THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 9 Jan 2020

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Complaint filed over receding water level in canal

By The Nation

 

 

Villagers in Bang Bo district of Samut Prakan Province on Wednesday (January 8 ) submitted a complaint to the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) over the depletion of water in the Klongniyomyattra canal.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142350-complaint-filed-over-receding-water-level-in-canal/

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Health guidelines in place as Bangkok chokes

By THE NATION

 

Chawin Sirinak

 

The Bangkok Health Department is coaching gasping residents on protecting themselves from the PM2.5 pollutants again draping the city and has medical staff on the streets to give aid where needed.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142335-health-guidelines-in-place-as-bangkok-chokes/

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PTT retail unit set to join Thai corporate giants vying for Tesco's Asia business - sources

By Kane Wu, Anshuman Daga

 

 

HONG KONG/SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The retail unit of Thailand’s biggest energy company PTT plans to bid for Tesco Plc’s Asia businesses, competing with other Thai corporate heavyweights for the operations worth up to $9 billion, people familiar with the situation said.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142326-ptt-retail-unit-set-to-join-thai-corporate-giants-vying-for-tescos-asia-business-sources/

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Thai rice industry unfazed as Seoul trims imports

By The Nation

 

 

Thailand is among countries affected by South Korea’s decision to import less rice, a move backed by the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142376-thai-rice-industry-unfazed-as-seoul-trims-imports/

 

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Alibaba's Taobao Global kicks off world initiative in Thailand

By THE NATION

 

From left: Yao Wei, director of Taobao Global, Somdet Susomboon, director-general of the Department of International Trade Promotion, and Lin Dunhong, president of Thailand Zonet Buyers Development Alliance

 

Taobao Global, under Alibaba's Taobao Marketplace that enables overseas merchants to sell cross-border to Chinese consumers, on Wednesday (January 8 ) announced the launch of its latest global initiative "Project Magellan" in Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142377-alibabas-taobao-global-kicks-off-world-initiative-in-thailand/

 

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Banks can cope with losses from BOT measures: TBA chief

By The Nation

 

 

Bank loans to small businesses is expected to reach a total of Bt100 billion this year while the Bank of Thailand's measures requiring commercial banks to lower interest rates and fees for small businesses and retail clients would have little impact on their revenues, said Predee Daochai, president of Thai Bankers’ Association (TBA).

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142378-banks-can-cope-with-losses-from-bot-measures-tba-chief/

 

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Eat, learn and play amid nature at InDoi Festival

By The Nation

 

 

A whole world of fun and learning awaits children at the sixth InDoi Festival on January 11-12 in Chiang Rai province.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142379-eat-learn-and-play-amid-nature-at-indoi-festival/

 

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Thailand’s FM Don in hot water over claim of US tipoff about Baghdad drone attack

 

 

Thailand’s Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai has come under heavy criticism for his public claim on Tuesday that the United States had informed Thailand in advance about the drone attack that killed General Qasem Soleimani, Iranian commander of the elite Quds force, at Baghdad airport on January 3rd.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142380-thailand’s-fm-don-in-hot-water-over-claim-of-us-tipoff-about-baghdad-drone-attack/

 

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Prince Harry and wife Meghan to 'step back' from senior royal roles

By David Milliken

 

FILE PHOTO: Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, arrive to greet members of the public in Kingfisher Bay on Fraser Island in Queensland, Australia October 22, 2018. REUTERS/Phil Noble - RC16F6D4E930

 

LONDON (Reuters) - Prince Harry, Queen Elizabeth's grandson, said on Wednesday that he and his wife Meghan planned to step back from their roles as senior members of Britain's royal family and spend more time in North America.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142381-prince harry and-wife-meghan-to-step-back-from-senior-royal-roles/

 

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Trump avoids escalating crisis after Iranian missile attacks

By Jeff Mason, Ahmed Aboulenein and Parisa Hafezi

 

U.S. President Donald Trump delivers a statement about Iran flanked by U.S. Army Chief of Staff General James McConville, Chiarman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army General Mark Milley and Vice President Mike Pence in the Grand Foyer at the White House in Washington, U.S., January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

 

WASHINGTON/BAGHDAD/DUBAI (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Wednesday abandoned days of angry rhetoric and suggested Iran was "standing down" after it launched missiles at U.S. forces in Iraq overnight, as both sides looked to defuse a crisis over the U.S. killing of an Iranian general

