Thailand Live Tuesday 23 Apr 2013

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People advised to refrain from touching birds, whether dead or alive

BANGKOK, 23 April 2013 (NNT) – The Ministry of Public Health is advising the public to refrain from touching all kinds of birds, whether dead or alive, as there is a possibility the H7N9 bird flu strain may spread to Thailand.

Public Health Minister Pradit Sintawanarong has indicated that no cases of H7N9 avian influenza have been detected in Thailand so far, whether in birds or in humans. According to him, the animals found infected in China did not display symptoms and there has yet to be clear evidence of human-to- human transmission.

However, people are urged to take caution against all types of birds, as the strain of bird flu is suspected to have spread from them, as there is possibility for the H7N9 to reach Thailand. The minister,therefore, asks for public cooperation in avoiding contact with all birds regardless of whether they are dead or alive. If necessary, people are advised to put on gloves before touching them .

The health minister has told public health offices to monitor people returning from abroad and any birds that die in their areas.

Members of the public are also encouraged to quickly report any abnormal avian deaths to the local Livestock office or public health officials.


-- NNT 2013-04-23

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FOREIGN EXCHANGE
More calls for action on Baht
Business Reporters
The Nation



Bank of Thailand's former chairman says BOT should buy more dollars

BANGKOK: -- The Bank of Thailand is widely expected to take action soon to rein appreciation of the baht as its "excessive" gain is having a widespread negative impact on the export sector as well as the government's tax revenue.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634614-foreign-exchange-more-calls-for-action-on-thai-baht/

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BMA prompted against threats of possible attacks & natural disasters

BANGKOK, 23 April 2013 (NNT) – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is prompting itself to prepare the capital against possible violent attacks and natural disasters.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634615-bangkok-administration-prompted-against-threats-of-possible-attacks-natural-disasters/

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DPM Chalerm urges Deep South authorities to try to restore peace

BANGKOK, 23 April 2013 (NNT) – The deputy prime minister in charge of security has urged all authorities in 5 southern border provinces to work harder in restoring peace in the violence-torn region.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634616-chalerm-urges-deep-south-authorities-to-try-to-restore-peace/

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UPDATE
Korkaew's bail rejected 'as he didn't regret behaviour'
Kesinee Taengkhiao
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai MP and red-shirt leader Korkaew Pikulthong's threats to Constitutional Court judges continue to haunt him and have resulted in him being sent back to jail.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634438-thai-government-party-m-p-korkaew-back-in-jail-as-immunity-expires/?p=6329029#entry6329029

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SOUTH CRISIS
Four bomb-disposal officers killed in South, six others wounded in gas-cylinder blast
The Nation



NARATHIWAT: -- Four Navy explosive ordnance disposal technicians were instantly killed and six wounded in Narathiwat yesterday when a "trick" homemade gas cylinder bomb exploded during dismantling even though it had been defused.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634617-four-bomb-disposal-officers-killed-in-thai-south-six-others-wounded/

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WORLD COURT
PM thanks ICJ legal team
The Nation


Miron

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday voiced her gratitude to the legal team for their job in defending Thailand's position and argument in the Preah Vihear case in front of the world court.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634621-yingluck-shinawatra-thanks-i-c-j-legal-team-for-their-job-in-defending-thailands-position/

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HEALTH
Vegies and chilli paste - key to a long life
Prasit Tangprasert
The Nation



NAKHON RATCHASIMA: -- Vegetables and chilli paste help people enjoy a long healthy life, according to two grandmothers in Nakhon Ratchasima aged over 100 years.

The two women both live in Tambon Banmai, Muang district, Nakhon Ratchasima.

Despite deteriorating eyesight, grandma Nim Roonmai, 105, is still healthy enough to move around.

The other, grandma Fak Krathinmai is 103 years old. Her eyesight is good for her age, but the mobility is limited.

Maintaining good mental health, both said that they regularly eat vegetables with chilli paste.

The mayor of Tambon Banmai, Samruay Chunkoh, said dozens of elderly men and women aged over 90 reside in the area. All have lived a traditional rural life, eating boiled vegetables and chilly paste, she said.

The tambon administrative body dispatches officers to check on senior citizens on a monthly basis. It is also prepared to host a weekly senior citizens meeting.


