Thailand Live Friday 26 Apr 2013

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Newly-appointed Chinese Foreign Minister to officially visit Thailand on April 30

BANGKOK, 26 April 2013 (NNT) – The newly-appointed Foreign Minister of China is scheduled to make his first official visit to Thailand at the end of this month.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said that he has, on Thursday, handed to Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Guan Mu an official letter of invitation for Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The newly-appointed Chinese Foreign Minister will officially visit the country on April 30.

Mr. Surapong stated that, during his visit, Mr. Wang will hold a meeting with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to discuss the strategic partnership of Thailand and China, which is noted as a positive sign for both Thailand and ASEAN.

The Thai DPM added that he also raised with Ambassador Guan Thailand’s wish to have Lin Bing panda stayed longer in Thailand while extending an invitation to the Chinese leader to the 2nd Asia-Pacific Water Summit during May 14-20.


-- NNT 2013-04-26

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Thai censors drop ban on border row film

Full story:

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POLITICS
Democrats to try US-style 'caucus' system in Ayutthaya
Prapasri Osathanon
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- In a pilot project, the Democrat Party will allow ordinary members in Ayutthaya to nominate a short list of election candidates for the next general election, deputy party leader Alongkorn Pollabutr said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635357-thai-democrats-to-try-u-s-style-caucus-system-in-ayutthaya/

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BOMB DETECTOR SCAM
Authorities not to press charges
PIYANUCH THAMNUKASETCHAI PANYA TIEWSANGWAN
THE NATION



Inaction 'could be construed as failure to protect national interest'

BANGKOK: -- The Royal Thai Police, the Navy and the Air Force will not be pressing charges against suppliers of the fake GT200 and Alpha 6 bomb detectors, a source from the Department of Special Investigation said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635359-bomb-detector-scam-thai-authorities-not-to-press-charges/

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COURT
Charter judges told to review their role
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Professor Ukrit Mongkolnavin, chairman of the Independent National Rule of Law Commission, yesterday urged the Constitutional Court judges to review their role in order to avoid a political crisis and also called on the red shirts to not opt for violence in their campaign to remove the court's judges.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635360-thai-charter-judges-told-to-review-their-role/

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Government pawnshops at risk of loss from pawned gold

BANGKOK, 26 April 2013 (NNT) – Gold prices remain volatile over the past week, with the continuing downward price trend resulting in such large demand from the public that gold jewelry makers have almost been unable to produce ornamental gold in time.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635361-thai-government-pawnshops-at-risk-of-loss-from-pawned-gold/

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BURNING ISSUE
Videos confirm long-standing rumours of conscript abuse
Supon Thanukid
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- "Become a soldier and you will get more than you expect" is the slogan the armed forces often use ahead of the annual draft at this time of year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635362-thai-videos-confirm-long-standing-rumours-of-conscript-abuse/

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Many private hospitals charging emergency patients
PONGPHON SARNSAMAK
THE NATION



Public Health Ministry to set up pre-authorisation centre

BANGKOK: -- Public Health Minister Pradit Sinthawanarong announced yesterday that his ministry would be setting up a pre-authorisation process for emergency treatment in a bid to resolve a rising problem of reimbursement for private hospitals across the nation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635363-many-private-hospitals-in-thailand-charging-emergency-patients/

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My job is done: Royol
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- Hydro and Agro Informatics Institute director Royol Chitradon believed he had completed his mission when he decided to leave the Water and Flood Management Commission (WFMC) and handed his resignation to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on April 17.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635365-royol-leaves-thai-water-and-flood-management-commission/

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Actress 'Joy' sued over 2008 PAD airport seizures
Kesinee Taengkhiao,
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court yesterday accepted a suit filed against former actress Sirilak Pongchok, or "Joy", over her alleged involvement in the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) sieges of Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports in November and December 2008.

Public prosecutors filed an indictment at the Criminal Court against Sirilak accusing her of unlawful assembly with a group of more than 10 people with intent to cause disorder, and of violating the emergency decree.

The court accepted the suit and scheduled a hearing on Monday for Sirilak to give her testimony along with PAD leaders Chamlong Srimuang, Sonthi Limthongkul and 93 others indicted earlier.

Petchaburi Senator Sumol Suthawiriyawat used her position to post Sirilak's bail.

