Thailand Live Friday 25 Oct 2013

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SUPREME PATRIARCH
15-day mourning period set
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara Somdet Phra Sangharaja passed away Thursday after enduring ailments and undergoing hospital treatment in recent months.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676940-thai-buddhisms-supreme-patriarch-dies-at-100/#entry6960863

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POLITICS
Reds: No blanket amnesty
KHANITTHA THEPPHAJORN,
ANUPHAN CHANTANA,
KORNCHANOK RAKSASERI
THE NATION


Photo by Pramote Putthaisong

Red shirt faction plans rally; aliance warns bill will aid corrupt politicians

BANGKOK: -- RED SUNDAY, a faction of the red-shirt movement, will on Sunday organise a rally at the Ratchaprasong intersection to oppose the revised amnesty bill, its leader Sombat Boonngam-anong said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676982-red-shirts-no-blanket-amnesty/

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THAI-KHMER DISPUTE
Verdict on Preah Vihear to be broadcast live
NUNTIDA PUANGTHONG
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The Foreign Ministry's Information Department yesterday held a meeting with state-run media on plans to broadcast live the International Court of Justice (ICJ)'s verdict on Preah Vihear Temple.

As requested by the Cambodian government, the ICJ is scheduled to hand down its verdict on the interpretation of the temple's vicinity on November 11.

State-run television stations as well as the website, www.phraviharn.org, will provide live coverage of the verdict session.

-- The Nation 2013-10-25

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MURDER
Police shift focus to Jakkrit's in-laws
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- Police investigators probing the murder of Jakkrit Panichpatikam are shifting their focus to personal conflicts the Olympic sharpshooter reportedly had with his wife's relatives.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676984-murder-police-shift-focus-to-jakkrits-in-laws/

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Bus Conductor 'Accidentally Shot' By Students
By Khaosod Online



BANGKOK: -- A bus conductor has reportedly been shot in leg by a pen gun, which might have been discharged in accident by one of the students who boarded the bus, police said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676986-thai-bus-conductor-accidentally-shot-by-students/

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CHINA-THAILAND VISA
China-Thailand tourism-visa waiver still some way off: minister
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation
Kunming, China


Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang, left, visits Thailand on the mid of this month and floated the idea to tourist-visa waiver between China and Thailand.

BANGKOK: -- The much-anticipated reciprocal tourist-visa waiver between China and Thailand is unlikely to materialise anytime soon, despite the wishes of tourism-business operators in both countries.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676987-china-thailand-tourism-visa-waiver-still-some-way-off-minister/

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Thailand too prosperous to qualify for development donations: EuropeAid
PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK
THE NATION
BRUSSELS

BANGKOK: -- AS THAILAND becomes more prosperous, development assistance from abroad is being phased out with the European Commission (EC) the latest executive body to announce changes, saying the Kingdom will no longer qualify to receive assistance from EuropeAid next year, due to its now-recognised middle-income status.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676989-thailand-too-prosperous-to-qualify-for-development-donations-europeaid/

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BURNING ISSUE
Govt, Pheu Thai Party play risky game on amnesty
SUPON THANUKID
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE PHEU THAI PARTY AND the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra have finally revealed the motive behind their push for an amnesty bill.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676990-govt-pheu-thai-party-play-risky-game-on-amnesty/

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Court sets date for charter change trial
CHANIKARN PHUMHIRAN
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The Constitutional Court will begin hearing the case against charter amendment on November 8 from 10am, the court said in a press release yesterday.

Democrat MPs Wiratana Kalayasiri and Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, along with senators led by Sai Kanggawekin, have filed complaints against 312 MPs and senators who back the amendment of the Constitution's clauses related to the election and qualifications of senators.

They say this proposal is unconstitutional according to Article 68, which prohibits the overthrowing of a constitutional monarchy and a democratic administrative system.


