Monday 5 December 2011

Aloft Hotels debuts first hotel in Thailand with the opening of Aloft Bangkok-Sukhumvit 11

The heart of Bangkok beats a little faster today with the official opening of Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11. Created for the modern and tech-savvy traveller looking for a fun, social experience, Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11 - the aloft brand's first hotel in Thailand -offers all that and more in a stylish and vibrant setting at an affordable price point.
Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 
Brings Stylish and Affordable accommodation for Hip, Modern Travellers to the Heart of Bangkok’s Entertainment District.
"We're excited to introduce the Aloft experience to sophisticated travelers coming to Bangkok," said Brendan Daly, general manager of Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11. 

"The Aloft concept is a perfect fit for Bangkok's Sukhumvit district- it's fresh, stylish, urban and very forward-thinking. We are providing the perfect space for travelers to meet and connect on their adventures."

Infused with the DNA of W Hotels, the 296-room Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11 caters to the modern traveller seeking an eclectic, unique experience. With metropolitan-inspired design, Aloft guestrooms feature loft-like decor with soaring nine-foot ceilings, Aloft's signature platform beds, oversized spa showers and Bliss Spa products. 

And, to maximize both work and play, each room offers free Wi-Fi and a plug n' play connectivity station for charging all electronics and linking to the 42" LCD HDTV. 

Incorporating industrial design elements throughout the hotel, Aloft features a buzzing bar scene in the open lobby, an urban-inspired grab-and-go cafe{aac}, an all-day dining restaurant, a full-service fitness center, and an outdoor swimming pool.

David Rockwell and the Rockwell Group, responsible for designing the first-ever, flagship W Hotel in New York, helped with the design of Aloft Hotels, the aim being to click with its consumers. 

For Aloft, the goal is to re-imagine the hotel model by creating a concept that encourages guests to spend more time in public areas, using innovative and surprising materials to focus on smart design solutions. 

The free flowing energy throughout the hotel, modern design and mood lighting set the tone for a diverse and stylish destination, day and night. 

This being the first Aloft opened in Thailand, local architecture firm Hassel added customized touches to the space so it would blend with the local culture and market. As the hotel accommodates a plethora of business travellers, the hotel's meeting space is a welcome feature. 

An additional exclusive amenity to this Aloft location is the all-day, full-service dining restaurant on site eaturing fresh local seafood. Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11 will bring a refreshing change to the hotel scene in Bangkok.

What's more? At Aloft, guests never stay out of touch. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi in all public areas, enabling guests to stay connected and share their experiences with their loved ones.

Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11 satisfies guests' needs throughout their Bangkok visit, whether it's for business or pleasure. re:fuel by Aloft is an easy option for travellers on-the-go, providing everything from light meals and healthy bites to mix & match munchies and dreamy delights, offered 24/7. 

Aloft's Crave is an all day restaurant conducive to a lively atmosphere featuring delicious lunch and dinner buffets offering local seafood and international favourites. 

The restaurant stocks over 3,000 bottles of wine from more than 250 labels in its wine cellar - available to order via digital menu iPads. At w xyz bar, mingle with new friends over signature sips and a "snack-attack" menu, or get down on the dance floor while the resident DJ spins during one of many special music-theme nights. 

The re:mix lounge gives guests the option of a playful place or quiet space, where they can do everything from play a game of pool, sip a drink, enjoy free Wi-Fi and slip from day-to-night with lighting and music to switch up the mood. Fun perk - complimentary iPads will be available for patrons' use while visiting the lounge and bar.

Need to burn off last night's excesses? Drop into re:charge, Aloft's full-service, 24/7 fitness centre with state-of-the art fitness and weight-training machines. Or, dive right in and enjoy Aloft's outdoor swimming pool and adjacent kids pool. 

For business guests who want to enjoy a fun and productive experience, the hotel offers over 265 square meters of meeting space and pre-function area. Finally, Aloft will feature a golf simulation facility - the only hotel to offer such a thing in downtown Bangkok!

Aloft Bangkok is situated on Sukhumvit 11, the epicentre of the city's thriving Sukhumvit entertainment district. The hotel is an easy five-minute walk from the Nana BTS Skytrain stop with convenient access to world class shopping at the nearby Siam Paragon and the Emporium Shopping Centre. 

