Thailand Live Saturday 27 Jul 2013

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Commerce Min to find extra measures to boost Thai exports

BANGKOK, 27 July 2013 (NNT)-The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) is set to meet with the business sector to find measures to keep the export growth at a sound level after its projection has been revised down.

DITP Director General Srirat Rattapana said the sluggish global economy is the prime reason the export growth has been revised down to 6-6.5% from the previous target of 7.5%. The Ministry of Commerce will try its best to prevent export growth from plunging further, even though many have already mentioned the likelihood of the figure to drop to 4-5%.

The reports of sluggish global economy provided by Thai trade centers worldwide have prompted the Commerce Ministry to revise down its export growth target. The Director General said any solution from the meeting will be concluded within 7 days. Among possible solutions, she said, are promotion of direct contacts between suppliers and their clients abroad as well as searching for new markets.

She also expressed her belief that Thailand’s exports will grow at a similar rate of 3% as last year's. However, the Ministry of Commerce will look at the figure again in September should there be any influences.


-- NNT 2013-07-27

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FUGITIVE EX-PM
Birthday boy calls on Thais to rely on one another
Praphan Jindalertudomdee
The Nation


Supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra celebrate his 64th birthday at the Kaew Far Temple.

BANGKOK: -- Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra may have been in Beijing, but his figure was standing right there next to Deputy Education Minister Sermsak Pongpanit as he lit and blew out candles on a 64 pound (29-kilogram) cake to celebrate the former leader's 64th birthday yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/656481-birthday-boy-thaksin-calls-on-thais-to-rely-on-one-another/

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WATER MANAGEMENT
Govt seeks court nod for water plan
Jirapong Prasertpolkrang,
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation

Appeal to Supreme Administrative Court aimed at overruling all points in the lower court verdict

BANGKOK: -- The government, struggling to push forward its water-management and flood-prevention mega-project, has filed an appeal with the Supreme Administrative Court, asking it to give the green light for its ambitious plans.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/656482-thai-govt-seeks-court-nod-for-water-plan/

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SOUTH CRISIS
BRN behind a few of the Ramadan attacks: study
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A study claiming that the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) is so far responsible for a few of the 20 insurgent attacks during the holy month of Ramadan was cited yesterday by National Security Council secretary-general Paradorn Pattanathabutr during a seminar in Bangkok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/656483-brn-behind-a-few-of-the-ramadan-attacks-thai-study/

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Keep Buddhism out of same-sex marriage debate, activist advises
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activists should try not to get trapped in a debate with Buddhists on whether Buddhism allows same-sex marriage, to avoid complicating matters, said Anjana Suvarnananda, pioneer LGBT activist and co-founder of Anjana Suvarnananda.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/656484-keep-buddhism-out-of-same-sex-marriage-debate-activist-advises/

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EDITORIAL
Latest sporting disgrace reflects deeper problems
The Nation


Bodin Issara lunges at his ex-partner Maneepong Jongjit during the Canada Open men's doubles badminton final in Vancouver on July 21. [Montreal Gazette]

The ugly sight of Thai badminton players assaulting each other during an international competition reflects a wider malaise in our society

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/656485-latest-sporting-disgrace-reflects-deeper-problems-thai-editorial/

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Swiss arrested over allegations of unlawful contact with minors



PATTAYA: -- On Friday Afternoon officers from the Police Region 2 Child and Women Protection Unit armed with a search warrant and arrest warrant issued by the Pattaya Provincial Court

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/656487-pattaya-police-arrest-swiss-man-over-allegations-of-unlawful-contact-with-minors/

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Medical students urged not to market health drinks
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Society of Medical Students of Thailand (SMST) yesterday called on medical students to stop being presenters of intellect-enhancing drinks, citing a violation of professional ethics and endangering their schools' image and integrity.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/656488-thailands-medical-students-urged-not-to-market-health-drinks/

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Firm that won police station deal faces bid-rigging charge
Kesinee Taengkhiao
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- On September 25, public prosecutors will decide whether to go ahead with filing a bid-rigging charge against the firm that won the contract to construct 369 new police stations, and its executives.

According to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), PCC Development and Construction Co and its executives had offered an unrealistically low price to block other contenders and ended up failing to complete the project.

"It [their bid] was Bt540 million less than the standard price," DSI official Lt-Colonel Theerawat Kongmon said yesterday.

He spoke after submitting evidence and investigation reports to an executive director of the Office of the Attorney-General.

