UPDATE:

 

PM worried about country's image after overcharging complaint by tourists in Phuket

 By The Nation

 

 

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha is concerned about Thailand’s tourism image after two Australian tourists filed a complaint with police that they were overcharged.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112431-pm-prayut-speaks-out-no-more-ripping-off-of-tourists-its-bad-for-thailands-wonderful-image/?do=findComment&comment=14361282

 

Area home to near-extinct Siamese crocodile declared protected zone

By The Nation

 

Photo Courtesy of Kaeng Krachan National Park chief Mana Phermpool

 

The Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi province has declared the Wang Kha area on the banks of Phetchaburi River as a protected zone for the near-extinct freshwater Siamese crocodile. The zone has been designated as a protected habitat and egg-laying ground for the species and will be monitored by patrols.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112470-area-home-to-near-extinct-siamese-crocodile-declared-protected-zone/

 

U.S. officials wonder: Did Turkish leader's coup memories drive Russia arms deal?

 By Phil Stewart

 

FILE PHOTO: People walk past Russian S-400 missile air defence systems before the military parade to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the battle of Stalingrad in World War Two, in the city of Volgograd, Russia February 2, 2018. REUTERS/Tatyana Maleyeva/File Photo

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - For some U.S. officials, the Trump administration's failure to persuade Turkey not to buy a Russian air defence system may have its roots in a coup attempt against President Tayyip Erdogan three years ago this week.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112473-us-officials-wonder-did-turkish-leaders-coup-memories-drive-russia-arms-deal/

 

Patong fire destroys 12 shops, causes more than B1mn in damage

By The Phuket News

 

The fire destroyed 12 stores and caused more than B1 million in damage. Photo: Patong Municipality Fire Department

 

PHUKET: A fire at a parade of market stalls in the heart of Patong early this morning (July 18) has caused an estimated B1 million in damage.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112479-patong-fire-destroys-12-shops-causes-more-than-b1mn-in-damage/

Wongsakul named new attorney general

By The Nation

 

 

The Public Prosecution Commission Thursday selected a new attorney general to succeed outgoing Khemchai Chutwong, who will retire at the end of September at the age of 65.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112485-wongsakul-named-new-attorney-general/

 

Phayao Lake water level sees a sharp drop

 By The Nation

 

 

The water level in Kwan Phayao, or Phayao Lake, has dropped to only 19.45 per cent of its capacity because of the ongoing drought, an official said.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112487-phayao-lake-water-level-sees-a-sharp-drop/

 

New system to accurately predict PM2.5 levels

By The Nation

 

 

The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has developed a system for accurately forecasting air pollution with the aim of boosting the authorities’ effectiveness in tackling the issue of PM2.5 dust – airborne particulates 2.5 microns or less in diameter, according to department director-general Pralong Damrongthai.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112488-new-system-to-accurately-predict-pm25-levels/

 

Locals fume over misery caused by slow construction on congested Rama II Road

By The Nation

 

Photo credit: BLT Bangkok

 

Locals in the Muang district of Samut Sakhon province have called on the government to speed up construction on the notoriously congested Rama II Road, which is a major gateway to the South, complaining that the construction seemed to go on forever.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112489-locals-fume-over-misery-caused-by-slow-construction-on-congested-rama-ii-road/

 

Aussie tourists ripped off 1,500 baht each for a van ride in Phuket

By The Thaiger

 

 

A Facebook post in the “Phuket People Voice“ page has published the photos of two Australians who reported to Kaon police after being ‘ripped off’ in a van ride from the airport to their Kata hotel.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112492-aussie-tourists-ripped-off-1500-baht-each-for-a-van-ride-in-phuket/

 

Seventh and final suspect detained over Supaksorn murder

By Khanathit Srihirundaj
The Nation

 

 

The last suspect wanted for the 2017 abduction and murder of 28-year-old Supaksorn Polthaisong has been taken into police custody, bringing the total number of detainees facing prosecution to seven, a source at the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) said on Thursday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112499-kanchanaburi-seventh-and-final-suspect-detained-over-supaksorn-murder/

 

