Thailand Live Monday 1 Jul 2013

[webfact]

Customs Dept seizes 11 million baht worth of crystal meth

File photo: Crystal meth

BANGKOK, 1 July 2013 (NNT) - The Customs Department has seized over 3 kilograms of crystal meth or known as 'ya ice'. The 11 million baht worth of drug was confiscated at Suvarnabhumi Airport while being smuggled out of the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650386-suvarnabhumi-airport-customs-seizes-11-million-baht-worth-of-crystal-meth/

[webfact]

New Cabinet sworn in at Siriraj Hospital
The Nation


Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and new Cabinet members pose at Government House yesterday, the fifth Cabinet line-up of her government.

BANGKOK: -- His Majesty the King yesterday granted an audience to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and new Cabinet members for a swearing-in ceremony.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650388-new-thai-cabinet-sworn-in-at-bangkoks-siriraj-hospital/

[webfact]

Phuket hospital sees breast-surgery boom
Salinee Prab
The Nation

PHUKET: -- More than 1,000 people, most of them foreigners, visit the Bangkok Hospital Phuket each year for breast augmentation.

The service costs between Bt120,000 and Bt170,000.

"Australians and Russians are the biggest customer groups for this service," Bangkok Hospital Phuket's director Dr Narongrit Havarungsi said yesterday.

He believed foreigners come to his hospital for the service because it was relatively low in cost and good in quality.

"Moreover, they can combine the trip to the service with a stay in a four- or five-star hotel," Narongrit said.

He was speaking at an academic seminar entitled the Breast Augmentation Using Contour Profile Gel Implant Live Surgery workshop. Held to encourage the exchange of contour-profile breast augmentation techniques, the event attracted more than 25 cosmetic surgeons from countries including Singapore and the Philippines. This technique promises a more natural breast shape than the older technique.

Narongrit said this seminar would also reinvigorate Phuket's image as a tourist and medical destination.


-- The Nation 2013-07-01

[webfact]

Bangkok administration launches reading-promotion campaign
Teerin Julsawad
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Inspired by its starring role as the World Book Capital this year, Bangkok is stepping up its efforts to promote a love of reading by joining in a campaign with more than 20 leading public and private organisations such as Chulalongkorn University, TK Park, Kasetsart University, the Catholic Church and IT companies like CDG.

"We hope Bangkok residents will read 10 to 15 books per year," Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said on Friday during the signing of the collaboration agreement at a Bangkok hotel.

That's up drastically from only about five books on average now.

Deputy Governor Amorn Kitchawengkul said at the ceremony that Bangkok wants to set a good example for future World Book Capitals and for other provinces in Thailand.

"The promotion of reading is important and it is the duty of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to push literacy further, particularly because there is still a lack of literary skills in many parts of the country," he said.

Under the collaboration, the BMA has embarked on projects to donate books to public schools, renovate libraries, recruit influential figures and celebrities to speak about the importance of reading at events targeting the young, place shelves for recycled books in public waiting areas and regularly recommend books through social networks like Facebook.

Among the three speakers invited to lead discussions at the event on ways reading and writing can be made more a part of people's lives, Suthathip Tatchayapong said a love of reading should be imbued in children as young as six months old.

Parents should be encouraged to read aloud to their young children. This would not only educate the toddlers, but also help build a strong bond within the family. Children raised with good reading habits will not fall prey to the "perils of computer games and modern social media", he added.

However, someone in the audience protested that "we cannot afford to ignore social media" due to its rapid proliferation. He suggested that people find ways to apply and encourage good reading habits via modern technology.

Prof Jira Hongladarom from Thammasat University stressed the importance of literacy and warned listeners about the moral decay in society here.

"People look at Thailand's GDP and think we're rich," he said.

"Actually, we're not rich at all, in terms of human capital. Countries like Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos have moved far ahead of us."


