Panasonic puts the ball in the government's court

Panasonic Group, the Japanese consumer electronics giant, wants to keep production in Thailand, but the final decision will depend on government efforts to improve infrastructure and flood prevention.

Panasonic operates 12 factories in Thailand and one flooded in Rojana Industrial Park and two more in Nava Nakorn.

Hirotaka Murakami, chief executive officer of Panasonic Group, said that since the floods began, the Thai operation has never raised the issue of withdrawal from Thailand with the parent firm.

Panasonic wants to see what the Thai government does about transportation, logistics and wages, he said at a press briefing yesterday.

"Rising wages is a concern. On one hand, higher wages can help drive the country's economy in the future. However, we do not want to see high inflation in the long term," he said.

Panasonic Group has been in Thailand for 50 years with 22 firms under its umbrella, 12 of them factories.

Total group sales for the current fiscal year ending next March 31 are expected to reach 100 billion baht, up by 20% from the previous year.

Floods have affected the production of Panasonic plugs, switches and hair driers, with damage still being assessed.

The group plans only minor investments in Thailand next year.

Yesterday it launched the Lumix GX1 and Lumix X Series lens, a new digital still camera and lens for professionals.

Pinyo Piromthan, the digital camera product manager at Panasonic Siew Sales (Thailand) Co, said his company expects to sell 5,000 units of the Lumix GX1 over the next few months.

He said mirror-less digital cameras have shown dynamic global growth. The market share of mirror-less digital cameras in Singapore is 25% of the total digital camera sales, rising to 34% in Japan and dipping to 11% in Europe.

About 1.35 million digital cameras will be sold this year in Thailand, of which 1.25 million units will be compacts, 92,000 units digital SLR and 18,000 units mirror-less digital cameras.

Sales of Panasonic Siew, covering audio-visual products, and Panasonic AP Sales, which sells home appliances such as air-conditioners and refrigerators, should reach 22 billion baht combined in the current fiscal year, up by 10% from last year.

Harpists come to the fore

The Tamnak Prathom Harp Ensemble will perform at Tamnak Prathom Heritage Home on Sun, Dec 18 from 10am-6pm and at Phra Rathaniwet Maruekhathayawan Palace on Dec 25 at 2pm.

The Tamnak Prathom Harp Centre presents two charity events to help raise funds for the Red Cross Flood Relief programme. 

The "Flood Aid Festival and Mini Music Marathon" will take place at the Tamnak Prathom Heritage Home on Sunday, December 18 from 10am-6pm and the 

"Thai Songs from the Harp Strings Celebrating the Great Month of December" concert is scheduled for Christmas Day, December 25 at 2pm at Phra Rathaniwet Maruekhathayawan Palace in Phetchaburi province.

The first event packs music, games, exhibitions and lucky draws. The day starts with a guided house tour (donation 50 baht), followed by a demonstration of how to make khon masks, Thai puppets, costume embroideries and carving.

Music will be presented in the afternoon by two celebrity artists _ Yani Tramoj and violinist Paye-Srinarong from Vie Trio, with a different programme every hour including music by a five-flute ensemble, a guzhoeng ensemble and a jakae ensemble. 

The finale sees the Tamnak Prathom Harp Ensemble featuring internationally reputed harpists Jimin Lee, Jie Zhou and Alina Bzhezhinska.

Tamnak Prathom is the heritage home of HRH Prince Chudadhuj Dharadilok, son of King Rama V. It is located in Ngam Wong Wan Soi 2 in Nonthaburi.

The concert on December 25 will feature traditional Thai music, classic songs and some of HM the King's compositions including Kinari Suite to be performed by the Tamnak Prathom Harp Ensemble and Paye-Srinarong who will also double as MC.

Froc winds down after frenetic time Its offices sit empty, but staff are proud of their work

As the Flood Relief Operations Command (Froc) winds up, team members have told of their struggles in dealing with the biggest flood Thailand has witnessed in 50 years.

Empty chairs and tables now fill the hall once abuzz with people from the Government Public Relations Department and reporters.

The lights are dim, and cables and wires are strewn across the floor, ready to be packed and stowed away.

Barely any traces are left of the sandbag walls and elaborate flood barriers that protected the Energy Complex building which served as the Froc headquarters.

On Dec 8, the Froc's downsizing began following talks between its director Pracha Promnok and governors of seven provinces that remain flooded.

The Froc reduced its staff from over 2,000 to just 200, and all offices were consolidated on the 15th floor.

Anurak Khajonrit, an HR officer at the Secretariat of the Prime Minister, was transferred to the Froc when the centre was still located at Don Mueang.

He recounted the mayhem when the Froc had to escape the floodwater at its Don Mueang base on Oct 28.

"It was confusing and chaotic. No one thought that the flood would break through. People were in disarray. We didn't know where to go," 

Mr Anurak said. "All officials and volunteers, as well as reporters, were forced to flee as the water burst open a 30m gap and quickly swamped the airport. The breach took everyone by surprise."

A fevered scene ensued when electrical power was cut and startled officials tried to save important documents and computers while fleeing.

Later, the command was told to relocate to the Energy Complex down Vibhavadi Road. Mr Anurak said the relocation was confusing at first.

Once the dust settled, however, the Froc's work became more systematic and organised than it bad been at Don Mueang. 

"Previously, the Froc consisted of government officials, volunteers and other third-party organisations. Control and management were difficult, even more so when you had to cater to a constantly fluctuating number of people," he said.

More security measures were imposed at the Energy Complex and many people were barred from entering the building.

Despite criticism of the Froc for its handling of donations and poor communications, Mr Anurak said he is happy he had the chance to contribute and he would do so again.

"I am proud to have taken part. The Froc's main objective was to help people in need and its closure means the task is complete and the Froc has fulfilled its purpose," he said.

Somsak Danjatupong, 52, a security officer, said his main duty besides guarding the facility was helping people who visited the Froc to submit petitions.

"It felt great getting to help these people. Obviously they were suffering to submit a petition. My duty was help them do it successfully in an orderly fashion," Mr Somsak said.

Regarding criticism of the Froc's efficiency, Mr Somsak said the help was there but was sometimes delayed because of bureaucracy and politics.

More unity and selflessness and less politics is needed during such times of crisis, he added.

Chaturapoom Phatong, 18, an audio-visual employee at the Energy Ministry, was in charge of coordinating requests for relief bags. He understood the needs well, he said, because he was a flood victim himself.

He said the biggest problem was that people did not understand the system. They came in with no request letters or petitions and expected to receive the relief bags right away, he said.

