Swedish national nabbed on 20 million krona fraud case

BANGKOK, Aug 4 – Thailand’s immigration police on Thursday arrested a Swedish man who has been hiding in the kingdom for nine years after eluding warrants in Scandinavian countries on 20 million krona fraud case. Carl-Gustav Alexander Tartagni was arrested in Prachuab Khiri Khan’s seaside resort of Hua Hin after concerned agencies in Scandinavian countries sought cooperation from Thai police to arrest him. The Swedish national is a wanted suspect charged with conspired with bank officials in Sweden to hack the banking system, changing purchase orders of bank clients’ accounts and transfering their money into his own bank account, causing damage to several companies in Scandinavian countries, valued at 20 million krona or about Bt100 million. Mr Tartagni fled to Thailand nine years ago and has no permanent job here. (MCOT online news) — TNA 2011-08-04

Thai PM-elect denies Thaksin picking cabinet

BANGKOK, August 4, 2011 (AFP) – On the eve of becoming Thailand’s first female premier, Yingluck Shinawatra denied reports on Thursday that her brother Thaksin would be making government appointments.

Yingluck, who has been described as Thaksin’s “clone”, rejected suggestions from Thai media that the ousted former leader is involved in allocating cabinet posts.

“Cabinet selection is being worked out here in Thailand and Thaksin and other members of the family have no involvement,” said Yingluck, who is set to be voted in as premier by lawmakers on Friday.

Thaksin was removed from power in a 2006 military coup and lives abroad to avoid a jail term for corruption. But he remains influential and several local newspapers have reported that he will hand-pick the new government line-up.

Political novice Yingluck was transformed from a relatively unknown businesswoman to elected leader in a matter of weeks on the back of her fugitive brother’s popularity.

However, since her Puea Thai party won a thumping majority in the July 3 election, she has sought to proclaim a level of independence from Thaksin.

The Democrat Party of outgoing prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has lodged an as yet unresolved complaint against Puea Thai, alleging that banned politicians were involved in its campaign over its slogan “Thaksin thinks, Puea Thai does”.

Also on Thursday, Puea Thai said Yingluck’s candidacy for prime minister had unanimous approval from party members.

The parliamentary vote on Friday is expected to be a formality as Yingluck’s party and its coalition partners control three fifths of the lower house, after which she will need to wait for official royal endorsement.

Thailand’s 28th prime minister faces the challenge of bringing stability to the kingdom, which has been politically turbulent in the five years since Thaksin’s ouster.

Other Thaksin allies have been removed from power by the courts following the coup and the country has seen damaging pro- and anti- Thaksin street protests.

They culminated in mass demonstrations by his “Red Shirt” followers in Bangkok last year, which ended with a military assault and more than 90 people dead. Thaksin is wanted on terrorism charges linked to the unrest.

– ©Copyright AFP 2011-08-04 | AFP News Sponsor
Published with written approval from AFP.

Prime Minister Abhisit’s farewell speech

Dear fellow citizens,

The House of Representatives has now convened. His Majesty has granted a royal command, graciously appointing the Speaker and the deputies. Soon the House will be meeting to select the new prime minister and a new Cabinet will be formed.

I would like to take this opportunity to reassure the Thai people that during this transitional period, my government is doing everything to ensure a smooth hand-over. There are important tasks that need to be carried out in the coming days, including the royal cremation of HRH Princess Bejaratana. Also, there are several provinces experiencing floods. For this, my government has already initiated the process of closely monitoring the situation and preparing the information needed by the new government. Again, I would like to assure you that all the work will continue smoothly during this period.

Given that a new government has the right to formulate policies it deems suitable for the country, before handing over the administration, I would like to inform you that my government has made it conducive for the incoming administration to continue addressing ongoing problems for the Thai people.

Given the rise in price of consumer goods, cost of living, the continued economic uncertainty in the US and Europe, the fluctuation in oil price and other economic concerns, I would like to assure you that our country’s economic situation and financial foundation is very stable and sound.