From European-style pubs to retro bars, the Sukhumvit District hums with endless nightlife, offering something for everyone. The neighbourhood's diverse culinary options reflect the city's reputation as a cultural melting pot; the vast selection of food and dining vary from walk-up street stalls and casual cafes to some of Bangkok's finest restaurants. 

The bustling, buzzing Sukhumit region is conducive to Aloft Bangkok's commitment of providing guests a complete social guest experience!

To celebrate its arrival, Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11 has unveiled its special opening rates. Under the chic campaign called 'Style at a Steal', Aloft offers savvy travellers a chance to experience Aloft Bangkok with attractive rates starting at only THB 2,111++ per room per night. 'Style at a Steal' is available through March 31, 2012: THB 2,111++ per night for Chic room and THB 2,411++ per night for Urban room. 

The special rates are inclusive of free unlimited hotel-wide and in-room broadband and wireless internet access, free shuttle Tuk Tuk from Nana BTS Skytrain station and Sukhumvit MRT Subway station, and free entry to Bangkok's trendiest clubs - 

Bed Supperclub and QBar. Guests who stay two consecutive nights or more will receive a F&B voucher to enjoy at Crave restaurant.

His Majesty grants audience, calls for collective efforts to help flood victims

His Majesty the King Monday granted audience to all walks of life on the main Mukkhadej balcony at Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall and called for utmost, collective efforts to ease Thai people's flood suffering.
In his birthday speech, His Majesty said people involved in flood relief operations must forget conflicts and must encourage one another.

"Do as much as you can" HM told the government and all officials involved in water management, regarding his ideas of how to manage water.

"It was just my suggestion, not my command," HM says, regarding his water management ideas.

His Majesty said the nation can be stable only when its people are safe and have good living.

His Majesty made his appearance at the main Mukkhadej balcony at 11 am.

Then, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn represented the Royal Family members and government officials to pay homage and wish His Majesty a happy birthday in a ceremony at the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra represented government officials to make a speech to wish His Majesty happy birthday. "Your Majesty is my guiding light and guiding light of all Thai people," Yingluck said in the speech.

Tens of thousands of people shouted 'Long Live the King' as His Majesty left the Siriraj Hospital on his way to the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall.

The people gathered to sit along the path from the hospital to the throne hall since early Monday morning to wait for His Majesty.

They shouted 'Long Live the King' as His Majesty passed by. They waved national flags and His Majesty's flags. Many also carried His Majesty's portraits. Several were seen with tears of joy.

His Majesty returned to the Siriraj Hospital at 11:50 am amid reverberations of 'Long Live the King' shouted by his subjects along the way.

HM to grant audience


Grand state ceremony on the occasion of King's 84th birthday today

His Majesty the King will today grant a public audience during a grand state ceremony at Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall on the auspicious occasion of his 84th birthday.

The monarch will make an appearance on the main Mukkhadej balcony before senior civilian and military officials, Cabinet members led by the prime minister, the Supreme Court president and the House speaker at an event starting at 10.30am.

Members of other royal clans, the commanders of the three branches of the Armed Forces, parliamentarians and diplomats are scheduled to gather at 9.30am.

People can write goodwill messages and pay their respects to previous kings of the Chakri Dynasty at Phra Thep Bidorn Throne Hall from 1pm-5pm today and 9am-5pm tomorrow.

The Grand Palace will also be open tonight for visits by the public.

The King's birthday is also celebrated as Father's Day.

At today's ceremony, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will read out a message on behalf of the Thai people commemorating His Majesty's birthday and wishing him a long life.

Their Majesties the King and Queen will arrive at the venue by 11am to a 21-round salute by the Armed Forces and Royal Thai Police and a trooping of royal guard units in full military dress.

His Majesty will deliver an address in reply, which will be greeted with three hails of "Long Live the King", before Their Majesties leave the venue.

The government is staging grand festivals for seven days and seven nights until Friday to mark His Majesty's seventh 12-year birthday cycle, including a spectacular light and sound show using the wall of the Grand Palace as a 200-metre-long screen.

Once a day, a 90-minute show is performed by 150 actors on a 60-metre stage in a 4,200-seat amphitheatre in Sanam Luang. The audience includes those standing watching in outer areas.

