khwaibah

Fries from your phone: McDonald's testing mobile payment app

By Doug Gross, CNN

August 20, 2012 -- Updated 1519 GMT (2319 HKT) | Filed under: Mobile

<p>

An employee displays the McBaguette, a burger-filled sandwich tested earlier this year at McDonald's restaurants in France.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• McDonald's is testing a mobile-payment app in France
  
• Customers can pay via PayPal and pick up the food at a special line
  
• The system could spread to the chain's 33,500 restaurants
  
• The move is part of a growing cashless mobile-payment trend
  

(CNN) -- As noted philosopher Vincent Vega said in "Pulp Fiction," the French may not know what a Quarter Pounder is.

But McDonald's customers in Paris can now pay for a Royale with Cheese using their smartphones or tablets -- a concept that could spread to the company's 33,500 locations worldwide if the fast-food leader likes the results.

Customers at 30 locations in France are now able to order their meals using the McDonald's mobile app, pay for it via PayPal, then join a separate line to pick up their food, according to a Reuters report.

The trial is part of a rapidly growing consumer-service trend of skipping cash, and even credit cards, in favor of a quick tap from a mobile phone.

Major retailers from Target to Best Buy to 7-Eleven have teamed up to create the Merchant Customer Exchange. The group is developing a mobile app that would allow customers to pay for goods at participating stores' registers with their smartphones. The app will also give users exclusive coupons and deals.

Square, a mobile app and phone attachment created by one of the founders of Twitter, is gaining traction as a tool for small businesses to accept credit-card payments and this month signed a deal with Starbucks for the coffee behemoth to begin accepting payments through the app.

And Google Wallet aims to be no less than a single tool that turns your phone into your wallet, driver's license and house key.

PayPal, long a leader in Web transactions, is fighting to stay in the forefront of the mobile-payment game. In addition to the McDonald's deal, PayPal has signed up with such retailers as Home Depot.

McDonald's showcased an even more in-depth mobile payment app earlier this year at a conference in Orlando, Reuters reports.

CNN

Drought forces Surin farmers to plant rice in holes

SURIN, 19 August 2012 (NNT) - Drought has hit 17 districts in Surin province. Jasmine rice paddies have been adversely affected by the long gap between rainfalls, which has lasted over 2 months. The rice saplings, mostly jasmine rice, which were planted using the conventional sowing method, have seen a negative impact from the lack of rainfall. At total of 1.5 million rai of jasmine rice plantations throughout Surin have been affected.

Royal rainmakers have quickly worked to seed clouds to produce rain over the province. Farmers of Mai Dong Yen village, in the Phanon Dong Rak district of Surin, have been unable to wait for rain, and have turned to planting rice in holes they have dug into the ground. The holes are made by pushing a pointed stick into the earth. Once the holes are made, rice saplings are placed in them, and the holes are filled in with soil.

Farmers have noted that the drought this year is extremely severe.

News ID: 255508190001 NNT

ChiangMai-Mail

Road accident claims three lives

By Phitsanu Thepthong & staff reporters 17.08.2012 02:24

Two children are among the three people who have died when a tour bus full of school students crashed into an oncoming vehicle in Doi Saket district, Chiang Mai on Aug.15.

The double decker tour bus, carrying students and teachers from Tambon 2 Municipal School in Taphanhin district, Phichit, experienced break failure before it crashed into an oncoming in pickup truck at 5.30 pm.

Doi Saket police inspector Pol Lt Col Uthai Puangchan, said that after the Wongboontra Tour Co., Ltd. bus crashed into the pickup it then plunged into the roadside of the Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai highway.

The school students had just visited Chiang Rai province and were heading to Chiang Mai. The crash instantly killed two students while another later died at hospital, was a passenger of the pickup truck.

Police have identified the dead students to be Jirayutch Rabprakhathum, a Mathayomsueksa grade six student, Chakaphan Nakket, Mathayomsuek grade three student and the passenger of the pickup truck who died has been identified as Mrs Bongkhot Jaipin.

