Thailand Live Thursday 2 Aug 2012

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Nine of 92 Thais jailed in Myanmar confess during investigation, questioning there on illegal possession of military weapons charges, claim self protection

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Democrat, PAD call for withdrawal of 'whitewash' bills

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Democrat Party and the People's Alliance for Democracy on Thursday called on the coalition and House speaker to drop the four reconciliation bills from the House agenda.

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PAD delays mass rally after Parliament postpones deliberation of reconciliation bills, vows to demonstrate if bills are put in agenda /MCOT

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Buddhists celebrate Asarnha Bucha Day

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thai Buddhists nationwide flocked to temples on Thursday to offer alms to monks as they marked Asarnha Bucha Day.

In Nong Khai, Thais and Laotians gave alms to monks at the Phochai Temple, a temple under royal patronage in Muang district at 7am. Nong Khai Governor Wirat Limsuwat presided over the ceremony.

In Ubon Ratchathani, Buddhist Thais and Laotians visited Phrato Temple in Paksaeng village., Tambon Palan, Natan district to give alms to monks.

In Bangkok, Deputy Bangkok Governor Thaya Tipasuwan chaired the ceremony to give alms to 199 monks at the Amarin Plaza shopping mall.

Meanwhile in Kanchanaburi, Deputy Governor Cherdsak Jampathet chaired ceremony to offer alms to monks at the Chaichumpol Chana Songkram Temple in Muang district at 8am.

In Uttaradit, Buddhists flocked to several temples, including Thai Talad Temple in Muang district, to give alms to monks while their counterparts in Phitsanulok visited temples to make merit.

Asarnha Bucha Day is the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which this year falls on August 2. It commemorates the day on which the Lord Buddha preached his first sermon called "the Dhammachakapavattana Sutta" to his first five chief disciples more than 2,500 years ago.

-- The Nation 2012-08-02

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CS Pattani Hotel owner urges government to step up security measures after hotel hit by car bombing /MCOT

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Thai Cambodian border crowded with holidaymakers

SRISAKET, 2 August 2012 (NNT)-The atmosphere on the Thai-Cambodian border in Phusing district, Srisaket province has been electrifying as many Cambodian nationals are making their way across the border to shop for alms giving items on the occasion of Buddhist Lent Celebration tomorrow.

According to the report, the weekend market is the main attraction for Thai and Cambodian residents around the border. A group of 31 Harley drivers, also known as Big Bike, have also gotten together to embark on a trip to Cambodia this morning; their final destination is Nakorn Wat temple.

Their journey is hoped to help promote Thai and Cambodian relations. They will also meet with Cambodian bike lovers. According to one tour agent, after the troops have been withdrawn on both sides of the border, local tourism has now returned to its glorious days again.

He added later that the long weekend has drawn many holidaymakers from Thailand to cross over to Cambodia to visit Nakorn Wat temple; vice versa, many Cambodians have also entered Thailand to shop for items needed for the Buddhist holidays.

-- NNT 2012-08-02

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BMA plans to lower BTS fare

BANGKOK, 2 August 2012 (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has announced that it is planning to reduce the BTS Skytrain’s starting fare of 15 baht to 10 baht while the fare for senior passengers has been cut by half

Deputy Bangkok Governor Theerachon Manomaipibul said that as part of its new 30-year service contract with Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTSC), the BMA is eligible to negotiate new fare rates.

The BMA is considering proposing a reduction of the train’s starting fare to 10 baht as well as a cap on the maximum fare at 40 baht.

Mr Theerachon added that even though the two parties have not yet reached a finalized agreement on the new fare, the reduction is highly likely. In the meantime, the current fare range of 15-40 baht will be retained until the incumbent Bangkok governor’s term of office comes to an end.

In addition, Mr Theerachon said the fare for elderly commuters has already been slashed in half, starting from July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2013.

-- NNT 2012-08-02

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D-Day looms for illegal Phuket taxis, jet-skis

Phuket Gazette –

Officers question an illegal taxi driver as he enters Phuket Airport during a crackdown. Photo: Gazette file

Anusorn Saree, who operates several illegal taxis, estimated there were currently about 10,000 illegal taxi drivers in Phuket. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo

PHUKET: The Phuket Governor will sign an order giving illegal taxi operators 15 days to register their vehicles, officials were told yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/574440-d-day-looms-for-illegal-phuket-taxis-jet-skis/#entry5539676

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Thailand Live Friday 3 Aug 2012