Survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Awarded Nobel Peace Prize for Nuclear Disarmament

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Internal Trade Dept ready to cope with impact of cooking gas price increase in June

BANGKOK, 15 May 2013 (NNT) – The Department of Internal Trade is getting ready to deal with the impact of the planned cooking gas price increase in June.

Director-General of the Internal Trade Department Wiboonlasana Ruamraksa said on Tuesday that the 0.50-baht per kilo increase in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) or cooking gas in June will be implemented and the department has initiated the collaboration with the Energy Ministry to handle the impact from such a price rise.

Ms. Wiboonlasana stated that the planned price increase will not push the cost of each dish of ready-to-eat meal to go up by 0.50 baht as well.

She also warned those, who excessively raise product prices by claiming an impact of the cooking gas price increase, to beware of a possible legal action that may put them behind jail for a maximum period of 7 years or a maximum fine of 140,000 baht or both.

For complaints on unreasonable price rise, the public can call the Internal Trade Department hotline 1569 at any time.


-- NNT 2013-05-15

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Thaksin To Skype With Redshirts Rally On 19 May

BANGKOK: -- Redshirts leadership chairwoman said the exiled Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra will give speeches via Skype to Redshirts protesters during their upcoming rally on 19 May 2013.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639466-thaksin-to-skype-with-redshirts-rally-on-19-may/

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DON MUANG BY-ELECTION
Race shaping as an all-star affair
Attayuth Bootsripoom
The Nation



Former actor Yuranan to be Pheu Thai nominee to run against Democrat Tankhun on June 16

BANGKOK: -- A month from now, Bangkok's Don Muang district will become the battlefield of former movie stars representing the two major parties in a House by-election.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639467-don-mueang-by-election-race-shaping-as-an-all-star-affair/

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UPDATE:
DSI files two more charges against Abhisit, Suthep
Piyanut Tumnukasetchai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) yesterday slapped former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and former deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban with two more charges relating to the 2010 red-shirt crackdowns.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639349-more-murder-charges-against-former-thai-premier-abhisit-deputy-suthep/page-3?p=6401762#entry6401762

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BURNING ISSUE
Sexism is buried deep in our daily language
Pravit Rojanaphruk

BANGKOK: -- The past two weeks have been rather sobering for those who think Thailand has already risen above misogyny. It has not. People of both sides of the political divide have given us clear evidence, which, if looked at "positively", reminds us of the challenges that lie ahead.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639468-sexism-is-buried-deep-in-our-daily-language/

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WATER MANAGEMENT
Summit draws regional leaders, experts on water problems
Anaphat Dechuay,
Janjira Pongrai,
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Over 2,000 political leaders, high-ranking officials, water experts and engineers from 37 countries in the Asia-Pacific will be in Thailand this week to seek answers to the world's drought, flood and wastewater problems.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639469-asia-pacific-summit-draws-regional-leaders-experts-on-water-problems/

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BORDER TRADE
Boost for checkpoints on Laos border
Piyanart Srivalo
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thailand and Laos will soon forge closer cooperation in promoting trade by upgrading two border checkpoints, adopting the single-stop inspection system and implementing a single visa.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639470-boost-for-checkpoints-on-thailand-laos-border/

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EDITORIAL
Misguided plan could defeat its own object
The Nation

Closing and merging small schools with larger ones may mean a lot of kids are deprived of the right to learn

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639471-school-closure-misguided-plan-could-defeat-its-own-object-thai-editorial/

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War on drugs hitting poor women hard: study
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Thai government's notion of a war on drugs has done little to solve the actual problem and has led instead to a larger number of women being jailed for small-time trafficking and consumption, a researcher who just completed a study on women inmates said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639472-war-on-drugs-hitting-poor-women-hard-thai-study/

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CHULA SEMINAR
Academics question govt's approach to flood prevention
Tanpisit Lerdbamrungchai
The Nation

Lecturer says designs faulty; floodwall project 'threatens' major river

BANGKOK: -- Various stakeholders and prominent academics yesterday called for a review of the government's Bt350billion water-management and flood-prevention modules.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639473-academics-question-thai-govts-approach-to-flood-prevention/

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Democrat reform plan deferred
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Senior Democrats have deferred a reform plan proposed by deputy party leader Alongkorn Ponlaboot, saying more discussion is needed, a source said yesterday.

