THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 12 Feb 2020

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Ten top businesses hit by coronavirus spread, damages could amount to Bt150 bn

By THE NATION

 

 

Ten top businesses have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak and if it continues to spread even after three months, Thailand’s economy would witness damages to the tune of Bt150 billion, the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) warned.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147858-ten-top-businesses-hit-by-coronavirus-spread-damages-could-amount-to-bt150-bn/

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American reports theft of camera, lens at his house

By The Nation

 

 

An American citizen, 29, reported to officers at Yannawa Police Station today (February 11) the theft by a woman of a “Cannon” camera and three camera lens at his house in Bangrak district. 

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147857-american-reports-theft-of-camera-lens-at-his-house/

 

 

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Korat gunman owned 5 guns bought under army welfare program

 

Thai army chief Apirat Kongsompong cries during a news conference in Bangkok, Thailand, following last weekend’s shooting rampage by a soldier at a mall in the city of Nakhon Ratchasima, February 11, 2020. REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa

 

Jakrapanth Thomma, the gunman who shot 30 people dead during a rampage in Nakhon Ratchasima over the weekend, owned five legally-registered guns, including three pistols, one shotgun and a rifle, which were all bought under the Army’s “welfare gun” program, Army Commander-in-Chief General Apirat Kongsompong told a news conference this morning (Tuesday).

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147835-korat-gunman-owned-5-guns-bought-under-army-welfare-program/

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U.S. DOJ to seek lighter prison term for Trump adviser Stone - reports

By Mark Hosenball and Sarah N. Lynch

 

FILE PHOTO: Roger Stone, former campaign adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, arrives for the continuation of his criminal trial on charges of lying to Congress, obstructing justice and witness tampering at U.S. District Court in Washington, U.S., November 15, 2019. REUTERS/Yara Nard

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Justice will seek a shorter prison sentence for Roger Stone, a convicted associate of President Donald Trump, hours after Trump tweeted that prosecutors were treating him unfairly, media outlets reported on Tuesday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147889-us-doj-to-seek-lighter-prison-term-for-trump-adviser-stone-reports/

 

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OPINION

Mass shooting a big lesson in security: Chulalongkorn security expert

By The Nation

 

Surachart Bamrungsuk

 

The Korat mass shooting incident is a big lesson in security, while the government needs to come up with concrete measures to deal with such a situation, Chulalongkorn University security expert Surachart Bamrungsuk told Isara News Agency.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147890-mass-shooting-a-big-lesson-in-security-chulalongkorn-security-expert/

 

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PM says Thailand will provide supplies to Westerdam cruise ship

 

Photo from www.hollandamerica.com

 

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said today that the Government will provide humanitarian aid to Holland America’s Westerdam cruise ship, after it was refused permission to dock at Laem Chabang deep-sea port by Thailand’s Ministry of Transport.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147893-pm-prayut-says-thailand-will-provide-supplies-to-westerdam-cruise-ship/

 

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Thailand misses good opportunity to show its humanity

 

 

Thailand has thrown away a very good opportunity, amidst all the crises, to demonstrate to the world that the country has humanity, said Assistant Professor Piti Srisaengnam, a lecturer at the Faculty of Economics of Chulalongkorn University.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147894-thailand-misses-good-opportunity-to-show-its-humanity/

 

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Pheu Thai party to boycott new debate and vote on budget bill

 

 

The opposition Pheu Thai party will not vote or participate in the debate on the budget bill when it is resubmitted to the House of Representatives for deliberation in the second and third readings on Thursday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147895-pheu-thai-party-to-boycott-new-debate-and-vote-on-budget-bill/

 

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Italy faces existential threat over low birthrate - president

 

FILE PHOTO: Elderly people play cards in Rome, Italy October 8, 2018. Picture taken October 8, 2018. REUTERS/Tony Gentile

 

ROME (Reuters) - Italy's future is threatened by its diminishing birthrate, President Sergio Mattarella said on Tuesday, as new data showed the population had shrunk once again in 2019.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147896-italy-faces-existential-threat-over-low-birthrate-president/

 

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Palestinians' Abbas, at UN, says U.S. offers Palestinians 'Swiss cheese' state

By Steve Holland and Arshad Mohammed

 

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas speaks during a Security Council meeting at the United Nations in New York, U.S., February 11, 2020.