At first, work at the Froc proceeded slowly because everything had to be approved first by the director. The command adapted gradually, and the process of approving aid requests was cut down to within a day or two.

Flood toll: 740 deaths, 3 missing

The combined flood toll nationwide is now 740 deaths with three missing, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department reported on Friday.

Altogether 3,652 villages in 80 districts of nine provinces in the upper part of the country are still sufferring from the flood. 

 They are Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Sakhon, and Bangkok. The accumulated flood toll in this part of the country is 730 deaths with three missing.

In the South, flooding has hit 2,057 villages in 65 districts of Phatthalung, Trang, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Songkhla, Yala, and Pattani, causing extensive damage to farm land and public facilities. The death toll in these southern province is 10.

Kids flooded with relief as schools reopen Bored youngsters eager to lend a hand with big classroom clean-up

Students from Donmuang Taharnargardbumrung School inDon Muangdistrict wash desks and other classroom items damaged by the recent flood. The school reopened on Tuesday, but most of the compound and equipment has yet to be cleaned up. 

Students returning to flood-affected schools after enduring a delay of more than a month to the start of the new semester are joining in a new extra-curricular activity - cleaning up in the wake of the deluge.

Nuttaleeya Saengsung, a Matthayom 5 student from Donmuang Taharnargardbumrung School in Don Muang district, which reopened on Tuesday, said the beginning of this semester was different from previous ones.

Now, she said, students not only study in the classrooms but also spend some of their spare time helping to clean them up, as well as other parts of the school compound that have been left in a mess after the flood receded.

Even before the semester started, many students went to the school as soon as it was dry to begin the clean-up.

"Even now, we haven't finished," said Nuttaleeya, 17, as she took a break from scrubbing filthy desks.

Normally, students would sing the morning national anthem and then head straight to their classrooms, but for now students and teachers scatter around the school's compound and get to work on the clean-up, with lessons getting under way later.

Some removed damaged chairs, tables and cabinets from the classrooms, while others washed educational equipment and collected litter.

"The school smells like a wet market, but we are very happy it was finally reopened after several postponements," Nuttaleeya said. "I was dying to see my friends again."

The Education Ministry originally set the opening of the second semester for Oct 25, and then postponed it repeatedly, first to Nov 7, and then to Nov 21 and again to Dec 6 due to prolonged floods. Finally the institutions were free to open their doors again last Tuesday.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration also postponed the opening of flooded schools under its supervision from Nov 1 to Dec 6 and then Dec 13.

Warisara Rodchim, also a Matthayom 5 student at Donmuang Tahanargardbumrung School, said the traffic congestion had become worse in the post-flood period due to the huge amount of debris piling up on the roads and damage to their surfaces.

She has to spend more time travelling from her home in Khlong 3 of Pathum Thani to the school.

"Now, I feel a little bit worried that students at flood-hit schools will be unable to catch up with those unaffected by the floods," she said.

The school's director, Rujisak Nakphong, said the floods had caused an estimated 2.6 million baht in damage as the 45-rai compound was under about 1.5m of floodwater for 45 days.

He said about 80% of the 3,500 students were able to attend the school on the opening day.

Mr Rujisak believes the remaining 20% must still be affected by the floods, and says if they fail to show up by next week, the school will send teachers or classmates to visit them at their homes to see if they need any help, Mr Rujisak said.

He added the curriculum has been adjusted and all students must now attend a catch-up class on Saturdays throughout the second semester.

The school is expected to have completely returned to normal within two months, he said.

In Nonthaburi province, flood-devastated Bang Bua Thong School also opened on Dec 13, even though its large football field remained under a metre of floodwater.

Like their Bangkok peers, the Bang Bua Thong School pupils were also busy cleaning up their classrooms in addition to resuming their studies.

Some students wore casual clothes as their uniforms had been washed away in the deluge.

"I really missed my friends and felt bored as I was stuck in the upstairs of my house for more than a month," said Ratsamee Cheuraman, a 17-year-old student at Bang Bua Thong School whose house in Nonthaburi's Bang Yai district was inundated.

Now, her house is completely dry.

"I am very happy to go back to school, but I am afraid that the compound will be flooded again next year, as many people predict," she said.

The school's director, Narakorn Lailang, said the floodwater will be drained from the football field by early next week.

"The school was 100% flooded. Water levels were between 1.5m to 2m for nearly two months," he said.

However, he said that one good thing to emerge from this trying time was that the returning pupils showed a renewed appetite for learning and a stronger sense of community in their school than had been the case before.

Students in Bang Bua Thong School also have to study on Saturdays for the time being.Pitsanu Tulasuk, deputy secretary-general of the Office of Basic Education Commission, said 2,209 schools were affected by the floods across the country.

As of now, 24 ministry-run schools in Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Nakhon Pathom remain closed because of persistent high floodwater levels in their campuses.

The cabinet recently approved a budget of 456 million baht to purchase textbooks, learning tools and uniforms for affected schools. Another 422 million baht has been set aside for renovating damaged school buildings.

Royalist protest at UN building draws 200 US embassy clarifies ambassador's remarks

Supporters of the right-wing Siam Samakkhi (United Siam) group protest in front of the US embassy calling on it to stop interfering in Thailand’s lese majeste law following the US ambassador’s recent comments on prosecutions conducted under the law. 

The Siam Samakkhi group has called on officials from the United Nations and the US government who made comments on the lese majeste laws to apologise for interfering in Thailand's internal affairs and for being disrespectful to the judicial system.

About 200 supporters of Siam Samakkhi, a right-wing political network, yesterday gathered in front of the United Nations building on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue to protest against the UN's call for an amendment to Section 112 of the Criminal Code, also known as the lese majeste law.

A UN expert on rights protection and freedom of expression in October urged the government to amend Section 112 and the 2007 Computer Crime Act, saying the laws were too vague and the harsh criminal sanctions went against universal norms.

Earlier this month, Ravina Shamdasani, acting spokeswoman of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed concern about "harsh sentencing of people convicted of lese majeste and the chilling effect this is having on freedom of expression". 

Her remark followed the sentencing of Ampon Tangnoppakul, 61, to 20 years in jail for sending four text messages deemed offensive to the monarchy on Nov 23. 

On Dec 8, a US citizen, Thai-born Lerpong Wichaikhammat, 55, was jailed for two-and-a-half years for using the internet to disseminate information that insulted the monarchy.

In the letter, the Siam Samakkhi Network called on the United Nations to "stop whatever action and activities that might affect the constitutional monarchy of Thailand".