-- The Nation 2013-10-25

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Mahouts fight against elephant ownership bill
PONGPHON SARNSAMAK
THE NATION



Many say draft will not solve problem at the root; demand removal of minister

AYUTTHAYA: -- Hundreds of mahouts gathered with their elephants yesterday at Ayutthaya's elephant corral and called on the government not to approve the draft Wild Animals Preservation and Protection Bill, which would transfer the ownership of domesticated elephants to a state agency supervising wildlife protection.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676991-mahouts-fight-against-elephant-ownership-bill/

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Govt pays out more than Bt641m to Tak Bai victims
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The government has paid more than Bt641 million to victims wounded in the Tak Bai incident, and to the families of those killed during the violent crackdown by the Thai Army on protesters nine years ago this day.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676992-thai-govt-pays-out-more-than-bt641m-to-tak-bai-victims/

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Nakhon Ratchasima 'flooded due to rain'
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The flooding in Nakhon Ratchasima's Muang district can be blamed on the 100 millimetres of rain brought by the storm Nari and not on the release of water from upstream Lam Takhong Dam, the Royal Irrigation Department's Water Watch and Monitoring System for Warning Centre said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676993-nakhon-ratchasima-flooded-due-to-rain/

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Insurance firm to pay Lampang crash victims
PRATEEP NANTHAPARP,
WATCHARAPONG JINGKHAOJAI
THE NATION



Compensation covers Bt200,000 per deceased passenger, Bt50,000 per injured

BANGKOK: -- A total of Bt5 million will be paid as compensation by the insurance company to victims of a double-decker bus accident on Wednesday night in Lampang's Wang Nua district, in which 21 people were killed and 17 others injured.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676995-insurance-firm-to-pay-lampang-crash-victims/

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UPDATE:

Woman behind Furby fraud gets suspended sentence
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The woman who made up to Bt5 million by luring people into paying for Furby dolls that were never delivered, was sentenced to a suspended three-year jail term. The verdict was reduced from 75 years behind bars after she returned the money to all 25 victims and pleaded guilty.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676792-bangkok-online-furby-doll-seller-gets-75-year-jail-term/page-4#entry6960968

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RISK ASSESSMENT
Thai banks stable amid poor outlook elsewhere: Moody's
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Thai banking outlook remains stable over the next 12-18 months as it has been since 2010, according to Moody's Investors Service.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676996-thai-banks-stable-amid-poor-outlook-elsewhere-moodys/

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From Sweden to the sois: The story of a Phuket Soi Dog volunteer
Soi Dog Foundation


Johanna and her mother Lena.

PHUKET: -- Johanna Johansson’s friends think she’s mad for taking time out of her busy work schedule to fly thousands of kilometres to help Phuket’s street dogs.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676998-from-sweden-to-the-sois-the-story-of-a-phuket-soi-dog-volunteer/

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Phuket Governor requests lifeguards for Racha Yai to stop the drownings
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- In response to the growing number of tourists drowning at Racha Yai Island, Governor Maitri Inthusut has called for a lifeguard station at the popular day-trip location.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677008-phuket-governor-requests-lifeguards-for-racha-yai-to-stop-the-drownings/

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Thai stock index opens on Friday at 1,464.49, falls 1.83 points /MCOT

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Thai media rejects new Computer Bill
By English News



BANGKOK, Oct 25 – Five Bangkok-based media organisations have protested against the draft amendment to the 2007 Computer Crime Act which is to be proposed to the Cabinet by the Information and Communication Technology Ministry (ICT).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677011-thai-media-rejects-new-computer-bill/

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Foreign reserves stocked up to prepare for baht uncertainty
By English News



BANGKOK, Oct 25 – The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has predicted volatility in the money market due to the ongoing risk from the US extension of its debt ceiling.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677014-foreign-reserves-stocked-up-to-prepare-for-baht-uncertainty/

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Provincial Administration chief hands out ammunition to Yala security volunteers

YALA, 25 Oct 2013 (NNT) – Department of Provincial Administration chief Siriphong Hantrakun has visited security volunteers in Yala on Thursday to boost the morale of the volunteers in 8 districts.

Mr. Siriphong met with territorial defense volunteers and village security volunteers who assembled at the volunteers' forward operations center in Tha Sap sub-district, Mueang district, Yala province. On the occasion, the director-general handed out survival equipment, ammunition and vests to representatives of the volunteers who operate in the 8 districts of Yala.

There are currently 10 regiments of territorial defense volunteers in Yala, which together comprise 1,974 persons. On the other hand, there are 11,370 village defense volunteers in the province. Taken together, the volunteers provide an important source of manpower in helping soldiers and police officials maintain order in the insurgency-plagued province.


