THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 30 Dec 2019

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Israel trims funds to Palestinians over militant casualties

By Dan Williams

 

FILE PHOTO: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas attends the funeral of former senior Fatah official Ahmed Abdel Rahman, in Ramallah in the Israeli-occupied West Bank December 4, 2019. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman

 

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel will withhold around $43 million in tax handovers to the cash-strapped Palestinian Authority (PA) over its financial support for the families of slain or wounded Palestinian militants, the Israeli security cabinet said on Sunday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1140979-israel-trims-funds-to-palestinians-over-militant-casualties/

 

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North Korea's Kim urges 'positive and offensive' security measures at key party meeting

By Hyonhee Shin

 

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks during the 5th Plenary Meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) in this undated photo released on December 29, 2019 by North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). KCNA via REUTERS

 

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called at a ruling party meeting for "positive and offensive measures" to ensure security ahead of a year-end deadline he has set for denuclearisation talks with the United States, state media KCNA said on Monday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1140981-north-koreas-kim-urges-positive-and-offensive-security-measures-at-key-party-meeting/

 

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U.S. lawmaker and civil rights hero John Lewis has pancreatic cancer

 

FILE PHOTO: Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) testifies to the Senate Judiciary Committee during the second day of confirmation hearings on Senator Jeff Sessions' (R-AL) nomination to be U.S. attorney general in Washington, U.S., January 11, 2017. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic Representative John Lewis, a hero of the U.S. civil rights movement, said on Sunday he had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1140982-us-lawmaker-and-civil-rights-hero-john-lewis-has-pancreatic-cancer/

 

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Republican senator: no rules, many options for Trump impeachment trial

 

FILE PHOTO: Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) questions judicial nominees during a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., December 4, 2019. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican Senator John Kennedy, a frequent defender of President Donald Trump, said on Sunday there were no real rules for how the U.S. Senate should run its impeachment trial and that the chamber could choose to hear witnesses and evidence.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1140983-republican-senator-no-rules-many-options-for-trump-impeachment-trial/

 

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Put away phones at mealtimes and talk to each other, says pope

 

FILE PHOTO: Pope Francis sends a message on a mobile phone at the end of a special audience with altar servers in Saint Peter's square at the Vatican, July 31, 2018. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

 

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis on Sunday urged people to talk to each other at mealtimes instead of using their mobile phones, citing Jesus, Mary and Joseph as an example for families to follow.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1140984-put-away-phones-at-mealtimes-and-talk-to-each-other-says-pope/

 

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"Drive slowly if drunk" - New Year Thai road sign stuns the Japanese

 

Picture: Sanook

 

Japanese media were laughing at Thailand yesterday after ANN News broadcast a picture of a Thai road sign that said: Mao Khap Cha-chaa - If you're drunk, drive slowly. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1140985-drive-slowly-if-drunk-new-year-thai-road-sign stuns-the-japanese/

 

 

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Carnage: Boys' football team thrown from back of pick-up - two dead

 

Picture: Daily News

 

Police and rescue officials were called to the scene of a collision between a pick-up and a minivan on the Lam Lukka - Cheuam Samphan road north of Bangkok. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1140987-carnage-boys-football-team-thrown-from-back-of-pick-up-two-dead/

 

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Fed up at New Year! Thai tourists suffer burglary from Prachuap resort

 

Source: Daily News

 

A group of Thai tourists in Prachuap Khiri Khan returned from a night out to find two resort hotel rooms had been broken into and more than 100,000 baht of valuables stolen. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1140989-fed-up-at-new-year-thai-tourists-suffer-burglary-from-prachuap-resort/

 

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Video: White Christmas in Thailand! Hail blankets northern national park

 

 

Thai media showed a video of hailstones blanketing parts of the Huai Nam Dang National Park in Chiang Mai yesterday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1140991-video-white-christmas-in-thailand-hail-blankets-northern-national-park/

 

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Upper Thailand gets colder by 1-3 °C, isolated thundershowers and hails forecast

By THE NATION

 

 

The strong high-pressure system covering the Northeast of Thailand and the South China Sea will bring cooler temperatures to the Northeast with drops of 1-3° Celsius while the westerly trough over the upper North and the upper Northeast of Thailand could lead to isolated thundershowers and hail in the North, the Thailand Meteorological Department forecast on Monday (December 30).

