Thailand Live Saturday 26 Oct 2013

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Nation in mourning
The Nation

Thirty-day period of mourning; thousands pay obeisance as Supreme Patriarch's body is taken to Wat Bowonnives Vihara

BANGKOK: -- THAILAND YESTERDAY began a 30-day period of national mourning over the passing away of His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, with flags being flown at half-mast and thousands of mourners turning out to pay their respects.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677229-thailand-in-mourning/

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King grants use of ancient urn for His Holiness
Pakamas Jaichalard
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- His Majesty the King has granted the use of an ancient urn and a three-tiered umbrella for the late Supreme Patriarch, His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara.

His Holiness passed away at the age of 100 on Thursday.

Made during the reign of King Rama I, the wooden urn is octagonal in shape, and engraved and decorated with gold leaf and stained glass.

His Holiness, when in his 40s, served as a spiritual mentor to the current monarch when he was briefly ordained as a monk. HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn was also under the care of His Holiness during his period in monkhood.

National Office of Buddhism director-general Nopparat Benjawatananun yesterday said the Crown Prince had commissioned his personal affairs division to help prepare the funeral for the much-revered monk.

"Government officials at the funeral must wear full dress to honour the Supreme Patriarch fully," Nopparat said.

The funeral will be held at Tamnak Phet of Wat Bowonnives Vihara.

Officials from the Royal Household Bureau have installed a partition inside the main hall to prepare a corner for the bathing ceremony.

The funeral of the much-revered monk will run for seven days under the auspices of His Majesty.

Phra Shakyawongwisut, assistant secretary to the Supreme Patriarch, said His Holiness' religious legacy would stay on.

"He practised dharma. We should follow his example," he said.


-- The Nation 2013-10-26

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OBITUARY
In Memoriam : the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand
Story and photos : Bovornnives Temple



BANGKOK: -- His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand (Suvaḍḍhana Mahāthera) whose birth name is Charoen Gajavatra was born in Kanchanaburi Province, on October 3, 1913.

His Holiness was ordained as a novice when he was 14 years old at Wat Devasangharam in Kanchanaburi. Then he enrolled for Dhamma study at Wat Bovoranives Vihara until he aged fully for the monkhood.



His Holiness was ordained as a Buddhist monk at Wat Bovoranives Vihara on February 15, 1933 by His Holiness Prince Kromma Luang Vajiranyanavamsa, and stayed there until he passed the ninth grade, the highest level of Pali examination as constituted by the Thai Sangha in 1941.

His Holiness had been moved through the lines of ecclesiastical promotion.

Firstly, he was promoted to higher ecclesiastical Rajagana title in ordinary, Raja and Deva levels respectively with the same titular name of Phra Sobhonganaphorn. After that, he was promoted to the higher ecclesiastical rank in the Dhamma level with the name of "Phra Dhammavaraphon," before being appointed to the title of Phra Sasanasophon.

Later on, he was bestowed with the special titular name of Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, and finally was consecrated as the Supreme Patriarch (Sangharaja) with the special titular name of His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, Somdet Phra Sangharaja Sakolmahasanghaparinayaka on April 21, 1989. His Holiness is the 19th Supreme Patriarch of the Rattanakosin Period.

An enthusiastic learner, His Holiness has been keenly interested in education, especially the language studies, since he was a Pali scholar. He had learned and mastered several languages, such as English, French, German, Chinese, and Sanskrit.

His Holiness Prince Kromma Luang Vajiranyanavamsa, his preceptor, was concerned that he would overindulge in secular education, and therefore had reminded him to allocate his time for meditation. As a result, His Holiness had started practicing meditation ever since, and kept doing it consistently, making him a Mahathera who has been knowledgeable in both the Dhamma studies and practice.

As His Holiness is an expert in foreign languages, particularly English, he has obtained modern knowledge through reading English books, of both secular and religious subjects, thus making him a visionary person who always catches up with the country's situations. That is a great benefit to his teaching and propagation of Buddhism. The religious books authored by His Holiness are up to date, and timely for people and the circumstances in modern days. Apart from that, he also has played a vital role in teaching the Dhamma to Thais and foreigners.

His Holiness has a far-sighted view on education. He was involved in the founding of Thailand's first Buddhist University, "Mahamakut Buddhist University", and for the first time initiated the Training Institute for Dhammaduta Bhikkhus Going Abroad.