Rescue teams assisted and helped transport dozens injured passengers to Doi Saket Hospital and other nearby hospitals. Two of the injured remain in a critical situation.

On top of the bus’s break failure, police said that rains and slippery mountain road might have also contributed to the accident. The accident also occurred on a dangerous curve which has been the site of many other accidents.

The last accident occurred in that same area was on Jan.19, 2007, when a tour bus carrying teachers from Chanthaburi crashed. Twenty one teachers were killed in this accident.

(Photos courtesy of CM 108.Com, Chiang Mai Rescue & Highways Police Rescue )

Chiang Mai Post

More Thai farmers in debt: UTCC survey

วันพฤหัสบดี ที่ 16 ส.ค. 2555

BANGKOK, Aug 16 - A survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce finds that the number of farmers in debt in the outside system has increased.

Dr Thanawat Polwichai, Director of the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, University of Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTTC) released the survey on the debt situation of Thai farmers.

The survey finds that their average debt was more than Bt100,000 per household -- Bt103,047 per household -- of which nearly two-thirds, 60.9 per cent, was outstanding debt with financial institutions and over one-third, 39.1 per cent, was debt owed to loan sharks, with the latter increasing from the 37.7 per cent recorded earlier.

For the first group in debt to financial institutions, most farmers owe Bt50,000-75,000 and most have the ability to pay all of their debts, according to the survey.

Meanwhile, 15 per cent of farmers are in debt outside the system, owing about 50,000-100,000 baht on average. In this group, 81 per cent say they are unable to pay back their debt.

Nearly one on four debtors outside the system -- 22.4 per cent-- owe Bt40,000-50,000, with most -- 61.4 per cent – saying they cannot settle their debt.

Comparing the latest harvest to the previous one, most farmers said that profits, selling prices, yields, capital cost, spending and saving are the same, reflecting that the one-year government policy on farming product prices did not help improve farmers’ quality of living.

They still ask the government to control production costs for farmers because they have no bargaining power.

Although their products can be sold at good prices, production costs still high. Mortgage schemes for farm produce did not help reduce their debts. (MCOT online news)</p>

NNT

Three rubber producing countries agree on price-boosting measures

BANGKOK, 16 August 2012 (NNT) - Thailand and two other rubber-producing countries, namely Indonesia and Malaysia, have agreed on measures to shore up the declining rubber prices.

Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Nattawut Saikua said that following the meeting of the International Tripartite Rubber Council (ITRC) held in Bangkok yesterday, the three parties agreed to reduce the overall natural rubber exports by as many as 300,000 tons in combined amount and to begin cutting down 100,000 rai of aging rubber trees. The two measures are expected to cut the total rubber exports by 450,000 tons.

Mr Nattawut elaborated that the ministry is set to compensate farmers participating in the aging tree-cutting scheme 16,000 baht per 1 rai of rubber trees.

The ministry, he said, is instructing the Department of Agriculture to hold talks with rubber farmers and exporters to introduce these urgent measures in detail.

News ID: 255508160023

Reporter : Orapa Chueyprasit

News Date : 16 August 2012

It's also 3rd in the country for population.

More like 6th.

Military tourism in Thailand: Shoot guns, ride tanks, eat bugs

The Royal Thai Army targets tourists by granting visitors a chance to play soldier for a day

By Cole Pennington 9 April, 2012

Every year, U.S. Marines come to Thailand to learn jungle survival techniques. These days civilians can get in on the action too.

Illicit military experiences have long characterized the Southeast Asia travel experience.

Most expat residents and seasoned backpackers in the region know at least one person who has destroyed a small patch of jungle with a rocket launcher or popped off a few rounds from a government issue sub-machine gun by “renting” these weapons from enterprising military personnel.