Thai domestic car sales suffer first fall in two-and-a-half years in June

By Kitiphong Thaichareon and Orathai Sriring

 

FILE PHOTO: Vehicles are seen stuck in traffic along a road in Bangkok, Thailand December 18, 2018. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's domestic car sales declined for the first time in 30 months in June, as finance firms used stricter lending criteria after the central bank moved to talk down a surge in auto loans amid concern about high household debt.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112506-thai-domestic-car-sales-suffer-first-fall-in-two-and-a-half-years-in-june/

 

Tourists’ safety my priority: new minister

 

 

Newly appointed Tourism and Sports Minister Pipat Ratchakijprakan says ensuring the safety of tourists is his most urgent task.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112526-tourists’-safety-my-priority-says-thailand’s-new-tourism-and-sports-minister/

 

Brit expat behind bars for attacking Phuket dog

 

Mervyn Harding, a British expat living in Rawai, has been charged with animal cruelty and three forms trespass for attacking a dog near Phuket’s Nai Harn Beach. Photo: Chalong Police (blurred at police request)

PHUKET: A 43-year-old British national is behind bars at Phuket Provincial Court after being charged by Chalong Police for animal cruelty after he was caught on CCTV attacking a dog with a metal rod in the early minutes of Tuesday morning (July 16).

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112529-brit-expat-behind-bars-for-attacking-phuket-dog/

 

Three new models join Audi's TT lineup

By The Nation

 

Three Audi TT models are being shown at Emquartier Bangkok from today to July 21.

 

Audi Thailand is launching three new models for its TT lineup at the “Unveil Audi TT Family” event, being held at the Emquartier Bangkok from today (July 15) to July 21.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112537-three-new-models-join-audis-tt-lineup/

 

Makro launches digital store format for IoT generation

By THE NATION

 

 

Siam Makro Public Co Ltd is launching its first-ever digital store in Lat Krabang in a move to seamlessly connect staff, suppliers and customers through the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112538-makro-launches-digital-store-format-for-iot-generation/

 

About 30 believed killed in suspected arson attack on Japan studio

 

An aerial view shows firefighters battling the fires at the site where a man started a fire after spraying a liquid, at a three-story studio of Kyoto Animation Co. in Kyoto, western Japan, in this photo taken by Kyodo July 18, 2019. Mandatory credit Kyodo/via REUTERS

 

TOKYO (Reuters) - About 30 people were feared dead in a suspected arson attack on an animation studio in the Japanese city of Kyoto on Thursday, an official for the Kyoto City Fire Department said.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112540-about-30-believed-killed-in-suspected-arson-attack-on-japan-studio/

 

UK may be entering full-blown recession: budget watchdog

 

FILE PHOTO: People walk through the Canary Wharf financial district of London, Britain, December 7, 2018. REUTERS/Simon Dawson/File Photo

 

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain might be entering a full-blown recession and a no-deal Brexit could more than double the country’s budget deficit next year, the watchdog for public finances said on Thursday.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112542-uk-may-be-entering-full-blown-recession-budget-watchdog/

 

Manchester bomber's brother appears in UK court charged with murder

 

FILE PHOTO: Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England, Britain, May 23, 2017. REUTERS/Andrew Yates/File Photo

 

LONDON (Reuters) - A man accused of helping his suicide bomber brother plan a deadly 2017 arena attack in the northern city of Manchester appeared in a London court on Thursday.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112543-manchester-bombers-brother-appears-in-uk-court-charged-with-murder/

 

Does renewables pioneer Germany risk running out of power?