His Holiness is the first senior monk who plays a vital role for the propagation of Buddhism overseas. He was once the chairman of the Executive Committee of the Training Institute for Dhammaduta Bhikkhus Going Abroad, and was the first to preside over the opening ceremony of the first Thai temple in Europe, that is Wat Buddhapadipa in London, the United Kingdom. To Australia, His Holiness brought Theravada Buddhism there for the first time by establishing Wat Buddharangsee Temple in Sydney. He paid an official visit to Nepal to be the preceptor for Nepalese Novices in the Sakyan clan. This has revived the ordination ceremony in modern Nepal. The Supreme Patriarch also developed a religious tie with His Holiness the Dalai Lama until they are familiar with each other, and have met many times for Dhamma exchanges. Besides, he is the first Sangharaja who was officially invited to China for the first time in its history.

His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara has performed several tasks locally and internationally. He is both academic and Dhamma analyst, or what is called "Dhamma-vicaya", to demonstrate that the Buddha Dhamma is applicable to all levels of life activities, from the basic to ultimate ones. His Holiness has composed more than 100 articles, both in Thai and English. His written works involve the teachings of Buddhism at the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels, as well as a number of religious essays, all with great educational value. In recognition of His Holiness' exceptional capabilities, the value of his written compositions, and the multiple tasks he has performed, many well-known national universities have bestowed upon him honorary doctorate degrees in various fields of education.

Apart from the duties associated to his titles, His Holiness was offered special tasks in many occasions. One of them was to be the advisor and guardian of the present monarch, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, when he was ordained as a Bhikkhu at Wat Bovoranives Vihara in 1956 (B.E. 2499). Later on, when H.R.H. Crown Prince Mahavajiralongkorn was ordained as a Bhikkhu in 1978 (B.E.2521), His Holiness was also the Crown Prince Bhikkhu's instructor and advisor in monastic codes of disciplines and the Buddha's teaching.

Having held important ecclesiastical titles from past to present, His Holiness has performed duties that are of great benefits to the religion, the nation and its people. Thus, he is a great monk who has achieved both his own good and the practice for the good of others. That makes him a highly respectable person both for Buddhist realm and the national kingdom.

His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara is highly revered even among Buddhists in foreign countries. As such, the Myanmar Government has bestowed upon him the title of "Abhidhaja Maharattha Guru, which is the highest ecclesiastical title of the Myanmar Sangha, and the World Buddhist Supreme Conference, Buddhist Summit along with the Supreme Buddhist leaders of 32 countries of the world in 2012 also bestowed the title of "Supreme Holiness of World Buddhism" on him.


-- The Nation 2013-10-26

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A great legacy for Buddhists
The Nation

His holiness was instrumental in spreading the word of Dharma not Just in Thailand, but also overseas

BANGKOK: -- His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, Somdet Phra Sangharaja Sakolmahasang-haparinayaka, the 19th Supreme Patriarch of Rattanakosin, passed away at the age of 100 on Thursday night, leaving behind an impressive legacy for Buddhists worldwide.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677231-a-great-legacy-for-buddhists/

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Drunken Russian goes on temple smashing rampage in Phuket, tries to hot-wire truck
Eakkapop Thongtub


Oleg Fomenko was arrested.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677164-drunken-russian-goes-on-temple-smashing-rampage-in-phuket-tries-to-hot-wire-truck/

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Drunk 'Polytechnic Student' Robs 7-11 Store

By Khaosod Online



BANGKOK: -- A 7-11 convenience store in Phasee Charoen district of Bangkok has been robbed by an intoxicated masked individual believed to be a polytechnic school student.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677232-drunk-polytechnic-student-robs-bangkok-7-eleven-store/

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Phuket cop arrested after French man robbed of B490,000
Naraporn Tuarob


Pol Sen Sgt Maj Pichan Kaewkongdharm.

