Thailand Live Wednesday 19 Jun 2013

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Phuket's 'Bike Diver' expat gets compensation
Naraporn Tuarob

PHUKET: -- Belorussian expat Maxim Baranov has already received damage compensation after his dramatic encounter with a 2.5-metre-deep flood-filled excavation in a Patong Street in the early hours of Sunday (June 16).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/647732-phukets-bike-diver-expat-gets-compensation/

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Thaicom 6 satellite to be put into orbit by August
By English News



BANGKOK, June 19 - Thai-based satellite company Thaicom Plc plans to launch its Thaicom 6 satellite into orbit and is expected to provide service by August this year.

According to Chief Executive Officer Suphajee Suthumpun, the company has already sold more than 60 per cent of its Thaicom 6 transponders, with most customers from Thailand, sub-Saharan Africa, Egypt and Somalia.

Meanwhile, the company has provided an interim satellite at 78.5 degrees East for two months before launching Thaicom 6 into orbit. The strategy helps the company earn more revenue. The interim satellite will be removed once Thaicom 6 is in service.

Thaicom plans to send its Thaicom 7 satellite into orbit by the end of June next year. More than 40 per cent of its transponders have already been sold. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-06-19

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44 Million Baht Lottery Wins for two Pattaya Monk’s



PATTAYA: -- A Monk residing at a South Pattaya Temple won 38 Million Baht on the Thai National Lottery on Sunday. Another Monk at the same Temple, who was ordained on Sunday won 6 Million Baht.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/647756-44-million-baht-lottery-wins-for-two-pattaya-monks/

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Two Thai monks arrested in child sex scandal

BANGKOK, June 19, 2013 (AFP) - Thai police said Wednesday they had arrested two monks for procuring a 14-year-old boy to perform sexual acts with an abbot, in the latest scandal to shake the kingdom's Buddhist clergy.

The pair, who deny any knowledge of the alleged abuse, could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted, Police Colonel Wirachon Bunthawi told AFP from the northern city of Chiang Mai.

"The abbot is still at the temple and we're waiting for an arrest warrant for him," Wirachon said.

Based on the accounts of the victim and a driver, the two monks -- aged 20 and 23 -- are alleged to have taken the boy to see the abbot at the temple in Chiang Dao district in the Chiang Mai Province several times since February, police said.

The case comes in the wake of recent controversy in the Buddhist-dominated nation over footage posted on YouTube of three monks flying in a private jet, wearing earphones and sunglasses and travelling with a Louis Vuitton bag.

The video prompted debate over monks' adherence to austere principles which include living without possessions, beyond a handful of robes.

Thailand's Buddhist clergy has been hit by a series of scandals involving monks, with local media reporting cases of drug-taking, drinking, gambling and visiting prostitutes.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2013-06-19

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Opposition up in arms against govt on anti-flood projects
By Digital Media



BANGKOK, June 19 – The National Anti-Corruption Committee (NACC) will be asked to investigate alleged irregularities in the government’s recent auctions for the Bt350 billion water management projects, the opposition Democrat Party said today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/647768-opposition-up-in-arms-against-thai-govt-on-anti-flood-projects/

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un gave out copies of Adolf Hitler's 'Mein Kampf' to officials

WASHINGTON: -- North Korean authorities have taken interest in the experience of Germany’s National Socialist Party, according to a report by New Focus International, a news organization based outside North Korea, but declaring that it has access to high-level North Korean sources.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/647771-n-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-gives-out-copies-of-hitlers-mein-kampf-to-officials/

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SET index closed at 1437.7, up 10.28; Bt/USD30.60; GBP47.78; AUD28.92; EUR40.90; CAD29.80; HKD3.94; SGD24.15; JPY32.04

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Iraq damages cases: Supreme Court rules families can sue

LONDON: -- The families of soldiers killed in Iraq can pursue damages against the government under the Human Rights Act, the Supreme Court has ruled.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/647772-iraq-soldiers-families-can-sue-uk/

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US Embassy consular outreach in Phuket
Phuket Gazette

The US Embassy in Bangkok will be in Phuket tomorrow (June 20) to provide consular services. Photo: Gazette file

PHUKET: -- The Consular Section of the American Embassy in Bangkok will hold an Outreach Visit at Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort in Karon tomorrow, June 20.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/647779-us-embassy-consular-outreach-in-phuket-june-20/

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PM: Corrupt officials in rice scheme will be severely punished
By English News

BANGKOK, June 19 – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra vowed to take “ultimate” legal action against those found cheating in the rice pledging scheme.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/647822-pm-corrupt-officials-in-rice-scheme-will-be-severely-punished/

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Gaping hole in Patong street blocked off, partially filled
Phuket Gazette -

PHUKET: Despite what the Director of the Department of Rural Roads Phuket office told the Phuket Gazette yesterday (story here), officials jumped into action to barricade a giant hole in Phang Muang Sai Kor Road in Patong after two motorbike riders found themselves over their heads in water and their motorbikes marooned at the bottom of the pit.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/646986-foreigner-dives-to-rescue-motorbike-in-phuket-street/page-2#entry6523964

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to continue:

Thailand Live Thursday 20 Jun 2013

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/647859-thailand-live-thursday-20-jun-2013/