Thailand Live Tuesday 2 Jul 2013

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HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on a 1-day visit to Myanmar

BANGKOK, 2 July 2013 (NNT) - Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn left for the Republic of the Union of Myanmar early Tuesday morning (July 2), leading officials and cadets from the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy on a study trip to the neighboring country.

According to the Bureau of the Royal Household, Her Royal Highness will lead her students on a sightseeing trip to visit important places in Yangon such as the National Museum, the University of Foreign Languages, the Museum of Narcotics Suppression and the Shwedagon Pagoda.

Her Royal Highness will also grant an audience to Thai officials, as well as Thai expatriates, at the Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon before flying back to Thailand on the same day, July 2, at about 10.45 p.m.


-- NNT 2013-07-02

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RICE-PLEDGING
Rice back at Bt15,000
Nakarin Srilert,
Petchanet Pratruangkrai,
Yupin Pongthong
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The Yingluck government has given in to pressure from farmers by maintained the Bt15,000 per tonne pledging price for the second rice crop in the 2012/13 harvest year. But it has left the price for the next harvest year open for a cut.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650597-rice-back-at-bt15000/

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Ex-labourer 'Sexy Pancake' goes viral
Jitima Chunprom
The Nation


Niwat

KHON KAEN: -- A male transvestite from Khon Kaen has become a national Internet celebrity, garnering over 544,000 likes on his Facebook page, "Sexy Pancake", in less than two months.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650598-khon-kaen-ex-labourer-sexy-pancake-goes-viral/

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SPECIAL
Coalition tight, small parties say
Hataikarn Treesuwan
The Nation



No signs of splintering despite govt's recent rocky ride

BANGKOK: -- At a juncture when the Yingluck Shinawatra government has been rocked to its core by a barrage of problems and claims of corruption in the loss-making rice-pledging scheme, five junior coalition parties have made it abundantly clear they will not desert the ruling Pheu Thai Party.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650599-coalition-tight-small-thai-parties-say/

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ANALYSIS
Kingdom a long way from 1997, yet more shocks may loom
Thanong Khanthong
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Sixteen years after the baht's devaluation on July 2, 1997, Thailand appears to have regained its footing. Yet ample risks to economic and financial stability remain because of the volatility of capital flows and a deteriorating trade account.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650600-kingdom-a-long-way-from-1997-yet-more-shocks-may-loom-thai-analysis/

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TAT bids to attract more big spenders
Bamrung Amnatcharoenrit
The Nation
Bang Saen



Workshop to find way for rise in quality tourists to 40%

BANGKOK: -- A key focus next year for the Tourism Authority of Thailand will be attracting more "quality" tourists as it strives to achieve the government's Bt2-trillion tourism-revenue target for 2015.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650601-tat-workshop-to-find-way-for-rise-in-quality-tourists-to-40/

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BURNING ISSUE

Yingluck shows the touch of a fairy godmother

Jintana Panyaarvudh

BANGKOK: -- Almost every prime minister uses the word "appropriate" when choosing people for their Cabinet, and of course, each choice is met with a positive or negative response.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650603-yingluck-shows-the-touch-of-a-fairy-godmother/

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Military chiefs 'happy' with Yingluck
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Military commanders are happy that the prime minister will double as defence minister, according to retired General Yuthasak Sasiprapha, the newly appointed deputy defence minister.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650604-military-chiefs-happy-with-yingluck/

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DSI identifies burned BMW
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Reporting progress on its probe into a tax-evasion scam, the Department of Special Investigation says it now knows the engine number of a BMW X6, one of six supercars burned in a blaze on May 29 while being transported in Nakhon Ratchasima's Pak Chong district.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650605-thailands-dsi-identifies-burned-bmw/

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Police expect to conclude Akeyuth's case this month
Patinya Iamtan
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Metropolitan Police chief Anuchai Lekbumrung yesterday expressed confidence that his team could wrap up its investigation into the murder of businessman and government critic Akeyuth Anchanbutr this month.

The four suspects including Akeyuth's driver Santiparp Pengdoung and his accomplice Sutthisak Pimpisarn have all been arrested, but police were still looking for Akeyuth's valuables, such as his necklaces and watches, which disappeared when Akeyuth was abducted and brutally killed last month, he said.

The suspects would be questioned further about the missing objects, he said.

The motive behind Akeyuth's slaying remained vague, he admitted.

The victim's attorney, Suwawat Aphaipak, who no longer harboured suspicions except for the suspects' testimonies about their motive, has requested police to assemble sufficient evidence to convict the perpetrators, Anuchai said.

Since the statute of limitations in this case was 20 years, if any new evidence surfaced police could probe later, he added.