People can sit along the route of His Majesty's motorcade, which will leave at about 10am from Siriraj Hospital, where he is receiving treatment.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will sponsor morning prayers of five religions - Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Hindu and Sikh - at Sanam Luang, in honour of His Majesty.

Trees and power poles along Ratchadamnoen Avenue have been festooned with colourful lights until Friday, along with 39 insignias and signs carrying emblems and messages praising the King and wishing him a long life.

In the deep South, an event called "Fathers Hugging Sons" was organised to mark the King's 84th birthday. Insurgents who have renounced violence or laid down their arms were reunited with their families.

In Lampang, elephants at a shelter under the supervision of the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre gave alms to Buddhist monks while an exhibition featured stories and the history of Thai kings with war elephants. Six jumbos under royal patronage are in the custody and care of the centre.

More than 1,751 hilltribe people and people born in Thailand without Thai citizenship joined a ceremony in Chiang Rai to honour His Majesty on his 84th birthday, while a mini-marathon took place in Si Sa Ket with some 3,000 local and foreign runners.

A Buddhist monk well-known for his meditative ability - Phra Phat Ariyo - is conducting a special three-day session until tomorrow, without eating or sleeping, to mark the King’s 84th birthday, while making merit for him and his long reign.

Yingluck seeks HM's pardon for mistake on Facebook page


Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has asked His Majesty the King for a royal pardon for a mistake on her Facebook page.

On Saturday her staff uploaded the wrong photo when she posted a Facebook message urging all Thais to join in the celebration of His Majesty's birthday.

Yesterday she assigned PM's Secretary-General Banthoon Suphakwanit to send an explanation to the Royal Household Bureau with a request for a royal pardon.

In the afternoon she travelled to Ayutthaya with Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit to launch the Beautiful Thailand tourism campaign at Srisanphet Temple.

Her aides informed reporters that she would not give media interviews for two days especially on political topics because the country was marking His Majesty's birthday. She said she would focus on doing good deeds to honour the beloved monarch.

Two of nine events in the government-sponsored celebrations for His Majesty's birthday have been cut short from seven days to two and three days.

The two performances were scheduled to run from last Saturday to Friday, a source from the organiser said.

Government Spokeswoman Thitima Chaisaeng confirmed with The Nation that the order came from Yongyuth.

The "Golden Culture of Rattanakosin on the Great King's 84th Birthday" on the main stage at Sanam Luang had its last showing last night, she said.

The multimedia 3D panoramic movie on the prosperity of Bangkok, which was screened every night on a 200-metre stretch of the wall of the Grand Palace, would have its last viewing tonight.

World honours our King

The birthday celebrations for the monarch include this fabulous display of light at Wat Phra Kaew (The Grand Palace) near the river.

Many of the world's prominent figures and royals have sent their best wishes to His Majesty the King on his 84th birthday today.

In a birthday message, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom wrote: "It gives me great pleasure to offer my warmest congratulations to Your Majesty as you celebrate the auspicious occasion of your 84th birthday."

The 85-year-old Queen Elizabeth, who has been on the throne for 59 years, revealed that she had been following the reports of the floods in Thailand with concern and would like to offer condolences to His Majesty and to the Thai people in this time of tragedy.

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands also sent a birthday message to the King, wishing for the well-being of His Majesty and of the Thai people. 

Pope Benedict XVI extended cordial greetings to His Majesty, the royal family and to the Thai people on the occasion of His Majesty's birthday.

"Aware of the tragic floods that have affected your country, I assure Your Majesty of my solidarity and that of the Catholic Church," the Pope said in the message.

Chinese President Hu Jintao conveyed his sincere congratulations and best wishes to the King and to all Thai people on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty's birthday.

"As a deeply loved and esteemed King, Your Majesty has made remarkable contributions to economic and social growth of Thailand as well as your people's well-being for a long time," 

President Hu said in his message. "I wish Your Majesty longevity, your country prosperity and your people happiness."

US President Barack Obama said he hoped this joyous occasion would promote healing and a resolve among Thais to rebuild as the country recovers from the floods.

Joy as His Majesty is 84 today - King to appear at Chakri Throne Hall at 10.30am - Hundreds of thousands of well-wishers to line streets - Kingdom unites for seven days of celebrations

Alight in the darkness 
A large boat adorned with His Majesty the King’s portrait, giant lotus lanterns and lighting decorations is lit up in the middle of the Chao Phraya River in Pathum Thani province. Launched by the local administration as part of the King’s birthday celebrations, the boat also serves as a stage forkhon performances and visitors are allowed on board to take pictures. 