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142383-trump-avoids-escalating-crisis-after-iranian-missile-attacks/

 

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U.S. House to vote this week to limit Trump's military actions on Iran - Pelosi

 

FILE PHOTO: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) meets with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (not pictured) on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Tom Brenner

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Wednesday the House would vote on a resolution intended to limit President Donald Trump's military actions regarding Iran, stating that concerns about the administration's strategy and decisions were not addressed in a briefing with lawmakers.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142385-us-house-to-vote-this-week-to-limit-trumps-military-actions-on-iran-pelosi/

 

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Australia issues new evacuation alerts as monster bushfires regenerate

By Sonali Paul

 

A destroyed car is seen next to burnt bushland in the village of Mogo, Australia January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis

 

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Authorities issued new warnings and evacuation notices across southeast Australia on Thursday, as a return of hot weather fanned huge bushfires threatening several towns and communities.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142390-australia-issues-new-evacuation-alerts-as-monster-bushfires-regenerate/

 

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Fugitive ex-Nissan boss Ghosn hits out at carmaker and Japan

By Samia Nakhoul and Eric Knecht

 

Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn attends a news conference at the Lebanese Press Syndicate in Beirut, Lebanon January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir

 

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Carlos Ghosn, speaking publicly for the first time since his dramatic escape from Japanese justice, said on Wednesday he had been treated "brutally" by Tokyo prosecutors and was the victim of an inside job to oust him from the helm of automaker Nissan.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142391-fugitive-ex-nissan-boss-ghosn-hits-out-at-carmaker-and-japan/

 

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Canada wants big role in Iran crash probe despite lack of diplomatic ties - Trudeau

By Steve Scherer

 

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attends a news conference about flight PS752 from Tehran to Kiev that crashed shortly after takeoff, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Blair Gable

 

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada expects to play a big role in Iran's probe of an airliner crash that killed 63 Canadians even though the two nations do not have diplomatic ties, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142393-canada-wants-big-role-in-iran-crash-probe-despite-lack-of-diplomatic-ties-trudeau/

 

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Alaska volcano’s sustained eruption grounds flights, prompts safety alert

By Yereth Rosen

 

The Shishaldin volcano erupts, as seen from Cold Bay, Alaska, U.S. January 6, 2020, in this image courtesy of the Alaska Volcano Observatory of the U.S. Geological Survey. Picture taken January 6, 2020. U.S. Geological Survey/Alaska Volcano Observatory via REUTERS

 

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Reuters) - An Alaska volcano shot an ash cloud about 5 miles (8 km) into the sky on Tuesday, prompting flight delays and cancellations and raining volcanic particles onto at least one nearby community, officials said.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142394-alaska-volcano’s-sustained-eruption-grounds-flights-prompts-safety-alert/

 

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Phuket: Ladyboy death - farang claims she jumped, mum says it was murder

 

Picture: Daily News

 

Phuket police are investigating the death of a 28 year old ladyboy yesterday. The farang who took her for sex claims she jumped from the balcony of his hotel after going through his possessions. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142399-phuket-ladyboy-death-farang-claims-she-jumped-mum-says-it-was-murder/

 

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Freerunner on the Ayuthaya ruins: Thai teen gets away with 500 baht fine

 

Picture: Daily News

 

A 16 year old Thai boy has been given a slap on the wrist after he was filmed by his mother running all over the sacred Ayuthaya ruins at the weekend. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142402-freerunner-on-the-ayuthaya-ruins-thai-teen-gets-away-with-500-baht-fine/

 

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Tourist drowns: Call for lifeguards at popular "Full Moon Party" beach

 

 

Calls have been made for lifeguards to be stationed at an internationally known Thai beach famous for its Full Moon parties. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142403-tourist-drowns-call-for-lifeguards-at-popular-full-moon-party-beach/

 

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Thailand drought: A river with no water - clearest sign yet of crisis

 

Thai caption: A river with no water

Picture: Sanook

 

Thai media Sanook published a picture that they said was the clearest sign yet that Thailand is facing a drought crisis of considerable proportions. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142406-thailand-drought-a-river-with-no-water-clearest-sign-yet-of-crisis/

 

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Transport department to crack down on ‘illegal modification’ of vehicle lights

By THE NATION

 

 

