Thailand Live Tuesday 23 Jul 2013

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HRH the Crown Prince presides over ceremony to celebrate Asanha Puja and Khao Phansa days

BANGKOK, 23 July 2013 (NNT) - His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn yesterday deputized for His Majesty the King at the merit making ceremony to commemorate Asanha Puja Day, July 22, and Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent) Day, July 23, at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in the Grand Palace.

Also accompanying His Royal Highness on this occasion were Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasm, the royal consort, and their son, His Royal Highness Prince Dipankorn Rasmijoti. Upon his arrival, HRH the Crown Prince lighted Lenten candles and presented gold and silver floral offerings to the Emerald Buddha image and other important images including Phra Samphutthaphanni. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince also lighted a fuse candle for firing other Lenten candles already installed at various royal monasteries. The Prince then presented bundles of Lenten candles as offerings to a chapter of senior monks. After him, other members of the Royal Family presented similar offerings.

Asanha Puja Day is the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eighth lunar month (July). It marks the day Lord Buddha delivered the first sermon at the Deer Park in Baranasi, India, to his first five disciples 2,600 years ago. The sermon becomes the essential doctrine of Buddhism, i.e. the revelation of the highest Wheel of the Law, the following of the Middle Path, and the wisdom of the Four Noble Truth.


-- NNT 2013-07-23

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Royal baby: The Duchess of Cambridge gives birth to a baby boy

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/655528-royal-baby-the-duchess-of-cambridge-gives-birth-to-a-baby-boy/

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Chiang Mai faces dengue fever crisis

CHIANG MAI (NNT) - The outbreak of dengue fever is raising concerns among health experts in Chiang Mai, given nearly 6,000 people have been afflicted by the disease in the province since the beginning of this year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/655530-chiang-mai-faces-dengue-fever-crisis/

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Thailand to become ASEAN's seafood hub

BANGKOK, 23 July 2013 (NNT) - The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry is devising a new strategic plan to position Thailand as the regions’ seafood hub.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/655531-thailand-to-become-aseans-seafood-hub/

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Chiang Mai and Hua Hin included in World's Top 21 Overseas Retirement Havens

BANGKOK, 23 July 2013 (NNT) - Chiang Mai and Hua Hin have been listed by an online survey as two of the best places in the world to retire.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/655533-chiang-mai-and-hua-hin-included-in-worlds-top-21-overseas-retirement-havens/

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POLITICS
Cabinet choices show PM relies on technocrats
Hataikarn Treesuwan
The Nation



6 of 55 reassigned are 'upgraded' senior bureaucrats

BANGKOK: -- OVER THE PAST two years, the Yingluck Shinawatra administration has made numerous Cabinet reshuffles involving 55 ministers. Most recently, six former senior bureaucrats were "upgraded" by being appointed as ministers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/655535-cabinet-choices-show-pm-yingluck-relies-on-technocrats/

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SANGHA
Monk cost me millions, Ubon car shop owner says
WICHIT MEESAWAT
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- THE OWNER of a car-accessory shop in Ubon Ratchathani, questioned recently for allegedly providing 35 cars to Wirapol Sukphol, told the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) yesterday that he had been duped by the former monk - at a cost of millions of baht.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/655536-monk-cost-me-millions-ubon-ratchathani-car-shop-owner-says/

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EDITORIAL
Communal violence stirred up by bigotry and intolerance
The Nation

Violent clashes between Buddhists and Muslims are unlikely to end unless the Myanmar government reins in the extremists that orchestrate them

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/655537-communal-violence-stirred-up-by-bigotry-and-intolerance-thai-editorial/

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Thaksin's ties with red shirts grow more delicate
The Nation

Jatuporn's demand for an amnesty to help grassroots protesters could cause problems

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/655538-thaksins-ties-with-red-shirts-grow-more-delicate/

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Phuket office identifies 82 'foreign-owned' businesses suspected of using Thai nominees
Phuket Gazette

Mr Nimit is ready to take action against businesses illegally using Thai nominees in Phuket. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- The Phuket Business Development Office (BDO) has identified 82 businesses suspected of breaching the Foreign Business Act (FBA) by using Thais as nominees so that foreigners can hold majority control.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/655539-phuket-office-identifies-82-foreign-owned-businesses-suspected-of-using-thai-nominees/

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Retired CIA Agent Stabbed By Two Teenagers In Pattaya

A 74 year-old American who reportedly was a former CIA agent was stabbed by two teenagers at Pattaya Klang Soi 11.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/655426-retired-cia-agent-stabbed-by-two-teenagers-in-pattaya/

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Government is ignoring the needs of ageing Thais
Chularat Saengpassa

BANGKOK: -- More and more people are hitting retirement age in Thailand and by 2030 there will be as many as 18 million elderly Thais - a number that will mark a massive shift in our social structure.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/655540-government-is-ignoring-the-needs-of-ageing-thais/

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Somyos to seek bail for 15th time; Red Siam man may face new charge
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Lese majeste detainee Somyos Prueksakasemsuk will re-apply for bail tomorrow - for the 15th time, his wife Sukanya Prueksakasemsuk has said.

