Thailand Live Monday 18 Nov 2013

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King Bhumibol celebrates Loy Krathong Festival

BANGKOK, 18 November 2013 (NNT) - His Majesty the King on Sunday evening proceeded to Ladda pier located in the compound of Klai Kangwon Palace, in Hua Hin district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province in order to personally float royal krathongs in celebration of the Loy Krathong Festival.

His Majesty the King appeared in a white shirt and black trousers, with a bright-looking face. He travelled in a self-controlled electric chair, accompanied by some officials. At the pier, His Majesty lit candles and incense sticks for two krathongs. One was his own, made of bread and put into yellow – the auspicious color of Monday on which he was born, and the other Krathong belonged to Her Majesty the Queen, also made of bread but put into blue, the color of Friday, the day of her birth. The krathongs were then carried by officials to set afloat on the water.

The news of His Majesty’s appearance brought joy to all Thai subjects, learning that His Majesty was in good health.


-- NNT 2013-11-18

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New Zealander Killed In Samui Car Crash
By Khosod Online



KOH SAMUI: -- A tourist from New Zealand died in a road accident after he crashed his car into a garbage truck on the island of Koh Samui, Surat Thani province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682404-new-zealander-killed-in-samui-car-crash/

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Over 10,000 vehicles do not pass annual car checkup in 3 months

BANGKOK, 18 November 2013 (NNT) – The Land Transport Department reported that in just a quarter of a year, over 10,000 vehicles that came in for the annual car checkups did not pass the test.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682405-over-10000-vehicles-in-thailand-do-not-pass-annual-car-checkup-in-3-months/

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Computer Shop Burgled By Almost-Naked Man
By Khosod Online



BANGKOK: -- A man in his underpants has stolen ฿500,000 worth of belongings from a computer store in Tak province, said Mae Sod Police.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682407-thai-computer-shop-burgled-by-almost-naked-man/

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Upset By Lonely Loy Krathong, Man Hangs Himself
By Khaosod Online



BANGKOK: -- A man reportedly hanged himself to death in his home after his girlfriend refused to celebrate Loy Krathong festival with him..

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682406-upset-by-lonely-loy-krathong-man-hangs-himself/

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ANTI-GOVERNMENT RALLIES
Police search for weapons amid claims of armed men
The Nation

Deputy PM says 2 Cambodians found with guns in South; students' tents searched

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Pracha Promnog has confirmed reports that armed men are now among protesters rallying against the government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682408-anti-govt-rallies-thai-police-search-for-weapons-amid-claims-of-armed-men/

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TOURISM
Tourists head to parks for cool climate
The Nation


Some pitched tents inside Khao Yai National Park to enjoy cool breezes.

Over 10,000 mainly city folk flocked to Khao Yai National Park on the weekend to bask in the chilly breezes.

BANGKOK: -- Hordes of visitors were also seen at scenic Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park in Phitsanulok, where the mercury plunged to 14 degrees Celsius early in the morning. In Khao Yai the temperature dropped to 18 degrees.

Suwan Phanunampha, chief warden of the Phitsanulok park, said he estimated that tourists had increased by 70 per cent from last year.

Khao Yai National Park chief warden Kritsada Homsud said most of the visitors there were from Bangkok. Some pitched tents inside the park and others took a day tour to enjoy nature. Last year, the park was the most popular among the 140 in the system countrywide, collecting Bt76 million in admission fees.

"Winter is the best-selling season here," he said.

Rangers were prepared to accommodate the tourists, who would spread throughout the park. Visitors were asked to refrain from feeding the animals, making loud noises, dumping garbage and speeding. Attendance this weekend was up tremendously despite the spotting of two big crocodiles lounging around Pha Kluay Mai. The area is now closed to park-goers.