-- The Nation 2013-07-01

[webfact]

'Govt won't budge much on rice price'
Pranee Muenphangwaree
The Nation



Committee chaired by Kittiratt unlikely to raise pledging amount a lot, says source

BANGKOK: -- Despite increasing pressure from farmers, the National Rice Policy Committee is unlikely to budge on the new rice-pledging price of Bt12,000 per tonne, due to financial burdens, a government source has revealed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650389-thai-govt-wont-budge-much-on-rice-price/

[webfact]

EDITORIAL

Bitter Chalerm makes mockery of Cabinet reshuffle

The Nation

Unhappy about his 'impending' demotion, deputy PM gives political insights into functioning of the govt

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650390-bitter-chalerm-makes-mockery-of-cabinet-reshuffle/

[webfact]

FAR SOUTH
Cameras knocked out in latest attack
Parez Lohasan
The Nation


With a national flag draping over it, this coffin held the body of a soldier who was killed alongside seven other colleagues in Yala on Saturday. The Army arranged the transportation of their bodies from the Pattani Airport via a C130 aircraft.

Banner demands withdrawal of troops, as bodies of bomb victims flown out

NARATHIWAT: -- Unidentified saboteurs put burning tyres on 20 security cameras at 12 spots across Narathiwat in the deep South yesterday morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650391-cameras-knocked-out-in-latest-attack-thai-south/

[webfact]

Official who signed water-scheme loans could face lawsuit, NACC warns

Anupan Chatana

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- An official who endorsed loan contracts related to the Bt350-billion water-management scheme could face a lawsuit for causing incurred interest, as the scheme may take some time to get off the ground, National Anti-Corruption Commission chairman Methee Krongkaew said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650392-thai-official-who-signed-water-scheme-loans-could-face-lawsuit-nacc-warns/

[webfact]

Most dams are 'a long way off'
Janjira Pongrai
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Only five dam projects under the government's ambitious water-management scheme, are even close to being ready for construction, the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has announced.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650393-most-dams-in-are-a-long-way-off-thai-govts-water-management-scheme/

[webfact]

Anudith vows to boost Thailand's ICT rankings
Usanee Mongkolporn
The Nation


ICT minister Anudith Nakornthap inaugurates the Thailand-ITU Pavilion last week. The pavilion was located in the Mobile Asia Expo 2013 fair held last week in China.

BANGKOK: -- The Information and Communications Technology Ministry has vowed to boost Thailand's ranking in the Networked Readiness Index (NRI) into the top 50 next year - up from 74th place this year through continued promotion of ICT initiatives.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650394-anudith-vows-to-boost-thailands-ict-rankings/

[webfact]

Secret no-fly list causes Bangkok holiday nightmare
by: By staff writers


File photo: Survanabhumi Airport

BANGKOK: -- A PASSENGER claims he was left stranded for 10 days at Bangkok Airport, sleeping on a cockroach-infected mattress in a windowless detention room, over a secret no-fly list.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650395-secret-no-fly-list-causes-bangkok-holiday-nightmare/

[george]

New version of Thaivisa Connect App for iPhone and iPad released

Go here: http://apps.thaivisa.com

[webfact]

Thaksin takes to Facebook to offer respect to Mandela, spite to opponents
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Fugitive Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra offered his respects to Nelson Mandela on his Facebook page, while also taking time to criticize his detractors who, he claimed, “continually come up with lies to gain advantage over their opponents.”

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650413-thaksin-takes-to-facebook-to-offer-respect-to-mandela-spite-to-opponents/

[webfact]

RT @mpoppel: BREAKING NEWS -- 18 firefighters killed while battling Yarnell Hill Fire in Arizona, Prescott Daily Courier reports.