-- The Nation 2013-04-23

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EDITORIAL
The public must focus on reality, not nationalism
The Nation


A general view of the trial between Cambodia and Thailand over the Preah Vihear Temple, in the renovated hall of the Peace Palace, at the International Court of Justice in the Hague, the Netherlands, on April 15.

BANGKOK: -- Whatever the international court decision on the disputed Preah Vihear Temple, Thailand's good relationship with Cambodia is of paramount importance

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634622-the-public-must-focus-on-reality-not-nationalism-thai-editorial/

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STREETWISE
What makes a hero?
Achara Deboonme



BANGKOK: -- Asked this question, Marvel Comics fans might say bravery. Transforming from an ordinary man, Spider Man does not fear bad guys, having his sticky web and fast speed to support himself. Forget about Thor, who is god-like, but we also love Captain America and other superheroes because of the same reason.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634623-what-makes-a-hero-thai-opinion/

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Fewer votes 'not a sign of party weakness'
The Nation


Kingkarn na Chiang Mai at the nomination ceremony. Photo by MCOT.net.

CHIANG MAI: -- Pheu Thai's support among Chiang Mai residents has not dwindled even though its by-election candidate, Yaowapa Wongsawat, won fewer votes than the party did in the general election, a university lecturer said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634624-fewer-chiang-mai-votes-not-a-sign-of-pheu-thai-party-weakness/

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BURNING ISSUE
Budget bills key to all the govt's ambitions
Kornchanok Raksaseri

BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai Party continues to defy the Constitutional Court, signifying it will go full force in pushing constitutional amendments, causing many to fear political chaos might break out again. However, during this period of House recession, the government should, and is likely to, pay attention to financial issues.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634626-thai-budget-bills-key-to-all-the-govts-ambitions/

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Large haul in three drug busts
Kwanhathai Malakan
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung yesterday announced that 484,000 yaba tablets and 43 kilograms of crystal meth or "ice" worth Bt200 million on the street had been seized in three separate drug busts.

Immigration Police arrested suspects Thieng Yudee, 53, and Chonlada Waiyo, 28, along with 64,000 yaba tablets and 30kg of "ice", hidden inside a pick-up truck, at a Phaholyothin Highway checkpoint in Nakhon Sawan's Tha Ngew district on Sunday. While Thieng confessed to transporting drugs from Chiang Rai to Pathum Thani in exchange for Bt1.6 million and that this was the third time he had done this, Chonlada claimed she had nothing to do with it.

Following a tip-off on Sunday, Drug Suppression Police arrested four Hmong suspects along with 400,000 yaba tablets and 13kg of "ice" in Chiang Mai's Mae Ai district. In a third case, police arrested a Karen man aged 46, in a sting operation to buy 10,000 yaba tablets at Bangkok's Khlong Toei district and retrieved another 10,000 tablets from his rented room and arrested his 16-year-old alleged accomplice.


-- The Nation 2013-04-23

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Ex adviser to PM says water projects violate UN charter
Jeerapong Prasertpolkrung
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- A former adviser to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has called on the United Nations to intervene in the Thai government's Bt350-billion water-management projects on grounds that the dams project may violate the UN Convention against Corruption.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634627-ex-adviser-to-p-m-yingluck-says-water-projects-violate-u-n-charter/

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UPDATE
Tourists badly hurt in speedboat collision off Koh Lan
Thanasap Noisaard
The Nation



PATTAYA: -- The alleged driver of a speedboat involved in a crash off Pattaya on Sunday that seriously injured many South Korean tourists has contacted police to arrange for his surrender.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634259-18-korean-tourists-injured-in-speed-boat-accident-in-pattaya/?p=6329100#entry6329100

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Announce stance on terror funding, AMLO chief says
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Anti-Money Laundering Office will ask the Justice minister to endorse a list of 291 people and firms classified as international terrorists or terror groups by the UN Security Council, the AMLO chief said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634628-announce-stance-on-terror-funding-thai-anti-money-laundering-office-chief-says/

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Eight more Phuket bikes torched
Naraporn Tuarob

PHUKET: Eight motorcycles were incinerated early yesterday (April 22) next to the Irawadee Ket Ho condominium in Kathu. This brings to 20 the number of motorcycles burned in a continuing spate of arson attacks.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634631-eight-more-phuket-bikes-torched/

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Teen masseuse falls from fourth floor after argument with boyfriend
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- A 17-year-old masseuse is in a coma after falling from the fourth floor of a building following an argument with her boyfriend.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634632-phuket-teen-masseuse-falls-from-fourth-floor-after-argument-with-boyfriend/

