Thailand Live Tuesday 22 Oct 2013

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Plodprasop: Eastern floods to disappear end of Nov

BANGKOK, 22 October 2013 (NNT) - Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi estimates that flooding in the eastern provinces will end by November after water in the Khlong Si Yat reservoir decreased by one million cubic meters a day.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676291-plodprasop-eastern-floods-to-disappear-end-of-nov/

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LAO CRASH
First bodies from plane crash coming back today
The Nation



VIENTIANE: -- Lao Airlines officers along with relatives of the victims stand in silence to pay tribute to the 49 people who died in a plane crash, at the airport in Vientiane, Laos, 21 October 2013.

The bodies of three Thai men killed in last week's Lao Airlines plane crash near Pakse will be transferred back to Thailand today, officials have said.

The three bodies will be flown back from Laos to Bangkok by a Thai government C130 plane, which will first drop Navy frogmen at U-tapao in Rayong province. The men were killed when the plane crashed on October 16 into the Mekong River in Champasak province in Laos.

The bodies of Phakkhawat Atiratanachai, Kamueng Chartkasemchai and Veekij Busarawuthanusorn will arrive in Bangkok by 4pm, officials said yesterday.

Five Thais died in the crash, but the other two deceased have yet to be identified. Officials in Laos are still awaiting the results of DNA tests.

The five Thais were among 44 passengers and five crew on the ill-fated Lao Airlines plane, which crashed into the Mekong during stormy weather on its approach to Pakse airport.

Meanwhile, there were indications late yesterday that search teams may have picked up signals from the plane's black box, which could reveal the causes of the tragedy.

Divers were reportedly trying to retrieve the flight data recorder from an area about 400 metres from the crash site, but were battling with the strong current and muddy water. The river is thought to be about 12 to 13 metres deep in that section.

Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul said the Thai Consulate in Savannakhet, Laos, had informed him that Laos' public works and transport minister had told Thai officials to end their search for bodies yesterday, as there were just a small number to be recovered and Laotian authorities could handle that task from now on.

Department of Information chief Sek Wannamethee said Laotian officials still wanted six Thai forensic experts to stay for a few more days to help them identify the 42 bodies that have been recovered. To date, only 16 have been officially identified - two of these were the Thai bodies coming back today.

Government offices in Laos observed a minute's silence yesterday to pay tribute to the 49 people who died last week in the plane crash, state media said. The government instructed state officials to hold the event at 2.15pm, The |Vientiane Times and state-run radio reported.


-- The Nation 2013-10-22

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THAI-KHMER DISPUTE
Team of lawyers to review ICJ ruling
The Nation

Government, army ready to comply with verdict, according to thai laws: Surapong

BANGKOK: -- A team of legal advisers will be set up to discuss and analyse the much-awaited ruling by the International Court of Justice on the Preah Vihear temple dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, after it is read out on November 11.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676294-thai-khmer-dispute-team-of-lawyers-to-review-icj-ruling/

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MURDER
Shock, dismay at shooter's slaying
The Nation


Jakkrit

Athletes, media react to killing of controversial marksman Jakkrit

The Thai sports fraternity is mourning the death of national sharpshooter Jakkrit "X" Panichpatikum.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676295-jakkrit-murder-case-shock-dismay-at-shooters-slaying/

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TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS
15 vehicles towed as traffic, parking crackdown kicks off
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- AS MANY as 15 vehicles were towed away yesterday as part of a crackdown on illegal parking and traffic violations, announced Metropolitan Police deputy chief Pol Maj-General Adul Narongsak.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676296-15-vehicles-towed-as-traffic-parking-crackdown-kicks-off-in-bangkok/

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UPDATE:
Industrial estate battles floodwater
The Nation



CHONBURI: -- THE AMATA NAKORN Industrial Estate in Chon Buri is facing a severe battle keeping out floodwaters, which have forced 15 factories in its compound to suspend operations.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676054-attempts-continue-to-keep-amata-industrial-estate-in-chonburi-dry/#entry6949030

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Nuclear, coal plants seen as options in new Power Development Plan
Watcharapong Thongrung
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thailand may welcome more coal-fired power plants and even nuclear power in the next 20 years under the new Power Development Plan, according to the newly appointed director-general of the Energy Policy and Planning Office.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676297-nuclear-coal-plants-seen-as-options-in-thailands-new-power-development-plan/

