No wonder people like to shop at Lazada.

[webfact]

DSI arranges for arrest of Swiss bank robber who fled into Thailand


file photo

BANGKOK, 17 May 2013 (NNT) – The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) announced that it arrested the leader of a gang of bank robbers who had stolen around 20 million baht from a Swiss bank and fled to Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639972-swiss-bank-robbery-suspect-arrested-in-hua-hin/

[webfact]

Thai Spring 'gaining in strength'
Khanittha Thepphajorn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Almost 10,000 people have joined the Thai Spring campaign against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's speech in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639974-thai-spring-gaining-in-strength/

[webfact]

UPDATE:
Constitutional Court to review Abhisit's MP status
Attayuth Bootsripoom
Piyanut Tumnukasetchai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva's political future is hanging in the balance after the Constitutional Court yesterday voted to review his MP status, following the controversial revocation of his Army rank.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639837-constitutional-court-decides-to-review-abhisits-m-p-status/page-2?p=6408583#entry6408583

[webfact]

SCHOOL REGULATION
Haircut rule relaxation worries some
Supinda Na Mahachai
The Nation



Critics say kids will be distracted; others agree it's time to loosen up

BANGKOK: -- Parents and students yesterday voiced mixed opinions over the new ministerial regulations that allow all students to have a layered haircut. Some expressed concern that students might become preoccupied with their hairstyles and clothing.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639976-haircut-rule-relaxation-worries-some-thai-school-regulation/

[webfact]

Rocket tradition being spoiled, critics say
Khamdee Phrommakong
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The "Bang Fai" traditional fairs, which stem from the Northeastern belief that firing rockets off will appease local deities and ensure abundant rains, are now turning into an excuse for revellers to gamble and drink heavily, say critics.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639977-bang-fai-rocket-tradition-being-spoiled-critics-say/

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE
PM's enhanced Facebook usage could backfire
Samudcha Hoonsara
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- After being in office for nearly two years, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has recently turned to Facebook to express her mind on topics she does not want to talk directly to the media about.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639978-yinglucks-enhanced-facebook-usage-could-backfire/

[webfact]

School faces disciplinary action for toddler death
The Nation



SI SA KET: -- The management of a Si Sa Ket school where a child fatally suffocated in a pick-up truck on Tuesday will also face ministerial disciplinary action, if the vehicle in question is found to have operated as a school vehicle, the Office of the Private Education Commission said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639980-si-sa-ket-school-faces-disciplinary-action-for-toddler-death/

[webfact]

Will this marriage end conflicts?
Praphan Jindalertudomdee
The Nation


Chayapa Wongsawat, left, and Lynal Nam.

BANGKOK: -- With former PM Somchai Wongsawat's youngest daughter, who is also ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra's niece, set to marry the son of Cambodian PM Hun Sen's right-hand man, ties between the two countries might get stronger.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639981-thaksins-niece-set-to-marry-hun-sens-son/

[webfact]

80 charged for selling cooking gas to drivers
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Eighty people who own or represent 73 facilities that distribute and sell liquefied petroleum gas for vehicles have been summoned to acknowledge several criminal charges regarding alleged illegal transfer and sale of cheaper gas for household use to motorists.

At the Crime Suppression Division's headquarters, 34 of them turned up and acknowledged the charges.

The 80 people own or represent 30 LPG-transfer facilities and 43 LPG service stations across the country.

Pol General Worraphong Chewpreecha, a deputy police chief who was present at the CSD session receiving the 34 people who responded to the summons, said around 300 LPG service stations had committed the same crimes.

The offences involve several laws, include transferring and loading or extracting LPG without permission, selling LPG that is not purchased from authorised sellers, violating safety regulations on storage of dangerous materials, violating an anti-hoarding law, misuse of LPG, and violating ministerial regulations of LPG trade and sale.

Five people have previously been charged with the same offences along with owners of LPG service stations.

"The [nearly] 50 people who did not show up yesterday are subject to warrants for their acknowledgement of the crimes," Worraphong said.


