Thailand Live Monday 15 Jul 2013

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Crown Prince opens exhibition of royally initiated projects

BANGKOK,15 July 2013 (NNT) - His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasm, the royal consort, on July 13 presided over the opening ceremony of an exhibition held in honor of Their Majesties the King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family who have altogether initiated 4,350 projects for the benefits and happiness of Thai people.

The exhibition is being organized from July 13-17, by 28 government units led by the Royal Thai Armed Forces, the Royal Thai Police, and the Office of the Royal Development Project Board, at the Government Complex Building B on Chaeng Watthana Road, in Bangkok.

The exhibition is aimed at publicizing the success of the royally initiated development projects which are scattered throughout the country. Of those projects, nearly 3,000 are involved with water resource development. They include, for example, the royal rain-making project which helps save over 160 rai of farmland from drought disasters annually, water detention weirs which highly benefit forest rehabilitation, the Chaipattana Aerator which helps treat waste water, the vetiver grass project which helps prevent soil erosion and the Kaem Ling project which helps alleviate flood problems.

The exhibition demonstrates the principle of each project and how it has been put into implementation until it becomes a prototype and brings success to those who follow the step. At the exhibition, a number of talks are scheduled to convey knowledge on royal projects while a wide variety of handicrafts from Her Majesty the Queen’s SUPPORT Center are on display. Her Majesty has set up the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques, or SUPPORT, to conserve Thai arts by engaging the old masters in native art and crafts to teach young artisans.

Besides, demonstrations on various Thai artistic skills are displayed while products from the SUPPORT Center and other native goods are available at low prices. People are invited to visit the the exhibition which will continue until July 17, 2013.


-- NNT 2013-07-15

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Bearing the brunt of Pheu Thai's judicial difficulties
Hataikarn Treesuwan,
Attayuth Bootsripoom,
Kornchanok Raksaseri
The Nation


Phongthep Thepkanchana

Phongthep a key player for govt amid rows over bill, policies

BANGKOK: -- At a time when effective legal strategy is vital for the government's survival, Deputy Prime Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana is without doubt Pheu Thai Party's most valuable legal resource. A former judge and justice minister and ex-chief whip for the government, Phongthep is one of former-premier Thaksin Shinawatra's most trusted aides.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653683-bearing-the-brunt-of-pheu-thais-judicial-difficulties/

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DISEASE
Ministry declares war on dengue
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- With the dengue death toll already hitting 71 this year, the Public Health Ministry is fighting back to stop the spread of the Aedes mosquitoes that carry the disease.

"I have instructed all provincial public-health chiefs to closely monitor the operations to eradicate mosquito larvae at schools and hospitals," Public Health Minister Pradit Sintavanarong said yesterday.

As of last Tuesday, the dengue outbreak had struck 67,889 people and showed no signs of abating.

From July 3-9, new cases surged 30 per cent to 8,571 from the previous week.

Pradit will be writing to ask the permanent secretaries for education and interior for their cooperation.

"Our surveys have found that more than 10 per cent of containers with stagnant water at home and schools had mosquito larvae," he said.

Dr Narong Sahametapat, permanent secretary for the Public Health Ministry, said the public could call 089-204 2255 round the clock for advice.

All state hospitals were instructed to set up special corners to take care of dengue victims or patients suspected of being infected with the virus.

"We have also provided guidelines for hospitals on how to respond to dengue cases and when they will need to refer patients to better-equipped medical facilities," he said.

Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, Chiang Rai and Bangkok are among the provinces with the highest incidences.


-- The Nation 2013-07-15

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FARMERS' CREDIT CARD
Credit cards fail to win over farmers
Hataikarn Treesuwan
The Nation


Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra poses with farmers in Buri Ram. The second phase of the farmers

PM announces extra benefits, aims for 4 million members; farmers say merchants lack flexibility

BANGKOK: -- Launched two years ago, the farmers' credit-card scheme has proved to be anything but a success. As of June, only about Bt10 billion of credit was outstanding in the first phase from the total budget of Bt57 billion, according to the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653684-credit-cards-fail-to-win-over-thai-farmers/

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12 Million Baht Drugs Seizure by Pattaya Police

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653591-12-million-baht-drugs-seizure-by-pattaya-police/

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SPECIAL REPORT
Farmers see only a part of rice scheme's rewards
Petchanet Pratruangkrai,
Yossarin Boonwiwattanakarn
The Nation


The government's Bt15,000-a-tonne rice price under its pledging programme does not only benefit farmers but also a range of related parties.

