THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 28 Oct 2019

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Mandatory health insurance for retirees falls flat as ‘Non-Imm O’ visa loophole exposed

By The Phuket News

 

An officer at holds up an application for an extension stay at the Phuket Immigration Office earlier this year. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

PHUKET: Phuket Immigration this week finally confirmed that the mandatory health insurance requirement for people staying in the country on permits to stay under “Non-Immigrant O-A” visa status do not apply to those staying under the general “Non-Immigrant O” visa.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130876-mandatory-health-insurance-for-retirees-falls-flat-as-‘non-imm-o’-visa-loophole-exposed/

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US trade move seen having limited effect on Thai exports

By The Nation

 

Pimchanok Vonkorpon, director-general of the Commerce Ministry’s Trade Policy and Strategy Office

 

Pimchanok Vonkorpon, director-general of the Commerce Ministry’s Trade Policy and Strategy Office, believes the United States’ decision to reduce tariffs on various products beginning last Friday (October 25) will have a minimal effect on Thai imports.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130929-us-trade-move-seen-having-limited-effect-on-thai-exports/

 

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Massive tax hike coming for CO2-belching ‘big bikes’

By The Nation

 

 

The Excise Department will boost the tax on “big bikes” by Bt100,000 starting on January 1 based on rates adjusted to reflect motorcycle CO2 emissions.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130930-massive-tax-hike-coming-for-co2-belching-‘big-bikes’/

 

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Giant ‘9’ clock goes up in tribute to late King at Bang Sue station

By The Nation

 

 

A giant clock highlighting only the number “9" to commemorate the memory of His Majesty King Maha Bhumibol Adulyadej was installed on Saturday in front of the dome of the Bang Sue grand railway station construction site.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130933-giant-‘9’-clock-goes-up-in-tribute-to-late-king-at-bang-sue-station/

 

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Coping with the challenges of Asia's rapid urban population growth

By The Nation

 

 

The urban population has been growing rapidly in Asia, according to a report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The report comes as Bangkok fights the adverse effects of rising harmful toxic air with prevalent PM2.5, particles or droplets in the air that are two and half microns or less in diameter.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130934-coping-with-the-challenges-of-asias-rapid-urban-population-growth/

 

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Chiang Mai’s Mae Chaem eyed for first community power plant

By Natichai Donsuwan
THE NATION

 

FILE photo

 

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) will build the first model community power plant in Chiang Mai’s Mae Chaem district, the agency’s deputy governor for strategy Patana Sangsriroujana said.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130935-chiang-mai’s-mae-chaem-eyed-for-first-community-power-plant/

 

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Thai competitiveness dropping due to stronger baht, ailing global economy

By THE NATION

 

 

The global slowdown and continued appreciation of the baht have hurt Thailand’s competitive edge in the world market, said Poj Aramwattananont, vice chair of Thailand’s Board of Trade.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130936-thai-competitiveness-dropping-due-to-stronger-baht-ailing-global-economy/

 

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Globalisation is shield against disaster, says IMF official

By Wichit Chaitrong
The Nation

 

Jonathan Ostry, deputy director for Asia-Pacific at the IMF

 

Amid a growing backlash against globalisation, fund managers argue that the wise stance is to brace for economic fragmentation, but an International Money Fund executive has risen to the defence of globalisation.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130937-globalisation-is-shield-against-disaster-says-imf-official/

 

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Famous Thai musician ‘Add’ Carabao urges Government not to bow to US pressure

 

Credit Photo : facebook.com/BuffalosfollowThamma/

 

Well known “Song for Life” rocker ‘Add’ Carabao is urging the Thai government not to bow to the “bully tactics” being used by the United States when it suspended USD1.3 billion in trade preferences for Thailand, under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program, on the grounds that Thailand has not taken sufficient steps to protect labour rights.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130940-famous-thai-musician-‘add’-carabao-urges-government-not-to-bow-to-us-pressure/

 

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NIDA Poll: Thais are worried that the ongoing political conflict will hurt the economy

 

 

 

Despite the general election, Thais think that the political division still persists and it can threaten overall economic performance and their income, according to latest survey carried out by the National Institute of Development Administration, or NIDA Poll.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130941-nida-poll-thais-are-worried-that-the-ongoing-political-conflict-will-hurt-the-economy/

 

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Thai Government claims GSP move by US unrelated to chemicals ban

 

 