-- The Nation 2013-05-17

[webfact]

Russian collides with Thai actress car in Pattaya

The car of Thai actress 'Ying Julaluk' was severely damaged after colliding with a foreigner's car. 4 people were injured in the accident.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639895-russian-collides-with-thai-actress-car-close-to-ambassador-hotel/

[webfact]

Rainy season first real test for artificial reefs
Tanpisit Lerdbamrungchai
The Nation
Phetchaburi



CHA-AM: -- The rainy season will be the first real test for the artificial reefs placed in shallow waters along the coast of Phetchaburi's Cha-am district as they begin their mission of preventing coastal erosion. The reefs, which are partially made from lignite fly ash, were placed along the coastline on Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639983-rainy-season-first-real-test-for-artificial-reefs-along-the-coast-of-cha-am/

[webfact]

True, CTH battle for TV top spot
Watchiranont Thongtep
The Nation



True boosts package options after losing EPL to CTH

BANGKOK: -- The battle for the Bt5-billion pay-TV market is heating up with the two major operators, TrueVisions and CTH, launching new strategies to woo more subscribers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639984-true-c-t-h-battle-for-t-v-top-spot/

[webfact]

Phuket coral restoration begins as seawalking continues
Phuket Gazette -

PHUKET: Marine officers and volunteer divers who headed to Khai Nai island on Tuesday to help restore damaged coral – allegedly wrecked by a seawalking tour company (story here) – found the company back on site leading a tour when they arrived.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639938-phuket-coral-restoration-begins-as-seawalking-continues/

[webfact]

American Born Entrepreneur Becomes Billionaire In Thailand

BANGKOK: -- American born entrepreneur William Heinecke, 64, makes his debut among the world’s billionaires, thanks to a surge in the value of his Minor International hotel and food company.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639986-american-born-entrepreneur-becomes-billionaire-in-thailand/

[webfact]

Man who killed ex-wife in Bangkok lands in Israel
By BEN HARTMAN, YONAH JEREMY BOB

file photo

TEL AVIV: -- Eli Cohen lands, leaves over fear of arrest; Ministry of Justice: No basis to try him after he is pardoned by King of Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639987-man-who-killed-ex-wife-in-bangkok-lands-in-israel/

[webfact]

Gates reclaims title of richest person in the world

Washington - Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has regained the title of world's richest person with a fortune valued at 72.7 billion dollars on Bloomberg's billionaire index, Bloomberg news service reported Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/640020-bill-gates-reclaims-title-of-richest-person-in-the-world/

[webfact]

Thai stock index opens on Friday at 1,615.73, down 2.16 points /MCOT

[webfact]

Mahidol University dentists invent anti-snoring device
By English News

BANGKOK, May 17 – The Faculty of Dentistry at Thailand's Mahidol University has invented an anti-snoring device adapted from orthodontic instruments.

Assoc Prof Somsak Maitriratanakul of the Department of Masticatory Science said the newly-invented device is an alternative for snoring patients who also suffer from sleep apnea.

Patients are normally required to wear masks to help with breathing but many complained that they felt uncomfortable with the masks.

The anti-snoring device is put into a patient’s mouth to cover the upper and lower teeth with a breathing mechanism, he explained.

The device costs about Bt6,000. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-05-17

[webfact]

Phra Viharn protesters told to leave Sanam Luang today

By English News

BANGKOK, MAY 17 – Bangkok City Hall has ordered demonstrators to vacate the city's prime protest venue today or face legal action.

Several days ago the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) ordered the current crop of demonstrators at Sanam Luang to leave the premises by Friday, or they would face legal action.

An advisor to BMA governor Wichai Sangprapai said city officials must prepare the site Saturday for the forthcoming Buddhist occasion, the Visakha Bucha ceremony.

The protesters have occupied part of Sanam Luang since May 7 to protest the government's handling of the Phra Viharn (Preah Vihear) temple dispute. Earlier they refused to relocate after several rounds of talks with Bangkok authorities.

Pol Maj Gen Wichai stood firm that political rallies are banned altogether at the huge ceremonial venue opposite the Emerald Buddha Temple and that legal action would be taken against those damaging state property.

Regarding a planned rally by Red Shirt activists and supporters at Rajprasong intersection on Sunday, he said the BMA will provide facilities including toilets and water if asked.

Sanam Luang, an empty field which is used for royal ceremonies, can be considered the tradition city centre, at the heart of Ratanakosin Island, the Old City. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-05-17

[webfact]

Phuket heroin user tries to evade police, falls off bike
Kanana Kaewsomboon


Supachai “Ood” Samniang, arrested for illegal possession of a shotgun.

PHUKET: -- A Phuket man was arrested yesterday morning (May 16) on charges of possession of 50 grams of heroin and resisting arrest, after a short police chase which ended with him falling off his motorbike.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/640031-phuket-heroin-user-tries-to-evade-police-falls-off-bike/

[webfact]

Education Min says Thailand lacks scientists

BANGKOK, 16 May 2013 (NNT)-The Education Minister has said the reason why Thailand lags behind other nations is that it lacks scientists, given they lay a foundation for future growth and development.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/640037-education-minister-says-thailand-lacks-scientists/

[webfact]

Africa Day event held at Ministry of Foreign Affairs

BANGKOK, 17 May 2013 (NNT) – Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul has launched the 'Africa Day 2013 Bangkok Thailand' event to promote Thailand's relations with countries in the African continent.