Previously, the DSI had also asked the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate Abhisit Vejjajiva and Suthep Thaugsuban for their role in awarding the contract to this firm. They were prime minister and deputy prime minister at the time.

The DSI also recommended that the firm and its executives be prosecuted on charges of fraud after some subcontractors complained that they had not been paid for jobs completed.

The Office of the Attorney-General does not plan to combine the bid-rigging and fraud cases.


-- The Nation 2013-07-27

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SEMINAR
Hate speech an 'obstacle to democracy'
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation

Research shows that most partisan media is not professional and does not follow a journalistic code of conduct, ethics

BANGKOK: -- Political hate speech is prevalent in all types of Thai media and while there's no consensus on exactly what constitutes hate speech, there are no clear measures to tackle the issue either, researchers said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/656489-thai-seminar-hate-speech-an-obstacle-to-democracy/

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Govs' meeting 'not aimed at blocking protesters'
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The meeting of provincial governors from throughout the country being held by the Interior Ministry tomorrow is not aimed at preventing people from the provinces from protesting in Bangkok against an amnesty bill, Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/656490-provincial-govs-meeting-not-aimed-at-blocking-protesters/

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Phuket airport bus services pared back, full service to resume in August
Phuket Gazette


The airport authorities have been asked to install lights and signs so tourists can find the bus stop at the airport. Photo: Chutharat Plerin

PHUKET: -- The operator of the recently launched Airport Express bus has suspended some services, but expects to return to the full schedule next month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/656492-phuket-airport-bus-services-pared-back-full-service-to-resume-in-august/

[Lite Beer]

RT@ChadapornLin: Graduation rehearsal at Thammasat's Taprachan campus; traffic expected to be congested

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Four Indians nabbed for counterfeiting passports
By English News

BANGKOK, July 27 – Immigration police raided a house in Din Daeng area and arrested four Indian citizens on charges of counterfeiting passports and visas.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/656507-bangkok-police-arrest-4-indians-for-counterfeiting-passports/

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Russian Woman robbed of bag on Pattaya Beach

PATTAYA:--A Russian woman who was walking back to her Hotel in the early hours of Saturday was robbed of her bag by a Thai man desperate to raise funds so he could return to his home province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/656506-russian-woman-robbed-of-bag-on-pattaya-beach/

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Endangered Animals found at Japanese-owned house in Jomtien

PATTAYA:--Police were called to a Japanese-owned house in Jomtien early on Friday Morning to investigate reports of a burglary and found 20 endangered animals in cages on the second floor of the house which require further investigation by Forestry Officials.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/656508-endangered-animals-found-at-japanese-owned-house-in-jomtien/

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Hepatitis B awareness week to be held from July 29 - August 2

BANGKOK, 26 July 2013 (NNT)-The Ministry of Public Health reveals that around 1-2 million Thais have been infected with Hepatitis B, and 250,000 of them could succumb to death.

According to Deputy Public Health Minister Surachai Baojanya, Hepatitis B is a common disease in developing nations, which has infected 240 people around the world. It is also the cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer, which kill 600,000 people each year.

As World Hepatitis B Day, observed on July 28th every year, is coming, the Ministry of Public Health and the Association of the Study of Liver have decided to organize a Hepatitis B awareness week to educate Thai people about the virus and how to protect themselves.

The campaign will be held next Monday till Friday. Hospitals under the Ministry of Public Health have been told to carry out health check risk groups--those under 20 years old and older-- while those under 20 should be encouraged to receive vaccination.

The virus can be passed on to another person much the same way as HIV, including having unprotected sex or, for drug addicts, sharing infected needles.

Hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV, which can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby at birth, and 5 times higher between two normal people. People are encouraged to have a free checkup for Hepatitis B at any Public Health hospitals, or call 1422 for more information.


-- NNT 2013-07-27

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Tourism minister gets tough with Phuket taxi and vehicle-rental cowboys
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- Tourism and Sports Minister Somsak Pureesrisak has blankly called for an end to the age-old Phuket practice of foreigners’ passports being held as a condition of renting motorbikes, cars and jet-skis

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/656529-tourism-minister-gets-tough-with-phuket-taxi-and-vehicle-rental-cowboys/

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RT @ChadapornLin: Construction at new Parliament building at Kiakkai starts; complex expected to be completed by New Year of 2016

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Govt urged to withdraw Amnesty Bill to prevent political violence
By English News



BANGKOK, July 27 – The opposition Democrat Party has called on the government to abort a parliamentary debate on the Amnesty Bill to prevent political conflicts in the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/656532-thai-govt-urged-to-withdraw-amnesty-bill-to-prevent-political-violence/

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Five carriages of Aranyaprathet-Bangkok train derail while leaving Aranyaprathet station at 6:40am, no one injured; services resumed /MCOT

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One Stop Crisis Center established to help Thais

BANGKOK, 27 July 2013 (NNT) – The Social Development and Human Security Ministry has set up a 24-hour service called “One Stop Crisis Center” (OSCC) to help people in need.

