THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 26 Feb 2018

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Powerful 7.5 magnitude quake strikes central Papua New Guinea

 

Map: USGS

 

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - A powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Papua New Guinea's Southern Highlands province in the early hours of Monday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026647-powerful-75-magnitude-quake-strikes-central-papua-new-guinea/

 

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Poll respondents reject pro-Prayut parties

By The Nation

 

 

MOST PEOPLE disagree with the idea of new political parties being formed to support General Prayut Chan-o-cha returning as prime minister after the next election, an opinion survey has found.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026649-poll-respondents-reject-pro-prayut-parties/

 

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Democrat admits Suthep might inspire party defections in South

By The Nation

 

 

THE DEMOCRAT Party’s support base in the South may be affected by a new political party that will be set up by Suthep Thaugsuban, who was previously a key Democrat politician, according to a deputy party leader.

 

Full story:  https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026650-democrat-admits-suthep-might-inspire-party-defections-in-south/

 

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Wedding interrupted as guest gives birth

By The Nation

 

Photo credit Rescue Phromtham Unit /Nakhon Ratchasima province

 

A baby was born at a wedding ceremony in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Sikhiu district on Saturday to the excited anxiety of many at the event.

 

Full story:  https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026651-wedding-in-nakhon-ratchasima-interrupted-as-guest-gives-birth/

 

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Big is beautiful at Nakhon Ratchasima pageant

By PRASIT TANGPRASERT 
THE NATION

 

 

A 105-KILOGRAM woman has been crowned “Jumbo Beauty Queen” at a colourful pageant over the weekend in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

 

Full story:  https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026652-big-is-beautiful-at-nakhon-ratchasima-pageant/

 

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Police general linked to 1976 crackdown commits suicide, leaving note about public transport plans

By JESSADA JANTARAK. 
SUPACHAI PHETTEWEE 
THE NATION 

 

 

A CONTROVERSIAL retired police general jumped to his death at the age of 81 yesterday, leaving a note in which he wrote that he hoped it would be a “useful suicide”.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026653-police-general-linked-to-1976-crackdown-commits-suicide-leaving-note-about-public-transport-plans/

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Environmental fears as EEC plans rushed

By PRATCH RUJIVANAROM 
THE NATION 

 

 

ACADEMICS, LOCAL RESIDENTS EXPRESS WORRY ABOUT NEW POLLUTION SOURCES

 

LOCAL PEOPLE in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) provinces have been joined by academics in voicing concerns over the effects of the imminent industrial expansion on the environment and livelihoods of people.

 

Full story:  https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026654-environmental-fears-as-eec-plans-rushed/

 

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Phimai residents outraged over new park status

By PRASIT TANGPRASERT 
THE NATION 

 

 

LOCAL PEOPLE in Nakhon Ratchasima have expressed strong opposition against the Fine Arts Department’s decision to declare their houses as part of a historical site.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026655-phimai-residents-outraged-over-new-park-status/

 

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Narathiwat arsonists used wallets in new tactic

By NARONG NUANSAKUL 
THE NATION 
NARATHIWAT 

 

 

ATTACKS BEFORE VISIT BY IOC ‘MEANT TO SHOW INSURGENCY’S STRENGTH’

 

FORENSIC OFFICIALS yesterday retrieved the remains of four men’s wallets whose contents are believed to have caused the fire that destroyed a local department store in Narathiwat’s Muang district late on Friday night in the latest militant attack in the South.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026656-narathiwat-arsonists-used-wallets-in-new-tactic/

 

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Evidence of drugs found at abandoned Phayao showroom

By Pannawit Yudee 
The Nation

 

 

Police said on Sunday that they suspected that a drug-trafficking gang might have secretly used a deserted showroom in Phayao province for their operations.

 

Full story:  https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026657-evidence-of-drugs-found-at-abandoned-phayao-showroom/

 

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NCPO to unlock more restrictions on political activities this June

 

 

BANGKOK, 26 February 2018 (NNT) – The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) will retract its order banning political activities in June, paving the way for municipal elections nationwide. 

