THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 26 Dec 2018

[webfact]

Japan to announce withdrawal from International Whaling Commission on Wednesday - media

 

FILE PHOTO: A worker sprays water on a Baird's Beaked whale before butchering it, as shadows of a crowd of grade school students and residents are cast on the ground, at Wada port in Minamiboso, southeast of Tokyo, June 26, 2014. REUTERS/Issei Kato/File Photo

 

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan on Wednesday will announce its decision to withdraw from the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in a bid to resume commercial whaling, Japanese media said.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074773-japan-to-announce-withdrawal-from-international-whaling-commission-on-wednesday-media/

 

[webfact]

Chinese police lock down court for trial of prominent rights lawyer

By Christian Shepherd

 

FILE PHOTO: Li Wenzu, the wife of prominent Chinese rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang, holds a box with a family picture and the detention notice for her husband before shaving her head in protest in Beijing, China, December 17, 2018. REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo

 

TIANJIN, China (Reuters) - Chinese police locked down a courthouse on Wednesday at the start of the trial of a prominent rights lawyer who is accused of inciting subversion of state power and whose case has attracted widespread concern in Western capitals.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074775-chinese-police-lock-down-court-for-trial-of-prominent-rights-lawyer/

 

[webfact]

RapidzPay launches partnership with Major Cineplex in Thailand, connecting Mcash with digital currency

 

 

Bangkok, Thailand, December 2018 – RapidzPay, a digital payments company from Switzerland, announces an update to its digital currency launch along with the opening of its new headquarters at Major Cineplex Ratchayothin at the end of February 2019.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074780-rapidzpay-launches-partnership-with-major-cineplex-in-thailand-connecting-mcash-with-digital-currency/

 

[webfact]

Thai PM welcomes 2019, sees it as important year for Thailand

 

FILE photo

 

BANGKOK, 26th December 2018 (NNT) - Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has cited 2019 as another very important year for Thailand. In addition to the elections which will lead to sustainable democracy, Thailand will have an important role in advancing the ASEAN Community. 

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074791-pm-prayut-welcomes-2019-sees-it-as-important-year-for-thailand/

 

[webfact]

Interior Min unveils "No Gifts" policy

 

FILE photo

 

BANGKOK, 26th December 2018 (NNT) – Permanent Secretary for Interior Chatchai Promlert has announced a "No Gifts” policy for the New Year celebrations 2019 in order to create an anti-corruption culture among officials at the Ministry of the Interior. 

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074793-interior-min-unveils-no-gifts-policy/

 

[webfact]

Koreas inaugurate rail, road project, but sanctions delay construction

By Hyonhee Shin and Joyce Lee

 

FILE PHOTO: A South Korea train prepares to travel across the border into North Korea at Dorasan station in Paju, South Korea, November 30, 2018. Jeon Heon-Kyun/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

 

SEOUL (Reuters) - The two Koreas held a ceremony on Wednesday for a project to reconnect rail and road links, although construction cannot begin while sanctions over North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes remain in place, officials said.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074794-koreas-inaugurate-rail-road-project-but-sanctions-delay-construction/

 

[webfact]

UPDATE:

 

Civil Unions Law Sent To Thai Legislature

By Chayanit Itthipongmaetee, Staff Reporter

 

People celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia – aka IDAHOT – in 2017 at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.

 

BANGKOK — Legal recognition of civil unions moved forward Tuesday with the interim cabinet’s approval.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074770-thai-cabinet-passes-same-sex-marriage-bill/?do=findComment&comment=13678680

 

[webfact]

AMLO seizes ‘Phoenix’, plans to sell by auction

By Kritsada Mueanhawong

 

 

The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has seized the ‘Phoenix’ which will now be sold by auction.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074796-amlo-seizes-‘phoenix’-plans-to-sell-by-auction/

 

[webfact]

Indonesia issues 'extreme weather' warning for tsunami-hit coast near Krakatau

By Fergus Jensen

 

A plume of ash rises as Anak Krakatau erupts in Indonesia, December 23, 2018, in this picture obtained from social media. Susi Air/via REUTERS

 

TANJUNG LESUNG, Indonesia (Reuters) - Indonesian authorities warned on Wednesday of "extreme weather and high waves" around the erupting Anak Krakatau volcano, urging people to stay away from the coast already devastated by a tsunami that killed more than 400 people.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074800-indonesia-issues-extreme-weather-warning-for-tsunami-hit-coast-near-krakatau/

 

