Thailand Live Monday 19 Aug 2013

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SPECIAL REPORT
Homeless foreigners 'lack assistance'
SAOWANEE NIMPANPAYUNGWONG
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- A GROWING NUMBER of foreign tourists and retirees are becoming homeless in Thailand, and the country should change its mindset to help them - at least with initial assistance - especially with the Asean Economic Community fast approaching, the head of a non-government group working with homeless and displaced people has said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/661737-homeless-foreigners-in-thailand-lack-assistance/

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NATIONAL RECONCILATION
UK actress Emma Thompson among invitees to reform talks
The Nation


Emma Thompson

Democrats accuse pm of involvement in red-shirt rallies

BANGKOK: -- ELEVEN HIGH-PROFILE international statesmen and experts, including British actress Emma Thompson, have been invited to attend special talks to enhance reconciliation in Thailand, Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/661739-british-actress-emma-thompson-among-invitees-to-reform-talks-in-thailand/

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SOUTH CRISIS
BRN's 'tough demands hidden from officials'
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE NATIONAL SECURITY Council received a list of five conditions for peace talks in the far South from the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) separatist group.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/661740-thai-south-crisis-brns-tough-demands-hidden-from-officials/

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PREMIER LEAGUE
Server crash hits AIS phone app for Premier League
ASINA PORNWASIN
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- THE AIS Mobile Barclays Premier League (AIS Mobile BPL) app crashed on Saturday night during the opening of the match between Liverpool and Stoke City.

The reason: it was the first match and huge numbers of people had accessed the app at the same time, bringing down the server, said Pratthana Leelapanang, senior vice-president for digital service at Advanced Info Service (AIS).

Because of the crash, many people could not access the app |to watch the game. As a result, |the company set up a "war |room" to examine the problem |and it will increase the server's capacity to support a lot more |viewers immediately.

Pratthana said a flood of complaints were received on social media, Facebook, Twitter and Pantip.com from people who could not watch the game through the Mobile BPL app.

AIS had launched the AIS Mobile BPL app last week to allow AIS 3G 2100 users who'd paid Bt299 per month to watch the whole 380 matches. The company launched the promotion for users to subscribe to the service by September 30 paying only Bt199 per month.

AIS 3G 2100 users can subscribe to the service by pressing *909*9# on their mobile phones, both iOS and Android. This service is the result of collaboration between AIS and CTH for three years.


-- The Nation 2013-08-19

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EGYPT
More planes to evacuate Thais
The Nation

More than 1,000 sign up with embassy in Cairo to leave Egypt as crisis worsens

BANGKOK: -- THAILAND WILL send more aircraft to evacuate Thais in Egypt as the crisis there worsens, with the death toll now reaching 750 and supporters of the ousted Egyptian president vowing to stage new demonstrations.

Deputy Foreign Ministry spokesman Jakkrit Srivali said as of yesterday, a total of 1,035 Thais had registered with the Thai Embassy in Cairo, saying they wanted to return home. Altogether, there are about 2,000 Thais in the country.

The evacuation will first concentrate on removing those from the country with no necessity to stay.

So far, the fleet of aircraft bringing Thais home consists of four C-130 passenger planes from the Royal Thai Air Force and a flight scheduled with Thai International Airways. Thai evacuees will be picked up at Dubai International Airport in the UAE, the transit point for the evacuation.

Air Force Commander-in-Chief Prajin Jantong yesterday said that two C-130 planes that were scheduled to leave Don Mueang's military airport at noon yesterday, had to be delayed as flight permission was needed to enter the airspace of Myanmar, India, Oman and the UAE. As of press time, the Thai authorities had only received permission from Myanmar.

Prajin said the C-130 transport planes will be accompanied by medical teams and representatives from the Foreign Ministry to provide Thai evacuees with consular assistance. The Bangkok-Dubai flights would take about ten hours. Each aircraft has a capacity of 110 passengers.

Meanwhile, Air Force spokesman AVM Monthon Satchukorn said two additional C-130 planes would be dispatched to Dubai today to help with the Thai evacuation.