Meanwhile, the first group of PAD members charged in the same case - including Samran Rodpet, Somsak Kosaisuk, Anchalee Paireerak, Pechet Pattanachot, Somboon Thongburan, Suchart Srisang and Kittichai Saisa-ard - each posted Bt600,000 bail, provided by the Fund of Justice. Only former PAD leader Somsak Kosaisuk used his own assets, worth Bt1 million, to post bail.


-- The Nation 2013-04-26

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Slick Safecracker Steals German’s Cash Stash



Criminals stole 80,000 baht cash from the safe of a German building destruction contractor. Police suspect that the thief was either an insider or a safe opening expert, because the theft was committed without any signs of forced entry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635366-pattaya-slick-safecracker-steals-germans-cash-stash/

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1 Million Baht daylight burglary at South Pattaya Taxi Rental Company



PATTAYA: -- On Thursday afternoon a daylight burglary occurred on the 2nd floor of a commercial building as the owners wife and cousin unknowingly worked in a shop on the ground floor.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635368-1-million-baht-daylight-burglary-at-south-pattaya-taxi-rental-company/

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Phuket airport boat pier details revealed
Naraporn Tuarob


Phuripat Theerakulpisut: No negative effects at all.

PHUKET: -- The Phuket Marine Office today revealed details of its plans to build an L-shaped pier at Phuket International Airport to provide passenger transport by sea to Patong.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635369-phuket-airport-boat-pier-details-revealed/

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Illegal taxi drivers ramp up protest at Phuket Airport
Phuket Gazette


Drivers from the Mook Andaman taxi cooperative are waiting impatiently this morning for word from the AOT about their pending rights to pick up passengers at the airport. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- Taxi drivers from the Mook Andaman taxi cooperative have stepped up their protest at Phuket International Airport, demanding to be granted the right to pick up passengers there immediately.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/634950-former-illegal-taxi-drivers-pressure-a-o-t-chief-over-phuket-airport-counter/#entry6339549

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DSI turns to Facebook to catch illegal foreigners in Phuket
Phuket Gazette


DSI Deputy Director-general Yanapol Yungyuen is considering using Facebook to catch foreigners working illegally in Thailand. Photo: Saran Mitrarat

PHUKET: -- The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is considering launching a Facebook page so that people can report foreigners working illegally in Thailand by uploading photos directly onto the Internet.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635380-d-s-i-turns-to-facebook-to-catch-illegal-foreigners-in-phuket/

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Transport Ministry rejects Thai Airways’ budget airline plan
By English News



BANGKOK, April 26 – The Transport Ministry has turned down a proposal by Thai Airways International (THAI), Thailand’s flag carrier, to set up a subsidiary to operate a budget airline.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635381-transport-ministry-rejects-thai-airways-budget-airline-plan/

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Thai stock index opens on Friday at 1,582.10, up 7.85 points /MCOT

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Thailand’s house speaker pays official visit to China

BANGKOK, 26 April 2013 (NNT) – Thailand’s House of Representatives Speaker has paid an official visit to China to boost cooperation between the two countries.

Thai Lower House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont and his entourage have traveled to Beijing, China to pay an official visit to China from 20-28 April.

On this occasion, he has paid respect to Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang at the government house and discussed issues to strengthen bilateral relationship and enhance prosperity of the two nations as well as Asian countries'. He has also conveyed his condolences over the earthquake in China's Sichuan province and praised the swift rescue efforts and operations.

The Lower House Speaker has also met with Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and exchanged views over politics, economy, and social and cultures.

The discussion has highlighted on how important Thailand is as a gateway to ASEAN and how bilateral relations between Thailand and China should concretely transform to create sustainable prosperity in both nations and better serve ASEAN.


-- NNT 2013-04-26

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Thai export growth likely lower than 5% next month
By English News



BANGKOK, April 26 – The surging Thai baht may force the Commerce Ministry to revise next month’s export target, according to Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom.

He said overseas purchase orders have dwindled, particularly for agricultural, electronics and textile products.

He said the ministry is awaiting the latest update from the International Trade Promotion Department but predicted an adjustment of export target to below five per cent.

Representatives of the Federation of Thai Industries and Thai Chamber of Commerce will call on the commerce minister today to seek the government’s assistance for exporters.

Mr Boonsong said the appreciation of Thai baht by over six per cent since early this year has deterred foreign importers from buying Thai goods.

The situation will be clearer in Q2 but the Commerce Ministry’s original target for export growth at 8-9 per cent, or a total value of US$240-250 billion, may not be achievable, he said.

