Thailand Live Saturday 22 Dec 2012

[webfact]

Thailand Live Saturday 22 December 2012

News, Bits and Tweets

with webfact

Keep up to date with live updates from the news, hour by hour.

For breaking news, national, regional and international news updates on a daily basis only, this thread is closed to commentary so that those who wish to follow the news can find it here...

Commentary is still open for Thailand news in the relevant thread posted in News Clippings.

FOLLOW US:

You can also follow us on

- Twitter: http://twitter.com/georgebkk

- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ThaiVisaNews

- Google+: http://plus.google.c...38430460700577/

- Breaking News via SMS text messages to your mobile phone or handheld device

To subscribe dial *424010011 on AIS, One-2-Call, DTAC or True Move networks

14 days complementary subscription for Thaivisa members.

If you have questions about the Breaking News SMS service,

email: sms [at] thaivisa.com

________________________________________________________________________________

Thailand's current weather and forecasts: http://weather.thaivisa.com/

________________________________________________________________________________

Related topic: Thailand Live Friday 21 Dec 2012

http://www.thaivisa....ay-21-dec-2012/

[webfact]

THAIVISA CONNECT

Thaivisa Forum Apps for your mobile or tablet

"Thaivisa Connect" for iPhone, iPad and iPod:

iTunes App Store:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/thaivisa-connect-thailand/id492600537

"Thaivisa Connect" for Android:

Android Market

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.quoord.tapatalkthaivisa.activity

OR

For QR code just go here with your desktop or mobile:

http://apps.thaivisa.com

[webfact]

Gallant taxi driver says he'll take anybody anywhere

By Coconuts Bangkok

Photo: Facebook

BANGKOK: -- A Bangkok taxi driver has become an internet sensation after posting a sign in his window saying that he’ll take any passenger to any destination.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....ybody-anywhere/

[webfact]

Thai AirAsia to acquire 7 new Airbus aircraft next year

The Nation

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....raft-next-year/

[webfact]

Bangkok police riding around with broken breathalyzers

By Coconuts Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- An inspection of the Bangkok police force’s breathalyzers, conducted by the Department of Medical Sciences, has revealed that almost half of the breathalyzers being carried around by Bangkok cops don’t actually work.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....-breathalyzers/

[webfact]

Embattled Pheu Thai MP gets temporary freedom to join House session

By Digital Media

BANGKOK, Dec 21 – Pheu Thai MP Korkaew Pikulthong was released from Bangkok's Laksi Temporary Prison this morning under his parliamentary immunity to attend House meeting until the present session ends.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....-house-session/

[webfact]

Bangkok's fourth Safety Zone officially open on Soi Nana Tai

By Coconuts Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- At 9PM yesterday, police officially opened Bangkok’s fourth Safety Zone on Soi Nana Tai. The Safety Zones are intended to ensure the safety of tourists and reduce the number of crimes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....n-soi-nana-tai/

[webfact]

Ban on roadside bars for New Year break may be deferred

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A newly-proposed restriction on the sale of alcoholic drinks on Bangkok footpaths cannot be imposed in time for the New Year due to delays in the bureaucratic process. However, the authorities have decided to enforce existing regulations on public order during the four-day holiday break.

Full story:

[webfact]

Nearly 1.2m tap first car scheme rebate

Supannee Putthapisuth

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- At least 1.1 million people have applied for tax rebates under the government's first-car programme, and the number is expected to reach 1.2 million before December 31 when the scheme ends.

Full story:

[webfact]

Govt set for referendum on charter amendments

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai Party's strategic committee yesterday decided to go ahead with a public referendum on charter amendments, though the red-shirt leader warned that this might not be a good idea.

Full story:

[webfact]

UPDATE

SUPREME COURT

Judiciary urged to block demolition

Opas Boonlom,

Pakamas Jaichalard

The Nation

Fine Arts Dept says building to be torn down is of historical significance

BANGKOK: -- The Fine Arts Department has filed a petition with the Supreme Court to suspend the demolition of a building of significant historic and architectural value in the court's compound.

Full story:

[webfact]

Sydictive Party: One night without Paris

Phuket Gazette

Socialite and DJ Paris Hilton performs live in India at the India Resort Fashion Week on December 1. Photo: AFP

PHUKET: -- Global celebrity Paris Hilton will not be attending the three-day New Year beach party originally slated to be held on Surin Beach from December 30 to sunrise on January 1.

Full story:

[webfact]

Pheu Thai mulls Cabinet changes

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Some of the Pheu Thai Party's key leaders have discussed a possible minor Cabinet reshuffle due to a health problem faced by Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silapa-archa.

Full story:

[webfact]

Govt fails to address consumer complaints: Group

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Fraudulent fitness-club memberships, difficulty in claiming compensation from insurers, poor public transport services and harmful uncertified cosmetics are among the most common subjects of complaints filed with consumer-protection groups, the Foundation for Consumers (FFC) said yesterday.

Full story:

[webfact]

City to build a park for pooches

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Dogs aren't allowed in most Bangkok parks, but that will change next year when the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration opens its first park especially for pooches, Deputy Governor Wanlop Suwannadee said yesterday.

