MARCH 20
International Happiness Day finds mood mixed among Thais
Poungchompoo Prasert
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Ahead of the 1st International Day of Happiness on Wednesday, the UN ranks Thailand the world's 52ndhappiest among 156 countries, and third in Asean after Singapore (33rd in the world) and Malaysia (51st).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627025-international-happiness-day-finds-mood-mixed-among-thais/

RT @mpoppel: APNewsAlert: Pope Francis officially begins his ministry at installation Mass in St. Peter’s Square.

Key "Red Shirt" minister rejects military's call for break on amnesty law

BANGKOK, 19 March 2013 (NNT) - Nattawut Saikua, Deputy Commerce Minister and a key leader of the United Front for Democracy (UDD), has rejected the call by a senior military officer that the amnesty law drafts submitted to the parliament be withdrawn.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627050-key-red-shirt-minister-nattawut-rejects-militarys-call-for-break-on-amnesty-law/

Sukhumbhand may be endorsed as Bangkok governor next Wednesday: Sodsri
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Election Commission member Sodsri Satayathum said Tuesday that the EC may have to endorse Bangkok gubernatorial election winner Sukhumbhand Paribatra as the governor by next Wednesday.

According to the election laws, the commission needs to finish reviewing evidences filed against any candidate by 30 days after the election date. In this case, if the EC failed to find strong evidence against Sukhumbhand by April 2, the election watchdog will need to endorse him first and continue with the probe. If strong evidence is found against him later, the EC will have to ask the court to disqualify him, Sodsri said.

-- The Nation 2013-03-19

Phuket Police deny drug suspect bribe, make 'honor arrest'
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- A senior Phuket City Police officer arrested a woman for tarnishing the name of the Royal Thai Police after she allegedly claimed to have paid him 400,000 baht in bribe money.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627053-phuket-police-deny-drug-suspect-bribe-make-honor-arrest/

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UPDATE
Yingluck confident she can defend herself in suspected asset concealment
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said Tuesday she would allow justice to run its course in regard to the ongoing probe on her alleged asset concealment.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/626910-yinglucks-job-may-be-on-the-line-over-two-hot-issues/?p=6219790#entry6219790

Thailand to spend $68 bn on transport projects

BANGKOK, March 19, 2013 (AFP) - Thailand's cabinet on Tuesday approved a plan to spend $68 billion on a high-speed railway and other transportation mega projects to drive the nation's economic development.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627056-thailand-to-spend-68-bn-on-transport-projects/

Phuket: The secrets to dating a Thai guy
Kaila Krayewski



PHUKET: -- For foreign girls, dating a Thai man can be an enchanting, fun, exciting part of your Thailand experience. This cheat sheet to successful cross-cultural romance is based on their experiences.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627058-the-secrets-to-dating-a-thai-guy/

Call to ban drilling for oil near Samui, Pha Ngan
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A network of environmentalists and academics demanded Tuesday that the government abandon any exploration for oil and gas off the famous resort islands of Samui, Pha Ngan and Tao.

"We do not agree with such a plan. We will escalate our movement if the government doesn't listen to us," said Banjong Nasae, chairman of the Thai Sea Watch Association, which includes the Prince of Songkla University's Surat Thani Campus and several non-government organisations.

The Energy Ministry is reportedly preparing to allow three firms, including PTTEP and CEC, to explore for and produce petroleum near the islands in the Gulf of Thailand.

-- The Nation 2013-03-19

Fear of attacks on Phuket's new airport buses delays launch date
Phuket Gazette -

Airport Express 1, 2 and 3 ready for launch, but fear of violent attacks by tuk-tuk and taxi drivers has given leading

Phuket officials a moment of pause. Photo: Chutharat Plerin

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627120-fear-of-attacks-on-phukets-new-airport-buses-delays-launch-date/

RT@RichardBarrow: Laos is considering a single entry-visa scheme with its neighbours (Bangkok Post)

to continue:

Thailand Live Wednesday 20 Mar 2013

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/627152-thailand-live-wednesday-20-mar-2013/