The UN should also stop all activities that might affect the bond between Thais and the monarchy, they said.

The demonstrators later moved to the US embassy on Wireless Road, where they handed over the same petition to embassy officials.

The protesters, who gathered in front of the embassy, held placards and spoke through loudspeakers reproaching ambassador Kristie Kenney for making "inappropriate" comments about the lese majeste law.

The ambassador wrote on her Twitter page last week she had utmost respect for the monarchy, but was "troubled by prosecutions inconsistent with international standard of freedom of expression". 

The group also urged Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's government to take a stand against outsiders' interference in the country's affairs.

The US embassy yesterday reiterated the US government has the utmost respect for the monarchy, the royal family and Thai culture.

"We respect Thai laws and do not take sides in Thailand's internal affairs. We support freedom of expression around the world and consider it a fundamental human right," it said.

Meanwhile, civil activists from the Thai Netizen Network and Activists for Democracy Network yesterday submitted an open letter to the UN and the US embassy, saying they supported their stance in calling for the amendment to Section 112.

"We hope you will continue monitoring violations of freedom of expression and help strengthen human rights protection," they said.

A group of 15 academics has proposed that a committee be set up to screen cases deemed to violate Section 112. 

The group said the screening panel would solve problems regarding the use of the law as a political tool by certain groups to slander their rivals.

The panel would be made up of representatives from all sides, including the executive and legislative branches, the National Human Rights Commission, prosecutors, academics, local leaders and unions. 

Only lawsuits approved by the committee should be allowed to proceed, they said.

Thaksin wins back passport Surapong revokes ban order of Abhisit govt

Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul admitted yesterday the ministry has returned an ordinary passport to ousted ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

He has held the passport since Oct 26, though the government has referred since then of its intention to return the passport to Thaksin as a "New Year's gift".

The opposition and anti-Thaksin groups are now threatening to sue the government for returning the passport to Thaksin. They have also criticised the government for misleading the public.

Mr Surapong said the ministry lifted an order issued by the Abhisit Vejjajiva government which revoked Thaksin's passport.

"The government and I agree that Thaksin's presence overseas has not caused any damage to Thailand or foreign countries, so I revoked the order of the previous government," said Mr Surapong.

Thaksin's ordinary passport was cancelled on April 12, 2009 by the Democrat-led government under ministry regulation 23 (7), which says officials can revoke a person's passport if they view that a holder who is resident abroad is damaging the country.

"The issuance of an ordinary passport to Thaksin is a matter for the Consular Department, which will proceed according to the ministry's regulations," said the minister, who insisted his decision was legal.

"I would like to end this issue. If the opposition party would like to examine it, they should do it via a parliamentary session. 

If they want to file a case against me, they should do correctly as I have adhered to the ministry's regulations," he said.

"If the opposition party thought that it was right [to revoke Thaksin's passport], it should wait to come back as the government [to do it]," said Mr Surapong.

"Politics must be resolved by politics," he said.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said she had been informed of the Foreign Ministry's decision. She believed the ministry, which is in charge of issuing passports, would deal with the matter legally. 

However, she assured the ministry's priority was not to provide assistance to her brother.

Mr Surapong's confirmation came after Democrat Party spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut claimed on Thursday he had received an email message supposedly from a Foreign Ministry official that the ministry's computer system was "secretly abused" on Oct 31 to withdraw Thaksin from the ministry's "blacklist" and later Thaksin had his Thai passport returned.

But Mr Surapong denied this, saying Thaksin was not on a blacklist.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Thani Thongphakdi said yesterday Thaksin's request for a passport was lodged with the ministry's Consular Department through the Thai embassy in Abu Dhabi.

The department issued the passport to Thaksin on Oct 26, one day after his request, and the passport was sent through the Thai embassy in the United Arab Emirates.

He said the entire process followed normal channels.

Asked if Thaksin's name was on a blacklist, Mr Thani said neither the courts or the police had ever asked the ministry to revoke Thaksin's passport. "Returning the passport is a political decision based on the ministry's regulations," said Mr Thani.

The spokesman also rejected Mr Chavanond's claim the ministry's computer system was abused on Oct 31 by a politician to allow ministry staff to process the passport reissuance while the office was shut during the flooding. "The ministry's consular service never closed during the flood crisis as claimed," he said.

Mr Chavanond, however, stood firm that Thaksin was on a blacklist.

The list was sent to the Foreign Ministry and other agencies by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions after he jumped bail and failed to report to the court on Aug 22, 2008, he added.

Mr Chavanond also showed a letter which was sent to the Foreign Ministry's permanent secretary and the Royal Thai Police on Aug 15, 2008, that Thaksin had left the country and had yet to return.

Thaksin and his then-wife Potjaman na Pombejra were being tried for abuse of authority in connection with the purchase of a 33-rai plot of land in Ratchadaphisek from the Financial Institutions Development Fund at an unusually low price.

He was allowed to attend the Beijing Olympics and then fled to London instead of returning to report to the court. 

"The point is how the Foreign Ministry issued Thaksin a passport when he is still blacklisted," Mr Chavanond said.

He said the Democrat Party's legal team is preparing to sue Mr Surapong and officials involved in the process - from the department director-general to the passport division director.

Mr Chavanond also criticised Mr Surapong for a recent remark when he said he wanted to return the passport to Thaksin as a New Year's gift. 

"That's not what a gentleman would do. It's a shame that he has lied to the public when the passport has already been returned," he said.

Tul Sitthisomwong, leader of the anti-Thaksin multi-coloured shirts movement, said his group would take action against Mr Surapong over the passport's return. 

He said he is considering lodging a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission or suing the foreign minister himself.

Damaged books get big chill

Respected writer Suchart Sawatsi needs a deep-freeze chamber to rescue his collection of rare books that were damaged by the flood which ravaged his home in Pathum Thani.

At the peak of the flooding, about 80% of all the printed materials kept at his house were submerged in flood water, many of which include rare books, magazines and newspapers.

But even publications that were saved from being submerged by floodwater have mould growing on them.

According to German experts, who were flown in by the Goethe Institute last week, the books can still be rescued and brought back to good condition. 

But they immediately have to be cleaned and kept in a deep-freeze chamber at minus 10C, or at -20C for best results.

The books, however, can be kept for the next several years before being preserved in the freeze-drying process, with help from the Goethe Institute and Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

Tax breaks for flooded factories

The Board of Investment will certainly offer corporate income tax exemption to flood-hit manufacturers, Industry Minister Wannarat Channukul said on Wednesday.

