Thailand Live Friday 18 Oct 2013

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Government plans activities to celebrate HM the King’s birthday

BANGKOK, 18 October 2013 (NNT) - The Bureau of the Royal Household will ask His Majesty the King to grant a grand audience on December 5, 2013 at the Saha Thai Samakhom Pavilion in the Grand Palace on the occasion of the King’s birthday.

The plan was revealed by Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister Thongthong Chandrangsu after a meeting of the directing committee on the celebrations in honor of HM the King on the royal birthday anniversary on December 5, 2013. If the request is granted with royal approval, His Majesty will tentatively grant a grand audience to well wishers at 10.30 hrs.

And if all goes according to the plan, Mr. Thongthong said the Royal Thai Army will hold an oath-taking ceremony of the Thai armed forces at the end of the royal address, at the front lawn of the Sala Saha Thai Samakhom Pavilion.

On the part of the government, a grand exhibition in honor of His Majesty the King will be held at the Siam Paragon Shopping Center during November 29 – December 10, 2013.


-- NNT 2013-10-18

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'Child-Abusing' Abbot Murdered By His Victim
By Khaosod Online

Image source: Khaosod

BANGKOK: -- A 17 year old monk novice has confessed to murdering the monk abbot who sexually abused him in the temple and delayed the payment he was promised for his ′service′.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/675402-child-abusing-thai-abbot-murdered-by-his-victim/

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Minburi Residents Protest Saen Saeb Boat Route

By Khaosod Online


PM Yingluck Shinawatra visiting Minburi's section of Saen Saeb Canal, 20 September 2013
Image source: Khaosod

BANGKOK: -- A group of residents of Minburi district have demanded that the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA) suspend its boat route along Saen Saeb Canal in the district due to the damage caused to the canal′s banks.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/675403-minburi-residents-protest-saen-saeb-boat-route/

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POLITICS
Peace a priority whichever way Preah Vihear ruling goes: PM
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- PRIME MINISTER Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday pledged to cooperate with Cambodia to keep the peace along the Thailand-Cambodia border whatever the ruling handed down by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the upcoming Preah Vihear territorial-dispute case.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/675404-peace-a-priority-whichever-way-preah-vihear-ruling-goes-pm-yingluck/

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POLITICS
Book that reveals Yingluck's true self stuck at the press
Panya Thiosangwan
The Nation

WASSANA NANUAM, who was expecting her new book "Pluay

BANGKOK: -- The Bangkok Post reporter explained her book about Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra could not go ahead as it was awaiting final approval from the "boss". The book is being printed by Post Books.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/675405-book-about-prime-minister-yingluck-self-stuck-at-the-press/

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LAO CRASH
Thai divers, workers join Laos recovery operations
THE NATION, AGENCIES



Fourteen bodies found so far but many believed to be trapped in the wreckage

BANGKOK: -- Thailand yesterday dispatched divers and rescue workers to help Laotian authorities retrieve the bodies of 49 people killed in Wednesday's plane crash near Laos' southern city of Pakse.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/675408-thai-divers-workers-join-laos-recovery-operations-plane-crash/

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EDITORIAL
We need to be honest about our failings
The Nation

Thais get upset when confronted with home truths, but we as a society are reluctant or unwilling to discuss controversial and taboo subjects that require remedies

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/675410-thai-editorial-we-need-to-be-honest-about-our-failings/

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Pattaya Immigration arrest Russian Fugitive wanted for drug offenses in Russia



PATTAYA: -- On Thursday afternoon Police General Wutti, Senior Adviser to the National Police Commissioner, led a press conference at the Chonburi Immigration Office in Jomtien, and announced the arrest of a 32 year old Russian who is wanted on serious drug offenses in his native country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/675412-pattaya-immigration-arrest-russian-fugitive-wanted-for-drug-offenses-in-russia/

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BURNING ISSUE
Wondering who to blame as the waters keep rising
Samudcha Hoonsara
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Torrential rains and massive floods in eastern, northeastern, and some northern provinces as well as other parts of the country have brought back the nightmare of 2011's great flooding to haunt the government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/675414-wondering-who-to-blame-as-the-waters-keep-rising/

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POLITICS
Govt mulls extending ISA
Anapat Deechuay
Noppadon Sritaweekard
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- SECURITY AGENCIES will today seek Cabinet approval to extend the enforcement of Internal Security Act in areas surrounding Government House and Parliament.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/675416-thai-govt-mulls-extending-isa/

