Thailand Live Thursday 5 Sep 2013

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French Embassy pushes HelioScreen suncare evaluation laboratory in Bangkok

BANGKOK, 5th September 2013 (NNT) - The French Embassy in cooperation with UbiFrance has held a press conference to launch a new joint venture laboratory between HelioScreen Cie In Vitro Sunscreen testing solutions and Thai Chemico Inter Corporation Co.,Ltd.

Founded by Dr.Dominique Lutz in 1999, HelioScreen is a specialist for more than 10 years in the In Vitro evaluation of sun protection products qualified by the ISO Standardization process. HelioScreen Asia laboratory has been set up in Bangkok as the center for a whole range of French innovations and new technology on sun care testing and evaluation, specializing in In Vitro testing. The lab will be the center for services for the ASEAN region and for the rest of Asia.

Dr.Dominique Lutz, CEO Scientist Manager at HelioScreen, spoke of the global consensus of the dangers of the sun and the balance that the industry must infuse in protecting the skin from UVA and UVB, which cause skin irritation, burning, and darkening.

Dr. Dominique chose to base the ASEAN laboratory in Bangkok, which is considered a big step for the sun care evaluation industry to become internationally recognized.

In the past, testing has mainly been done using In Vivo method (testing on humans). However, The European Union has proposed new rules that the industry must try to evolve into the in vitro method (testing in laboratory), and to steer away from the In Vivo method.


-- NNT 2013-09-05

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JUSTICE
Wrongly detained man gets Bt316,450 in compensation
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Pol Colonel Narat Sawettanant, chief of the Justice Ministry's Rights and Liberties Protection Department, yesterday paid Bt316,450 in compensation to a man for being wrongly detained in jail for 553 days.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665761-wrongly-detained-man-gets-bt316450-in-compensation/

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UPDATE:
Thailand edges up world competitiveness rankings
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THAILAND has succeeded in moving up in the global competitiveness rankings, from 39th in 2011 to 38th in 2012 and 37th this year, but it has to overcome several challenges to catch up with the pace of improvement seen by its regional peers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665644-thailands-ranking-up-one-notch-competitiveness-report/#entry6791190

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RUBBER GROWERS PROTEST
Govt warned of airport seizures
The Nation



Police ready to take strict action against those who cross the line, warns spokesman

BANGKOK: -- Rubber growers in the South are threatening to lay siege to important places like airports and provincial halls if the government fails to answer their demand for a higher price for their produce.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665762-thai-govt-warned-of-airport-seizures/

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DEMONSTRATION
Rubber protesters, govt in tense talks
The Nation



Four groups of farmers keen to seek a negotiated solution to problem of prices

BANGKOK: -- The ongoing protests by rubber farmers in several southern provinces have hit logistical networks and the tourism industry in several areas adjacent to the rally sites, halting bus services as well as the transport of frozen seafood products. The authorities are worried that protesters might seize airports in four provinces where they are rallying.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665762-thai-govt-warned-of-airport-seizures/#entry6791200

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EDUCATION
Low ranking for quality despite high spending
Supinda na Mahachai
Chuleeporn Aramnet
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec) is blaming Thailand's poor ranking in terms of education on high costs and relatively low returns.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665764-thailand-education-low-ranking-for-quality-despite-high-spending/

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Rubber protest impacting South tourism revenue
BAMRUNG AMNATCHAROIENRIT
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE RUBBER FARMERS' protest in Surat Thani is causing a loss of at least Bt10 million a day to the domestic tourism industry in the South.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665765-rubber-protest-impacting-thai-south-tourism-revenue/

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THAI TALK
Forum that nobody has HEARD OF
Suthichai Yoon

BANGKOK: -- It must have come as a surprise to many. A Cabinet press release last week said the government had acknowledged an official report to the effect that a cross-country campaign of public hearings on national reconciliation at 108 forums had been completed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665766-thai-talk-forum-that-nobody-has-heard-of/

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Naked American assaults Bar cashier inside South Pattaya convenience store



PATTAYA: -- Police were called to a 24 hour convenience store in South Pattaya in the early hours of Thursday following reports of a naked foreign man who had taken a Thai Woman hostage.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665767-naked-american-assaults-bar-cashier-inside-south-pattaya-convenience-store/

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Russian Man Shows His Penis To 7-11 Cashiers

Seven-Eleven shop assistants in Pattaya were shocked when an unidentified Russian man showed off his penis in front of them in the convenience store.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665698-russian-man-shows-his-penis-to-7-11-cashiers/

