Thailand Live Thursday 31 Oct 2013

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Crown Prince chairs merit-making ceremony to mark the 7th day of mourning for the late Supreme Patriarch

BANGKOK, 31 October 2013 (NNT) - His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn on October 30 deputized for His Majesty the King at a merit-making ceremony dedicated to His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch, on the eve of Day 7 after His Holiness passed away.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasm, the Princess Consort, arrived at Tamnak Petch Building in Bovoranives Monastery at about 5 p.m. He then laid royal wreaths on behalf of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen respectively. After His Royal Highness paid respect to the body of His Holiness contained in a royally-granted casket and to the Triple Gems, a chaptor of 10 monks chanted prayers. This was followed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince presenting three-piece robes to the monks. The ceremonial chief monk then expounded a Dhamma sermon, followed by religious chanting by four other monks. His Royal Highness then made alms to the monks before leaving the monastery.

According to the Bureau of the Royal Household, as October 31 marks the seventh day of the death of His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch, His Majesty the King has designated His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to attend a merit-making ceremony to be dedicated to the late Supreme Patriarch at Bovoranives Monastery.

The ceremony will begin at 10.30 a.m. with religious chanting by the chapter of 10 monks who performed the Wednesday ceremony. This will be followed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince presenting food to the monks. After the monks finish their meals, His Royal Highness will offer more alms including 3-piece robes to 20 other monks before departing from the monastery.


-- NNT 2013-10-31

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Thai drug smugglers risk deportation from Israel
By Khaosod Online



BANGKOK: -- Police announced the arrest of Thai labourer who smuggled amphetamine to sell in Israel and vowed to tackle the issue to maintain the good relations between the two countries.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678346-thai-man-arrested-for-smuggling-drugs-into-israel/

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THB.1-Million Cocaine Seized Police Arrest Nigerian in Drug Bust


Thai Metropolitan police busted and arrested a Nigerian and his Thai wife in Bangkok’s Ramkhamhang area. Argument led to confession that they got it for sale from African friends the south.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678348-bangkok-police-arrest-nigerian-in-1-million-baht-cocaine-bust/

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SOUTH
Nurses apologise for photo with slain officer
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Three nurses at Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Hospital yesterday apologised to the public for an inappropriate photograph taken in the hospital's intensive-care unit.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678349-nurses-apologise-for-photo-with-slain-thai-officer/

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BURNING ISSUE
Red shirts appear to be biggest losers in amnesty bill
ATTAYUTH BOOTSRIPOOM

BANGKOK: -- THE MORE Pheu Thai's leading members and those close to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra try to defend the amnesty bill, the more they sound unreasonable.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678350-red-shirts-appear-to-be-biggest-losers-in-thai-amnesty-bill/

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UPDATE:
Dems to take to streets
NIPHAWAN KAEWRAKMUK
HATAIKARN TREESUWAN
THE NATION

'Goal is to block amnesty, not bring down govt; mass rally kicks off at Samsen train station

BANGKOK: -- THE SNAP decision of the opposition Democrat Party to call a nationwide rally starting today came on Tuesday night. It followed House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont's impromptu decision on the same day to call a special meeting of the House today to deliberate the blanket amnesty bill in the second and third readings.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678220-government-sets-vote-on-amnesty-bill-for-friday/page-2?p=6982727#entry6982727

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ENVIRONMENT
Locals up in arms over reservoir
Nisanath Kangwanwong
The Nation



Mae Chaem residents voice worries about displacement and landslides.

BANGKOK: -- The planned Mae Chaem Reservoir has put thousands of people under stress and many other people at risk of landslides, according to concerns voiced at a public hearing on the reservoir project.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678352-locals-up-in-arms-over-mae-chaem-reservoir/

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THAI TALK
The go-for-broke amnesty and Thailand's Year Zero
Suthichai Yoon
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- If the ruling Pheu Thai Party carries out its threat of passing the wholesale amnesty bill that will effectively absolve ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra of all guilt, including corruption and conflict of interest, a new round of political chaos is just around the corner.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678353-the-go-for-broke-amnesty-and-thailands-year-zero/

