Thai Press Reports articles from March 2009

Thai Press Reports archives from March 2009

Thailand: Royal Initiative Projects - Development Guidelines based on Sufficiency.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - His Majesty the King has always been concerned over the lives of people in rural areas. He has initiated more than 3,000 projects to alleviate poverty and sufferings of the people. The Office of the Royal Development...

Thailand: Thai Airways labor union protests against shift of domestic flights to Suvarnabhumi.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - The labor union of the Thai Airways International (THAI) traveled to the Democrat party's headquarters to submit a letter to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, asking him to revise the relocation of the company's...

Thailand: Deputy Ministry of Commerce Alongkorn chairs pirated product destruction ceremony.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Deputy Minister of Commerce Alongkorn Ponlaboot yesterday (March 27) chaired the destruction ceremony of 173-ton products, which were produced in the violation of intellectual property rights. The products were worth...

Thailand: Motorists advised to avoid rally site.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Police Major General Weeraphat Tansrisakul said that Luk Luang road, stretching from Ratchadamnoen Nok road to Nakhon Sawan road, would be blocked from traffic due to the demonstrations of the United Front for...

Thailand: BMA encourages citizens to light out for environment's sake tonight.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - To support the Bangkok Metropolis Administration's campaign 'Sixty Earth Hour', Deputy Bangkok Governor Dr.Prakob Chirakiti invited citizens to turn off the lights in their residences and buildings, from 8.00pm to...

Thailand: EC affirms re-election readiness in Samut Prakan.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Election Commission (EC) member Praphan Naikowit, who oversees election management, affirmed that the re-election for Samut Prakan MP will be ready tomorrow (March 29, 2009). Mr. Praphan said the EC has...

Thailand: Court rejects hearing of ex-premier's case via video link.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - The Supreme Court denies the request by fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to make an opening statement for his frozen-asset trial from abroad via video conference. The former prime minister's lawyer...

Thailand: 3rd day of red-shirt group's rally in front of Govt. House.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - It has already been the 3rd day that the red-shirt group stage their rally in front of the Government House, while police forces are on stand by to ensure orderliness and safety. Today (March 28) is the...

Thailand: PM Abhisit affirms Thaksin's phone-ins have no effects on government.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva affirmed today (March 28) that the recent frequent phone-ins of the former ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra had no impacts on the operations of the government, while firmly...

Thailand: Government Spokesman assures administration able to work in current condition.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - The Government Spokesman has affirmed that the administration is able to conduct its work as usual despite the current siege of the Government House. Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister and...

Thailand: Security stepped up at Privy Council President's residence.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Security has been tightened around the residence of Privy Council President Gen.Prem Tinsulanonda today (March 28th) after the former prime minister's phone-in last night mentioning Gen.Prem as the...

Thailand: PM says House dissolution cannot end political turmoil.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says a parliament dissolution and a new election are not solutions to the ongoing political quagmire as suggested by the former PM. The premier said political reform has...

Thailand: Democrat MP of Bangkok worried Thaksin's phone-ins might lead to more violent red-shirt group's rally.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Bangkok MP of the Democrat Party, Boonyod Sukthinthai asserted today (March 28) that the phone-in via video link of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday was repetitive speech that could have...

Thailand: Gen. Surayud denies his involvement in 2006 coup.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Privy councilor and former prime minister Gen.Surayud Chulanont has today (March 28th) denied the accusation claiming him to be a mastermind of the 2006 coup but admitting that he used to discuss the political...

Thailand: Honor and Dignity of Thai Government Officials.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - April 1 marks the Civil Servants Day, a special occasion for all personnel in the government sector or the civil servants, which also highlights great expectations of all Thai citizens who hope to see Thai government...

Thailand: SCB cuts deposit interest rates by 0.25%.
March 31, 2009... Section: Business News - A source from Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited (SCB) informed the public that SCB had cut deposit interest rate. In this connection, SCB's interest rate for three-moth fixed deposit was slashed from...

Thailand: TMB to revise interest rates for loans, deposits by 0.25%.
March 31, 2009... Section: Business News - An executive from TMB Bank Public Company Limited, Mr. Boontuck Wungcharoen, revealed that the TMB would lower its interest rates for all types of loans and deposits by 0.25 per cent, starting March 30th. ...