But since 1997, the Royal Thai Army has been working with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to develop programs that allow civilians to catch a glimpse of military life, legally.

The operation is simple -- give tourists a roughneck experience they can't get anywhere else. Let them fire M16 assault rifles, put them behind the controls of a tank and teach them what insects are OK to eat when learning jungle survival techniques.

Of the 300-plus armed forces bases throughout Thailand, more than 60 run programs such as simple bike rides or parachute jumping from a tower, from Phuket all the way up to Chiang Mai. To locate the nearest base, give the Royal Thai Army's Tourism Promotion Working Committee a call at +66 (0)2 297 5715-8 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +66 (0)2 297 5715-8 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

In the meantime here’s a quick guide to some of the activities for military buffs or adventure travelers looking for an alternative to lounging around on the beach.

Learn to survive

Ranger Training Group is for hard-core military enthusiasts looking for the real combat deal. Several army bases in Thailand teach visitors jungle survival techniques, such as knowing which bugs are safe to eat and how to kill a snake and drink its blood.

One organization that caters to foreigners is the Ranger Training Group, which has teamed up with the Royal Thai Army to offer courses at Lopburi's Army Special Warfare Training Centre, a couple of hours' drive north of Bangkok.

The intense week-long course includes instruction in rappelling, survival training, first aid, weapons, snares, booby traps and parachute jumps. A condensed weekend course is also available.

158/2, Mo 4 Tasala, Muang Lopburi. +66 (0)8 1827 9124 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +66 (0)8 1827 9124 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Drive a vintage tank

Pay a visit to Fort Adisorn Calvary Center in the Isaan province of Saraburi to check out Thailand’s collection of restored tanks.

Once you’re done looking, pay a small fee and hitch a ride in a light-armor Renault tank to cruise through the sunflower fields. The French machine is almost 80 years old, but it still runs strong.

Muang District Cavalry Camp, Saraburi, Thailand. +66 (0)3 621 2945 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +66 (0)3 621 2945 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Take a lesson in marksmanship

Good shots get a special certificate highlighting their accomplishments.For as little as 200 baht tourists can learn proper firearm techniques at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy 140 kilometers northeast of Bangkok.

Participants have the option of firing a 9 millimeter pistol or a .45 revolver. A soldier will guide you step-by-step on how to load the weapon, hold it and fire. A paper target is provided to keep score of your accuracy.

Ear protection is provided, but shooters are advised to bring their own eyewear. One traveler taking part called the experience “a little scary."

"The language barrier made it funny at times, but I still had to remember that I was handling guns,” she said.

Other activities at the Chulachomklao Academy include biking, paintball, laser beam shooting, kayaking, trekking and rapelling.

Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, Suwanasorn Road Muang, Nakhon-Nayok. www.crma.ac.th

Fly in a Vietnam War-era plane

The Khlong 15 flying club, located an hour north of Bangkok, owns and operates an ex-military Cessna L-19 “Bird Dog," a spotter plane used in 1949-1962.

The man in charge is Squadron Leader Boonyarith, and he’s happy to take anyone on a 60-minute flight for 10,000 baht.

Used to spot enemy troops, this plane has a 360-degree field of view thanks to the panoramic rear window, perfect for taking in views of the Thai countryside.

Captian Boonyarith, Khlong 15 Aviation Club, Khlong 15, Rangsit. +66 (0)81 866 5810 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +66 (0)81 866 5810

CNN

CityNews. - A People Lost Control Bus carrying the fifty-eighth and veered off the EDGE of the Road on fifteen. ^th. August around five thirty PM Injuring and killing many more third People.

Rescue teams soon got to the scene of the accident.

Doi Saket Police Station received a call that had a Bus. veered off the Highway close to a Police Check Point on the Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai Road, Moo 5th, Pamieng, Doi Saket. 20 rescue teams were immediately called to help.

