Thailand Live Wednesday Oct 23 2013

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Chulalongkorn Day - Thailand Holiday


King Chulalongkorn

Every year on October 23 the Thai people celebrate the life and reign of King Chulalongkorn on the anniversary of his death in 1910. This is a Thai public holiday known as Chulalongkorn Day.
Chulalongkorn is a much-loved king also known as Rama V, as he was the fifth king of the Chakri Dynasty. He is credited with saving Thailand (then known as Siam) from the grasp of foreign powers during the heyday of European imperialism at the end of the nineteenth century. He did this mainly through a combination of modernizing reforms and shrewd diplomacy.

Source: http://chiangmaibest.com/chulalongkorn-day/

2013-10-23

Chulalongkorn Day: Remembering a Thai golden age

Today (October 23) is a public holiday, marking the 103rd anniversary of the demise of one of Thailand’s most respected monarchs, King Chulalongkorn, Rama V.

Born on September 20, 1853, the son of King Mongkut, Rama IV, and Queen Debsirindra, King Chulalongkorn came to the throne in 1868, at the age of just 15, after his father died of malaria contracted on a scientific journey to the South of Thailand.

Because of the King’s tender age, Si Suriyawongse, the most powerful of Thailand’s government officials, became regent.

Thanks to the comprehensive education he had received, and having understood from his father the threats to Thailand, particularly from the colonial powers, especially Britain and France, King Chulalongkorn set about studying ways to modernise Thailand, visiting Singapore and India to understand how the European powers administered their colonies.

In 1873 another coronation was held, this time to mark King Chulalongkorn reaching adulthood and the end of the regency.

The early years of his reign were marked by competition with nobles and officials who did not want to cede powers to him – which was a powerful incentive for the King to modernise.

He started by establishing the Auditor’s Office to reform the corrupt management of taxes, a courageous move as it hit his rivals for power in their pockets.

At the boundaries of Siam – which at that time encompassed much of modern Laos and a large part of Cambodia – he also had to deal with lawlessness, particularly the insurgents from the Taiping Rebellion in China, who had fled to Siam and turned to banditry.

It took 15 years – until 1890 – before the last of these bandit gangs faded away under pressure from the Siamese army.

Worryingly, to the west, colonial Britain was flexing its muscles, taking over the last of Burma, while in the east, France had taken over Cambodia in 1863 and was eying Thai territory to the east of the Mekong River.

In 1888 French troops entered northern Laos on the pretext of putting down remnants of the Taiping rebels. Having done what they set out to do, they did not withdraw but simply stayed.

In 1893, the French demanded that Siam give up all of Laos up to the Mekong, sparking war with the French, which ended with Siam acceding to the French demands.

In 1906 a final agreement ceded the Siamese part of Cambodia to France as well.
In 1909 Siam lost more territory after control of the Malay states of Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan and Trengganu was ceded to Britain in return for certain legal concessions and a large loan that was used to build the railway in Southern Thailand.

King Chulalongkorn, understanding that he needed to convince the great powers that Siam was culturally – if not militarily – their equal, toured the European capitals, meeting crowned heads such as the King of Sweden and the Tsar of Russia. He also sent many of his sons to be educated in Europe.

At home in Siam, the King instituted sweeping changes to bring the country into the modern world, abolishing slavery and the corvée (unpaid forced labour on government projects), building railways, introducing electricity, and setting up Sukhaphiban (health districts).

He also set up the Monthon system, which continues to this day in the hierarchical system of province, district, tambon and mu baan, all under the Ministry of Interior. This swept away the last vestiges of power held by local lords and kings, bringing the whole country under one government.

King Chulalongkorn is remembered by all Thais as Phra Piya Maharaj – the Great Beloved King – one of the great kings of the country, a king who worked hard throughout his life to improve life for the Siamese, and who managed to keep the core of Siam independent of the predatory colonial giants of the time – the only state in Southeast Asia to achieve this.

His reign is recalled as a golden age of justice, progress and national pride, and is the reason his portrait may still be seen hanging in homes and businesses around the country.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/chulalongkorn-day-remembering-a-thai-golden-age-42497.php


-- Phuket News 2013-10-23

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Thai court acquits Santika nightclub owner after deadly inferno

BANGKOK, October 22, 2013 (AFP) - The owner of a Bangkok nightclub destroyed by a fire that killed 67 people on New Year's Day in 2009 was acquitted of gross negligence Tuesday on appeal.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676459-thai-court-acquits-santika-nightclub-owner-after-deadly-inferno/

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Anti-Govt Protesters Flying 'Al Qaeda' Banner

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676443-anti-govt-protesters-flying-al-qaeda-banner/

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PM Yingluck urges talks, not protests, on Amnesty Bill
By English News



BANGKOK, Oct 23 – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra called on proponents and opponents of the Amnesty Bill to dialogue with talks so that Thailand can move forward.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676522-pm-yingluck-urges-talks-not-protests-on-amnesty-bill/

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AMNESTY
Bill 'not to whitewash Thaksin cases'
Opas Boonlom,
Hataikarn Treesuwan
The Nation


Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri, centre, holds a press conference with Department of Legal Execution director-general Wisit Wisitsora-at, second left, and Department of Special Investigation director-general Tarit Pengdith

Prayuth insists plan linked to political turbulence, not to return of assets

BANGKOK: -- The revised version of the amnesty bill will not cover corruption or individual criminal cases including those faced by former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, Prayuth Siripanich insisted yesterday after facing a flood of questions.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676523-amnesty-bill-not-to-whitewash-thaksin-cases/

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SOCIAL NETWORK
Facebook crash shakes up local online businesses
ASINA PORNWASIN
THE NATION

WHEN FACEBOOK crashed on Monday night, it had an unexpectedly bad effect on people and businesses in Thailand.

BANGKOK: -- Apisilp Trunganont, president of the Thai Webmaster Association, said that though this could happen to any website, Facebook's infrastructure was more stable than most and, hence, should not have crashed so easily.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676524-facebook-crash-shakes-up-online-businesses-in-thailand/

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UPDATE:
Court clears Santika Pub owner over deadly blaze
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- WISUK SETSAWAT, owner of the Santika Pub, which caught fire on New Year's Eve 2008, killing 67 revellers and injuring 117 others, was yesterday acquitted by the Appeals Court.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676459-thai-court-acquits-santika-nightclub-owner-after-deadly-inferno/page-2?p=6953138#entry6953138

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Pre-emptive steps ahead of ICJ ruling
Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation

Cambodian, other embassies to be protected; border officials on alert

BANGKOK: -- The government will step up measures to prevent undesirable incidents occurring in the lead-up to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivering its ruling on land around Preah Vihear temple, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Ministry Nuttavudh Photisaro said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676526-preah-vihear-pre-emptive-steps-ahead-of-icj-ruling/

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Power Buy goes for 100 stores in 2015
Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn
The Nation


Sa-angthip

Targets Bt25-billion annual sales via Bt20-billion expansion

BANGKOK: -- Power Buy will invest Bt15 billion to Bt20 billion to expand from 77 home-furnishing stores now to about 100 by 2015.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676527-power-buy-goes-for-100-stores-in-2015/

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STOPPAGE TIME
Someone may have lit fuse on amnesty time-bomb
Tulsathit Taptim


Anti-government protesters rally at an intersection near Government House in Bangkok on October 14.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676528-thai-opinion-someone-may-have-lit-fuse-on-amnesty-time-bomb/

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Special Report:

Condo sales in suburban Bangkok reach new high

BANGKOK: -- According to property experts, the average sales price of condo units in Bangkok's outer areas is set to soar by nearly 50 percent but condo supply in general will dwindle by next year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676529-condo-sales-in-suburban-bangkok-reach-new-high/

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Man Shot Dead At Temple Fair's Dance Floor
By Khaosod Online

BANGKOK: -- A local temple fair in Nakhon Si Thammarat has ended in a bloodbath after a fistfight led to shootings of two brothers, killing one.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676530-manshot-dead-at-thai-temple-fairs-dance-floor/

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Yingluck-led panel would decide who gets amnesty
The Nation


Prayuth

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676531-yingluck-led-panel-would-decide-who-gets-amnesty-interview/

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BURNING ISSUE
Politics should be kept out of Preah Vihear decision
Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thai people, whether they love or hate this current government, have no reason to politicise the coming International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgement over the Hindu temple of Preah Vihear. It's too dangerous.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676532-politics-should-be-kept-out-of-preah-vihear-decision/

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FLOODS
Flooding in East worst in 50 years: Plodprasop
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Flooding in Phimai district in Nakhon Ratchasima, one of the hardest hit areas, is expected to peak over the next few days.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676533-plodprasop-flooding-in-east-worst-in-50-years/

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Loei goldmine to close 'within 5 years'
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation

Tungkum plans to leave province, move to Laos even if expansion bid gets nod

BANGKOK: -- GOLD-MINING activity in Loei will stop within five years even if the mining company operating there is granted permission to expand its current operation in the province, an executive of the firm said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676534-loei-goldmine-to-close-within-5-years/

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Supreme Patriarch better
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Supreme Patriarch's conditions are improving, according to the latest statement from his doctors at Chulalongkorn Hospital.

"His blood pressure and heart rate are at a satisfactory level. Results of his blood test also show improving signs," it said. A team of doctors and nurses were closely monitoring the much-revered monk's conditions around the clock, the statement noted.


