Thailand Live Monday 28 Oct 2013

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Crown Prince leads royal Kathin ceremony

BANGKOK, 28 October 2013 (NNT) - His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn yesterday afternoon deputized for His Majesty the King at the ceremony of presenting monastic robes to monks at Borvoranives Monastery in Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok, It was the first royal Kathin ceremony of this year, taking place after the 3-month Lent and held at a first-class Wat Luang or Royal monastery.

Accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasm, the Pricess Consort, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince arrived at the royal temple at 3.35 p.m., after which he lighted candles and incense sticks and prostrated himself before the principal Buddha image --Phra Buddha Chinnasi. He then paid homage to the royal ashes of King Rama VI.

In the past, several kings was ordained as monks at Borvoranives Monastery and stayed there throughout their priesthood. The Kathin ceremony has been observed for more than 2,600 years since the days of the Lord Buddha. At present, Kathin robe presentation in Thailand is observed at two levels – by the Royal Family and by ordinary people. The period for the Kathin presentation usually lasts one month following the Buddhist Lent, or from the first wanning moon of the 11th lunar month to the full moon of the 12th lunar month, or around October to November each year.

Later on the same day, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasm, presented royal Kathin robes to monks at Phra Chetuphon Monastery, another first-class royal temple. The royal couple also paid homage to King Rama I’s ashes contained in the monastery, which was built as the temple of the reign.

There are altogether 16 royal temples where royal Kathin robes will be presented to monks each year. 12 of them are in Bangkok and four others are in the provinces – one in Nakhon Pathom, two in Ayutthaya and one in Phitsanulok.


-- NNT 2013-10-28

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POLITICS
Group declares D-Day to oppose amnesty bill
The Nation



Assembly of civic groups says members will rally a day after house's 3rd reading

BANGKOK: -- AN UMBRELLA GROUP of government opponents vowed yesterday to hold a mass protest once the controversial amnesty bill clears its third reading in the House.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677617-group-declares-d-day-to-oppose-thai-amnesty-bill/

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SPACECRAFT
Ships, planes warned of possible Indian rocket launch
CHUTARAT THIPNAMPA



BANGKOK: -- SHIPS AND PLANES were warned yesterday to stay away from the Phang Nga coast on Tuesday of next week as India will launch a rocket that might jettison a fuel tank into the area.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677618-phang-nga-ships-planes-warned-of-possible-indian-rocket-launch/

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PREAH VIHEAR DISPUTE
Thai Patriots call off rally at PM's home but threaten to return
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- THE THAI PATRIOTS NETWORK yesterday cancelled a rally in front of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's home after talks with police, saying they will wait for a week to see the PM, but if they cannot protesters will return to submit a letter at her home.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677619-thai-patriots-call-off-rally-at-pms-home-but-threaten-to-return/

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UPDATE:
Rubber farmers vow to fight on
The Nation



Still seeking a subsidy from govt

BANGKOK: -- RUBBER FARMERS from Prachuap Khiri Khan set up roadblocks on a key section of Phetkasem Road yesterday in Bang Saphan district and vowed to continue their protest against the government, after it failed to heed their calls for subsidies in order to hike rubber prices.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677453-southern-rubber-growers-block-road-urging-talks-with-government/#entry6971147

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NATIONAL
Mahouts fear losing their elephants
PONGPHON SARNSAMAK
THE NATION
AYUTTHAYA



Oppose govt move to tackle poaching of beasts from wild, illegal trade in Babes

BANGKOK: -- IT WOULD be hard for a 45-year-old mahout from Surin to give up his precious cow elephant - but that might be necessary if a new wildlife-protection law is enacted.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677620-thailands-mahouts-fear-losing-their-elephants/

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REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Saving Thailand from political apocalypse
Kavi Chongkittavorn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Yingluck government aspires to transform Thailand into a leading member of the global community. The prime minister has travelled near and far promoting Thai-style democracy, even to the most obscure corners of the world.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677621-saving-thailand-from-political-apocalypse/

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CHALK TALK
Better incentives needed to boost vocational courses
CHULARAT SAENGPASSA

BANGKOK: -- EACH YEAR, German conglomerates like Siemens welcome over 1,000 student trainees. Within months, they are trained to assemble integrated circuits and when the course is finished, they must be able to explain what they have done.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677622-better-incentives-needed-to-boost-vocational-courses-thai-education-minister/

