensions may be postponed because of changes in Election Commission.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin said on July 26 that the jailing of the three members of the Election Commission (EC) would cause proposed Skytrain extensions to be postponed, as the...

Thailand: Top beer makers to intensify competition.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - Facing a drop in consumption, Singha and Thai Beverage are taking off the gloves, The Nation reports. The country's Bt89-billion beer market will see intensifying competition during...

Thailand: RNT Television CEO buys stake in Traffic Corner Holdings.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - Ruamnakorn buys 16.9 per cent of stock from Traffic CEO Suraphong, The Nation reports. RNT Television's chief executive officer Ruamnakorn Tabtimthongchai has become the major...

Thailand: Australia-based companies doing business in Hemarai Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Business News - Hi-tech, auto parts, steel, precision manufacturers among new arrivals, The Nation reports. In spite of Thailand's economic and political uncertainties, more Australian businesses...

Thailand: Siam Cement reports lower Q2 earnings despite revenue rise.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - Despite posting a 19-per-cent year-on-year increase in revenue in the second-quarter, Siam Cement Group's net profit sunk 13 per cent due to rising production costs and thinning...

Thailand: Finance Ministry may trim budget for 2007 fiscal year.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government and Politics - Lower-than-expected economic growth in the next calendar year may force the Finance Ministry to cut the government budget for the 2007 fiscal year, which starts October 1, The...

Thailand: BMW and Audi launch diesel-driven models.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Business News - BMW Thailand and Yontrakit Motors on July 26 announced the debut of their diesel-fuelled cars, aiming to attract executives who want to save on fuel bills while riding on...

Thailand: Website launched for upscale tourists.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched a new website for luxury travellers as part of its effort to tap the high end of the tourism market, The Nation reports. The site,...

Thailand: Aje Thai Co Lts to launch cola drink.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - Aje Thai Co Ltd, a subsidiary of Peruvian beverage manufacturer - AjeGroup, is hoping to make a dent in Coke's and Pepsi's market share after starting operations at a new plant in...

Thailand: JW Marriott gHotel Bangkok refurbishes rooms.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - The JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok is spending Bt150 million on room refurbishment and installation of hi-tech equipment to enhance its competitiveness, particularly with other five-star...

Thailand: Jetstar adds direct flights between Australia and Thailand.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - Jetstar is introducing a direct service to Australia with special launch fares from Bt910 one way, The Nation reports. The low-cost carrier, part of the Qantas Group, will initially...

Thailand: Charn Issara Development to launch 2 residential projects.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - Charn Issara Development will invest Bt1.9 billion in two residential projects over the rest of this year and early next year, The Nation reports. Managing director Songkran Issara...

Thailand: Dah Chong Hong Ltd to help export Thai fruits to China.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - Dah Chong Hong Ltd, a wholly owned warehousing subsidiary of China's Citic Group, is to join with Thai authorities to establish a coordination office to help promote the export of Thai...

Thailand: Telecoms commission to study privacy issues.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The National Telecommunications Commission is to study privacy protection in Thailand by forming a committee to research those aspects of telecom technology used by eavesdroppers and law...

Thailand: Thailand still attractive to Japanese investors, Jetro president says.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Business News - Thailand is not in danger of losing its lustre in the eyes of Japanese business and it continues to follow only China as their investment target of choice, said Atsuo Kuroda, the...

Thailand: Government aims to make Thailand hub for rubber trading.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The strategy is aimed at lifting world prices of the commodity, The Nation reports. Thailand plans to become "the world's hub for Asian rubber technology and development" within the...

Thailand: US diamond cutter Lazare Kaplan International Inc looks for retail partner in Thailand.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - Lazare Kaplan International Inc, the 103-year-old US diamond cutter and wholesaler, is looking for a business partner to handle retail management and marketing operations for the...

Thailand: Disapong to acquite 30% stake in Samchai Steel Industries.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - Disapong Sapboonkert, as a major shareholder in Inter Steel Industries Co Ltd, will take over 30 per cent of Samchai Steel Industries Plc once the two companies merge, The Nation...

Thailand: TPI likely to take out bridge loan.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - Prasert says short-term funds of up to US$900m needed; bonds will be delayed, The Nation reports. Thai Petrochemical Industry Plc (TPI) will likely take out one-year bridging loans...

Thailand: SET to investigate Everland Plc to determine if there was insider trading in company shares.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - Last week, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) prohibited net settlement and margin loans for Everland Plc shares for 30 days after it found abnormal movement in the stock price, The...

Thailand: Asean agrees to implement decision by East Asian leaders.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Association of Southeast Asian Nations foreign ministers on July 26 agreed there should be a mechanism to follow up and implement decisions made by East Asian leaders, The Nation...

Thailand: Commentary - Surakiart's campaign for top UN post is an exercise in futility.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Commentary - The Nation - Deputy PM's hopeless campaign to oversee the world body is keeping better candidates out of the race. For some reason that perhaps only he can understand, caretaker Deputy...