[webfact]

Thai central bank wary of fragility in financial system

 

FILE PHOTO: Thailand's central bank is seen at the Bank of Thailand in Bangkok, Thailand in this April 26, 2016. REUTERS/Jorge Silva

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's central bank said on Wednesday the nation's financial system exhibited fragility in some areas due to underlying risks in the property sector.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074803-thai-central-bank-wary-of-fragility-in-financial-system/

 

[webfact]

Govt ministers defend PM following M.R. Pridiyathorn criticism

 

FILE photo

 

BANGKOK, 26 December 2018 (NNT) - Various members of Thailand's current administration have come out in defense of the leadership and character of the incumbent premier, following a social media posting by a prominent politician detailing the reasons why he believes Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha should not continue as Prime Minister. 

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074805-govt-ministers-defend-pm-prayut-following-mr-pridiyathorn-criticism/

[webfact]

EC shortlists 413 inspectors to ensure fair elections across Thailand

 

FILE photo

 

BANGKOK, 26 December 2018 (NNT) - Thailand's Election Commission (EC) has begun assigning electoral inspectors to their respective polling districts nationwide, while investigating claims of irregularities surrounding the Palang Pracharat Party. 

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074806-ec-shortlists-413-inspectors-to-ensure-fair-elections-across-thailand/

 

[webfact]

American GIs Celebrate Christmas 1971 In Udon Thani (Photos)

By Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter

 

Photo: Udon Thani’s Past Days / Facebook

 

UDON THANI — Outdoor concerts featuring a Santa on the mic and shirtless privates chugging beer recall the life of the American GI in the early 1970s.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074807-american-gis-celebrate-christmas-1971-in-udon-thani/

 

[webfact]

Ex-Mitsubihsi Power bosses admit to bribing Thai official

By The Nation

 

 

Former executives of Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Inc have admitted in a trial on Tuesday to accusations that they bribed a Thai public servant over a power plant project in a case under Japan's first plea bargain deal, according to Kyodo news agency.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074808-ex-mitsubihsi-power-bosses-admit-to-bribing-thai-official/

 

[webfact]

UPDATE:

 

Foul Play Not Ruled Out In Death Of 2-Year-Old Boy

By Chayanit Itthipongmaetee, Staff Reporter

 

    

Members of Sului Piew’s family cry upon learning the toddler was found dead in a sugarcane field.

 

SUPHAN BURI — Murder hasn’t been ruled out in the case of a 2-year-old boy found dead Tuesday afternoon in a sugarcane field.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074722-2-year-old-boy’s-body-found-in-sugarcane-field/?do=findComment&comment=13678865

 

[webfact]

New Chalong Circle traffic conditions for New Year traffic

By Kritsada Mueanhawong

 

PHOTO: The Phuket PR Office

 

The Phuket Highway Office has announced new traffic conditions for the Chalong Circle roadworks during New Year.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074810-new-chalong-circle-traffic-conditions-for-new-year-traffic/

 

 

[webfact]

Garden ideas sprout for visitors at Chiang Mai Botanic Festival

By The Nation

 

Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens/Jintana Panyaarvudh

 

The Botanic Festival 2019 has kicked off in Chiang Mai, with fresh garden ideas blooming at Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074811-garden-ideas-sprout-for-visitors-at-chiang-mai-botanic-festival/

 

[webfact]

Phuket Police ready for Seven Days of Danger for New Year 2019

By Eakkapop Thongtub

 

Traffic Police show their readiness at the assembly at the Region 8 Police headquarters on Monday (Dec 24). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

 

PHUKET: Police across Phuket have staged assemblies in a show of readiness and to announce their intention to do their best to reduce the number of deaths and injuries under the Seven Days of Danger road-safety campaign for New Year 2019.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074812-phuket-police-ready-for-seven-days-of-danger-for-new-year-2019/

 

[webfact]

Thailand Appoints First Female Capital Market Regulator Chief

By Anuchit Nguyen

 

Thailand named Ruenvadee Suwanmongkol as secretary general of the Securities & Exchange Commission, appointing a woman to run the market regulator for the first time.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074813-thailand-appoints-first-female-capital-market-regulator-chief/

 

[webfact]

Premchai’s aide, ex-park director give testimony in Premchai's poaching case

 

File photo : Premchai

 

Defence witnesses on Wednesday gave the testimonies in the trial of a billionaire construction tycoon accused of leading a poaching expedition that killed a black leopard in a Kanchanaburi wildlife sanctuary earlier this year.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074821-premchai’s-aide-ex-park-director-give-testimony-in-premchais-poaching-case/

