My Diary

Medical Council of Thailand reminds Thai physicians to observe code of ethics

2008-10-09T21:57:00.000+07:00

BANGKOK, Oct 9 (TNA) - The Medical Council of Thailand on Thursday opposed the use of violence to solve any conflict, while urging all medical doctors to help patients without discrimination and to observe international humanitarian principles, according to Somsak Lohlekha, M.D., Chairman of the Medical Council of Thailand.
Dr. Somsak said the statement was approved by council committees from 16 medical institutions nationwide representing 38,000 doctors.

Two people died and hundreds were injured in the violent clashes in Bangkok on Tuesday after police used tear gas against anti-government protesters at Parliament.

The Medical Council issued the statement in response to moves by some doctors who vowed not to treat injured police officers to protest the use of force against protesters.

Dr. Suthep Koncharnwit, a physician at Chulalongkorn Hospital, said on Wednesday that medical teams from the hospital would not give medical assistance to police who were injured in the clashes with PAD supporters to show that the doctors opposed the use of violence.

Medical council chairman Dr. Somsak said the council would investigate the issue.

Meanwhile, Thai Red Cross Society secretary-general Dr. Phan Wannamethee and executives of Chulalongkorn Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society and Chulalongkorn's Faculty of Medicine together issued a statement affirming their stance to treat patients regardless of political belief, race, nationality and religion.

Meanwhile, Dr. Suthep from Chulalongkorn apologised for having announced a boycott of medical service to the police, and the emotional remarks he had made at a press conference said he was sorry to have made statements that may have had a negative impact against the hospital.

He said some may have misunderstood his intention as he only wanted to urge the authorities and other in responsible positions to understand that the measures government and police used against protesters were not appropriate.

He added that in practice he did not deny medical treatment to any patient.

Public Health Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung explained that the physician had been speaking from anger, but he believed that all doctors practice medical ethics and would not discriminate against patients, despite the emotions raised by this week's events.

He assured the public that the medical institutes under the Public Health Ministry would give their full attention to help all patients.

In the meantime, Narenthorn Emergency Medical Service centre reported that the number of those injured has risen to 478, and of those, 85 had been admitted to nine hospitals in metropolitan Bangkok.

Nine people experienced severe wound and had to amputate their arms, legs, fingers and lost eye.

Japan may slash funds for clearing land mines in Cambodia

2008-10-09T21:47:00.000+07:00

PHNOM PENH -- The Cambodian Mine Action Center(CMAC) has expressed concern over a proposed 50 percent cut from Japan's annual aid contribution to clear land mines and unexploded ordnance (UXOs) in Cambodia, national media reported Thursday.The proposed cut would take effect in 2009, English-language newspaper the Phnom Penh Post said.

Khem Sophoan, director general of CMAC told the Post that the Japanese contribution is $1.2 million, adding that 350 deminers would lose their jobs if the funds are slashed, leaving 300 hectares of land in northwestern Cambodia uncleared.

"No decision has yet been made. The donor has given us time to lobby before the embassy marks the red line to cut off half of their aid to us," Heng Ratana, deputy director general of CMAC, was quoted as saying.

He added that negotiations were intensive and the stakes high.

"If the aid is halved, it will drastically affect the activities of CMAC," he said.

High U.S. tariffs hurt Cambodian garment sector

2008-10-08T08:20:00.000+07:00

High U.S. tariffs are hurting Cambodia's garment sector, with the industry complaining that high import costs and a slowing U.S. economy could sink the Kingdom's key industry, state media reported Tuesday.
In 2007, Cambodia paid 419 million U.S. dollars in tariffs on 2.46 billion U.S. dollars worth of exported goods, meaning the industry is paying an average 17 percent tariff, the Phnom Penh Post said, citing a new report by the Progressive Policy Institute, a centrist U.S. think tank.

The average U.S. tax on imports is 1.3 percent, while Saudi Arabia pays only 0.1 percent on the goods it exports to the U.S., the Post said.

Cambodia has already seen a 500 million U.S. dollars drop in exports to the U.S. in the first eight months of this year compared to the same period last year, said Kaing Monika, externalaffairs manager at the Garment Manufacturers Association of Cambodia (GMAC).

