Thailand Live Tuesday 2 Apr 2013

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Phuket British school issues statement over Russian motorbike crash victims
Phuket Gazette


An aerial view of British International School – Phuket. Photo: BIS - Phuket

PHUKET: -- The British International School – Phuket (BIS), this morning issued a statement concerning the two teenage Russian students who are in hospital after a serious motorbike crash on the bypass road on Saturday (story here).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/630239-phuket-russian-teen-students-still-in-i-c-u-after-motorcyclist-crash/#entry6263087

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Charter debate continues, opposition chases Senate chief from chair
By Digital Media



BANGKOK, April 2 – A joint parliamentary debate on three bills, proposed by the ruling Pheu Thai party, to rewrite the Constitution entered its second day this morning amid a continued opposition protest against the Senate speaker chairing the meeting.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/630187-row-over-speaker-clouds-debate-thailand/#entry6263140

[Lite Beer]

North Korea to restart atomic reactor

Seoul - North Korea plans to restart a nuclear reactor at its Yongbyon complex, a media report said Tuesday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/630292-north-korea-to-restart-atomic-reactor/

[Lite Beer]

Labour Ministry asks for 120 days more to issue documents to migrant workers
By English News

BANGKOK, April 2 - Thailand's Labour Ministry will ask the Cabinet for a 120-day extension to proceed with the pending applications of Thai employers to hire migrant workers as the deadline already expired last month.

Pravit Khiengpol, director general of the Employment Department, said as of March 31, the deadline for employers to apply for quotas to hire migrant workers, 54,702 Thai employers have submitted applications.

The applications include hiring 414,820 migrants workers and family members; 279,020 Myanmar nationals, 47,112 Lao and 88,688 Cambodians.

The director-general said the department has issued legal permits for only 33,000 migrant workers. He said 120 days are needed, starting from April 13, to continue with the remaining 380,000 requests.

He reasoned that the department's 12 one-stop service centres for employers’ applications and migrant workers’ employment registrations are now processing only 500 permits per day at each centre.

Mr Pravit said he will report to Labour Minister Phadermchai Sasomsub on the situation and will propose to the April 9 Cabinet meeting to consider a 120-day extension for the documenting process.

If the request is approved by the Cabinet, Mr Pravit said, the migrant workers whose applications are now being processed could show their documents approved by the Employment Department to police to avoid being arrested.

Mr Pravit reasserted that his move is not to extend the deadline for Thai employers to apply for more quotas to hire migrant workers and that the request will not protect migrant workers who violate Thai law.

Those who fail to submit the application, regardless of whether they are employers or migrant workers, will not be protected under the 120-day extension. Legal action will be taken against them if they break the law, he said. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-04-02

[Lite Beer]

Free buses & trains to be replaced by concession tickets for poor

BANGKOK, 2 April 2013 (NNT) - The Transport Minister has proposed that the government's free bus and train services should be stopped in favour of concession tickets for low-income people.

Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt said that the government's current free bus and train services, which are aimed at reducing people's costs of living, do not target low-income people as they are intended to.

Instead of the current system, he said concession tickets should be distributed to low-income people. The new tickets will be integrated with the Ministry’s planned discounted bus service to be provided to students and senior citizens.

The Transport Minister said clear-cut criteria have yet to be decided as to who would be counted as "low-income" earners, and on appropriate fare rates for those with concession tickets.

According to the Minister, the concession ticket system is expected to be in place next year, by which time the government would have stopped the free bus and train services.

At the mobile cabinet meeting in Chachoengsao province over the weekend, the cabinet decided to extend its free bus and train services for six more months. The extension is the 12th time in its series and will expire at the end of September this year.

-- NNT 2013-04-02

[Lite Beer]

Huay Yai Vendor Electrocuted By Canal Fence
Huay Yai:--A 33-year-old coconut vendor was killed after accidentally touching an electrified fence along a canal bordering rice fields. The fence was guarding the rice from buffaloes and cows. The fence owner might be prosecuted.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/630303-huay-yai-vendor-electrocuted-by-canal-fence/

[Lite Beer]

PRD and MCOT to test run digital television

BANGKOK, 2 April 2013 (NNT) – The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has given an approval to the Government Public Relations Department (PRD) and the Mass Communication Organization of Thailand (MCOT) to test run the digital television system.

According to Dr. Natee Sukonrat, chairman of the NBTC broadcasting committee, the PRD and the MCOT will be test running digital television with an aim of finding digital perimeters in each region. It will be conducted in 7 provinces, including Bangkok, Khon Kaen, Lampang, Nakhon Ratchasima, Sukhothai, Surat Thani, and Phuket.

Dr. Natee went on to state that licenses to sell cable boxes will be issued within 3 months, so that people can also be part of this testing period.

The reason why the NBTC board has chosen the PRD and the MCOT to test run the system is that both organizations have been using the analog television system which makes it easier for them to test the new system. However, the NBTC has not issued any license to any network so far.