The board of directors of the BoI will meet before the end of the year to consider the extent of the tax exemption, he said. The meeting will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong.

Mr Wannarat said that measures to help the flooded factories will definitely be in place soon because the government wants to restore the confidence of investors and encourage more investment.

Previously, the BoI had approved an exemption of import tax on imported machinery and raw materials for flooded manufacturers, he said.

He said the flooded Saharat Nakhon, Bang Pa In and Bang Wa (Hi-Tech) industrial estates, Rojana and Factory Land industrial zones, Nava Nakhon and Bang Kadi were now dried out.

At least 115 manufacturers based in these industrial sites had already restarted production lines. More plants would come online early next year and all factories were expected to be operating again in the second quarter of next year.

The meeting of BoI board last month decided not to approve investment promotion measures to help rehabilitate the flooded plants because it wanted the BoI and Revenue Department to come up details on how 

many manufacturers were affected and how much tax revenue the government would lose if additional privileges to be offered for investors, according to Mr Wannarat.

Parks ride new wave after flood closures Post-deluge rehab for Safari, Dream World

Two leisure park operators have kicked off their post-flood rehabilitation along with attractive marketing campaigns aimed at persuading visitors to return.

Litti Kewkacha, an executive vice-president of Safari World Plc, allocated 50 million baht to renovate the 250-rai zoo and leisure park after the floods forced it to close for a month.

Most of the money will be used to raise up the zoo grounds by up to 1.5 metres to guard it from future flooding.

Minor renovation work will be done on its marine park, with new signs, decorations, games and small attractions planned.

Some small repairs have already been carried out, but the major work is still going on.

Safari World reopened on Dec 1, and visitor numbers are 30 % of pre-crisis levels, mainly foreign tourists.

"The renovations will help us celebrate our 25th anniversary next year," said Mr Litti.

Safari World plans to increase the frequency of its roadshows to Europe, the Middle East and India.

Revenue of 480-530 million baht is expected for the zoo and leisure park this year, missing earlier projections by 100-150 million baht.

Meanwhile, Amusement Creation Co, the operator of Dream World in Pathum Thani's Rangsit area, will resume operations early next month with several measures aimed at getting back up to speed.

Amphol Suthiphein, the deputy managing director, said a 30-million-baht renovation of the amusement park's landscaping, parking area and some parts of its office building will be carried out after more than two months of inundation.

Billboard advertising will be used in front of the park and in Bangkok's Din Daeng district. Letters will be sent to foreign and local tour agents informing them of Dream World's planned Jan 1 reopening.

And roadshows will be sent abroad next year to lure back foreign tourists, particularly from China, Russia, India and the Middle East.

"We think our efforts will see group tours returning around mid-January," said Mr Amphol.

Dream World's amusement equipment experienced very little damage from the floods, as they were installed on high ground.

However, the park will suffer an estimated loss of 150 million baht from its forced closure since Oct 21.

"We're confident the tourism industry will continue to grow next year and that any effects from the flooding will be short-lived," said Mr Amphol.

He said his experience shows that tourist numbers always return to normal in Thailand once a major crisis has ended.

For example, tourism improved more than many people expected in the first half of this year despite the political violence of recent times.

Flood toll: 708 dead, 3 missing

The accumulated nationwide flood toll is now 708 deaths with three people missing, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department reported on Wednesday.

A total of 3,652 villages in 80 districts of nine provinces in the upper part of the country - Bangkok, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Samut Sakhon - are still sufferring from the flood, which has caused 698 deaths and three people are still missing.

In the South, flooding has hit 2,057 villages in 65 districts of eight provinces - Phatthalung, Trang, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Songkhla, Yala and Pattani - causing damage to 118,358 rai of farmland, seven monasteries and mosques, 30 schools, 10 government offices, 783 roads, 113 bridges, 19 weirs and 1,068 fish ponds.

Ten people are confirmed dead (one in Nakhon Si Thammarat, two each in Phatthalung, Songkhla and Yala, and three in Narathiwat).

After the flood: Government Assistance

The severe flooding this year has had a widespread impact. Many people and businesses have suffered. In order to support victims and enable them to achieve a speedy recovery, there are a number of tax relief measures available, 

some of which provide relief to victims while others help the donors. Some are existing measures introduced as a result of past disasters while a few qualify as special relief created for the current floods.

First some key tax relief measures provided by the Revenue Department.

For victims:

Personal income tax (PIT) and corporate income tax (CIT) exemption on compensation received from the government.

- PIT and CIT exemption on cash or property received from donations (other than government) not exceeding the value of the damages incurred.

- PIT exemption on rent, professional income, income from contract work, whereby the contractor provides essential materials, and commercial income equal to the amount of damages the individual victim has registered with the authorities.

- CIT exemption on insurance compensation in excess of the net book value of the damaged assets.

- The tax filing period for all taxes for business operators in affected areas is extended to Dec 30.

For donors:

- Individuals can take deductions for cash donated through an intermediary agency, a public charity or a governmental agency. However the Revenue Code caps this deduction at 10% of the assessable income after all allowances and deductions.

- Corporations can take a deduction for cash or property donated through an intermediary agency, a public charity or a governmental agency capped at 2% of net profit.

Key tax relief measures provided by the Board of Investment:

- Import duty exemption on machinery to replace damaged machinery.

While these measures will provide a level of relief to both victims and donors, some are asking whether this much assistance is sufficient. The government has to weigh how much tax breaks it can realistically offer. To obtain a better perspective on this, let's take a look at the recent earthquake in Japan for guidance.

The Japanese government offered these measures:

PIT

- Extension of loss carry forward _ normally losses from a disaster can be treated as a tax deduction for the year and carried forward for three years. A special measure was introduced to extend the period of carry forward by two more years.

Extension of loss carry back _ normally PIT would be exempted/reduced in the year in which the disaster occurred. This measure allowed the reduction for the prior year (the earthquake occurred four days before the 2010 PIT filing deadline).

Increase of donation cap _ normally donations can be treated as a deduction from PIT with a cap of 40% of income. This increased the cap to 80% to encourage donations.

CIT

Extension of loss carry back _ normally losses can be carried back for only one year (a corporation can claim a tax refund by using the loss to offset against the profit of the prior year). This measure allowed the loss to be carried back for two years.

Withholding tax (WHT) refund _ normally WHT would not be refunded at the half-year filing. This measure allowed victims to request a WHT refund to help with their cash flow.