Thailand: KTB slashes interest rates for loans, deposits.
March 31, 2009... Section: Business News - Krung Thai Bank PCL (KTB) lowered the interest rates for deposits by 0.15-0.25 percent and for loans by 0.25 percent, effective yesterday (March 27) onward. In this connection, KTB's interest rate of three-month...

Thailand: Drought crisis slightly eases off.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Chairman of the Government's Special Committee overseeing drought situation said the crisis eased up after rainfalls in many areas and artificial rains made. Deputy Prime Minister Major General Sanan Kajornprasart...

Thailand: SSO affirms no mail delivery for 2,000-baht checks.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - The Social Security Office (SSO) has issued a reminder to all citizens eligible for the Government's 2,000-baht aid scheme that they must receive the checks by hand as the office does not have a policy to deliver them...

Thailand: Govt. to promote reading among citizens.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - The Government will take the auspicious occasion of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's royal birthday to declare the national agenda of reading promotion. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said in the Confidence...

Thailand: 76 billion bt. approved for security and economic development of the deep south.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva revealed that 76 billion baht budget would be used for security and economic development of the deep south while calling for the rally to keep on a moderate path without damaging the...

Thailand: A large crowd visited Phanom Rung after the 2,000 baht checks were distributed.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - A massive crowd traveled to the Phanom Rung Historical Park after the hand out of the government's 2,000 baht checks. A lot of people had visited Buriram's Phanom Rung Historical Park during the last weekend of...

Thailand: ABAC Poll shows majority backs ban on alcohol sale during Songkran.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - The majority of citizens have expressed support on the government's plan to prohibit sales of alcoholic drinks during the upcoming Songkran Festival, according to the ABAC Poll. The latest opinion survey on the...

Thailand: CEBF reports part of 2,000-baht check will be set aside for saving.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - The Center for Economic and Business Forecasting (CEBF) of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce indicated that over 80 percent of the eligible recipients for the government's 2,000-baht checks planned on...

Thailand: Interior Minister says see business opportunities from OTOP Festival in the City 2009.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul stated the "OTOP FESTIVAL IN THE CITY 2009" could increase business opportunities to entrepreneurs and boost the economy during the harsh time encountered by everyone. The...

Thailand: PM says first phase of Government Economic plan is to enliven lower income sector.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva indicated that the first phase of the Government's economic stimulus plan was designed with the intention to enliven the nation's economy with a major event by all ministries to drive...

Thailand: Thai PM to present Thailand's stance in tackling the economic crisis at G20 Summit.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - The Prime Minister is prepared to present Thailand's stance of a unified financial policy to other world leaders during the upcoming G20 Summit. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva stated today that this Tuesday...

Thailand: Deputy Prime Minister calls on Dr. Thaksin to take responsibility for criticisms of the Privy Council.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Deputy Prime Minister for Security Matters, Suthep Thaugsuban indicated that former Pmine Minister Thaksin Shinawatra should take responsibility for his criticisms on the institution of Privy Council. Mr....

Thailand: UDD willing to cooperate for no disturbance on Red Cross Fair.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Leaders of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) have declared that their gathering at the Government House will not be dispersed soon but promised their readiness to cooperate with authorities in...

Thailand: 10 corps of police stand by for the third hand prevention.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - The Metropolitan Police Chief assigned 10 corps to set up more check points around the Government House to prevent the third hand from creating disturbances with the rallying protesters. Metropolitan...

Thailand: Earth Hour campaign declared satisfactory.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Bangkok Governor says the reduction of electricity used during the 'Earth Hour' campaign was satisfactory but he wishes to see constant participation of every sector in efforts to solve global warming problems. After...

Thailand: DDPM readies to handle accidents during Songkran Festival.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Director-General Anucha Mokkhavesa said currently Road Safety Centre (RSC) is ready to prevent and reduce accidents during Songkran holidays and has run exercises...

Thailand: Transport Co. prepares for Songkran travelers.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - The Transport Co., Ltd. is preparing to increase its services to 4,000 trips during the Songkran Festival to accommodate the commutes of the estimated 250,000 holiday travelers per day. Board Chairman of the...

