Thailand Live Sunday 14 Jul 2013

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South calm after BRN statement
The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre deputy secretary-general Piya Kijthavorn said yesterday that a decrease in violence over the past four days of Ramadan in the Muslim-dominated southern provinces, was a good sign for future peace negotiations.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653458-south-calm-after-brn-statement/

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DSI eyes arrest of ex-monk
Piyanut Tumnukasetchai,
Pakamas Jaichalard
The Nation on Sunday

Luang Pu Nenkham

BANGKOK: -- Si Sa Ket monastic authorities say 'Luang Pu Nenkham' defrocked

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653460-dsi-eyes-arrest-of-ex-monk/

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Govt to sell big lots of rice and paddy
The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- The government plans to sell 500,000 tonnes of rice, plus a further 400,000 tonnes of paddy (unmilled rice) from its stockpiles each month, Commerce Minister Niwatthumrong Boonsongpaisan has said.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653461-govt-to-sell-big-lots-of-rice-and-paddy/

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Mad Red crowd at Rajamangala
Lerpong Amsa-ngiam
The Nation on Sunday

Red Devils fans stand in a queue at the entrance of Rajamangala National Stadium for the friendly match between the Singha All Stars and Manchester United.

BANGKOK: -- No big stars but Man U fans turn up in thousands

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653462-mad-red-crowd-at-rajamangala/

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Shooting champ Chakkrit facing attempted murder and assault charges after domestic dispute 'with shot fired'
The Nation on Sunday


Former national shooting star Chakkrit Panitphatikam talks to journalists after surrendering to police yesterday following an alleged domestic dispute.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653463-shooting-champ-chakkrit-facing-attempted-murder-and-assault-charges-after-domestic-dispute-with-sho/

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Post was not a reward: Chaikasem
Budsarakham Sinlapalavan,
Opas Boonlom
The Nation on Sunday

Chaikasem

BANGKOK: -- New justice minister rejects claims he will push amnesty plan for Thaksin

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653465-post-was-not-a-reward-for-helping-thaksin-chaikasem/

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Nine suspects arrested in two separate drug busts
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Police Narcotics Suppression Division on Saturday presented nine suspects in two drug busts, along with a total of 150,000 yaba pills, one kilogram of crystal meth, known locally as "ice", and 408 kilograms of dried marijuana.

Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Somyos Pumpanmoung said that in the first drug bust on July 11, police arrested a total of seven men along with 150,000 yaba pills and one kilogram of ice. Two suspects were initially nabbed with the drugs at Chumpon's Tha Sae district checkpoint and reportedly confessed to transporting the drugs from Bangkok to deliver to a customer in Songkhla's Hat Yai district in exchange for a payment of Bt300,000. Police had the suspects continue their journey and made another five arrests in Hat Yai, Somyos said.

During the second drug bust, two men were arrested transporting dried marijuana through a checkpoint in Nakhon Ratchasima's Pak Thongchai district.

In a separate incident in northern Thailand, a drug suspect was shot dead and another was arrested, following a gunfight with police in Chiang Mai's Chiang Dao district, said Chiang Dao police station superintendent Pol Col Chaiwat Phromsuk yesterday. The gunfight occurred in front of Chiang Dao Witthayakom School when police tried to arrest the suspects. Over 400,000 yaba pills were recovered from the scene. Police are now hunting for the other drug gang members.

Meanwhile, in Chiang Mai's Chai Prakan district, police arrested four drug suspects along with 20,000 yaba pills in Tambon Mae Tha Lob yesterday. The four hilltribe men reportedly confessed to police they received the drugs from a local dealer to deliver to a middleman in the district.

-- The Nation 2013-07-13

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-- The Nation 2013-07-14

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Phuket Opinion: Thanks giving for 4th of July celebrations at Phuket Airpark
Phuket Gazette -

There was no lack of American-style entertainment at the Phuket Airshow and Family Picnic. Image: Gazette Graphics

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653470-phuket-opinion-thanks-giving-for-4th-of-july-celebrations-at-phuket-airpark/

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RT@RichardBarrow: Sister & wife of American expat lash out at 'killer' taxi driver (Bangkok Post)

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Thailand has a new popular sensation - Hitler

By Flora Bagenal

In Bangkok, grinning kids pose for photos next to cartoon effigies of the man responsible for the deaths of 12 million people during the Holocaust.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653471-thailand-has-a-new-popular-sensation-hitler/

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RT@Aim_NT: PM Yingluck is visiting Nangrong district, Buriram. Thaksin's pic displayed at a learning centre. Via @jeerapong_nna pic.twitter.com/ZmAldfKmqS

