Thailand Live Thursday 18 Jul 2013

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Tankhun officially endorsed as MP by EC

BANGKOK: -- (NNT) - Democrat MP Tankhun Jitt-itsaras victory in the June 16 by-election in Don Mueang district of Bangkok has been officially endorsed by the Election Commission (EC).

On Wednesday, after receiving his endorsement documents from the EC office, Mr Tankhun declared that he would assume his responsibilities with transparency and fairness.

He vowed to fulfill his election pledges, which include tackling traffic congestion and devising flood control measures for Don Mueang district. Once the new session of the House of Representatives begins in August, Mr Tankhun promised to propose plans to build a second Rajavithi Hospital in his area.

The Democrat MP also said he is not concerned over the ongoing investigation into his alleged election fraud, expressing his belief that it is politically motivated.

Mr Tankhun narrowly beat the Pheu Thai Partys candidate Yuranant Pamornmontri in the Don Mueang MP by-election last month.


-- NNT 2013-07-18

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Rangsit University Apologises For 'Naked' Beachside Hazing
By Khaosod Online



BANGKOK: -- The Thai social network has been buzzing with controversial photo purportedly showing group of freshmen at a university standing naked in the sea - with their private parts barely covered by their hands - during a hazing session supervised by senior students.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654451-rangsit-university-apologises-for-naked-beachside-hazing/

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Khon Kaen 'Stone-Throwing Gang' Rampage Terrorises Motorists
By Khaosod Online



KHON KAEN: -- 9 motorists complained to police in Kon Khaen province over the course of a single night about unidentified assailants throwing stones into their windshields as they drove along the interprovincial Mittaparp Road.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654452-khon-kaen-stone-throwing-gang-rampage-terrorises-motorists/

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ONE TABLET PC PER CHILD PROJECT
Tablet computer bidding for Zone 3 put on hold
Supinda na Mahachai
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The board overseeing the government's One Tablet PC Per Child project has resolved to hold off on the bidding process in one of the four zones in the wake of alleged irregularities. The e-auctions took place on June 28.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654453-tablet-computer-bidding-for-zone-3-put-on-hold-one-tablet-pc-per-child-project/

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CONTAMINATION
Rice safety fears
PONGPHON SARNSAMAK
THE NATION



Bid for stricter control to regulate the use of chemicals

BANGKOK: -- Health authorities are scrambling to slap strict controls on chemical fumigation of rice and to push packers into upgrading their processing to good manufacturing practices (GMP) after reported findings of adulterated rice sapped public confidence in the country's food safety standards.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654454-contamination-thai-rice-safety-fears/

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COURT
Tollway fee hike lawful, judge finds
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- An Administrative Court judge yesterday suggested the lawsuit against the plan to hike the Don Muang tollway fee be dismissed on grounds the increase didn't break any contract agreement and public users could opt for a normal road.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654455-bangkok-don-mueang-tollway-fee-hike-lawful-judge-finds/

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SPECIAL REPORT
Outgoing court president was bold and controversial
Opas Boonlom
The Nation



Wasan leaves his mark in a short time

BANGKOK: -- The career of Constitutional Court president Wasan Soypisudh, who has resigned before completing his nine-year term, was at times colourful, courageous and controversial.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654456-outgoing-constitutional-court-president-was-bold-and-controversial/

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SONGKHLA
Hat Yai shop fire causes Bt100m in damage
Supitcha Rattana
The Nation



HAT YAI: -- Fire ravaged a Buddhist monk's shop, which sold fireworks among other items, in downtown Songkhla's Hat Yai district yesterday.

Twelve people were reported hurt and eight rooms of the seven-storey commercial building damaged.

Hat Yai Municipality deputy mayor Samrit Boonrat said the Chao Chai Porn shop caught fire at about 11.30am.

Although a dozen people were hurt, at press time only two had been admitted to Rat Yindee Hospital. The cause of the fire was yet to be determined.

Songkhla governor Kritsada Boonrat said it took three hours to put out the fire. Damage was initially estimated at Bt100 million and he said authorities would bring in an engineer to inspect the structural damage.


