Planning continues for Pattaya’s new Monorail network

Pattaya: Further tests undertaken following electrocution of elephant

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Thai band triumphs in German contest

A Thai marching band - from a school in Phitsanulok - has played its way to gold and bronze at an international contest in Germany.

The World Association of Marching Show Bands 2010 (WCMBS) awarded a gold medal and a bronze to the Jakarnboon Marching Band.

The WCMBS event, which ran from July 5 to Thursday, attracted contestants from numerous countries including Denmark, Brazil, Taiwan, and Italy.

Office of Basic Education Commission secretarygeneral Chinnapat Bhumirat revealed Wednesday that the Jakarnboon marching band had received the gold medal in the Show Finals; and the bronze from the Marching Parade Results.

"The Thai band also has a good chance of claiming the junior championship at the contest," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-08-04

A 14-year-old boy stabbed a classmate in the neck at their school in Ayutthaya to settle old scores. The victim was seriously injured. /via @Urisara_NT

Baba Peranakan mass wedding in Phuket Town

A highlight of the event will be a riskshaw procession

of brides and grooms along Thalang Road on August 15.

Heavy Rains in BKK Causes Traffic Congestion

Traffic police have warned of heavy congestion and flooding on many roads in Bangkok, particularly Ratchadapisek and Sukhumvit. This is due to heavy rains that fell late in the evening.

The Meteorological Department has warned of extra water flowing from the North.

-- Tan Network 2010-08-04

From our newsroom, the next new province after Bung Kan (currently part of Nong Khai) will b Chiang Mai's Fang district. /via @tulsathit

NTC orders Thai mobile operators to put number portability service in effect by Sep 1

PAD’s Govt House seizure trial deferred to 7 Oct

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The prosecutor has decided to postpone the decision on whether to indict nine leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) in the Government House seizure trial until 7 October 2010.

Mr Kayasit Pitsawongprakan, Director General of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG)’s Criminal Litigation Department, announced today that the PAD’s Government House seizure case had to be delayed for the fourth time, reasoning that the investigators had yet submitted the testimonies of key witnesses as requested by the defendants. The new hearing date of the case was set on 7 October 2010 at 9.00 hrs.

The defendants in the case comprise PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul, Major-General Chamlong Srimuang, Mr Pibhop Thongchai, Mr Somsak Kosaisuk, Mr Somkiat Pongpaiboon, Mr Suriyasai Katasila, Mr Chaiwat Sinsuwong, Mr Amorn Amornratananont and Mr Therdphum Jaidee. The nine are charged with inciting people to violate state laws by laying siege to Government House.

PAD supporters occupied the Government House compound for 193 days in 2008, demanding the ouster of the Somchai Wongsawat government led by the now-defunct People Power Party. The group declared the end of the seizure after the Constitutional Court ruled against the then coalition parties for electoral violations, which eventually overthrew the administration.

-- NNT 2010-08-04

Phuket Police: 'Serial suicide' girl a con artist

34 US billionaires pledge to give away at least 50 percent of wealth to charity as part of Warren Buffett, Bill Gates campaign /via @REUTERS

to be continued

Thailand Live Thursday 5 August 2010

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