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RT@Aim_NT: Villagers of Tambon Nong Bot wear pro-Pheu Thai Party t-shirts waiting to greet the PM. Via @jeerapong_nna: pic.twitter.com/Zwk5ToLf78

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RT@mpoppel: BREAKING -- Jury finds George Zimmerman NOT GUILTY

RT@AP: BREAKING: Jury acquits George Zimmerman of second-degree murder in shooting of Trayvon Martin -RJJ

RT@BBCBreaking: Jury finds Florida neighbourhood watchman George Zimmerman not guilty over shooting of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin

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RT@RichardBarrow: "Celebrations of British Icons" features history of House of Windsor, icons from British fashion, art & motoring at Siam Paragon in #Bangkok

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RT@RichardBarrow: Did you enjoy the Manchester United match in #Bangkok? There's more to come: Chelsea 17 July, Liverpool 28 July & Barcelona 7 August.

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Mobile Cabinet Meeting in Ayutthaya Province

AYUTTHAYA: -- The next mobile Cabinet meeting, the 11th of its kind under the present administration, is scheduled for 18-19 July 2013 in Ayutthaya province.

It will take place at Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi on Asia Road, Hantra. Apart from Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Saraburi, and Nonthaburi will be highlighted on the agenda of the meeting.

Before the Cabinet meeting, ministers will inspect the cluster of the four provinces to get first-hand information from local residents. The Cabinet will follow up on the progress of flood prevention programs and water resource development, which started in 2012, as well as the ecological rehabilitation of the Chao Phraya – Pa Sak river basins. These provinces were affected by prolonged and widespread flooding in Thailand in 2011.

Moreover, the Cabinet will inspect the Government’s rice-pledging scheme and organic agriculture in the four provinces. It is also interested in observing tourism development and connections between the four provinces in the upper central region.

Ayutthaya Governor Witthaya Piewpong said that, before chairing the mobile Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra would visit the Memorial Loyalty Park, constructed on an area of 100 rai, or 40 acres, as a tribute to His Majesty the King on the occasion of his 84th birthday anniversary. A Buddha image, at a height of 9.84 meters, is a prominent point in the area. The park, located at the Hantra field, has become a tourist attraction in Ayutthaya. A great number of Thai and international tourists visit this attraction during the weekend.

The cluster of the four provinces plans to seek a budget of 25 million baht from the Cabinet to construct a raft village as a mobile unit to be used to organize special activities showcasing water-based culture and lifestyle. On normal days, it will be placed in front of Wat Pang Kracha in Ayutthaya for use to sell OTOP products and local food and stage cultural performances. The project aims to promote tourism along waterways.

A former capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya, whose full name is Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, is famous for monumental remnants of old palaces and temples spread across a tranquil landscape. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on 13 December 1991.

Ayutthaya served as Thailand’s capital from 1350 to 1767, a period of 417 years. During the period, 33 kings from five dynasties ruled the kingdom. About 76 kilometers north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya is one of the most famous historical tourist sites in Thailand.

Statistics compiled in 2011 show that Ayutthaya had a population of 787,653. At that time, more than 33,000 families were engaged in agriculture, and there were 2,161 registered factories. In terms of gross provincial product, Ayutthaya ranked sixth, after Rayong, Chon Buri, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, and Prachin Buri. Rice is the most important economic crop in this province.

The Government Public Relations Department, Office of the Prime Minister

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PM leads Cabinet to tour northeastern provinces of Maha Sarakham, Buri Ram to hear about local problems /MCOT

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Phuket Opinion: It doesn’t hurt to give
Phuket Gazette -

The fluid-replenishment tray at the Phuket Regional Blood Center looks delicious after a donation. Photo: Leslie Porterfield

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653488-phuket-opinion-it-doesnt-hurt-to-give/

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Teenager assaults and robs monk in Khon Kaen

KHON KAEN: A 16 year-old boy used a one metre long wood log to attack and rob a monk at the Khon Kaen train station yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653514-teenager-assaults-and-robs-monk-in-khon-kaen/

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Zimmerman not guilty in Trayvon Martin death: Florida jury
AFP

SANFORD: A six-woman jury late Saturday found neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman not guilty of murdering unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin, in a racially-charged trial that has transfixed the United States.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653515-zimmerman-not-guilty-in-trayvon-martin-death-florida-jury/

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Phuket tourist swims 6km around Naka island

PHUKET: On Friday an American guest staying at the Naka Island resort became the first person to swim 6km around the entire island, in a time of two hours, 50 minutes.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653516-phuket-tourist-swims-6km-around-naka-island/

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RT@ChannelNewsAsia: Actor Cory Monteith, who played Finn Hudson in the TV hit "#Glee," found dead in a #Vancouver hotel room

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"Against corruption" vow won't tame corruption: Poll
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The majority of Thais are not convinced that the government's vow against corruption would help stem the chronic problem, according to a poll.