As the baht has appreciated from Bt30 against the dollar to Bt28 against the dollar, the value of Thai exports has diminished by over Bt500 billion, he said, warning that the situation will worsen if the baht becomes stronger. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-04-26

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Green light for overseas investment in Thailand at value Bt5 billion
By English News



BANGKOK, April 26 – Twenty-nine foreign business operators were granted permission to invest in Thailand with a combined capital investment of Bt5 billion (US$175 million) and hiring 662 Thai workers, a Commerce Ministry official said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635413-green-light-for-overseas-investment-in-thailand-at-value-bt5-billion/

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Supreme Court accepts consideration of case against ex-foreign minister Noppadon Pattama for endorsing joint communique with Cambodia without Parliament's approval /MCOT

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PM to personally supervise violence eradication in the deep South

PATTANI, 26 April 2013 (NNT) - Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-Ocha stated Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra would be personally directing the Southern Border Provinces Administration Center (SBPAC), the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), and other security agencies related to the handling of southern violence.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635435-pm-to-personally-supervise-violence-eradication-in-the-deep-south/

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PM instructs Plodprasop to monitor suspected white elephant on the spot

BANGKOK, 26 April 2013 (NNT) - Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasob Suraswadi has been instructed by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to visit Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi Province, following reported sightings of a white elephant in the area.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635442-yingluck-instructs-plodprasop-to-monitor-suspected-white-elephant-on-the-spot/

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Abandoned: Exploring urban decay at the Sathorn Unique
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Coconuts TV takes you to the abandoned 49-story Sathorn Unique tower overlooking the Chao Phraya River.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635440-abandoned-exploring-urban-decay-at-the-sathorn-unique/

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PHOTOS OF LIFE
Celebrating 180 Years of Thai-US friendship



Photo : Benya Hegenbarth

BANGKOK: -- The US Embassy in Bangkok is inviting professional and amateur photographers to submit "photographs of life" to mark the 180th anniversary of Thai-US friendship.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635443-u-s-embassy-bangkok-is-inviting-photographers-to-submit-photographs-of-life/

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Village Chief targeted in East Pattaya shooting

PATTAYA:--The Chief of Village Number 3 in the Pong area of East Pattaya was lucky to escape with a minor flesh wound after he was chased by a man with a machine gun on Thursday Night. His 11 year old son and 45 year old cousin were not so lucky and sustained serious gun shot wounds.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635447-village-chief-targeted-in-pattaya-machine-gun-attack/

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Iranian suspect tells Thai court 'stunned' to find bombs

BANGKOK, April 26, 2013 (AFP) - An Iranian man whose legs were blown off during an alleged botched bomb plot last year against Israeli diplomats in Bangkok said Friday he found the explosives and was trying to dispose of them safely when they detonated.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635451-iranian-suspect-tells-thai-court-stunned-to-find-bombs/

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Pattaya Cops Nab Gang Of Thieving Teen Truants

Police arrested a gang of 7 teenagers, 5 male and 2 female, who skipped school to steal motorbikes and snatch tourists’ properties around Pattaya. The delinquents, between ages 13-17, stayed in rented rooms and consumed drugs with their money, and didn’t listen to parents.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635452-pattaya-cops-nab-gang-of-thieving-teen-truants/

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Authorities cordon off, search target site in Yala's Bannang Sata district; three insurgents killed in clash, many arms seized /MCOT

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960,000 pills of methamphetamine seized in Chiang Rai

BANGKOK, 26 April 2013 (NNT) – Nearly 1 million pills of methamphetamine were seized in Chiang Rai in an extended suppression drive on April 23 and 24, preventing the pills from being smuggled in to Chiang Mai Province.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung said at a press conference that the police confiscated altogether 960,000 methamphetamine pills after receiving an intelligence report saying smugglers were on their way to Mae Chan District, Chiang Rai Province. The police then set up a check point and found a suspected truck which stopped 100 meters away from the check point on the night of April 23.

Upon the police approach, 10 people got out of the truck, trying to get away with bags in their hands. The police chased after them, and managed to stop one suspect together with a bag containing 120,000 pills of methamphetamine. However, in a thorough combing of the area surrounding the scene the next morning, the police found seven other bags covered by grass and leaves believed to be hidden by the rest of the suspects on the run.

After an interrogation, the arrested smuggler confessed that a total of 12 bags were being smuggled in with destination in Mae Ai District in Chiang Mai.


-- NNT 2013-04-26