-- The Nation 2013-07-02

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DSI ready to probe World Peace University
Prapasri Osatanon
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) will wait for an official complaint before looking into an allegation that the World Peace University has deceived the public by operating without a licence.

"I have seen reports about the allegation in the media," DSI chief Tarit Pengdith said yesterday.

The Office of Higher Education Commission (Ohec) is reportedly preparing to lodge a complaint with the DSI against the university.

Tarit said that the DSI would launch a probe if a complaint was made.

The World Peace University came under scrutiny after Sukhum Wongprasit identified himself as the holder of a PhD conferred by the institute. Sukhum made the claim while speaking in defence of Luang Pu Nenkham, a senior monk at Wat Pa Khanti Tham in Si Sa Ket who has come under fire for alleged extravagance, after video clips emerged on the Internet showing him aboard a private jet and toting Louis Vuitton luggage.

A source revealed that Ohec had never granted the World Peace University a licence to operate as a higher-education institute, and thus it could not legitimately confer PhDs.


-- The Nation 2013-07-02

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Govt urged to find new funds for health security
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Given the rising cost of the country's healthcare funds, prominent health economists yesterday urged the government to seek alternative financial sources to support medical insurance schemes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650606-thai-govt-urged-to-find-new-funds-for-health-security/

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Snowden 'seeks asylum in Russia'
US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden has applied to Russia for political asylum, Russian officials say

/BBC

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UPDATE:

22 Phuket schoolkids in mass hysteria outbreak
Prapaporn Jitmaneeyaphan


Dr Sirichai: ‘Mass psychogenic illness’

PHUKET: -- Twenty two schoolchildren aged 13 to 15 were taken to Patong hospital for treatment after they collapsed screaming and crying at morning assembly today (July 1) at Wat Suwankeereewong School in Patong.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650508-nine-phuket-students-given-anesthesia-after-suffering-from-khao-lak-curse/#entry6567439

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New tropical storm makes landfall in the region

BANGKOK, 1 July 2013 (NNT) - Heavy rains have been forecast over the next few days while newly-formed Tropical Storm Rumbia is set to batter parts of China.

The Meteorological Department reported that Rumbia will make landfall near Hong Kong and China’s Hainan province on Tuesday. Thai tourists planning to travel to southern China have been urged to closely follow weather updates.

The front is not expected to severely impact Thailand.

Meanwhile, the southwesterly monsoon covering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand has been observed gaining strength and is predicted to bring widespread thunderstorms to many parts of the country from July 2nd to 5th.

Strong winds will generate up to 2-meter-high waves in the Andaman Sea. Until July 6th, all shippers in the area have been advised to proceed with caution.


-- NNT 2013-07-02

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Minister, diplomats discuss tourist security


Minister of Tourism & Sports Somsak Phureesrisak.

BANGKOK: -- Minister of Tourism & Sports Somsak Phureesrisak yesterday (July 1) met with representatives of 14 European embassies to discuss threats faced by their respective nationals when visiting Thailand, with the aim of boosting confidence in tourist safety in the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650625-thai-minister-diplomats-discuss-tourist-security/

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Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,464.76, up 12.86 points /MCOT

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PM's dual defence role a boon to solving southern violence
By English News



BANGKOK, July 2 – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's move to take the concurrent post of defence minister will lead to prompt decisions in tackling the southern unrest, according to a senior security officer.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650634-yinglucks-dual-defence-role-a-boon-to-solving-southern-violence/

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Survey: 82% of Bangkokians pleased with city administration
By English News

BANGKOK, July 2 – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) got a thumbs up for running this city of nearly nine million people under the helm of Democrat governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra.

Threedow Aphaiwongs, BMA spokeswoman, said a survey of 10,036 people in 50 Bangkok’s districts by Dhurakij Pundit University during April 22-30 reveals a satisfactory percentage at 82.25.

City Hall's five leading policies receiving top marks were building five sewage treatment plants to upgrade water before its release into canals and the Chao Phraya River, establishment of ASEAN Metropolis Assembly to exchange knowledge between the BMA and Southeast Asian countries, training taxi drivers in English language skills, improving fire-fighting capability for high rise buildings and small communities, and English language improvement in BMA schools as part of the city's preparations for the ASEAN Economic Community.

According to the survey on Governor Sukhumbhand’s performance, people were most satisfied with the installation of 20,000 closed circuit cameras citywide and connecting the 50,000 existing CCTVs with 200,000 others operated by private networks.

Ms Treedow said the capital's citizenry complimented the governor for the free lunch scheme for students, installation of 20,000 additional light bulbs on streets and the construction of six high-capacity water tunnels with flood alert systems.