After two months of an enduring flood disaster which affected almost 5 million people, all Thais will rejoice today and celebrate His Majesty the King's 84th birthday.

Hundreds of thousands of well-wishers are expected to converge at Siriraj Hospital, Sanam Luang and the Grand Palace to show their love and respect for the King. Today His Majesty will travel from Siriraj Hospital to the Grand Palace and appear at the balcony of Chakri Throne Hall at 10.30am to greet his subjects.

This year, Dec 5 is even more auspicious as it also marks the seventh-cycle anniversary of His Majesty.

The monarch has rarely made public appearances following his admission to Siriraj Hospital due to fever, fatigue and lost of appetite on Sept 19, 2009.

Despite his ailments, the King has never stopped working over the past two years. He granted audiences to state officials to give advice on many issues, especially water management.

When the flood disaster struck the central provinces two months ago, His Majesty closely monitored the situation every day.

Earlier last month, the King suffered a stomach bleed which doctors suspect was caused by the stress of continuously following the flood news.

On Nov 19, royal physicians reported that His Majesty was diagnosed with inflammation of the diverticulum of the large intestine, a common condition among the elderly.

The King's birthday appearance today will not only provide a healing force for his subjects in these hard times of flooding, but also ease the people's concern over his health.

The government is organising a week-long celebration for this auspicious occasion running until Friday.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said yesterday that she would refrain from talking politics during this period as the nation celebrates.

The red and yellow camps will also suspend their usual political activities and join the nationwide celebration. Over 1,000 red shirts, led by United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship leader Kwanchai Praipana,

will travel from Udon Thani to join the celebrations at Sanam Luang today, while the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy will replace their political talkshow on the ASTV channel with documentaries to promote royal projects.

Celebrations for His Majesty the King's birthday, which also marks Father's Day, begins with a private holy water ceremony at 7am at the Grand Palace.

At 10am, the King will depart from Siriraj Hospital to the historic Chakri Throne Hall.

Although His Majesty's journey will be broadcast live, hundreds of thousands of well-wishers are expected to turn out to greet the King along the way, on roads that have been decorated with national and royal flags.

Large screens will be installed at many places along the route from the hospital to Wiset Chaisi Gate near Sanam Luang to allow people to better observe their beloved monarch.

Around 8,000 honorary guests of the state as well as 10,000 members of the public and 480 royal guards will wait in front of the Chakri Throne Hall for the King's appearance on the balcony.

At 7.19pm, Ms Yingluck will preside over a candle-lit ceremony at Sanam Luang to pray for His Majesty's longevity and happiness.

Private and public sector offices will also joined forces to organise a wide variety of projects and activities throughout the Kingdom to express their gratitude for His Majesty's tireless dedication to improving people's living conditions throughout his reign.

On Saturday, the Office of the Royal Household and the government launched a 3D panoramic multimedia presentation called the Illusion Live Wall on a 200m stretch of the Grand Palace's wall on Na Phra Lan Road.

The 20-minute show is about the peace and prosperity of the Kingdom under His Majesty's reign. Traditional khon dancing involving over 150 performers will also be held live on stage at Sanam Luang for 90 minutes every day throughout the week-long celebrations, said Rattanawut Watcharothai, director of public relations and promotions at the Office of the Royal Household.

As part of the celebrations, people will also be allowed for the first time to enjoy the majesty of the Grand Palace at night.

Visitors will be able enter the inner area of the palace and take photos from today until Friday from 7pm to midnight.

Thailand’s Ayutthaya World Heritage site sustains heavy flood damage

Thailand’s flood has threatened the 370-year-old Chaiwatthanaram Temple, one of the country's most famous tourist attractions, across the Chao Phraya River from Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam, as local authorities are struggling to fight severe flooding to save the historic site.


Chaiwatthanaram Temple has been transformed into an island system submerged under two metres with the central prang and outlying stupendous in deep water since Tuesday morning after a 60-metre section of the dyke in the temple perimeter collapsed due to torrential waterfowl from the river.

Under the plan to save the World Heritage site and its 32 acre surroundings, the authorities are trying first to block further water intrusions by reinforcing the sandbag embankments and plugging the section of breached dyke before pumping out the flood water.