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Judge sets sentence date for American Marine-killer in Phuket
Phuket Gazette

Aldhouse has confessed to killing Mr Longfellow. Photo: Gazette file

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676298-lee-pitbull-aldhouse-case-judge-sets-sentence-date-for-american-marine-killer-in-phuket/

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Chalerm collapses again
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Labour Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung collapsed in his office at the Labour Ministry yesterday afternoon and was rushed to hospital.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676300-chalerm-collapses-again/

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Corruption today 'unprecedented', says Abhisit
Prapasri Osathanon
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A whopping Bt235 billion could be spent on four mass-transit routes, or 2,000 hospitals, or a million teachers instead of being wasted in kickbacks, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676301-corruption-today-unprecedented-says-abhisit/

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BURNING ISSUE
New version of the amnesty bill faces a tough journey
Jintana Panyaarvudh

BANGKOK: -- It is unlikely the latest revised amnesty bill presented by the 35-member vetting panel on Friday, offering blanket amnesty to law offenders involved in political conflict, will pass the legislative process easily.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676302-new-version-of-the-thai-amnesty-bill-faces-a-tough-journey/

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Listen to the public, Pheu Thai advised
The Nation


Payao Akahad talks to Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva about amnesty bill.

Relatives of 2010 crackdown victims voice opposition to latest version of amnesty bill

BANGKOK: -- Payao Akahad and other relatives of victims of the 2010 crackdown held a press conference yesterday to voice their opposition to the new version of the amnesty bill that seeks to grant blanket amnesty to all sides.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676304-listen-to-the-public-pheu-thai-advised/

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Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao worst hit by floods
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Prachin Buri and Chachoengsao are the two provinces most affected by the current flooding, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department (DPMD) said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676308-prachin-buri-chachoengsao-worst-hit-by-floods/

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High level of lead found in many paints
The Nation

Study shows that up to 40 per cent of products contain dangerous levels

BANGKOK: -- Most paint products, including those touting to be lead free, contain more lead than the standard set by the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676309-high-level-of-lead-found-in-many-paints-in-thailand/

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Grenades fired at district chief's home in Pattani
The Nation

PATTANAI: -- Suspected insurgents fired M79 grenades from mountainous woods at the home of Pattani's Ma Yor district chief on Sunday night but no one was injured.

The first grenade damaged the wall of a pavilion near the house while the second grenade hit a tree.

Police inspected the scene yesterday. They said district chief Supol Phokaew had returned from inspecting sub-district election booths and was in the house when the grenades were fired.

Inquiries revealed that district chiefs have been targeted for years, such as a 2008 incident in which then district chief Wirat Prasetso and several other officials were injured in a bomb attack in Krasoh sub-district. Last year M79 grenades were fired at the home of then district chief Pisal Awae - but missed, and on February 4 Pisal was ambushed by gunmen while going to work but emerged unharmed.

-- The Nation 2013-10-22

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Firework Tragedies Mark End Of Buddhist Lent
By Khaosos Online

BANGKOK: -- Local hospital in many provinces have been overwhelmed by fireworks-related injuries and deaths during the End of Buddhist Lent celebration throughout the weekend.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676310-firework-tragedies-mark-end-of-buddhist-lent-in-thailand/

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Rice losses at 'Bt200 bn a year'
The Nation


Yupa

Ministry completes audit; state banks enlisted to ease millers' liquidity

BANGKOK: -- The Finance Ministry yesterday put the annual losses from the government's controversial rice-pledging scheme in the vicinity of Bt200 billion after wrapping up its audit.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676312-rice-losses-at-200-billion-baht-a-year/

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More than 100,000 foreigners staying illegally in Thailand

Source: File photo

BANGKOK: -- Following the announcement that the authorities in Thailand are considering introducing a 500 Baht fee for foreigners entering the country, it has been estimated that there are now more than 100,000 foreign nationals currently staying in the country despite their visa having already expired.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676318-more-than-100000-foreigners-staying-illegally-in-thailand/

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US: A student opened fire with pistol he stole from his parents; one teacher killed, 2 students wounded /The Nation

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Amnesty Bill ignites widespread debate in Thai society
By English News