Sukanya said the latest bail request will be, for the first time, accompanied by signatures of members of the public who support the request along with an increased bond to guarantee that her husband will not run away.

Somyos is in the appeal process after receiving an 11-year jail term early this year, although he has been imprisoned since his arrest in April 2011.

Sukanya told The Nation the amount of assets to be put up as a bail guarantee will be increased to Bt3.7 million from the previous sum of Bt2.2 million despite her calculation that a Bt1.1-million bond should normally suffice.

This meant, she said, that if Somyos ran away after being granted bail, property that he and she own worth Bt3.7 million would face confiscation.

"These are our properties and if he ran away, the burden would be on his wife," she said, referring to herself.

More than 100 signatures in support of the latest bid for bail have been collected so far, said Sukanya, and more are expected in the coming days.

Somyos was the editor of Voice of Taksin, a red-shirt publication, which printed two articles found to have broken the lese majeste law, known as Article 112 under the Criminal Code.

In a related development, Pranee Danwattananusorn, wife of another lese majeste detainee Surachai, said although her husband, who is 71 is awaiting a possible royal pardon after spending over two years in prison, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) contacted her recently and said they were waiting to press another lese majeste charge against him.

She said Surachai, leader of Red Siam faction of the red shirts, was very upset and felt betrayed by the ruling Pheu Thai Party, whom he had supported. The possible charge relates to a speech by Surachai in Chiang Mai province in February 2011.

"Surachai said he didn't know why they're trying to press an additional charge. He asked why the government is doing this to red shirt who is for democracy and a member of Pheu Thai party," Pranee said.

"If it were the Democrat Party he would have understood… He was really upset and said if the government was sincere, it should talk with the DSI."

Surachai was taking daily medicine for diabetes and high blood pressure, she added.


-- The Nation 2013-07-23

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Temple wants help with abandoned animals
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Temples nowadays are not only home for monks and prayers but also a place where many animals and pets are cared for. These animals are sometimes a burden for monks to take care of.

Phra Kanchit Khantidhrammo, abbot of Wat Pa Pavanadhram in Prachin Buri, said his temple was one that had to look after wild animals and pets abandoned by former owners.

The animals living in the temple, at Moo 2, tambon Lat Takian in Kabin Buri district, include four monkeys, three pythons, three turtles, 10 rabbits and a number of wild pigs, plus about 50 cats and dogs.

Kanchit said that in the past the temple took wild animals back to their natural habitat, but people were still bringing them and abandoning them at the temple.

"We cannot deny them. The only thing that we can do is receive these animals and feed them, but now the temple can no longer feed them as we don't have enough food," he said.

The temple is trying to get relevant agencies to take the animals away and release them into natural habitats.

-- The Nation 2013-07-23

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22 hurt in bus crash
The Nation



PRANBURI: -- More than 20 passengers were injured when a bus en route from Bangkok to Phang-Nga overshot a curve and crashed into a road barrier in Pranburi in Prachuap Khiri Khan province yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/655541-22-hurt-in-pranburi-bus-crash/

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Ranong road warning
The Nation

RANONG: -- Motorists travelling in Ranong province in the South have been warned to look out for falling rocks on the Ranong-Som Paen beach road, after days of heavy rain.

A 5-kilometre section of the 8km road passes high cliffs, where rocks and gravel have fallen, and a mudslide is continuing after heavy rain over the past few days, the provincial public safety and disaster mitigation office said. Rescue workers have been stationed along the 5km section to give on-site warnings to motorists.

The rocks began falling a few days ago, and number around 100 of various sizes. A large rock fell on the road last Friday and was followed by a 10-tonne rock the next day, office chief Chawalit Nithornrat said.

-- The Nation 2013-07-23

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SOUTH CRISIS

Paradorn told to avoid long explanations, hire spokesman

THE NATION

NSC chief undermining his credibility by saying too much, Democrat MP warns

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/655542-paradorn-told-to-avoid-long-explanations-hire-spokesman-thai-south-crisis/

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UPDATE:
Irishman dies four weeks after fall in Thailand

DUBLIN: -- An Irishman who had been in a coma since an accident in Thailand last month has died in Beaumont hospital in Dublin.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/654367-irishman-critically-ill-after-balcony-fall-in-thailand-to-be-flown-home/page-2?p=6639943#entry6639943

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19 dead in Thai bus smash: authorities

BANGKOK, July 23, 2013 (AFP) - Nineteen people were killed and 20 hurt Tuesday when a double decker coach collided with a truck in central Thailand and burst into flames, authorities said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/655543-19-dead-in-thai-bus-smash-authorities/

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UPDATE:
It's a boy! Duchess of Cambridge gives birth to royal heir


Official announcement on the birth of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's son

LONDON: -- Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 4.24pm (London time). The baby weighs 8lbs 6oz.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/655528-royal-baby-the-duchess-of-cambridge-gives-birth-to-a-baby-boy/?p=6640241#entry6640241

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Improvement of capital’s mass transit system tops Transport Ministry agenda
By English News