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1140992-upper-thailand-gets-colder-by-1-3-°c-isolated-thundershowers-and-hails-forecast/

 

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Northeast Ohio man detained in Thailand after vacation

By: Olivia Fecteau

 

PHOTO: Michael Jones (center) is being detained in Thailand, where he traveled for his birthday. In this undated photo provided by his family, he's pictured with his son (left), who is 16 years old.

 

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio — A University Heights couple is asking for help after their son was detained while traveling abroad.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1140998-us-man-detained-in-thailand-over-bullet-in-luggage/

 

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Drink driving still the universal killer - Thai men and shops blamed 

 

Picture: Naew Na

 

Naew Na published a report that quoted two anti-alcohol NGO leaders who laid the blame for the country's appalling drink driving statistics at the door of Thai men and shops that sell to minors and people already drunk. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1141000-drink-driving-still-the-universal-killer-thai-men-and-shops-blamed/

 

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New Year road stats: Drink drivers have not learned any lessons

 

 

Naew Na reported that drunks continued to drive on Thailand's roads. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1141001-new-year-road-stats-drink-drivers-have-not-learned-any-lessons/

 

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Video: There's a snake in me kitchen what am I gonna do?

 

Picture: 77kaoded

 

What to do when one finds a snake under one's sink?

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1141003-video-theres-a-snake-in-me-kitchen-what-am-i-gonna-do/

 

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TAT welcomes flydubai’s inaugural Dubai-Krabi flight

 TAT Newsroom

 

 

Bangkok, 27 December, 2019 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to welcome flydubai’s inaugural flight on the Dubai-Krabi route, which arrived at Krabi International Airport on 11 December, 2019. 

 

Source: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1141005-tat-welcomes-flydubai’s-inaugural-dubai-krabi-flight/

 

 

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TAT targets 3.18 trillion Baht in tourism revenue for Thailand in 2020

Citing favourable factors including the government’s 16 stimulus measures, its proactive marketing strategies and the country’s improved transportation infrastructure.

TAT Newsroom

 

 

Bangkok, 27 December, 2019 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is expecting 3.18 trillion Baht in overall tourism revenue for Thailand in 2020, or a 4% year-on-year increase. This includes 2.02 trillion Baht from international tourists (up 3%) and 1.16 trillion Baht from domestic tourists (up 5%).

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1141007-tat-targets-318-trillion-baht-in-tourism-revenue-for-thailand-in-2020/

 

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Video: No matter how well you drive on Thai roads... the Grim Reaper awaits

 

Thai caption: Clear drunk driving

 

Horrific footage from "Page Pranburi" on Facebook showed what happened when a drunk bus driver crossed the center line and collided head on with a Toyota Altis. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1141008-video-no-matter-how-well-you-drive-on-thai-roads-the-grim-reaper-awaits/

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Shark caught with a line: No danger to holiday swimmers at popular Thai beach, says fisherman

 

Picture: Daily News

 

Thai media caught up with a fisherman who landed a 15 kilogram bull shark on Saturday night at the popular Thai resort of Bang Saen in Chonburi. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1141009-shark-caught-with-a-line-no-danger-to-holiday-swimmers-at-popular-thai-beach-says-fisherman/

 

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Govt lauds its efforts since taking office

By THE NATION

 

 

Government spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat on Monday (December 30) announced the government’s achievements in the first five months of its term.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1141010-thai-govt-lauds-its-efforts-since-taking-office/

 

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Estonian woman injured in Phuket on Day 3 of ‘Seven Days’ road-safety campaign

By The Phuket News

 

Valentina Vilver, 61, of Estonia, suffered a broken leg when the motorbike she was riding on was struck by a van while riding over Patong Hill. Photo: Patong Municipality Fire Dept

 

PHUKET: Phuket’s injury tally so far for the “Seven Days of Danger” road-safety campaign for the New Year stands at zero dead but 19 people admitted to hospital for injuries sustained in 18 accidents, according to statistics compiled by the Phuket Provincial office of the Department of Disaster

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1141011-estonian-woman-injured-in-phuket-on-day-3-of-‘seven-days’-road-safety-campaign/

 

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Popular Two Chefs restaurant in Patong destroyed by fire

