Operators seek Bt140 billion to offset new minimum wage losses

By Digital Media

BANGKOK, Dec 24 - Almost one million private enterprises in Thailand are unready to cope with the Bt300 daily minimum wage, effective January 1 nationwide, and risk having to close down, a university survey disclosed today.

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Defence Minister considering deploying military, border patrol police to teach students in southernmost provincial schools /MCOT

Phuket Annual Red Cross Fair 2012 sets prize at over half million baht of gold

Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- The Phuket Annual Red Cross Fair 2012 is ready to rock Phuket from December 27 to January 5 as it offers more than 500,000 baht in gold as the top lucky draw prize this year, eligible to anyone who buys a ticket to support the Red Cross.

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WAIVER OF MOTORWAY FEES

Motorway fees waived during NY festival

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Motorists will able to enjoy driving free on the motorways during the New Year festival with effect from December 27.

Highway Department's director general Chatchawan Bunjaroenkit said the waiver of toll fees would apply to all toll gates: Lat Krabang, Thupchang and Thanyaburi

The waiver will start on December 27 at 4pm and run until midnight on January 3.

The privilege aims to facilitate travel during the festival.

-- The Nation 2012-12-24

SET index closed at 1375.82, up 2.44; Bt/USD30.49; GBP49.21; AUD31.60; EUR40.12; CAD30.54; HKD3.92; SGD24.86; JPY35.96

RT @ukinthailand: The British Embassy will be closed on 25 - 26 December, 31 December and 1 January 2013, Merry #Christmas Everyone http://thai.vi/U6h0iO

Fire at medical equipment factory at Rayong's Eastern Industrial Estate; blaze partially under control /MCOT

Foreign tourists visiting Thailand rise 14%

By Digital Media

BANGKOK, Dec 24 – Inbound tourists to Thailand reached 21.8 million persons this year, representing a 14 per cent increase from last year and generating a total revenue of Bt 930 billion (US$31 billion), a senior official of the Tourism and Sports Ministry said today.

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Police on security alert during New Year celebrations

By Digital Media

BANGKOK, Dec 24 - Bangkok Metropolitan Police have stepped up security during Christmas and New Year celebrations to ensure public safety, a senior police officer said on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....r-celebrations/

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Thailand Live Tuesday 25 Dec 2012