Thailand: "OTOP Festival in the City 2009" begins with a roar.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Overwhelming public interests have been paid to the "OTOP Festival in the City 2009", of which the official opening ceremony was organized earlier today (March 29). Director-General of the Community Development...

Thailand: Don Mueang quiet as Thai Airways nears completion of transfer to Suvarnabhumi.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Don Mueang Airport appears placid on the final day of Thai Airways International (THAI)'s relocation to Suvarnabhumi Airport with almost half of its domestic flights already removed. Suvarnabhumi Airport Director...

Thailand: Culture Ministry to declare Wat Khlong Thom Bead Museum as a historical site.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - The Ministry of Culture pledged its support to the renovation of Krabi's Wat Khlong Thom Bead Museum where ancient beads of 2 millennia ago were kept, and would declare areas in Khlong Thom district a historical site....

Thailand: Red Cross Fair commences.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - The annual Red Cross Fair kicks off today with more than 200 stalls selling consumer goods at discounts. Associate Professor Aruneephraba Homsette, Deputy Director of Thai Red Cross Society Funding Office said the...

Thailand: Thai PM to present ASEAN financial policy and protectionism objection on G 20 Summit.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - The Government Spokesperson said the Prime Minister would support the stance against protectionism at the G20 meeting, claiming Prime Minister's trip was not his attempt to flee from the red shirt rally. Deputy...

Thailand: Educational Standard indicated by Teacher or Student.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - A great deal of efforts to enhance the Educational Standard of Thai students have been carried out in the preceding years as studies found achievements of Thai students in each year far lower than the world's standard....

Thailand: Govt to suppress narcotics in the North within 6 months.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - The Government aims to suppress narcotic drugs in the Northern region within six months, targeting to block trading and trafficking at the border. Advisor to the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB)...

Thailand: Minister of Labor says 2,000 baht check hand outs going smoothly.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Minister of Labor Paitoon Kaewthong indicates that Government economic aid check distributions have been progressing without incident while urging citizens to utilize value-added deals when spending their checks. ...

Thailand: Transport Minister says TOR draft for lease of 4,000 NGV-engine buses to be concluded today.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Minister of Transport Sopon Zarum said the draft of term of reference (TOR) for the lease of 4,000 NGV-engine buses would be concluded today (March 30th) while expressing confidence that the buses would be of service...

Thailand: Yala SSO set up mobile distribution site of 2,000 baht checks.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Yala Social Security Office set up a mobile distribution unit of the government's 2,000 baht checks to service Yala social security holders while advising the checks receivers to spend it for local products. Yala...

Thailand: Alcohol can be sold during Songkran.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - The National Alcohol Policy Committee permits the sale of alcoholic beverages during this year's Songkran Festival. However, alcohol sales will be banned on Buddhist holidays. A joint-meeting chaired by Deputy...

Thailand: Red Shirt brought taxis to block Ratchadamnern road.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Traffic on Ratchadamnern road had been blocked by taxis of the red shirt groups after the rumor that military troops would be sent to the Government house. Metropolitan Police Deputy Chief Police Major...

Thailand: Thai PM chairs Asia and the Pacific FAO Meeting.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva today (March 30th) chaired the opening ceremony of the Asia and the Pacific Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Meeting at the UN's convention center on Ratchadamnoen Road. No...

Thailand: Throngs of PAD members supporting 21 leaders acknowledging police charges.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have banded together to support their 21 leaders who today will acknowledge charges from the police for their seizure of the Parliament House last year, resulting in...

Thailand: PM's Spokesman assures Cabinet meeting to take place with new venue being selected.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister Panitan Wattanayakorn, as Acting Government Spokesman indicated this morning that tomorrow's Cabinet meeting would take place as scheduled with a location for the...

Thailand: Cabinet meeting to be held as usual tomorrow.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Government Spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn says the Cabinet meeting will be held as scheduled tomorrow despite the red-shirted group's rally in front of Government House but the meeting's location has not yet...

Thailand: Interior Minister says no rally termination reported.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul stated he did not know about the news of the termination of the red shirt rally while citing he had instructed the Governors to keep close watch on the read shirt rally...