Special depreciation _ a special depreciation rate can be applied to assets that were purchased to replace those damaged during the disaster.

These measures were only aimed at lessening the victims' burden. Japan is now considering additional tax incentives for the recovery period (medium and long-term) for the benefit of both individuals and corporations.

Looking at the Japanese experience, it is clear that Thailand should consider the provision of further tax relief in addition to the normal measures. 

This is not to say that Thailand should, for example, raise the donation cap to 80% for individual donors as Japan did. 

Nevertheless, Thailand should consider raising the cap as well as allowing taxpayers to claim a refund of WHT prior to filing the CIT return at year-end as this flood is one of the greatest disasters to hit Thailand in many years.

Thailand should consider this an opportunity: by trading short-term revenue loss for longer-term goodwill, it can emerge stronger in the region to compete for future foreign investments.

Social media finds voice in crisis

Mainstream media's failure to adequately provide the information that flood victims wanted to know paved the way for strong emergence of reporting in social media sphere during the crisis, a seminar was told.

"Roo Su Flood" (Know, Fight Flood), which contained popular flood information in animated form posted on Youtube, and the 

"Chao Charan Ruam Jai Choy Namtoum" (Charan People Fighting Flood) Facebook pages were among the most viewed pages during the floods.

Both social media groups were a big hit due to their new approach to managing information, said Yingcheep Atchanont, iLaw (Internet for People's Laws Project) officer.

The Charan People page was created by two young flood victims _ Nanthinee Niphandwongkorn, a newly-graduated law student from Kasetsart University, and Samaporn Rattanawaraha, a science student from King Mongkut University.

Ms Samaporn said that since mainstream media was unable to provide adequate information round-ups about the Thon Buri area, she decided to initiate the information-sharing page on Facebook.

Ms Nanthinee explained the website was not just useful for young online users, but the information was also shared with their parents during the floods.

Thawatchai Saengthammachai, a social-minded advertising entrepreneur who created the Roo Su Flood videos said he and his friends decided to provide select information in graphic form to make it easy to 

disseminate and to serve as an alternative to mainstream media which seemed to be irrelevant and mistrusted due to their business, if not political, bent.

Mr Thawatchai said during the short life of the Roo Su Flood project, some corporations, including real estate, dog food, mobile phone, insurance, and automobile firms, wanted to buy advertising. But in the end, the group decided to keep their web page strictly advertising free.

Both web masters said they would return to their normal lives now the floods have receded, but if another emergency requires rapid response in the future, they would quickly return to the fore. 

The best way to deal with the influx of information was to educate netizens rather than regulate social media.

Chutchai Tawandharong, chief executive officer of Spring News, a 24-hour satellite TV station, said social media can be nicely melded into traditional media reporting, but the core standards of a strong newsroom need to stay put.

Pichate Yingkiattikun, a member of Thai Netizen Network, an alliance of computer users monitoring the government's internet policy, said flood-related social media became a stage for colour-coded conflicts and some of the netizens were not exercising accountability by verifying information before posting it.

Meanwhile, Arthit Suriyawongkul, Thai Netizen Network coordinator, said a survey of 1,700 internet users conducted from September to October found web surfers are more open-minded than non-internet users on issues such as censoring or blocking websites.

The survey conducted by the My Computer Law project, a campaigner for justice and fair regulations of computer users, showed that 63% of respondents did not agree with blocking porn websites but it would be okay to have some censoring to keep children from viewing the material, Mr Arthit said. 

A majority of respondents said the government should be most strident in censoring defamation content, followed by threats to national security and social values.

B2.5m raised for flood relief efforts

John Daly sings a song at a charity auction on Tuesday night.

Major winners Darren Clarke and Charl Schwartzel were the main contributors in a charity auction held in conjunction with this week's Asian Tour season-ending Thailand Golf Championship as nearly 2.5 million baht were raised for flood relief on Tuesday night.

The stars on parade at Amata Spring Country Club in Chon Buri, including world No.3 Lee Westwood, Ryo Ishikawa, Sergio Garcia, Thongchai Jaidee, John Daly and Simon Dyson, donated personal golf items which were auctioned off during a dinner in Bangkok.

Schwartzel's autographed Masters pin flag and putter raised the highest amount of one million baht while Clarke's autographed British Open pin flag went to the highest bid of 300,000 baht. 

The Northern Irishman then pledged another 300,000 baht from his foundation towards relief efforts.

Daly, who crooned the crowd with an impromptu song, donated two of his signature psychedelic pants at 200,000 baht while Thongchai's autographed driver and caps went for 150,000 baht.

Westwood's golf shirt was auctioned at 100,000 baht while the likes of Tommy Fleetwood, Dyson, Garcia, Michael Thompson, Soren Hansen and Charley Hoffman also donated items towards the good cause.

Clarke, who won his first Major title at the British Open in July, said: "It's fantastic that we've managed to raise a lot of money towards a worthy cause. We're lucky to be able to play golf for a living and it is good to help whenever we can."

Schwartzel was also delighted to play a part towards the charitable cause where floods had affected parts of Thailand recently.

"Any time I can help towards a good cause, I'll try my best to help. I gave a couple of items and I'm happy to do it," said the South African.

Ishikawa added: "We had the same problem in Japan with the earthquake and tsunami and I was really touched with the help we got. 

In return, I'm proud to be a part of this effort to help in Thailand. All the players feel the same and I hope the country recovers soon.

Organisers of the Thailand Golf Championship will also donate all ticket sales proceeds towards flood relief through the Energy Ministry.

Suthep defends crackdown on red shirts

Former deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban has defended his handling of the crackdown on red shirt protesters in April and May last year, saying he acted within the law.

Mr Suthep said all of his orders were issued lawfully as there was the emergency decree to support his actions and the operations of security forces. The troops performed their duties based on his orders.

The former deputy prime minister, who was in charge of the Center for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation set up to quell the protests which led to 92 deaths, said all his orders were written down and he always held meetings with relevant agencies before issuing them.

He was speaking before giving testimony for the second time yesterday to a city police team investigating the dispersal of the protesters. He was invited to give a statement about what happened on May 14, 16 and 19 last year.

Mr Suthep arrived at the Metropolitan Police headquarters at 2pm with more documentary evidence for investigators.

He accused his political rivals of trying to distort facts about the government forces' crackdown on the red shirts. 

He accused some people in power of being involved in last year's political violence and said they had tried to use their authority to take action against him.

He said he was unperturbed by their actions as Thailand was a democratic country where people must strictly adhere to the law and have faith in the judicial system.

