Thailand Live Wednesday 10 Jul 2013

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SRT to ask BMTA to return some real estate at Mochit bus terminal

BANGKOK, 10 July 2013 (NNT) – The State Railway of Thailand is preparing to take back the Bangkok real estate that it lends to the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, in order to develop the plot into a rail hub.

SRT governor Praphat Chongsa-nguan has disclosed there is a plan to construct a maintenance center for electric and normal trains on the plot in the vicinity of the second Mochit bus terminal. The State Railway thus needs to ask for the plot to be returned, in order for the rail hub to be completed in 4-5 years.

Meanwhile, the railway authority has already started putting up fences at its real estate in Bangkok's Phahonyothin area, in order to prevent trespassing and disputes with vendors who used to operate on the plot. The plot is slated to become the site of the Ministry of Transport's new complex.

The Ministry of Transport is currently situated on Ratchadamnoen Road. Its relocation to Phahonyothin would alleviate the lack of office space at the present location.


-- NNT 2013-07-10

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Viral Ad Campaign Lands Thai Star In Trouble



BANGKOK: -- After the spreading of the video clip, in which the famous actress Susharat ‘Aom’ Manaying has angrily shouted at her fans during the filming of a show in a shopping mall, Aom has recently spoken out and apologised.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/652553-viral-ad-campaign-lands-thai-star-in-trouble/

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New power line to resolve power shortage in South
By English News

BANGKOK, July 10 - In an attempt to boost the country's power security, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) plans to build a high-voltage transmission line to the southern region to resolve the inadequate power supply and distribution problem that plunged the region into darkness recently.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/652554-new-power-line-to-resolve-power-shortage-in-thai-south/

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TAT to use 'Dream Tourism' initiative to appeal to domestic tourists

BANGKOK, 10 July 2013 (NNT) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand is aiming to increase the number of foreign visitors to Thailand to 28 million persons next year, while also increasing the number of domestic tourists by implementing the "Dream Tourism" initiative.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/652555-tat-to-use-dream-tourism-initiative-to-appeal-to-domestic-tourists/

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POLITICS
Authenticity of audio clip needs to be checked: PM
The Nation


Yingluck

Air Force head says supreme commander, branch chiefs to discuss issue

BANGKOK: -- The audio clip that some believe is a recording of Deputy Defence Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapha and former PM Thaksin Shinawatra discussing the appointment of top military brass should be examined for its authenticity before any conclusion can be drawn, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/652556-authenticity-of-audio-clip-needs-to-be-checked-pm-yingluck/

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POLITICS
Not hard to find if 'Thaksin's clip' is real: Forensic Cop
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The sophisticated technology of today could quickly and easily determine if the two men in an audio clip conspiring to bring former PM Thaksin Shinawatra back to Thailand were actually Thaksin and Deputy Defence Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapha.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/652558-not-hard-to-find-if-thaksins-clip-is-real-forensic-cop/

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UPDATE:

LUANG PU NENKHAM

DSI wants monk's status revoked

Piyanut Tumnukasetchai

The Nation

Tarit to file petition with supreme council, seeks to cancel passport

BANGKOK: -- The Department of Special Investigation is pushing for the termination of Luang Pu Nenkham's status as a monk and the cancellation of his passport.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/652408-thailands-dsi-accepts-special-case-involving-controversial-buddhist-monk/#entry6595212

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UPDATE:
DR CYNTHIA'S CLINIC
Tak clinic ponders legal move over land
Somjit Rungchamtratrassami,
Prapaporn Kreungew
The Nation

TAK: -- The Suwannimit Foundation and Mae Tao Clinic in Tak province are discussing with lawyers and foundation committee members how to take back land that is now home to a field hospital and a school.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/651644-taks-mae-tao-clinic-foundation-caught-in-land-dispute/#entry6595222

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SOUTH CRISIS
Govt, OIC hopeful plan to cut violence in ramadan will hold
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Thai authorities and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) hope that the initiative taken by the government and Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), aimed at cutting on violence in the deep South, will yield results from the first day of Ramadan.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/652559-south-crisis-thai-govt-oic-hopeful-plan-to-cut-violence-in-ramadan-will-hold/

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Move to turn Phuket into Medical Hub
Teerin Julsawad
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Public Health Ministry is planning to launch a "One Province One Hospital" programme that aims to boost the quality of local hospitals and seeks to transform the island into a popular medical tourism destination, permanent secretary Narong Sahametha said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/652560-move-to-turn-phuket-into-medical-hub/

