Thailand Live Saturday 25 May 2013

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Buddhists mark Vishaka Bucha nationwide
The Nation


People join a mini-marathon on a special route that runs past nine important temples on Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- Buddhists in Bangkok joined the prayer ceremony at Sanam Luang to mark Visakha Bucha Day yesterday, while others in the rest of the country participated in similar rituals at their neighbourhood temples.

People living in the three southern border provinces began their candle-lit walk around the temple in the middle of the afternoon for fear of attacks despite stepped-up security.

Visakha Bucha commemorates the birth, enlightenment and nirvana of the Buddha.

At 7am yesterday, Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra led other devout Buddhists in giving alms to 231 monks in Sanam Luang, where exhibitions and other special events have been held since May 18. The Buddha relic has been moved to the area for the devout to worship and will be returned to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha today.

Senior monks also held sermons based on the Buddha's life and his incarnations, while donations were collected to help the poor and temples in the South.

Meanwhile, despite the boosted security in the South, four rangers were ambushed and killed on their way to a temple in Pattani. Troops had been deployed to guard temples as Buddhists came out to make merit and participate in the candle-lit walk around the temple.

In Narathiwat, people began the candle-lit walk at 12.30pm instead of at the traditional 7pm. Up to 40 Buddhists showed up at the Urai Rattanaram temple in Bacho district, with many saying that since there were only two small Buddhist communities left in the district, they were delighted to meet up with one another.

In Nakhon Ratchasima, Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda chaired a merit-making ceremony to mark 2,600 years of Buddhism. Also present were Second Army Area commander Lt-General Jirasak Chomprasop, Nakhon Ratchasima Governor Winai Buapradit and about 1,500 Buddhists.

In Ayutthaya, Sri Lankan Ambassador General Shantha Kottegoda gave alms to monks at the Pananchoeng Temple and later joined Governor Witthaya Phiewpong and other Buddhists in a prayer ceremony for Their Majesties the King and Queen.

In Ranong, people crossed over from Myanmar to make merit, especially at the Suwan Khri Viharn Temple. It is believed that a stupa inside the temple complex was built by Myanmar more than 50 years ago and is said to contain a Buddha relic.

In Lamphun, many Buddhists gathered to make merit at the Phra That Hariphumchai Temple in Muang district and joined Governor Pinij Harnpanich and other government officials in giving alms to 89 monks. They also participated in the candle-lit walk around the Hariphumchai Stupa at 7pm. This stupa is also believed to contain a Buddha relic.


-- The Nation 2013-05-25

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UPDATE:

Attack mars Visakha Bucha

The Nation, Agencies


Officials examine the scene of a roadside explosion that killed five rangers and injured another in Pattani yesterday.

Five paramilitary rangers killed in Pattani despite heightened security

PATTANI: -- A roadside explosion killed five paramilitary rangers and severely injured another in Pattani yesterday in what was described as a revenge attack by insurgents.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/641714-five-rangers-killed-in-bomb-attack-in-pattani/

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Teenager's sex slavery claim doubted

Noppadon Sritaweekart,

Decha Krittiyaworakul

The Nation

Piangjai during her interrogation.

Girl admitted she wanted to return to be with her boyfriend: father

BANGKOK: - New questions have emerged about a Thai teenager's claim that her aunt forced her into prostitution in South Korea.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/641848-thai-teenagers-sex-slavery-claim-doubted/

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WEEKENDBRUNCH

A closer look at Bangkok's blueprint

Nophakhun Limsamarnphun

Panyapas

BANGKOK: -- The latest city plan targets transport and green space as the means to improve residents' quality of life, explains deputy planning chief Panyapas Nopphun

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/641851-a-closer-look-at-bangkoks-blueprint/

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Thailand to regain role as world's leading rice exporter



BANGKOK, May 25 - Permanent-Secretary for Commerce Vatchari Vimooktayon said she is certain Thailand will regain its leading position as the world's No. 1 rice exporter this year .

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/641853-thailand-to-regain-its-role-as-worlds-leading-rice-exporter/

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Reconciliation bill not on House agenda

BANGKOK, 25 May 2013 (NNT) - The House of Representatives will not consider the reconciliation bill during its extraordinary session at the end of this month. Only the 2014 appropriation bill will be reviewed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/641854-thai-reconciliation-bill-not-on-house-agenda/

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Hua Hin tourism expands rapidly; 20% rise in available rooms expected

By Digital Media

PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN, May 25 - Hua Hin tourim has expanded rapidly, prompting to a forecast of a 20-per cent increase of room availability in the resort town.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/641855-hua-hin-tourism-expands-rapidly;-20-rise-in-available-rooms-expected/

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Lod Canal off limits to vendors during the day

Tanpisit Lerdbamrungchai

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Street stalls no longer stretch along the Lod Canal in Bangkok during daytime following new regulations, which now ban them before 7pm.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/641856-bangkoks-lod-canal-off-limits-to-vendors-during-the-day/

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Nexus 4 running what could be Android 4.3 found at Thailand mobile expo

Could these be some of the subtle changes to be found in Android 4.3?