He added that the sector has suffered a loss of about 20,000 workers.

Garments have been hard hit by the U.S. slowdown, with clothing sales down in 2008.

Cambodia sells about 70 percent of its clothing to the U.S. market, making it highly vulnerable to fluctuations in the U.S. economy and Washington's trade policies.

Two dead, hundreds injured in violent clashes in Thai capital

2008-10-08T07:43:00.002+07:00

BANGKOK, Oct 8 (TNA) - At least two people are dead and about 300 injured after a day of violent clashes between anti-government demonstrators and anti-riot police on Tuesday as troops have been deployed across the Thai capital after police failed to disperse anti-government protesters.
According to the medical authorities 381 casualties have been treated at eight hospitals in the capital and many are hospitalised.

Meanwhile, Army Spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd said unarmed troops had been deployed across the capital to assist the police in curbing the turmoil. He declined to reveal the number of troops, saying only they were from the army, navy and air force.

Ramathibodi Hospital director Than Supattaraphan said one female protester was killed during Tuesday's clashes, but official announcement of the cause of death was awaiting completion of an autopsy.

The victim later identified as Angkana Radabphanyawut, 20, who reportedly died of a chest wound.

Public Health Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung announced that Narenthorn Emergency Medical Service centre reported one man was killed in a car bombing near the protest site, and 208 demonstrators were injured when the police fired tear gas canisters to disperse a crowd of several thousand protesters.

The injured are being treated in eight hospitals, with most victims experiencing wounds from the exploded teargas canisters.

A protester identified as Thanya Khunkaew, 30, nearly lost his left leg, which was almost ripped off, while a radio reporter was knocked unconscious and his back was seriously injured when he was hit from behind by a tear gas canister.

About ten police personnel were wounded in the incident. One was pierced by the pointed-tip of a flag pole in his stomach, and underwent emergency surgery at a military hospital. He is now in stable condition but is in intensive care.

In the latest development late Tuesday evening, police fired fresh rounds of tear gas to disperse protesters in front of the Metropolitan Police Headquarters. There was a brief clash between both sides, before the demonstrators retreated from the area, only to return shortly afterwards with gas masks. The number of casualties was not immediately known.

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat meanwhile announced his government was doing its best to solve escalating the problems, adding he would make a decision on whether to resign in due course but until then vowed to work and remain at his post.

"As long as I still have the duty, I will keep doing my job. I'll decide on further actions when it is the proper time," said the premier.

The premier earlier left Parliament after delivering the government's policy statement by first climbing over the wall separating Parliament from the adjacent Vimarkmek Palace, where he flew out by helicopter to a meeting with military top brass at the Royal Thai Armed Forces headquarters on the outskirts of Bangkok to confer on further action to curb the situation.

The premier said it would be the police's duty to handle the situation. He insisted he would not impose a state of emergency in the capital.

Cambodian foreign minister to visit Vietnam

2008-10-06T17:29:00.000+07:00

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Hor Nam Hong, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, will visit Vietnam on Oct. 6-7, a press release said Monday.

This visit is at the invitation of Pham Gia Khiem, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, the press release from the Cambodian foreign ministry said.

During the visit, the Cambodian delegation will attend the 10thmeeting of bilateral committee of economic, cultural, scientific and technological cooperation, it said.

Both sides will ink exchange notes of the bilateral committee of economic, cultural, scientific and technological cooperation, it said.

PM: NRP not in Cambodian coalition gov't

2008-10-02T17:40:00.000+07:00

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime minister Hun Sen said here on Thursday that the coalition government has only two parties, not including the Norodom Ranariddh Party (NRP).

The Cambodian coalition government has only two parties, the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and the Funcinpec Party, Hun Sen said at a ceremony of handing over scholarships to 500 students in a university in Phnom Penh.

The coalition government does not have the NRP, he said, adding that his government is very big with many officials.

"Prince Ranariddh called me to ask the possibility of his party in the coalition government. I said no, because the government is already too big," he said.