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Cop runs 20km to thank spirit-sleuth
Supot Kaewkarsee
Pumpong Jong-Sakun
Yodsarun Supun
The Nation
Kanchaburi

KANCHANABURI: -- A Kanchanaburi policeman who said spiritual guidance had helped him solve a case, delivered on his vow to run 20 kilometres to pay thanks at a temple yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/652561-thai-cop-runs-20km-to-thank-spirit-sleuth/

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RAMSAR CONVENTION
Thai islands named as vital wetlands
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation



Ko Kra in the Gulf and Ko RaKo Phra Thong to be listed by convention

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT: -- Two small archipelago systems with coral reefs lying offshore and the last remaining refuge for the Lesser Adjutant bird in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phang Nga were listed recently as wetland sites of international significance.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/652562-thai-islands-named-as-vital-wetlands/

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Police asked to cover victim's kids' schooling
The Nation

NONTHABURI: -- The police team investigating a fire at Sai Noi police station in Nonthaburi met yesterday with relatives of four detainees who died in the blaze.

In the meeting, they discussed the relatives' suspicions about why police did not release the four men from the lock-up during the fire.

Inquiries into the incident on Saturday are undergoing. Results are expected to be revealed in 15 days.

"We will ensure justice to both sides," National Police Commissioner General Adul Saengsingkaew said.

One of detainees, 22-year-old Wasan Sornsilp, was arrested on a charge of drunk driving.

His father Prasarn Sornsilp is grieving the death of his son. Wasan left behind a wife and two babies.

"His wife quit her job |to take care of their young kids. The oldest is just two years |old. Now, the family has lost |its breadwinner," Prasarn said.

He urged Adul to consider funding the children's education.

Adul yesterday gave the family of each victim Bt20,000 in financial assistance.

Meanwhile, Bt600,000 has been given to Sai Noi police to fund repairs at the station.


-- The Nation 2013-07-10

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Monks disrobed for failing drug, booze tests
The Nation

SARABURI: -- The monastic chief of Saraburi's Ban Mo district yesterday disrobed 32 monks whose urine test results showed positive for substance abuse.

The district's monastic chief and Wat Makham Riang abbot Phra Kru Supatammakoon said his office, local officials, health officials and volunteers had jointly organised surprise inspections on monks at the district's 27 temples. So far, 32 monks including two abbots were discovered with purple-coloured urine test results. They were disrobed and sent to various rehabilitation centres, where they will be enrolled in a 9-day rehabilitation programme, the district's monastic chief said.

He added that in order for these disrobed monks to be ordained again, they must obtain approval from local officials including police to make sure they have completely recovered. Should a monk be caught for a second time, he would be disrobed again and convicted.


-- The Nation 2013-07-10

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Suranand apologises to Chalerm
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The PM's secretary-general Suranand Vejjajiva has apologised to Labour Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung over pictures posted on Facebook in response to Chalerm's comments about an "ice-cream gang" seeking to win influence with the prime minister.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/652563-suranand-apologises-to-chalerm/

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BURNING ISSUE
Thai Buddhism: Much deeper things have gone wrong
PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Weeks of front-page scandals involving Buddhist monk Luang Pu Nenkham have left many Thais in dismay and disbelief as more lurid details about the jet-setting monk emerges, allegedly involving drugs, untold wealth, lavish lifestyle and sex with underage girls.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/652564-thai-buddhism-much-deeper-things-have-gone-wrong/

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Father Confesses To Killing And Burying His 'Missing' Son

CHIANG RAI: -- A man in Chiang Rai province has confessed to police that he killed and hid the body of his son, whom his wife has reported as missing to the police just a month ago.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/652567-chiang-rai-father-confesses-to-killing-and-burying-his-missing-son/

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Snowden agrees to asylum in Venezuela: Russian lawmaker
English.news.cn

MOSCOW, July 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden has agreed to seek political asylum in Venezuela, a senior Russian lawmaker said on Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/652568-snowden-agrees-to-asylum-in-venezuela-russian-lawmaker/

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Underage Bar Workers found by Police at Central Pattaya Bar

PATTAYA:Pattaya Police conducted an undercover operation on Monday whereby an undercover foreign operative was able to exchange money with a girl under the age of 18 in exchange for the promise of sexual services.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/652575-underage-bar-workers-found-by-police-at-central-pattaya-bar-see-more-at-httpwwwpattayaonenet/

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Life-Threatening Injury to painter in Jomtien

PATTAYA: -- A 38 year old Painter & Decorator, who was working on the outside of a shop-house sustained serious burns after he came into contact with live power cables.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/652577-life-threatening-injury-to-painter-in-jomtien/

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Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 1,404.85, up 6.16 points /MCOT

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UPDATE:
Phuket: TAT reveals ‘tourism strategy’ for 2014


Tourist arrivals in Phuket are expected to increase.

