Home Regional Crime Travel Gateway Entertainment Lifestyle Art & Culture Life in Thailand Biz Spotlight Happenings Forum Directory About TAN Schedule How to Watch Contact Us Two Irish Men Went on Rampage, Stabs Two People in Pattaya Two drunken Irish men went on a drunken rampage early this morning, stabbing and injuring a total of 4 people. They claimed they were forced to defend themselves after they were attacked by local motorcycle taxi drivers in Pattaya.   Floods Seen Stalling Food Industry Growth at 1% The industry council's food processing club has revealed that the food industry will grow only one percent this year due to natural disasters. The group hopes the government can prevent the exchange rate from severe fluctuation to help with food export.     Dep PM Pledges to Suppress Extortion A deputy prime minister pledges to protect motorcycle taxi drivers against extortion. Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobumrung met about a hundred motorcycle taxi drivers, led by the transport minister's adviser Wan Yoobumrung, who is his son, to receive their complaints about extortion. Chalerm stated he will set up a committee to probe their complaints and advised them not to bow to any threats or extortion because doing so means they are making the payment voluntarily which bars any legal action. read more >> Poll: Govt Wins Public Favor over Pay Hike, Anti-drug Drive A latest opinion poll on the government's first six months sees most people supporting the pay hike and drug eradication effort. However, they disapprove of some of the Cabinet appointments. Between January 28 and February 2, Dusit Poll asked 2,100 people throughout the country to compare the current government, led by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who has been in power for six months, and the previous administration, led by Abhisit Vejjajiva.   PM, Pheu Thai Ministers Meet The PM has called a meeting of Cabinet members from the Pheu Thai Party at the Phitsanulok Residence this morning after the Lower House passed two loan decrees yesterday. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra called a meeting between the Cabinet members of the Pheu Thai Party at around 10 A.M. this morning.     Deputy PM Completes Own Version of Reconciliation Bill A deputy prime minister is unnerved by possible opposition towards his draft reconciliation bill and insists that it is drafted with everyone's best interest in mind. Deputy Prime Minister Police Captain Chalerm Yoobamrung said he has completed drafting a national reconciliation bill. He added he prepared the draft bill by himself and no one has seen its content yet.  read more >> Dep PM Pledges to Suppress Extortion A deputy prime minister pledges to protect motorcycle taxi drivers against extortion. Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobumrung met about a hundred motorcycle taxi drivers, led by the transport minister's adviser Wan Yoobumrung, who is his son, to receive their complaints about extortion. Chalerm stated he will set up a committee to probe their complaints and advised them not to bow to any threats or extortion because doing so means they are making the payment voluntarily which bars any legal action.   Khon Kaen Ready to Host 40th National Games The Khon Kaen governor disclosed that the province is ready to host the upcoming 40th National Games or the Khon Kaen Games, between March 3 and 12. Khon Kaen Governor Sombut Triwatsuwan said that as Khon Kaen Province is the host of the 40th National Games, or Khon Kaen Games this year, between March 3 and 12, the province is now 90 percent ready, in terms of the two main competition fields, which are the Khon Kaen Administration Stadium and the Khon Kaen University Stadium.     Border Officials on Bird Flu Alert The animal quarantine office in Surin Province sprayed disinfectant at the Chong Jom and O-Samed border checkpoints after a Cambodian child reportedly died from bird flu. The Chong Jom and O-Samed border checkpoints in Dan Subdistrict of Surin Province saw officers from the Surin provincial animal quarantine, the Surin public health office, the provincial livestock office, Kab Choeng District, and other related officers set up an area to measure the body temperature of Cambodians who enter Thailand. read more >> Oil Price Feared to Rise over Iran Embargo The director of the central bank's macroeconomics office is concerned that the US and western nations' ban on Iranian oil import may push the global oil price higher.   