Our foreign reserve now stands at US$180 billion, which is large and represents an increase of $70 billion. This is also the 13th largest foreign reserve in the world, which underscores the fact that our government’s financial standing is strong. This is because our exports, tourism and income-generating activities allowed the economy to grow in a robust manner. So far this year we have collected Bt200 billion more in income tax than we aimed for. As for the national reserve, we now have Bt300 billion – about Bt50 billion more than when I first took office. This is another good financial foundation upon which the new government can base their financial policies.

For the overall economic figures, the debt-to-GDP ratio has continuously dropped under my administration, and now stands at about 40 per cent. This is a very low ratio compared to other countries – another guarantee that we will have financial flexibility in the coming years. Our employment situation is also encouraging, with the unemployment rate at a historic low. Regarding the oil price, my government has put in effective mechanisms to handle the fluctuations. The current status of the Oil Fund together with the continuation in pegging the diesel price at no more than Bt30 per litre will allow the oil fund to continuously receive income, and the fund level will not be in a minus zone in the next two months or so.

All this is a guarantee that the new government will have flexibility, financial and fiscal tools and mechanisms that can be utilised to address various economic situations in an efficient and appropriate manner.

When I first came into office, I used to say that our economic situation was like a “house on fire”. Now, we have put out this fire, made progress in looking after people living in the house and also made our house stronger. As far as looking after the people is concerned, we have laid down a system to provide assistance and care in the form of social welfare. My government had set 2016 as a target date to have in place a comprehensive social welfare system. As we can see, free education, free healthcare and the provision of care for various groups, such as the disabled and the elderly, have already been implemented. Yet we still have to accept the disparity in our society, which is a structural problem. We have set up several independent committees that have provided many recommendations, which are now being considered by various government agencies. I hope the new government will consider these recommendations so we can move toward a fairer and more equitable society.

On the international and security front, it is clear that the international community has more confidence in our country. After a peaceful general election, Thailand will be able to accomplish important tasks. I hope the new government will continue this momentum and lead our country to successful bids in hosting global events.

As for the neighbours, our relations have been smooth, except for the dispute with Cambodia. On this particular issue, I think we share the same goal – preserving good relations while at the same time we have to stand ready to protect our country’s rights and sovereignty. The standing issue is the case that Cambodia has taken to the International Court of Justice. My government has already fought the request Cambodia filed with the court for Thailand to unilaterally withdraw its troops. It is hoped that the next government will continue to fight this case and successfully protect Thailand’s national interest.

Besides these problems, issues that affect our security also need to be addressed. On the unrest in the South, we have passed a new law on the restructuring of the Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre, which has been accepted both at the domestic and international fronts. Of course, violence still persists and it is incumbent on the new government to continue working on this and implementing policies aimed at long-lasting peace.

The other issues that the new MPs have to address include drugs and long-standing social problems. The general election is a step toward democracy and I fervently hope that the new government will work to promote unity. My government has always respected the judicial process, which has the final say in our system. I hope the new government will continue with this principle, and leaving political conflicts to be dealt with through the parliamentary process. As for other institutions not involved in politics, they should be kept above conflicts.

In closing, I would like to once again thank each of you for your assistance and cooperation in carrying out the work of my government and overcoming various crises, even though there are some problems that cannot be resolved at this time. I hope that what I have done will provide a firm foundation upon which the incoming government can continue to work in order to bring happiness and prosperity to us all.

Thank you very much.

– The Nation 2011-08-05

Yingluck confirmed as Thailand’s first female PM
by Anusak Konglang

BANGKOK, August 5, 2011 (AFP) – Yingluck Shinawatra was confirmed as Thailand’s first female prime minister on Friday, faced with the daunting challenge of bringing stability to the kingdom after five years of political turmoil.

Yingluck, sister of fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, retained an air of calm confidence after she won a parliamentary vote to become premier with the support of 296 members of the lower house out of a potential 500.