BANGKOK: -- Although we didn't get a big reveal of the next version of Android at Google I/O, some evidence is mounting that Android 4.3 could be the impending next version.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/641857-nexus-4-running-what-could-be-android-43-found-at-thailand-mobile-expo/

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LIKE IT, SHARE IT

Social media's role in natural disasters

BANGKOK: -- I almost wrote that Thailand's hero of the week is social media, after the news last week of a 17-year-old girl rescued from prostitution in South Korea after she used Facebook to alert authorities.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/641858-social-medias-role-in-natural-disasters/

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Sweden reinforcing police in riot-hit Stockholm

STOCKHOLM: -- Reinforcements of specially trained police are being sent to Stockholm after five nights of unprecedented rioting in the capital's suburbs.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/641859-sweden-reinforcing-police-in-riot-hit-stockholm/

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Two held after RAF Typhoon jets escort Pakistan plane over UK

LONDON: -- Two men have been arrested on suspicion of endangerment of an aircraft after RAF Typhoon jets were scrambled to escort a passenger plane over the UK.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/641840-two-held-after-raf-typhoon-jets-escort-pakistan-plane-over-uk/

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Power generating agencies to tackle blackout prevention Monday
By Digital Media



BANGKOK, May 25 - The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has summoned Thailand’s three power generating organisations to a meeting on Monday to discuss recurrence prevention of this week's electricity blackout which abruptly turned 14 southern provinces into darkness Tuesday night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/641862-thailands-power-generating-agencies-to-tackle-blackout-prevention-monday/

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Phuket Tourist Police murder case on hold
Phuket Gazette


Phuket City Police Chief Col Sermphan Sirikong told the Gazette that forensic data is needed to move the case forward. Photo: Gazette file

PHUKET: -- The investigation into a Phuket Tourist Officer involved in a gunfight with neighbors that left two men dead and two, including the officer, injured on March 20 (story here) has come to a standstill.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/641908-phuket-tourist-police-murder-case-on-hold/

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Thailand’s interest rate possible to maintain at 2.75%: UTCC
By Digital Media



BANGKOK, May 25 – Thailand’s policy interest rate should remain at 2.75 per cent, which is still below the 3 per cent inflation, according to a leading academic.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/641911-thailands-interest-rate-possible-to-maintain-at-275-u-t-c-c/

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Four people arrested over 5 million baht property scam in Chanthaburi

Chanthaburi, 25 May 2013 (NNT) – Four scammers who acted as real estate agents were arrested in Chanthaburi Province after they had taken a combined of 5 million baht.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/641915-four-people-arrested-over-5-million-baht-property-scam-in-chanthaburi/

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Police inspect JJ Market in search for drugs

BANGKOK, 25 May 2013 (NNT) – The police, in cooperation with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) have inspected the Jatujak Market to search for drugs after a huge drug bust of over 1 million methamphetamine pills a week ago.

As a result of a seizure of 1.4 million pills of methamphetamine and 8 kilograms of crystal meth or “ya ice”, the police have set up 20 check points in and around the JJ Market as they believe there were still drugs and other illegal objects hidden in the area. According to the police, JJ Market is a place where drugs are kept before being distributed to other areas in Bangkok and its vicinity.

During the inspection, the police arrested a Hmong who was carrying 150,000 baht in his wallet. However, he was let go as no illegal objects was found on the man.

-- NNT 2013-05-25

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Several bombings occur in Yala's Yaha district, causing power outages
By Digital Media



YALA, May 25 - Several bombings were reported in this restive south province today, causing power outages, but no casualties were reported.

The blast occurred in three locations of Yaha district. Initial investigation found that presumed insurgent planted explosives at roadside electrical poles.

All the bombs were triggered at the same time, causing blackout in the district since 5.30am.

Security officials believe it was the work of insurgent group who wanted to create a situation and retaliate against security operations which earlier killed three insurgents.

Meanwhile, in nearby Narathiwat province, a bomb exploded as police of Sungai Padi district were inspecting the scene of a shooting which occurred hours earlier.

Sungai Padi Police Station duty officer Pol Lt Col Chiradej Panpromthammarong and bomb squad unit rushed to the scene in front of a construction materials shop at 7am after being informed of the incident.

They found a one foot-deep hole near a tree and scattered shrapnel from a 25kg cooking gas tank in the area.

Police said presumed insurgents wanted to harm local police officers inspecting a shooting which occurred at nearly 5 am. Fortunately, the bombing missed their targets and no one was injured in the attack. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-05-25

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Thai PM satisfied with Japan visit
By Digital Media



TOKYO, Jan 25 - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Saturday said she is satisfied with her visit to Japan where she took the opportunity to promote and invite Japanese investment in the kingdom.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/641921-thai-p-m-yingluck-satisfied-with-japan-visit/

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AOT set to renovate Don Mueang Airport to accommodate passengers

BANGKOK, 24 May 2013 (NNT) - Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) is set to renovate Don Mueang Airport’s Terminal 2 to accommodate the growing number of passengers while accelerating the expansion of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/641922-a-o-t-set-to-renovate-don-mueang-airport-to-accommodate-passengers/

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Nine dead in Phuket wedding guest truck crash
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- Nine died and seven were injured after two pickup trucks – one carrying wedding guests returning to Trang from Phuket and one ferrying road construction workers – collided in Krabi last night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/641923-krabi-nine-dead-in-phuket-wedding-guest-truck-crash/

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Google to develop wireless networks in third world

SAN FRANCISCO: -- Google is developing wireless internet systems to deploy in south-east Asia and sub-Saharan Africa to give web access to 1 billion more people, according to The Wall Street Journal on Friday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/641925-google-to-develop-wireless-networks-in-third-world/

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Pakistan: gas cylinder explosion at school bus kills 17 children

GUJRAT - PAKISTAN: -- At least 17 children were burned to death in eastern Pakistan on Saturday when a faulty gas cylinder exploded on the bus taking them to school, police said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/641958-gas-cylinder-explosion-at-school-bus-kills-17-children-in-pakistan/

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to continue:

Thailand Live Sunday 26 May 2013

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/642060-thailand-live-sunday-26-may-2013/