Thailand Live Monday 29 Apr 2013

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5 dead in Ayutthaya bridge collapse
The Nation



AYUTTHAYA: -- A suspension bridge over Pa Sak River in Ayutthaya collapsed yesterday evening, crushing five people to death underneath a pillar on one side, while wounding 15 others.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635909-5-dead-in-ayutthaya-bridge-collapse/

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Royal Irrigation Dept confirms sufficient water behind dams & reservoirs

BANGKOK, 29 April 2013 (NNT) – The Royal Irrigation Department has come out to assure Thailand that there will be sufficient supply of water behind all major dams and reservoirs for this year’s farming season.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635911-thai-irrigation-dept-confirms-sufficient-water-behind-dams-and-reservoirs/

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MEDICAL PRACTICE
Treat patients 'as you would your relatives'
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation

Council official offers advice to new medical graduates

BANGKOK: -- Stepping into the career world is a daunting prospect for most new graduates, but those from medical schools face an especially tough time. Once at hospitals, fresh graduates take charge of not just the health but also the lives of their patients.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635914-advice-to-new-thai-medical-graduates-treat-patients-as-you-would-your-relatives/

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Pheu Thai spokesman denies rift over Constitutional Court boycott
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit yesterday denied that 20 party MPs are planning not to join the party's boycott of the Constitutional Court's hearings into the charter-amendment bills.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635915-pheu-thai-spokesman-denies-rift-over-constitutional-court-boycott/

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Lower rate won't stem capital flow: BOT
Saran Kitvasin
Weerasak Pongaksorn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Bank of Thailand is expected to convince its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in their meeting on monthly economic data tomorrow that the reduction of the policy rate would not help much in stemming the massive capital inflow. The key factor drawing the inflow is foreign investors'confidence in the Thai economy, according to a central bank source.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635916-lower-rate-wont-stem-capital-flow-bank-of-thailand/

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UPDATE
NSC rebuts BRN demands
Pakorn Puengnetr
Don pathan
The Nation

Paradorn rules out Malaysia as mediator; says no to OIC role

BANGKOK: -- National Security Council secretary general, Lt Gen Paradorn Pattanatabut, went into a damage-control mode yesterday after Hasan Taib, the self-proclaimed "liaison" officer of the Barisan Revolusi Nasional-Coordinate (BRN-C) made public a list of demands that could derail the recently started talks on peace in the far South.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635799-peace-talks-with-b-r-n-thrown-into-limbo/?p=6348111#entry6348111

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EDITORIAL
Situation within Democrat Party far from normal
The Nation

While many say Thailand's oldest party needs to reform, few know how

BANGKOK: -- A question as tough as the one asking how Thailand can solve its political crisis has to do with the Democrat Party's future. How should the country's oldest political party reform itself? This is an issue that is easy to raise - with Alongkorn Polabutra being the latest critical voice - but extremely difficult to tackle. If we look at some academics' thoughts on the Democrats and at the party's arch-enemies, we will know why.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635917-situation-within-democrat-party-far-from-normal/

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ICJ hearing top news story: Poll
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The World Court's hearing into the dispute between Thailand and Cambodia over a parcel of land next to Preah Vihear Temple has captured the most attention of the public, according to a countrywide Suan Dusit Poll.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635918-i-c-j-hearing-into-the-dispute-between-thailand-and-cambodia-top-news-story-poll/

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Scrap flood plan, academics tell govt
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A group of academics and NGOs yesterday called for the government to scrap its national strategy for water and flood management, saying it would drain the state budget, wash out local people's lives and open the valves to massive corruption.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635920-scrap-flood-plan-academics-tell-thai-govt/

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Cop caught on video being chased is identified
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A junior policeman at Din Daeng station in Bangkok faces an inquiry after he was identified as the man on the run in the "Criminal policeman" clip that has gone viral on social media networks.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635923-bangkok-cop-caught-on-video-being-chased-is-identified/

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ANALYSIS
Spike in violence raises questions on peace talks
Pakorn Puengnetr
The Nation

Insurgents targeting senior officials to avenge ambush, source reveals

BANGKOK: -- The frequent targeted killings of high-ranking officials while a peace dialogue is underway with representatives of the insurgents has raised questions whether the effort is worthwhile as the list of casualties gets longer.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635924-spike-in-violence-raises-questions-on-peace-talks-thai-analysis/

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Phuket-Bangkok bus in crash - two dead
Nattha Thepbamrung


Credit: PhuketAndamanNews

PHANG NGA: -- A severe car crash involving a bus from Phuket bound for Bangkok and a car occured at the Bang Wah curve in Phang Nga Saturday and resulted in two deaths and more than 40 serious injuries.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635925-two-dead-in-phuket-bangkok-bus-crash/

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Thai 'Yellow Shirts' face court over airport rallies

BANGKOK, April 29, 2013 (AFP) - Dozens of Thai royalist activists will appear in court Monday to deny charges relating to 2008 rallies that paralysed Bangkok's main airports stranding thousands of tourists, their lawyer said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635926-thai-yellow-shirts-face-court-over-airport-rallies/

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Mongolia ties get boost
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Thailand and Mongolia will forge their cooperative links in preparation to commemorating the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said yesterday.