Thailand: Govt Chief Whip urges Govt to create understanding with public on UDD protest.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Government Chief Whip calls for the Government to publicize and create understandings with the public after frequent intensive demonstrations of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD). ...

Thailand: Gen. Prem's supporters denounce UDD's attack.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Supporters of the Privy Council President in Songkhla province have threatened to head to Bangkok if the red-shirted crowd decides to surround his residence while also calling for the group to stop its verbal...

Thailand: Democrat warns Jaturon for his political analysis.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Democrat Party Spokesman Buranat Samutharak has today (March 30) suggested the former acting leader of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party to be more cautious in his political analysis. Dr. Buranat, as...

Thailand: 500 red-shirted supporters gathering at Udon Thani Provincial Hall.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Some 500 anti-government red-shirted supporters are reportedly rallying in front of the Udon Thani Provincial Hall today (March 30th) to protest against the government's plan to disperse the group's major...

Thailand: Deputy Prime Minister urgently meets with PM following UDD protests nationwide.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Deputy Prime Minister for security affairs Suthep Thaugsuban attended an urgent meeting with the prime minister today (March 30th) after the anti-government red-shirted protesters rallied at several provincial...

Thailand: Interior Minister asks provincial governors to monitor UDD rally.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul instructs provincial governors across the country to closely monitor rallies by the red-shirted group and urgently create understanding with the protesters. Police...

Thailand: SET Index edges down by 2.66%.
March 31, 2009... Section: Stocks - The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Index lost 11.71 points or 2.66 percent to close at 429.10 points in line with foreign markets with a market value of 4.486 billion baht after the market closed this morning (March 30th)....

Thailand: Deputy Finance Minister says state revenue may fall 15%.
March 31, 2009... Section: Business News - The Finance Ministry admits that the government's revenue collection until March this year may be lower than the projected figure by 240 billion baht or 15 percent. According to the government's previous forecast,...

Thailand: SEPO to seek Govt's budget to finance 3 cash-strapped state enterprises.
March 31, 2009... Section: Business News - Director of the State Enterprise Policy Office (SEPO), Areephong Phucha-um, said SEPO would submit its proposal to the Cabinet in order to request the budget, amounting to four billion baht to help shore up three...

Thailand: Dow Jones, red-shirted demonstrations result in SET Index decline.
March 31, 2009... Section: Business News - The Senior Marketing Director of Thanachart Fund Management Company Limted, Mr. Pichai Lertsupongkij, said that Thai stock slumped this morning in line with global stock markets. He said it was noticeable that...

Thailand: Analyst says SET Index likely to slump today.
March 31, 2009... Section: Business News - Director for Securities Analysis of Asia Plus Securities Company, Thirdsak Thawithiratham, forecast that Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Index today may decline due to scores of negative factors, especially the...

Thailand: PM presides over FAO summit held in Bangkok.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva presides over the FAO Summit in Bangkok, calling for cooperation from all country members to help tackle the problems of economy and food crisis during this time of global economy...

Thailand: Thailand will put up an education exhibition during ASEAN Education Ministers' Meeting in Phuket.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - The Non-Formal Education office in Phang-Nga prepares to display education in support of the quality of life for the Morgan tribe in Phang-Nga in the education exhibition during the upcoming SEAMEC and ASEAN Education...

Thailand: PM affirms red-shirted rally not a reason if Cabinet meeting cancelled.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva affirms today (March 30) that the red-shirt group's rally is not a reason for the Cabinet meeting tomorrow to be canceled, affirming not to dissolve the parliament. The...

Thailand: Thai Foreign Ministry to coordinate with United Arab Emirates for fugitive PM Thaksin's extradition.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - The Minister of Foreign Affairs will seek talks with relevant security agencies before initiating a negotiation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the extradition of the fugitive premier Thaksin Shinawatra. ...

Thailand: PM pleads red-shirted supporters to stop mentioning monarchy.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajva expresses his confidence that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is not staying in Thailand while urging the anti-government supporters to avoid mentioning the monarchy....