-- The Nation 2013-07-18

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EDITORIAL
Another Problem for BELEAGUERED Thai Rice
The Nation

Concern about pesticide contamination need to be dealt with immediately to restore consumer confidence

BANGKOK: -- Rice is the staple food in this country. Each Thai is estimated to consume 163 kilograms of rice a year. So it has been shocking for consumers to learn that, in random tests, several samples of packaged rice were found to be tainted with high levels of methyl bromide, which is used to kill rice-eating bugs. The tests were carried out by the Foundation for Consumers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654457-editorial-another-problem-for-beleaguered-thai-rice/

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Police rescue Myanmar women from Phuket brothel
Piyanut Tumnukasetchai
The Nation



PHUKET: -- The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) announced yesterday that it had rescued 12 Myanmar women aged between 16-29, forced into prostitution in Phang Nga and Phuket.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654458-police-rescue-myanmar-women-from-phuket-brothel/

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Trang schools launch anti-drugs drive
The Nation

TRANG: -- Police and schools in Trang have joined hands in a project to protect students from the spread of narcotics.

Trang Deputy Governor Chaiyot Thongchai, Secondary Educational Service Area Office 13 head Phairat Saengthong and Trang Police Deputy Commander Pol ColonelThammanoon Traithippayapong signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the "1 policeman 1 school" project yesterday.

The project, which covers 28 schools, aims to shield students against drugs and boost the potential of teachers and police in fighting the spread of narcotics.

Phairat said there had been reports of drug problems in several schools in Trang province, but he expected the project would prevent dealers from getting access to students in schools.

He added that about 10 per cent of students were at risk of being exposed to drugs and so should be closely monitored.


-- The Nation 2013-07-18

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UPDATE:

56 Phuket firms suspected of breaching FBA

PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE Commerce Ministry said 56 companies in Phuket are suspected of breaching the Foreign Business Act (FBA) by having Thais acting as nominees so that foreigners can hold majority control.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654416-dsi-called-in-to-tackle-taxis-and-raid-foreign-businesses/#entry6623461

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Another "Under the Bed" theft from Indian Tourist reported to Pattaya Police



PATTAYA: -- A 47 year old Indian Tourist reported the theft of 3,000 US Dollars from his trouser pocket after he was taken to an apartment where he paid a woman to give him a massage.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654459-another-under-the-bed-theft-from-indian-tourist-reported-to-pattaya-police/

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Young Russian busted in Phuket
Naraporn Tuarob


Pushkarer is processed. Photo Immigration Police

PHUKET: -- A young Russian, Alexander Pushkarer, 22, was arrested this evening after being found working in a souvenir shop in Patong.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654461-young-russian-busted-in-phuket/

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Witch Doctor convicted of murder of Thai-Danish woman
BY GREGERS MØLLER

BANGKOK: -- The Appeals Court in Thailand on Monday sentenced a Thai witch doctor to six years in prison for the murder of Duangsamorn, who had lived in Denmark over twenty years before she in 2011 went back on New Years Eve.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654463-witch-doctor-convicted-of-murder-of-thai-danish-woman/

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RT @ChadapornLin: It's Nelson Mandela's 95th birthday today. The UN has designated it Mandela Day and asked people to do good for an hour.

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Princess Maha Chakri opens Thai Waterworks Museum

BANGKOK, 18 July 2013 (NNT) - Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on July 17 presided over the opening ceremony of the ‘Museum of Learning’ of the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority of Thailand located at the Samsen Water Treatment Plant in Phya Thai District, Bangkok.

The museum has been built to commemorate the 100th founding anniversary of the waterworks affairs in Thailand in 2014. The museum building was formerly the first water treatment plant of the country. It is divided into three parts – pure water storing area, pumping section and filtering plant. The building serves as a modern out-of-school class helping chidren to learn about the evolution of the country’s waterworks system.

Thai waterworks was born under King Rama V’s initiative. He set up a government unit to manage the system while also providing personal money as a starting fund for its establishment. Construction of the first water treatment building was started in 1909 in the reign of King Rama V and was completed in the reign of King Rama VI, who also declared the building open in November 1914 as the Bangkok Waterworks Authority. The unit became a state enterprise in 1967 and has been since then called the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority.


-- NNT 2013-07-18

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Thai stock index opens on Thursday at 1,467.63, up 9.55 points /MCOT

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Feature

Fighting drug gangs in the notorious Golden Triangle
by Amélie BOTTOLLIER-DEPOIS

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, July 18, 2013 (AFP) - A Thai police gunboat prowls the waters of the Mekong River searching for the drug gangs that haunt this territory deep in the Golden Triangle, an age-old smuggling route -- with a new scourge.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654480-fighting-drug-gangs-in-the-notorious-golden-triangle/

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Thailand to host World Stamp Exhibition

BANGKOK, 18 July 2013 (NNT) -- Thailand Post Company Limited has announced its readiness to host the World Stamp Exhibition 2013 at the Siam Paragon shopping mall, Bangkok.