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EDITORIAL
Is the government pushing its luck too far?
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- If the Pheu Thai administration pushes through a blanket amnesty for political wrongdoing, opposition could swell and street protests could turn ugly once again

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678354-thai-editorial-is-the-government-pushing-its-luck-too-far/

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Body of a 30 year-old Woman Found in Korat Forest

A woman estimated to be about 30 years old was reported to have been found dead near a forest in Korat.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678355-body-of-30-year-old-woman-found-in-korat-forest/

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UPDATE:

Peace Sign? Narathiwat nurses face punishment for shocking tastelessness
By Coconuts Bangkok



It’s a common photographic gesture, usually made by young Thai women snapping casual pictures.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678349-nurses-apologise-for-photo-with-slain-thai-officer/#entry6982764

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More and more red shirts taking a stand against bill
PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- OPPOSITION against the controversial blanket amnesty bill within the red-shirt movement is growing as the Pheu Thai Party refuses to budge and continues trying to push it through Parliament.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678356-more-and-more-red-shirts-taking-a-stand-against-thai-amnesty-bill/

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SUPREME PATRIARCH
Council to name top monk soon
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- BECAUSE of the position left vacant by the passing away on October 24 of the late Supreme Patriarch, His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, at the age of 100, the Sangha Supreme Council would soon nominate his successor, the director-general of the National Office of Buddhism Nopparat Benjawatananun told Matichon Online yesterday.

In accordance with the 1992 amendment to the Buddhist Order Act 1962, the council-endorsed nomination would be selected from the eligible most-senior monks in the hierarchy, based on the amount of time the monk has held the title "Somdet". The name would be forwarded to the prime minister, who would then submit it to His Majesty the King, he added.

The appointment of the new Supreme Patriarch will take place after the royal cremation of the former Supreme Patriarch, according to Nopparat.

The monk nominated could come from either of the country's two Buddhist sects: Maha Nikaya or Dhammayutti Nikaya. "In the past, we have seen Supreme Patriarchs from both sects," he said.

Seven possibilities

There are seven "Somdet-titled" monks, with various degrees of seniority, according to the Matichon news report. First among them is Somdet Phra Maha Ratchamangalacharn, the 88-year-old abbot of Wat Pak Nam Phasi Charoen, who belongs to the Maha Nikaya sect. He is the most senior monk, as he received the title in 1995.

The other six monks are Somdet Phra Maha Wirawong, 96, abbot of Wat Samphantha-wong of the Dhammayutti Nikaya sect, who received the title in 2001; Somdet Phra Maha Muniwong, 86, abbot of Wat Ratchabophit of the Dhammayutti Nikaya sect, who received the title in 2009; Somdet Phra Wannarat, 77, acting abbot of Wat Bowon Niwet of the Dhammayutti Nikaya sect, who received the title in 2009; Somdet Phra Buddha Kosacharn, 83, abbot of Wat Suthat Thepphawararam of the Maha Nikaya sect, who received the title in 2010; Somdet Phra Thirayarnmuni, 66, abbot of Wat Thep Sirin of the Dhammayutti Nikaya sect, who received the title in 2010; and Somdet Phra Buddha Chinnawong, 72, abbot of Wat Pichaya Yatikaram of the Maha Nikaya sect, who received the title in 2011.


-- The Nation 2013-10-31

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Security guard jailed for life after bludgeoning Thai conference delegate to death with fire extinguisher
By Jessica Best

Clive Carter was told he must spend at least 20 years behind bars for killing Khanokporn Satjawat in the "senseless attack"

GLASGOW: -- A security guard has been jailed for life after brutally murdering a Thai conference delegate by bludgeoning her with a fire extinguisher.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678357-security-guard-jailed-for-life-in-glasgow-for-brutally-murdering-a-thai/

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East Pattaya Motorbike Taxi Driver killed in Jomtien Road Crash



PATTAYA: -- During the evening rush hour on Wednesday a Motorbike Taxi Driver working in East Pattaya was killed after his bike hit the side of a car which is suspected of jumping a red traffic light.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678358-east-pattaya-motorbike-taxi-driver-killed-in-jomtien-road-crash/

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Business Friendly Regulations pay off as Thailand ranks 18th in World Bank Report
By Khaosod Online