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RT @RichardBarrow: 6:40am Police Hospital/Ratchaprasong intersection is on fire (Pic @naelkung) http://t.co/yqFqwoEyAe /via @191Thailand

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Democrat Party set for structural shake-up
Hataikarn Treesuwan
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- THE DEMOCRAT PARTY'S ultimate goal is to bring an end to 21 years of election defeats. The party's last defeat was in the 2011 election, when party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva was PM.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677624-thai-democrat-party-set-for-structural-shake-up/

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Rwandan woman arrested at airport with 2kg of 'ice'
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- A RWANDAN woman was arrested at Don Mueang Airport on Saturday night for allegedly smuggling two kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, known as "ice", into the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677625-rwandan-woman-arrested-at-bangkoks-don-mueang-airport-with-2kg-of-ice/

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Kingdom to attract 5m high-calibre Chinese
PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI
THE NATION
KUNMING, CHINA

BANGKOK: -- THAILAND expects to attract more than 4.5 million high-calibre Chinese tourists to the country next year, thanks to China's emerging economic growth and its new tourism regulations aimed at cracking down on "zero dollar or negative-fare tours".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677626-thailand-to-attract-5m-high-calibre-chinese/

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American campaigns to convince Thai people to wear helmets

The American President of an Independent Charity Foundation drives a pickup truck all over Thai Provinces for the project “On the tour -77” to convince Thai people to wear bike helmets.”

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677627-american-campaigns-to-convince-thai-people-to-wear-helmets/

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Rock legend Lou Reed dead at 71: agent

NEW YORK CITY (BNO NEWS) -- Former "Velvet Underground" frontman Lou Reed, considered one of the most influential musicians in rock music, has died, his agent confirmed on Sunday. He was 71 years old. It was not immediately known when or where he died.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677607-rock-legend-lou-reed-dead-at-71-agent/

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Fire rages on 4th floor of Chalermphrakiat Building in Police General Hospital, Rama I Road; patients evacuated, firefighters rush to control /MCOT

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Fire breaks out at Police Hospital
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A fire broke out on the ninth floor of the Chalerm Phrakiart Building of the Police Hospital at 7:30 am, Channel 3 reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677634-fire-breaks-out-at-police-hospital-in-bangkok/

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Loy Krathong celebrations postponed

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677638-loy-krathong-celebrations-postponed/

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,460.03, gains 5.15 points /MCOT

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Proposal to DNA-test migrant workers panned
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prompted by concerns over the ease with which foreigners will be able to travel in and out of the country once the Asean Economic Community (AEC) commences in 2015, the Institute for Forensic Medicine is calling on the government to collect the DNA of all migrant workers entering the country, to be stored in a national database for future identification.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677653-proposal-to-dna-test-migrant-workers-panned/

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Police launch new Phuket tourist support project
Zazithorn Ruengchinda


The Phuket Police Tourist Care project in action at Wat Chalong.

PHUKET: -- Tourists being constantly harassed by black taxi drivers has sparked a new “Tourist Care” project on the island, an initiative established by new Police Commander, Maj Gen Ong-arj Phiwruangnont.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677655-police-launch-new-phuket-tourist-support-project/

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UPDATE:

Female Driver killed in head-on bike collision in Central Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- An 18 year old motorbike driver was killed and her friend was slightly injured after their bike collided head-on with a motorbike driven by an Iranian Tourist in the early hours of Saturday in Central Pattaya.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677445-woman-killed-when-driving-motorbike-against-traffic-and-hitting-iranian/page-2#entry6971915

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Finance Ministry mulls 10% tax on green tea
By English News



BANGKOK, Oct 28 – The Finance Ministry may ask to collect a 10 per cent excise tax on ready-to-drink green tea, beverages, according to a senior official said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677658-thai-finance-ministry-mulls-10-tax-on-green-tea/

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School classes cancelled as Urupong demonstration presses on

BANGKOK, 28 October 2013 (NNT) - The Samakhom Satree Thai High School has cancelled classes as Urupong demonstration continues.

Groups of anti -government and vocational student networks gathering at Urupong intersection escalated their rally on Sunday, completely blocking the traffic in the area until late at night. The demonstrators reportedly planned to mobilize their forces to the Government House but later abandoned the idea.

Meanwhile, the Samakhom Satree Thai High School, which is located near the gathering on the Petchaburi Road, has announced the postponement of its semester for another day, adding that school's officials would assess the situation and inform its students of the school's decision as to when it will open.

