ASEAN workers keen on working in Thailand

BANGKOK: (NNT) - The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has launched an e-learning project for Thai tourism workforce after finding that there is a possibility of an influx of ASEAN workers into the tourism sector in Thailand.

Deputy Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Sports Thanittha Sawetsila Maneechote said the ministry was expecting that a large quantity of workers from ASEAN member countries, especially the Philippines and Indonesia, would travel to work in Thailand since the Thai minimum wage was higher than in their own countries. On the other hand, she indicated that not many Thai people wanted to work abroad and there were also limited jobs available in developed countries whose minimum wages were higher than in Thailand.

The deputy permanent secretary suggested the Thai government to encourage Thai people to work in the ASEAN Plus Three and Plus Six countries, such as South Korea, Japan and Australia. She added that the Thai tourism workforce should urgently develop their service skills as well as English and ASEAN languages in preparation for fiercer competition in the labor market.

The ministry has launched an e-learning program called the “ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals” to prepare interested people for 32 types of jobs in the tourism sector. Those who pass the training’s tests will receive certificates from the Institution for Tourism Professional Training.


-- NNT 2013-07-17

Tourism shining bright
Bamrung Amnatcharoenrit
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Industry foresees rising returns from China, Asean in coming years; Tourist Court urged amid safety concerns, crackdown on gangs

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654251-thailand-tourism-shining-bright/

RICE SCHEME
Govt urged to inspect rice for contamination
PONGPHON SARNSAMAK,
SURIYAN PANYAWAI
THE NATION



Watchdog finds traces of Methyl Bromide in 34 samples, one of which exceeded FAO safe levels

BANGKOK: -- A consumer watchdog is calling on the government to inspect packaged rice after random tests found several samples to be tainted with high levels of methyl bromide, which is used to kill rice-eating bugs.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654252-thai-govt-urged-to-inspect-rice-for-contamination/

SOUTH CRISIS
Concern over Sadao's link with far South
THE NATION



Businessmen upset at BRN including district in statement about ceasefire

SADAO: -- Concern is growing among the business sector in the South about a Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) statement that includes Sadao district in Songkhla in a temporary ceasefire for the unrest-plagued region. The statement is a threat to Sadao's vibrant economy, the Songkhla Chamber of Commerce said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654253-concern-over-sadaos-link-with-far-south/

POLLUTION
Acid rain a larger problem in Asia: study
Teerin Julsawad
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Worsening air pollution as a result of economic expansion is leading to higher acidity in rainwater in cities across Asia, according to a study.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654254-acid-rain-a-larger-problem-in-asia-study/

EDITORIAL
Teenage drama adds maturity to Thai television
The Nation

A high-quality series on the satellite platform demonstrates that local audiences might be ready for something different

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654256-teenage-drama-adds-maturity-to-thai-television/

STOPPAGE TIME
When the lion and the mouse talk too much
Tulsathit Taptim

BANGKOK: -- Certain things are better left unsaid, or "unrecorded" as far as Thaksin Shinawatra is concerned. It's no secret how much he wants to return home a free man, but when people hear it on tape, the situation changes drastically. Now, what seemed like a brilliant plan to launch a political blitz for amnesty lies in jeopardy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654258-when-the-lion-and-the-mouse-talk-too-much-thai-opinion/

Nose Surgery Clinic Closed Down By Police In Bangkok



The Ministry of Public Health coordinated with the Consumer Protection Police Division to close down nose surgery clinics that didn’t pass several standards.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654259-nose-surgery-clinic-closed-down-by-police-in-bangkok/

Inaugural Junior Phuket Raceweek set for 20th July
Strong line-up of Thai and international youngsters to compete in Optimist and Topper classes.


Optimists are set to compete off Panwa Cape in the inaugural Junior Phuket Raceweek. Photo by MarineScene.asia.

PHUKET: -- The inaugural Junior Phuket Raceweek is shaping up with a strong line-up of Thai and international youth sailors competing in two classes, Optimist and Topper.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654260-inaugural-junior-phuket-raceweek-set-for-20th-july/

President of Constitutional Court stepping down
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Constitutional Court president Wasan Soypisudh has submitted a letter of resignation to the court office, seeking to stand down as both president and judge from August 1.

Wasan said his resignation was in accordance with an agreement by judges when he was elected as president - that he would stay in the post for not more than two years to complete some goals to manage the administration system and finish some cases.

In May he had told his colleagues he had completed the tasks he wanted to do.