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30 Chinese Tourists suffer food poisoning after lunch at Larn Island Restaurant



PATTAYA: -- Public Health Officials are conducting an urgent investigation into an incident of suspected mass food poisoning which forced a group of 30 Chinese Tourists to cut-short an Island Tour to return to Pattaya and be admitted to Hospital suffering from suspected food poisoning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634633-30-chinese-tourists-suffer-food-poisoning-after-lunch-at-larn-island-restaurant/

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Parents claim 5 year old “scared to death” in Jomtien

PATTAYA: -- The parents of a 5 year old girl claim the mysterious death of their daughter in Jomtien on Monday afternoon may have been caused by a fear of dogs.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634634-parents-claim-5-year-old-scared-to-death-in-jomtien/

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Woodstock icon Richie Havens dies at 72


Richie Havens 1974
File photo, source: Wikipedia.org

JERSEY CITY: -- Richie Havens, the folk singer who opened the legendary 1969 Woodstock rock festival, has died of a heart attack at 72.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634642-woodstock-icon-richie-havens-dies-at-72/

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Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,557.04, down 2.06 points /MCOT

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300 terrorists in Thailand to be named today
By English News



BANGKOK, April 23 – Thailand's justice minister will officially announce the names of 291 international terrorists whose monetary activities with banks and other financial institutions in Thailand will be immediately suspended, a senior official said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634628-announce-stance-on-terror-funding-thai-anti-money-laundering-office-chief-says/#entry6329581

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Safety 'priority' for new tourism minister Somsak


Steep learning curve ahead: Somsak Pureesrisak.

BANGKOK: -- Somsak Pureesrisak, the new Tourism and Sports Minister, says tourist safety will take priority under his watch.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634678-foreign-tourists-safety-priority-for-new-tourism-minister-somsak/

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Coastal zoning follows Sunday’s Pattaya boat collision
By English News



CHON BURI, April 23 – Marine Department officials will enforce zoning for ferry boats, swimmers and water-sports activities in coastal areas of the seaboard town of Pattaya following a speed boat collision here on Sunday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634679-coastal-zoning-follows-sundays-pattaya-boat-collision/

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Polluted water plagues Phuket beach
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- Dirty water emptied into the canal that separates Phuket’s Bang Tao and Layan Beaches has caused a spate of health problems and has even sent unsuspecting people to the hospital for skin rashes and blood infections, local residents claim.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634682-polluted-water-plagues-phuket-beach/

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PM Yingluck orders swift release of Phra Viharn hearings summary to the public

Bangkok, 23 April, (NNT) Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has instructed the Foreign Ministry to swiftly release a summary of the Phra Viharn hearings to the public.

Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul has stated that the instruction came in the wake of yesterday's meeting between the premier and the Thai legal representatives, during which Ms. Yingluck was given a brief report on the hearings. Mr. Surapong said the information would likely be in a form of leaflets with contents presented in bullet points and images.

He also said that the government has already prepared the kingdom's version of the Phra Viharn map that will be shown to the International Court of Justice this Friday. During the meeting, the legal team did not assure the premier of the victory over the suit, but simply expressed their opinion on the case given the ruling would be made by the judges, according to the Foreign Minister.


-- NNT 2013-04-23

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Transport Min: Thailand's logistics system will be ready before AEC formation

BANGKOK, 23 April 2013 (NNT) – The Transport Ministry has affirmed that Thailand’s logistics system will be ready before the realization of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), adding that the country is now 70 percent ready in terms of its transportation system.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634702-thailands-logistics-system-will-be-ready-before-a-e-c-formation-transport-min/

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Police post photos of drunk drivers on Facebook
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Metropolitan police have started to take drunk driving more seriously. Apart from traffic tickets issued at checkpoints, drunk drivers will now likely face public embarrassment, as their photos will be posted on Facebook.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634706-bangkok-metropolitan-police-deputy-chief-post-photos-of-drunk-drivers-on-facebook/

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Death-row Briton in Bali lodges appeal with top court

DENPASAR, Indonesia (AFP) — A British grandmother on death row for trafficking drugs into Bali lodged an appeal with Indonesia's top court, a day after losing a bid to get London to fund her legal fight.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634708-death-row-briton-in-bali-lodges-appeal-with-top-court/