Thailand: Commentary - When Thaksin talks nicely, you know he's in trouble.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Commentary - The Nation - Every time that Thaksin Shinawatra tones down his rhetoric and beseeches his opponents to come to the negotiating table, you can be pretty sure he's in a tight corner. If...

Thailand: World university presidents want education hamonised.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The theme of the first World University Presidents Summit convened by Thailand in Bangkok recently was "Reflections on diversity and harmonisation in higher education", underlining the...

Thailand: Thaksin's military academy clasmates show up to extend birthday greetings.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government and Politics - More than 200 high-ranking military officers from Class 10 of the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School closed ranks behind caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on...

Thailand: Free education not really free.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Many students complain they feel cheated by the government's free education policy as there are numerous hidden fees, the Bangkok Post reports. A girl from a public high school told a...

Thailand: Police warn of credit card crimes in tourist areas.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Police are advising credit card users to be more cautious when using them at major tourist spots following the arrest of a criminal who stole electronic data through tapping of phonelines...

Thailand: Surakiart still wants to be UN Secretary-General.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai on July 26 conceded that he must work harder if he is to win the job of United Nations secretary-general, the Bangkok Post reports....

Thailand: Chat line to help curb sexual abuse of young people.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - TOT Plc on July 26 launched a helpline in a bid to curb the sexual abuse of youths using ''1900'' chat line services, the Bangkok Post reports. Acting TOT president Chamras...

Thailand: Jailed former election commissioners release on bail.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government and Politics - The Criminal Court Friday released the three former election commissioners on bail after they pledged to the court that they would not get involved in the works at the EC...

Thailand: New avian flu outbreak will depress Thai chicken exports.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Business News - Now that avian flu virus has resurfaced Thailand is not likely to meet its target of exporting 300,000 tonnes of chicken this year, a report in Krungthep Turakij said. The chairman...

Thailand: Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand to sell bonds before the end of the year.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Investment - The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) plans to make a bond offer in the fourth quarter, a report in Krungthep Turakij said. The EGAT board approved a plan to raise...

Malaysian company sets up Thailand's market centre in Penang.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Business News - Hansa Properties is developing a new mixed retail complex called Thailand Paradise, Krungthep Turakij reported. Hansa Properties and Yayasan Bumiputera Pulau Pinang are joining to...

Thailand: Differentiation the key to success for Thai Ceramic Lampang.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - Thai Ceramic Lampang has expanded in export markets by broadening its product line, a report in Krungthep Turakij said. Thai Ceramic Lampang was founded in 1963 by Somchai...

Thailand: High oil prices will stifle profit growth at Thai Union Frozen Products.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - Thai Union Frozen Products (TUF) predicts its annual net profits for 2006 will be about the same as for 2005, a report in Krungthep Turakij said. TUF predicts that its sales will...

Thailand: Bang Chak Petroleum of Thailand predicts higher profits for the second half.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Corporate News - Bang Chak Petroleum (BCP) expects to make 80 billion baht this year, a report in Krungthep Turakij said. The president of BCP predicted that BCP's refining margin would remain high...

Thailand: Exchange rate fluctuation affects exports.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Business News - Like several other countries, exports remain Thailand's major foreign exchange revenue; thus, continued fluctuation in exchange rates will affect the country's export prospect, a former...

Thailand: October election to boost Thai economy, says forecaster.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The upcoming general election on October 15 is expected to cause increased money circulation of around Bt20-30 billion in the Thai economy, which could contribute to an increased...

Thailand: Army chief not yet 'officially' given authority to resolve southern unrest.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Lack of unity is reported to be a major obstacle in the government's resolving the insurgency in Thailand's deep South, but the army chief who was earlier asked to lead the mission has...

Thailand: Constitution Court gives Thai Rak Thai Party more time to clarify on party dissolution case.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Thailand's Constitution Court has extended the period of time for the ruling Thai Rak Thai (TRT) Party to submit its written pleas against prosecution leading to its dissolution. ...

Thailand: Most analysts view energy stocks as top pick for investment.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Stocks - Most securities analysts share a common view that stocks in the energy sector remain most attractive for investment since they have benefited from the current oil price hike, according to the...

Foreign Affairs Minister of Thailand says that ASEAN-US agree to hold first summit.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in which Thailand is a member country, and the United States have agreed to hold their first summit to further boost bilateral ties and...

Thailand: SET to reach 850 in long run if political tension eases.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Stocks - Thailand's gross domestic product (GDP) is likely to grow no more than 4 per cent in the next 18 months, while the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)'s index to reach 850 points in the long run...

Malaysia, Thailand agree on joint response to natural disasters along border.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Malaysia and Thailand Wednesday agreed to step up bilateral cooperation in handling natural disasters that occur along their common border. Towards this purpose, the Malaysia-Thailand...

Thailand: Private sector confident of better investment climate.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Investment - Leading business persons in Thailand's private sector have voiced confidence that investment atmosphere in the country will improve as the political tension has begun to ease. Tan...

Thailand: KRC indicates that Thai shrimp exports still promising.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Business News - Thailand's exports of shrimps and products will remain promising in the second half of this year and next year, but exporters need to monitor a new anti-dumping (AD) duty and the World...