Wasan said he had completed his missions in May and wanted to resign but the court was being pressured by the red shirts.

He had later advised Constitutional Court judges about his decision at a meeting on July 10.

-- The Nation 2013-07-17

TRANSNATIONAL CRIMES
Campaign to target foreign mafia in Phuket

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654106-dsi-help-sought-to-crack-down-mafia-in-phuket/

Phuket rocked by 5.3 Richter quake

PHUKET: -- Phuket was shaken by a 5.3 Richter earthquake, situated off Sumatra, Indonesia, at around 6.40am this morning

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654265-phuket-rocked-by-53-richter-quake/

Ramkhamhaeng bombing suspects appear in court
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The two suspects of the May 26 bombing in Bangkok's Ramkhamhaeng area were brought to the Ratchadapisek Criminal Court yesterday, where they were given the first round of 12-day detention until July 27.

Meanwhile, the police objected to their bail release as they are suspected of a serious crime and there is a flight risk. A manhunt is on for three more suspects, who have reportedly fled to Malaysia.

Metropolitan Police want Narathiwat native Idris Satapor, 24, and Pattani's Affaham Saar, 25, to be detained pending the interview of nine more witnesses and results of forensic investigation.

Division 4 chief Pol Maj-General Naiwat Phadermchit and a team had earlier gone to the deep South to pick up the duo, who were being held under the emergency decree. Their 30-day detention ends on July 18.


-- The Nation 2013-07-17

CONTROVERSIAL MONK
Replica Emerald Buddha linked to Wirapol
The Nation



SI SA KET: -- The "world's largest Emerald Buddha image replica" at Si Sa Ket's Wat Pa Khanthitham was found yesterday it was not made of jade.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654267-replica-emerald-buddha-linked-to-wirapol/

Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 1,457.98, up 6.53 points /MCOT

Private rice mills to join govt rice pledging scheme
By English News

BANGKOK, July 17 – The Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) will propose including private rice mills in the government’s rice pledging scheme.

BAAC president Luck Wajananawat said private rice mills will be allowed to participate in bidding for the rice purchase programme for the 2013/2014 harvest season.

Half of the 2013/2014 rice yields will be put up for auction and sold to private rice mills while the government will be responsible for the other half, he said, adding that the proposal will be made to the National Rice Policy Committee later this month.

Thailand’s total rice yields from two crops in a year are about 30 million tonnes and 21-22 million tonnes are purchased by the government at the pledging price.

If private rice mills are allowed to bid for 10 million tonnes of rice, the government’s financial burden for the scheme will be alleviated by half, he said.

A Bt70-100 billion expense for the scheme is in the framework set by the Finance Ministry and it will lead to a balanced budget, Mr Luck said.

He explained that the proposal, if approved, will relieve the government’s financial burden by half and ensure the purchase of quality paddy which must be thoroughly checked by private rice millers.

Commercial banks will grant additional loans to rice mills, he said, and the scheme should cover 85 per cent of farmers or some 16-18 million tonnes of rice. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-07-17

Five foreigners caught in anti-crime drive in Phuket
Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: -- Five foreigners and six Thais were arrested by police from Kathu Police Station during a two-week special push against crime ordered by Bangkok, which ended on Monday (July 15).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654293-five-foreigners-caught-in-anti-crime-drive-in-phuket/

UPDATE:
Thai FDA to conduct random checks of packaged rice
By English News

BANGKOK, July 17 – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will randomly check packaged rice at packaging plants in 10 provinces in the Northeast and Central region to ensure safety for consumers, a senior official said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654252-thai-govt-urged-to-inspect-rice-for-contamination/page-2?p=6620350#entry6620350

Rate of new dengue fever patients increases to 8,000 per week

BANGKOK, 17 July 2013 (NNT)-- The Ministry of Public Health has revealed that the rate of new dengue fever cases has reached 8,000 per week, and that 71 people have already died from the disease this year: coinciding with the severe dengue outbreak situation in Laos.

Lao media are reporting 'historic' levels of dengue fever outbreak in the country. Lao officials have disclosed that 4,617 patients, the highest concentration of dengue fever cases, have been found in the capital of Vientiane. Of this number, 16 have died; followed by Champasak province, where 3,306 cases have been reported, 27 of the patients have died. The number of cases is expected to rise, according to the Lao media.

Thai minister of public health Pradit Sinthawannarong has indicated that most of those killed by the disease in Thailand are between 15-24 years of age. Some of the victims did not think they had the disease, and thus came to the doctor too late. This year's number of those afflicted by the disease is 3 times as many as last year's, prompting him to tell village health volunteers to step up their mosquito suppression efforts.