During the “PM Yingluck Meets the People” program, Social Development and Human Security Minister Paveena Hongsakul has assured that the government has been placing its emphasis on lending hands to those in need, especially children, women, elderly, and disabled, as the government has set up the One Stop Crisis Center which operates 24 hours a day to assist people who are in trouble.

The center receives a cooperation from the Royal Thai Police, the Children and Women Protection Division, and the Anti-Human Trafficking Division, who will be on a 24-hour alert to help people with 4 main issues, including unintended pregnancy, human trafficking, child labor, and abuse and assault. According to the minister, violence these days is more intensified and complicated than the past. As a result, the center has been set up to monitor violence situation in the Thai society.

Moreover, 500 patrol cars, along with the police, doctors, and psychiatrists, will be on standby in case of any emergency. People who need assistance are encouraged to call 1300 twenty four hours a day.


-- NNT 2013-07-27

[Lite Beer]

North and Northeast warned of heavy rainfall during July 28-31

BANGKOK, 27 July 2013 (NNT) – Residents living in the north and northeast are warned of possible flash floods as heavy rainfall is expected during July 28-31.

The Meteorological Department is warning those living in the north and northeastern part of Thailand to be vigilant of possible flooding as heavy rains are expected on July 28-31. Flat lowlands and riverbanks could be inundated.

In addition, the department has assured that the 5 major dams in Nakhon Ratchasima namely Lam Takong, Lampraplerng, Lum Sae, Mun Bon, and Lam Plai Mat, are still able to hold water as water level in those dams is only at 32 percent of the capacity, adding that even if there is a continuous rain in the next 2-3 days, Nakhon Ratchasima will be flooded.

-- NNT 2013-07-27

[Lite Beer]

CTH confirms deal with MCOT for EPL broadcasts

BANGKOK: -- CTH chief executive officer Kittsanan Ngampathipong said yesterday that because of a confidentiality agreement under the EPL terms and conditions, he could not disclose further details.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/656551-cth-confirms-deal-with-mcot-for-epl-broadcasts/

[Lite Beer]

RT@veen_NT: BRN behind a few of the Ramadan attacks: study - The Nation ผ่าน @ShareThis

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Flood situation in Chanthaburi improves, trading areas back to normal

BANGKOK, 27 July 2013 (NNT) – Flood situation in Chanthaburi Province has been improving, while major trading areas are now back to normal.

Chanthaburi Province is now recovering from the heavy inundation. Houses and communities are being cleansed, while schools are set to open back up next week. Major economic areas in the province are also back to normal.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Warning Center says even though the 3 flooded provinces, including Chanthaburi, Trat, and Ranong, are recovering from the flood, but officials and people still have to keep a watchful eye for the areas outside those provinces for the next 1-2 days.

The center also warned those living in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Tak, Phisanulok, and Petchabun, to be vigilant and keep an ear out for future warnings from the National Disaster Warning Center.


-- NNT 2013-07-27

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Phuket traffic cop run down by speeding motorcyclist
Phuket Gazette


Sen Sgt Maj Somsak Chuenbangbah of the Phuket City Traffic Police suffered injuries to his head and right arm in the collision. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- A Phuket City Police traffic officer was run down by a speeding motorcyclist late yesterday afternoon while trying to clear a rush-hour traffic jam near Vachira Phuket Hospital on Yaowarat Road.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/656557-phuket-traffic-cop-run-down-by-speeding-motorcyclist/

[george]

PTTGC confirms oil leak from its pipeline into sea, 20 km from Rayong shore, reports completely under control, not affecting beach /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

DSI stops the music, seizes illegal Phuket karaoke machines
Phuket Gazette -

PHUKET: Officers from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) Region 8 headquarters in Surat Thani landed on the island last night to raid nine karaoke bars for music rights infringement.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/656601-dsi-stops-the-music-seizes-illegal-phuket-karaoke-machines/

[Lite Beer]

RT@cnnbrk: Musician JJ Cale, whose songs "Cocaine" and "After Midnight" were made famous by Eric Clapton, has died.