-- The Nation 2013-10-23

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Phuket travel consortium casts doubt on local support for mafia crackdown
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: A consortium of four major travel organizations yesterday publicly voiced their doubt that top local officials fully support the ongoing multi-agency crackdown to clean up rampant corruption and “mafia” operations in Phuket.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676535-phuket-travel-consortium-casts-doubt-on-local-support-for-mafia-crackdown/

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Phuket Governor calls off SuperCheap fire site search, announces no deaths
Phuket Gazette


The on-site search for victims and clues of what started the SuperCheap inferno was called to an end today. Photo: Saran Mitrarat

PHUKET: -- Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut today buried rumors that people had died in the SuperCheap inferno last Wednesday night as he laid to rest the on-site investigation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676536-phuket-governor-calls-off-supercheap-fire-site-search-announces-no-deaths/

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3,980 ya ba pills and 1kg of ya ice seized in massive Phuket drug bust
Eakkapop Thongtub



PHUKET: -- Phuket police have cracked a major drug ring on the island, seizing nearly 4,000 methamphetamine pills (ya ba) and around 1 kilogramme of crystal methamphetamine (ya ice) from five different drug dealers in the Phuket Town area on Saturday (October 19).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676537-3980-ya-ba-pills-and-1kg-of-ya-ice-seized-in-massive-phuket-drug-bust/

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Central plans B20bn Phuket spree

PHUKET: -- Central Group is set to invest 20 billion baht to develop shopping malls and resort towns on about 200 rai of prime land in three strategic locations across Phuket in a bold move to transform the island into a luxurious destination.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/forum/130-phuket-news-and-events/

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Pattaya flooded by heavy downpours

BANGKOK, 23 October 2013 (NNT) - Pattaya has been suffering from floods as a result of heavy rains. The cause has been attributed its drainage system, which is unable to cope with the rate of rainfall.

Several streets in Pattaya and nearby areas have been hit with flood waters - especially streets stretching along the Pattaya beach from North Pattaya to South Pattaya.

Flooded streets have caused much chaos and traffic gridlocks - affecting many of the local vendors. The problem continues to be an issue every time the region faces heavy rainfall.


-- NNT 2013-10-23

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PM: Amnesty bill not to include returning 46 billion baht to Thaksin

BANGKOK, 23 October 2013 (NNT) - Prime Minister and Defense Miniser Yingluck Shinawatra has reassured that the amnesty bill to be proposed to congress will not include returning 46 billion baht to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676557-pm-yingluck-amnesty-bill-not-to-include-returning-46-billion-baht-to-thaksin/

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Flood rehabilitation underway countrywide
By English News



BANGKOK, Oct 23 – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has assigned appropriate government to work on flood prevention and rehabilitation nationwide as floods have receded in most provinces.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676558-flood-rehabilitation-underway-countrywide/

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UPDATE:

PM says Thailand & Cambodia will maintain peace & order along shared border

BANGKOK, 23 Oct 2013 (NNT) – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has affirmed that Thailand has fought the Phrear Vihear Temple dispute in all aspects, and that Thailand and Cambodia will try to maintain order and peace along the shared border regardless of the verdict of the World Court.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676526-preah-vihear-pre-emptive-steps-ahead-of-icj-ruling/#entry6953874

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26 bodies identified, Lao aircraft lifted from Mekong River
By English News



UBON RATCHATHANI, Oct 23 – The crashed Lao Airlines plane was lifted from the Mekong River yesterday, about one kilometre from the spot where it plunged into the river last Wednesday, killing all 49 people on board.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676561-26-bodies-identified-lao-aircraft-lifted-from-mekong-river/

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Phuket handyman caught robbing safe in Russian woman’s room
Phuket Gazette


Hotel handyman Suriyan Saenamongkol hands back some of the money he stole from Russian tourist Tatiana Gorshkova. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- Police Monday night arrested a hotel staffer in Karon who used a master key and a stolen room safe key to rob a Russian tourist of the equivalent of nearly 20,000 baht in banknotes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676562-phuket-handyman-caught-robbing-safe-in-russian-womans-room/

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Phuket tightens up measures to regulate jet ski rental services

PHUKET, 23 Oct 2013, (NNT) - Phuket's Regional Harbour Master Office has tightened up its regulations on jet ski services. Operators are now subject to license revocation if the office receives any complaint on violence, or unfair advantage taking of tourists.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676584-phuket-tightens-up-measures-to-regulate-jet-ski-rental-services/

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Bangkok Bank encourages its customers to use more I-banking and ATM

BANGKOK, 23 Oct 2013, (NNT) - The Bangkok Bank has encouraged its customers to carry out their financial transactions via its Automated Teller Machines and internet banking service, 'i-Banking'.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676585-bangkok-bank-encourages-its-customers-to-use-more-i-banking-and-atm/

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Public approves of new traffic regulation

BANGKOK, 23 October 2013 (NNT) -A total of 34 illegally parked vehicles have been towed away so far, said the deputy spokeswoman for the Royal Thai Police.

According to Pol. Col. Witchayakorn Nichabaworn, the deputy spokeswoman for the Royal Thai Police, the general public has shown signs of approval by calling police hotline 1197 to compliment officials for their efforts - even suggesting that the new law be implemented on other main roads as well. The Metropolitan Police Bureau has responded that it will take the suggestion into consideration after the end of October.

However, it is likely that the new traffic regulation will further be enforced in 56 other streets. Officials have been ordered to uphold the law with equality, respect, and not to cause damage to the vehicles towed away.

Questions and comments can be directed to Hotlines 1197 or 1599.


-- NNT 2013-10-23