Thailand Live Wednesday 4 Sep 2013

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Health minister receives WHO anti-tobacco award

COLOMBO, 4 September 2013 (NNT) - The World Health Organization has selected Thailand’s Public Health Minister Dr Pradit Sinthawanarong for the World No Tobacco Day Award 2013.

The agency this year chose two people from Asia, consisting of Dr Pradit and Sri Lankan Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena, for the World No Tobacco Day Award which was presented on Tuesday during a grand ceremony held in Colombo. The award recognizes their dedicated services towards tobacco control at the national and international levels.

During the ceremony, Dr Pradit said tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in both Thailand and Sri Lanka. He noted that over 6 million worldwide die from smoking each year, higher than the death toll from HIV.

After adopting a measure to enlarge graphic warning labels on cigarette packages, the minister cited recent studies as suggesting that the number of new smokers is on the decline. Anti-smoking groups have earlier expressed their support for the measure due to its effectiveness in deterring youth from taking up smoking.

Dr Pradit expressed his belief at the award ceremony that the Public Health Ministry will win cases filed by tobacco giant Philip Morris and other companies, which disapproved of the larger warning label.


-- NNT 2013-09-04

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TOURISM

First tourist court to open in Pattaya tomorrow

Bamrung Amnatcharoenrit

The Nation

PATTAYA: -- Thailand's first tourist court will open tomorrow in the popular beach resort city of Pattaya as part of the government's move to reassure travellers of their safety while visiting the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665561-thailands-first-tourist-court-to-open-in-pattaya-tomorrow-5-sep/

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Van Driver Dozes Off, Injuring 5 Passengers

By Khaosod Online

CHA-AM: -- A public minivan slid off the road on Cha-Am - Pranburi Road, causing 6 injuries including the driver.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665562-cha-am-van-driver-dozes-off-injuring-5-passengers/

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SURAT THANI
Rubber protesters gather near airport
The Nation

Farmers not impressed with govt Bt22-billion subsidy package

SURAT THANI: -- Protesting rubber farmers in Surat Thani yesterday blocked a main road after a government decision not to accept their demand for it to intervene in the price of raw rubber sheets, although the Cabinet had earlier in the day granted a Bt1,260-per-rai subsidy to them.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665563-rubber-protesters-gather-near-surat-thani-airport/

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EDUCATION
Action plans for key policies
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The Office of Basic Education Commission (Obec) has formulated action plans for Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang's two key policies - tackling illiteracy and developing analytical thinking skills - which he will consider and announce tomorrow.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665564-thai-education-action-plans-for-key-policies/

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CONSUMER PROTECTION
Auto gripes top consumer complaints list
Suriyan Panyawai
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Automobile-related problems have topped the complaints list at the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) for nearly two years now.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665565-thai-consumer-protection-auto-gripes-top-consumer-complaints-list/

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STOPPAGE TIME
Political reform: been there, done that
Tulsathit Taptim

BANGKOK: -- A country embroilled in political crisis and threatened by looming economic trouble. A prime minister with biggest grassroots support who faces contempt from the upper classes. Persistent corruption scandals.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665566-thai-opinion-political-reform-been-there-done-that/

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EDITORIAL
Cable TV industry needs more time to mature
The Nation

Long dominated by monopolistic entities, the industry can only improve by new providers emerging and offering better services and options

BANGKOK: -- For decades Thailand's cable TV industry was dominated by a few major providers, with TrueVisions having the lion's share recently thanks largely to its control of "premium content", especially its English Premier League football broadcast rights.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665567-thai-editorial-cable-tv-industry-needs-more-time-to-mature/

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Dunkin' Donuts pulls ad after 'racism' row

BANGKOK, September 4, 2013 (AFP) - Dunkin' Donuts said it was pulling an advertisement in Thailand featuring a woman with black face make-up after a human rights group criticised it as "racist".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665568-dunkin-donuts-pulls-ad-in-thailand-after-racism-row/

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HEALTH

"Sugar label" planned to curb chronic diseases

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Public Health Minister Pradit Sintavanarong said on Tuesday that the ministry is mulling the launch of sugar labels on food packages, as a way to control the growth of chronic diseases, diabetes in particular.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665569-thai-govt-plans-sugar-labels-on-food-packages-to-curb-chronic-diseases/

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K-water eyes Chao Phraya River basin as possible future project
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation
Seoul



SEOUL: -- EVEN THOUGH the Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) has yet to sign a contract with the government, the agency has been closely studying the Chao Phraya River basin and the possibilities of restoring it.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665570-k-water-eyes-chao-phraya-river-basin-as-possible-future-project/

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Boys and girls in shelters to be separated
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Social Development and Human Security Minister Pavena Hongsakul yesterday ordered that all boys aged between 12 and 17 be moved to separate quarters at state-funded shelters for children and families in 77 provinces following the alleged rape of a four-year-old girl in Chon Buri.