After 18 months in self-imposed exile, Ranariddh returned to Cambodia Sunday, just days after a royal amnesty from King Norodom Sihamoni overturned the Prince's fraud conviction.

Sihamoni has just signed to appoint 205 undersecretaries of state according to the request of Hun Sen.

The Cambodian new government has nine deputy prime ministers, 16 senior ministers, 26 ministers and 167 secretaries of state.

All ministers in the government are members of CPP, which has won 90 seats in all the 123 seats of the National Assembly.

Arrest of Thais in Korea unlikely to affect labour market

2008-10-02T12:34:00.002+07:00

BANGKOK, Oct 2 (TNA) - The arrest of three Thai workers on drug trafficking charges by Korean police won't prevent Thailand sending more workers, Ministry of Labour says.

International Cooperation Coordination Bureau director Supat Gukun identified the trio as Pitthanet Thongla, Endoo Phothong and Witthaya Burinrum.

The first two went to Korea through Department of Employment channels under a government-to-government agreement, while the third worker was in Korea on a tourist visa. All three stayed in Korea illegally when their visas expired.

Mr. Supat said Thai labour officials will meet the trio to give them support.

Labour and foreign ministry officials meet 'exported' labourers and their employers to oversee and prevent wrongdoings related to illegal drugs, which tarnishes Thailand's image, Mr. Supat said.

However, he said he believed the arrest of the Thai workers won't prevent the labour ministry from sending more workers to work in Korea. The agreement on between the two countries under the new employment permit system to be signed will send about 5,000 Thai workers to South Korea.

Last month 111 Thai contract labourers in workers were arrested on drug use and trafficking charge. While 108 were later released, while three were detained for further investigation and formally charged with drug trafficking.

Cambodia wants to discuss temple dispute at next meeting

2008-09-30T23:14:00.001+07:00

BANGKOK, Sept 30 (TNA) - Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sompong Amornvivat on Tuesday revealed that Cambodia wants to raise a border demarcation dispute over Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai temple ruins for discussion with Thailand at the next Foreign Ministers' meeting.

Interviewed on the telephone after chairing the Informal ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New York, Mr. Sompong said that he had reported to the Meeting the results of the two rounds of talks between the Cambodian and Thai foreign ministers on resolving the border tension between the two neighbouring countries.

Participants were informed that progress was made in the talks as both countries have agreed to reduce their respective military forces stationed in the disputed areas to 30 each and are working towards a further cut in forces.

He said Cambodian officials informed the meeting of their desire to raise the border dispute over Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai temples for discussion with Thailand.

It is expected the issue would be brought up for discussion when Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat visits Cambodia on October 13 at the invitation of his Cambodian counterpart Somdej Hun Sen.

"ASEAN members were satisfied when we told them that both countries understood each other and saw a need to adhere to the bilateral talks to solve the border dispute.

"The United Nations Secretary-General told the ASEAN Meeting that he had been informed of the progress in the Thai-Cambodian talks on the dispute.

"The UN chief also expressed a desire to see both countries attempt to settle the dispute through bilateral talks, not the UN Security Council," he said.

Mr. Sompong said no ASEAN members questioned Thailand's readiness to serve as ASEAN chair.

The Minister said he decided to join the meeting in New York to assure ASEAN colleagues of Thailand's readiness to organise the ASEAN Summit in December.

He added that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon had agreed to visit Thailand on December 18 to attend the ASEAN Summit in Bangkok.

King Sisowath's 1906 protest letter to the French

2008-09-30T10:08:00.005+07:00

Letter from the King of Cambodia, H.M. Sisowath,
to the French Colonial Governor in Cambodia
(5 November 1906)

Kingdom of Cambodia
No. 205

Office of the King
H.M. Preah Bat Samdech Preah SISOWATH Cham-Chakrapong Hakrireach Barminthor Phuvanay Kraykeofa Soulalay Preah Chao Krong Kampuchea Thippadey, King of Cambodia

To the Governor of the French Republic in Cambodia,
Phnom Penh

Mr. Governor,

At a time when France, our benefactor, is busy with the delimitation of the border of Cambodia with the former Cambodian provinces abducted by Siam, I believe that it is my duty to send you the following observations and reservations, and I am also asking you to please let these be known, at an opportune time, to the delimitation Commission which will start its works and submit them to the Government of the (French) Republic. My delegates within this Commission are also in charge of supporting the same demands in front of the Commission.