BANGKOK, July 23 -- Thailand Ministry of Transport and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will jointly improve 6,000 bus stops citywide in an attempt to woo commuters onto the mass transit system.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/655557-improvement-of-bangkoks-mass-transit-system-tops-transport-ministry-agenda/

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Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,501.62, up 19.78 points /MCOT

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Phuket Beach Safety: Man drowns in 5 minutes
Phuket Gazette


The man, believed to have been a Russian tourist, ignored lifeguards’ warnings and signs and swam in the deadly water. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- A man believed to be a Russian tourist ignored lifeguards’ warnings and entered the surf at Karon Beach yesterday afternoon – and drowned within five minutes, the Phuket Gazette has been told.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/655563-phuket-beach-safety-russian-man-drowns-in-5-minutes/

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Korean classical musicians to perform free Phuket concert for refugee children
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- An ensemble of 10 top-flight classical musicians accompanied by 100 students will perform in concert in Phuket free of charge tonight (July 23) to raise funds for Myanmar refugee children living near the border town of Sangkhlaburi, in Kanchanaburi province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/655566-korean-classical-musicians-to-perform-free-phuket-concert-for-refugee-children/

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UPDATE:

19 dead, 22 hurt in Saraburi bus tragedy
By English News

BANGKOK, July 23 -- Nineteen persons were killed and 22 were hurt as an inter-provincial bus collided with a 22-wheel trailer truck in Saraburi and burst into flame.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/655543-19-dead-in-thai-bus-smash-authorities/page-4?p=6640942#entry6640942

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Hand- foot-mouth disease in Bangkok is under control

BANGKOK, 23 July 2013 (NNT)-The Office of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) stated that the hand-foot-mouth disease will be under control this year as continuous efforts are made to limit the spread particularly at schools.

Deputy Bangkok Governor Pasudee Tamthai said a number of children with the disease have been found in 20 schools out of the 1,154 BMA schools. Mrs. Pasudee said although the hand-foot-mouth disease is less worrisome compared to the number of dengue fever infections, the BMA has organized a mobile unit to assess the possibility of an outbreak in an area where people have reportedly come down with the disease.

People will be educated on how to protect themselves and their children to prevent further spread. Food and classroom hygiene must be at schools’ top priority especially those with many younger students. Meals should be served hot with middle spoons if students are expected to share the food.

Parents are encouraged to observe their children often. If they have red rashes on their skin, blisters on their feet, hands and tongues as well as a high ever, medical attention should be sought immediately. Sick children should remain at home until their conditions improve.


-- NNT 2013-07-23

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Competition intensifies among Thai commercial banks
By English News



BANGKOK, July 23 – Tough competition in the money market has compelled Thai commercial banks to maintain their interest rates despite the central bank’s decision to reduce the policy interest rate by 0.25 per cent, from 2.75 per cent to 2.50 per cent, according to the July report of the Bank of Thailand (BoT).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/655591-competition-intensifies-among-thai-commercial-banks/

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Vietnam, Thailand jointly combat money laundering
By English News

Hanoi, July 23 (VNA) – The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) and Thailand’s Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on information sharing to fight money laundering on July 22.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Hanoi, SBV Deputy Governor Dang Thanh Binh said Vietnam has been promoting cooperation in the field with international partners, especially member countries of the Asia-Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG).

According to Binh, the SBV thinks highly of Thailand’s anti-money laundering mechanism and activities, and the MoU is expected to facilitate the collection and processing of information in this field for both sides.

Meanwhile, AMLO Secretary General Seehanat Prayoonrat said Thailand pays special attention to fighting money laundering crime. The country promulgated the Law on Anti-Money Laundering in 1999, he said, adding that a Law on Anti-Terrorism has also been enforced this year.

Seehanat suggested both sides tighten their cooperative ties, in order to effectively prevent and stop all money laundering activities. (VNA)


-- TNA 2013-07-23

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Abhisit wants NSC to set up a media team to carry out swift response to BRN

BANGKOK, 23 July 2013 (NNT)-The Democrat Party Leader has proposed to the National Security Council (NSC) to set up a media team to specifically respond to allegations by the militant group, BRN, and convey Thailand’s stance regarding the restive South to the global community.

Democrat Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said the government lacks an effective tool to communicate with the international community concerning the Deep South situation.

Mr. Abhisit wants to see better communication from the government side as the BRN has done so more effectively with the world audience. He urged the government to be less concerned about the image and more proactive in its response to the BRN.

According to him, without the establishment of the NSC’s own media team, Thailand could only counter verbal allegations by the BRN through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where the response may take awhile. He cited the latest incident in which the Ministry was too slow to respond to the BRN’s claim that Thailand had broken the agreement.

It is understood that the response would have been carried out with dispatch by the NSC itself if there were a specific media body to handle such matter.

-- NNT 2013-07-23

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE

Olympic badminton player apologizes for attack
By Coconuts Bangkok

The fight that set tongues wagging yesterday between Thai international badminton players seems to have cooled by today. As the attacker, Art, has issued an apology-video taking fault for the heated brawl - but not without pointing his finger back at his former partner.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/655372-video-thailands-former-olympic-badminton-team-brawls-at-competition-acts-like-children/page-5?p=6641254#entry6641254