The two countries have signed a pact to set up a mechanism for bilateral cooperation in science and technology as well as tourism, she said.

During a panel meeting with her Mongolian counterpart, Norovyn Altankhuyag, Yingluck said both sides emphasised the importance of promoting and protecting investment as well as trade and economic cooperation as the basis of relations between the two countries.

Two-way trade between Thailand and Mongolia is still slim - worth only $ 14 million last year - and therefore the two countries agreed to expand cooperation on trade and investment in various sectors including mining, agriculture and livestock and automobiles, she said.

The Thai government has encouraged and supported its private sector to explore and seek opportunities for investment in Mongolia in fields such as mining, tourism, agriculture, public health and energy, she said. Members of the private sector also accompanied the Prime Minister's trip to Mongolia during the weekend.

In order to open a new chapter in their relations, Yingluck said the two governments agreed to exchange high level visits, notably during the occasion of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year. She also invited the Mongolian prime minister to visit Thailand in the near future.

Apart from the bilateral visit, Yingluck attended a meeting of the diplomatic community hosted by Mongolia.


-- The Nation 2013-04-29

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Royal Household Bureau: HM the King has symptoms of pneumonia; intravenous medication administered, fever eased, condition gradually improving /MCOT

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Thailand Supports “ASEAN Business Travel Card”

BANGKOK: -- Thailand has expressed its support for the development of an ASEAN Business Travel Card to ease the movement of ASEAN business people and investors.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635939-thailand-supports-asean-business-travel-card/

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RHB'S STATEMENT
Monarch treated for slight infection
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- His Majesty the King was treated for a high fever, irregular heartbeat and a slight cough early Sunday morning. At about 1am, his blood pressure dropped a little, the Royal Household Bureau reported in a statement released Monday.

Doctors at Siriraj Hospital examined him and found unusual sounds in his lung and abdomen. A chest X-ray revealed a slight infection in the lower lungs but nothing abnormal in the abdomen. A blood test revealed some infection.

The doctors gave His Majesty medications through a saline drip. A follow up examination on Sunday afternoon showed the fever had fallen, his breathing had returned to normal and his general condition improved.

-- The Nation 2013-04-29

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,589.59, up 6.66 points /MCOT

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UPDATE

Muslim militant group announces 5-point demands on eve of today’s peace talks
By English News



BANGKOK, April 29 – The Thai government is ready to discuss the latest Muslim demands made using a video message by southern insurgents who called for, among other demands, the unconditional release of insurgent suspects, a senior security official said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635799-peace-talks-with-b-r-n-thrown-into-limbo/?p=6348683#entry6348683

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Murder Suspects Fall Short In Escape Attempt

PATTAYA: -- Two Cambodians fleeing from police tried to jump from a 3rd floor balcony to the adjacent building, but fell to the ground and were severely injured. The suspects were in a gang that killed a Thai man during a minor dispute.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635940-murder-suspects-fall-short-in-escape-attempt/

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Central Pattaya Fairground raid by Pattaya Police

PATTAYA:--In the early hours of Monday Pattaya Police were called to a fairground located on the site of the old Xzyte Discotheque on Pattaya Third Road to investigate claims that illegal gambling was taking place and that excessive noise was coming from the site which prevented residents from sleeping.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635961-central-pattaya-fairground-raid-by-pattaya-police/

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Commerce Ministry gears up to expand trade network in EU

BANGKOK, 29 April 2013 (NNT) – The Ministry of Commerce is organizing "Thailand Festival 2013" in Italy to expand the country's trade channel in Europe and promote the potential of Thai cuisine.

Department of International Trade Promotion Director-General Srirat Rattapana Mrs. Srirat Rattapana has revealed that the department is accelerating an expansion of trading channel with the European Union (EU) via the Thai community in Italy.

The Department is holding a trade festival in Italy, expecting it to promote the import of Thai ingredients for authentic Thai food and development of skilled labors potential for the Thai entrepreneurs in Italy.

Entitled "The Thai Trade Festival 2013", the event, which will be organized with the cooperation of the Thai Trade Promotion Office in Milan, local networks, and the Thai private sectors in Italy, is aimed at promoting various Thai products ranging from Thai cuisine, handicrafts, gifts, home decoration and furniture, jewelry, to tourism.