 

(Reuters) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, appearing before the United Nations Security Council, angrily rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East peace proposal on Tuesday as a gift to Israel and unacceptable to Palestinians.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147897-palestinians-abbas-at-un-says-us-offers-palestinians-swiss-cheese-state/

 

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PRISON LOCKDOWN

British prisoner ‘collapses in cell’ with suspected coronavirus after ‘returning from Thai jail’

Alex Matthews

 

The inmate fell ill at Bullingdon jail in Bicester, Oxfordshire. Credit: London News Pictures

 

A PRISON has been placed on lockdown today after an inmate collapsed in his cell with suspected coronavirus after returning from a Thai jail.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147898-british-prisoner-‘collapses-in-cell’-with-suspected-coronavirus-after-‘returning-from-thai-jail’/

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Queen Elizabeth's grandson Peter Phillips and wife to divorce

By Michael Holden

 

FILE PHOTO: Britain's Peter Phillips (R) and Canada's Autumn Kelly leave St George's Chapel after their marriage in Windsor, southern England on May 17, 2008. REUTERS/Sang Tan/Pool

 

LONDON (Reuters) - Peter Phillips, the grandson of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, and his Canadian wife are to divorce after 12 years of marriage, the couple announced on Tuesday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147899-queen elizabeths-grandson-peter-phillips-and-wife-to-divorce/

 

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Germany may face early Merkel exit, election after protegee stands aside

By Madeline Chambers

 

Chancell\or Angela Merkel receives Valentine's Day flowers of the Central Gardening Association at the Chancellery in Berlin. Germany February 11, 2020, REUTERS/Michele Tantussi

 

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel's plan for an orderly succession is in ruins and the chances of an early election in Germany have risen after her conservative protegee, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, gave up her ambitions for the top job.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147900-germany-may-face-early-merkel-exit-election-after-protegee-stands-aside/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Brits stranded at sea after cruise ship refused entry to Thailand over coronavirus fears

Matilda Long

 

A cruise ship carrying British nationals has been stranded off the coast of Thailand over coronavirus fears, despite no cases being confirmed on board.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147893-pm-prayut-says-thailand-will-provide-supplies-to-westerdam-cruise-ship/?do=findComment&comment=15051348

 

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Bloomberg buffeted by recording of him discussing crime, minorities

By Jason Lange

 

FILE PHOTO: Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg visits the Dollarhide Community Center for a campaign event in Compton, California, U.S. February 3, 2020. REUTERS/Andrew Cullen

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg, rising in public opinion polls in recent weeks, found himself on the defensive on Tuesday over newly surfaced remarks from 2015 in which he said 95% of murderers and murder victims were minorities.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147905-bloomberg-buffeted-by-recording-of-him-discussing-crime-minorities/

 

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Klobuchar surge in New Hampshire could reshuffle Democratic White House race

By John Whitesides

 

Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar speaks during a campaign event at the town hall in Exeter, NH, U.S., February 10, 2020. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

 

NASHUA, N.H. (Reuters) - U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar's poll numbers are rising, her crowds are building and she says it is finally her time.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147906-klobuchar-surge-in-new-hampshire-could-reshuffle-democratic-white-house-race/

 

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Trump says military may consider discipline for ousted aide Vindman

By Jeff Mason

 

FILE PHOTO: National Security Council aide Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, takes a break as he testifies before the House Intelligence Committee on Capitol Hill as part of the impeachment inquiry into U.S. President Donald Trump, in Washington, U.S., November 19, 2019. Jacquelyn Martin/Pool via REUTERS

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the military may consider disciplining former National Security Council aide Alexander Vindman, who testified in Trump's impeachment trial and was fired by the White House along with his twin brother.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147909-trump-says-military-may-consider-discipline-for-ousted-aide-vindman/

 

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Venezuela's Guaido returns home after diplomatic world tour

By Sarah Kinosian and Shaylim Valderrama

 

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido, who many nations have recognized as the country's rightful interim ruler, speaks during a gathering in Caracas, Venezuela February 11, 2020. REUTERS/Fausto Torrealba

 

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido returned home on Tuesday after a three-week whirlwind tour that spanned the World Economic Forum in Davos and the White House as he seeks to rebuild momentum to oust President Nicolas Maduro.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147910-venezuelas-guaido-returns-home-after-diplomatic-world-tour/

 

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Tehran-backed Hezbollah steps in to guide Iraqi militias in Soleimani's wake

 

FILE PHOTO: An Iraqi woman holds a picture of Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force, and Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who were killed in an air strike at Baghdad airport, during a funeral procession for militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, in Basra, Iraq, January 7, 2020. REUTERS/Essam al-Sudani/File Photo

 

(Reuters) - Shortly after Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Iraq, the Tehran-backed Lebanese organisation Hezbollah urgently met with Iraqi militia leaders, seeking to unite them in the face of a huge void left by their powerful mentor’s death, two sources with knowledge of the meetings told Reuters.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147911-tehran-backed-hezbollah-steps-in-to-guide-iraqi-militias-in-soleimanis-wake/