Thailand: Close inspection for bird flu in Northern Thailand.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Following confirmation of the latest bird flu case in Thailand, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan Thursday ordered agencies responsible for bird flu control to...

Thailand: Dengue impact on bird flu not yet known, says medical official.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Thai health officials Thursday said that test results were not yet conclusive regarding a possible role that dengue fever might have also played in the death Wednesday of a teenage boy...

Thailand: Eleven more suspected bird flu cases in Phichit Province.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Eleven more suspected bird flu cases were reported in Thailand's lower northern province of Phichit on Thursday. Dr. Prajak Wattanakul, head of the Phichit provincial public health...

Thailand: DPM favours replacing teachers with police-military in deep South.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Pol. Gen. Chidchai Vanasatidya said on Thursday that the government had thought of assigning soldiers and border patrol police...

Thailand: ACM Kongsak insists that no conflict in cooperation on curbing spread of bird flu.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The Interior Minister, Air Chief Marshal Kongsak Wanthana, confirmed that there is no conflict in the cooperation on curbing the spread of the avian influenza between the Interior...

Thailand: Mr. Suranand affirms government will not interfere in NESAC working.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Executive member of Thai Rak Thai party Suranand Vejjajiva affirmed that the government will not interfere with the works of the National Economic and Social Advisory Council (NESAC). ...

Thailand: Mr. Suthep does not mind that three election commissioners requests for new place to jail them.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government & Politics - Democrat Secretary-General Suthep Thuagsuban said that he does not mind that the three election commissioners have requested officials to change the place to jail them. He...

Thailand: Democrat secretary-general believes that process on selection new election commissioners will go smoothly.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government & Politics - Democrat Secretary-General Suthep Thuagsuban believes that the selection of the new Election Commissioners by the Supreme Court will go smoothly. He is confident on the...

Thailand: Krungthep Poll finds most people still undecided which parties they will vote for in the October election.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government & Politics - About half of 1,113 people in Bangkok surveyed by Krungthep Poll this week have not yet decided which parties they will vote for in the October 15 general election. The...

Thailand: Supreme Court begins selecting new poll commissioners.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government & Politics - The selection of new five Election Commission (EC) members has already begun after the Supreme Court asked 86 judges yesterday to name candidates for the poll agency. Court...

Thailand: Agencies showing social responsibility will be awarded ISO 26000 in the near future.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The Industrial Standards Office (ISO) is setting criteria for organizations wanting to be awarded ISO 26000. ISO secretary-general Pairoj Sanyadechakul said ISO 26000 is awarded to...

Thailand: Surin Province to promote organic asparagus farming.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The northeastern province of Surin is promoting organic asparagus farming for export. Surin's Agricultural Office chief Peerawat Sangnoi said the project, carried out jointly with...

Thailand: October poll will help stimulate economic growth.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - An economic analyst predicts that the October 15 general election will help spur the economy so growth this year will be around 4-4.5%. Thanawat Polwichai, director of the University...

Thailand: Thai Rak Thai Party not certain about sweeping election victory in the Northeast.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government & Politics - Thai Rak Thai (TRT) Party deputy leader Thammarak Israngkura na Ayutthaya concedes he is not certain that TRT will win back all of its lower house seats in the Northeast in the...

Thailand: The 3rd Evason Phuket Raceweek Regatta kicks off.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - The 4 day regatta, featuring about 30 entries, started in brisk breezy conditions yesterday morning just off the Evason Phuket Resort & Spa on Laemka beach in Rawai. According to...

Thailand: International Media call for Disaster Recovery networks.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Gathering and discussing media's roles in disaster recovery, television and radio executives as well as representatives from international organizations agreed that networking among...

Thailand: TAT provides marketing support for tourism businesses via its website.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - On line marketing was an issue introduced and discussed among local tourism businesses in Phang-Nga during a seminar on new marketing strategic plans. The participants comprised hotel...

Thailand: Thai Dive operators seek support from government.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Around 20 dive operators, Thais and foreigners, called for government support for the industry, and to properly regulate the business. They requested that proper licenses, open diving...

Thailand: The fourth army region and SBPCC instruct to adjust protection measures for teachers in the Deep South.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Defense Minister General Thammarak Isarangura na Ayutthaya has ordered the fourth army region and the Southern Border Provinces Peace-Building Command (SBPPC) to adjust security measures...

Thailand: Mr. Chuan believes the senate will seek for potential members for the new EC members.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: Government & Politics - Chairman of the Democrat Party Advisory Council, Mr. Chuan Leekpai said he is confident the Senate will seek new potential members of Election Commissioner to organize the...

Thailand: HRH Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol to pay Royal Visit to the US.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol will pay a Royal Visit to the United States of America between the 31st of July and the 8th of August, B.E. 2549 (2006) in order to discuss...

Thailand: Trat Governor instructs all government agencies to remain neutral regarding politics.
July 31, 2006... (From Thai Press Reports) Section: General News - Trat provincial governor Boonchuay Kerdsukon has urged all the government agencies to remain neutral regarding political matter. Mr. Boonchuay has urged the head of all government...