The Abac Poll, conducted in 17 provinces covering 2,442 respondents, found that 73.5 per cent believed that the Yingluck government’s vow would not help.

Asked if parliament can help in closing the gap, 65.8 per cent said "No". Over half, 51.2 per cent, also believed that independent agencies have no ability to do so either. Also over half, 57.1 per cent, was convinced that influential figures could not lend a help.

-- The Nation 2013-07-14

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PM visits Northeastern provinces
By English News

BANGKOK, July 14 – Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Sunday led ministers to northeastern provinces of Maha Sarakham and Buri Ram to follow up progress of several government projects.

Accompanied by deputy prime minister and finance minister Kittiratt Na Ranong, transport minister Chatchart Sitthiphan, Peeraphan Palusuk, science and technology minister, and national police chief Pol Gen Adul Saengsingkaew the prime minister's party left Don Mueang Airport Sunday morning to Buri Ram to be briefed on local problems in line with the government’s policy.

The prime minister was due to visit the computer learning centre and water management projects and presiding over the start of the farmer credit card project at Baan Nonsila School.

She is scheduled to follow up the implementation of the government’s projects to develop silk products, before moving on to Maha Sarakham province to be briefed on the overall picture of transportation link development in the province. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-07-14

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RT@BPbreakingnews: Arms cache raided in Mae Hong Son

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Govt lauded for income policies

BANGKOK: -- The government's policy to raise the salary of civil servants with bachelor degrees to Bt15,000 and minimum wage to Bt300 was hailed as the best policy of the Yingluck government, according to a poll.

Suan Dusit Poll, conducted during July 9-13 and covering 1,449 respondents, showed that the income policy won the highest approval rating, at 38.14 per cent.

Following are the drug supression policy, 19.49 per cent; the rice-pledging policy, 16.95 per cent; the first-car buyer scheme, 15.25 per cent; and the high-speed train project, 10.17 per cent.

-- The Nation 2013-07-14

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Phuket Opinion: Keeping Chinese tourists safe by certifying more guides
Phuket Gazette -

Mr Chaifu is a Chinese-speaking tour guide in Phuket. Photo: Irfarn Jamdukor

Chaifu Saelee, 43, is a Chiang Mai native with a diploma in tourism from Srinakharinwirot University in Bangkok. He worked as an interpreter for two years before joining Phuket Huang Tai Tour as a guide. He is now a guide with Phuket Super Holiday Travel. Here, he talks about how to increase safety for Chinese tourists in Phuket by helping illegal guides to become legal.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653519-phuket-opinion-keeping-chinese-tourists-safe-by-certifying-more-guides/

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Parliament to first vet budget bill: Prompong

BANGKOK: -- The budget bill for the 2014 fiscal year could be the first to be vetted as soon as the parliamentary session reopens on August 1, said Pheu Thai Party Spokesman Prompong Nopparit.

He added that the Amnesty bill is pending for further communication with the public. Yet, he hopes that this would not cause conflicts, as the party would support the amnesty to all, regardless of their political beliefs.

-- The Nation 2013-07-14

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MOBILE MEETING
PM arrives in Buriram
The Nation

BURIRAM: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra arrived in Buriram at 10.30am on Sunday, promising local residents of better infrastructure under the Bt2 trillion infrastructure investment scheme.

Accompanied by some ministers, Yingluck took the stage at Limthong village in Nang Rong district. She expressed that it’s her wish to see the local residents enjoy higher income, a lower income gap and better infrastructure in the province.

She said that aside from a number of funds designed to promote access to funding, the government will devise career-development strategies. The local authorities are urged to survey the provincial infrastructure - ponds, electricity and roads. She said that part of the Bt2 trillion fund would be used to expanding the 2-lane road from Nang Rong to Ubon Ratchathani to a 2-lane road. It would be discussed in Maha Sarakham on Monday, whether the route leading to the old Khmer castle, Phanom Rung, should be completed ahead of the fund allocation from the Bt2 trillion scheme, to promote tourism.

"Though in Bangkok, Buriram people are in my mind. I thank you all for welcoming the Cabinet and government officials. Thank you the local government. You’re not deterred to the heat, right? I wish you preserve the community strength. The government is ready to improve the quality of life of people," she told the audience.

-- The Nation 2013-07-14