Thailand Live Saturday 22 Jun 2013

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Attorney Appeals Court Ruling On 2010 CTW Arson


Photo: KAOSOD English

BANGKOK: -- Attorney of the Criminal Court is appealing the verdict which acquitted 2 Redshirts protesters previously accused of assisting the arson attack on Central World shopping mall in central Bangkok in 2010.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/648387-attorney-appeals-court-ruling-on-2010-bangkok-central-world-arson/

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Son of Bangkok 'Mafioso' Threatens Lawsuit Against Ex-Girlfriend


The image showing injuries that Ms. Ploy told police were caused by Mr. Boonyasit
Photo: KHASOD English

BANGKOK: -- The son of a famous businessman widely known for his underground influence admitted he had indeed physically assaulted his ex-girlfriend who sought help from police about the abuse, but added that he is considering a lawsuit against her for tarnishing his reputation by speaking out.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/648389-son-of-bangkok-mafioso-threatens-lawsuit-against-ex-girlfriend/

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SANGHA
Jet-setting monk to explain himself
Wisit Chuanpipatpong
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Luang Pu Nenkham, who has recently been at the centre of a lot of negative publicity, is getting ready to clarify his position on Sunday, the National Buddhism Office's director Nopparat Benjawatananun said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/648391-jet-setting-thai-monk-to-explain-himself/

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POLITICS
Democrats seek support for Cabinet impeachment over water project
Prapasri Osathanon
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Democrat Party is gathering MPs' signatures for an impeachment motion against the Cabinet for its handling of the Bt350-billion water-management and flood-prevention projects.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/648397-thai-democrats-seek-support-for-cabinet-impeachment-over-water-project/

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POLITICS
Bid to deter rallies
The Nation

Government plans media blitz as farmers fume over price cut

BANGKOK: -- The government is mobilising all efforts to deter a series of planned rallies across the country by farmers frustrated with the its decision to reduce the minimum price for rice under the controversial pledging scheme, to Bt12,000 from the current Bt15,000 per tonne.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/648398-thai-govt-plans-media-blitz-as-farmers-fume-over-price-cut/

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US to sell military helicopters to Thailand

WASHINGTON, June 22, 2013 (AFP) - The United States plans to sell six Lakota military helicopters to Thailand worth an estimated $77 million, Pentagon officials said Friday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/648400-us-to-sell-military-helicopters-to-thailand/

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Thailand still in demand among European tourists during low season
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Even during Thailand's tourism low season, the Kingdom is still a high-demand destination for many European - and especially British - holidaymakers, according to June-July flight search data collected by Skyscanner, a global travel search website.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/648401-thailand-still-in-demand-among-european-tourists-during-low-season/

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EDITORIAL
Like it or not, the prime minister has to speak up
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- So far, Yingluck Shinawatra has remained tight-lipped, or professed ignorance, on controversial issues. With criticism mounting, it's time for her to do her job and be accountable

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/648402-like-it-or-not-the-prime-minister-has-to-speak-up-thai-editorial/

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Belgian murdered by Thai Lover at Central Pattaya Apartment




PATTAYA: -- A 78 year old Belgian was fatally stabbed by his 37 year old lover in his Central Pattaya Apartment on Saturday Night at the culmination of a heated argument over allegations directed at his partner relating to her sleeping with another man.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/648403-belgian-man-murdered-by-thai-lover-at-pattaya-apartment/

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WHITE-MASK PROTEST
Chalerm warning a 'veiled threat'
The Nation



Deputy PM will be held responsible if anything happens, Abhisit says

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung yesterday warned protesters wearing white Guy Fawkes' masks against changing their protest site, saying they would be exposed to bomb attacks by "third parties".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/648406-chalerm-warning-a-veiled-threat-white-mask-protest/

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Panel all set to fix health sector's P4P system
Puangchompoo Prasert
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A working committee has recommended that between Bt200 million and Bt500 million is needed to cover remedial actions for community hospital medical workers affected by the new pay-for-performance (P4P) system.

The P4P scheme was put in effect on April 1 despite strong protests from the Rural Doctors' Society (RDS). The RDS managed to get the Public Health Ministry to finally agree to review the P4P, for which a work panel was set up to recalculate the remuneration system for state medical workers.

Kanit Saengsuphan, who chairs the panel, said yesterday that at least Bt500 million was already available for the remedial action.

"So, they should be implemented from as early as next week," he said, adding that it would take another week to determine how medical workers at other types of hospitals were affected and how much money would be needed to compensate them as well.

According to Dr Prachumporn Booncharoen, the P4P system has reduced the monthly income of doctors and dentists at general and provincial hospitals by about Bt1,000 to Bt2,000. She chairs the Thai Federation of General and Central Hospital Doctors, which is not against the implementation of P4P.