After a meeting with ministry officials yesterday, Pavena said officials would be dispatched to check all the homes before they set a criteria on dividing the dwellers for safety.

Youngsters living in the homes will be divided into three groups: kids of up to 11 years will be left with their mothers; boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 17 will be separated; and those above 18 will also be given separate accommodation, she said.

The shelters will be provided with 24-hour security and every home will be equipped with security cameras. There will be female guards for shelters with young girls.

Meanwhile, a panel led by a Social Development and Human Security Ministry inspector-general would assess each shelter every two months and run a major check once a year. The plan to overhaul and improve the shelters, as well as install security cameras will cost about Bt2.2 billion in all, Pavena said.


-- The Nation 2013-09-04

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Bangkok Council okays Bt65-bn budget
The Nation

The Bangkok Council yesterday approved the 2014 fiscal year budget of Bt65 billion.

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok councillors - debating the budget proposals for the fiscal year starting on October 1 - offered their suggestions to the administration.

These include speedy canal and waterway dredging, the repair of traffic signs, speedy road construction, and the elevation of the city's vocational training schools to the same level as technical colleges.

Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said he would take the suggestions into account and promised that the money would be spent on developing Bangkok and solving its problems.

He also got the council's approval to borrow Bt320 million from the city's savings for the payment of pensions to city officials and employees.

Under the budget, the environment unit is awarded the highest sum, at Bt7.1 billion, followed by the unit in charge of traffic and transport, at Bt5.6 billion.


-- The Nation 2013-09-04

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Alcohol excise taxes raised
The Nation

Effective on September 4, the excise taxes on liquor, beer and wine will go up by 7- 15 per cent.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665571-thailand-alcohol-excise-taxes-raised/

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6.9 quake hits Japan. No tsunami warning was issued and there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage /Voice of Russia

The earthquake struck wide areas of north-eastern and eastern Japan, the Meteorological Agency said /Voice of Russia

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6.9-magnitude quake hits east off Japan

English.news.cn

TOKYO, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- An earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale hit east off Japan at 9:19 a.m. local time Wednesday, with strong tremor felt in Tokyo.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665580-69-magnitude-quake-hits-east-off-japan/

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PM's Deputy Sec-Gen Pol Maj Gen Tawat to meet with rubber protesters at 11am; Surat Thani protesters threaten to close airport /MCOT

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Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 1,310.97, falls 4.44 points /MCOT

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McCain Played Poker at Senate Hearing on Syria — Report

MOSCOW, September 4 (RIA Novosti) — US Senator John McCain played poker on his mobile telephone during a Senate hearing on the United States’ possible use of force in Syria, Washington Post reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665590-mccain-played-poker-at-senate-hearing-on-syria-report/

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UPDATE:

Rubber protests spread across Thailand’s southern region
By English News



NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, Sept 4 – Protests and demonstrations against the slump in rubber prices has spread from this southern province to other rubber-producing provinces including Chumphon, Surat Thani and Phatthalung.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665563-rubber-protesters-gather-near-surat-thani-airport/#entry6788330

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Thai Foreign Ministry to end Sat. passports service, effective today, as No. of applicants during Sat. trial-run was not large enough to justify it /The Nation

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Lottery Office donates 5 mil baht to rebuild flood-damaged Mon Bridge

BANGKOK, 4 September 2013 (NNT) – The Government Lottery Office (GLO) has donated 5 million baht to Kanchanaburi Province in a bid to renovate Mon Bridge which was destroyed by flash flood back in July.