-- NNT 2013-04-02

[Lite Beer]

Home Improvement Store employee caught with gun and drugs in East Pattaya

PATTAYA:--A 29 year old employee of a well-known Home Improvement Store in Pattaya was caught by Police after he attempted to escape from a Police Checkpoint early on Tuesday morning.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/630306-home-improvement-store-employee-caught-with-gun-and-drugs-in-east-pattaya/

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Khon Kaen Province promotes energy saving campaign

KHON KAEN: -- Khon Kaen Province has organized an activity aimed at promoting energy saving among locals, urging them to turn off unused electronic devices, adjusting air conditioner temperature, and unplugging electrical appliances not in use.

Coinciding with the Energy Ministry's energy-saving campaign, 59 organizations in Khon kaen Province on Monday participated in the activity which was nationally televised. Presided over by Provincial Governor Somsak Suwannasutjarit (สมศักดิ์ สุวรรณสุจริต), the event has proven to help reduce the province's electric consumption by 500 kilowatts.

This is one of many activities that the Energy Ministry has promoted in anticipation of Myanmar's plan to suspend the gas supply from April 5-14 for a maintenance procedure. Myanmar has planned to shut down the Yadanar Power Plant, which has been operating non-stop for 5 years, for maintenance work on the aforementioned dates.

The shutdown will cut off Thailand's gas supply from Myanmar, affecting the operations of its power plants. By turning off unused electronic devices, adjusting air conditioner temperature, and unplugging unused electric appliances, residents can significantly reduce their energy consumption.


-- NNT 2013-04-02

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61% of Bangkokians believe Governor's policies can be real: Survey
By English News

BANGKOK, April 2 - The latest poll by the Bangkok University Research Center (Bangkok Poll) indicated that over 60 per cent of Bangkokians believed the re-elected Bangkok governor's policies can be translated into action and that they are possible.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/630313-61-of-bangkokians-believe-governors-policies-can-be-real-survey/

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UTCC expects BoT to maintain interest rate policy

BANGKOK, 2 April 2013 (NNT) – The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) has predicted that the Bank of Thailand (BoT) will not adjust its interest rate policy during its meeting which will be held on Wednesday.

According to Thanawat Polwichai, the director of the UTTC Economic and Business Forecasting Centre, the Monetary Policy Committee meeting will most likely maintain its interest rate at 2.75 percent; however,it is still lower than the inflation rate, which is at 3 percent.

He elaborated that there is no need for the BoT to step in at this moment given the Thai currency is quoted at 29.30 baht against the US dollar, which is still at a manageable level.

He further revealed that the strengthening of the Thai baht is the result of the country's strong economic growth, thanks to the government's 2 trillion baht infrastructure investment, which creates more confidence among foreign investors in the country. However, if the BoT were to adjust its rate policy, the director believes it would be within the range of 0.25 percent.

Mr Thanawat also asked the government to help cushion the effects of the strong bath on the Thai SME's, as it is severely affecting the sector; adding that the government should also provide the SMEs with more liquidity.


-- NNT 2013-04-02

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SCB says inflation rate to remain at 3% this year

BANGKOK, 2 April 2013 (NNT)-Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Center (SCBEIC) has forecasted that the inflation rate for the entire year of 2013 will remain at 3% as no significant impact on oil prices has been foreseen.

According to SCBEIC, although the March’s inflation rate slowed down in line with a decline in energy-related product prices, it rose by 6.2% compared to that of the same period last year. The SCBEIC said further that the figure was also lower compared to February’s, as global prices of crude oil declined.

In addition, the core inflation rate has slowed to 1.5% from 2.7% in February, given the index price of ready-to-eat meals. the SCBEIC has forecast that the inflation rate for the entire 2013 will be around 3%, as no negative impacts of minimum wage rise and global oil prices have been reported.


-- NNT 2013-04-02

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Electrolux opens new – largest in Asia – refrigeration plant in Rayong
BY WACHIRAPORN JANRUT


(From left) Mr. Tom Bell, Mr. Ian Faggotter, His Excellency Klas Molin, Ms Gunilla Nordstrom, Mr. Sutti Manokitjarunman, and Mr.Suresh Balan at the completion of the official ceremony.

RAYONG: -- Electrolux recently celebrated the opening of a new, state-of-the-art refrigeration plant which is the largest one in Asia Pacific, marking the third and largest expansion of its operations in Thailand among hundreds of highly esteemed guests at its new refrigeration plant in Rayong.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/630325-electrolux-opens-new-largest-in-asia-refrigeration-plant-in-rayong/

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Evacuation plan in place for Thais in S Korea: Air Force chief
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Two C130 aircraft and an Airbus A310 are standing by to evacuate Thais residing in South Korea within 48 hours should a military conflict erupt on the Korean Peninsula, Royal Thai Air Force commander Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong told reporters Tuesday.