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Chaos in Parliament after Democrat evicted
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- PARLIAMENT AGAIN descended into chaos yesterday after its president Somsak Kiatsuranont ordered 20 parliament police to escort Democrat MP Watchara Petthong out of the chamber after Watchara kept shouting and demanding that MPs spend 30 minutes discussing the rubber-price crisis, which has resulted in protesters blockading roads in the South.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665768-chaos-in-thai-parliament-after-democrat-evicted/

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INVESTMENT
9 foreigners suspected in fund scam
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) plans the arrest warrants for nine foreign individuals involving with Standard Morgan (Thailand), alleging them of operating an illegal investment fund.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665769-9-foreigners-suspected-in-fund-scam-standard-morgan-thailand/

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SWEDISH-MADE JETS
Air Force to take delivery of last three Gripen fighter jets
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Royal Thai Air Force took delivery of three Saab Gripen fighter jets yesterday, adding that one of the jets had been struck by lightning while flying over India on the way to Thailand and had sustained minor damage to its electronic system.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665773-thai-air-force-to-take-delivery-of-last-three-gripen-fighter-jets/

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Post-forum squabbling casts doubt over real intentions
ATTAYUTH BOOTSRIPOOM

BANGKOK: -- THE FORUM "Uniting for the Future: Learning from Each Other's Experiences", held at the Plaza Athenee Bangkok Hotel on Monday, gained much attention from Thais due to the many famous speakers taking part.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665774-post-forum-squabbling-casts-doubt-over-real-intentions-bangkok/

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Akeyuth murder suspects to hear charges today
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court will today hear charges filed yesterday against Santiparb Pengduang and five others for allegedly robbing and murdering outspoken government critic Akeyuth Anchanbutr.

Public prosecutor Supachai Kongprapan said yesterday the charges include robbing and causing death by using arms and vehicles, premeditated murder to cover up guilt, coercing others and threatening a person's life, liberty and assets.

Other charges include forcing a person to endorse rights documents by assault, destroying rights documents, detaining and depriving persons of liberty that led to death, and concealing, transporting and destroying of the body to conceal death or cause of death.

Additional charges were conspiring to carry arms into urban areas, villages and the public without valid reason; possessing firearms and ammunition without permission; carrying arms and ammunition in public places without reason or permission; and accepting stolen items.

Santiparb, who worked as Akeyuth's chauffeur, and three other suspects detained at Bangkok Remand Prison will be summoned to testify today.

Pol Sub-Lieutenant Pongniwat Yuthapanboriparn, chief prosecutor for criminal litigation, said prosecutors decided to file charges against all suspects in line with the investigation dossier. Although Suwat Apaipak, the attorney for the slain businessman, claimed there were more powerful people behind Akeyuth's death, Pongniwat said this accusation was not included in the police file, but new evidence can be found, new charges can be pressed.

Prosecutors plan to make their case with 70 witnesses and circumstantial evidence, documents and photos.


-- The Nation 2013-09-05

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Govt to collect public opinions on water scheme
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation



Views will be studied first, Plodprasop says; pros and cons on display in Siam

BANGKOK: -- A nationwide public hearing on the government's mega water-management and flood-prevention project will kick off next month in the 39 provinces that will be affected by the construction work, Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665775-thai-govt-to-collect-public-opinions-on-water-scheme/

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Google adds Japan nuclear ghost towns to Street View feature

TOKYO, JAPAN (BNO NEWS) -- Additional Japanese towns left deserted and off-limits after the earthquake and nuclear power plant crisis in March 2011 are now visible to the outside world after internet search giant Google added imagery Wednesday to its popular Street View feature on Google Maps.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665771-google-adds-japan-nuclear-ghost-towns-to-street-view-feature/

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Still chaos over taxis at Phuket airport
Prapaporn Jitmaneeyaphan



PHUKET: -- A plan to clean up the Phuket Airport taxi situation, with strict limits placed on the taxis allowed through the gate at any one time, and a complete block on “black” taxis, has yet to be turned into reality. The chaos continues, according to legal taxi drivers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665776-still-chaos-over-taxis-at-phuket-airport/

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Bangkok on track for a million 'eyes'
Phathinya Iamtan
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Bangkok's "Miracle Eyes" scheme to install one million closed-circuit-television (CCTV) cameras in three years is on track after Kasikorn Bank announced 60,000 CCTV cameras and high-quality software for its Bangkok branches this year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665777-bangkok-on-track-for-a-million-eyes/

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Windows 8 beats Vista's adoption rate in its first year
Gregg Keizer, Computerworld

