Thailand Live Friday 1 Nov 2013

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Aussie Man Accused of sexually assaulting 11-year-old Stepdaughter
By Khaosod Online



PATTAYA: -- A 50-year-old Australian National was arrested in Pattaya, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi Province, after local residents accused him of sexually assaulting his 11-year-old stepdaughter.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678608-aussie-arrested-in-pattaya-for-sexually-assaulting-11-year-old-girl/

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AMNESTY BILL
Police wary of prolonged rally against amnesty bill
The Nation



About 20,000 to 30,000 expected at Samsen; 5,000 police deployed to oversee security in bangkok

POLICE YESTERDAY expressed concerns over the protests against a government-proposed law that would grant blanket amnesty to all those involved in political conflicts since the 2006 coup.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678610-thai-police-wary-of-prolonged-rally-against-amnesty-bill/

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BURNING ISSUE
Amnesty push makes political conflict more likely
Samudcha Hoonsara
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- OCTOBER HAS seen important political changes in the past - notably, a student-led uprising in 1973 and a massacre of protesters at Thammasat University in 1976.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678611-amnesty-push-makes-political-conflict-more-likely-thailand/

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PREAH VIHEAR DISPUTE
Anti-ICJ protesters told to avoid border
Panya Thiosangwan
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- PROTESTERS have the right to rally after the World Court's November 11 ruling on Thailand's dispute with Cambodia over land adjacent to Preah Vihear Temple, but they should not do so in strategically sensitive areas near the border, the Army chief said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678612-preah-vihear-dispute-anti-icj-protesters-told-to-avoid-border/

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Amnesty bill 'unconstitutional'
The Nation

Legal experts say the draft does not offer equal treatment to all citizens

BANGKOK: -- A GROUP of legal experts going under the name Nitirat Group voiced their opposition to the amnesty bill yesterday, saying the version undergoing a second reading in the House went against the original bill, parliamentary regulations and was unconstitutional.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678613-thai-amnesty-bill-unconstitutional/

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POLITICAL EFFECT
Political unrest could affect tourism, association warns
Bamrung Amnatcharoenrit,
Sucheera Pinijparakarn
The Nation


Supporters of opposition Democrat Party take part in a rally against an amnesty bill in Bangkok, Thailand, 31 October 2013.

BANGKOK: -- Political demonstrations could have a negative impact on country's tourism, especially if the situation turns violent, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), has warned.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678614-political-unrest-in-thailand-could-affect-tourism-association-warns/

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Thailand's FDA warns passengers of new taxi 'scam'

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678615-thailands-fda-warns-passengers-of-new-taxi-scam/

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CRIME
Investigators find cellphone hidden in Jakkrit's car
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Police officers investigating the killing of former Olympian shooter Jakkrit Panichpatikum decided to search the sportsman's car for a second time on Wednesday and discovered a cellphone in a hidden compartment in the driver's console, a source said yesterday.

The Samsung Galaxy phone, which was allegedly owned by Jakkrit, might provide some new clues, the source said.

Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police chief Pol Lt Gen Camronwit Toopgrajank said there might be some good news soon, while his deputy, Pol Maj-General Chayut Thanathaweerat, called on the public to give police investigators enough time to work on this case.

It is believed by police that the murder might involve relatives of the sportsman's wife, Dr Nithiwadee Phucharoenyos. The investigators have summoned her half-brothers and another relative - who was one of the four Air Force officers hired as Nithiwadee's bodyguards - for further interrogation. The people in question have yet to respond to the summonses.


-- The Nation 2013-11-01

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EDITORIAL
What goes on in their minds?
The Nation

Nurses photographed making a flippant gesture over the body of a slain police officer should have known their behaviour was inappropriate and that the public would react with anger

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678616-thai-editorial-what-goes-on-in-their-minds/

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OVERDRIVE
Brace for a new round of confrontation
Thanong Khanthong

BANGKOK: -- Thailand is once again at a crossroads. The political crisis is escalating over the Phue Thai Party's attempt to bring back former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra under the camouflage of amnesty legislation. The ghost of Thaksin still haunts Thailand. This has heightened tensions and deepened the political division. It could spill over into more confrontation and a bloody clashes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678618-thai-opinion-brace-for-a-new-round-of-confrontation/

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Oman stabbing suspect caught by Pattaya Tourist Police



