THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 23 Dec 2019

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Poll shows backing for Thanathorn to hold political rally

By The Nation

 

 

More than a quarter of those responding to a poll supported the political rally organised by Future Forward Party (FWP) leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit on a skywalk in Pathumwan on December 14, as it was for justice and freedom and they wanted the new generation to make a change.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139945-poll-shows-backing-for-thanathorn-to-hold-political-rally/

 

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New state-of-the-art Thai passports to be issued next year

By The Nation

 

Busadee Santipitaks

 

Thailand will start using the latest electronic passports in the middle of the year 2020, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Busadee Santipitaks said.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139947-new-state-of-the-art-thai-passports-to-be-issued-next-year/

 

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Senate panel calls for urgent moves to expand Suvarnabhumi Airport

By The Nation

 

 

A Senate committee has urged government agencies to speed up the expansion of Suvarnabhumi Airport to deal with the increasing number of visitors to the country.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139948-senate-panel-calls-for-urgent-moves-to-expand-suvarnabhumi-airport/

 

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Egat aims to finalise gas deal with PTT by year-end

By THE NATION

 

Kulit Sombatsiri

 

The board of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) on December 26 will look into progress of the natural gas sale and purchase contract between PTT and the Egat.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139949-egat-aims-to-finalise-gas-deal-with-ptt-by-year-end/

 

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Two new airlines set to take off next year

By THE NATION

 

 

 

Thai Eastar Jet and Thai Summer Airways -- two new airlines -- are expected to get off the ground next year, according to Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) director-general Chula Sukmanop.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139950-two-new-airlines-set-to-take-off-next-year/

 

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Changing times mark sunset for some careers and sunrise for others: survey

By The Nation

 

New careers such as user-experience manager, content and social media manager and virtual reality consultant will have a bright future.

 

Twelve careers and businesses are at high risk of disruption and layoffs while 10 others have a promising future, according to a recent survey by the Economic and Business Research Centre for Reform at Rangsit University.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139951-changing-times-mark-sunset-for-some-careers-and-sunrise-for-others-survey/

 

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Jazz ends year on winning note with Thailand Masters title

By Lerpong Amsa-ngiam
THE NATION

 

Jazz Janewattananond with his 4th trophy in 2019 (Photo credit to Jirawat Srikong)

 

Thai hotshot Jazz Janewattananond completed his domination of the 2019 Asian Tour in style, winning the season-ending Thailand Masters with a convincing five-shot victory at the Phoenix Golf Gold and Country Club in Chonburi province on Sunday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139955-jazz-ends-year-on-winning-note-with-thailand-masters-title/

 

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Krabi’s salt spring a natural wonder of the world

By The Nation

 

 

Hundreds of tourists are flocking to a salt spring in the Khlong Thom district of Krabi to enjoy its warmth amid the cool atmosphere. Some 300-500 people every day visit the Khlong Thom salt spring, a famous tourist attraction Krabi province, one of only two in the world.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139956-krabi’s-salt-spring-a-natural-wonder-of-the-world/

 

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British cave-diver dies in Thailand

 

Picture: Google Maps.

 

A British scuba diver living in Thailand is reported to have died on an inland cave-dive in the southern Thai province of Nakhon Si Thammarat.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139957-british-cave-diver-found-dead-in-southern-thailand/

 

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Woman barber prone to depression found hanged

By Eakkapop Thongtub

 

Krisana Phatsai, 43, from Trang, was found hanged in her bedroom above the barber shop on Thepkrasattri Rd in Koh Kaew. Photo: Supplied

 

PHUKET: A 43-year-old woman from Trang was found hanged by a scarf in her bedroom above her barber shop in Koh Kaew yesterday evening in what police at this stage believe to be suicide brought on by depression.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139959-woman-barber-prone-to-depression-found-hanged/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Nida Poll indicates most people agree with Skywalk rally

 

 

Most respondents to a recent Nida Poll, by the National Institute of Development Administration, agree with the political rally, held at the Pathumwan skywalk on December 14th, by the Future Forward party.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139945-poll-shows-backing-for-thanathorn-to-hold-political-rally/?do=findComment&comment=14884304

 

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500 million baht seized from suspected drug kingpin in Phitsanulok

December 22, 2019

 

 