PHUKET: -- A Phuket policeman, Pol Sen Sgt Maj Pichan Kaewkongdharm, has been arrested along with two other men after they were allegedly involved in extorting around B490,000 from a French man.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677233-phuket-cop-arrested-after-french-man-robbed-of-b490000/

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PM orders top brass to brief troops on Preah Vihear
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- PRIME MINISTER Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday instructed commanders of the armed forces to brief their subordinates on the border dispute concerning Cambodia's Preah Vihear Temple, ahead of the international court's ruling scheduled for November 11.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677234-pm-yingluck-orders-top-brass-to-brief-troops-on-preah-vihear/

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Suthep vows to fight Thaksin regime from the streets
Hataikarn Treesuwan
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- After 35 years with the Democrat Party, it appears that former deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban is about to become one of the many antigovernment protest leaders.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677235-suthep-vows-to-fight-thaksin-regime-from-the-streets/

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Opposition grills Prayuth on bill
The Nation

Wants to know whether amnesty would apply to cases investigated by both the Election Commission, NACC

BANGKOK: -- PHEU THAI MEMBER Prayuth Siripanich yesterday found himself in the hot seat, as he was grilled by the opposition over the proposed blanket amnesty.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677236-opposition-grills-prayuth-on-bill/

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Tak Bai incident 'used to incite violence'
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- ILL-INTENTIONED people should stop citing the Tak Bai incident to instigate violence in the strife-torn South, spokesman for the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) Region 4, Colonel Pramote Phrom-in, said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677237-tak-bai-incident-used-to-incite-violence/

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Police launch hunt for four members of pirate gang

8 men wanted for killing crew, stealing Bt120 million in foreign currency

BANGKOK: -- A MANHUNT is on for four suspects who allegedly robbed a vessel in the Gulf of Thailand earlier this month, stealing nearly Bt120 million in Malaysian ringgit and Singapore dollars, before shooting all seven crew members who had jumped overboard.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677238-thai-police-launch-hunt-for-four-members-of-pirate-gang/

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Relatives of Lampang victims to sue bus company
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- RELATIVES OF the people killed in an accident in Lampang province on Wednesday are planning to sue the transport company whose bus plunged off a mountainside killing 22 passengers and wounding 17 others.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677239-relatives-of-lampang-victims-to-sue-bus-company/

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Masseur stabbed in the neck by Boyfriend in South Pattaya apartment



PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Friday Pattaya Police and medics were called to a South Pattaya apartment complex to investigate reports of a 26 year old woman who had been repeatedly stabbed by her boyfriend following a heated argument in their room.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677240-masseur-stabbed-in-the-neck-by-boyfriend-in-south-pattaya-apartment/

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UPDATE:

Thailand seizes meth pills worth $30 mln

BANGKOK, October 26, 2013 (AFP) - Thai police announced Friday a huge seizure of more than five million illegal methamphetamine pills -- worth about $30 million -- believed to have been smuggled from Myanmar.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677127-police-in-saraburi-seize-3-million-yaba-pills/#entry6964584

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Phuket's Road to Freedom under fire for corruption
Phuket Gazette


Winai Chidchiew, the Subdistrict chief for Kata-Karon, accused local officials of trying to push the project through in order to profit from it. Photo: Saran Mitrarat

PHUKET: -- Winai Chidchiew, the Subdistrict chief (Kamnan) for Kata-Karon, has lashed out over the project to build a new road to Freedom Beach, accusing local officials of trying to push the project through for their own benefit.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677254-phukets-road-to-freedom-under-fire-for-corruption/

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Northern railway opening postponed to Nov 30
By English News



BANGKOK, Oct 26 – Railway repairs for Thailand’s northern line, earlier scheduled to be complete late this month, will be extended 30 days until November 30, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677272-northern-railway-opening-postponed-to-nov-30/

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PM oversees last selection round of Smart Lady Thailand

BANGKOK, 26 Oct 2013 (NNT) – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Friday oversaw the last round of elimination in the Smart Lady Thailand project, which will eventually pick 12 women who will partake in a reality TV program for 1 month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677258-pm-yingluck-oversees-last-selection-round-of-smart-lady-thailand/

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PM skips her weekly TV programme, travels to Khon Kaen to see Thailand’s Future 2020 exhibition, be briefed on water management plan /MCOT

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10 anti-government protesters at Urupong intersection hospitalised after ma mui pod 'itching plants' hurled at them /MCOT

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Thailand’s exports down 7% in September
By English News