RT @mpoppel: 18 firefighters killed in Arizona wildfire represents the largest single loss of emergency responders since 9/11

[webfact]

Nineteen firefighters killed battling Arizona wildfire

PHOENIX: -- Eighteen firefighters battling a blaze in Arizona who were unaccounted for Sunday night have been confirmed dead, said Wade Ward with the Prescott Fire Department.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650415-nineteen-firefighters-killed-battling-arizona-wildfire/

[webfact]

Finance ministry ponders economic stimulus for second half of 2013
By English News



BANGKOK, July 1- New measures to stimulate Thailand’s economy will be issued in light of this year's declining economic growth, according to a high-ranking official.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650416-thai-finance-ministry-ponders-economic-stimulus-for-second-half-of-2013/

[webfact]

High calibre fleet to line-up for 10th Anniversary Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek


A strong line-up of boats and crews from around the world is expected for the 2013 Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek.

Phuket Raceweek to kick off 2013/14 Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championship

PHUKET: -- The award-winning Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek, presented by Mount Gay Rum, is set to welcome a large multinational fleet of boats to the 10th Anniversary edition, held 17 – 21 July, 2013 at Cape Panwa Hotel, Phuket, Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650444-high-calibre-fleet-to-line-up-for-10th-anniversary-cape-panwa-hotel-phuket-raceweek/

[webfact]

Blaze engulfs Phuket cable yard
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- Fire broke out at the TT&T cable yard on Thepkrasattri Road in Koh Kaew last night, causing an estimated 10 million baht in damage.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650447-blaze-engulfs-phuket-cable-yard/

[webfact]

Newly reshuffled Cabinet determined to rid Thailand of corruption

BANGKOK, 1 July 2013 (NNT) - Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will announce her Government’s commitment on corruption suppression after the first meeting of the newly reshuffled Cabinet at Government House tomorrow.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650449-newly-reshuffled-cabinet-determined-to-rid-thailand-of-corruption/

[webfact]

Swede admits to murder in Thailand
BY ANDERS HOLM NIELSEN

BANGKOK: -- A 37-year-old Swedish national is currently charged with stabbing an Australian to death in Thailand. The Swedish post Aftonbladet met with the Swede in prison where he confessed to having stabbed the Australian, claiming that it was out of fear for his own safety.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650452-swede-admits-to-murder-in-thailand/

[webfact]

Swedes sentenced to life in prison for Filipino cyber-brothel
BY ANDERS HOLM NIELSEN


Photo: AFP SCANPIX

MANILA: -- An appeals court in the Philippines has rejected an appeal by Swedes Stefan Sederholm, 33, and Andrew Solemo, 37, with a request for a new trial. They are now left several more years in prison before the Supreme Court may take up the case.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650454-swedes-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-filipino-cyber-brothel/

[Lite Beer]

Defense Min: security will be tight during Ramadan

BANGKOK, 1 July 2013 (NNT) – The Defense Ministry has said security in the restive South will be ‘tight’ during the period of Ramadan, adding that check points will be set up in all areas to protect the lives of the people.

According to Colonel Thanathip Sawangsaeng, Defense Ministry Spokesperson, security in the Deep South will be tightened, especially during the month of Ramadan; which starts on July 9th and will continue for 30 days, until August 7th. During the Ramadan festival, check points will be set up and soldiers will be patrolling in all areas deemed necessary to facilitate and protect the lives of pilgrims and festival goers.

Furthermore, there will be activities for Buddhists and Muslims to join, in hopes of forging closer ties between the two religions in order to enable them to harmoniously co-exist in the same society.

Finally, the spokesperson has reaffirmed that the military has always focused on protecting the lives and properties of the people, with an ultimate goal of restoring peace in the violence-torn areas.