Microsoft got some good news this week when metrics company Net Applications said Windows 8's user share in August is now larger than Vista's at the same point in the latter's post-launch timeline.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665810-windows-8-beats-vistas-adoption-rate-in-its-first-year/

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Thai stock index opens on Thursday at 1,310.23, gains 7.02 points /MCOT

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Auditor General's Office no longer hearing complaints about rice mortgage

BANGKOK, 5 September 2013 (NNT) – The Office of the Auditor General has announced it will no longer hear complaints about suspected corruption in the rice mortgage scheme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665813-auditor-generals-office-no-longer-hearing-complaints-about-thai-rice-mortgage/

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Jetstar launches non-stop Melbourne to Phuket flights

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665815-jetstar-launches-non-stop-melbourne-to-phuket-flights/

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Tony Jaa's Manager Threatens To Sue 'Fast & Furious 7'
By Khaosod Online



BANGKOK: -- The motion pictures tycoon Somsak Techarattanaprasert threatened a lawsuit against the producers of that upcoming movie ′Fast and Furious 7′ if they featured the Thai action star Tony Jaa in the film.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665818-tony-jaas-thai-manager-threatens-to-sue-fast-furious-7/

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Rubber protesters await rubber committee resolution
By English News

BANGKOK, Sept 5 -- Protesting rubber growers and the Thai government have failed to reach an agreement on rubber prices, so the issue was forwarded to the Natural Rubber Policy Committee (NRPC) for consideration today.

Rubber farmer representatives and Deputy Prime Minister/Finance Minister Kittratt Na-Raong met at the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road last night but did not bridge their differences on the measures to help the planters last night after almost three hours of negotiations.

The protesters demand that the government guarantee the price at Bt120 baht/kg.

They rejected the government's fertilizer subsidy offer of Bt1,260 per rai limited to 10 rai, claiming that rubber growers would not benefit from the measure.

They threatened to intensify their demonstration by holding protests in every district of the province if their demands were not met.

Mr Kittiratt and Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Yukol Limlaemthong who attended last night's negotiations, insisted that the government had no policy of intervening in the rubber market.

The deputy prime minister made no decision, but said he would give the demands to the NRPC which was already scheduled to meet today to find additional measures to help the growers.

The protesters remained at the Surat Thani Co-Op office in Phunphin district but did not block the road, as they await the NRPC resolution. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-09-05

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Thailand warns of tough legal action against foreign gangsters
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- After four suspected Malaysian gangsters were caught trying to enter Thailand in Bukit Kayu Hitam last week, officials said announced that foreigner gang members found in the country will face tough legal action.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665822-thailand-warns-of-tough-legal-action-against-foreign-gangsters/

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UPDATE:

FOCUS

Global slump leaves Thai rubber farmers reeling
by Pornchai KITTIWONGSAKUL

SURAT THANI, September 5, 2013 (AFP) - When the world car market was powering ahead, rubber from Prajuab Nuipin's plantation in Thailand was in hot demand. But with the boom days over, he is wallowing in debt.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665762-thai-govt-warned-of-airport-seizures/page-2?p=6792178#entry6792178

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Phuket Romance: Man stabbed to death in feud over girlfriend
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- A 20-year-old determined to hold on to his girlfriend was stabbed to death by his romantic rival in Cherng Talay on Tuesday evening.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665827-phuket-romance-man-stabbed-to-death-in-feud-over-girlfriend/

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UPDATE:

EXAT confident in fixing Easy Pass problems within two weeks

BANGKOK, 5th September 2013 (NNT) – The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has addressed its recent problems concerning the EASY PASS system, claiming that it will be solved within two weeks' time.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665643-easy-pass-toll-card-does-not-let-some-drivers-pass-easily/#entry6792285

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Public Health Min promotes Thai herbs in international market

BANGKOK, 5 September 2013 (NNT) –In a bid to to make Thai herbs known in the international market, the Public Health Ministry is hosting the 10th National Herb Expo until September 8th.

The Public Health Ministry is organizing the 10th National Herb Expo at IMPACT Muangthong Thani with an aim to promote Thai herbs and medicine. After the opening ceremony, the deputy minister for Public Health said the government would push forward the move to develop all types of traditional Thai herbs, so that they can be widely accepted in the international market as the government is determined to make Thai herbs an important export item.

At the event, there are several activities for visitors to do and learn, such as yoga, traditional Thai massages, and other training courses. Researches on herbs and medicines are also on display .

The 10th National Herb Expo is being held at IMPACT, Muangthong Thani, until September 8th.


-- NNT 2013-09-05