Police seized more than 500 million baht in assets from the owner of a gold shop in Thailand’s northern province of Phitsanulok province on Saturday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139960-500-million-baht-seized-from-suspected-drug-kingpin-in-phitsanulok/

 

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Ex-minister Thawee accused of trying to flee the scene after a road accident

 

 

Former cabinet minister Thawee Kraikupt allegedly tried to flee the scene of a car-motorcycle crash, in Potharam district of Ratchaburi province on Saturday, in which a 16-year old boy was injured.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139961-ex-minister-thawee-accused-of-trying-to-flee-the-scene-after-a-road-accident/

 

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Poll rates Environment Minister Warawut as the most liked cabinet member

 

 

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Warawut Silpa-archa has been rated the most popular cabinet member, as far as kindness, efficiency, simplicity, approachability and helping the poor and farmers are concerned, said Super Poll research centre director Dr. Noppadol Kannikar.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139962-poll-rates-environment-minister-warawut-as-the-most-liked-cabinet-member/

 

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Palang Pracharat party wins Khon Kaen Constituency 7 by-election

 

 

Palang Pracharat candidate Somsak Khun-ngern has won the by-election in Khon Kaen’s Constituency 7 on Sunday, beating his rival from Pheu Thai party, Thanik Maseepitak by a margin of just 2,192 votes.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139963-palang-pracharat-party-wins-khon-kaen-constituency-7-by-election/

 

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TAT invites people to try the 50 Chiang Mai restaurants recognized by MICHELIN Guide

 

   

CHIANG MAI(NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting people to try the food at 50 restaurants recognized by the MICHELIN Guide in Chiang Mai. It has also come up with guidelines for promoting food tourism and increasing income from tourism.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139965-tat-invites-people-to-try-the-50-chiang-mai-restaurants-recognized-by-michelin-guide/

 

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Prizes awarded under Taste, Shop, Spend campaign

 

   

BANGKOK(NNT) - Prizes under the Taste, Shop, Spend campaign were handed out, in the first round of lot-drawing yesterday, to those who have spent via g-Wallet 2, including a 590,000 baht pickup truck as a top prize.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139967-prizes-awarded-under-taste-shop-spend-campaign/

 

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Battle lines harden over Trump impeachment trial witnesses

By Nandita Bose and Humeyra Pamuk

 

FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks at the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. December 21, 2019. REUTERS/Marco Bello

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House on Sunday signaled comfort with plans by Senate Republicans to avoid new witnesses in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, while a top Democrat seized on a newly released email on the withholding of U.S. aid to Ukraine to press his case for testimony.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139968-battle-lines-harden-over-trump-impeachment-trial-witnesses/

 

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France's Macron to give up presidential pension in reform gesture

 

France's President Emmanuel Macron speaks during the inauguration of the Agora "win win" in Koumassi, Abidjan, Ivory Coast December 21, 2019. REUTERS/Luc Gnago

 

PARIS (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron, whose plans to reform the pension system have run into fierce public opposition, will forego a special presidential pension payout when he eventually steps down, his office said on Sunday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139969-frances-macron-to-give-up-presidential-pension-in-reform-gesture/

 

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Erdogan says Turkey will increase military support to Libya if necessary

By Tuvan Gumrukcu

 

FILE PHOTO: Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan leaves after the Global Refugee Forum at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, December 17, 2019, REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

 

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey will increase its military support to the internationally recognised government of Libya if necessary and will evaluate ground, air and marine options, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday, after the two signed a military cooperation accord last month.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139970-erdogan-says-turkey-will-increase-military-support-to-libya-if-necessary/

 

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Four Balkan states flesh out deal for free movement of labour

By Benet Koleka

 

Montenegro's President Milo Djukanovic, Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic, Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama and North Macedonia's Prime Minister Zoran Zaev pose for a family photo during a regional meeting of Western Balkan countries, in Tirana, Albania, December 21, 2019. REUTERS/Florion Goga

 

TIRANA (Reuters) - Western Balkan leaders met on Saturday to advance EU-supported plans for free movement of people and goods in their region to boost trade and investment.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139971-four-balkan-states-flesh-out-deal-for-free-movement-of-labour/

 

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Legionaires founder sexually abused 60 boys, religious order's report says

By Philip Pullella

 

FILE PHOTO: Pope John Paul II (R) blesses Father Marcial Maciel, founder of the Legionaries of Christ, during a special audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican November 30, 2004. REUTERS/Tony Gentile/File Photo

 

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Sexual abuse of minors was rife among superiors of the Legionaires of Christ Catholic religious order, with at least 60 boys abused by its founder Father Marcial Maciel, a report by the group showed.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139973-legionaires-founder-sexually-abused-60-boys-religious-orders-report-says/

 

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Stronger pound, ruble hold promise for Pattaya tourism

By Jetsada Homklin

 

  

Pattaya is hoping a recent resurgence in both the British pound and Russian ruble will boost tourism for the rest of high season.