However, the attempt is tedious and time-consuming, a process obstructed by the swift, strong waterflow as flat-bottomed boats are able to reach the damaged dyke and carry only one sand bag at a time.

Built in 1630 in the late Ayutthaya period during the reign of King Prasart Thong, the temple has a striking architectural design unlike other temples in Ayutthaya.

The structure of the temple’s buildings is similar to that of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, symbolising Mount Sumeru, the holy mountain of Buddhist cosmology but the distinctive architectural style demonstrates the real Thai artistic workmanship.

The main chapel outside the cloister houses the principle Buddha image in the attitude of meditation representing the Lord Buddha when he attained enlightenment under the Maha Bodhi Tree on the banks of the Niranjana (now called Lilanja) River.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram was an important temple in Ayutthaya as it was a royal temple where kings and members of the royal family performed religious ceremonies.

During the reign of King Boromakot, the temple was used for cremation ceremonies for the royal family members and noblemen. (MCOT online news)

Foreign investors seeking investment promotion rise: BoI

Thailand’s Board of Investment (BoI) on Thursday said the number of foreign investment projects applying for the agency's investment privileges increased by 20 per cent year-on-year in the first ten months of 2011, with a project investment value totaling Bt281 billion.

BOI Secretary-General Atchaka Sriboonrueng said the number of foreign investment projects applying for the investment promotion this year rose from 692 to 828 projects.

Ms Atchaka said the value of the projects rose from Bt174 billion to Bt281 billion, a 61 per cent increase year-on-year.

"This reflects that foreign investors are still confident in Thailand," she said. "The flood situation may slow down some foreign investment but overall the investment climate still has growth potential."

The BOI chief added that the Ministry of Industry and the BOI will launch a campaign to restore confidence among investors early next year, as well as provide them with vital information on flood-prevention plans, especially at industrial estates.

Ms Atchaka noted that Japanese businesses remained the top investor seeking BOI investment promotions with 441 projects, increasing from 284 projects in 2010, or 55 per cent year-on-year. 

The total investment value also soared by 104 per cent from Bt71.3 billion in 2010 to Bt145.8 billion in 2011.

Chinese investors came second with 28 projects, valued at Bt25.9 billion, followed by 44 projects by Singaporean investors worth Bt19.8 billion and 33 projects by South Korean investors worth Bt7.1 billion.

Out of 828 projects applying, 444 represent new investment while the other 384 are expansions of already existing projects, said Ms Atchana, adding that investment in metal, machinery and transport equipment manufacturing rank are the top ranking projects, followed by electronics and electric appliances, infrastructure, chemical and plastics.

Most flooded plants back to normal before year-end: Kittirat


BANGKOK, Dec 2 - More than 90 per cent of the plants within and outside the seven submerged industrial estates will resume operation before the end of December, Deputy Prime Minister/Commerce Minister Kittirat Na Ranong said on Friday.

Mr Kittirat told reporters the industry ministry informed him that restoration at the submerged industrial estates has significantly progress. Floodwater has been drained out of each estate's compound and most plants have repaired their machinery.

"The government believed that 90 per cent of those plants would be able to resume output before year-end," Mr Kittirat said.

Meanwhile, four factories in the Rojana Industrial Park resumed production and many factories have conducted cleaning after floodwaters entirely receded Dec 1, according to Witthaya Lueanglueyot, senior general manager of Rojana Industrial Park.

The rest of the plants are expected to restart operations after the New Year, he said.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will visit Rojana Industrial Park on Sunday to give moral support for entrepreneurs.

Phase Three Rojana Industrial Park accommodates about 230 factories. It has spent about Bt80 million for flood prevention and restoration in Thailand’s flood crisis, worst in decades.

To prevent flooding in the future, Mr Witthaya said Rojana plans to build a concrete dyke six metres high above mean sea level and 67km long, costing Bt30 million per kilometre.

As it needs Bt2 billion baht to undertake the work, it will seek a government loan at a special interest rate of 0.1 per cent for seven years.

To invest in the flood prevention wall, a common infrastructure charge will be collected from all factories, with an increase of its common fee from 800 baht per rai to 3,800 baht.