BANGKOK: -- According to a Nation survey, at the price, farmers benefit to the tune of up to Bt2,000 a tonne. The rest goes to landlords, fertiliser and pesticide companies, labourers, truck owners, millers and middlemen. All that adds up to a loss of Bt136 billion in the first year of the scheme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653685-farmers-see-only-a-part-of-rice-schemes-rewards/

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Insight: Smuggling rice to Thailand - like coals to Newcastle

By Apornrath Phoonphongphiphat and Naveen Thukral

SA KAEO, Thailand/SINGAPORE

(Reuters) - Hidden in 18-wheeler trucks, carts and pick-up vans, hundreds of thousands of tonnes of rice are being smuggled from Cambodia and Myanmar into Thailand, although the country holds enough stocks to meet half the world's annual trade in the commodity.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653686-insight-smuggling-rice-to-thailand-like-coals-to-newcastle/

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DISEASE
KKU student dies of dengue fever
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A Khon Kaen University student died on Sunday of severe dengue fever, five days after being admitted to the hospital.
Nontheethiya Phuwanon, 21, was admitted to Srinakarin Hospital on July 9, developing high fever and stomachache.

Chanchai Phanthongwiryakun, Director of the Srinakarin Hospital, said she was moved to the ICU on July 11 due to severe loss of blood, which led to failures of internal organs like kidney, liver and heart.

"It’s the severe and rare type of dengue fever," Charnchai said. "It’s under investigation where and how she was infected," he said.

The student was the first patient who died of dengue fever in Khon Kaen this year.

A provincial public health officer said that dengue fever infection rate in Khon Kaen has tripled from last year. Since January, 1,061 patients have been diagnosed with the fever. A war room has been set up, to monitor the spread on a weekly basis.


-- The Nation 2013-07-15

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CULTURE
Chiang Mai, Lamphun proposed as heritage sites
The Nation


An ancient pagoda in Lamphun

CHIANG MAI: -- A seminar on the project to push for Chiang Mai and Lamphun to be the UN's Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco)'s world heritage sites, will be held in the two cities this month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653687-chiang-mai-lamphun-proposed-as-heritage-sites/

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Hand, foot and mouth disease still present in Bangkok
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok residents have been cautioned against the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease among young children, with up to 11,000 people nationwide contracting the disease from January to June.

Dr Wanthani Wattana, director of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Health Office, said up to 1,676 patients in Bangkok had fallen to the disease, but no lives had been lost.

Of the total, 84 per cent of infected people were 0-4 years old, 13 per cent were 5-9 years old and one per cent were over 10 years.

Wanthani said the disease usually spreads in areas where young children stay together, such as in schools, and often during the rainy season. She said a highly populated city like Bangkok was a higher risk of the disease as body contact in public places such as bus stops and department stores may help spread the germs leading to the disease.

She said a drug that effectively cures the disease has yet to be found and patients are treated according to their symptoms.


-- The Nation 2013-07-15

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DSI will ask US to cancel scandal-plagued ex-monk's visa
Kesinee Taengkhieo,
Chuleeporn Aramnet
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) will directly ask US authorities to cancel the visa for the notorious Luang Pu Nenkham, who officially lost his status as a monk on Saturday. Luang Pu Nenkham is believed to be in the United States.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653688-thailands-dsi-will-ask-us-to-cancel-scandal-plagued-ex-monks-visa/

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,464.27, up 10.56 points /MCOT

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Yuthasak to head Thai team at Thai-Lao border meet
By English News



BANGKOK, July 15 – Thai Deputy Defence Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapa will lead the Thai delegation to the Thai-Lao Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) in Vientiane on Thursday, according to ministry spokesman Tanathip Sawangsaeng.

He said the Lao government will host the 20th JBC meeting in in the capital to which Thai Prime Minister/Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was invited. She assigned Gen Yuthasak to attend the meeting on her behalf.

The 22-member Thai delegation will include Supreme Commander Tanasak Patimaprakorn or his representative, chiefs of staff of the armed forces, director general of the Directorate of Operations, interior permanent secretary, commerce permanent secretary, and senior officials from the National Security Council, National Police Bureau, Customs Department and related state agencies.