 

[webfact]

Ambulance slams into truck in Trang, 1 killed

By The Nation

 

 

An ambulance crashed into a truck in Trang province Wednesday morning, killing an assistant nurse and injuring two others.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074823-ambulance-slams-into-truck-in-trang-1-killed/

 

[webfact]

Ex-boyfriend kills love of his life, security guard, himself in a moment of rage

By The Nation

 

 

The estranged ex-boyfriend of a university student killed a security guard before shooting his ex-girlfriend and turning the gun on himself on Tuesday night in Lampang province.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074824-lampang-ex-boyfriend-kills-love-of-his-life-security-guard-himself-in-a-moment-of-rage/

 

[webfact]

No ‘Light Up Phuket’ to be held as part of annual Patong Tsunami Memorial event

By The Phuket News

 

The candle-lighting event was removed from the official annual commemoration in order to reduce the emotional impact of those still suffering from the loss that the tsunami brought, Mayor Chalermsak said. Photo: Patong Municipality

 

PHUKET: The flame has flickered out on the annual ‘Light Up Phuket’ tsunami memorial event – held at Patong Beach on the night of Dec 26 each year to commemorate the lives lost to the Asian Tsunami 14 years ago.

 

Source: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074828-no-‘light-up-phuket’-to-be-held-as-part-of-annual-patong-tsunami-memorial-event/

 

[webfact]

Min of Transport commences New Year road safety campaign

 

FILE photo

 

BANGKOK, 26 December 2018 (NNT) - Thailand's Minister of Transport, Arkhom Termpittayapaisith , has launched a New Year road safety campaign, taking place from December 24th to January 2nd during which time over 15 million people are expected to travel throughout the country. 

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074831-min-of-transport-commences-new-year-road-safety-campaign/

 

[webfact]

Mango sticky rice & Tub Tim Krob listed in CNN's 50 best desserts around the world

 

FILE photo

 

BANGKOK, 26 December 2018 (NNT) - CNN's recent list of the world's 50 best desserts includes Thailand's mango with sticky rice and water chestnuts in coconut milk. 

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074835-mango-sticky-rice-tub-tim-krob-listed-in-cnns-50-best-desserts-around-the-world/

 

[webfact]

Police Hunt For Gibbon Selfie Hawker On Koh Samui

By Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter

 

Photo: Arkadiy Kulev / Facebook

 

KOH SAMUI — Island police are on the lookout for a repeat wildlife offender who farms tourists for money by charging them for photos with a gibbon.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074842-police-hunt-for-gibbon-selfie-hawker-on-koh-samui/

 

[webfact]

Court hands down heavy jail terms for ex-officials of KMIT Lat Krabang on corruption charges

 

 

 

In a record marathon verdict reading which took 15 hours from 8 am on Tuesday until 1 am today with lunch and dinner breaks, the Min Buri provincial court acquitted the former rector of King Mongkut Institute of Technology, Lat Krabang campus, but sentenced 11 others to jail terms from over four to over 200 years in prison on corruption charges involving 689 million baht of the institute’s fund.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074845-court-hands-down-heavy-jail-terms-for-ex-officials-of-kmit-lat-krabang-on-corruption-charges/

 

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Verdict In Black Panther Trial Set For March

By Jintamas Saksornchai, Staff Reporter

 

Premchai Karnasuta, far left, on Feb. 5 sits in the campsite where he was found with the remains of a leopard, panther and other wildlife in the Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi province.

 

KANCHANABURI — The verdict in the black panther poaching case will be delivered in March after the trial concluded today with the last defendant taking the stand.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074821-premchai’s-aide-ex-park-director-give-testimony-in-premchais-poaching-case/?tab=comments#comment-13679911

 

[Jonathan Fairfield]

PM’s office ‘solved’ 89.9% of complaints

By The Nation

 

 

The Office of the Prime Minister says it has received more than 140,000 complaints during the 2018 fiscal year with most surrounding traffic issues, such as parking nuisances and traffic jams, gambling dens and loan sharks.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074881-pm’s-office-‘solved’-899-of-complaints/

 

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Chiang Mai overtakes Bangkok as New Year destination: website

By The Nation

 

 

Tokyo, Paris and New York City are the top destinations to bring in 2019, according to Agoda, an online travel agent.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074882-chiang-mai-overtakes-bangkok-as-new-year-destination-website/