-- The Nation 2013-11-18

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NATION ANALYSIS
Body studying ICJ ruling faces tough task defining area by temple
Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A working group set up to study the International Court of Justice (ICJ)'s ruling on disputed territory near Preah Vihear Temple faces an uphill battle to define the area, as the country has many experts claiming their maps show the area correctly.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682410-thai-analysis-body-studying-icj-ruling-faces-tough-task-defining-area-by-temple/

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Economy likely to take a hit because of political turmoil
SOMLUCK SRIMALEE
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- THE ONGOING political turmoil is expected to impact the country's gross domestic product (GDP) this year, with the initial year-end estimate of 3.7 per cent now revised to 3.4 per cent, according to the Graduate School of Development Economics of the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682412-thai-economy-likely-to-take-a-hit-because-of-political-turmoil/

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EDUCATION
Universities urged to scrap their own entrance tests
Chuleeporn Aramnet
The Nation

End to 'flawed' exams sought by 2015, Ohec says

BANGKOK: -- In response to Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang's policy, the Office of Higher Education Commission (Ohec) will urge universities to stop direct-admission exams from the 2015 academic year onward.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682414-thai-universities-urged-to-scrap-their-own-entrance-tests/

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REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE
ICJ verdict: Implications for Thailand
Kavi Chongkittavorn

BANGKOK: -- A week has elapsed after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) announced its verdict. The good news is there is no war between Thailand and Cambodia. But the bad news is it could happen anytime. Meanwhile the only consolidation news comes from the paragraph 99 of the ICJ decision that both sides oblige to implement the ruling in "good faith" and avoid imposing a "unilateral" solution. That much was clear.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682415-icj-verdict-implications-for-thailand/

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CHALK TALK
Thailand's new language policy helps enhance cultural democracy
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Asia-Pacific region is known for its linguistic diversity, thanks to the different tongues used in countries such as Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and East Timor. However, Thailand has not been included in this list given its near universal use of standard Thai nationwide.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682416-thailands-new-language-policy-helps-enhance-cultural-democracy/

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Old Brit found dead in Pattaya

The Nation

PATTAYA: -- Smith Peter Derick, 76, was found dead in his rented house in Pattaya after falling in his bathroom.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682417-brit-found-dead-in-pattaya/

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POLITICS
Pheu Thai braces for the worst
Hataikarn Treesuwan
The Nation


Anti-government demonstrators at Democracy Monument place a picture of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on a krathong, a traditional decorative float, on Loy Krathong Day yesterday.

Experts on both sides agree court is not likely to back charter-change legislation

BANGKOK: -- The ruling Pheu Thai Party is preparing for the worst-case scenario on Wednesday when the Constitutional Court announces its ruling on the proposed amendment of the Constitution, a decision that could bring the government down.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682418-pheu-thai-braces-for-the-worst/

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New 'hybrid' course for nurses hopes to attract foreign students
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Touted as the first in the Asean region, the Ramathibodi School of Nursing under Ramathibodi Hospital's Faculty of Medicine, is planning to open an advanced international course for nurses at master's degree level through the so-called Hybrid Education Model, which offers live lectures and online lessons.

The course is aimed at improving the standard of local nursing personnel, while accommodating foreign students seeking higher education in Thailand when the Asean Economic Community (AEC) comes into affect in two years, said Asst Prof Jariya Witayasuporn, director of the Ramathibodi nursing school.

The Hybrid Education Model comprises a face-to-face interface through class lectures and lab-based courses, along with web-based or online subjects where curricula and learning materials can be obtained online. "The Hybrid Education Model offers stu?dents the freedom of when and where they can study," she added.

The two to three-year advanced international course in nursing at master's degree level will open in 2015 to around 20 students, at a cost of around Bt500,000. "It is expected to attract the inter?est of nursing students in the region who wish to pursue higher education in the field, as nursing courses in Thailand are of high quality and are widely-trusted by relevant institutes," said Jariya.

The web-based interface enables the course's duration to be reduced by half, as full-time nurses can study from home. This also increases the chances of getting permission from superiors to pursue their studies.

The Hybrid Education Model curricula has been approved by Mahidol University Council and is being prepared for next year's academic term in June.