MICE Business Expected to Grow 6% The conference and exhibition tourism promotion office expects the industry to see growth of six percent thanks to the organization of the International Rotary Convention in May.     Home Prices Expected to Rise Despite Recent Floods The Housing Business Association and the Thai Valuers Association have expressed confidence that the recent flood disaster will have no effect on property prices this year. They expect higher labor and transportation costs to drive up real estate prices by five to ten percent or up to 20 percent for properties situated along the BTS or MRT routes.  read more >> Bangkok to Host Sister Cities Week 2012 The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is hosting the third Bangkok Sister Cities' Week with the concept of "Urban Rehabilitation and Renewal". Khun Tanhathai Kanajansoon has the story.   Questions Raised about US Blacklist Appointed as PM's Office Minister Nalinee Taweesin's appointment as the Prime Minister's Office minister has raised concerns about the relationship between Thailand and the United States, with her being blacklisted by the United States' Treasury Department since 2008. Khun Tanhathai Kanjanasoon has the story.     Chiang Mai, Another Bangkok? Chiang Mai authorities ensure tourists and locals that the city has opened its doors for modernization to redefine the city's infrastructure, yet will not abandon its traditional Lanna culture. Khun Tanhathai Kanjanasoon has the story. read more >> Thailand Losing Steam The government has claimed Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was able to successfully restore confidence in Thailand by outlining the country's flood prevention and economic plans at the 42nd World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. However in reality, almost no one paid attention to Yingluck. Instead, all eyes were on the Burmese government envoy led by Industry Minister of Myanmar U Soe Thein and Rail Transport Deputy Minister Thura U Thaung Lwin. Even though it was Myanmar's first time participating in the forum, it garnered much interest from international investors who seem to start overlooking Thailand. Myanmar also made a big splash by announcing that it has a plan to offer up to eight years tax exemptions to attract foreign investments and attempt to drive its gross domestic growth to the target of six percent. Moreover, Myanmar is also looking to establish additional special economic zones, other than in Tavoy, in areas situated around Rangoon in order to accommodate companies from China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand and other countries. As for its unstable kyat currency, Myanmar will consult with the International Monetary Fund on how to set up a better exchange rate mechanism and other monetary policies. Most importantly, it is planning to make its central bank an independent entity from separating its from the Finance Ministry. Despite the fact that Myanmar still considered by many to be a relatively high risk country, a large number of foreign investors are willing to take their chance, given the potentially lucrative upsides. As Myanmar is becoming more attractive destination, Thailand's appeal to investors is diminishing. If the Thai government fail to come up with more incentives including bringing more political stability and transparent business-doing practices, Thailand may soon find itself being passed over by international investors. Taken from Editorial Section, Kom Chad Leuk Newspaper, Page 4, February 3, 2012 Translated and Rewritten by Kongkrai Maksrivorawan Please note that the views expressed in our "Analysis" segment are translated from local newspaper articles and do not reflect the views of the Thai-ASEAN News Network. Damage Has Been Done The Nitirat group has become the talk of the town and more well-known names like Worajet Pakeerat are being bombarded with criticisms while others in the group who are lesser known fade into the background. What's sad to see are people like Charnwit Kasetsiri and Niti Iaowsriwongse who hide behind the group and refuse to show their faces.   