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UPDATE:
Extra fees for tourists
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Public Health Minister Pradit Sintavanarong said yesterday that related agencies were discussing the plan to charge tourists a separate fee for entering the country - possibly Bt500 for a three- to 30-day stay and Bt30 for less than three days. He said once a conclusion is drawn, it will be proposed to the Cabinet.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/675270-public-health-ministry-to-ask-thai-govt-to-collect-entry-fees-from-foreigners/?p=6933848#entry6933848

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Police track down one of the 'most-wanted'
The Nation



KHON KAEN: -- Chiang Mai native Jom Inkaew, an alleged former hitman, was arrested in Khon Kaen yesterday after spending several years in hiding. The 63-year-old Jom is ranked ninth in a list of 29 most-wanted criminals.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/675419-khon-kaen-police-track-down-one-of-the-most-wanted/

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Prime minister orders officials to take immediate action in flood-affected provinces
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- A priority list of flood-relief provisions was issued yesterday by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to immediately tackle the problems faced by flood-affected residents, via a network of local administrative bodies under Interior Ministry supervision.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/675422-pm-yingluck-orders-officials-to-take-immediate-action-in-flood-affected-provinces/

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SuperCheap: End of a local legacy?
THE NATION



PHUKET: -- After 18 years in Phuket, the main SuperCheap store and warehouse were gutted on Wednesday in the island's largest-ever fire.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/675423-supercheap-end-of-a-local-legacy/

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Row over temple cemetery remains unsolved; another meeting set for today
The Nation



AYUTTHAYA: -- A decision on the plan for Wat Phananchoeng Worawihan in Ayutthaya's Muang Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya to take over a 26-rai 1,677-grave cemetery by August 1, 2014, could not be made yesterday as not all living relatives of those interred in the grounds were notified.

They also plan to remove the bodies. The temple foundation - which manages the cemetery - said only 200 of the living kin could be contacted.

Another meeting between the relatives, the foundation and temple officials will be held today to discuss the temple's plan to take over the cemetery grounds, where it plans to build facilities to serve ailing monks and visitors as well as support the Asean Economic Community in 2015.

The management of the cemetery is currently under dispute.

Provincial chief monk Phra Theprattanakorn said that if the removal of bodies was out of question, then the foundation - which reportedly collects heavy fees for burial space without the temple's knowledge - had three choices: rent the plot from the temple; jointly manage it with the temple; or let the temple take over. However, the foundation chief Winai Asawarachan said the foundation needed another two years to contact all the living relatives.


-- The Nation 2013-10-18

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More alcohol tax evasion cases after booze tax hike

BANGKOK, 18 October 2013 (NNT) - The Excise Tax Department has reported that there have been thousands of cases of alcohol tax evasion after alcohol tax was increased last month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/675440-more-alcohol-tax-evasion-cases-after-booze-tax-hike/

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Khlong San Saeb commuter boats resume normal service on all routes /MCOT

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Village chiefs and headmen assigned to send and receive mail



BANGKOK, 18 October 2013 (NNT) - Thailand Post has publicly has apologized for delays in its mail delivery services, caused by heavy rains in the past couple of days.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/675449-thai-village-chiefs-and-headmen-assigned-to-send-and-receive-mail/

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Nonthaburi,Ayutthaya,Pathum Thani,Saraburi will be 1st batch of provinces to use geographic info.system (GIS) flood warning software/ The Nation

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Bang Pakong River overflows into Chachoengsao provincial seat; Flooding eases in Chon Buri's Phanat Nikhon, Prachin Buri /MCOT

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No agreement in House committee on amnesty criteria
By English News



BANGKOK, Oct 18 – A House committee scrutinising the proposed Amnesty Bill yesterday failed to agree on details of pardons to be extended offenders.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/675453-no-agreement-in-house-committee-on-amnesty-criteria/

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Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Friday 18 October 2013 Time issued 0500 LST

General Situation
The low pressure over the lower North and the upper Central is forecast to move to the Gulf of Martaban by 18 October. During 1-2 days, abundant rain with isolated heavy rain remains over the areas. People in risky areas should beware of the severe condition. The provinces are, namely, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani and Kanchanaburi. Besides, during 1-2 days, the southeasterly winds bring the humidity with more rain from the South China Sea and the Gulf to the lower Northeast, the coastal East, the lower Central including Bangkok and its vicinity, and the South East Coast.
During 19-23 October, another high pressure will extend to upper Thailand continuously. It leads to 3-5 oC drops, over the North, the Northeast, the upper Central, and the East.