Traffic congestion, excessive garbage, safety for public and their property, and elimination of polluted water and flooding were among the problems that should be urgently addressed, she said. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-07-02

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SRT kicks off Bangkok-Rayong high speed train study
By English News



BANGKOK, July 2 – The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) signed an agreement with a consultant firm to conduct a feasibility study for the country’s first high speed rail project from Bangkok to the eastern seaboard province of Rayong.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650637-srt-kicks-off-bangkok-rayong-high-speed-train-study/

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Canadian expat, 64, faces deportation from Phuket for visa overstay
Phuket Gazette


Canadian expat James Nelson (left), 64, talks with Capt Angkarn Yasanop of Phuket Immigration at his apartment in Kathu. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- A 64-year-old expat from Canada will be deported from Thailand after being caught in Phuket after overstaying his visa by three years.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650641-canadian-expat-64-faces-deportation-from-phuket-for-visa-overstay/

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Amnatchareon faces serious dengue fever, 949 patients found, 2 dead

Amnatchareon, 2 July 2013, (NNT) -- Dengue fever situation in Amnatchareon Province is worsening, given 949 people have been diagnosed with dengue so far this year; two of whom have already died.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650656-amnatchareon-faces-serious-dengue-fever-949-patients-found-2-dead/

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Thai government reverses rice price cut

BANGKOK, July 2, 2013 (AFP) - Thailand's government was set Tuesday to reverse a cut to the price it gives farmers for rice, a fortnight after stoking anger from its rural heartlands by announcing a 20 percent reduction in the fee.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650597-rice-back-at-bt15000/page-2?p=6568763#entry6568763

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BT350BN INVESTMENT
Legal team on water to convene on July 8
The Nation

Phongthep Thepkanchana

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Phongthep Thepkanchana will meet with the government's legal team on July 9, before making a decision if the government will appeal the Central Administrative Court's verdict on the Bt350 billion water-management scheme.

The government has 30 days to make the decision, after the Court ordered an injunction on the investment plan. The government is ordered to conduct environmental impact assessment and health impact assessment before proceeding with projects which may harm the environment and communities.

Phongthep said that the government agencies, which are directly responsible for the projects, will decide whether they want to appeal. But the legal team would give them legal advice on how to proceed.

Chairing the legal team, Phongthep said that no government has the intention to violate the Constitution.

"I have no worry (by this assignment), though many consider this a hot potato," he said.

This week, Phongthep will accompany Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to Poland and Turkey.

-- The Nation 2013-07-02

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School parade in Pattani
The Nation

PATTANI: -- Students don themselves with colourful and multi-cultural costumes, as part of a parade to mark the opening of a sports tournament.

For years, four Benjamarachutit Ratchaburi schools in four provinces - Pattani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ratchaburi and Chanthaburi - have hosted annual sports tournament. This year, the school in Pattani is the host.

The parade proceded under tight security. On June 30, two students were shot on they returned from school.

-- The Nation 2013-07-02

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New Education Minister says Thai education system needs urgent revamp

BANGKOK, 2 July 2013 (NNT) – The newly-appointed Education Minister has said the Thai education system needs a major revamp to enable Thai kids to compete with children in other countries as Asean Community is approaching in less than 3 years’ time.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650684-new-education-minister-says-thai-education-system-needs-urgent-revamp/

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BOND MARKET
Over Bt90bn Thai bonds sold in two months
The Nation

Niwat Kanjanaphoomin

BANGKOK: -- Foreign net-sells of Thai bonds during May and June exceeded Bt90 billion, according to Thai Bond Market Association.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650707-over-bt90bn-thai-bonds-sold-in-two-months/

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RT @BreakingNews: Snowden withdrew asylum request to Russia when President Putin said he should give up anti-American activity - @Reuters

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Thais protest Buddha statue in German art display

MUNICH: -- Thai Buddhists protested Tuesday against the use of a Buddha statue in an art installation in southern Germany, saying the exhibition was disrespectful.

About 15 members of the World Fellowship of Buddhists marched outside the German embassy in Bangkok, waving banners in English,Thai and German saying "Stop disrespecting Buddha," "Buddha is not an art object," and "Buddha’s image is not furniture."

The statue, displayed in a market square in Munich, is of a large gold-coloured sitting Buddha tipped onto its back, and has reportedly been climbed on and photographed in inappropriate ways.

The fellowship’s Thai chairman, Pornchai Pinyapong, demanded that the German government put pressure on the art gallery that organised the display to take it down./


-- The Nation 2013-07-02

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Sri Lankan "Job-for-Cash" fraud uncovered in Central Pattaya

PATTAYA: -- A Sri Lankan National was arrested by Pattaya Police in the early hours of Tuesday, accused of extorting money from three of his fellow countrymen in exchange for a promise of employment.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/650709-sri-lankan-job-for-cash-fraud-uncovered-in-central-pattaya/