Jariya said that many nursing schools under a network, of which Ramathibodi School of Nursing is a part, had shown inter?ests in the curricula. "The Hybrid Education Model may possibly be open to local students in the near future, and later extended to the doctoral level."

She said the Hybrid Education Model would offer a wider vari?ety of topics for students to do their research on. "It will be regu?lated by the Office of the Higher Education Commission, Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council, and Mahidol University's own edu?cation quality guarantee system, so the Hybrid Education Model can be trusted in terms of academic excellence," Jariya said.


-- The Nation 2013-11-18

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Locals Won't Be Missing 'Bangkok Stonehenge'
By Khaosod Online



BANGKOK: -- There is no doubt that, if left to stand for the next thousand years, the yet-unborn generations of Thais would be debating the possible purpose of hundreds of concrete pillars that lined the stretch of railroad in northern Bangkok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682420-locals-wont-be-missing-bangkok-stonehenge/

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AFTERMATH
Donations for Haiyan victims in the Philippines

Please note update of bank name

BANGKOK: -- The worst disaster in Philippine history, "supertyphoon" Haiyan ("Yolanda" in the Philippines) affected some 4.5 million people in at least six central islands, forced the evacuation of at least 800,000 Filipinos, and may have claimed thousands of lives. Communications, power and transportation links were severely damaged and in some areas completely destroyed. The worst-hit areas seem to be the provincial capital of Tacloban City and parts of Eastern Samar.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer, a member of the Asia News Network, is coordinating good donations through its Inquirer Help Fund for the Philippine Red Cross. The Inquirer Help Fund will also pool the various cash or check or bank transfer donations, and then depending on the circumstances, the Inquirer then uses the funds to purchase the necessary relief goods. The Inquirer usually tries to do this as near to the affected area as possible, not only to cut down on the transportation costs, but to help the local economy.

For Typhoon Haiyan, the priorities are food, water, medicine, and basic clothing. The Inquirer has several reporters in some of the affected areas, and they will help to identify which areas need help the most - and how to make sure that the relief goods reach the intended areas. The Inquirer periodically lists in the newspaper the names of the donors

Overseas donors may course their donations through:

ACCOUNT NAME: Philippine Daily Inquirer

ACCOUNT NUMBER: 286-2-286-00531-9

SWIFT CODE: mbtcphmm


-- The Nation 2013-11-18

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Two Russians, one Thai tourist police officer arrested for involvement with ATM skimmer gang; Bt2.9 million cash, 350 ATM cards found /MCOT

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,429.44, gains 8.78 points /MCOT

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Thai Airways board opted to find use for its decommissioned aircraft rather than selling it to a British firm representing a potential buyer (Saudi prince) /The Nation

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Suggestions on child and youth development to be proposed to Govt

BANGKOK, 18 November 2013 (NNT) – The Children and Youth Council of Thailand has organized a seminar to collect ideas and suggestions on child and youth development. The results of the seminar will be presented to PM Yingluck Shinawatra in order for the government to draw up policies according to the suggestions.

Social Development and Human Security Minister Paveena Hongsakul presided over the opening ceremony of the seminar aimed at collect opinions and ideas on how the government could help support child and youth development. The seminar was attended by representatives of 77 provinces across Thailand and 38 student networks, who brainstormed how everyone could take part in the development of Thai children, and how the country’s policy could help facilitate the move.

The ideas gathered at the seminar will be presented to the Premier. Apart from child and youth development, many other topics were discussed, which included domestic violence, ethics and morality among children, anti-corruption, environmental preservation, and educational development.

Minister Paveena on this occasion presented certificates and pins to members of the Children and Youth Council who have put in their efforts to make Thailand a better place to live in, particularly for children.