The park will cover 4.6 rai under a flyover that carries Watcharaphon Road over Ram-Indra Road. The BMA is in the process of seeking a company to build the park. Construction is expected to start early next year and take 240 days.

Dog owners using the park would have to obey strict regulations. For example, dogs would be expected to have collars and leads, be in good health, well-behaved and follow commands. Dog owners must also have the necessary equipment for collecting their dogs' droppings.

The park would have exercise facilities for canines of all sizes, running lanes, a capability test zone and drinking water. There will also be veterinarians present, Wanlop said.

-- The Nation 2012-12-22

[webfact]

Obama nominates Kerry for Secretary of State

WASHINGTON: -- President Barack Obama named Massachusetts Senator John Kerry as his choice to become the next U.S. secretary of state, saying he has the respect and trust of leaders around the world.

Full story:

[webfact]

NRA calls for armed guards in schools

WASHINGTON: -- The powerful US gun rights lobby went on the offensive on Friday, arguing that schools should have armed guards, on a day that Americans remembered the victims of the Connecticut school massacre with a moment of silence.

Full story:

[webfact]

Bangkok shopping mall engulfed in massive fire

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The six-storey IT Grand shopping mall in Bangkok's Bang Kae district was engulfed in flames late Friday night. No one was injured in the blaze.

Full story:

[webfact]

RT @AP: BREAKING: Appeals court blocks California law banning therapy intended to turn gay minors straight

[webfact]

DPM Kittiratt clarifies tax reform for 2013; Varathep expresses concern of not enough votes to pass referendum on Charter amendment /MCOT

[webfact]

Ladyboy survivor sole link to lethal Phuket motorbike crash mystery

Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- Police have released the name of the man who died in a motorbike accident near Chalong Circle just after midnight on Wednesday as 51-year-old American tourist Theodore Paul Roe.

Full story:

[webfact]

Austrian arrested following alleged sexual assault of former girlfriend at Pattaya apartment

PATTAYA:--The former girlfriend of a 37 year old Austrian ex-pat, claims she was sexually assaulted in his rented room in Central Pattaya on Saturday afternoon.

Full story:

[webfact]

Polluted Stream blamed for cattle deaths in Banglamung

PATTAYA:--Banglamung: A local farmer complained to authorities that six of his cattle have died after drinking from a local stream. Officials, who came to inspect his loss found numerous dead fish and other water borne life also dead in the area .

Full story:

[webfact]

Aldhouse trial pending UK documents

Phuket Gazette

The trial of British national Lee Aldhouse is on hold until the Phuket Prosecutor’s Office receives further documentation from the UK, which is expected to arrive by Monday. Photo: Gazette file

PHUKET: -- The trial of British national Lee Aldhouse, charged with the murder of former US Marine Dashawn Longfellow in Phuket in 2010, has yet to be put in motion as the Phuket Prosecutor’s Office is awaiting the arrival of further documentation from the UK, the Phuket Gazette has been told.

Full story:

[webfact]

Tsunami Memorial Wall ready for remembrance

Phuket Gazette

The US Navy League Phuket has prepared the Tsunami Memorial Wall at Mai Khao for the remembrance service to be held on December 26. Photo: US Navy League

PHUKET: -- The Phuket chapter of the US Navy League has announced that the Tsunami Memorial Wall, which in years past has fallen into a deplorable state, has been readied for this year’s tsunami remembrance service on December 26.

Full story:

[webfact]

Bad vibes over Phuket Sydictive party shift to Patong

Phuket Gazette

Sarayuth Mallum, a vice president with the Phuket Tourist Association, voiced his concerns about the Sydictive New Year party being moved to Patong Beach. Photo: Gazette file

PHUKET: -- Leading Phuket tourism figure Sarayuth Mallam has voiced grave concerns about the Sydictive Element New Year’s Eve beach party being moved from Surin Beach to Patong, citing strong resistance from local businesses and Patong Mayor Pian Keesin.

Full story:

[webfact]

Finance Ministry elated by rocketing tax collection

By Digital Media

BANGKOK, Dec 22 – Thailand’s revenue from tax collection in the first two months of the 2013 fiscal year, or October-November, reached Bt321.2 billion, or 8.5 percent higher than the target, mainly due to the government’s policy of tax refunds for first-car owners, the Finance Ministry announced.

Full story:

[webfact]

Low-Budget Comedy 'Lost In Thailand' Breaking Records In China

VIDEO: http://www.thaivisa....cords-in-china/

[webfact]

No Phuket tsunami alert after Sumatra earthquake

Phuket Gazette

The Thai Meteorological Department reported that the earthquake struck at a depth of 60 kilometers. Photo: TMD

PHUKET: -- No tsunami alert has been issued for Phuket or other provinces along the Andaman Coast following a 5.2 earthquake off the northern tip of Sumatra, Indonesia, at 10:50am today, the head of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Phuket office has confirmed.

Full story:

[webfact]

President of Privy Council, Gen Prem, opens Nakhon Ratchasima home to New Year well wishers; urges people to unite, bridge between differences in ideas /MCOT