By The Phuket News

 

The popular Two Chefs Patong restaurant, located on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, was destroyed by fire early this morning (Dec 30). Photo: Two Chefs)

 

PHUKET: The Patong restaurant of the popular Two Chefs franchise in Phuket was completely gutted by fire in the early hours of this morning (Dec 30)

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1141019-popular-two-chefs-restaurant-in-patong-destroyed-by-fire/

 

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Officials eye stores selling alcohol to those under-age in bid to reduce drink driving

 

 

Authorities are targeting retailers and convenience stores which sell alcohol to those under age with the threat of legal action, as the death toll for the first three days of the seven-day dangerous New Year travel period climbed to 159 on Sunday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1141020-officials-eye-stores-selling-alcohol-to-those-under-age-in-bid-to-reduce-drink-driving/

 

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Suspect in knife rampage at rabbi's home appears to have acted alone: New York police

By Maria Caspani

 

A New York Police Department (NYPD) officer stands guard ahead of gathering at Grand Army Plaza in solidarity with the victims after an assailant stabbed five people attending a party at an Hasidic rabbi's home in Monsey, N.Y., on December 28, 2019, while they were celebrating Hanukkah, Brooklyn, New York City, U.S., December 29, 2019. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky

 

NEW YORK (Reuters) - An assailant who stabbed five people attending a party at an Hasidic rabbi's home in what New York's governor called an act of domestic terrorism appears to have been acting alone, police said on Sunday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1141028-suspect-in-knife-rampage-at-rabbis-home-appears-to-have-acted-alone-new-york-police/

 

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Naklua Road reopened, but cesspool remains

 

PATTAYA:--Pattaya contractors reopened much of Naklua Road following the laying of new drainage pipes but left behind a cesspool of sewage, garbage and mosquitos.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1141024-naklua-road-reopened-but-cesspool-remains/

 

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Chinese tourists escape serious injury as airport van hits sign pylon

By Eakkapop Thongtub

 

The 23-year-old airport van driver was rushed to Vachira Phuket Hospital, while three of the five Chinese tourists in the van suffered only minor injuries, police reported. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

 

PHUKET: Three Chinese tourists suffered only minor injuries when the airport passenger van they were travelling in levelled a streetlamp then slammed into the supporting pylon for a large sign on the bypass road this morning (Dec 30) after the driver fell asleep at the wheel.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1141030-chinese-tourists-escape-serious-injury-as-airport-van-hits-sign-pylon/

 

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Shrimp exports expected by increase on 2020 but more govt support needed

By The Nation

 

 

Exports of shrimp are expected to increase to 350,000 tonnes in 2020, 20-per-cent up over the past year which saw 290,000 tonnes exported valued at Bt60 billion, Somsak Paneetatyasai, president of the Thai Shrimp Association, has said.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1141037-shrimp-exports-expected-by-increase-on-2020-but-more-govt-support-needed/

 

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Phuket Red Cross Fair underway

By The Phuket News

 

Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana officially opens the Red Cross Fair yesterday (Dec 29). Photo: PR Dept

 

PHUKET: Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana yesterday (Dec 29) officially declared this year’s annual Red Cross Fair at Saphan Hin open.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1141038-phuket-red-cross-fair-underway/

 

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Opposition to increase their efforts to amend charter

 

 

Next year, the Opposition will step up efforts, both inside and outside parliament, to make constitutional amendments a reality to allow fair and just political ground rules or all parties, said Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, advisor to opposition leader and a key member of the Pheu Thai party, today.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1141044-opposition-to-increase-their-efforts-to-amend-charter/

 

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Banks, electricity agencies work to ensure smooth NY celebrations

By THE NATION

 

 

Banks and state electricity agencies have prepared to ensure that New Year celebrations will not be disrupted.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1141053-banks-electricity-agencies-work-to-ensure-smooth-ny-celebrations

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Lively New Year tourism across country

 

 

RATCHABURI (NNT) - Let’s take a look at New Year celebrations across Thailand, such as the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2020 @ Ratchaburi event where tourists have prepared for the countdown into the new year, while in Yala province the Pradu Daeng trees are now in full bloom, waving goodbye to the old and welcoming the new year.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1141054-lively-new-year-tourism-across-country/