BANGKOK: -- Thailand ranks the 18th in World Bank′s ′Ease of Doing Business 2014 Report′, while the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC) promises optimistic leap in 2 years.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678359-business-friendly-regulations-pay-off-as-thailand-ranks-18th-in-world-bank-report/

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Protesting Democrats told not to break law
THE NATION



DEFIANT PHEU THAI TO PUSH AHEAD WITH AMNESTY BILL; ISA 'WON'T BE EXPANDED' TO COVER RALLY SITE

THE DEMOCRAT PARTY, which is planning to hold a mass rally at Samsen train station in Bangkok this evening to voice opposition to the blanket amnesty bill, should abide by the law, Deputy Prime Minister Pracha Promnog said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678362-protesting-democrats-told-not-to-break-law/

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Thai stock index opens on Thursday at 1,422.43, falls 8.69 points /MCOT

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Parliament opens 1st day of debate on 2nd reading of Amnesty Bill, police deployed around complex providing tight security /MCOT

Abhisit, Suthep meet Attorney General to acknowledge receipt of indictment for premeditated murder in 2010 political unrest /MCOT

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Red Shirt MPs to abstain from Amnesty Bill vote
By English News



BANGKOK, Oct 31 – Leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), the Red Shirt group, will refrain from exercising their votes for the Amnesty Bill in the second and third readings, a ruling Pheu Thai MP has announced.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678386-red-shirt-mps-to-abstain-from-amnesty-bill-vote/

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Dep Russian Hon Consul 'willing to forgive' drunk Russian for rampage on Phuket
Zazithorn Ruengchinda


Santi Udomkiratak, Deputy Honorary Consul for the Russian Federation on Phuket.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678395-dep-russian-hon-consul-willing-to-forgive-drunk-russian-for-rampage-on-phuket/

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Prayuth visits Si Sa Ket ahead of ICJ ruling

BANGKOK, 31 October 2013 (NNT) - Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha will visit Si Sa Ket today in a bid to hold talks with security units ahead of the International Court of Justice ruling on the Preah Vihear temple dispute next month.

The discussions will include plans to evacuate residents in case violence erupts and plans to control the flow of traffic and planned rallies in the area.

He warned that protesters who are set to stage demonstrations against the ruling are not allowed to access many parts of the temple ground as security personnel will be securing the perimeter.

The visit is also aimed to boost the spirit of border patrol units and to create understanding with locals regarding the controversial case.

Authorities have earlier announced that air force operations along the border with Cambodia will proceed as normal. Security forces have, however, been cautioned to avoid any action that may inflame tensions.


-- NNT 2013-10-31

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Finance Ministry concedes weakened economy
By English News



BANGKOK, Oct 31 – Thailand’s Q3 economy has slowed down due to declining domestic consumption, reflected through shrinking value added tax (VAT) collection, according to the Finance Ministry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678396-finance-ministry-concedes-weakened-thai-economy/

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Police to roll out measures to cope with school-traffic chaos

BANGKOK, 31 October 2013 (NNT) - The Traffic Police Division is set to roll out measures to cope with severe congested traffic during school terms.

The agency said most schools in Bangkok and its vicinity have started a new semester since October 24. Increased traffic has been reported on major roads in the capital.

More traffic police officers will be deployed to facilitate commuters and streamlining the flow of parents picking up their children from schools. Parents are urged to make preparations ahead of their arrival to cause minimum impact to other motorists.

Another recent measure to ease congestion is the new law against illegally parked vehicles, which has been so far been enforced in 10 congested roads in the capital’s busiest areas. Cars parked illegally will be towed away to local police stations, and it will cost owners 1,000 baht to reclaim their vehicles.

Police are set to enforce the law on 30 more roads across the capital on Friday.


-- NNT 2013-10-31

[Lite Beer]

Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Thursday 31 October 2013 Time issued 1100 LST

BANGKOK: -- The weak high pressure remains over upper Thailand cause cool weather as well as fog. The weak Northeast monsoon over the South and the Gulf of Thailand cause decreasing rain.