BANGKOK, Oct 26 – Thailand’s exports in September declined by 7.09 per cent while exports for the entire year should grow by 4 per cent, according to the Commerce Ministry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677270-thailands-exports-down-7-in-september/

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Magnitude-7.1 hits north-eastern Japan, tsunami observed

Tokyo - A magnitude-7.1 earthquake struck early Saturday off the coast of north-eastern Japan, prompting authorities to urge residents to evacuate prefectures and issue a tsunami warning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677279-magnitude-71-hits-north-eastern-japan-tsunami-observed/

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SuperCheap fire aftermath: Two rescuers speak of their ordeal
Naraporn Tuarob


Suntarn Sa-Nguannam is the leader of the Phuket Kusoldharm volunteer rescue team.

PHUKET: -- The fire at the Phuket SuperCheap site is now out and the cleanup has begun. Naraporn Tuarob speaks to two people who were first on the scene of the massive blaze.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677280-supercheap-fire-aftermath-two-rescuers-speak-of-their-ordeal/

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UPDATE:

PM to release statement immediately after ICJ’s verdict

BANGKOK, 26 Oct 2013 (NNT) – Prime Minister and Defense Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is set to release a statement as soon as the International Court of Justice has rendered its verdict on Phra Viharn case.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677234-pm-yingluck-orders-top-brass-to-brief-troops-on-preah-vihear/#entry6965490

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Chinese railway technology being shown to Thais

BANGKOK, 26 Oct 2013 (NNT) – China is showing off its advanced rail technology as it is organizing a high-speed train exhibition at Makkasan Airport Rail Link Station. The fair will go on until November 25th, 2013.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677282-chinese-railway-technology-exhibition-at-bangkoks-makkasan-station/

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UPDATE

Thailand mourns top Buddhist leader

BANGKOK, October 26, 2013 (AFP) - Flags flew at half-mast and crowds of mourners turned out to pay their respects Friday after Thailand's top Buddhist leader died aged 100.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677229-thailand-in-mourning/?p=6965583#entry6965583

[Lite Beer]

Phuket devout demand apology from drunken Russian
Phuket Gazette -

PHUKET: About 200 Phuket residents yesterday demanded an apology from the Russian tourist who damaged a statue of revered historical abbot Luang Por Kongdet during a drunken spree late Tuesday night.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677164-drunken-russian-goes-on-temple-smashing-rampage-in-phuket-tries-to-hot-wire-truck/page-4?p=6965789#entry6965789

[Lite Beer]

Phuket’s illegal tour van drivers granted temporary amnesty
Phuket Gazette -

The illegal Phuket van drivers gathered at Sanam Chai field, opposite Phuket Provincial Hall. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: The Phuket Land Transportation Office (PLTO) will issue documents to certify illegal tour van drivers who have applied to become legal so they may continue working until their applications are processed.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677316-phukets-illegal-tour-van-drivers-granted-temporary-amnesty/

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PM shares vision on country's future development

KHON KAEN, 26 October 2013 (NNT) - Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has visited the Thailand’s Future 2020 exhibition in Khon Kaen, where she shared her vision on the country's future development through mega projects.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677345-pm-yingluck-shares-vision-on-thailands-future-development/

[Lite Beer]

People across Thailand mourn passing of Supreme Patriarch

BANGKOK, 26 October 2013 (NNT) – Prime Minister and Defense MinisterYingluck Shinawatra has instructed all armed forces to organize honorable funerals for the late Supreme Patriarch.

Thousands of people on Friday night attended the royal funeral of His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch at Phra Tamnak Phet, Wat Bowonniwet Vihara. Ms Yingluck was also at the temple to mourn the loss of His Holiness. As the Defense Minister, she instructed the military to organize a funeral worthy of his position.

Meanwhile, over 100 monks at Wat Bowonniwet Vihara acknowledged Phra Wannarat as the Acting Abbot of the temple.

Elsewhere, Buddhists in Yala, Pattani, Ranong, Nan, Ratchaburi, and Samut Songkram attended funeral bathing rites for His Holiness in their respective areas.

National Police Chief Adul Saengsingkaew has issued an urgent message to all police commanders asking them to seek cooperation from entertainment venues to suspend entertainment activities for 15 days, from now until November 8th, in order to mourn for the loss of the Supreme Patriarch.

-- NNT 2013-10-26