-- NNT 2013-07-17

Armless woman inspires millions with her resilience and optimism



BANGKOK: -- A woman born with undeveloped arms has become a huge inspiration for people across Thailand after stories about her life, work and attitude emerged in mainstream media.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654304-armless-thai-woman-inspires-millions-with-her-resilience-and-optimism/

Train derails in Lamphun
The Nation

LAMPHUN: -- The northern train heading to Chiang Mai derailed early morning in Lamphun, causing some injuries.

All train carriages fell off from the track, as the train derailed near Denchai district. Over 290 passengers were on board.


-- The Nation 2013-07-17

Thai State Railways train derails in North, service suspended
By English News

PHRAE, July 17 – A State Railways of Thailand (SRT) train has derailed in this mountainous northern Thai province, injuring more than 40 passengers, mostly foreign tourists, and temporarily halted the North-bound train earlier today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654309-thai-state-railways-train-derails-in-north-foreign-tourists-injured/

Consutitution Court confirms Wasan Soypisudh has stepped down as Constitution Court president, and as one of its judges /MCOT

Board of Trade of Thailand opposes government plan to embed microchips in rice sacks; says it can't prevent corruption /MCOT

Bomb ambush, followed by gun attack against soldiers in Narathiwat's Cho Airong district, two wounded in assault /MCOT

Yingluck places importance on transparency and justice

BANGKOK, 17 July 2013 (NNT) – The Prime Minister is placing great emphasis on transparency and justice in the government’s affairs, saying a group of observers will be set up to oversee the government’s projects.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654338-yingluck-places-importance-on-transparency-and-justice/

Arrest warrant sought for former monk
By English News

BANGKOK, July 17 - Thailand's Special Investigation Department (DSI) asked the Criminal Court to approve an arrest warrant for Wiraphon Sukphon, the former Buddhist monk previously known as Luang Pu Nen Kham, for allegedly violating the Computer Crime Act, having sex with a minor and fraud.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654345-arrest-warrant-sought-for-former-monk/

Thai Chamber of Commerce sees no need for stimulus measures.
By English News

BANGKOK, July 17 - Despite the forecast of a Slower Economy in the Second half of this year, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand believe that the Government does not Need to Issue Stimulus measures to Boost the Economy.

Honorary Chairman Pramon. Sutivong said the Thai Economy is expected to Grow 4 per Cent or slightly Lower in the Second half of this year, for the Public is tending to Cut their spending while the Thai Export Sector is still moving Slowly Due to the fragile global Economy.

The Two. Organisations believe the Government has no Need to Issue Stimulus measures is because it Will Distort the Country's Economic mechanism, Mr Pramon said.

The Government should leave some time for the Public to Pay their debts rather than to encourage them to increase their household spending and thus. create more debt, he Added.

Meanwhile, the honorary Chairman SUGGESTED the Government should support small-and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to have more access to funding Resources for more Business Flexibility.

Regarding the Government's Bt2 trillion Infrastructure Project, Mr Pramon viewed. that it will not help boost the economy in the short run, but it will be a boon for the country's economic competitiveness in the future. (MCOT online news).

-- TNA 2013-07-17

RT@nationnews: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered the manufacturer of CoCo-branded packed rice to recall its products from the shelves.

RICE
Contaminated rice to be withdrawn from shelves
Pongphon Sarnsamak

BANGKOK: -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered the manufacturer of CoCo-branded packed rice to recall its products from the shelves.

The order came after FDA discovered that some of its products contain high levels of methyl bromide, a pesticide used to kill rice-eating bugs.

Last Friday, the FDA collected samples of packed rice products under the CoCo brand to test for contamination from agricultural chemicals and methyl bromide. According to the he United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) codex, levels of methyl bromide in food should not exceed 50mg per kg.

FDA secretary general Dr Boonchai Somboonsook said his agency sent an official letter on Tuesday evening ordering the Samut Prakan manufacturer to recall the lot of packed rice products tainted with methyl bromide.

The Foundation for Consumers reported earlier finding methyl bromide contamination in the same brand of packed rice products at a level of 67.4 milligram per kilogram.

Boonchai said his agency is now conducting an investigation of the manufacturer’s production process and had instructed the manufacturer to recall all packed rice products from shelves until the investigation is complete.

-- The Nation 2013-07-17