THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 22 Mar 2019

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Tokyo overtakes Bangkok as the top Songkran destination

By The Nation

 

 

Traditionally a time when Thais return to their hometowns to pay respect to their elders by pouring scented water onto their palms and visit a temple to make merit, newly released booking data from Agoda (http://www.agoda.com/?site_id=1811392) suggests that they are bucking tradition to spend Songkran abroad.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090752-tokyo-overtakes-bangkok-as-the-top-songkran-destination/

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Pattaya officials help a Finnish tourist sort out a lost passport and luggage

By The Thaiger

 

PHOTOS: Tourist Police Bureau

 

Pattaya Tourist Police have coordinated with local agencies to help a 53 year old Finnish tourist Jussi Harri Tuokkola. He’d lost his passport, luggage, cash and other valuable items on Tuesday.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090756-pattaya-officials-help-a-finnish-tourist-sort-out-a-lost-passport-and-luggage/

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Protect Andaman mass beach cleanup at Layan nets 92kg of trash

By Waranya Prompinpiras

 

About 200 people joined the beach cleanup, which netted 92.5kg in trash. Photo: Phuket MNRE

 

PHUKET:-- About 200 volunteers, hotel workers local residents and officials collected a total of 92.5kg of trash from Layan Beach, on Phuket’s west coast, yesterday (Mar 20).

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090751-protect-andaman-mass-beach-cleanup-at-layan-nets-92kg-of-trash/

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No sign of concrete policies for conflict in the far South

By DON PATHAN 
SPECIAL TO THE NATION 

 

File photo

 

Parties offer few if any answers for a 15-year-old deadly insurgency that successive govts have failed to quell.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090811-no-sign-of-concrete-policies-for-conflict-in-the-far-south/

 

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Parties urged to address ongoing foreign issues

By SUPALAK GANJANAKHUNDEE 
THE NATION

 

Thai voters cast their ballots during advance voting of the general election at a polling station in Bangkok, Thailand, 17 March 2019. // EPA-EFE PHOTO

 

Few parties breaking the norm when it comes to foreign policy, say experts.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090812-parties-urged-to-address-ongoing-foreign-issues/

 

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University to launch cannabis medicine in 5 years

By Mongkhonchaowarat Tangmangmee 
The Nation

 

A researcher at Naresuan University analyses cannabis supplied by the police, the first step on the road to producing effective medicines and possibly even a pain-killing bandage.

 

Naresuan University (NU) plans to begin introducing high-quality cannabis-derived medicines in about five years. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090813-university-to-launch-cannabis-medicine-in-5-years/

 

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Experts make dire predictions as lower than average rain forecast

By PRATCH RUJIVANAROM 
THE NATION

 

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MOST OF THAILAND will face drought and water shortages this year based on both current water supplies and weather forecasts, but the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) insists that, with good management of resources, we won’t go thirsty.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090814-experts-make-dire-predictions-as-lower-than-average-rain-forecast/

 

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HOL SOBERING 

Thailand’s alcohol ban means Brit holidaymakers won’t be able to buy any booze ahead of the country’s elections

The ban will take place this weekend for 24 hours across shops and bars

By Kara Godfrey

 

 

Brits will be unable to buy alcohol for 24 hours this weekend

 

BRITS on holiday in Thailand will be banned from buying any alcohol while in the country due to the upcoming election.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090816-thailand’s-alcohol-ban-means-brit-holidaymakers-won’t-be-able-to-buy-any-booze-ahead-of-the-country’s-elections/

 

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Stop spreading ‘fake news’, media told

By The Nation

 

 

Four professional media associations yesterday issued a joint statement calling for journalists to exercise their freedom with responsibility and help stop spreading fake news and disinformation.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090819-stop-spreading-‘fake-news’-media-told/

 

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First poll results to be released by 6pm on Sunday: EC

By THE NATION

 

File photo

 

SOME election results will be available just an hour after voting in the long-awaited national poll ends at 5pm on Sunday, the Election Commission (EC) vowed yesterday. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090821-first-poll-results-to-be-released-by-6pm-on-sunday-ec/

 

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Evicted Karen want heritage status delayed

By THE NATION

 

File photo: Ban Bang Kloi

 

ETHNIC KAREN have asked United Nations policymakers to suspend plans to declare Phetchaburi’s Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex a World Heritage site.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090822-evicted-karen-want-heritage-status-delayed/

 

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Community aims to prepare Thais for ageing

By The Nation

 

 

Jin Wellbeing County, which describes itself as Thailand’s first residential district built for post-retirement life on 140 rai on Phahonyothin Road, has revealed tips for a healthy diet that will inject life into ageing bodies and make them ‘Glow As Jin.’