With the plan to be put in place, so far no factories have wanted to relocate to other industrial estates, the Rojana executive said.

Mr Wittaya conceded flooding has an impact on decisions of prospective investors to buy into the third-phase of the project, saying it depends on the government if it can come up with reliable and effective flood-prevention plans to regain confidence from investors.

To build confidence among other entrepreneurs and investors, he advised that state enterprises should not withdraw their factories from Rojana. 

His statement addressed concerns raised by a news report that the Thailand Tobacco Monopoly is planning to shift its plant from Rojana Industrial Park and Ayutthaya.

Infrastructure services such as electricity and ground water in the Rojana facility resumed service, but tap water will not be available for another 25 days.

Meanwhile, the waste water treatment system is being repaired and all infrastructure facilities will be in use by the end of this year, he said.

Rojana Industrial Park is one of seven flood-hit industrial estates in Ayutthaya and Pathum Thani.

Over 10,000 inmates to be released under royal pardon this year


BANGKOK, Dec 4 - The annual royal pardon, put into effect on Sunday, the eve of His Majesty the King’s 84th birthday, will be applied to around 22,000 inmates.

Corrections Department director-general Pol Col Suchart Wongananchai said that over 20,000 inmates would benefit from the royal pardon decree.

About 12,000 prisoners will be immediately released on Dec 8 under the decree while over 10,000 convicts will receive reduced punishment.

The ceremony to release inmates will be officially carried out nationwide, while the main venue, to be presided over by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will be held at Bangkok's Klong Prem Central Prison.

The new reduced punishment period to be applied to over 10,000 prisoners will be completed within 90 days.

Under the 2011 royal pardon decree, inmates eligible to be granted a royal pardon must currently be detained by authorities or imprisoned in places stipulated by courts or authorities.

Inmates convicted in drug cases with jail terms of less than eight years are also eligible under the royal pardon.

Regarding early speculation by some parties that the draft royal decree would also benefit ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, elder brother of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, the chief of the corrections department told 

Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Sunday that Mr Thaksin will not qualify, as in previous years, royal pardon only apply to persons who have carried out part of their sentence in prison.

Former PM Abhisit will meet with police on Dec 9 to give testimony on crackdown against Red Shirts

BANGKOK, Dec 3 -- Opposition Democrat party leader and former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Saturday that he would meet with police on December 9 to give his testimony on his government’s crackdown against Red Shirt protesters during April-May last year.

Mr Abhsiit said he would take this long weekend to prepare documents as the relevant documents were not classified and have been filed in the public domain.

During the Red Shirt anti-government protests, which later turned into riots, Mr Abhisit was prime minister and Suthep Thaugsuban, the deputy prime minister, put in charge of the Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES).

Mr Abhisit said the CRES management was clear under the law and the establishment of CRES and appointment of its director were legally done.

However, Mr Abhisit said he was ready to give more information because he wanted investigators to have complete information for a fair investigation.

Mr Suthep was also invited to give information but Mr Abhisit said Mr Suthep was scheduled at a different time.

Both were expected to give information about the deaths of Red Shirt protesters last year, including Japanese news photographer Hiroyuki Muramoto.

In April and May last year, over 90 people, mostly civilians, were killed in street clashes between red-clad demonstrators and soldiers.

Troops dispersed thousands of United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) aka Red Shirt protesters who had been camped at Khok Wua intersection on Ratchadamnoen Avenue and in the capital's premier shopping and hotel district of Ratchaprasong for weeks.

The anti-government protest leaders surrendered, enraging followers who allegedly used grenades and set fire to landmark buildings including Thailand’s largest shopping mall and the Stock Exchange of Thailand

Flood situation in 11 of Bangkok's districts eases: BMA

BANGKOK, Dec 4 - The flood situation in 11 of the capital's districts has eased, announced Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra on Sunday.

The eleven districts of Bangkok are Chatuchak, Lat Phrao, Lak Si, Bueng Kum, Chom Thong, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok Noi, Bang Phlat, Phasi Charoen, Bang Khun Thian, and Bang Bon.

The governor said the announcement was made as the situation in these areas has eased and local residents could return to their homes.

Further announcement will be made if situations in other areas improve, he added.

According to Drainage and Sewage Department, the water level in Bangkok's western part of Thonburi areas is about 20-30 cm deep along main roads in Setthakit housing estate and around 50-70 cm in small alleys.