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026659-ncpo-to-unlock-more-restrictions-on-political-activities-this-june/

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Interior Min confident “Thai Niyom Yangyuen” program will solve social issues

 

 

BANGKOK, 26 February 2018 (NNT) – The Minister of the Interior believes the government’s “Thai Niyom Yangyuen” initiative is the answer to social problems in Thailand. 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026660-interior-min-confident-“thai-niyom-yangyuen”-program-will-solve-social-issues/

 

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Commerce Min targets 6.5% export growth in ASEAN market

 

 

BANGKOK, 26 February 2018 (NNT) – The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) has set a target of 6.5% growth for Thai exports to members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). 
 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026661-commerce-min-targets-65-export-growth-in-asean-market/

 

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NESDB forecasts 3.6-4.6% economic growth this year

 

 

BANGKOK, 26 February 2018 (NNT) – The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) expects this year’s economic growth to be between 3.6% and 4.6% due to world economic recovery. 

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026662-nesdb-forecasts-36-46-economic-growth-this-year/

 

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Meechai backs ban on entertainment activities during election campaigns

 

 

BANGKOK, 26 February 2018 (NNT) – Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) Chairman, Meechai Ruchuphan has voiced his support for the joint organic law vetting committee's decision not to allow political parties to organize entertainment activities during election campaigns. 

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026663-meechai-backs-ban-on-entertainment-activities-during-election-campaigns/

 

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Thai PM satisfied with Thailand’s improvement in graft index

 

 

BANGKOK, 26 February 2018 (NNT) – Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has lauded Thailand’s improved ranking in the Corruption Perceptions Index 2017. 

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026664-pm-prayut-satisfied-with-thailand’s-improvement-in-graft-index/

 

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Police reform panel to set up police strategy and development office

 

 

BANGKOK, 26 February 2018 (NNT) – The National Committee on Police Reform has agreed to set up the police strategy and development office to oversee the restructuring of the Royal Thai Police. 

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026665-thai-police-reform-panel-to-set-up-police-strategy-and-development-office/

 

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Toon Bodyslam hands over 1,300 million baht donation to 11 hospitals

 

 

BANGKOK, 26 February 2018 (NNT) – Famous singer Arthivara Kongmalai, better known as Toon Bodyslam, presented 1.3 billion baht of public donations raised from the charity marathon run late last year to 11 hospitals to be used in the acquisition of necessary medical equipment. 

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026667-toon-bodyslam-hands-over-13-billion-baht-donation-to-11-hospitals/

 

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Leicester 'blast': Four people taken to hospital

 

Four people have been taken to hospital after reports of an explosion and a fire in the Hinckley Road area of Leicester.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026668-major-incident-after-explosion-in-leicester-england/

 

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Srisaket successfully defends title

By Thai PBS

 

 

Srisaket Sor Rungvisai retained his World Boxing Council super-flyweight title by beating his Mexican challenger Francisco Estrada by a majority decision at the Forum in Los Angeles on Sunday morning.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026669-thai-boxer-srisaket-successfully-defends-wbc-super-flyweight-title/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Over 58 percent of respondents disagree with new party supporting PM Prayut: Suan Dusit Poll

By Thai PBS

 

 

More than half of the respondents to the Suan Dusit Poll disagreed with the idea of setting up of a political party to support General Prayut Chan-o-cha as the next prime minister.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026649-poll-respondents-reject-pro-prayut-parties/?do=findComment&comment=12746297

 

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Work is under way to include wildlife under the protection of cruelty against animals law

By Thai PBS

 

 

The Livestock Department is speeding up the inclusion of wildlife into so that wild animals will be protected under this law.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026670-work-is-under-way-to-include-wildlife-under-the-protection-of-cruelty-against-animals-law/

 

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China sets stage for President Xi Jinping to stay in office indefinitely

By Ben Blanchard and Sue-Lin Wong

 

FILE PHOTO - Chinese President Xi Jinping waits for British Prime Minister Theresa May ahead of a meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China, February 1, 2018. REUTERS/Wu Hong/Pool

 

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's ruling Communist Party on Sunday set the stage for President Xi Jinping to stay in office indefinitely, with a proposal to remove a constitutional clause limiting presidential service to just two terms in office.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026672-china-sets-stage-for-president-xi-jinping-to-stay-in-office-indefinitely/