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090823-community-aims-to-prepare-thais-for-ageing/

 

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87% of Thais more likely to vote for environmentally friendly party: poll

By The Nation

 

FILE photo

 

“Environmental” concerns among Thais was rated on top of the list of major concerns about the country, more than any other concern, including rising prices, corruption, congestion, crime and the economy, according to a Marketbuzzz poll.

 

Full story:  https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090824-87-of-thais-more-likely-to-vote-for-environmentally-friendly-party-poll/

 

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Starbucks receives Thai award for 5th consecutive years

By The Nation

 

 

Starbucks Coffee Thailand says it has been recognised for the fifth consecutive year with “Thailand’s Most Admired Brand & Why We Buy 2019” award in the category of Modern Coffee Shops. Nednapa Srisamai, managing director, represented the company in receiving the award.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090826-starbucks-receives-thai-award-for-5th-consecutive-years/

 

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At the dawn of ‘e-mobility’ without a road map

By The Nation

 

 

There’s a long, bumpy ride ahead for the government, automotive industry  and consumers once the electric-car revolution ignites

 

One of the key policy challenges for the next government will be in drawing a road map for electric mobility, in keeping with the global shift to the more environmentally friendly form of transportation.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090827-at-the-dawn-of-‘e-mobility’-without-a-road-map/

 

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Abhisit admits “no to Prayut” stand is not yet his party’s resolution

 

 

Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva made clear today that his recent announcement that he will not support Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s return to joining pro-Thaksin parties in forming the post-election government is not a party’s resolution, but is in line with its political stance.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090828-abhisit-admits-“no-to-prayut”-stand-is-not-yet-his-party’s-resolution/

 

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Thai voters voices: Old conflicts and new ideas

 

A woman looks at the candidate list of the upcoming Thai election at a polling station in Bangkok, Thailand, March 17, 2019. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai voters head to the polls on Sunday for the first general election since a military coup in 2014. Though the contest broadly pits loyalists of the ruling junta against supporters of populist parties, many voters want change.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090829-thai-voters-voices-old-conflicts-and-new-ideas/

 

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In post-coup election, Thai rice, rubber farmers rethink old divide

 

A woman looks at the candidate list of the upcoming Thai election at a polling station in Bangkok, Thailand, March 17, 2019. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun

 

KHON KAEN/SONGKHLA, Thailand (Reuters) - In the rice-growing heartland ofThailand's northeast, Kamol Suanpanya, 80, meets in the off season with fellow farmers at a community centre, where they discuss Sunday's election, the first after nearly five years of military rule.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090830-in-post-coup-election-thai-rice-rubber-farmers-rethink-old-divide/

 

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Ferry capsize kills nearly 80 in Iraq's Mosul - medics

 

An Iraqi rescue helicopter searches for survivors over the site where an overloaded ferry sank in the Tigris river near Mosul in Iraq, March, 21,2019. REUTERS/Stringer

 

MOSUL (Reuters) - At least 79 people died when an overloaded ferry carrying families on an outing sank in the Tigris river in Mosul in northern Iraq, medical sources told Reuters on Thursday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090831-ferry-capsize-kills-nearly-80-in-iraqs-mosul-medics/

 

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Stop Brexit: A million people sign UK petition to stay in EU

 

An anti-Brexit protester waves an EU flag outside the Houses of Parliament in London, Britain March 20, 2019. REUTERS/Hannah McKay

 

LONDON (Reuters) - More than one million people have rushed to sign a petition on the British parliament's website calling for the government to revoke its divorce notice to the European Union and remain in the bloc.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090833-stop brexit-a-million-people-sign-uk-petition-to-stay-in-eu/

 

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UK PM May's "reckless" Brexit message angers the lawmakers she needs to win over

By Kylie MacLellan

 

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May attends a European Union leaders summit in Brussels, Belgium March 21, 2019. REUTERS/Yves Herman

 