The party called off a press conference to announce its decision after executive board members met on Monday to discuss the proposal to reform the country's oldest political party put forward by Alongkorn.

Party spokesman Chavanond Intarakomal-yasut said the reason the press conference was postponed was because Alongkorn could not attend - he had a work engagement in Petchaburi province. He said party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva wanted him to be present.

He said Alongkorn joined the meeting on Monday and was not upset about the decision, insisting that there was no rift within the party and executive members were disciplined and did not express disagreement outside the party.


-- The Nation 2013-05-15

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Small schools to be merged rather than closed
Supinda na Mahachai
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- No small schools have been earmarked for closure this year but some will be merged, Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec) secretary-general Chinnapat Bhumirat said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639474-small-thai-schools-to-be-merged-rather-than-closed/

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Free traffic smart-phone app for Bangkok motorists
Patinya Iamtarn,
Tanatpong Kongsai
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Motorists worried about being caught in traffic now that schools have reopened can download the BMA Live Traffic app to check on routes and realtime traffic conditions in the capital.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639475-free-traffic-smart-phone-app-for-bangkok-motorists/

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'Show us the money!'

The Nation

Up to 10,000 officials from three key local administrative bodies gather outside the Education Ministry yesterday to rally for a larger budget allocation.

Local bodies demand Bt57 bn in total funding

BANGKOK: -- Leaders of the three key local administrative bodies have threatened to step up protests if their demands for the government to review the 2014 fiscal budget and provide them with 30 per cent of its income - or at least Bt57 billion - are not met.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639477-local-bodies-demand-bt57-bn-in-total-funding-threaten-to-stage-mass-rally-of-100000-people/

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Nation U launches English camp for students
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The Nation University (Nation U) in Bangkok is hosting an English camp to help students improve their English-language skills - a qualification required of all graduating students.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639478-nation-u-launches-english-camp-for-students/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639478-nation-u-launches-english-camp-for-students/

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Soldiers seize Bt600m drugs cache in Chiang Rai
The Nation



CHIANG RAI: -- A drugs haul of more than 1.6 million yaba (methamphetamine) pills and 43 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine worth over Bt600 million was seized in Chiang Rai early yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639480-soldiers-seize-bt600m-drugs-cache-in-chiang-rai/

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Aussie saved by Phuket's Tourist Assistance Centre
Tanyaluk Sakoot



PHUKET: -- The Tourist Assistance Centre (TAC) at Phuket International Airport showed its value again yesterday when it reunited an Australian tourist and his wallet, after he left it in an airport limousine.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639481-aussie-saved-by-phukets-tourist-assistance-centre/

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Two arrested for Phuket assault, bike burning
Kanana Kaewsomboon

PHUKET: -- Two teenagers, one aged 18 and the other 19, were arrested yesterday morning (May 13) by Karon police for assault and setting fire to a motorbike in what was apparently a random act of senseless violence.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639482-two-arrested-for-phuket-assault-bike-burning/

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World's biggest cruise firm looks to Asia – and Phuket – for expansion


Just arrived in Asia: the Costa Atlantica, which is scheduled to visit Phuket soon. Photo Vladimir Shelyapin

PHUKET: -- Carnival Corp & plc, the world’s largest cruise ship company with more than 100 ships, has signalled a major drive into Asia, with the arrival in the region of one of its largest ships – which will cruise to Phuket – and the opening of a new Carnival Asia unit in Singapore.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639484-worlds-biggest-cruise-firm-looks-to-asia-and-phuket-for-expansion/

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Interview With the Gatekeeper of Khaosarn Road

file photo

BANGKOK: -- Guarding the western entrance to Khaosarn Road - the famous backpacker street of Bangkok - is Chanasongkram Police Station. Although its jurisdiction extends well beyond Khaosarn Road, the iconic street is inevitably main focus of the police force.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639490-interview-with-the-gatekeeper-of-bangkoks-khaosarn-road/

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Australians consider opening consulate on Phuket
Phuket Gazette


Australian Ambassador James Wise (pictured) and Honorary Consul Larry Cunningham discussed the possibility of opening an Australian Consulate on Phuket. Photo: Gazette file