BANGKOK: -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set a target for next year of 28.1 million international arrivals, it was announced yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/652555-tat-to-use-dream-tourism-initiative-to-appeal-to-domestic-tourists/#entry6595784

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Phuket canal polluters get 'one last chance'
Naraporn Tuarob


The water in the klong is now much cleaner, to a great extent due to heavy rain in recent weeks.

PHUKET: -- Vice Governor Somkiet Sangkhaosutthirak gave people found to be polluting Klong Bang Tao a last chance yesterday (July 9), but warned that if they continue to ignore official requests to change their ways, they will face prosecution.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/652605-phuket-canal-polluters-get-one-last-chance/

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UPDATE:

Snickers ad backfires, actress forced to apologize
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- In today's lesson of what not to do in marketing, actress Susharat ‘Aom’ Manaying has apologized to fans for her role in a viral video that appears to show her angrily berating fans in a shopping mall.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/652553-viral-ad-campaign-lands-thai-star-in-trouble/page-2?p=6595964#entry6595964

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Muslims in southern provinces start Ramadan
By English News

YALA, July 10 -- Muslims in the three southernmost provinces of Thailand began their observance of the holy month of Ramadan today by shopping for fresh food to be prepared for their dinner celebration after sunset.

The market at Yala municipality was crowded with Muslims who went shopping for fresh food including beef, chicken and fish, the major ingredients they will cook for their meal after day time fasting.

Meanwhile, police provided security measures for the public. Checkpoints were set up with all vehicles and motorcycles being strictly searched for weapons.

The office of the Chularatchamontri, the spiritual leader of Muslims in Thailand, announced that today was the beginning of the fasting month of Ramadan.

The Chularatchamontri has requested Muslim officials in the deep South to be allowed time to relax during the fast, and to attend ceremonies at mosques. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-07-10

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PM, visiting Prachin Buri & N Nayok, travels to Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam, orders speed up of Khun Dan Land tourist attraction project /MCOT

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Foul play not suspected in death of Microsoft engineer at Phuket villa

Phuket Gazette

Police at Mr Bamford’s villa. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- Phuket Police see no reason to open a murder investigation in the case of a former Microsoft engineer found dead at his villa at Ao Makham last week (story here).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/652611-foul-play-not-suspected-in-death-of-microsoft-engineer-at-phuket-villa/

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Google to warn users of malware-prone websites

Google users will soon be able to call up detailed information about countries that are often the origin of infected websites and other internet problems.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/652613-google-to-warn-users-of-malware-prone-websites/

[Lite Beer]

Phuket forest preserve almost wiped out

Naraporn Tuarob

PHUKET: The 5,000-rai Bang Kanoon Forest Preserve in Thalang District has been almost wiped out by encroachment, a meeting of officials chaired by Vice-Governor Jamreon Thippayapongthada heard yesterday (July 9).

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/652647-phuket-forest-preserve-almost-wiped-out/

[Lite Beer]

Transport Min hires consultants for new rail construction

BANGKOK, 10 July 2013 (NNT) – The Transport Ministry has hired consulting companies to conduct engineering and EIA surveys on its new rail project on the Baan Phai-Maha Sarakham-Mukdahan-Nakhon Phanom route.

Deputy Permanent Secretary for Transport Soithip Traisut, in her capacity as chairperson of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Board, said after the contract signing ceremony between the SRT and the 4 consulting companies that the firms will be responsible for designing the rail route and assessing the environmental impact of the project. She said the new rail project will connect Baan Phai, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, and Nakhon Phanom, with a length of 347 kilometers. She added that the ministry has been studying this new route since 1994.

Meanwhile, SRT Governor Prapat Chongsanguan said not only the new project will connect northeastern provinces in Thailand, but it will also connect Thailand with Laos and will, in turn, help ease commuting and transporting of people and goods between the two countries.

The governor also mentioned about the Den Chai – Chiang Rai rail route, saying the project is now pending the environmental impact assessment. He expects the project to be ready for auction within this year.

-- NNT 2013-07-10