Thailand Live Monday 16 Sep 2013

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The Princess Maha Chakri on a visit to the United States

BANGKOK, 16 September 2013 (NNT) - HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on Sunday, at 00.10 hr (September 15) left Suvarnabhumi Airport, Samut Prakan province, on board a Thai Airways International airplane for the United States where she will take part in two celebrative events in Chicago.

Seeing the Princess off at the airport were Cabinet ministers, high-ranking officials both in the civil and military services, members of the Armed Force Wives’ Clubs, representatives of the Thai Red Cross Society and village scouts.

In Chicago, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will preside over the opening ceremony of an event to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of the late Queen Sri Savarindira, Queen Grandmother of Thailand. The Princess will open an exhibition featuring Queen Sri Savarindira’s life and work at the Chicago History Museum, organized in honor of the Queen who has been recognized by UNESCO as one of the World’s Great Personalities for the years 2012-2013.

According to the UNESCO citation, Her Majesty Queen Sri Savarindira had devoted her entire life to the development of education, the promotion of respect for cultural diversity, and the advancement of applied science as well as social and human sciences.

Apart from the event, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will also visit Northern Illinois University in Illinois, where she will be conferred with an honorary doctorate in humanities. At the university, the Princess will play a Thai classical instrument and sing classical songs at a cultural event held in her honor. Her Royal Highness will return to Thailand on Sunday, September 22, 2013, at 06.25 hrs.

-- NNT 2013-09-16

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Greek claims Thai girlfriend swindled him out of Phuket property, two million baht
Phuket Gazette

Greek national Konstantinos Vardas occupying a spot in the middle of the road. Photo: Thawit Bilabdullar

PHUKET: A distraught Greek was found lying in the middle of the road in front of a property that he claimed his girlfriend had cheated him out of, along with about two million baht.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667916-greek-claims-thai-girlfriend-swindled-him-out-of-phuket-property-two-million-baht/?p=6824747

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Fugitive Ex-Monk Narrowly Escapes Arrest In Laos
By Khaosod Online


Mr. Wirapol Sukphol (center, next to the Caucasian individual) after he narrowly escapes from the DSI in Laos.

BANGKOK: -- The attempt by the Thai police to arrest a controversial ex-monk in Laos ended when the fugitive made a dramatic escape from the besieging officers with his private helicopter.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/668122-fugitive-ex-monk-narrowly-escapes-arrest-in-laos/

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RICE
Fears rice scheme 'will break budget'
Suphannee Pootpisut
The Nation



Concern for 'balanced budget' vow as outstanding expenditures reach Bt700 billion

BANGKOK: -- THE FINANCE MINISTRY’s sub-committee assessing the cost of the rice-pledging scheme plans to finalise figures for the first year of operations next week, with or without the latest information on inventories, a ministry source said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/668123-fears-thai-rice-scheme-will-break-budget/

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RUBBER PROTEST
'No more talk over subsidies'
The Nation



Govt says it won't raise its offer to growers blocking roads in south

BANGKOK: -- The government will not negotiate anymore with protesting rubber growers but stick to its previously agreed subsidy of Bt2,520 per rai for rubber farms or households - for up to 25 rai for seven months, PM's Deputy Secretary-General Thawat Boonfeung said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/668124-rubber-protests-no-more-talk-over-subsidies/

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UPDATE:
Tear gas, water cannon turned on Cambodian opposition march
Xinhua


Photo : EPA

Phnom Penh - Cambodian police fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse hundreds of protesters near the Royal Palace on Sunday afternoon as they attempted to remove the police's barbed wire barricades in order to march through a street in front of the Royal Palace.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667999-khmer-opposition-marches-against-election-results/#entry6827515

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SOUTH CRISIS
Two suspected insurgents killed in shootout
NAKARIN CHINWORAKOMON,
PARES LOHASAN
THE NATION



YALA: -- TWO SUSPECTED insurgents were killed in a gunfight in Yala's Muang district yesterday, as security forces surrounded a Ban Kubae Jeunoh rubber plantation in Tambon Pohseng, following a tip-off that armed men were hiding there.

The 30-minute gunfight erupted at 5.40am after rangers and police confronted three to five armed men. The suspected insurgents refused to surrender and then opened fire. Two bodies were later found after the remaining suspects fled the scene. Only one of the bodies has so far been identified - 19-year-old Muhammad Ayi Tayeh. A 9mm pistol, one AKA rifle and a shotgun were also found at the scene.

An initial police probe found that the armed men were insurgent sympathisers linked to the group led by Ubaideela Rommeulee and Abe Jeh-ali - key members of the RKK (Runda Kumpulan Kecil). It is believed the armed men supplied food and information on the movement of state officials to RKK members.