The country’s 28th prime minister, who was catapulted from relative obscurity to election victory by her older brother’s support, can expect royal endorsement within days to formalise her position.

“I am excited to start work,” she told reporters after the vote. “People will judge whether my work satisfies them and meets their expectations or not.”

Yingluck’s Puea Thai party and its partners command a three-fifths parliamentary majority after a resounding victory in the July 3 election over the pro-establishment Democrats.

The 44-year-old surprised observers with her assured campaign style and she has since consolidated her parliamentary dominance by forming a six-party coalition that accounts for 300 of the legislature’s 500 seats.

Yingluck, described by her brother as his “clone”, on Friday again rejected suggestions that Thaksin, who lives abroad to avoid a jail term for corruption, is controlling her party from afar.

Asked if she was in contact with her brother, she replied: “No, I am not talking to anyone.”

Thailand has seen a period of instability since Thaksin, the only prime minister in the country’s history to win a second term, was removed from power in a 2006 military coup backed by Thai elites.

A group of around a hundred of his “Red Shirt” supporters gathered outside the parliament building ahead of the vote on Friday morning, many wearing their signature coloured tops bearing pictures of Yingluck’s face.

Yingluck is expected to face pressure from the mainly poor and working class Reds, many of whom support Thaksin for his populist policies during his 2001-2006 rule.

The movement, which has key representatives in Yingluck’s party, will expect justice over its April and May rallies last year that ended with a military assault and more than 90 people dead.

Analysts believe a key test for the fresh-faced political newcomer will simply be whether she can hang on to power in a country where the removal of leaders is commonplace.

Thailand has seen 18 actual or attempted military coups since it became a constitutional monarchy in 1932 and only one prime minister in that time has served a full four-year term — Thaksin.

“We are still in the middle of a very big conflict in the country with very different ideas about what government should be, and what it should be doing,” said Thai political analyst Chris Baker.

Baker said her parliamentary majority — along with the weakened state of the nationalist and anti-Thaksin “Yellow Shirt” protest movement and a lack of public support for the army — will give Yingluck “breathing room”.

Vote-grabbing promises, such as a minimum wage hike and higher rice prices for farmers, were a nod to Thailand’s less economically fortunate, but the Bank of Thailand warning they could stoke inflation.

Yingluck, who said she would work on finalising her cabinet over the weekend, said her first thought would be the poorer in society.
“Our first priority is to solve the high cost of living for people,” she said.

– ©Copyright AFP 2011-08-05 | AFP News Sponsor
Published with written approval from AFP.

Heavy rain, flooding triggered by tropical storm hit northern, northeastern provinces

PHRAE, July 31 – Heavy rain and flooding hit several northern and northeastern provinces while local authorities are prepared for more rain as tropical storm Nok-Ten enters Thailand Sunday.

n Phrae, flash flooding triggered by heavy rainfalls hit several areas in Rong Kwang district. A portion of Phrae-Nan road from the municipality office to the district office and the Rong Kwang police station is under about 50 centimetres of water.

In Den Chai and Mueng district, several villages were inundated. Chuan Sirinanthaporn, Phrae governor warned local residents in disaster-prone areas of flash flood and mudslide.

In the northeastern province of Nongkhai, heavy rain and flooding hit many areas including the municipality. Many main roads are currently under water. People evacuated their belongings to higher ground. Meanwhile, as a by-election is being held in Constituency 2 on Sunday after the Pheu Thai candidate was given a yellow card, officials worried that the heavy rains may result in low voter turnout.

Several provinces in the North have released water from reservoirs to prepare for more rainfall stemming from tropical storm Nok-Ten.