-- NNT 2013-10-25

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China court rejects Bo Xilai appeal, upholds life sentence

JINAN, China (AFP) - A Chinese court on Friday rejected fallen politician Bo Xilai's appeal against his conviction and confirmed his life sentence, state media reported, a ruling likely to seal his fate as authorities look to close a damaging scandal.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677017-china-court-rejects-bo-xilai-appeal-upholds-life-sentence/

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UPDATE:

Floods in Nakhon Ratchasima to recede in next few days
By English News



NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Oct 25 – The flood situation in this northeastern province has gradually returned to normal though at least 100 million cubic metres of water has yet to be released into canals and reservoirs, the provincial governor said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676993-nakhon-ratchasima-flooded-due-to-rain/#entry6961859

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War on Traffic: Tow zones to expand throughout capital
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- A pilot program cracking down on illegally parked cars will be expanded as soon as next week, the Metropolitan Police Bureau announced yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677045-war-on-traffic-tow-zones-to-expand-throughout-bangkok/

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Phuket surf claims lives of Russian, Chinese tourists within hours
Phuket Gazette


Phuket tourists brave the waves, despite red warning flags marking the area as a ‘no swimming zone’ at Karon Beach. Photo: Leslie Porterfield

PHUKET: -- Two tourists, a Chinese and a Russian, drowned within hours of each other yesterday at Karon Beach, on Phuket’s west coast.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677049-phuket-surf-claims-lives-of-russian-chinese-tourists-within-hours/

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Tourists Told To Stay Off Songkhla Seas
By Khaosod Online



BANGKOK: -- The Thai Meteorological Department has advised tourists against swimming in or venturing out to the seas off the shore of Songkhla province due to dangerous weather.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677061-tourists-told-to-stay-off-songkhla-seas/

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UPDATE:
Thai people mourn departure of Supreme Patriarch
By English News



BANGKOK, Oct 25 – The Thai kingdom is in deep sorrow after the country’s revered 19th Supreme Patriarch passed away last night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676940-thai-buddhisms-supreme-patriarch-dies-at-100/#entry6962072

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Palace extends court mourning for the Supreme Patriarch



Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/676940-thai-buddhisms-supreme-patriarch-dies-at-100/#entry6962109

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Thai, Cambodian joint working group meets Monday to discuss measures to keep peace, order at border after World Court delivers verdict on Preah Vihear disputes on Nov 11 /MCOT

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Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Friday 25 October 2013 Time issued 1100 LST

The weak westerly trough moved over the North causing rainfall remains in the lower North and the Central today (25 Oct). The rather strong high pressure from China extends to the upper North and the Northeast of Thailand leading cool weather with 2-3 ?C drops likely in the areas.

The low pressure covers the lower South and the Malaca Strait causing torrential rain, as well as isolated heavy rain in the South during the period.

The tropical storm Francisco downgrade from typhoon. It will move to nearly Japan during 25-26 October. All travelers should check weather forecast before their departure. The storm does not have a significant impact on Thailand.

Weather Forecast for Thailand from Friday Noon to Saturday Noon

Northern Thailand Cool in the morning with 2-3 ?C drops. Scattered rain mostly in Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok and Phichit. Minimum temperature 18-22 ?C. Maximum temperature 30-32 ?C. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 8-12 ?C Easterly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Cool in the morning with 2-3 ?C drops. Isolated rain in Loei, Chaiyaphum and Nakhon Ratchasima. Minimum temperature 20-22 ?C. Maximum temperature 30-32 ?C. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 10-14 ?C. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr.

Central Thailand Cool in the morning with 1-2 ?C drops. Widely scattered rain mostly in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat and Suphan Buri. Minimum temperature 22-23 ?C. Maximum temperature 32-34 ?C. Cool on mountaintops, Minimum temperature 17-21 ?C. Easterly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Cool in the morning and widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Chanthaburi and Trat. Minimum temperature 23-24 ?C. Maximum temperature 32-34 ?C. Cool on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 17-21 ?C. Easterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter and about 2 meters in thundershower areas.

Southern Thailand East Coast Very cloudy with scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. Minimum temperature 23-24 ?C. Maximum temperature 30-33 ?C. Easterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meters and above 2 meters in thundershower areas.

Southern Thailand West Coast Very cloudy with fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rain in Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun. Minimum temperature 22-24 ?C. Maximum temperature 31-32 ?C. Variable winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter and about 2 meters in thundershower areas.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity Partly cloudy with 30 % chance. Minimum temperature 24-26 ?C. Maximum temperature 33-34 ?C. Easterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

-- NNT 2013-10-25

weather forecasts for all provinces: http://weather.thaivisa.com