Thailand Post President Anusra Chittmittrapap, also chairperson of the organizing committee of the exhibition, stated the event is scheduled during August 2nd - 14th on the 5th floor of the mega-shopping mall. Her Royal Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has graciously accepted the exhibition under royal patronage, and has given her personal collection to be put on display as well.

A press conference on the exhibition was held yesterday with Information and Communication Technology Minister Anudit Nakorntab presiding over the event, and attended by representatives from Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Philatelic Association of Thailand and other related organizations.

The Thailand 2013 World Stamp Exhibition will be held under the theme of "Art and Happiness", showcasing art works – related stamp collections from all over the world.


-- NNT 2013-07-18

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Computer crime Act to be revised

BANGKOK, 18 July 2013 (NNT) – The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology is keen on revising the computer crime act to enable officials to immediately take action on cybercrime.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654495-thailands-computer-crime-act-to-be-revised/

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North-bound train service expected to resume today
By English News

PHRAE, July 18 – State Railway of Thailand (SRT) north-bound train service is expected to resume operation today at noon after the suspension caused by an express train derailment in Phrae which injured more than 30 passengers yesterday.

Workers have tried to retrieve all seven carriages Wednesday night but only five could be cleared so far as of Thursday morning, said Somdej Yupin, head of Denchai train station.

The derailment at the Denchai station in Phrae injured more than 30 people, mostly foreign tourists, and suspended North-bound train service. However, trains from Denchai station are still operational further North to Chiang Mai.

Transport Minister Chadchat Sittipunt said yesterday the deteriorated condition of the tracks combined with bad weather may have caused the Bangkok-Chiang Mai train derailment.

Further details will be provided by State Railway of Thailand governor Prapas Chongsanguan later today. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-07-18

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Nationwide Boycott:

Rolling Stone labeled a 'total disgrace' for decision to make the Boston bombing suspect its cover as CVS pulls magazine from stores and terror hero condemns the iconic publication

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654496-rolling-stone-labeled-a-total-disgrace-for-decision-to-make-the-boston-bombing-suspect-its-cover/

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Wildlife First Aid Clinic to save lives of endangered species

By Digital Media

CHIANG MAI: - A growing number of wild animals in Thailand are hunted, captured and smuggled for sale every year. Some are seized by the authorities before being smuggled to other countries. Unfortunately, many of the endangered animals were hurt and finally died without even being rescued.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654497-chiang-mai-wildlife-first-aid-clinic-to-save-lives-of-endangered-species/

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DSI asks Interpol to arrest former Buddhist monk Wiraphon; passport revocation sought; 59 more bank accounts related to him found /MCOT

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A court in Russia finds high-profile protest leader Alexei Navalny guilty of corruption /BBC

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The crusade to combat teenage pregnancy in Phuket


Phuket pharmacist Panita Tantivit with the BPWP sexual health book ‘Roo tan why teen’.

PHUKET: -- It’s many parents’ worst nightmare – learning that your teenage daughter is pregnant. Parents are often upset, and at a loss about what to do, with plans for their daughter to attend high school and university suddenly put on hold.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654505-the-crusade-to-combat-teenage-pregnancy-in-phuket/

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2014 IKEA Catalogue to be launched in Thailand on August 27
BY WACHIRAPORN JANRUT

BANGKOK: -- The 2014 IKEA Catalogue will be launched in Sweden, many parts of Europe and the United States in early August. In Thailand, the catalogue will be launched at the IKEA Bangna store on August 27.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654511-2014-ikea-catalogue-to-be-launched-in-thailand-on-august-27/

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Indonesian Cafe’s Nazi-Kitsch Theme Sparks Uncomfortable Questions
By YULI KRISNA & STEPHANIE HENDARTA / JAKARTA GLOBE

BANDUNG/JAKARTA — A Bandung restaurant’s adoption of a Nazi theme has sparked debate on Indonesians’ seemingly relaxed attitude to offensive symbols, with sources of blame ranging from ignorance of history to a cultural tradition of jokes.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654523-indonesian-cafes-nazi-kitsch-theme-sparks-uncomfortable-questions/

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Officials under pressure to sort out Phuket’s beaches
Prapaporn Jitmaneeyaphan

PHUKET: Government officials came together on Tuesday (July 16) to try to come up with a formula to bring some sort of order to Phuket’s chaotic beach businesses.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654525-officials-under-pressure-to-sort-out-phukets-beaches/