PATTAYA: -- In a case dating back to 11th September, Pattaya’s Tourist Police announced on Thursday the arrest of a 23 year old man wanted in connection with the stabbing of an Oman National on Walking Street in South Pattaya.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678620-oman-stabbing-suspect-caught-by-pattaya-tourist-police/

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500 Baht fine for Fake Watch Vendor who stabbed a German on Pattaya Beach



PATTAYA: -- Police arrested a 19 year old fake watch vendor on Thursday Night after he allegedly stabbed a 70 year old German Tourist in his hand as the pair came into contact with each other along Pattaya Beach Road.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678622-500-baht-fine-for-fake-watch-vendor-who-stabbed-a-german-on-pattaya-beach/

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FEATURE

Bangkok's volunteer rescuers race to road crashes
Despite a fear of ghosts, amateur 'basic teams' attend to injured and dead before police and medics arrive to earn good karma
Kate Hodal in Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- The photo arrives with a ping on Srijula Baramee's mobile as her boyfriend drives her through another red light, dodging cars and trucks at 95mph en route to a crash near one of Bangkok's many freeways.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678623-bangkoks-volunteer-rescuers-race-to-road-crashes/

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Abhisit, Suthep hear crackdown charges
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- OPPOSITION LEADER Abhisit Vejjajiva and his deputy Suthep Thaugsuban appeared at the Office of the Attorney-General yesterday to acknowledge the charges against them in connection with the crackdown on the political demonstrations in Bangkok in 2010.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678624-abhisit-suthep-hear-crackdown-charges/

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TIFFANY
Miss International Queen transgender beauty pageant turns nine


Tanya Maung//Photo : EPA

PATTAYA: -- Twenty-five contestants from 17 countries are to compete in Pattaya, Thailand for the crown of Miss International Queen on Friday, the ninth such pageant since 2004, organisers said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678625-pattaya-miss-international-queen-transgender-beauty-pageant-turns-nine/

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Pope Francis sends his condolences
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- The Catholic Bishop's Conference of Thailand will on November 8 make public Pope Francis's message of condolence on the passing away of the Supreme Patriarch.

Separately, two commemorative items - a booklet of His Holiness's sermons and a CD of Dharma songs - were handed out to mourners yesterday at a ceremony marking the seventh-day of the top monk's passing. The ceremony was presided over by HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and HRH Princess Srirasm.

Members of the Royal family have been taking turns in presiding over both day and evening prayer rituals for the first six days. Their Royal Highnesses also granted special funerary robes to the 30 monks who had participated in chanting prayers over the past six days.

The booklet, of which 10,000 copies were printed, contains 50 sermons delivered by His Holiness, while the CD contains eight songs, including the well-known number "It is a Short, but Important Life", sung by Thanaporn Waegprayoon.

In response to public queries about whether they could wear the pins marking His Holiness's centenary to his funeral, Thongthong Chandrangsu, permanent secretary of the PM's Office Ministry, said displaying these pins would be considered an even greater honour to the late monk.

-- The Nation 2013-11-01

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Ancient firearms found near Front Palace
PAKAMAS JAICHALARD
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- Eight hand cannons (an early form of firearm) along with a large amount of ammunition were recently unearthed during renovations at Bangkok's Front Palace located in the National Museum compound near Sanam Luang, Fine Arts Department chief Anek Sihamat said yesterday.

Archaeologists found that the site used to be an army barrack during King Pinklao's reign (1808-1866) and the department has registered the items for conservation and display at the National Museum in Phra Nakhon district.

Anek said the discovery was made on Tuesday, when the Office of Archaeology officials were excavating a field near the National Museum's Putthai Sawan Hall as per the Front Palace conservation and development project.

He said the firearms and ammunition were found outside the building's perimeter. The hand cannons, each about 75 to 100 centimetres long with a barrel 10-15cm in diameter possibly fired metal balls. Such handguns were widely used in Europe and Asia between the 14th and the 15th century, and Thailand bought these guns from the West during the Ayutthaya to Rattanakosin eras.

Anek said these hand cannons were possibly decommissioned or broken and were hence piled outdoors when the Army barrack was demolished during the reign of King Rama V.