Army chief to stay in post: Yingluck

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has confirmed that army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha will not be transferred.

"Since I assumed the premiership, I have never interfered in military affairs. Gen Prayuth is still performing his duty [as army chief]," Ms Yingluck said when asked by reporters if she wanted to retain him as army commander-in-chief.

The prime minister yesterday visited the Internal Security Operations Command and the army. She was warmly greeted by the top brass before chairing the Isoc meeting as director of the agency and was briefed about its work.

She asked the Isoc to strictly adhere to His Majesty the King's working approach of understanding (khao jai), accessibility (khao thueng), and development (pattana) in carrying out its duties in the far South.

She said she would assign Pol Gen Kowit Wattana, deputy prime minister, to chair the Isoc's board.

Ms Yingluck vowed to foster national reconciliation. She called for cooperation from all of society to help push for reconciliation in a bid to restore peace. She thanked the army for its flood relief work.

During the meeting, Gen Prayuth said the army stands ready to serve the government around the clock.

PM orders tight security over break

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has told authorities to beef up security to ensure peaceful New Year festivities.

She said she issued the order during her visit to the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) and the army headquarters yesterday morning.

"I would like the New Year to be a happy moment for people, so I told agencies not to be lax. If they detect any situation, they must report it right away. I will monitor the situation during the New Year holiday," Ms Yingluck said.

The prime minister wants all security-related agencies to cooperate with one another to prevent incidents around the clock during the New Year period.

Ms Yingluck said she learned from her visit to the Isoc and the army headquarters that they had a command that was capable of comprehensively supervising security affairs.

She said they had satellite-based and intelligence systems in the same command and she wanted them to cooperate with the police and the Interior Ministry to guarantee order over New Year.

Asked to comment about a report that Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung had predicted bombings during the New Year holiday, Ms Yingluck said she did not expect that kind of situation to arise and all agencies were joining forces to prevent anything untoward happening.

Army chief-of-staff Sirichai Ditthakul briefed Ms Yingluck on the structure and achievements of the Isoc. The meeting did not discuss past bombings.

Mr Chalerm yesterday denied saying there would be bombings at 10 locations over the New Year.

He said he had only mentioned the blasts in 2007 to urge the parties concerned to study them and work out security measures to guarantee order during the upcoming New Year celebrations.

"I supervise the police, so I must ensure order. I am not so insane as to say things that would shock people," Mr Chalerm said.

Mr Chalerm said the time bomb found on Ratchadamnoen Avenue in Bangkok on Dec 6 was politically motivated and was not intended to harm anyone.

The bomb had been placed to be easily noticed and a red shirt was in the bag in which the bomb had been carried.

The bomb in an open black bag was placed on a traffic island on the avenue. It was wrapped in tape and had a digital clock, electrical circuits, batteries attached while it contained small pieces of metal and broken glass.

Police used a water jet to destroy the bomb and later found its circuitry was incomplete.

Chutidet murder suspect identified Police believe political rival was behind murder

Police have identified the prime suspect in the murder of the close aide of a former Democrat Party election candidate as a rival in local political circles who had personal conflicts with the victim, a source on the police team investigating the case said Wednesday.

Police believe the suspect hired a team of hitmen to murder Chutidet Suwannakerd, 38, at the carpark at Kosum Ruamjai market in Don Muang district on Saturday, the police source said.

Chutidet, who used to be a close aide of Karun Hosakul, a Bangkok Pheu Thai MP, defected to work for Tankhun Jitt-itsara, the Democrat Party candidate for Don Muang district in the July 3 general election.

Mr Karun has denied any involvement in the murder of his former aide.

Preliminary results of the police investigation indicate the murder was a consequence of conflicts between Chutidet and his rival in local politics that arose as they competed to help flood victims, the source said.

The two men's quarrels over control of taxi motorcycle services in the district could also be a motive for Chutidet's murder, the police source said.

"The suspected mastermind of the murder was a rival local politician who is a close aide of a politician in the national political circle," the source said. "However, the motive for the killing was not political conflict, but simmering personal conflicts."

Investigators have found conclusive evidence of who was behind the murder, but some crucial evidence still is missing, the same source said.

By next week, the police should be able to seek a warrant for the arrest of the suspected mastermind.

Meanwhile, another police team is hot on the trail of the suspected gunman, a key link in the police's quest to nail the suspected mastermind, the source said.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung yesterday insisted he would not be tempted to protect the culprits in this murder case even if they really are linked to people in the government.

Pol Maj Gen Damrongsak Kittipraphas, chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau's Division 2, said police had narrowed down the killing motives. 

However, he said, police have yet to question possible suspects as the investigators still were gathering the evidence required to implicate any suspect.

As for the wife and daughter of Chutidet as well as Mr Tankhun, several police units from the Don Muang police station have been sent out to ensure their security as police hunt down the killers.

Porntip Rojanasunan, head of the Central Institute of Forensic Science, said Chutidet's family members would meet her today to seek help from the institute for a second-opinion autopsy.

She said Mr Tankhun had consulted with her about the police possibly conducting a questionable autopsy.

Khunying Porntip said Mr Tankhun had informed her that Chutidet's family was unable to gain access to the autopsy results although they had every right to access them.

Social media finds voice in crisis

Mainstream media's failure to adequately provide the information that flood victims wanted to know paved the way for strong emergence of reporting in social media sphere during the crisis, a seminar was told.

"Roo Su Flood" (Know, Fight Flood), which contained popular flood information in animated form posted on Youtube, and the "Chao Charan Ruam Jai Choy Namtoum" (Charan People Fighting Flood) Facebook pages were among the most viewed pages during the floods.

Both social media groups were a big hit due to their new approach to managing information, said Yingcheep Atchanont, iLaw (Internet for People's Laws Project) officer.

The Charan People page was created by two young flood victims _ Nanthinee Niphandwongkorn, a newly-graduated law student from Kasetsart University, and Samaporn Rattanawaraha, a science student from King Mongkut University.

Ms Samaporn said that since mainstream media was unable to provide adequate information round-ups about the Thon Buri area, she decided to initiate the information-sharing page on Facebook.

Ms Nanthinee explained the website was not just useful for young online users, but the information was also shared with their parents during the floods.

Thawatchai Saengthammachai, a social-minded advertising entrepreneur who created the Roo Su Flood videos said he and his friends decided to provide select information in graphic form to make it easy to disseminate and to serve as an alternative to mainstream media which seemed to be irrelevant and mistrusted due to their business, if not political, bent.