Weather Forecast for Thailand from 6.00 a.m. Friday to 6.00 a.m. Saturday
Northern Thailand Cool in the morning. Fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rain mainly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai and Tak. Minimum temperature 21-23 ?C. Maximum temperature 28-31 ?C. Easterly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Cool in the morning. Scattered thundershowers mostly in Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Saket and Ubon Ratchathani. Minimum temperature 21-23 ?C. Maximum temperature 32-34 ?C. Easterly winds 15-30 km/hr.
Central Thailand Fairly widespread rain and isolated heavy rain mainly in Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkharm and Samut Sakhon. Minimum temperature 24-25 ?C. Maximum temperature 30-32 ?C. Southerly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Fairly widespread thundershowers mostly in Sa Kaeo, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat. Minimum temperature 24-25 ?C. Maximum temperature 32-34 ?C. Southeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meters and above 2 meters in thundershower areas.
Southern Thailand East Coast Very cloudy with scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain mostly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon. Minimum temperature 24-25 ?C. Maximum temperature 31-33 ?C. Southeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meters.

Southern Thailand West Coast Cloudy with widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun. Minimum temperature 23-24 ?C. Maximum temperature 31-33 ?C. Southwesterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity Very cloudy and 80 % chance of rain. Minimum temperature 24-25 ?C. Maximum temperature 30-31 ?C. Southeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr.


-- NNT 2013-10-18

related

weather forecasts: http://weather.thaivisa.com

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Govt assures huge rice sales to China
By English News



BANGKOK, Oct 18 – A Thai delegation will wrap up an agreement with China’s central government next month on exports of rice to the mainland at one million tonnes annually, according to a senior Cabinet member.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/675454-thai-govt-assures-huge-rice-sales-to-china/

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UPDATE:

17 bodies found at Lao air crash site; search continues for 35 others
By English News



UBON RATCHATHANI, Oct 18 – Rescuers recovered 17 bodies from Wednesday's Lao air crash in the Mekong River in southern Laos as the search for the remaining 35 passengers and crew is continuing today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/675408-thai-divers-workers-join-laos-recovery-operations-plane-crash/#entry6936044

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Department of Health warns of pathogens after flood



BANGKOK, 18 October 2013 (NNT) - Director General of the Department of Health Pornthep Siriwanarangsun has warned citizens to be cautious of pathogens emerging from filth carried in by flood waters.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/675456-department-of-health-warns-of-pathogens-after-flood/

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Two Bar Girls caught with class 1 drugs at South Pattaya Police Checkpoint

PATTAYA: -- Two Pattaya Bar Girls were caught with class 1 drugs on Thursday Morning following the arrest of one of them at a Pattaya Police Checkpoint which led to the discovery of the second suspect at their rented room.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/675442-two-bar-girls-caught-with-class-1-drugs-at-south-pattaya-police-checkpoint/

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UPDATE:

Pheu Thai party sends SMS to MPs reminding to vote for constitutional amendment



BANGKOK, 18 October 2013 (NNT) - Government Chief Whip, Amnuay Klangpa, the Pheu Thai party had sent SMS messages to remind Members of Parliament (MPs) not to miss the voting in the third reading of Section 190 of the constitution amendment - also noting that Thaksin will not dissolve the parliament.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/675453-no-agreement-in-house-committee-on-amnesty-criteria/#entry6936125

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UPDATE:

Identity verifications of crash victims continues
By English News



UBON RATCHATHANI, Oct 18 – Lao and Thai officials today continued verifying identities of air crash victims as the search for more bodies in the Mekong River continued.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/675408-thai-divers-workers-join-laos-recovery-operations-plane-crash/#entry6936316

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UPDATE:

2,800 Phuket SuperCheap staff left jobless after fire

PHUKET: -- Phuket Vice Governor Sommai Preechasilp has told media that the SuperCheap store, destroyed in a large fire on Wednesday evening (October 16), employed 2,736 people, 700 of them migrant workers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/675423-supercheap-end-of-a-local-legacy/#entry6936535

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UPDATE:

Investigators find no bodies in charred ruins of SuperCheap, yet
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- Investigators searching the scorched remains of SuperCheap discovered no bodies yesterday but called for boots and rakes as they recommenced their search this morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/675423-supercheap-end-of-a-local-legacy/#entry6936544