1- In reality and incontestably, the cession to Siam by France of the former Khmer provinces which have just been re-attached to Cambodia – such as Stung Treng, Tonle Ropov, M’lou Prey, Krat and Koh Kong – cannot provide legitimate satisfaction to Cambodians given the circumstances in which the Siamese occupied these territories by force and by hypocrisy during the time when Cambodia was at the mercy of Annam (Vietnam) and Siam. By returning back these provinces (to Cambodia), the Siamese are only divesting what they took and detained against all rights of the people [of Cambodia], and that they do not want to keep them much longer because the lack of importance of these districts cannot compensate their costs of their exploitation, administration and maintenance.

2- We insist on the former natural limits of the Khmer Kingdom which, prior to the Siamese invasion, included on Siam’s side the provinces of Battambang, Siem Reap, Stung Treng, Tonle Ropov, M’lou Prey, Kuckhan [currently known as Sisaket], Prey Sar, Soren [Surin], Sankeac [Sangka], Neang Rong, Nokoreach Seima (Korat), beyond the Phnom Dangrek Mountain, Koh Kong, Krat and Chantabor (Chantaboun [Chantaburi]) touching upon Bacnam and the Kingdom of Champassac (Passac).

All these provinces are still populated by Cambodians and they preserve their absolute Khmer patriotism.

3- The richest provinces of Cambodia are precisely Battambang and Siem Reap; in the latter province, (temple) ruins of our Kingdom old powerful capital still subsist, they are shining proof of the magnificence of our ancestors. These two provinces, just like the others, were never given to Siam by any of my predecessors, and our claims in view of their return back to Cambodia have never ceased and will never cease as long as we do not receive satisfaction in this regard. Our past numerous claims are testimonials to this effect.

Independently to all historical justifications which confirm our rights on these two provinces, the 15 July 1867 Treaty concluded between France and Siam mentioned that the December 1863 Treaty, allegedly concluded between the Kingdoms of Cambodia and Siam, was annulled and that Siam renounces forever all vassalage from the part of Cambodia. Therefore, this clause completely disengaged Siam from the Khmer Kingdom, which, by this treaty, should recover all her territorial integrity, and if the then-French diplomats – through Article 4 of this same 15 July 1867 treaty – consented, without consulting the Cambodian Government or the Cochinchina Governor, that the provinces of Battambang and Siem Reap remained with Siam, they were absolutely being cheated by the Siamese in their persuasion of the existence of an alleged treaty unknown to the Cambodians, and within Siam’s rights and value of these territories. I am adding, that to my knowledge, this alleged treaty concluded on December 1863 between Cambodia and Siam never regularly existed and that it is only fair to provide us with satisfaction. In fact, in spite of our profound and sincere gratitude towards the protectorate Government, we cannot prevent ourselves from wondering whether such diplomatic action to get rid of our assets, behind our back and without our consent, could last.

In all cases and irrespective of the results of the works [accomplished] by the current Commission, and the ulterior diplomatic actions regarding our borders with Siam, not including the cession by Cambodia of her valuable provinces of Battambang and Siem Reap – along with all its dependences –, we are asking to reserve forever, for us and all our successors, the right to prevail our demands until full justice and satisfaction are given to us.

These are, Mr. Governor, the observations and the reservations that I make it as my duty to send to you, while assuring you that they perfectly represent the unanimous feelings of my Government and those of my people. Beyond our strong attachment to these provinces – the irregular detention of which is a real heartache for all the Cambodian people – you are aware of all the difficulties resulting from this detention that our neighbors are continuously creating through the encroachments of our territory, the robberies, the plundering actions and the daily crimes committed in our country by perpetrators who can easily find refuge on their side where they remained unpunished. These acts are actually taking place as they have been proven by the reports from your [French provincial] Governors and our provincial Governors. I believe that this situation which is absolutely prejudicial to all public security principle will become worst as long as the provinces of Battambang and Siem Reap, the most contiguous ones to Cambodia, are not returned to us.