Mr Thawatchai said during the short life of the Roo Su Flood project, some corporations, including real estate, dog food, mobile phone, insurance, and automobile firms, wanted to buy advertising. 

But in the end, the group decided to keep their web page strictly advertising free.

Both web masters said they would return to their normal lives now the floods have receded, but if another emergency requires rapid response in the future, they would quickly return to the fore. 

The best way to deal with the influx of information was to educate netizens rather than regulate social media.

Chutchai Tawandharong, chief executive officer of Spring News, a 24-hour satellite TV station, said social media can be nicely melded into traditional media reporting, but the core standards of a strong newsroom need to stay put.

Pichate Yingkiattikun, a member of Thai Netizen Network, an alliance of computer users monitoring the government's internet policy, said flood-related social media became a stage for colour-coded conflicts and some of the netizens were not exercising accountability by verifying information before posting it.

Meanwhile, Arthit Suriyawongkul, Thai Netizen Network coordinator, said a survey of 1,700 internet users conducted from September to October found web surfers are more open-minded than non-internet users on issues such as censoring or blocking websites.

The survey conducted by the My Computer Law project, a campaigner for justice and fair regulations of computer users, showed that 63% of respondents did not agree with blocking porn websites but it would be okay to have some censoring to keep children from viewing the material, 

Mr Arthit said. A majority of respondents said the government should be most strident in censoring defamation content, followed by threats to national security and social values.

Web censor system hits protest firewall Chalerm tries to defend lese majeste detector

The government yesterday calmed fears civil rights would be threatened if it adopts a tighter monitoring system to counter anti-monarchy messages on the internet.

The proposed procurement of "a lawful interception (LI) system", estimated at 400 million baht, was unveiled yesterday during a press briefing by a government panel to crack down on lese majeste on the internet.

The panel was headed by Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung.

Pol Col Siripong Timula, deputy commander of Technology Crime Suppression Division, assured that the LI system would not be used extensively, but would be allowed by a court order.

"To curb anxiety, I'd like to stress that the system must be applied under the law, which means it must be approved by a court. So there is no need to fear violations of rights," he said.

Unintended consequences: How social media filled the flood gap

Mr Chalerm said Wednesday the procurement of the LI system was proof that the government and his committee were taking the issue seriously.

He said police and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology would have to integrate their work. The proposed procurement was approved in principle by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, he said.

Mr Chalerm said he believes the LI system was worth the money.

The plan drew criticism from Democrat MP for Songkhla Sirichoke Sopha who lambasted the ICT ministry for failing to enforce the Computer Crime Act and block unlawful or inappropriate content.

"The problem is not with the tool, but the ICT Ministry," he said. "The people are more or less monitoring websites and reporting them to the authorities. It is possible that those who are involved in such activity are supporters of Pheu Thai."

He also called on Mr Chalerm and ICT Minister Anudith Nakornthap to conduct more research into networking security.

Warin Thiamcharas, adviser to the Senate committee on human rights and consumer protection, voiced disagreement to the proposed procurement of the LI system.

He said that a clear policy and political will are effective enough in cracking down on inappropriate websites.

However, Mr Warin said that using the device to intercept communications deemed offensive to the monarchy was not illegal.

"It is allowed by the Computer Crimes Act's Section 29. It is illegal to post such content on the Internet," he said.

Meanwhile, the Lawyers Council of Thailand yesterday called for the establishment of a special unit to monitor and take action against internet content deemed insulting to the monarchy.

In its petition, the council said that the task required close cooperation between the police force and the ICT Ministry.

The council also said wrongdoers should be separated into two groups: those with an intent to topple the monarchy and those who act with ignorance.

The former should be prosecuted according to law while the latter encouraged to have a better understanding.

The petition was lodged with the ICT Ministry, the Justice Ministry and the police force.

A team of officials from the Department of Special Investigation yesterday discussed with public prosecutors the issue of speeding up lese majeste cases, a DSI source said.

The meeting was held because there was apparently no progress in the past year. Of 33 cases, only half were completed.

The source said that to decide if the suspects would be indicted the investigators would determine if the charges had legal merit and when and where the alleged offences were committed.

The source said the team reportedly agreed to follow the Truth for Reconciliation Commission's recommendation in promoting national reconciliation in pursuing the cases.

B60.7bn flood budget endorsed

The meeting of an extraordinary meeting of the cabinet on Tuesday approved 60.7 billion baht budget for rehabilitating inundated industrial plants, provinces and the people in flood-hit areas, reports said.

Industry Minister Wannarat Channnukul said the cabinet agreed to allocate a total of 47 billion baht initial budget for the rehabilitation of the flooded manufacturers both inside and outside industrial estates.

The cabinet also agreed to set priority on plans to provide assistance for the manufacturers in inundated areas because related ministries had asked for more than the currently available and usable 47 billion baht budget, said Mr Wannarat.

In addition, the cabinet also approved 20.11 billion baht budget for financing nine urgent projects to rehabilitate and heal the people whose homes were flooded, according to director of the Budget Bureau Worawit Champeerat.

The nine projects are;

1) The project to offer 5,000 baht compensation for each flood affected household in Bangkok and other 62 provinces, with a total cost of 13.17 billion baht.

2) The project to rehabilitate people’s living quality proposed by the flood-hit provinces (314.54 million baht).

3) The project to prepare readiness for 2,006 flooded schools and students (456.03 million baht).

4) The project to provide healthcare services for severely flood affected people in nine provinces (121.92 million baht).

5) The project for delaying plans to lay off 100,000 workers by flooded manufacturers (606 million baht).

6) The project to set up a “Fix It Centre” (17.85 million baht).

7) The project to renovate 296 ancient sites (1.38 billion baht).

8) The project to repair and reconstruct the damaged 708 roads (1.81 billion baht, and

9) The project to reconstruct 11 flooded rural roads (139.81 million baht.

Flood death toll now 693

A total of 693 people were confirmed dead and three people were missing in the floods that have inundated the upper part of the country since July 25 and hit southern provinces recently, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said on Monday.

The flood still prevails in 82 districts of 10 provinces, including Bangkok, affecting, 4,407,192 people, according to the Department.

The provinces are Angthong, Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Saraburi, Suphanburi, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Sakhon and Bangkok.

The department on Saturday, Dec 10, reported the toll at 689.

Claims assessors to help SCB corporates

Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) has contracted claims assessors to help its flood-hit corporate clients to expedite their insurance claims.