"But if the medical workers at community hospitals have their payments rectified, then we should get the same treatment," Prachumporn said.

Public Health Minister Pradit Sinthawanarong said he had introduced the P4P system so hard-working medical personnel could benefit.

However, RDS believes the system will lure rural doctors to urban areas where they can get more patients and thus further aggravate the shortage of medical workers in remote areas.

Hence, it has been waging stiff opposition against the scheme. Some community hospitals affiliated with RDS have not even prepared documents for the implementation of the P4P.

Pradit said yesterday that his ministry would try to offer remedial actions to people affected by the P4P before the end of this month.

"But we need to consult the Finance Ministry first," he said.

National Health Security Office's deputy secretary-general Dr Peerapol Suttiwisetsak said there would be no need to seek additional funding from the government to remedy the situation because the Public Health Ministry had enough funds for the purpose.

Kanit said the office was planning to set up a new pay-calculation system.

According to Kanit, Public Health Ministry's deputy permanent secretary Dr Suphan Srithamma will soon consider the new system.

"We expect the Public Health Ministry to draft regulations for the implementation of the new pay-calculation system within two months," Kanit said, adding that his panel would meet again next month.


-- The Nation 2013-06-22

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US 'to charge Snowden with spying'

US prosecutors file sealed criminal complaint against fugitive ex-NSA analyst Edward Snowden, US media says /BBC

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Phuket Airport security staffer arrested for stealing $900 from Aussie tourist
Phuket Gazette


Ms Uraiwan shows police the AUS$900 she stole from a tourist’s carry-on bag as it went through the x-ray machine. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- Police arrested a baggage security worker at Phuket International Airport on Thursday after the officer was found to have stolen AUS$900 from an Australian tourist’s carry-on bag while it was passing through the x-ray machine.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/648417-phuket-airport-security-staffer-arrested-for-stealing-900-from-aussie-tourist/

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Body of tortured, executed man dumped near Phuket school
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- Police are trying to establish the motive behind the torturing and execution of a man whose body was found in Koh Kaew, north of Phuket Town, this morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/648419-body-of-tortured-executed-man-dumped-near-phuket-school/

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UPDATE:

Deputy PM Chalerm: Govt still strong despite rice pledging scheme

BANGKOK, 22 June 2013 (NNT) - Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung has expressed confidence that the rice pledging scheme and ongoing political protests will not damage the government’s stability.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/648406-chalerm-warning-a-veiled-threat-white-mask-protest/#entry6532906

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UPDATE:

VIDEO REPORT: Officials confirm high-flying monk not on Buddhist business
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- If renowned monk Luang Pu Nenkham is in Phuket, it is not on temple business, the Phuket Gazette confirmed yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/648391-jet-setting-thai-monk-to-explain-himself/page-2#entry6532934

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Bangkok voted top choice destination for travellers
By Digital Media



BANGKOK, June 22 – Leading travel website TripAdvisor has voted Bangkok as the top choice destination for travellers to Asia and the Pacific.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/648431-bangkok-voted-top-choice-destination-for-travellers/

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BMA prepares to organize Car Free Day

BANGKOK, 22 June 2013 (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is gearing up to hold the annual Car Free Day event in an effort to promote the use of bicycles and public transportation and reduce pollution in the capital.

The BMA has called a meeting with officials from the Traffic and Transportation Department and representatives of the civil sector regarding preparations for the upcoming Bangkok Car Free Day event, which will be held on the occasion of World Car Free Day, September 22. According to the BMA, the purpose of this special occasion is to encourage Bangkok commuters to turn to cycling, walking as well as using public transportation instead of driving personal cars.

The campaign will be piloted for one day in the historic area of Rattanakosin Island in Phranakhon district to raise awareness of the air pollution problem and to encourage people to adopt a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle. The activity is also part of the BMA’s policy which places great importance on the well-being of Bangkok residents.

The BMA is also planning to designate bicycle and public transport lanes around the city to reduce the number of personal cars on the road and the level of air pollution.


-- NNT 2013-06-22

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Thailand, Philippines signs agreements to boost cooperation
By Digital Media



MANILA, PHILIPPINES, June 22 – Thailand and the Philippines signed three agreements on taxation, energy and business cooperation during a high-level Thai delegation’s visit to the archipelago nation.

Deputy Prime Minister/Finance Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul who attended the 5th meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) on June 20-21 said the forum was held after a six-year hiatus.

Mr Surapong and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Ferreros del Rosario co-chaired the JCBC ministerial meeting which was preceded by a session for. senior officials.