North Korea on Friday issued a new threat to attack the United States, reacting to a show of force by two US B2 stealth bombers that dropped inert munitions on to a South Korean training ground not far from the border with the North.


-- The Nation 2013-04-02

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Commerce Ministry to save mom and pop stores

BANGKOK, 2 April 2013 (NNT)-The Commerce Ministry is trying to modernize mom and pop stores in its attempt to enable them to compete with foreign-owned supermarkets in Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/630328-thai-commerce-ministry-to-save-mom-and-pop-stores/

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Senator calls for court to rule on move to change Article 68
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A senator asked the Constitution Court Tuesday to prohibit any change to Article 68 of the charter and suspend the deliberation in Parliament pending a ruling on the move.

Somchai Sawaengkarn, a member of the so-called Group of 40 Senators, said he invoked Article 68 itself to seek a ruling from the top court on the bill to amend the article.

The government-backed bill seeks to amend Article 68 so that people are required to submit petitions only via the Office of the Attorney General if they want to file complaints to the Constitution Court against moves they regard as seeking to overthrow the constitutional monarchy.

In his petition to the court, Somchai alleged that Parliament President Somsak Kiartsuranond collaborated with 311 coalition MPs and senators to violate the charter and abused his authority by allowing debate on the bill to amend Article 68 to proceed.


-- The Nation 2013-04-02

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RT @jonrussell: The BlackBerry Z10 will be available for pre-order in Thailand from Apr 5 - will cost a whopping Bt 20,900 (~US$715) though.

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Marine from unit that killed 16 insurgents in Narathiwat kidnapped from home by 8 presumed insurgents /MCOT

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SET index closed at 1550.54, up 0.99; Bt/USD29.23; GBP44.39; AUD30.46; EUR37.48; CAD28.64; HKD3.76; SGD23.50; JPY31.31

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Tropical storms ravage Northeast

BANGKOK, 2 April 2013 (NNT) - Tropical storms continue to strike several provinces across the country as the weather bureau warns that more thunderstorms are to be expected during the next few days.

The Meteorological Department said that a high pressure cell covering the eastern part of Thailand is subsiding but isolated downpours and strong winds can be expected in the North, Northeast and East.

Some parts of Bangkok and its vicinities are set to see thunderstorms, despite reports of average temperature reaching 39 degrees in many areas.

Meanwhile, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation announced that over 400 households in the northeastern province of Nong Bua Lamphu have been damaged by the recent bout of tropical storms. Si Bun Rueang district is reportedly the hardest hit area.

In Si Sa Ket, storms struck a total of 154 houses in Rasi Salai district, where roofs and walls were blown off and trees uprooted.


-- NNT 2013-04-02

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RT @ChadapornLin: Bangkok: Burst pipe on Soi Chan 46 will cause disruption to water service on Charoenkrung and Chan roads from 10pm-5am

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Boy Driving Pickup Truck Rams Lady Motorbiker

PATTAYA:--A 14-year-old boy driving a pickup truck in Mabprachan lost control on a curve and collided with an oncoming motorbike driven by a Thai woman. The injured victim was rushed unconscious to the hospital. The boy faces several charges, including driving without a license.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/630333-14-year-old-boy-driving-pickup-truck-rams-lady-motorbiker/

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Phuket police practice mob control
Tanyaluk Sakoot

PHUKET: -- Around 250 police officers took part in riot control practice yesterday and today (April 1 and 2) on the parade ground behind the Phuket City Police Station, as part of a national drive to sharpen up crowd control abilities.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/630360-phuket-police-practice-mob-control/

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Soldier seized in suspected revenge raid in South
The Nation

NARATHIWAT: -- Eight armed men, wearing military-style clothing, abducted a soldier from his home in Narathiwat's Reu Soh district, the soldier's wife told police Tuesday.

She said her husband had taken part in a base-protection operation on February 13, in which 16 suspected insurgents were ambushed and killed.

Dareesoh Sorpee, 22, accompanied by her husband's parents, told Reu Soh police that Private Maela Tohlu, 24, who had served at the army base in Ba Cho district that was raided by the insurgents on February 13, was visiting his home on vacation.

On Monday night, when Dareesoh went out to buy food, leaving Maela and her younger brother Yakariya, 20 at home, eight men on a pickup truck raided the house and abducted Maela at gunpoint, but left her brother unharmed.


-- The Nation 2013-04-02

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FUGITIVE
Indonesian murder suspected arrested in Bangkok
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Immigration police have arrested an Indonesian fugitive wanted in his country for allegedly killing the son of an Indonesian millionaire last year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/630363-indonesian-murder-suspected-arrested-in-bangkok/

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to continue:

Thailand Live Wednesday 3 Apr 2013

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/630445-thailand-live-wednesday-3-apr-2013/