Business experts will also advise on future flood-risk protection, but insurance claims are seen as the most troublesome issue.

Complicated and lengthy filing procedures are extending the suffering of many clients.

Arthid Nanthawithaya, a senior executive vice-president, said small companies in particular are finding the claims process difficult due to a lack of experience in this area.

SCB itself is not a business expert and so has employed consultants to advise business clients in the post-crisis period, he said.

Roadshows will travel to all seven affected industrial estates to present the bank's financial and non-financial assistance measures including insurance claim assistance.

"The question of insurance claims after the floodwater subsides is a big problem for several of our clients. Helping them to clear up this issue speedily will benefit both clients and the bank _ a win-win situation," he said.

Most corporate clients have insurance protection to cover all risks including floods, said Mr Arthid.

Combined losses of the seven affected industrial estates is estimated at 300 billion baht, 60-70% of which is covered by insurance.

Some 800 of SCB's corporate clients have been affected, one-fourth of them directly such as Japanese automotive and electronics concerns.

However, SCB has suffered only marginal exposure from those two sectors, as for them it generally provides fee-based income services and working capital rather than term loans.

SCB's automotive and electronics clients are generally small and medium-sized enterprises, and the credit lines for the two sectors together represent less than 10% of its corporate loan portfolio.

At this critical time, financial assistance for large businesses will comprise grace periods and expansion of loan maturity rather than additional loans.

This is because most of them have a solid financial status and already enjoy sufficient liquidity support from their parent companies.

"With their financial and operational strength, our affected corporate clients will resume operating in 3-6 months, with full production expected in the first half of next year," Mr Arthid added.

Furniture market set to contract

Thai furniture exports are likely to contract both this year and next, but the domestic market should grow by 15% as flood victims renovate their homes.

Jirawat Tangkijngamwong, president of the Thai Timber Association and secretary-general of the Thai Furniture Industries Association, expects a 10% decline in exports this year from 37.1 billion baht last year, failing to meet the earlier projection of 10% growth.

The Department of Export Promotion reported furniture exports from January to October this year totalled 29.3 billion baht, down by 5.46% year-on-year.

The flood cut exports in October by about 20% and the situation is unlikely to improve this month because exporters still face logistics problems, causing buyers to source from other countries.

The associations predict an inactive export market in the first quarter next year, as most Thai exporters are small and medium-sized companies that will still be renovating.

They predicts the market will resume by the second quarter.

Costs may rise 10-20% next year due to an increase in minimum daily wages and possibly raw material costs, which could reduce exports by 20% from 2011.

Mr Jirawat said Thai furniture exporters should look to high-potential new markets such as Asean, China, India, Brazil, Mexico and Russia, as traditional markets such as the United States, Europe and Japan face economic problems.

Mr Jirawat estimated the domestic furniture market would reach 40-50 billion baht this year, growing well into next year on the strength of low to mid-priced pieces.

He believes consumers will shift from buying build-in pieces to knock-down furniture.

"Consumers will pay more attention to material that can withstand water damage such as wood, buying less pieces made from plywood or medium-density fibreboard," he said.

Thai Rath Columnistlikit Jongsakul

Now that the flood situation has eased, PM Yingluck Shinawatra must reassert her leadership and improve the performance of her cabinet ministers, in order to regain public confidence.

People are eager to see the details of her post-flood rehabilitation plan and the blueprint of a national water resources management strategy, now being drafted by two high-level committees. 

If she moves fast on these two issues, PM Yingluck will be able to draw more support from the public.

Among her 36 cabinet ministers, there are four or five who have not performed effectively during the past four months. 

These ministers are likely to be removed in a cabinet reshuffle expected after the New Year. If the new cabinet ministers are honest and capable, and can deliver on their promises, the opposition will not be able to launch new attacks on the prime minister.

The danger is that some people in government may again try to enact an amnesty decree and quicken the pace of a police investigation into the UDD deaths last year. 

Ex-premier Abhisit Vejjajiva and his deputy Suthep Thaugsuban have already been summoned by the Metropolitan Police Bureau to testify in the cases of 13 protesters shot dead during the unrest in April-May 2010.

With the two opposing sides still at each other's throats, I don't think our country will see real peace any time soon.

Pheu Thai resolute on amnesty Party wants bill tabled at next House session

The Pheu Thai Party has vowed to push an amnesty bill through parliament when the House convenes its next session later this month.

Pheu Thai MP for Nakhon Phanom and government deputy chief whip Phaijit Sriworakhan yesterday said the party will work with other coalition parties to push for the amnesty bill to be tabled during the next parliamentary session.

Mr Phaijit said the party will call a meeting today to prepare for the next House session which will primarily focus on deliberating and passing legislation drafts.

He said Pheu Thai needs to make sure party members have reached a common position on these issues before the House meeting begins on Dec 21.

Mr Phaijit confirmed the party will press ahead with the constitutional amendments and with an amnesty bill bid, which were part of the party's election campaign pledges this year and most party MPs from all regions have agreed to this.

It is now up to the prime minister and the party executives to clarify when and how the party will set out to act on the issues, Mr Phaijit said.

He said the party will hold public hearings to listen to public opinion on proposed amendments on some controversial laws, such as the Defence Ministry Administration Act or the amnesty bill. 

Bills to amend the constitution and to amend other laws such as the Defence Ministry Administration Act and other legislation bills, notably the amnesty bill, are expected to be tabled for consideration at the next House meeting.

Mr Phaijit said the content of the amnesty bill will be modelled on the recommendation of a special parliamentary committee on national reconciliation chaired by Matubhum Party leader Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin. 

The committee has asked King Prajadhipok's Institute to draw up a road map for national reconciliation.

Mr Phaijit admitted some members of the committee have opposed the amnesty bill. He said it was best for its critics to try to find a common ground acceptable to all sides.

Anti-Thaksin groups fear the Pheu Thai Party-led government will try to use the report to create a new amnesty law that would pave the way for the return of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup led by Gen Sonthi.

Mr Phaijit believed the amnesty bill should at least pass the first reading during the four-month House session.

Pheu Thai MP for Nong Bua Lamphu Chaiya Promma, the committee's spokesman, insisted the committee has nothing to do with proposing any legislation or legal amendments. It is up to the King Prajadhipok's Institute to come up with any recommendations, Mr Chaiya said.

Chaiyaphat Prapassawat, director the Institute for Community Rights, disagreed with Pheu Thai's amnesty bill move.

He said the primary aim of the move is to clear the name of Thaksin and bring him back to Thailand.