In Pattani’s Nong Chik district, Fourth Army Area Command chief Lt-General Sakol Chuentrakool yesterday presided over bathing rites at Wat Suwannakorn for Master Sergeant First-Class Somkuan Kaewdee and Sergeant Cherd Srichamnong, who were killed in Saturday's bomb attack in Khok Pho district. After the ceremony, Somkuan’s body was sent back to his home in Khon Kaen, while Cherd's body was sent to his home in Loei.


-- The Nation 2013-09-16

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Rallies reflect populism's limited reach
Hataikarn Treesuwan
The Nation



Top officials try to keep distance from street protests

BANGKOK: -- AS THIS GOVERNMENT enters its halfway mark, more and more protesters are taking to the streets - not because of their political ideology, but because they are suffering from the "unfortunate side-effects" of this administration's populist policies.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/668125-rallies-reflect-populisms-limited-reach/

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Taxi cameras being mulled
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- ALL TAXIS may need to be equipped with closed-circuit cameras for the safety of passengers and to prevent drivers from rejecting passengers, Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/668126-thai-transport-min-all-taxis-may-need-to-be-equipped-with-closed-circuit-cameras/

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EDUCATION
Improving English skills is vital: Surin
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- English could be the key to help improve Thailand's serious educational problems, Surin Pitsuwan, a former secretary-general of Asean, said last week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/668128-improving-english-skills-is-vital-surin/

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Police aiming to intercept drug gangs' illicit earnings
NATTHAWAT LAPHING,
SAMRIT JEAMJAROENPORNKUL
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- DRUG-TRAFFICKING networks have smuggled tens of billions of baht out of Thailand, Labour Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung revealed at a workshop in Chiang Rai yesterday, held with 200 bank representatives and officials to seek ways of suppressing cash smuggling and money laundering.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/668129-thai-police-aiming-to-intercept-drug-gangs-illicit-earnings-chalerm/

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"Smart Province" pilot project for IT-enabled administration villages
THANAPAT KITJAKOSOL
THE NATION



It takes a village to make a 'Smart Country'

BANGKOK: -- NAKHON NAYOK has been chosen to become the first "Smart Province" before the Kingdom's remaining 76 provinces catch up in the next seven years to become part of a "Smart Country".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/668131-smart-province-pilot-project-for-it-enabled-administration-villages-thailand/

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Charter-change reading Sept 27
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- PARLIAMENT will go ahead with the third reading of the charter amendment for senator selection on September 27, unless the Constitutional Court decides to rule on its constitutionality.

If that happens, the House will postpone the reading and the Parliament president should call a vote on whether the court is overstepping its authority and encroaching on the legislative branch, Pheu Thai MP Samart Kaewmeechai said yesterday.

He chairs the committee on changing the senator selection method. If legal experts agree the court is exceeding its authority, a charter amendment would be proposed to redefine its area of responsibility, he added.

Parliament is set to debate the Bt2-trillion infrastructure development bill from September 19-20.

Democrat MP Ongard Klampaiboon urged Pheu Thai to allow all 106 Democrat MPs the chance to comment on the bill and not to deprive them of the opportunity to fulfil their duty.


-- The Nation 2013-09-16

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FOREIGN INVESTMENT
Australia encourages business expansion in Thailand
PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- AUSTRALIA is encouraging its businesses, particularly small firms, to learn more about Thailand and regard it as a new base of investment and a launching pad for Asean markets, notably Myanmar.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/668132-australia-encourages-business-expansion-in-thailand/

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Civic groups unveil alternative national reform process
By English News



BANGKOK, Sept 16 – Several civic groups have proposed a formula for national reform calling on the public sector to work together to push for a new political power structure.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/668139-civic-groups-unveil-alternative-national-reform-process/

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SRT begins temporary halt to northern rail service from Uttaradit to Chiang Mai to repair rail system, prevent future derailments; resuming service Oct 31/MCOT

Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,433.39, up 32.31 points /MCOT

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Pick-up Truck Crash Kills 'Dancing Passengers'
By Khaosod Online



BANGKOK: -- An intoxicated driver crashed his pick-up truck into a tree as his passengers were dancing in the back, killing 4 people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/668146-pick-up-truck-crash-kills-dancing-passengers/

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UPDATE:

Rubber protesters unblock road
By English News

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, Sept 16 -- Rubber grower protesters in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat has unblocked Asian Highway at Kuan Nong Hong intersection after police negotiated their reopening the road.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/668124-rubber-protests-no-more-talk-over-subsidies/#entry6828148

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Berry pickers from Thailand refuse to leave Finland
BY SINE NEUCHS THOMSEN

BANGKOK: -- 25 berry pickers from Thailand refused to board their flight back home this weekend, Finnish Yle reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/668157-berry-pickers-from-thailand-refuse-to-leave-finland/

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Northern rail track repairing commences today

LAMPANG, 16 Sep 2013 (NNT) – The State Railway of Thailand starts repairing the northern rail tracks today, with a schedule to complete the works within 45 days.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/668165-trains-to-chiang-mai-stopped-from-today-16-sep

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Sukhumbhand visits French Embassy

BANGKOK, 16 September 2013 (NNT) – Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra has paid the French Embassy a visit on the occasion of European Heritage Day, which falls on September 15.