Thailand: Bangchak chief says retail price of diesel likely to increase.
March 31, 2009... Section: Business News - The Bangchak president says the domestic retail price of diesel is likely to rise if the Singapore oil prices remain stable or increase. Bangchak Petroleum President Anusorn Sangnimnual said the market margin of...

Thailand: PM schedules to attend G20 Summit in London on Thursday.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - The Prime Minister is preparing to attend the G-20 Summit held in London on April 2, planning to bring up the issue of trade barriers to the world forum. The PM also affirms that his attendance to such summit is not to...

Thailand: Finance Minister to revise estimation of 2009 revenue collection.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Minister of Finance Korn Chatikavanij will meet with economic-related government units this week to revise the 2009 revenue collection estimation. Mr. Korn said he expected that the new projection of government...

Thailand: BMTA board passes rehabilitation plan for the lease of 4,000 NGV-engine buses.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Deputy Permanent Secretary for Transport Piyaphan Champasut revealed that the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) board had passed the rehabilitation plan for the lease of 4,000 NGV-engine buses and it would be...

Thailand: SET Index edges down by 2.54%.
March 31, 2009... Section: Stocks - The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Index lost 11.21 points to close at 429.60 points with a market value of 8.522 billion baht after the market closed this afternoon (March 30th). Analysts said the SET Index declined today...

Thailand: Bangkok joins 'Earth Hour 2009' energy saving campaign.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Bangkok on Saturday joined the worldwide 'switch-off-the-lights' activities, which aim to raise awareness about energy savings and global warming, for one hour. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)...

Thailand: Bt2,000 cheque dispersals end at Bangkok City Hall.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Despite problems in issuing the 2,000 baht (US$56) the first round of distribution of 'Help-the-Nation' cheques to beneficiaries at Bangkok's City Hall which began Thursday, the government's special offer to those...

Thailand: Lime prices soar to record 20-year high.
March 31, 2009... Section: Business News - Prices of limes in Thailand have soared to a record high for the past two decades due to the current summer season while market demand has not relaxed. Sa-ard Chueychoo, a produce vendor at a market in Thailand's...

Thailand: Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit seeks Thaksin extradition from Dubai.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said on Sunday he plans to visit Dubai to seek the extradition of Thailand's former premier Thaksin Shinwatra, whom he says is using Dubai as the base for his political movement. Mr....

Thailand: PM Abhisit warns ex-PM Thaksin to not meddle with privy councillors.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Sunday warned Thailand's ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, convicted of breaking the law and on the run to escape prosecution, to not bring allegations that the...

Thailand: Surin says protest could affect ASEAN's bargaining power at G20.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - The ongoing protest against the Thai government by the red-shirted United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) could affect the bargaining position of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during...

Thailand: Thai PM Abhisit urges G20 members to stand by developing countries.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Sunday said he will urge the world's leading economies as members of the G20 economic grouping meeting in Britain later this week to not abandon the developing countries in the...

Thailand: Gen. Surayud denies ex-premier Thaksin allegation of behind 2006 coup.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Privy Councillor and former Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont rejected all allegations that fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra had made in his Friday telecast, particularly the claim that the privy...

Thailand: Bangkok police urge protesters to demonstrate peacefully.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Senior Bangkok police officers Saturday urged anti-government protesters now surrounding Government House to demonstrate in a peaceful manner and to allow police to conduct weapons searches on protesters when...

Thailand: PM Abhisit rejects House dissolution demanded by ousted premier.
March 31, 2009... Section: Government & Politics - Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Saturday rejected a satellite-delivered call given to anti-government protesters by on-the-run convicted ex-premier Thaksin to dissolve Thailand's House of Representatives...

Thailand: Bangkok police boost security at Privy Council president's residence, Foreign Ministry.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - Thai police here are stepping up security to Privy Council president Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda's residence and to Foreign Affairs Ministry following accusations launched by convicted, ousted former prime minister Thaksin...

Thailand: Leading Ko Samui hotels slash room rates.
March 31, 2009... Section: General News - As the economic slump hits Thailand severely, first-class hotels on Ko Samui island resort in the southern province of Surat Thani have reduced room rates as much as 50 per cent, according to Senee Phuwasethavorn,...