Please accept, Mr. Governor, the assurance of my highest regards.

Done in our Royal Palace in Phnom Penh on Monday, the 4th day of the waning moon of the 2nd month of the Cholasakrach 1268, of the year of the Momi (Horse) Atthasak, the third of the reign, i.e. the 5th of November 1906 of the Christian calendar.

(Signed): Sisowath
Copy: The Cabinet Chief
(Signed) Unreadable

Source: http://ki-media.blogspot.com

Thaksin brother-in-law Somchai elected Thai PM in party-line vote

2008-09-17T19:28:00.009+07:00

BANGKOK, Sept 17 (TNA) -- Caretaker prime minister Somchai Wongsawat, brother-in-law of ousted fugitive prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was elected Wednesday as Thailand's 26th prime minister, defeating his rival, opposition Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, by a large margin in the House of Representatives.

Mr. Somchai, who was deputy prime minister and education minister in the previous administration of Samak Sundaravej, obtained 298 votes while Mr. Abhisit received 163 votes. Five MPs abstained from voting.

After being declared as new prime minister, Mr. Somchai thanked members of the Lower House for entrusting
him to office, saying that he "would perform the duty to his best".

But his appointment as the Kingdom's top minister takes place amid warnings by anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters that they would not accept any member of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) as Thailand's premier.

The PAD has accused the PPP-led government of being a proxy for Mr. Thaksin, who is now living in Britain.
Mr. Somchai is deputy PPP leader.

PAD demonstrators hav e occupied Government House, the Thai prime minister's offices, since August 26.

Mr. Somchai's nomination as prime minister came after Mr. Samak was disqualified from office last week by the Constitution Court, being found guilty and in violation of the charter by accepting payments for hosting cooking shows on two commercial television stations.

Test Khmer Song on Blogger

2008-09-16T22:39:00.003+07:00

Hi Everyone !
I just test a code of audio on the Blogger.
If anyone wants to know how to use this code please don't hesitate to send me an e-mail or just go to visit www.khmerbotra.com and find the menu contact so you can put your messages there. Ohm I think that a Blogger can use JavaScripts everywhere which we want to put them.

Thai, Cambodian army standoff at another dispute temple ruin

2008-09-14T21:30:00.001+07:00

SURIN, Sept 14 (TNA) -- Fully-armed Thai and Cambodian soldiers are again in confrontation -- this time at a different temple ruin on another mountain in Surin province -- but still marking the ill-defined border between the neighbouring countries.

A combined Thai Army force of local para-military rangers and regular troops from the Suranaree Task Force were dispatched to another ancient ruin, this time the Tawai temple sitting atop the Phnom Dong Rak mountain range in Thailand's northeastern province of Surin along the Cambodian border.

The Thai military force was dispatched following reports that some 150 armed Khmer troops led by Col. Neak Pung, commander of the Cambodian army's Task Force 42 assigned to defend the mountain, had several days ago tried to enter the ancient temple, which is claimed by both countries.

The Tawai ruins is located about 12 kilometres east of Ta Muen Thom, another ruin contested by both countries which sparked tension in early August.

Before the situation turns worse, Maj-Gen. Kanok Netrakawesana, chief of the Suranaree Task Force, opted to negotiate with the Khmer troops.

Both sides later agreed to withdraw their men from the Tawai temple compound but are still maintaining positions at the border.

The Tawai temple is attracting attention as the third disputed area between the two countries, after Thailand
and Cambodia had engaged in disputes over the better-known Preah Vihear and the Ta Muen Thom ruins,
which lies either in Thailand's Surin province or in Cambodia's northern Uddor Meanchey province.

Thep Pee Chiang Mai เทพีเชียงใหม่

2008-09-14T19:54:00.004+07:00

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This song was sung by Nu Mitor. เพลงนี้ร้องโดย หนู มิเตอร์