When police arrived, they found a white and blue two level bus, license plate no. 30-0291 Nakornsawan, that had gone off the edge of the road. The bus's occupants were mainly students from Tapanhin Municipality School in Phijit. Teachers were also on board.

In all there were 48 males and 10 females. Rescue teams and hospital staff began a rescue operation sending the injured to Doi Saket Hospital. Two bodies were found at the scene pronounced dead. They are named Jirayus Rajprachum and Jakkrapan Nakket, both male. One female, named Bonhkot. Chaiyen. later died from her injuries in Hospital.

This bus was on its way back from a field trip in Chiang Rai, heading towards Chiang Mai. The road is well known for being difficult to navigate being that there are steep hills and sharp bends in the road. It's presently thought that the bus breaks failed and so it lost control and went over the edge of the road.

In the 2007th, at almost the Same Spot,. a Bus from Chiang Rai veered off the EDGE of the Road. causing seventeen deaths and injuries thirty-one.

No. But this may tell you what Thaivisa thinks of them.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/576903-thaivisacom-blocks-all-yahoo-email-addresses-from-today/

Thoughts and prayers for all those directly or indirectly involved.

So much more painful that those involved were children. May He , whomever you have faith in, hold them close and give them peace. RIP children.

If I am not mistaken, it was around this area just a year or two ago that a big bus loaded with teachers went off the road , off the bridge and into the stream.....

It is way past time that the police do something about stopping, and citing these thoughtless, reckless drivers. Take them to court and where found guilty, are there should be a mandatory, non-buy-your-way-out sentence. .... and a painful one....

Its one thing when a jerk gets drunk and kills themselves, but completely unforgiving when it involves the death of a child.

JMHO

http://www.cm108.com/bbb/index.php?/topic/52558-ioenuoaeuoeeaue-asncaineeoeaeoaaaua-oeeooaz/

17 teachers were reported dead at the seen on this accident.

Chiangmai Mail

Unfortunately this section of the 118 highway approximately 40 km east of Doi Saket has seen at least 6 major accidents like this in the past 6 years that I can remember. involing anything from a somgthaew to double decker tourist busses. killing school children, locale residence and tourist. If memory recalls at least 12 in one of the accidents. RIP.

Channel list for PSI-True..

http://www.psisat.com/images/stories/Freq/OTA_V_103_NEW.pdf

Hacked

Two have died in Kap Choeng/Surin.

Signs have been up for 2 months.

Whellchair tray.

http://www.google.co.th/search?q=wheelchair+tray&hl=en&rlz=1T4GGHP_thTH457TH457&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=VhQnUK-jAYvirAf74oCIBg&ved=0CFQQsAQ&biw=1058&bih=474

You need these..

Look at http://www.jsat.tv/TV a TV sponsor. They sell a system called TELKOM works anywhere in Thailand.

Fixed account from SCB accepted.

NokAir flys Bangkok to Buriram for 1990 baht. http://www.nokair.co...aspx/index.aspx

Used to be the case that you had to renew your first 1 year license AFTER it expired since to get a 5 year license since you had to have had a license for at least 1 year.

Might have changed now?

You are correct. Not the day before, not on the date it expires but AFTER it expires. Five year license can be renewed 3 months before expiration date.

Clarification . A 5 year license can be renewed up to 3 months before expiration.

I am confused as to the timing of my renewal from TEMP to % YEARS.

David says that he renewed his TEMP - 3 months before the expiration and he got 5 years.

Khwaibah says that the TEMP should be renewed AFTER the TEMP expires to get the 5 years license.

Who is right.

Pls advise. Thanks

CM LTD has soften up on their policy of renewal. It was as I stated but now they seem to let you go from 1 year to 5 year a few weeks in advance.

Used to be the case that you had to renew your first 1 year license AFTER it expired since to get a 5 year license since you had to have had a license for at least 1 year.

Might have changed now?

You are correct. Not the day before, not on the date it expires but AFTER it expires. Five year license can be renewed 3 months before expiration date.