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha became aware of the US plan to suspend US$D1.3 billion in trade preferences for Thailand, under the Generalized System of Preferences program, about a month ago and says the US action is not related to Thailand’s banning of paraquat, glyphosate and chlorpyrifos, announced by the National Hazardous Substances Committee on October 22nd.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130943-thai-government-claims-gsp-move-by-us-unrelated-to-chemicals-ban/

 

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Thai Commerce Ministry will appeal to the US for a review of GSP decision

 

 

Thailand is to ask the United States to reconsider removal of trade preferences for Thai exports under the Generalized System of Preferences, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanavisit said Sunday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130944-thai-commerce-ministry-will-appeal-to-the-us-for-a-review-of-gsp-decision/

 

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Energy Ministry fast tracks urgent policies

 

   

BANGKOK(NNT) - Ensuring successful realization of key national energy policies, the Ministry of Energy has set a 3-month deadline on urgent projects, giving priority to those related to grassroots economies such as community power plants, and a farm products pricing increase on purchases for fuel production.

 

Full source: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130947-energy-ministry-fast-tracks-urgent-policies/

 

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Over 80 tons of Indonesian coconut seized

 

   

BANGKOK(NNT) - The Department of Agriculture has seized over 80 tons of Indonesian coconut imported into Thailand in breach of terms and conditions under the law. The importer has been instructed to re-export it.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130949-over-80-tons-of-indonesian-coconut-seized/

 

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Prime Minister orders preparations to honorably host ASEAN Summit

 

   

BANGKOK(NNT)- Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered preparations be made to honorably host the 35th ASEAN Summit and related meetings in November. The prime minister followed up on the preparations being made by various agencies and ordered that road traffic be orderly and not disruptive.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130950-prime-minister-orders-preparations-to-honorably-host-asean-summit/

 

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Reduction in level of disaster management in four northeastern provinces

 

   

BANGKOK(NNT) - The National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command has reduced the level of disaster management in four northeastern provinces, namely Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothorn, Si Sa Ket and Roi Et, but will follow up on, coordinate and support the provinces’ related operations.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130951-reduction-in-level-of-disaster-management-in-four-northeastern-provinces/

 

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Trump hits Thai seafood industry over worker rights

Thailand is the world's third largest seafood exporter but its supplier status has been tainted reports of slave labour.

 

The suspension of the trade preferences - which Bloomberg said are worth $1.3bn - will go into effect on April 25, 2020 [File:Jiraporn Kuhakan/Reuters]

 

Donald Trump will suspend trade preferences for Thailand's seafood industry after it failed to take steps to improve worker rights, dealing a blow to the multibillion-dollar sector.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130953-trump-hits-thai-seafood-industry-over-worker-rights/

 

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'ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS' 

Leicester unveil amazing garden for Khun Vichai on site of horror helicopter crash on anniversary of late owner’s death

Leicester have opened a memorial garden for Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. Credit: Rex Features

 

LEICESTER have unveiled an amazing garden in memory of Khun Vichai on the site of his horror helicopter crash on the anniversary of the late owner's death.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130955-leicester-unveil-amazing-garden-for-khun-vichai-on-site-of-horror-helicopter-crash-on-anniversary-of-late-owner’s-death/

 

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Trump hails death of 'depraved' Islamic State leader Baghdadi in U.S. raid

Steve Holland, Phil Stewart

 

U.S. President Donald Trump makes a statement at the White House following reports that U.S. forces attacked Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in northern Syria, in Washington, U.S., October 27, 2019. REUTERS/Jim Bourg

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Fugitive Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi died “whimpering and crying” in a raid by U.S. special forces in northwest Syria, President Donald Trump announced on Sunday, fulfilling what he called his top national security goal.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130957-trump-hails-death-of-depraved-islamic-state-leader-baghdadi-in-us-raid/

 

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Italy's Salvini set for victory in Umbria local vote - exit poll

By Giselda Vagnoni

 

FILE PHOTO: League party leader Matteo Salvini gestures during an anti-government demonstration in Rome, Italy, October 19, 2019. REUTERS/Remo Casilli

 

ROME (Reuters) - A right-wing coalition is set for victory in an election on Sunday in the central Italian region of Umbria, according to an exit poll, giving a boost to Matteo Salvini's League party.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130958-italys-salvini-set-for-victory-in-umbria-local-vote-exit-poll/

 

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Northern California wildfire evacuation orders rise to 180,000

By Stephen Lam

 

The wind driven Kincade fire burns near the town of Healdsburg, California, U.S., October 27, 2019. REUTERS/Stephen Lam