Chiang Rai irrigation officials drained water from Sruay reservoir and Chiang Rai dike to absorb rapidly increasing water and to prevent water from overflowing its banks to villagers and farmlands in low-lying areas along the Kok River and the Lao River. Rain in Chiang Rai stopped Sunday morning but overnight rain caused the water level in the Kok River, the Lao River, the Chan River, the Kham River and the Sai River to rise fast and become brownish-red and murky with silt. The local disaster prevention and mitigation office warned people at foothills, near waterways and in lowlands to beware of flash floods from July 31 to August 3.

In Lamphum, deputy governor Prachakjit Apiwat, said there is rainfall in 80 per cent of the province. Local residents in at-risk areas have been warned of possible flash floods. The local disaster prevention and mitigation office is offering emergency call service around the clock.

In Phichit, Saklek Kamjai, a local officer of the disaster prevention and mitigation department in Phichit said they are cooperating with the Royal Irrigation Department to reduce the released water from the Yom River to the Nan River as the Nan River is already at a high level. He also worked with the Chao Phraya dam in Chainat to drain water from the Chao Phraya River to prepare to absorb water from the northern provinces.

A centre to monitor the amount of rainfall, possible flash flood and mudslide from the tropical storm Nok-Ten has been established. The meteorological department has issued a warning for northeastern, northern and eastern provinces of heavy rain and possible flash floods associated with tropical storm Nok-Ten from Sunday until August 4.

The Associated Press reported tropical storm Nok-Ten slammed into north-central Vietnam, killing one person. A 68-year-old man was electrocuted by a falling power line on Saturday.
Nok-Ten has already left at least 50 people dead and 25 missing in the Philippines.

– TNA 2011-07-31

Unubovd Alcawbimel, 19, and Bootaman Frans  Jelle, 20, were attacked about 2.45 am shortly after they left  Soi Bang La, a popular nightspot venue on Patong beach, the report said.

While walking back to their accommodation the two young men were fooling around and Mr  Alcawabimel accidentally walked into a parked minibus, the report said. The minibus was slightly dented.

 The driver demanded 1,000 baht for damage, but the two men refused to pay.
 
The two tourists said the damages claim was exaggerated.  This annoyed the minibus driver and his friends. As the two tourists walked away, the disgruntled drivers physically assaulted them, the report said. 

A police officer passing by  saw the incident and tried to intervene, but he was forcefully kept away  by the assailants. The policeman fired a warning shot into the air.

The two tourists were later admitted to a nearby hospital. Mr Alcawbimel needed 10 stitches in  his left eyebrow, while Mr Jelle sustained bruising to his body, the report said.

After the incident,  the drivers blocked the road in front of Soi Bang La with at least 10 mini buses.

Pol  Col Arayaphan Pukbuakhao, chief of Kathu district police, went to the scene to negotiate with the protesting drivers.  After more than one hour of talks, the drivers agreed to disperse.

Pol Lt Col Kittipong Khlaikaew, deputy chief of Kathu police , said police will linvestigate the assault  and examine  footage from closed-circuit cameras before charges are laid against those involved in the attack, the report said.

Swedish expat stabbed to death at luxury villa in Phuket

PHUKET: — Phuket Police are investigating the stabbing murder of a Swedish man ambushed and stabbed to death as he returned to his luxury villa in Koh Kaew subdistrict last night.

The murder took place in full view of neighbors.

The police identified the deceased as a 25-year-old Swedish national.

The name of the victim is known to the Phuket Gazette, but is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Neighbors told rescue workers at the scene that a gang of about 12 Thai men were waiting to ambush the Swede when he returned by motorcycle to his home at The Lantern family pool villa complex off Thepkrasattri Rd at about 8pm last night.

The killer used plastic ties to bind the victim’s hands, then slashed the right side of his neck as he struggled to free himself, neighbors said.

The killers escaped by scaling the wall of the villa complex. One of the gang held up a motorbike driver at gunpoint and used the vehicle to make his escape, witnesses said.

Among the items collected as evidence was a backpack, Apple laptop computer, and a credit card belonging to the deceased.

– Phuket Gazette 2011-08-02