-- The Nation 2013-11-01

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Authorities mull expanding areas under ISA
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- THE PEACEKEEPING Operations Centre, set up under the Internal Security Act (ISA), might decide to put more areas under the security law should the anti-amnesty protests escalate, its spokesman said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678626-thai-authorities-mull-expanding-areas-under-isa/

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Phuket airport tackles Chinese tourists' immigration queue congestion
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- Officials attempted to tackle the issue of immigration congestion at Phuket International Airport caused by the island’s largest inbound tourist market, the Chinese.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678627-phuket-airport-tackles-chinese-tourists-immigration-queue-congestion/

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Thai lower house passes political amnesty bill

BANGKOK, November 1, 2013 (AFP) - Thailand's lower house of parliament on Friday passed a controversial political amnesty bill that has sparked mass anti-government protests.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678631-thai-lower-house-passes-political-amnesty-bill/

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Foreign Workers Say Thailand Is Tops
By Nopparat Chaichalearmmongkol
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

BANGKOK: -- Seeking good friends and financial security, and don’t mind being close to palm trees and white-sand beaches? Thailand might be just the place you’re looking for.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678639-foreign-workers-say-thailand-is-tops/

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Google Nexus 5 Available Now for $349
LG-manufactured smartphone will ship with Android 4.4 Kitkat.
by Justin Rubio

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678641-google-nexus-5-available-now-for-us349/

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Thai stock index opens on Friday at 1,429.81, falls 13.07 points /MCOT

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Inbound trains to Bangkok terminating at Bang Sue due to Sam Sen demonstration

BANGKOK, 1 November 2013 (NNT) – The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has announced that train services for Bangkok inbound routes will terminate at Bang Sue station instead of Hua Lamphong, due to railroad blockades by political demonstrators.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678648-inbound-trains-to-bangkok-terminating-at-bang-sue-due-to-sam-sen-demonstration/

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RT @tulsathit: The Senate speaker says upper House can deliberate amnesty bill, which has cleared House of Representatives, around Nov 8-11.

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Easy Pass system update completed; capacity boosted to 1 million uses per day

BANGKOK, 1 November 2013 (NNT) – The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has announced it has completed updating its Easy Pass system, which can now handle 1 million uses per day.

According to EXAT governor Aiyanat Thin-aphai ,the automated toll collection system, known as Easy Pass, has had its database updated and tested. The system was previously capable of handling 500,000 uses per day, and this capacity has now been increased to 1 million per day. Because there are only 500,000 Easy Passes in use at present, Mr. Aiyanat is confident there will not be a repeat of the situation where toll collection data became erroneous.

The expressway authority has also made modifications to the toll bars, by reducing the length of the bar to 1.9 meters, from 2.9 meters. This allows for the bar to be lifted faster, which will allow cars to pass more conveniently.


-- NNT 2013-11-01

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PM Yingluck promised to allocate Bt100mn each to 4 upper central provinces(Sing Buri,Lop Buri,Ang Thong,Chai Nat) to improve residents' lives /The Nation

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US court sentences 13-year-old boy to 7 years for killing neo-Nazi father

LOS ANGELES: -- A 13-year-old boy was sentenced Thursday to seven years' incarceration for shooting dead his father, a US news report said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/678660-us-court-sentences-13-year-old-boy-to-7-years-for-killing-neo-nazi-father/

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Crashed plane's black box found, says Lao authorities

BANGKOK, 1 November 2013 (NNT) - Lao authorities have successfully retrieved the "black box" or cockpit voice recorder from the Mekong River that will enable them to determine the cause of the crash.

However, according to Yakhoa Lopaengkhoa, the director-general of Laos' Department of Civil Aviation, the flight data recorder has not be found to date.

47 bodies have been found so far, 43 among which have already been identified.

The crash of a Lao Airline plane on October 16 is the the country's worst aviation. All 49 people on board were killed, including five Thai nationals.


-- NNT 2013-11-01

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More traffic gridlock as schools start 2nd semester

BANGKOK, 1 November 2013 (NNT) - As a result of all schools opening their 2nd semester, coupled with several demonstrations being held in various points of Bangkok, traffic has become extremely congested along Rama 6 and Rama 5 roads.

Given November 1 is the first day of the 2nd semester of all schools, traffic has been heavily congested all over Bangkok since early morning, notably on Rama 4 and Rama 5 roads, according to Traffic commissioner, Pol.Maj.Gen. Jirasan Kaewsaengake.

Motorists have been advised to avoid Rama 6 and Samsen roads, the sites of the ongoing Democrat-led protests against the amnesty bill; if possible, they should take Vibhavadi Rangsit or Phaholyothin when coming from the north in order to avoid traffic congestion.


-- NNT 2013-11-01