The Nong Chik Incident The incident at Baan Kayi in Pattani’s Nong Chik District last Sunday (January 29) when army rangers opened fire on a suspicious pick-up truck, killing four Muslim villagers and injuring six others, could become a new catalyst for more violence in the restive south. Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha explained that the passengers on the truck might have not understood the signals for them to stop and when they failed to do so, the soldiers therefore mistook them for potential insurgents. read more >>   Latest News Govt Not to Rethink Compensation Amount for Protesters Supreme Commander against Lese Majeste Law Change 4 Witnesses Questioned in Pattani Shooting Case City Police Showcase Drug, Firearms Raids Call Center Gang Suspect Surrenders to Police   TAN Highlights Will Pattani Shooting Create Further Rift in South ?   New Motorway Project Expected to Boost Real Estate Business in Kanchanaburi Focus Analysis Feb 2 : Is PM's 5% Econ Growth Forecast Likely? Impacts of Magnetic Storm Weekly Stock Market Analysis read more >>   Forum Same-Sex Marriage in Thailand: A question of demand and supply [ View 223 | Reply 0 ] What is your ‘Kodak moment’? [ View 350 | Reply 0 ] Gun in town [ View 264 | Reply 1 ] Dtac: Still Feel Goood, everyone? [ View 294 | Reply 2 ] Thank You TAN [ View 600 | Reply 0 ] read more >>   TAN Program in Focus You Ask, We Answer   Thai Delights Join Tong this week as he explores the art of alternative medicine, Apitherapy. Tong braves the stings of the bees for their alleged medicinal effects. read more >>   What 's Coming up Thailand International Spices of Thailand Museek read more >>   Travel in Focus Haadson Resort: Gateway to Relaxation For those in search of rest and recuperation, Haadson Resort in Phang Nga province offers all the right ingredients. Youthapong Charoenpan reports.   Mae Hong Son: 'City of Three Mists' Mae Hong Son’s major hub in Muang district oozes with old-world charm and a refreshingly peaceful ambiance, as Panjamal discovers.   Entertainment in Focus Compelling Cotton @ Shanghai Mansion Based at Shanghai Mansion in Yaowarat - Bangkok's captivating Chinatown - Cotton restaurant serves up an appetizing array of Thai and Chinese dishes. Nida Sampattavanich reports.   'Suds & Sounds' @ Red Sun Youthapong Charoenpan evaluates Red Sun, Tawandang German Brewery's latest Bangkok-based dining and entertainment venture, which is based at the Siam Discovery Center.   Lifestyle in Focus Nakhon Pathom: 'Farm-to-Table' Treats The vendors at Wat Lumphaya Floating Market in Nakhon Pathom province are also farmers, ensuring the produce and foodstuffs on sale are particularly wholesome and fresh. Nida Sampattavanich reports.   Books: This Isn't The Sort of Thing Youthapong Charoenpan shares his thoughts on British author Jon McGregor's debut collection of short stories. Breaking News Tourism Min Set to Ask U.S. to Lift Terror Warning 1/27/2012 4:21 PM Laborers Prepare for Natiowide Rally to Demand Wage Hike 1/26/2012 1:35 PM Thai Media Report: Clashes Along Thai-Cambodian Border; 1 Injured 1/25/2012 3:46 PM Firecracker Explosion in Suphanburi Kills at Least 4 1/24/2012 9:12 PM Thaksin's Former Right Hand Man Gets Appointed Interior Minister Secretary 1/24/2012 10:14 AM  read more >> Your Say Biz Spotlight Family Venture Helps Put Trang on The Map Evidence would suggest that cakes produced under the Sin O-Cha and Trang Phura brand names represent one of the most popular souvenir items among visitors to the southern province of Trang. Jutarat Tongpiam reports. The Barbeque Plaza: Burgeoning With Barbegon Supalai Park: Expansive Expressions Real Estate: Levo Ladprao 18 read more >> Art & Culture HRH Princess Sirindhorn: Born to This World Born to This World is a photo exhibition currently being held at the Bangkok Art and Culture Center (through February 19), featuring 190 compositions taken during the period 2010-2011 by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Nida Sampattavanich reports. Safeguarding Spirits Wat Ton Kwaen: Exquisite Elements of Lanna Wat Jedyod: Seven Spires read more >> Life in Thailand A Charming Source of Civic Pride A trip to Chanthaburi's charming riverside community of Chanthaboon provides visitors with some fascinating insights into the neighborhood's ancient origins. Panjamal reports. Tourism Effort Credited With Bang Pat's Revival Rolling With The Punches Hemp-Based Products Making Headway read more >>

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