LONDON (Reuters) - If British Prime Minister Theresa May hoped a televised address late on Wednesday would help persuade wavering lawmakers to support her Brexitdeal, it appears to have backfired, instead alienating the very people she needs to win over.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090834-uk-pm-mays-reckless brexit message-angers-the-lawmakers-she-needs-to-win-over/

 

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EU considers options for Brexit delay: May 7, year-end or open-ended, diplomats say

 

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Belgium's Prime Minister Charles Michel and Britain's Permanent Representative to the EU Tim Barrow attend a European Union leaders summit in Brussels, Belgium March 21, 2019. REUTERS/Yves Herman

 

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union leaders were considering different options on delaying Brexit on Thursday, possibly until May 7, the end of the year or even leaving the date open for now, diplomatic sources said.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090835-eu-considers-options-for brexit delay-may-7-year-end-or-open-ended-diplomats-say/

 

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In major shift, Trump says time for U.S. to recognise Israeli sovereignty over Golan

By Steve Holland and Matt Spetalnick

 

FILE PHOTO: An Israeli soldier stands next to signs pointing out distances to different cities, on Mount Bental, an observation post in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights that overlooks the Syrian side of the Quneitra crossing, Israel May 10, 2018. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun/File Photo

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday it was time to recognise Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights that Israel seized from Syria in 1967, marking a dramatic shift in U.S. policy and giving a boost to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the middle of his re-election campaign.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090836-in-major-shift-trump-says-time-for-us-to-recognise-israeli-sovereignty-over-golan/

 

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Trump signs executive 'free speech' order for U.S. colleges

 

U.S. President Donald Trump shows an executive order linking "free speech" efforts at public universities to federal grants during a signing ceremony in the East Room at the White House in Washington, U.S., March 21, 2019. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order linking "free speech" efforts at public universities to federal grants in an effort to combat what he considers a clamp down on conservative students' abilities to share their views.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090838-trump-signs-executive-free-speech-order-for-us-colleges/

 

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UPDATE:

 

EU sets April 12 Brexit date if Britain fails to back deal

By Gabriela Baczynska and William James

 

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker embraces Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May as they attend a European Union leaders summit in Brussels, Belgium March 21, 2019. Aris Oikonomou/Pool via REUTERS

 

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Britain could leave the European Union without a Brexit deal on April 12 if lawmakers fail next week to back Prime Minister Theresa May's agreement with Brussels, EU leaders said after a crisis summit in Brussels on Thursday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090835-eu-considers-options-for brexit delay-may-7-year-end-or-open-ended-diplomats-say/?do=findComment&comment=13963243

 

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Police discuss harsher driving offence penalties

By SURIYA PATATHAYO 
THE NATION

 

File photo

 

TRAFFIC police are discussing with other agencies amendments to the penalties for drink-drivers and repeat offenders on Thai roads.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090840-police-discuss-harsher-driving-offence-penalties/

 

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Hundreds more targeted in immigration crackdown on illegal foreigners - tally tops 8,000

 

Picture: Thai Rath

 

The deputy commander of immigration told the press this morning of the latest arrests in a long running crackdown to rid the country of over-stayers, people illegally entering on tourist visas, scammers, skimmers and Thais breaking the law by not reporting their whereabouts. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090847-hundreds-more-targeted-in-immigration-crackdown-on-illegal-foreigners-tally-tops-8000/

 

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Thai massage video: Dr Happy denies he broke poor woman's leg by stepping on her

 

Picture: Daily News

 

Traditional Thai massage - where practitioners step and walk on people - is in the news after a poor food seller from Korat claims that her leg was broken. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090859-thai-massage-video-dr-happy-denies-he-broke-poor-womans-leg-by-stepping-on-her/

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Japanese family offer 50,000 baht reward for information about missing father in Chiang Mai

 

Picture: Sanook

 

The family of a Japanese octogenarian who went missing on Doi Inthanon nearly a year ago have not given up hope of finding their father. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090862-japanese-family-offer-50000-baht-reward-for-information-about-missing-father-in-chiang-mai/

 

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Video: Electioneering pick-up in smash at Phrae intersection

 

Picture: Daily News

 

CCTV footage from Phrae in Thailand's north showed a pick-up out canvassing for votes smashed to pieces in a collision at a T-junction. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1090866-video-electioneering-pick-up-in-smash-at-phrae-intersection/