Thailand Festival 2013 is crucial for Thailand’s readiness to participate in the 2015 Universal Exposition (Expo 2015), which will be held in Milan, Italy; according to the Director-General.


-- NNT 2013-04-29

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Chinese official suspended after being photographed with ladyboys in Thailand
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: Gaungzhou Daily

BANGKOK: -- The South China Morning Post is reporting that a Chinese official from Guangdong province has been suspended, after photos of him partying with ladyboys in Thailand surfaced online.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/635976-chinese-official-suspended-after-being-photographed-with-ladyboys-in-thailand/

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Informal workers encouraged to join social security system

BANGKOK, 29 April 2013 (NNT) –Informal workers have been encouraged to join the social security system for their own benefits.

According to Labor Minister Phadermchai Sasomsab, Thais nationwide will mark the annual celebration of the National Labor Day this coming May 1 with various activities, which will be collaboratively organized by the Labor Ministry and relevant agencies.

He added that the Ministry has earmarked 6 million baht worth of budget for the Labor Day celebration, of which 4 million will be allocated to holding events in Bangkok; the rest will go towards holding activities in other regions.

In Bangkok, the public can take part in the alms offerings to Buddhist monks at the Royal Plaza in the morning and other activities at Sanam Luang in the afternoon.

The Labor Ministry will on Labor Day encourage informal workers to join the nation's social security system in line with the Social Security Act section 40 for the sake of their benefits.

On this occasion, the Prime minister has urged workers to exercise their fundamental labor rights under the laws and refrain from violating others’ rights such as blocking roads in order to protest or to air their grievances.


-- NNT 2013-04-29

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Ship Caught Smuggling Logs Worth 10 Million THB

A Navy ship intercepted a Cambodian fishing boat in Rayong bay and seized nearly 300 cut Siamese rosewood logs worth 10 million THB. The ship’s pilot said he was hired to deliver the logs to a location in Vietnam, and did not know anything else.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/636009-ship-caught-smuggling-logs-worth-10-million-thb/

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BTS fare hike on June 1
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- BTS fares will be raised to Bt15-42, effectively on June 1.

The current fares of the Mo Chit-On Nuj and National Stadium-Taksin Bridge are Bt15-Bt40. Service fees for the extended routes are determined by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

BTS Group Holdings Chairman and CEO Keeree Kanjanapas said earlier that the fare hike, the first in eight years, is to cope with higher operating cost. Under the concession, the maximum fare can be raised upto Bt56.


-- The Nation 2013-04-29

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Baht strengthens after no measures applied to curb currency rise
By Digital Media

BANGKOK, April 29 - Thai baht risen early today after no clear measures being taken to rein in the currency following Friday's meeting between the Finance Ministry, the Bank of Thailand (BoT) and related agencies.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/636037-baht-strengthens-after-no-measures-applied-to-curb-currency-rise/

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: Tickets go on sale Wednesday for the Barcelona match (7 August) & on Saturday for the Liverpool match (28 July) at ThaiTicketMajor #Bangkok

[Lite Beer]

Education Min campaigning against alcohol in schools

BANGKOK, 29 April 2013 (NNT) – The Education Ministry has joined hands with the Thai Health Promotion Foundation in launching a campaign against alcohol consumption in schools, while expressing concerns over the rising number of new drinkers each year.

The Education Ministry has ordered all schools nationwide to promptly monitor alcohol drinking on campuses, saying the campaign has not been very successful as the number of new drinkers rises every year. Thailand sees approximately 250,000 new drinkers each year, most whom are youngsters. Therefore, the ministry will, from now on, strictly enforce ban on alcohol among the youngsters.

The ministry has also urged all schools to be on the lookout for other vice including cigarettes, gambling, and drugs, as well as violence.

-- NNT 2013-04-29

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Plodprasop to tackle coastal erosion problem

BANGKOK, 29 April 2013 (NNT) – Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi has turned his focus on tackling the problem of coastal erosion in Samut Prakan Province.

Chairing a seminar on erosion problems in the coast of Phra Samut Chedi District, Samut Prakan Province, Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Plodprasop Suraswadis has revealed that the coastal erosion in Samut Prakan, which has, for a number of years, been affecting residents living in the area is caused by 2 factors: the rising temperature of the earth, and the rising level of sea water. Mr Plodprasop said the government is placing an emphasis on the problem and now trying to prevent the situation from worsening.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning said residents and officials have agreed to build barriers 3.6 kilometers long along the coast at the cost of 600 million baht. The project is expected to be completed in 2 years'time. However, the effects of the barriers on the environment will have to be assessed before it can be constructed.

-- NNT 2013-04-29