Meanwhile, chief adviser of the Democrat Party Chuan Leekpai urged all sides to stop political activities during the mourning period for the Supreme Patriarch. He said his party had cancelled all of it rallies last Saturday. However, he assured the public that the party would continue its fight against the Amnesty Bill in the parliament.


-- NNT 2013-10-28

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UPDATE:

Activists nationwide ready for mass anti-govt rallies
By English News



BANGKOK, Oct 28 – A network of civil society movements countrywide vowed to converge on the capital for a mass rally if Thailand's Lower House of Parliament passes the controversial Amnesty Bill in its final reading.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677617-group-declares-d-day-to-oppose-thai-amnesty-bill/#entry6972112

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UPDATE:

Police Hospital building hit by fire

The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The Police General Hospital was hit by a fire on Monday morning, leading to evacuation of patients, police said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677634-fire-breaks-out-at-police-hospital-in-bangkok/?p=6972127#entry6972127

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UPDATE:

Tourism agency postpones Loy Krathong as Thais mourn death of Supreme Patriarch
By English News



BANGKOK, Oct 28 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will postpone the public celebrations and associated events of the annual Loy Krathong festival, scheduled for November 17, due to Thailand’s month of mourning in respect of His Holiness Supreme Patriarch who passed away on Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/677638-loy-krathong-celebrations-postponed/page-3?p=6972151#entry6972151

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Three bomb-disposal police killed in Narathiwat explosion
The Nation

Narathiwat - Three bomb-disposal policemen were killed Monday morning when insurgents detonated a roadside bomb they were about to defuse.

The three police officers were killed at 9:40 am on the road to Sompoi village in Tambon Kayoh Mati in Bacho district.

The three were identified as Pol Sub-Lt Sam Warongphaisit, 50, who headed the bomb disposal unit, Pol Sgt-Maj Nimit Deewong, 32, and Pol Sub-Lt Charoon Metruang.


-- The Nation 2013-10-28

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Min of Public Health reveals that dengue fever situation has improved

BANGKOK, 28th October 2013 (NNT) – Dr.Pradit Sintavanarong, the Minister of Public Health, has stated that the general situation of dengue fever in Thailand has continuously improved.

According to the Minister, the number of Dengue fever patients has dropped from approximately 2,000 per week to under 1,000, which is expected. 714 patients, with no deaths, were reported last week.

Since the beginning of the year, the number of people coming down with dengue has topped 136,000, among whom 126 have died. Among the high-risk groups are those between 15 to 24 years of age, followed by teenagers-- between 10 to 14 years old-- and adults between 25 to 34 years old; at 29%, 22%, and 13%, respectively. Over 67,000 of the patients were students. The provinces with the highest rates of the fever are Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Krabi. The 5 provinces that are still at risk include Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Nonthaburi, Rayong, Narathiwat.

The southern region remains at risk as it will be in for by heavy rains from October all the way through to December, during which the number of dengue patients is expected to increase.

The Public Health office in every province has been asked to seek cooperation from local communities in getting rid of mosquito breeding grounds every week to protect against the fever.


-- NNT 2013-10-28

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Condolences from foreign countries for the late Supreme Patriarch

BANGKOK, 28 October 2013 (NNT) – Buddhist organizations and countries around the world have sent letters of condolence to Thailand for the loss of His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch.

According to His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch’s Assistant Secretary Ven. Phra Dr. Anil Sakya, the office of the secretary has received letters of condolence from Buddhism organization leaders in several countries around the world including Japan, India, United Kingdom, and the Buddhism Study of Oxford University.

On October 25th, the United States Embassy in Bangkok sent a letter of condolence written by US Ambassador Kristie Kenney to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. “While offering prayers for the late Supreme Patriarch, please accept our deepest sympathy during this period of national mourning,” wrote the US Ambassador.

In addition, His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet has expressed his sadness on the passing away of the Supreme Patriarch in a letter that said “I would like to convey my condolences to the Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand and his millions of followers in Thailand and around the world”.

The office of His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch Secretary is now working on an official letter informing the passing away of His Holiness to leaders of Buddhism community in foreign country.


-- NNT 2013-10-28

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RT @mpoppel: BREAKING -- Vehicle drives into crowd near Tiananmen Square in Beijing, state-run media reports; photos show vehicle on fire