The Air Force will be responsible for expenses incurred, ACM Sujin said, adding three teams of pilots have been prepared for each plane because of the distance to be flown.

Sorajak Kasemsuvan, president of THAI said his company had also prepared a special flight to help evacuate Thais at the request of Foreign Ministry. The Boeing 747-400 to Dubai, with a capacity for 365 passengers, left Bangkok yesterday at 8pm and is scheduled to arrive in Bangkok today at 11.45am.

The national carrier said it would cooperate fully with the Foreign Ministry to stay abreast of the situation and ensure that it was available, if needed, to assist Thai evacuees in returning to Thais home safely.

Meanwhile Public Health Minister Dr Pradit Sintawanarong said that a four-member medical team would travel to Dubai with the C-130 aircraft to take care of the health of Thais. More medical team would wait at Don Mueang military airport to care Thais upon their arrival in Bangkok.

Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said families of Thais in Egypt could contact his ministry 24 hours a day at 0-2-643-5107 for related situation updates.


-- The Nation 2013-08-19

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SAMUI
Samui, nearby islands also vulnerable to oil leaks
Bamrung Amnatcharoenrit
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The oil-spill crisis on Koh Samet has scarred the Kingdom's tourism industry and operators, especially those in Koh Samui and neighbouring islands, are voicing concern that their investments will go down the drain if something like this happens to them.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/661741-samui-nearby-islands-also-vulnerable-to-oil-leaks/

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Young Ukrainian dies in Phuket
The Nation

PHUKET: -- A 14-year-old Ukrainian tourist suffocated to death in Phuket.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/661744-14-year-old-ukrainian-tourist-dies-in-phuket/

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Ferry Fire in Pattaya Bay No deaths or injuries reported

PATTAYA: -- On Sunday afternoon a full-scale marine emergency occurred after the Captain of a ferry reported an engine fire.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/661745-ferry-fire-in-pattaya-bay-no-deaths-or-injuries-reported/

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Korean falls from 3rd floor Pattaya Hotel Balcony after heated argument

PATTAYA: -- Police and rescue services were called to a Resort in North Pattaya to assist a Korean tourist who had reportedly fallen from a 3rd floor balcony following a heated argument inside her room which took place moments earlier.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/661746-korean-falls-from-3rd-floor-pattaya-hotel-balcony-after-heated-argument/

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NATIONAL RECONCILATION
Open letter of Democrat Party to foreign diplomats

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/661747-open-letter-of-thai-democrat-party-to-foreign-diplomats/

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Coup leader focused on 'peace and unity'
Hataikarn Treesuwan
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The Nation's Hataikarn Treesuwan spoke to General Sonthi Boonyaratglin about why a man who toppled the government led by Yingluck's brother Thaksin now wants to assist her administration.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/661748-exclusive-interview-coup-leader-sonthi-focused-on-peace-and-unity/

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Speaker's hefty travel spending faces probe
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE HOUSE committee on anti-corruption is set to probe Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont and his deputy Charoen Chankomol over allegations that both overspent their overseas travel budgets.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/661750-thailand-house-speakers-hefty-travel-spending-faces-probe/

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,438.02, down 7.74 points /MCOT

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UPDATE:
Boy dies from reaction to cashew nuts in Phuket dinner
Ramon Bencharitiwong

PHUKET: -- A 14 year-old English boy, William Ethan, on holiday in Phuket, died last night from a severe allergic reaction, apparently to cashew nuts he ate during dinner in Patong.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/661744-14-year-old-ukrainian-tourist-dies-in-phuket/#entry6731213

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Govt given 30 more days to explain refusal to seize ex-PM Thaksin's passport
By English News



BANGKOK, Aug 19 – Thailand's Office of the Ombudsman has approved the government’s request to extend the deadline for delivering its explanation about the Foreign Ministry’s failure to seize the passport of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/661775-thai-govt-given-30-more-days-to-explain-refusal-to-seize-ex-pm-thaksins-passport/

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Canadian arrested in Patong for theft of B100,000 from Chiang Rai hotel
Tanyaluk Sakoot



PHUKET: A Canadian hotel worker wanted on a charge of theft in Chiang Rai was arrested in Patong last night (August 18).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/661776-canadian-arrested-in-patong-for-theft-of-b100000-from-chiang-rai-hotel/

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Commerce Ministry to merge 3 low-cost retail chains
By English News

BANGKOK, Aug 19 – Three retail outlets selling inexpensively-priced goods, and operated separately by the Commerce Ministry, will be merged into a single entity, according to Deputy Commerce Minister Nattawut Saikua.