On the special occasion of the European Heritage Day, the French Embassy allowed outsiders to tour around the place. Among the visitors was Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra who, upon his arrival, was welcomed by the French ambassador to Thailand. His visit was to see the ambassador’s residence on the European Heritage Day. Along with the governor were attaches from Netherlands, Portugal, and other EU representatives.

At the ambassador’s residence, the special guests saw an exhibition on Brest, a city in northwestern France. The exhibition also showcased sculptures and artworks by French artists living in Thailand.

To mark the governor’s visit and the good relations between Thailand and France, the ambassador presented “European Heritage Map, Bangkok and Ayutthaya” as a gift to the governor. The map, created by 9 European embassies in Bangkok, depicts historical events about Europe and the Kingdom of Thailand.

European Heritage Day falls on September 15 of every year. The special day offers outsiders an opportunity to visit the buildings, monuments, and sites, many of which are not normally accessible to the public.


-- NNT 2013-09-16

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UPDATE:

Two arrested for Phuket mob attack on police colonel

Eakkapop Thongtub


The two men arrested Saturday.

PHUKET: -- Two men have been arrested for their part in the savage beating of a police colonel who was trying to arrest a suspected highway robber in Bang Tao.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/667176-phuket-police-officer-beaten-in-mass-brawl-as-suspect-resists-arrest/page-3?p=6828523#entry6828523

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Thai women's obsession with white skin could cause health problems, study says
By Coconuts Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- Many Thai women are the risk of vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of bone disease when they get older because of their obsession with avoiding the sun, according to a new study by Chulalongkorn University.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/668163-thai-womens-obsession-with-white-skin-could-cause-health-problems-study-says/

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Trains to Chiang Mai stopped from today
By English News



UTTARADIT, Sept 16 – Thailand’s North-bound train services have been suspended for 45 days, starting today, and passengers must disembark at Sila-at station in this northern province to continue their northward journey by bus.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/668165-trains-to-chiang-mai-stopped-from-today-16-sep/

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TAT earns four PATA Grand and Gold Awards 2013
By English News



CHENGDU, China, Sept 16 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) on Sunday received four PATA Grand and Gold Awards 2013 in a presentation ceremony during the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Board and Committee meetings in Chengdu, China.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/668167-tat-earns-four-pata-grand-and-gold-awards-2013/

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Prayuth urges all sides to learn from 2006 coup

BANGKOK, 16 September 2013 (NNT) – Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha has urged all sides to learn from the 19 September 2006 coup d’tat, while ordering all soldiers not to get involved in politics.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/668169-thai-army-chief-prayuth-urges-all-sides-to-learn-from-2006-coup/

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Pheu Thai: Constitution amendment is not to abolish democracy

BANGKOK, 16 Sep 2013 (NNT) - The focus of the constitution amendment is not to abolish the democracy, according to the ruling Pheu Thai Party.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/668170-pheu-thai-constitution-amendment-is-not-to-abolish-democracy/

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Five more bus routes will be added to Bangkok’s suburban areas for easier access to Airport Link

BANGKOK, 16 Sep 2013 (NNT) - The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) will add five more bus routes to suburban areas of the capital to provide greater access to the Airport Rail Link.

Deputy Transport Minister General Phrin Suwanthat stated that the project is a joint effort between the Ministry and the BMTA following public requests and the ongoing complaints on bus shortages.

The new bus routes will facilitate those travelling to 3 Airport Link stations at Makkasan, Lat Krabang, On-nutch and on 2 expansion routes on Min Buri and Ruam Pattana roads.

Touching on the planned procurement of 3,183 NGV buses, General Phrin said the BMTA would announce the 3rd revision of the Terms of Reference for the project auction on September 16. If the tender goes as planned, the procurement of the buses will soon commence. He expected the first lot of the buses would arrive by the middle of next year.


-- NNT 2013-09-16

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Rama VIII Bridge closed for traffic on Sept 21

BANGKOK: -- The Rama VIII Bridge will be closed on the night of September 21, for the first inspection in 10 years.

Traffic police announced that from 11pm of September 21 to 5am of September 22, Bangkok’s civil work department will inspect the condition of the bridge which was opened to traffic early 2002.


-- The Nation 2013-09-16

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UPDATE:

Thai Police: Blocked roads are now opened

BANGKOK, 16 September 2013 (NNT) – The Royal Thai Police have removed roadblocks in Cha-uat District, Nakhon Si Thammarat and reopened the highway for traffic. The operation was conducted without any violence.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/668124-rubber-protests-no-more-talk-over-subsidies/