 

HEALDSBURG, Calif. (Reuters) - The southward march of a Northern California wildfire towards the more populated areas above the San Francisco Bay led officials on Sunday to raise the number of residents ordered to leave their homes in the area to 180,000.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130959-northern-california-wildfire-evacuation-orders-rise-to-180000/

 

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U.S. lawmakers will press Boeing CEO for answers on 737 MAX crashes

By David Shepardson

 

FILE PHOTO: An aerial photo shows Boeing 737 MAX aircraft at Boeing facilities at the Grant County International Airport in Moses Lake, Washington, September 16, 2019. REUTERS/Lindsey Wasson

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The head of a U.S. Senate panel reviewing two catastrophic Boeing 737 MAX crashes told Reuters ahead of hearings this week that the plane would not return to U.S. skies until "99.9% of the American public" and policymakers are convinced it is safe.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130960-us-lawmakers-will-press-boeing-ceo-for-answers-on-737-max-crashes/

 

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Far-right AfD hurts Merkel's CDU in German state vote

By Paul Carrel and Tassilo Hummel

 

FILE PHOTO: Bjoern Hoecke, AfD party leader and top candidate for Thuringia, speaks during an election campaign rally ahead of the upcoming Thuringia state elections in Gotha, Germany October 23, 2019. REUTERS/Michael Dalder

 

BERLIN (Reuters) - The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) beat Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives into third place in Sunday's regional election in the eastern state of Thuringia, in which the incumbent far-left Linke came first, an exit poll showed.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130961-far-right-afd-hurts-merkels-cdu-in-german-state-vote/

 

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'Joker' Reclaims No. 1 Spot on Box Office Charts

By Rebecca Rubin

 

 

FILE PHOTO: Joaquin Phoenix attends the premiere for the film "Joker" in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 28, 2019. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/File Photo

 

LOS ANGELES, (Variety.com) - Put on a happy face: In its fourth weekend in theatres, Warner Bros.' "Joker" returned to the top of domestic box office charts, narrowly defeating Disney's "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil."

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130963-joker-reclaims-no-1-spot-on-box-office-charts/

 

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Cooler weather on its way, Met office predicts

By THE NATION

 

 

Isolated thundershowers and gusty winds are forecast for upper Thailand at the start of the week, followed by a drop of 2-4 degrees C in the North and the Northeast, the Thailand Meteorological said in its forecast issued on Monday (October 28).

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130977-cooler-weather-on-its-way-met-office-predicts/

 

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U.S. lawmakers hear from 'corroborating' witness in Trump impeachment probe

By Arshad Mohammed and Karen Freifeld

 

Philip Reeker, acting assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian Affairs, is escorted by police officers as he leaves after testifying in impeachment inquiry against U.S. President Donald Trump, in Washington D.C. , U.S., October 26, 2019. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

 

(Reuters) - A senior U.S. diplomat told lawmakers on Saturday he did not know whether President Donald Trump had withheld aid for Ukraine to force an investigation of a political rival, two sources said, even as Democrats said he corroborated evidence gathered in their impeachment probe.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130989-us-lawmakers-hear-from-corroborating-witness-in-trump-impeachment-probe/

 

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Pattaya: Naked, unidentified foreigner found dead by rocks in sea off Pratumnak Hill

 

Picture: The Pattaya News

 

Police are investigating after a foreign tourist was found by a fisherman in the sea by rocks near a well known hotel off Pratumnak Hill on Sunday. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1130993-pattaya-naked-unidentified-foreigner-found-dead-by-rocks-in-sea off-pratumnak-hill/

 

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Chinese man went shopping with fake credit cards using data from Europeans

 

 

Bangkok Biz News reported the arrest of a 36 year old credit card skimmer who bought goods and services in the Chang Wattana area north of Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1131002-chinese-man-went-shopping-with-fake-credit-cards-using-data-from-europeans/

 

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Overstay: South African arrested after report from hotel in Mukdahan

 

Picture: Naew Na

 

A 61 year old South African man was taken into custody after immigration police received information from a hotel in Mukdahan.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1131005-overstay-south-african-arrested-after report-from-hotel-in-mukdahan/

 

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Cattle markets closed throughout Khon Kaen after outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease

 

Picture: PPTV

 

The governor of Khon Kaen province in Thailand's north east has ordered the closure of all cattle markets for the entire month of November. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1131006-cattle-markets-closed-throughout-khon-kaen-after-outbreak-of-foot-and-mouth-disease/