PHUKET: -- A decision on whether or not to open an Australian consulate in Phuket is expected to be made within a month, Australian Honorary Consul Larry Cunningham told the Phuket Gazette this morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639492-australians-consider-opening-consulate-on-phuket/

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Phuket taxi meter cheats under fire
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- The Phuket Land Transportation Office (PLTO) will seek help from the Highway Police to tackle metered taxi drivers who refuse to use their meters.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639493-phuket-taxi-meter-cheats-under-fire/

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PM brushed aside cabinet reshuffle rumor

BANGKOK, 15 May 2013 (NNT) – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is ready to listen to certain group’s opposition to the THB530 billion flood prevention plans of the government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639502-prime-minister-yingluck-brushes-aside-cabinet-reshuffle-rumor/

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Gunpowder explosion destroyed house and damaged few more in Suphanburi

BANGKOK, 15 May 2013 (NNT) – An accidental ignition of gunpowder blasted a house in Suphanburi that had been modified into a factory, killing all 3 people sitting at the back of the building.

Prior to the explosion, Sa-nga Kuthaphan, Sa-nguan Kuthaphan and Sa-ngat Phakpho were doing their part-time work filling gunpowder into table tennis balls to make improvised explosives locals use to chase away birds from plantations. The ensuing explosion ripped apart the building and damaged a couple others nearby. The 3 women were sisters.

Police said the 3 were hired by the owner of a large fireworks factory to make the improvised explosives, at the rate of 100 filled table tennis balls for 7 baht. They also said Mrs. Sa-ngat used to try and make fireworks in the past, but had abandoned the effort.

The cause of the ignition is still under investigation. Officials have been ordered to inspect fireworks factories in the areas to see if they have permits. Legal action will be taken against those who operate without a valid one.


-- NNT 2013-05-15

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'No decision yet' on Phuket Australian consulate expansion
Claire Connell


Larry Cunningham has to cover a wide range of issues. In June last year (above) he was heavily involved in getting stranded tourists home after Air Australia collapsed.

PHUKET: -- Expansion of the consulate run by Australian Honorary Consul Larry Cunningham, though it has been discussed, is still very much up in the air, Mr Cunningham said today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639492-australians-consider-opening-consulate-on-phuket/#entry6402196

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Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 1,632.07, up 8.59 points /MCOT

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Indonesia’s ICT Minister: BlackBerry Sales Drop 70% in Indonesia
Tech in AsiaBy enricko
Credit: BlackberryCool.com

JAKARTA: -- BlackBerry users around the world might be questioning their loyalty after another outage of the popular BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) service happened a couple of days ago.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639514-blackberry-sales-drop-70-in-indonesia/

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Google Drive triples free storage to 15GB
by Seth Rosenblatt

Google announces just ahead of its I/O conference that free storage across Google services -- Gmail, Google+, and Drive -- is leaping from 5GB to 15GB. But why?

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639516-google-drive-triples-free-storage-to-15gb/

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Nong Khai establishes ASEAN Education Center

NONG KHAI, 15 May 2013 (NNT) – Nong Khai’s Non-Formal Education Office has established an ASEAN Education Center in its bid to prepare locals for the approaching ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.

Secretary General of the Non-Formal Education Commission of Thailand Prasert Boonrueng (ประเสริฐ บุญเรือง) and Director-General of the Department of Non-Formal Education of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Dr. Kla Chalermsuk (กล้า เฉลิมสุข) jointly presided over the opening ceremony of the center yesterday.

The center, located within the People’s Library in this northeastern border province, provides background knowledge about the 10 ASEAN member countries which will integrate into a single market under the ASEAN Community in the next two years. In order to keep local people abreast of the move, the center is offering English courses to the public using high-tech educational equipment.

The center opens daily, 7 days a week, giving library-goers an opportunity to study information on all aspects of ASEAN such as politics, economy, cultures, and tourist attractions. Located within an easy reach of locals, the center is expected to enable them to gain maximum knowledge about ASEAN and its members.


-- NNT 2013-05-15

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Muted taxi reception for Phuket airport boat service
Naraporn Tuarob


Phuripat Theerakulpisut, Director of Marine Officer Phuket branch.

PHUKET: -- The final public hearing on the proposed airport passenger pier and boat service received a surprisingly muted reception yesterday (May 14) from Patong taxi and tuk-tuk drivers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639525-muted-taxi-reception-for-phuket-airport-boat-service/