He said the move was aimed at enabling the public to buy commodities at lower-than-market prices throughout the country.

The Commerce Ministry has operated three retail chains - Took Jai, Show Huay Show Suay and Blue Flag – under the supervision of the Business Development Department and Internal Trade Department.

He said the proposal would be submitted to Commerce Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan and Deputy Commerce Minister Yanyong Phuangrach for approval.

The restructured retail business, including a call centre, will be wholly operated by the private sector, said Mr Nattawut.

He said the Business Development Department would continue promoting retail business in Thailand by providing know-how, management skills and access to financial sources to retail shops which applied to join the Retail-Wholesale Promotion Project.

He said 5,212 private retail operators have applied for assistance and support under the project, representing a monthly increase by 13 per cent for wholesale operators and 17 per cent for retail operators. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-08-19

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Danish film shooting in Thailand
BY LARS PINNERUP



BANGKOK: -- The team behind Denmark’s Radios new TV series Veronicas Legacy is filming episodes that will be part of a the first season in Saraburi and Bangkok. Veronica’s Legacy is the follow up on their international success with The Killing and The Fortress.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/661780-danish-film-shooting-in-thailand/

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Thailand unexpectedly slips into mild recession in second quarter
By Kitiphong Thaichareon and Orathai Sriring
BANGKOK

(Reuters) - Thailand's economy contracted unexpectedly in the second quarter, slipping into a mild recession, amid weakness in exports, domestic consumption and investment.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/661781-thailand-unexpectedly-slips-into-mild-recession-in-second-quarter/

[Lite Beer]

RS to show 64 live matches on 2 channels: Pornpan

Pornpan

BANGKOK: -- With less than a year to go before World Cup 2014 kicks off next June, RS' chief operating officer Pornpan Techarungchaikul, whose company had secured the broadcasting rights for all the 64 matches and who just returned from the World Broadcasters Meeting with Fifa in Brazil, tells The Nation's Jintana Panyaarvudh how the tournament will entertain football fans in Thailand.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/661774-world-cup-2014-on-rs-world-cup-channels/

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Russian found hanged near Phuket lake
Tanyaluk Sakoot

PHUKET: Garbage collectors received a shock when they arrived to pick up trash on Saturday (August 17) at a point near Nong Harn, the lake behind Naiharn Beach.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/661789-russian-found-hanged-near-phuket-lake/

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Brothers arrested for hotel room drug depot shopfront
Phuket Gazette


Natthawut Srisamut, 25, and his older brother Weerawat Srisamut, 27, busted for marijuana, ya bah and ya ice. Photo: Thawit Bilabdullar

PHUKET: -- Two brothers were arrested on drugs charges on Friday, with police suspecting that the siblings were using a hotel room in Cherng Talay to store and sell their wares.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/661791-brothers-arrested-for-hotel-room-drug-depot-shopfront/

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Govt to build BKK-Ubon dual-track railway within 7 years

BANGKOK, 19 Aug 2013, (NNT) - Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt is confident that the construction of the Bangkok – Ubon Ratchathani dual-track railway will be finished within 7 years, after which the people’s quality of life will be improved.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/661793-govt-to-build-bangkok-ubon-dual-track-railway-within-7-years/

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UPDATE:

British teen dies after severe allergic reaction to cashew nut in Phuket

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/661744-14-year-old-ukrainian-tourist-dies-in-phuket/#entry6731778

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Russian shot in Phuket beachfront drive-by
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- A Russian man is recovering in hospital after being shot in the back during a drive-by in Rawai on Saturday night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/661797-russian-man-shot-in-phuket-beachfront-drive-by/

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No military withdrawal from Deep South

BANGKOK, 19 August 2013 (NNT)-Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha has recommended that the National Security Council should consider taking consultations from various sectors regarding the BRN’s demands. He also said it would be impossible to withdraw military forces from the restive South.