-- NNT 2013-11-18

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Suthep declares Nov 24 demise of Thaksin Regime
By English News



BANGKOK, Nov 18 – Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban has announced the fall of the Thaksin Regime on Sunday when the number of Thai people’s endorsements on a petition to impeach 310 MPs who voted for the amnesty bill will reach one million.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682446-suthep-declares-nov-24-demise-of-thaksin-regime/

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Seven Loy Krathong celebrants die in head-on bus collision in Buriram



BURIRAM: -- Seven Loy Lrathong festival celebrants were killed and nine others seriously injured when a pick-up truck they were travelling in collided head-on with a passenger bus on Narong-Buriram road shortly before midnight last night.
The fatal accident happened on Kilometer 27 on the road from Nangrong to Buriram at about 11.30 p.m.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682448-seven-loy-krathong-celebrants-die-in-head-on-bus-collision-in-thailand/

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Phuket: Buakaw to bring the pain tonight
The Phuket News



PHUKET: -- MUAY THAI - Legendary Muay Thai fighter Buakaw Banchamek will headline a night of fights at Patong Boxing Stadium on Sainamyen Road tonight (November 18).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682451-phuket-buakaw-to-bring-the-pain-tonight-november-18/

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Senate debates 2 trillion baht loan bill today

BANGKOK: -- The Senate will start debating the controversial 2 trillion baht loan bill late this morning under the watchful eyes of anti-government protesters who considered the bill as another explosive issue that could add more causes for protest intensification today.

The Senate earlier approved in principle to accept the loan bill for debate in the second and third reading after it passed the approval of the House of Representatives with a vote of 287 to 105 with 11 abstentions on September 21.

The huge 2 trillion baht loan bill came under strong attack by the opposition Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva who said the huge loan will provide huge fiscal burdens for future generations with an estimated additional 3 trillion baht in interest over the course of 50 years. The burden of paying off this massive loan rests on the current and future taxpayers, children and their grandchildren.

A total of 54 senators have reserved their rights to debate the bill, of which Sections 3 and 6 have been changed by the majority of the Senate Scrutiny Committee.

The debate was initially set to end today but could be extended to tomorrow if necessary.

The bill authorizes the Finance Ministry to seek loans totally 2 trillion baht for infrastructure development or high speed train network, project.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/senate-debates-2-trillion-baht-loan-bill-today/

-- Thai PBS 2013-11-18

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Volunteers catch Phuket cobra in henhouse
Eakkapop Thongtub


The cobra was caught before it managed to make a meal of any of the chickens.

PHUKET: -- Kusondharm Foundation volunteers on Saturday evening (November 16) caught a one-metre Siamese cobra that had been preying on a 60-year-old woman’s chickens.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682455-phuket-volunteers-catch-cobra-in-henhouse/

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Govt keen on uplifting education system in South

BANGKOK, 18 November 2013 (NNT) – The government is keen on upgrading the education system in southern provinces of Thailand, in line with each community's religion and culture.

Speaking at a conference held in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang said he had gathered opinions from all relevant agencies in order to draw up strategies for the implementation of education reform, adding that the new system will be in line with the culture, tradition, religion, preferences, environment, and economy of each community. He said the government would mainly focus on the violence-torn border provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. In addition, more Malay language courses will be provided to students in the south, so that they will be able to communicate with their fellow Muslims around the world.

The conference saw over 2,000 people from 14 southern provinces in attendance. The aim was for the country to find the most suitable path that would lead to an integrated education reform.

-- NNT 2013-11-18

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UPDATE:
Tourist killed in Thailand not a Kiwi

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682404-new-zealander-killed-in-samui-car-crash/page-2#entry7051213

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Phuket Police arrest American man for sexual assault on a 13-year-old girl
Phuket Gazette


American fugitive Forrest Wayne (left) is taken into custody by Phuket Police. Photo: Patong Police

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682463-phuket-police-arrest-american-man-for-sexual-assault-on-a-13-year-old-girl/

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Russian ATM skimming suspects arrested



BANGKOK: -- Two Russian ATM skimming suspects were arrested late this morning in Nakhon Ratchasima province as they were withdrawing cash from a teller machine in front of Nakhon Ratchasima city hall.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682466-two-russian-atm-skimming-suspects-arrested-in-thailand/