-- NNT 2013-07-01

[Lite Beer]

PM won't meddle in military affairs

BANGKOK, 1 July 2013 (NNT) – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has said she will not meddle in the military affairs, while affirming that there is no conflict between her and Pol Capt Chalerm Yubamrung.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650461-pm-wont-meddle-in-military-affairs/

[Lite Beer]

Price of rice scheme being deliberated today

BANGKOK, 1 July 2013 (NNT)-The National Rice Policy Committee is expected to determine the buying price for a ton of rice today before the next round of the pledging scheme kicks off.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650389-thai-govt-wont-budge-much-on-rice-price/

[Lite Beer]

RT@BPbreakingnews: Bashed baby left in coma by stepfather

[Lite Beer]

Developing Thailand as a World-Class Medical Convention Center

Thailand is taking a major step to develop itself as an international medical convention and exhibition center, as it has good potential for providing world-standard medical and healthcare services.

The step is part of the project for the development of Thailand into an academic hub, in response to the Government’s medical hub policy.

Toward this aim, the Department of Health Service Support, under the Ministry of Public Health, recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) on the development of Thailand into a medical convention and exhibition center.

Public Health Minister Prasit Sinthawanarong said that Thailand is well-recognized for its quality of medical services. The Government announced the policy on the medical hub because it would contribute to the country’s economy and help promote medical tourism. The move to develop Thailand into a medical convention and exhibition center would attract more international academics to visit Thailand.

He said that the Prime Minister had assigned the Ministry of Public Health and TCEB, a public organization supervised by the Prime Minister’s Office, to work out a strategy for the medical convention and exhibition center. There are several provinces that can serve as venues for international conventions and exhibitions; they include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Songkhla, and Phuket.

Healthcare is one of the key industries that TCEB has identified in order to expand Thailand’s market for “meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions,” or MICE. In 2012, Thailand hosted about 7,300 events. Out of this number, more than 2,600 were involved with international meetings and 1,900 were MICE activities.

It is expected that about 940,000 MICE tourists will visit Thailand in 2013, bringing in 88 billion baht. In the next three years, the amount is likely to increase to more than 117.7 billion baht.

Among the international meetings organized around the world, 18 percent are related with medicine and healthcare. The Public Health Minister said that the organizing of medical conventions and exhibitions in Thailand would enhance the capabilities of existing medical resources. Thailand would also benefit from healthcare management through the use of modern technology. This would lead to high-quality services and a better quality of life for everyone.

Moreover, he said, through the international conventions and exhibitions, Thailand’s medical knowledge, innovation, and research would be developed and spread more widely in the international community. The conventions and exhibitions will also stimulate tourism and promote cultural exchange.


Foreign Office, The Government Public Relations Department, Office of the Prime Minister

[Lite Beer]

Kasikorn predicts Thai baht to fluctuate around 30.9-31.2 per dollar this week

BANGKOK, 1 July 2013 (NNT)- Kasikorn Research Center (KRC) has predicted that the baht will fluctuate within the range of 30.90-31.20 baht per US dollar this week.

The KRC revealed today that there is a possibility that the Thai baht will fluctuate between 30.90 and 31.20 baht against the greenback this week, while stressing that foreign capital movements, economic figures in the US, and purchasing managers indexes (PMI) in other countries must continue to be monitored.

The PMI are economic indicators derived from a monthly survey of private companies to find out how well the manufacturing sector in each country is doing. The indexes will be announced in the beginning of this month.

-- NNT 2013-07-01

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: "World War Z" is still #1 at the Thai box office. After 11 days it has made 85 Million Baht.

[webfact]

French Man 'Scammed' Of 276,000 Baht By Thai Bride


Photo: KHAOSOD English

UDON THANI: -- A French architect told police he had been duped by a Thai woman who promised to marry him and cheated him of 276,000 baht worth of dowry only to turn him away after the wedding ceremony.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650471-french-man-scammed-of-276000-baht-by-thai-bride/

[webfact]

Man Thinks He Is Superhero, Hijacks Bus To Save 'Aliens'


Photo: KHAOSOD English

BANGKOK: -- A bus hijacking incident in central Bangkok led to massive police pursuit and caused considerable damages to both citizens′ vehicles and tollway checkpoints.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650472-man-thinks-he-is-superhero-hijacks-bangkok-bus-to-save-aliens/