 

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Pattaya: Foreigner found in the sea off Koh Larn: Neck was tied to rock to weigh down the body

 

Picture: 77kaoed

 

Pattaya police and Sawang Boriboon rescue services were called after the body of a foreign tourist was found floating face down 400 meters off a beach at Koh Larn, Chonburi. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147912-pattaya-foreigner-found-in-the-sea-off-koh-larn-neck-was-tied-to-rock-to-weigh-down-the-body/

 

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Upper Thailand gets colder by 1-2 °C, more thundershowers in the South

By THE NATION

 

 

The Thailand Meteorological Department forecast on Wednesday (February 12) that the westerly trough is moving to the North and the Northeast while the high-pressure system over the Northeast and the South China Sea is weakening. Cool to cold weather is likely in the North and the Northeast with the mercury dipping by 1-2 degrees Celsius in the North.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147913-upper-thailand-gets-colder-by-1-2-°c-more-thundershowers-in-the-south/

 

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Taxi drivers in knife fight at Loei bus station - one had a sword, the other a flick-knife

 

Thai caption: Blood it is hot (hot headed)

Picture: Sanook

 

Police and rescue services were called to Loei bus station in the north east of Thailand after two taxi drivers went at each other with a sword and a knife in an argument over loud music. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147914-taxi-drivers-in-knife-fight-at-loei-bus-station-one-had-a-sword-the-other-a-flick-knife/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Sanders leads in early New Hampshire results, Biden lags badly

By John Whitesides and Amanda Becker

 

Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders speaks to the media at a polling station at the McDonough School on Election Day in the New Hampshire presidential primary election in Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S., February 11, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Segar

 

MANCHESTER, N.H. - Progressive U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders took an early lead in New Hampshire's Democratic presidential primary on Tuesday, and former front-runner Joe Biden trailed badly in fifth place in the second contest to find a nominee to face President Donald Trump in November.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147906-klobuchar-surge-in-new-hampshire-could-reshuffle-democratic-white-house-race/?do=findComment&comment=15051790

 

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Number 5! Facebook poster arrested for threats in the wake of Korat shootings

 

Picture: Naew Na

 

Naew Na reported that a fifth person has been arrested for posting bad intentions on Facebook after the deadly Korat shootings at the weekend. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147917-number-5-facebook-poster-arrested-for-threats-in-the-wake-of-korat-shootings/

 

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British prisoner with suspected coronavirus following extradition from Thailand was arrested in Pattaya last year

 

 

A British man who is at the centre of a coronavirus outbreak in the UK after having been recently extradited from Thailand has been revealed as a suspected drug dealer who was arrested in Pattaya last year.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147919-british-prisoner-with-suspected-coronavirus-following-extradition-from-thailand-was-arrested-in-pattaya-last-year/

 

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Check your cash on delivery purchases - to avoid being conned

 

Thai caption: Warning for online shoppers

Picture: Sanook

 

A Thai woman went online to recount how she got some fake gold through the post. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147921-check-your-cash-on-delivery-purchases-to-avoid-being-conned/

 

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Thanks for nothing granddad! Six year old rescued after van rolls into water

 

Picture: MCOT

 

A man taking his six year old grandson to school forgot to put his van in park when he got out to help his wife at a souvenir shop. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147922-thanks-for-nothing-granddad-six-year-old-rescued-after-van-rolls-into-water/

 

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Cabinet nod for Motorway No 6 toll fees

By THE NATION

 

 

The Cabinet on Tuesday (February 11) approved the toll fees for Motorway No 6 -- Bangpa-in - Nakhon Ratchasima as proposed by the Ministry of Transport at a maximum of Bt255 for four-wheel vehicles, Bt408 for six-wheelers and Bt587 for more than six-wheelers, Government Deputy Spokesperson Traisulee Traisaranakul said.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147925-cabinet-nod-for-motorway-no-6-toll-fees/

 

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Head in hands! Poor food delivery guy left with pizzas and chicken rejected by customers

 

 

Sanook said that there was a lot of online sympathy for a food delivery guy who had delivered three pizzas and an order of BBQ chicken to a customer who rejected it all. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147927-head-in-hands-poor-food-delivery-guy-left-with-pizzas-and-chicken-rejected-by-customers/

 

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Speedboat captains charged

By Tanyaluk Sakoot

 

Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana and Marine Department Chief Witthaya Yamuang inspect the ALP 11 tour speedboat on Monday (Feb 10). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

 

PHUKET: Both boat drivers involved in the tour speedboat collision that killed two Russian children and injured more than a dozen tourists on Monday have been charged with reckless behaviour causing death and injury, police have confirmed.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1147931-phuket-speedboat-captains-charged/