The Department of Land Transport has said it is taking seriously complaints by road users of inconvenience caused by certain vehicle-users modifying their headlights.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142408-transport-department-to-crack-down-on-‘illegal-modification’-of-vehicle-lights/

 

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Suvarnabhumi Airport fixing complaints about ‘soft’ runway

By THE NATION

 

 

Suvarnabhumi Airport is working on improving runway, taxiway and taxilane surfaces following complaints from pilots, a senior official said.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142409-suvarnabhumi-airport-fixing-complaints-about-‘soft’-runway/

 

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U.S. congressional study urges sanctions on China over 'crimes against humanity'

By Patricia Zengerle

 

FILE PHOTO: Chinese and U.S. flags are set up for a meeting during a visit by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao at China's Ministry of Transport in Beijing, China April 27, 2018. REUTERS/Jason Lee/File Photo

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. congressional report released on Wednesday called for sanctions against China over human rights abuses, and for U.S. officials to keep rights concerns in mind during dealings with Beijing, including trade negotiations.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142410-us-congressional-study-urges-sanctions-on-china-over-crimes-against-humanity/

 

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Khao Kheow zoo welcomes newest member ‒ a common zebra

By THE NATION

 

 

A female common zebra was born on Wednesday, making her the newest addition to Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, the zoo’s director, Attaphon Sriheran, said on Thursday (January 9).

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142417-khao-kheow-zoo-welcomes-newest-member-‒-a-common-zebra/

 

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Thai woman's account drained at ATM - it wasn't trickery but a "prostitute"!

 

Thai caption: It wasn't trickery - but she lost plenty

Picture: Sanook

 

A Thai woman who claimed that a person behind her at an ATM touched her neck and caused her to suffer amnesia before stealing her money has been forced to think again. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142422-thai-womans-account-drained-at-atm-it-wasnt-trickery-but-a-prostitute/

 

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120-billion baht defence budget sails through the House after 3-hour debate

 

File photo

 

The Thai Government’s proposed 120 billion baht (~US$ 3.94Bn) defence budget for 2020 fiscal year sailed through its second and third readings in the House of Representatives late Wednesday night, after about three hours of debate. MPs from both sides of the House called for cuts in the amount of tax payer’s money being handed to the military.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142424-120-billion-baht-defence-budget-sails-through-the-house-after-3-hour-debate/

 

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Forgetful old man or alleged theft by bank staff - case causes much comment in Thailand

 

Picture: Amarin TV

 

A Facebook post ended up being featured on national Thai TV after an elderly man went to deposit what he said was 50,000 baht at a bank. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142426-forgetful-old-man-or-alleged-theft-by-bank-staff-case-causes-much-comment-in-thailand/

 

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Myanmar crewman in hospital after Phuket fishing fire

By Eakkapop Thongtub

 

One of the cremmen suffered extensive burns to his body. Photo: Royal Thai Navy

 

PHUKET: One crewman is in hospital recovering from extensive burns to his body from a fire that broke out a fishing boat he was working on south of Phuket yesterday (Jan 8).

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142428-myanmar-crewman-in-hospital-after-phuket-fishing-fire/

 

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Overkill! Two intersections in Nonthaburi have 15 CCTV cameras!

 

Thai caption: Why so many?

Picture: Sanook

 

Sanook went to investigate after they were told that some intersections in Bang Kruay, Nonthaburi north west of Bangkok had a lot of CCTV cameras. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142430-overkill-two-intersections-in-nonthaburi-have-15-cctv-cameras/

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Thais need to crackdown on cuddly toy gambling  - the kids are at risk from this menace!

 

Thai caption: Stores are full of them all over town.

Picture: Naew Na

 

A group concerned that children are being encouraged to gamble by playing the crane games at stores held a meeting at a hotel in Bangkok to outline their case. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142432-thais-need-to-crackdown-on-cuddly-toy-gambling -the-kids-are-at-risk-from-this-menace/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Big Joke meets shooting case investigators

By The Nation

 

Pol Lt-General Surachet Hakpal

 

Former Immigration Police chief Pol Lt-General Surachet Hakpal, who escaped an attempt on his life, met officers on Wednesday (January 8 ) in the evening at Bangrak Police Station to facilitate the investigation.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1142252-big-joke-shooting-alleged-corruption-in-biometrics-and-smart-car-projects-take-center-stage/?do=findComment&comment=14939275