Government Lottery Office Director Pol. Maj. Gen. Attakrit Thareechat travelled to Kanchanaburi in a helicopter to donate a 5-million-baht fund to help rebuild the wooden Mon Bridge. He also expressed his condolences to the governor of Kanchanaburi and the people over the incident as the bridge was the main attraction of the province’s Sangkhla Buri District. The bridge was first built in dedication to a respected monk of the famous Wat Wang Wiwekaram.

Mon Bridge is 850 metres long and has been recognized as the world’s second longest wooden bridge, only after Horrai Bridge in Japan. The bridge was collapsed during the flash floods in July after the deluge swept away its pillars. The collapse took place after three days of torrential rain in the province.


-- NNT 2013-09-04

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Duckworth urges govt to look after soldiers in deep South

BANGKOK, 4 September 2013 (NNT) – Thai-born Illinois representative Ladda Tammy Duckworth urges the government to take care of soldiers working in the Deep South.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665601-us-congresswoman-duckworth-urges-thai-govt-to-look-after-soldiers-in-deep-south/

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RT @bbcbreaking: Ariel Castro, who kept women captive at his home in Cleveland, Ohio, has been found dead in his cell, US media say

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Cleveland kidnapper Ariel Castro 'found dead'

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665602-cleveland-kidnapper-ariel-castro-found-dead/

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UPDATE:
Tight security at Surat Thani Airport
The Nation

SURAT THANI: -- Deputy Prime Minister Pracha Promnok vows on Wednesday that the Surat Thani Airport could not fall under the control of protesting rubber farmers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665563-rubber-protesters-gather-near-surat-thani-airport/#entry6788616

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12th train derailment today

PHRAE: -- A maintenance train carriage derailed Wednesday morning in Phrae province, causing disruption on train services to the northern routes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665611-12th-train-derailment-today-thailand/

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Democrat Vatchara escorted out of House chamber
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Democrat MP Vatchara Petchthong was escorted out of the parliamentary chamber on Wednesday, minutes after today's session begun.

The House today continues with the deliberation on the charter amendment.

Vatchara asked for a 30-minute special session for MPs to discuss the sagging rubber prices, but House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont denied. His second motion was also denied.

As Vatchara further shouted his demand for a document, Somsak told police officers to escort him out of the chamber.

-- The Nation 2013-09-04

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Commerce Min to launch “2nd Show Huay Show Suay” project

BANGKOK, 28 August 2013 (NNT) – The Commerce Ministry has launched its second “Show Huay Show Suay” project, given the first one was a big success, with over 700 million baht in sales during the 3-week event.

According to Deputy Commerce Minister Nattawut Saikua, the first “Show Huay Show Suay” project, held from 25 April to May 15, was very successful, with consumers spending over 700 million baht during the period. Wholesalers saw an approximate 13 percent increase in their sales, whereas retail stores boasted an average of 17 percent sales rise.

Thanks to the success, the Thai Retailers Association has joined hands with the Department of Business Development (DBD) organizing the 2nd Show Huay Show Suay event, scheduled for 9-30 September. Over 12,000 retailers and 70 wholesalers nationwide will participate in the second project.

Products in those participating stores will be sold at between 5-10 baht lower than market price. The Deputy Commerce Minister expects the 3-week project to generate more than one billion baht in cash flow, adding that the project will help Thais lower their expenses by at least 100 million baht.

-- NNT 2013-09-04

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NBTC to clarify on Digital TV auction details

BANGKOK, 4 Sep 2013, (NNT) - National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) has clarified details of the auction process of the 24 digital television channels before selling auction forms on September 10 to 12. It is expecting more than 30 auctioneers to participate in the event.

According to NBTC's Vice President Dr.Natee Sukonrat, the commission will be neutral and treat all bidders equally, adding that the board will finalize the initial bid price at least 30 days before the actual auction date.

The person who purchases the auction document, to be sold next week, must be the same one who signs the contract. The NBTC will inform bidders of the concession's details on October 15th and open application on October 28 to 29. The name of qualified applicants will be announced 45 days, he added.

The auction will be held 30 days after the list of qualified applicants is posted.

The auction result will be endorsed by the NBTC within 45 days after the auction, provided that the winners comply with the regulations.

Dr. Natee said he expected digital television to start broadcasting within 30 days after the completion of the auction, and the whole nation would be covered in 2 years' time.

-- NNT 2013-09-04