BANGKOK, Oct 22 – Parliamentary deliberation of Thailand's controversial Amnesty Bill has triggered heated public debate and criticism which could lead to a political showdown soon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676326-amnesty-bill-ignites-widespread-debate-in-thai-society/

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Nevada school shooting: Teacher killed, two students wounded
By Catherine E. Shoichet. Amanda Watts and Chuck Johnston, CNN

(CNN) -- A student opening fire with a handgun he took from his parents. Screaming students running for cover. A teacher, trying to help, shot dead. Two students wounded. The terror lasted just a few brutal minutes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676330-us-school-shooting-teacher-killed-two-students-wounded/

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Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,451.55, up 3.01 points /MCOT

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All factories at Amata Industrial Estate in Chonburi resumed normal operations after flood waters were pumped out /The Nation

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Major producer of instant noodles affirms no price hike despite rising demand

BANGKOK, 22 Oct 2013 (NNT) – The producer of the nation's most famous instant noodle brand 'Mama' has announced that prices of its products will not be raised.

Managing Director of the Thai President Food Company Limited, Pipat Paniengvej, stated that the company has decided not to increase its output despite a rising demand for instant noodles for consumption and donations during the flooding that is still plaguing several provinces.

Mr. Pipat explained that the decision to not raise the production output, unlike the situation in the 2011 flooding, was due to the decline in consumers’ purchasing power which was causing a slowdown in the instant noodle market.

The Thai President Food Company Limited currently maintains prices of the normal size noodles at 6 baht per pack, the same price since the company last raised the prices of its products 5 years ago.


-- NNT 2013-10-22

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Political uncertainty and floods worry investors

BANGKOK, 22 October 2013 (NNT) – The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has said political uncertainty and current floods are worrying the investors.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676334-political-uncertainty-and-floods-in-thailand-worry-investors/

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Phuket: Australian tourist missing after night out in Patong
Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: -- An Australian tourist has been reported missing after he did not return to his hotel after a night out in Patong on Sunday (October 20).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676335-phuket-australian-tourist-missing-after-night-out-in-patong/

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PUBLIC HOLIDAY
Chulalongkorn Day, Wednesday, 23 October

To commemorate King Rama V and honor his contributions to Thailand’s modernization, Chulalongkorn Day is celebrated as a public holiday on the anniversary of his death.

Banks and Government offices are closed


-- 2013-10-22

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Eastern flooding begins to recede

BANGKOK, 22 October 2013 (NNT) –Flooding in the eastern region has begun to recede. Meanwhile, the flood prevention plan for the East must be reconsidered to prevent flood effect on economic zones.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Plodprasop Suraswadi, the chairman of the Water and Flood Management Committee (WFMC), the situation in Sakaeo, Prachinburi, Chachoengsao, and Chonburi province is improving as water levels have begun to recede. Although the entrance and the exit road at Phase 7 of the Amata Nakorn industrial remain flooded, the flood does not disrupt the production of the factories in the estate.

Urban planning must be improved because it obstructs the flow of water. After the flood has drained out, the Ministry of Industry and the Industrial Estate Authority will have a meeting on flood prevention plans as well as on promoting cooperation to enhance their performance.

The WFMC will also discuss new flood prevention plans for the East to protect important areas. It has also planned to build a new dam, which has been studied by Royal Irrigation Department.

As for flooding in Phimai district, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, the situation is still worrisome, as more water will have to be drained from Lam Trakong dam in the next three days. Locals have been advised to closely follow water and weather reports from government agencies for accurate and up-to-date information, said the WFMC president.

-- NNT 2013-10-22

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Mortician joins the dead over business conflict, say Krabi police
Phuket Gazette


A crowd gathers in the palm oil plantation as rescue workers remove Mr Niyom’s body. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- Police suspect that the motive for the shooting murder of a mortician in Krabi, across Phang Nga Bay from Phuket, was a business conflict.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676343-mortician-joins-the-dead-over-business-conflict-say-krabi-police/

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Failed motorbike ram attempt wins policeman B10k reward for bravery
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- A patrol policeman who broke his collar bone while ramming bag-snatchers with his motorbike in an attempt to stop their getaway was rewarded with 10,000 baht yesterday morning for his bravery.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676347-failed-motorbike-ram-attempt-wins-policeman-b10k-reward-for-bravery/