By Vera Eckert

 

FILE PHOTO: Water vapour rises from the cooling towers of the Jaenschwalde lignite-fired power plant of Lausitz Energie Bergbau AG (LEAG) in Jaenschwalde, Germany, January 24, 2019. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke/File Photo

 

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Germany, a poster child for responsible energy, is renouncing nuclear and coal. The problem is, say many power producers and grid operators, it may struggle to keep the lights on.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112544-does-renewables-pioneer-germany-risk-running-out-of-power/

 

Plastic cups runneth over at Cambodia's Rubbish Cafe

 

 

KOMPONG SPEU, Cambodia (Reuters) - As Southeast Asia grapples with massive tides of rubbish hitting its beaches, a Cambodian coffee shop owner is looking to build a business out of some of this waste as a way to promote sustainability.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112547-plastic-cups-runneth-over-at-cambodias-rubbish-cafe/

 

War on numbers: Philippines targets drug killing data

By Matthew Tostevin, Neil Jerome Morales

 

The father of 23-year-old Jaybee Castor mourns next to his casket before a funeral in his home in Caloocan City, Metro Manila, Philippines, July 18, 2019. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

 

MANILA (Reuters) - Facing a U.N. human rights investigation into its bloody war on drugs, the Philippines presented a new death toll on Thursday to counter much higher numbers given by critics.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112548-war-on-numbers-philippines-targets-drug-killing-data/

 

New energy minister stresses sustainability

By THE NATION

 

Energy Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong

 

New Energy Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong has vowed to ensure the country's sustainability in energy supply.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112549-new-energy-minister-stresses-sustainability/

 

Agriculture minister to tackle drought and falling prices

By THE NATION

 

From left: Mananya, Chalermchai, Praphat, and Thammanat

 

The new Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Chalermchai Sri-on has wasted no time in identifying his highest priorities.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112550-agriculture-minister-to-tackle-drought-and-falling-prices/

 

New minister hopes to have medical marijuana prescribed from August

By THE NATION

 

 

Public Health Ministry officials welcomed the new minister on Thursday, saying they will support his policy to promote medical marijuana and work towards getting the formula prescribed at public hospitals from early August.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112551-new-minister-hopes-to-have-medical-marijuana-prescribed-from-august/

 

DE minister to establish anti-fake news centre

By JIRAPAN BOONNOON
THE NATION

 

 

Digital Economy and Society Minister Buddhipongse Punakanta has set out three policy fronts to pursue the Thailand 4.0 scheme.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112553-de-minister-to-establish-anti-fake-news-centre/

 

Commerce minister to focus on agriculture, exports and trade deals

By THE NATION

 

 

Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit revealed his top policy priorities upon arriving at the office on his first day of duties with his deputy, Weerasak Wangsuphakijkosol, on Thursday.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112555-commerce-minister-to-focus-on-agriculture-exports-and-trade-deals/

 

Dramatic drop in Mekong water level sparks alarm

By Pratch Rujivanarom
The Nation

 

Dry Mekong River during wet season

 

Mekong River water levels that fell dramatically on Thursday under impact from dam operations will soon recover, says the national water management agency.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112556-dramatic-drop-in-mekong-water-level-sparks-alarm/

 

MPs prepare to vote on bid to hamper no-deal Brexit

By Kylie MacLellan, William James

 

FILE PHOTO: A general view of The Houses of Parliament in London November 9, 2006. REUTERS/Kieran Doherty/File Photo

 

LONDON (Reuters) - British lawmakers will vote on Thursday on a beefed-up proposal aimed at making it harder for the next prime minister to try to force through a no-deal Brexit by suspending parliament.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112564-mps-prepare-to-vote-on-bid-to-hamper-no-deal-brexit/

 

Mother of reckless driver urges crash victims to stop condemning her family

By THE NATION

 

NationPhoto: Laddawan Devahastin Na Ayudhya (left) and her daughter Praewa (right), before meeting with the police, two months after the 2015 incident

 

The mother of a woman who has been condemned publicly for reckless driving that led to the death of nine people in 2010, said each and every member of her family has suffered a traumatic ordeal.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112565-mother-of-reckless-driver-urges-crash-victims-to-stop-condemning-her-family/

 

Monk offers aid to victims of ferry-stop disaster

By Khajorn Phonimthai
The Nation

 

 

The assistant abbot of Samut Songkram’s Wat Phet Samut Worawiharn visited the seven victims of a ferry-stop collapse on Thursday afternoon to give them flowers and Bt3,000 per head in initial monetary assistance.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1112566-monk-offers-aid-to-victims-of-ferry-stop-disaster/