 

Pattaya’s tourism industry has been keeping a close eye on exchange rates, hoping a recent resurgence in both the British pound and Russian ruble will boost tourism for the rest of high season.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139974-stronger-pound-ruble-hold-promise-for-pattaya-tourism/

 

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'Bull's-eye' landing caps Boeing's faulty astronaut capsule test mission

By Joey Roulette

 

The Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, which had been launched on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, is seen after its descent by parachute following an abbreviated Orbital Flight Test for NASA’s Commercial Crew programs in White Sands, New Mexico, U.S. December 22, 2019. NASA/Bill Ingalls via REUTERS

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Boeing Co's <BA.N> Starliner astronaut spacecraft made a "bull's-eye" landing in the New Mexico desert on Sunday, a successful ending to a crewless test mission that two days earlier failed to reach the orbit needed to dock with the International Space Station.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139978-bulls-eye-landing-caps-boeings-faulty-astronaut-capsule-test-mission/

 

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Netanyahu accuses ICC of anti-Semitism in pursuit of war crimes probe

By Jeffrey Heller

 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, lights a Hanukkah candle at the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray in Jerusalem's old city, December 22, 2019. Sebastian Scheiner/Pool via REUTERS

 

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the International Criminal Court of anti-Semitism on Sunday over its chief prosecutor's plan to pursue a war crimes probe in the Palestinian Territories.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139979-netanyahu-accuses-icc-of-anti-semitism-in-pursuit-of-war-crimes-probe/

 

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Clashes as police try to clear Hong Kong protesters after Uighur support rally

By Mari Saito

 

Police arrest a Hong Kong protester after a Chinese flag was removed from a flag pole at a rally in support of Xinjiang Uighurs' human rights in Hong Kong, China, December 22, 2019. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

 

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong riot police pepper sprayed protesters to disperse crowds in the heart of the city's financial district on Sunday after a largely peaceful rally in support of China's ethnic Uighurs turned chaotic.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139980-clashes-as-police-try-to-clear-hong-kong-protesters-after-uighur-support-rally/

 

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China's Xi to meet Japan, South Korea leaders as North Korea tensions rise

 

FILE PHOTO: Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks following his arrival at Macau International Airport in Macau, China December 18, 2019, ahead of the 20th anniversary of the former Portuguese colony's return to China. REUTERS/Jason Lee

 

BEIJING (Reuters) - The leaders of Japan and South Korea will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday, amid heightened concern North Korea may be about to return to confrontation with Washington.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139982-chinas-xi-to-meet-japan-south-korea-leaders-as-north-korea-tensions-rise/

 

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Upper Thailand gets cooler by 1-2 °C, South sees dryer weather

By THE NATION

 

 

According to the Thailand Meteorological Department forecast released on Monday (December 23), the westerly wind prevailing across the North and the upper Northeast will bring a 1 to 2 degree Celsius drop in temperature with cool to cold weather in the North and the Northeast with fair sky during the day.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139984-upper-thailand-gets-cooler-by-1-2-°c-south-sees-dryer-weather/

 

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Brake failure: 4 killed, 45 injured in runaway bus accident in Loei

 

Picture: Thai Rath

 

A tour bus on its way back from a trip to Khunming Muang Thai in Loei province in Thailand's north east suffered brake failure. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139987-brake-failure-4-killed-45-injured-in-runaway-bus-accident-in-loei/

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Netizens rage! Angry Farang locked Thai workers up in dog cage!

 

Picture: Daily News

 

Thai social media was in meltdown after a popular fan page posted a story that claimed a "farang" had locked up his Thai workers in a dog cage after a disagreement. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1139990-netizens-rage-angry-farang-locked-thai-workers-up-in-dog-cage/