 

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Australia names new deputy prime minister

By Colin Packham

 

Australia's Minister for Veterans' Affairs Michael McCormack speaks as he stands next to Australia's Minister for Sport Bridget McKenzie after being elected as the leader of the country's National Party and thus becoming Australia's new deputy prime minister in Canberra, Australia February 26, 2018. AAP/Lukas Coch/via REUTERS

 

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Michael McCormack was on Monday elected Australia's new deputy prime minister after being selected as the leader of the country's National Party, the junior partner in the country's coalition government.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026673-australia-names-new-deputy-prime-minister/

 

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EU tells Balkan states 2025 entry possible for all

By Benet Koleka

 

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker addresses a news conference during a European Union leaders informal summit in Brussels, Belgium, February 23, 2018. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

 

TIRANA (Reuters) - European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker told Western Balkan countries on Sunday to see 2025 as the date when any of them could join the European Union provided they worked to meet the criteria for membership.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026674-eu-tells-balkan-states-2025-entry-possible-for-all/

 

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Italy's Berlusconi regales fans a week ahead of vote

By Isla Binnie

 

Italian leader of the centre-right party Forza Italia Silvio Berlusconi speaks during a pre-election gathering in Milan, Italy February 25, 2018. REUTERS/Massimo Pinca

 

MILAN (Reuters) - Italian centre-right leader Silvio Berlusconi entertained a theatre packed with supporters in Milan on Sunday, a week ahead of a parliamentary election at which his coalition is expected to win the most votes.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026675-italys-berlusconi-regales-fans-a-week-ahead-of-vote/

 

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Weakened Merkel offers job to arch critic in young new German cabinet

By Andreas Rinke and Madeline Chambers

 

Chancellor Angela Merkel talks to Jens Spahn during debate at the German lower house of parliament Bundestag in Berlin, Germany, February 22, 2018. REUTERS/Axel Schmidt

 

BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she would promote her most prominent critic from within her conservative party, 37-year old Jens Spahn, to a coalition cabinet, in a sign she has heeded calls for renewal to revive her grumbling party.

 

Full story:  https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026676-weakened-merkel-offers-job-to-arch-critic-in-young-new-german-cabinet/ 

 

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Gun lobby pushes back on Trump's gun plans after Florida shooting

By Pete Schroeder and Roberta Rampton

 

A cap and shirt are displayed at the booth for the National Rifle Association (NRA). REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The National Rifle Association pushed back on Sunday against modest proposals by President Donald Trump and other Republicans to change U.S. gun laws in the wake of a school shooting in Florida that killed 17 students and staff.

 

Full story:  https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026677-gun-lobby-pushes-back-on-trumps-gun-plans-after-florida-shooting/

 

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White House: Talks with North Korea must lead to ending nuclear program

By Yuna Park and Roberta Rampton

 

Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics - Closing ceremony - Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium - Pyeongchang, South Korea - February 25, 2018 - South Korean President Moon Jae-in, his wife Kim Jung-sook, Ivanka Trump, U.S. President Donald Trump's daughter and senior White House adviser, and Kim Yong Chol of the North Korea delegation attend the closing ceremony. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

 

SEOUL/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House said any talks with North Korea must lead to an end to its nuclear program after senior officials from Pyongyang visiting South Korea said on Sunday their government was open to talks with the United States.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1026678-white-house-talks-with-north-korea-must-lead-to-ending-nuclear-program/

 

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Samsung launches Galaxy S9 with focus on social media

By Paul Sandle and Joyce Lee

 

A hostess shows up Samsung's new S9 (R) and S9 Plus devices after a presentation ceremony at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain February 25, 2018. REUTERS/Sergio Perez

 

BARCELONA/SEOUL (Reuters) – Samsung Electronics Co Ltd <005930.KS> unveiled its flagship Galaxy S9 smartphone on Sunday with an emphasis on visual applications for social media, hoping to attract tech savvy young consumers to weather a market slowdown.

 

Full story: https://tech.thaivisa.com/samsung-launches-galaxy-s9-focus-social-media/27418/