General Prayuth said after his meeting with Police General Pracha Promnok, Deputy Prime Minister for security, that all sectors on the Thai side found the BRN’s demands unacceptable. However, the Army Chief assured that Thailand would not fall into a disadvantageous position under any circumstances.

He added that the army will not withdraw its troops from the southernmost provinces as violence is still prevalent even with the presence of the force. Meanwhile, he said the military reshuffle is currently in the making, adding that new appointments comprise only capable persons.


-- NNT 2013-08-19

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New law to protect overseas job seekers from exorbitant fees expected by year end

BANGKOK, 19 August 2013 (NNT)-The Department of Employment is amending regulations covering overseas job placements which will allow recruitment firms to collect service fee equivalent to only 1-month pay from their prospective clients, along with other travelling expenses.

According to Department of Employment Director General Prawit Kiangpol, the move is intended to prevent job placement agencies from overcharging job seekers. And in order to facilitate the move, the department is drawing up lists of salaries in foreign countries and travelling expenses that successful job seekers will have to pay. The lists must be shown to job seekers before any deal is made.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the help of its embassies worldwide, has been asked to provide information on the labor market in each country which will be presented to job seekers for better consideration.

Mr. Prawit added that the cost for finding jobs in each country usually varies. It mostly includes fees for visa, work permit, medical check and life insurance. In some countries like Israel, additional financial support is required for the protection of Thai workers. It is expected that the amendment will be completed by the end of this year.

-- NNT 2013-08-19

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EGYPT CRISIS
Thai FM orders evacuation of families of diplomats in Cairo

BANGKOK: -- Thai Foreign Ministry on Monday ordered evacuation of families of staff of Thai Embassy in Cairo, particularly women and Children, leaving behind only officials to coordinate and take care of Thai nationals voluntarily staying in Egypt.

Sihasak Phuangketkeow, permanent secretary for foreign affairs said Thai ambassador to Egypt Chalit Manitayakul would evaluate the situation on a daily basis and that the embassy would not close as long as the Egyptian government could assure the safety of foreigners.

In related developments, Air Force Commander Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong said that Oman gave permission for a C-130 transport plane to fly over its airspace and the aircraft left Thailand to bring back Thais from Egypt.

Three commercial aircraft, including Thai Airways International (THAI), left Dubai to pick up Thais who will take the chartered flight arranged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from Cairo to Dubai.

The first batch of some 500 evacuees are scheduled to arrive at Suvarnabhumi airport at 3 or 4pm today while a Thai Air Force C-130 transport plane will bring about 66 Thais to Don Mueang airport at around 6pm.

-- The Nation 2013-08-19

[Lite Beer]

KRC says Thai baht remains weak this week

BANGKOK, 19 August 2013 (NNT)-Kasikorn Research Center (KRC) has forecast that the baht will fluctuate in the range of 31.10 – 31.50 baht per US dollar this week.

According to the KRC, domestic factors that could affect the currency this week include the GDP figure in the second quarter of this year, which is expected to be released within this week, and the monetary policy expected to be concluded by the Monetary Policy Committee this Wednesday.

Other factors to be considered include the U.S. unemployment rate, property sale index in that country, the outcomes of the Federal Reserve System’s meeting at the end of last month, as well as the PMI Indexes from various nations. However, the KRC said the Thai baht has so far remained weak given the higher global price of gold bar and the rigorous sales of US currency.

-- NNT 2013-08-19

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UPDATE:

Thai economy shrinks in April-June

BANGKOK, August 19, 2013 (AFP) - Thailand's economy shrank 0.3 percent in the three months to June, the second quarterly contraction this year, as lacklustre demand hit manufacturing and exports, data showed Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/661781-thailand-unexpectedly-slips-into-mild-recession-in-second-quarter/#entry6732199