The two parties signed three agreements on taxation, establishment of an energy forum and cooperation between Thai and Philippine business federations.

Mr Surapong said Thailand and the Philippines will enhance investment and economic cooperation, eliminate tax barriers and exchange information on labour management.

The Thai and Philippine defence ministries will set up a joint committee on defence cooperation in which Thailand will supply spare parts for OV-10 Bronco aircraft to the neighbouring country.

Another agreement between the education ministries of the two countries will be signed next month on exchange of English-language teachers to improve language proficiency of Thai people. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-06-22

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Militant group submits temporary peace plan for Thailand's South
By Digital Media



BANGKOK, Jun 22 – A guiding principle to stop violence in Thailand’s Muslim pre-dominant southern provinces during the holy month of Ramadan will be submitted to Thai security authorities through Malaysia next Wednesday, according to a senior Thai official.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/648449-militant-group-submits-temporary-peace-plan-for-thailands-south/

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"No Drinking Day" to be promoted in hopes to reduce accidents and crimes

BANGKOK, 22 June 2013 (NNT) –The Public Health Ministry is set to push forward the “No Drinking Day” campaign in hopes to reduce accidents and crimes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/648451-no-drinking-day-to-be-promoted-in-hopes-to-reduce-accidents-and-crimes-thailand/

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1 million meth pills and 4 million baht cash seized

BANGKOK, 22 June 2013 (NNT) – The police have arrested 2 drug smugglers and seized nearly 1 million pills of methamphetamine along with 4 million baht cash.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung, there were 2 arrests made. The first arrest was made in Mae Fah Luang District of Chiang Rai province where a 26-year-old drug smuggler was apprehended for possessing 400,000 pills of methamphetamine. The police also confiscated 2 million baht cash he was carrying with him. The perpetrator confessed that he was going to deliver the drugs to Pathumthani Province.

The other perpetrator arrested by the police identified as Prachuap Phutthapikul, a 47-year-old drug dealer in Pathumthani Province. The arrest was made along with 500,000 methamphetamine pills.

The deputy prime minister further revealed that the police are set to issue an arrest warrant for a Burmese drug lord believed to have been involved in many drug cases in Thailand.


-- NNT 2013-06-22

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National Police chief travels to Yala to visit wounded police; orders stepped up security measures over Ramadan, speed installation of CCTV cameras /MCOT

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Patrol unit in Pattani's Nong Chik district ambushed in bomb attack, at least 6 soldiers wounded /MCOT

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Vietnam's Communist Party General Secretary to visit Thailand

BANGKOK, June 22 -- General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong will pay an official visit to Thailand during June 25 - 27 as a guest of the Thai government.

According to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, this will be his first visit to Thailand since his appointment as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam in 2011.

This will also be the first visit by the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam to Thailand in 20 years, the last visit was paid by His Excellency Mr Do Muoi in 1993.

The General Secretary will be accompanied by some 70 delegates, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Planning and Investment, the Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, and the Minister of Defense.

An official welcoming ceremony will be held on June 25 at the Government House, followed by a bilateral meeting between Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Mr Nguyen Phu Trong.

Ms Yingluck will also host dinner in honour of the General Secretary and his delegation.

Apart from the bilateral programme, the General Secretary will also meet the President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, leaders of the Thai political parties, representatives of the Thai private sector, and members of the Thailand - Vietnam Friendship Association.

He will also receive an honorary doctorate degree in Political Science from Thammasat University.

Vietnam and Thailand celebrated their 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2011. As close neighbours within ASEAN, they have forged cooperation in many areas of mutual interests. This visit will symbolise an elevation of their bilateral relations and mark a new era of strengthened friendship and enhanced collaboration between the two countries. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-06-22

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Indian Gang Arrested After Tricking People To Work Illegally Abroad.

PATTAYA: -- Special Operation police officers were able to arrest an Indian gang that people from their own country to work abroad.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/648459-indian-gang-arrested-after-tricking-people-to-work-illegally-abroad/

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PM acknowledges anti-govt white-mask protesters planning rally at Ratchaprasong area on Sunday, orders authorities to provide security /MCOT

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PPHO issues warning over Phuket rainy season Dengue Fever deaths
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- With three recent deaths from Dengue Fever in Phuket and 59 deaths nationwide this year, the Phuket Public Health Office (PPHO) yesterday held an emergency meeting to renew their efforts to stymie the spread of the disease this rainy season.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/648490-ppho-issues-warning-over-phuket-rainy-season-dengue-fever-deaths/

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Mt Fuji granted World Heritage status by Unesco. /Bangkok Post

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to continue:

Thailand Live Sunday 23 Jun 2013

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/648571-thailand-live-sunday-23-jun-2013/