Minister Surapong said the event at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok would encourage Thai investors to look into the energy, minerals, raw materials and gemstones sectors in Africa. At the same time, African countries have expressed great interest in the sectors of agriculture, fisheries and public health in Thailand.

Mr. Surapong asserted that Thailand is ready to provide its know-how in these various sectors to countries in Africa, to strengthen inter-country relations. According to him, Thai embassies will likely be opened in Mozambique and Ethiopia next year.

At the event, ambassadors from African countries met with representatives from the Thai state and private sectors to exchange their ideas. The ambassadors are also scheduled to tour various Thai royally-initiated projects.

A high-level meeting between Thai leaders and leading figures from African countries will take place in Chiang Mai in November.


-- NNT 2013-05-17

[webfact]

NSC holds a seminar on Thailand's attitude towards South China Sea situation

BANGKOK, 17 May 2013 (NNT) – The National Security Council (NSC) has organized a technical seminar on Thailand's stance and security towards the current situation in the South China Sea.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/640046-n-s-c-holds-a-seminar-on-thailands-attitude-towards-south-china-sea-situation/

[webfact]

US visit endorses 'Myanmar's Spring': Thein Sein aide

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/640047-myanmar-u-s-visit-endorses-myanmars-spring-thein-sein-aide/

[webfact]

Bangkok governor kicks off first day of BTS Skytrain fare reduction for On Nut-Bearing extension from 15 to 10 baht as promised in election campaign /MCOT

[webfact]

Marine officials urge Phuket boat owners to be vigilant
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- In the wake of recent break-ins and thefts on yachts anchored around Phuket, the marine authorities are urging boat owners to ensure their boats are secure.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/640051-marine-officials-urge-phuket-boat-owners-to-be-vigilant/

[webfact]

Phuket German expat loses Bt600k to skimmers
Claire Connell


German expat Dirk Schmidt had B600,000 skimmed from his Kasikornbank account.

PHUKET: -- German expat Dirk Schmidt had B600,000 skimmed from his Kasikornbank account in early January, and more than four months later is still waiting for developments in the case.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/640080-phuket-german-expat-loses-bt600k-to-skimmers/

[webfact]

Fare reduction On Nut-Bearing Skytrain starts today
By Digital Media



BANGKOK, May 17 - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) started its BTS reduced fare policy today from On Nut to Bearing stations as promised during the recent gubernatorial campaign.

The fare was reduced from Bt15 to Bt10 for the entire journey from On Nut to Bearing and vice versa (5 stations, 5.25km).

Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra visited the BTS stations affected by the reduced fare this morning and said the measure made good on his election promises in order to help ease the public burden and to encourage Bangkokians to use public transportation.

Such reduction can be done immediately, for the extended route is under the BMA’s jurisdiction.

He said the size of each train was expanded three cars to four, and that the number of trains on the route expanded from 25 to 30 trains.

All the four carriage trains are to be delivered to Thailand within three months to support the number of users particularly during rush hours.

Mr Sukhumbhand, meanwhile, affirmed that there is no plan to demolish the Saphan Taksin station but its service will be cancelled, according to an original plan, in order that trains can run in opposite directions. He added that the BMA is planning to build a moving walkway at the station so as to compensate and provide service for the public. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-05-17

[webfact]

UPDATE:

DSI nabs Swiss for bank robbery, seizes assets
By Digital Media



BANGKOK, May 17 – Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has confiscated the assets of a Swiss national who was arrested in Thailand for robbing a bank in his home country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/639972-swiss-bank-robbery-suspect-arrested-in-hua-hin/page-3#entry6409891

[Lite Beer]

Industrial Confidence Index slightly drops in April

BANGKOK, 17 May 2013 (NNT) – Industrial Confidence Index in April dropped a notch from that of the previous month; the drop is attributed to the appreciation of the Thai baht against other currencies.

According to Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) President Payungsak Chartsutipol, the Industrial Confidence Index in the month of April dropped to 92.9, 0.6 , a fraction lower than the previous month's of 93.5. It is the fourth consecutive month that the industrial sector has seen a decrease in its confidence index.

The reason behind the drop is attributed to the fluctuation of the Thai currency, which has caused Thai and foreign entrepreneurs to be uncertain of the situation. Combined with the global economic volatility, the continued baht appreciation has made it difficult for Thai exporters to take orders from foreign countries.

He further disclosed that the appreciation has prompted Thai entrepreneurs to switch to importing raw materials from other countries as they are now cheaper than domestic products; thus affecting the country's supply chains which are part of the upstream industry.

-- NNT 2013-05-17