The meeting, organised at the invitation of Lao Deputy Prime Minister/Defence Minister Douangjai Pijit, is aimed at exchanging opinions, reviewing and evaluating results of the 19th JBC meeting, enhancing long-standing relationship between the two countries.

Thailand and Laos will also emphasise mechanisms on cooperation and concrete drug suppression operation. Officials of both countries will exchange information, names and telephone numbers for the benefit of better coordination.

The two countries have given priority to various issues including improving incomes of the Thai and Lao people, and expanded border relations with the opening of the fourth friendship bridge connecting Chiang Rai in Thailand and Bo Kaeo in Laos late this year. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-07-15

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Pheu Thai confident that Rice Pledging Scheme has improved farmers' quality of life

BANGKOK, 15 July 2013 (NNT) -- Pheu Thai Spokesperson Prompong Nopparit has urged critics of the rice pledging scheme to only use the truth as their points of arguments, not fabricated news which will only tarnish the good name of the nation’s rice industry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653716-pheu-thai-confident-that-rice-pledging-scheme-has-improved-farmers-quality-of-life/

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Two more suspects sought in Phuket attack on Malaysian royal bodyguard
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- The five people accused of attacking a Malaysian royal family bodyguard in Patong in May continue to be held in Phuket as police pursue two additional suspects.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653717-two-more-suspects-sought-in-phuket-attack-on-malaysian-royal-bodyguard/

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PM worried that widening rumours of contaminated Thai rice will impact Thai rice market; will prosecute anyone spreading false information /MCOT

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PM orders investigation of Narathiwat shooting, wounding 2 residents; NSC not negligent even though BRN announced less violence /MCOT

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Industry Ministry pushes for Thai food hub in northern region
By English News



BANGKOK, July 15 – Thailand's Industry Ministry is moving forward toward bringing into reality the plan to materialise the Northern Food Valley project – an ambitious undertaking to upgrade Thailand’s North as a processing hub for agricultural produce and organic food, a high-ranking official said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653732-industry-ministry-pushes-for-thai-food-hub-in-northern-region/

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Chulalongkorn Fine and Applied Arts Faculty dean apologizes for Hitler graduation mural
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: Simon Wiesenthal Center

BANGKOK: -- Chulalonkgorn Dean of Fine and Applied Arts Faculty Associate Professor Supakorn Dispan apologized to the public yesterday for the benightedness of his students for putting up a superhero-inspired graduation mural that also featured the visage of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653736-chulalongkorn-fine-and-applied-arts-faculty-dean-apologizes-for-hitler-graduation-mural/

[Lite Beer]

PM threatens legal action against spoiled rice rumour-mongers
By English News

MAHA SARAKHAM, July 15 - Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra asked the public to stop passing on rumours about so-called contaminated rice packages on social media sites or words of mouth, warning that legal action will be taken against those who do not cooperate.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653757-pm-threatens-legal-action-against-spoiled-rice-rumour-mongers/

[Lite Beer]

200 British volunteers recruited as teacher assistants
By English News

BANGKOK, July 15 - Thailand''s Education Ministry and the British Council are holding a four-day orientation for 197 British volunteers before they start working as teacher assistants in schools nationwide.

The number of volunteers this year tripled that of last year to 197 volunteers recruited from 700 applicants who are studying in universities or have just graduated.

Kerry Adair, 21, who has completed her bachelor’s degree said this is her first time in Thailand and she wants to learn more about Thai culture during the two-month stay.

All volunteers will work for eight weeks beginning Wednesday through September 6 at 194 schools and vocational colleges. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-07-15

[Lite Beer]

PM orders probe of Narathiwat shooting.
By English News.

BANGKOK, July 15 - Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has ordered an investigation into Sunday's shooting in Narathiwat as the National Security Council (NSC) assured the public that security personnel remain vigilant even though the BRN militant group had confirmed a truce during Ramadan.

Ms Yingluck told reporters the investigation would establish whether the incident was related to the insurgency in the southernmost provinces.

She said the fact that the Thai government and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) agreed to work to achieve a violence-free Ramadan in the region was a positive development.

However, she ordered the security agencies to closely monitor the situation and not lower their guard as the government wants to see Muslim Thais be happy during their fasting month of Ramadan.