At outbound Vibhavadi Road, water is dry for three lanes from Khlong Wat Lak Si to the entrance of Don Mueang Airport's Domestic Passenger Terminal, while at about 100 metres further to International Passenger Terminal, there are floodwaters of 15cm remaining on the road, which is passable for vehicles.

Life back to normal in 11 more districts


Another 11 inundated Bangkok districts have returned to normal and the capital will be floodfree by year's end, Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said yesterday.

He was still worried, however, about two major housing estates in the north and west of Bangkok - the Annex community in Sai Mai and the Setthakij estate in Bang Khae - where water levels remained high.

More water pumps were installed to drain water from within and around the Annex community, and temporary asphalt barrier had been built surrounding it. 

It was possible that the complex would be dry within five to seven days, the governor said. Similar methods were adopted at the Setthakij estate, but it may take longer to drain flood water there, possibly 15 to 20 days, Sukhumbhand told residents during an inspection visits to the sites yesterday.

The 11 districts deemed to have returned to normal are Chatuchak, Lat Phrao, Lak Si, Bueng Kum, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok Noi, Bang Phlat, Phasi Charoen, Bang Khunthien, Bang Bon and Chom Thong. 

The criteria for "normal" status are much lower flood water levels and most residents having returned to their homes. Don Muang, Sai Mai, Bang Khae and Klong Sam Wa districts remained mostly or partly inundated as of yesterday.

A group of residents blocked a section of Buddha Monthol Road to demand authorities take action to alleviate the monthlong inundation of their homes near Soi Krathum Lom 21. 

They later dispersed after a promise by officials to install more water pumps to drain water and the use of EM balls to treat polluted flood water.

The Public Health Ministry yesterday vowed to restore hygienic conditions in six heavily flooded provinces within 45 days: Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Samut Sakhon and Nakhon Pathom. 

An initial campaign fiveday campaign ending todayDecember 15 focused on eradicating flies, mosquito larvae and other disease-carrying bugs.

In addition to smaller communities and industrial estates, heavily flooded Muaeng Ek housing estate is a top priority for drainage and restoration, which is estimated to take three weeks, said Public Health Minister Witthaya Buranasiri. 

The ministry work will be considered complete when food and tap water meet the required level of hygiene and good sanitary conditions have been established.

Free advice for owners of flooddamaged cars and motorcycles is being provided by 10 automakers under the coordination of the Land Transport Department at the department's compound on FridayDecember 9, and discounts on repair and maintenance costs will be offered. 

Free checkups will be available throughout December.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday called on Thais and flood victims to diligently take part in restoration work in honour of His Majesty as she presided over a governmentorganised Big Cleaning Day in Ayutthaya province. 

Three priorities in Ayutthaya are industrial estates, farmland and historic religious sites comprising 19 Buddhist temples, nine mosques, nine churches and nine Chinese shrines.

Yingluck said the government would subsidise repair costs for those whose electric appliances were damaged by flood water, and that the Kingdom would be fully recovered from the economic effects of the flooding next year.

An event dubbed "Beautiful Thailand" was also inaugurated in Ayutthaya to boost domestic tourism.

Bangkok governor reiterates Bangkok flood free before year-end


BANGKOK, Dec 4 - Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra on Sunday reiterated that the capital will be flood free before December 31 as a New Year gift for Bangkok residents.

After presiding over alms giving to 185 monks at Sanam Luang royal ceremonial ground on the eve of His Majesty the King's birthday, the governor said the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is working to block flooded areas and pump water out to clear remaining waterlogged areas.

Sunday afternoon, the governor said he would go to Soi Annex in Saimai district to oversee an operation to pump flooded water into Khlong Song.

In the most worrying area in western Bangkok, the governor said the BMA will install more water pumps to speed up drainage as the water level in two main canals –Khlong Thawi Wattana and Khlong Mahasawat remains high.

Meanwhile, flooding in Bang Khen district has eased with main roads turning dry. As some floodwaters remain in alleys, the district office is pumping floodwater into Khlong Bangbua.

Watcharaporn Kawayapanik Bang Khen district chief said the district is also working to pump out water from flooded Bang Khen underpass to open to traffic soon. 

The work has caused floodwater from the underpass to overflow to the surface of Laksi roundabout.