The high pressure area from China has extended to cover the Southen China and will extend it ridge to cover upper Thailand, by tomorrow (1 Nov 2013). Cool weather, 1-3 ?C drops. The Northeast monsoon over the South and the Gulf of Thailand will intensify cause increasing rain.

Tropical storm “Krosa” at eastward of Philippines and moving west. it will move make land fall Philippines today and expected will move to South China Sea, during 1-3 Nov, 2013. Traveler should be advised before departure.
Weather Forecast for Thailand from Thursday Noon to Friday Noon

Northern Thailand Cool and fog in the morning and 1-2 ?C drops. Isolated rain mostly in the upper part. Minimum temperature 20-22 ?C. Maximum temperature 29-32 ?C. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 10-16 ?C Southerly winds 10-25 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Cool with fog in the morning and 1-3 ?C drops. Minimum temperature 20-23 ?C. Maximum temperature 30-33 ?C. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 12-16 ?C. Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Central Thailand Partly cloudy and cool in the upper part with mist in the morning and isolated rain mostly in the lower part. Minimum temperature 23-24 ?C. Maximum temperature 32-33 ?C. Cool on mountaintops, Minimum temperature 16-20 ?C. Easterly winds 10-25 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Partly cloudy and isolated thundershowers in shore line. Minimum temperature 23-24 ?C. Maximum temperature 32-34 ?C. Cool on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 16-20 ?C. Easterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter.

Southern Thailand East Coast Cloudy with widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Songkhla. Minimum temperature 23-24 ?C. Maximum temperature 31-33 ?C. Easterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter.

Southern Thailand West Coast Cloudy with widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Krabi, Trang and Satun. Minimum temperature 22-24 ?C. Maximum temperature 32-33 ?C. Easterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter and about 2 meters in thundershower areas.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity Partly cloudy and haze with 20% chance of rain. Minimum temperature 25-26 ?C. Maximum temperature 33-35 ?C. Southeasterly winds 10-30 km/hr.

-- NNT 2013-10-31

[Lite Beer]

House speaker promises reasonable time of debate of amnesty bill

BANGKOK: -- House Speaker Somsak Kiartsuranon Thursday promised that the opposition would be given reasonable time to debate during the second reading of the amnesty bill.

He said the coalition would not rush to conclude the debate as the opposition fears.

-- The Nation 2013-10-31

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UPDATE:

Thailand braces for protests over amnesty bill

by Thanaporn PROMYAMYAI

BANGKOK, October 31, 2013 (AFP) - Thailand braced for mass protests Thursday as parliament debated a political amnesty that opponents fear will "whitewash" the past killing of unarmed demonstrators and allow ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra to return.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678123-thai-amnesty-anger-set-to-explode/page-3?p=6984343#entry6984343

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POLITICS
Abhisit and Suthep acknowledge charges by public prosecutor

BANGKOK: -- Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and his deputy Suthep Thaugsuban appeared at the Attorney General Office Thursday to acknowledge indictment in their connection with the 2010 political upheaval in Bangkok.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678450-abhisit-and-suthep-acknowledge-charges-by-public-prosecutor/

[Lite Beer]

Pheu Thai MP rushed back to hospital during debate on amnesty bill

BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai MP Somkid Banthaisong was Thursday rushed back to his hospital after his symptom worsened during the second reading of the amnesty bill.

Earlier, Somkid has been admitted to the Wejthani Hospital for cervical herniated disc symptoms and he asked permission from his doctor to attend the House meeting.

During the meeting, he suffered severe headache because his condition worsened so he was rushed back to Wejthani Hospital.

-- The Nation 2013-10-31

[Lite Beer]

Traffic redirected at four roads due to protests

BANGKOK: -- Traffic police on Thursday cited the anti-amnesty rally at Samsen train station as reason to redirect traffic for four roads.

The vehicles at the Sethsiri-Thoedthai intersection will not be allowed to access Kamphaeng Phet 5 Road.

The section of Sethsiri Road in front of the Democrat Party headquarters is closed as it has been designated as one of the rally sites.

The vehicles travelling through Kamphaeng Phet 5-Ranong 1 junction will be asked to turn left only.

The vehicles heading from Pradipat Road to Taharn Road will not be allowed to make a left or right turn.

-- The Nation 2013-10-31