Two residents of Narathiwat were shot while they rode on a pickup truck heading home in Sungai Kolok district.

The two were identified as Mariya Hama, 51 and Issama-ae Bahea, 35. Both were sent to Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Hospital for treatment.

Narathiwat governor Apinan Suetanuwong cited the initial investigation indicating that the incident was likely a personal conflict rather than insurgency-related.

Meanwhile, the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) said the 4th Region Forward Command of ISOC has a defensive security plan in place during Ramadan.

NSC adviser Col Charoon Ampha conceded it was difficult to maintain a violence-free area as there were militant groups with differing ideas on the peace dialogue between Thailand and the BRN.

He said the security agencies would be on high alert and would not be negligent. The 40-day Ramadan could prove whether the BRN could control its militant groups in easing violence in the southernmost provinces or not. (MCOT online news).

-- TNA 2013-07-15

[Lite Beer]

RT@BPbreakingnews: Student killed in attack in Khon Kaen

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Hundreds of cobra and turtles confiscated in Nong Khai

Nong Khai, 15th July 2013 (NNT) – 300 cobras and 569 turtles, worth 1 million baht, have been seized from smugglers in Nong Khai province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653774-hundreds-of-cobra-and-turtles-confiscated-in-nong-khai/

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Mae Hong Son Border patrol police confiscates over 100,000 war weapons

Mae Hong Son, 15th July 2013 (NNT) - Border patrol police 336 have seized over 100,000 rounds of ammunition and four grenade launchers in Mae Hong Son province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653777-mae-hong-son-border-patrol-police-confiscates-over-100000-war-weapons/

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UPDATE

Top Thai university apologises for Hitler mural

BANGKOK, July 15, 2013 (AFP) - One of Thailand's most prestigious universities apologised Monday after students created a large mural depicting Adolf Hitler among a host of comic book superheroes during graduation celebrations.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653736-chulalongkorn-fine-and-applied-arts-faculty-dean-apologizes-for-hitler-graduation-mural/page-4?p=6613237#entry6613237

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PM blessed for 16 years in office
The Nation

MAHA SARAKHAM: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Monday received a blessing from Phrakhru Anurak Putthamonthon, the abbot of Phutthamonthon Temple in Maha Sarakham.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653781-pm-yingluck-blessed-for-16-years-in-office/

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PM expresses worries on rice rumor

BANGKOK, 15 July 2013 (NNT) – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has expressed her concerns over reports of chemical residues found in rice under the pledging program, while urging all media to be careful when presenting news on the issue.

During her visit to Maha Sarakham Province, Prime Minister Yingluck has asked for cooperation from the media not to spread wrong information about the rice pledging scheme. The news about contamination of chemical residues in rice and rotten rice stockpiles in warehouses throughout the country has been branded as fabricated by related authorities. The Prime Minister said the rumor could damage the image of Thai rice and would, in turn, destroy the country’s stability. However, the premier said she would do whatever she could to restore the confidence in Thai rice, both in and out of the country. She urged the media to present news constructively pending official investigations into the situation of rice at various warehouses.

Touching on continuous attacks in the restive South pending a conclusion of a ceasefire agreement between the Thai government and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) for the fasting month of Ramadan, Miss Yingluck reaffirmed the government’s intention to promote peace in the region. She said if the violence continues during the holy month, more discussions will be held with the BRN insurgent group.


-- NNT 2013-07-15

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UPDATE
Attempt to revoke Wirapol's passport
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said on Monday that his ministry is ready to revoke the passport of Wirapol Sukphol, better known as Luang Pu Nenkham, as soon as receiving an official request from the monastic authorities.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653688-thailands-dsi-will-ask-us-to-cancel-scandal-plagued-ex-monks-visa/page-2?p=6613451#entry6613451

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UPDATE:

US Justice Department to open new case against Zimmerman who shot dead black teenager

WASHINGTON: -- The US Justice Department can open a civil rights case against George Zimmerman, 29, who was found last Sunday not guilty for shooting dead of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin, 17. Meanwhile some US cities saw clashes between Afro-American and the police during the peaceful marching against the acquitting judgement.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/653515-zimmerman-not-guilty-in-trayvon-martin-death-florida-jury/page-11?p=6613584#entry6613584