Thailand Live Sunday 16 Mar 2014

[Lite Beer]

Mixed reactions to mediation bid
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Caretaker government's coalition partners and other organisations and groups gave a mixed response to the attempt by seven independent agencies under the Constitution to present a road map and attempt to mediate between both sides of the political divide.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/711228-mixed-reactions-to-mediation-bid/

[Lite Beer]

Pheu Thai lawyer claims PM was treated unfairly
The Sunday Nation

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra arrives at an eatery in Chiang Mai that sells noodle soup for Bt30 a bowl. Guards paid close attention after an uneven floor caused her to fall outside the shop.

BANGKOK: -- Lawyers for the ruling Pheu Thai Party yesterday criticised independent agencies for what they claimed was unfair treatment of the prime minister.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/711230-pheu-thai-lawyer-claims-pm-was-treated-unfairly/

[Lite Beer]

Jatuporn new UDD chief
The Sunday Nation

Ayutthaya -- Jatuporn Promphan will be the new chairman of the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) movement, outgoing leader Thida Thavornseth announced yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/711231-jatuporn-new-udd-chief/

[Lite Beer]

Koh Pha-ngan drought
Suwannee Bunditsak
The Sunday Nation

The severe drought on Koh Pha-ngan in Surat Thani has resulted in tap water being provided only twice a day but the move won't affect tourism, the island's waterworks authority branch manager Wutthiporn Boondee said yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/711234-koh-pha-ngan-drought/

[Lite Beer]

Ministry to try homeopathy in Sing Buri to fight dengue
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Public Health Ministry is thinking of implementing alternative therapy homeopathy in all districts of Sing Buri this year, after a report that it could boost the human's body immunity to fight dengue fever, an inspector-general at the ministry said.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/711235-ministry-to-try-homeopathy-in-sing-buri-to-fight-dengue/

[Lite Beer]

Voting fraud by MP helped kill loan bill
Khanittha Thepphaojorn
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai MP caught using colleagues' id cards by rival, who filmed his illegal act

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/711236-voting-fraud-by-mp-helped-kill-loan-bill/

[Lite Beer]

Nong Khai chickens died of two 'fowl only' diseases
The Sunday Nation

NONG KAI: -- Lab results found that the mysterious death of more than 3,000 chickens at a farm in Tha Bo district in Nong Khai was from Gumboro, which is also known as bursal disease, and fowl cholera.

The deaths took place from March 1-10 and resulted in a financial loss of Bt450,000.

Neti Chansanitsri, Nong Khai Livestock Development Office's animal health development division head, said Gumboro and fowl cholera were transmitted only among fowls.

Neti said the office would show farmers how to implement preventive methods against the diseases.

-- The Nation 2014-03-16

[Lite Beer]

Farm agrees to stop photos of kids with crocodiles
The Sunday Nation

CHIANG MAI: -- Education Ministry permanent secretary Suthasri Wongsaman yesterday ordered a probe into an allegation circulating on the Internet on Friday relating to a Chiang Mai kindergarten taking children on a field trip and allowing kids to get close to crocodiles for photographs without adult supervision.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/711238-farm-agrees-to-stop-photos-of-kids-with-crocodiles/

[Lite Beer]

Slaying and burning of woman teacher 'inhumane'
The Sunday Nation

PATTANI: -- Fourth Army Region chief Sakon Chuentrakul yesterday condemned the shooting and burning of a teacher in Pattani as an inhumane act.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/711239-slaying-and-burning-of-woman-teacher-inhumane/

[Lite Beer]

Don't return Uighurs to China, US urges
The Sunday Nation

Muslim asylum seekers, believed to be from the Uighur minority from China, sit in a police truck transporting them to a temporary shelter yesterday after being detained by immigration police in Songkhla.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/711241-dont-return-uighurs-to-china-us-urges/#entry7566907

[Lite Beer]

Suspected bomber arrested
Khanathit Srihirandej
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- A suspect in the March 2, 2013 bombing in Yala that killed two rangers has been arrested in Bangkok, police said yesterday.

The bombing in Muang Yala district also injured six rangers and four civilians

The suspect, Muhammad-kosi Beuto, 24, was arrested on Friday evening in Bangkok's Min Buri district.

He said he was innocence and for the past two years he had been studying in Bangkok, where he was at the time of the bombing.

Crime Suppression Department chief Pol Colonel Akkaradet Pimolsri said Muhammad-kosi had two or three accomplices and police were gathering evidence so arrest warrants could be issued.

He said Muhammad-kosi would be sent to the Southern Border Provinces Police Operation Centre.

-- The Nation 2014-03-16

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Plane 'disappearance deliberate'
Kuala Lumpur

A well-wisher writes a message for the passengers of a missing Malaysia Airlines plane on a banner at Kuala Lumpur International Airport yesterday. The missing aircraft

Communication was manually switched off and jet flew for hours after that, says Najib; Search operations in South China Sea called off

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/711115-disappearance-of-malaysian-jet-appears-deliberate-pm/page-7?p=7566920#entry7566920

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL
Thailand will have blood on its hands if refugees are sent back
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The discovery of 220 'Uighurs' in Songkhla will test the country's moral courage - to resist Beijing and consider the people involved

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/711242-thailand-will-have-blood-on-its-hands-if-refugees-are-sent-back/

[Lite Beer]

-- The Nation 2014-03-16

[Lite Beer]

Security team is set to ensure safety during upcoming Yala senatorial election

YALA, 15 March 2014 (NNT) - Yala's Governor Dejrat Simsiri stated that the Yala Administration and police officials have put together a security team for the upcoming senatorial election on March 23 and 30, with two police officers and two volunteers at polling station.

Moreover, for the sake of security, outside the polling area, army, police and volunteers will cover all the province since voting in the southern provinces presents a risk. Officials have been meeting, planning and practicing in order to guarantee the security and efficiency of this upcoming senatorial election.

-- NNT 2014-03-16

[Lite Beer]

RT@191Thailand: Last night a pick-up truck in Kamphaeng Phet hit a tree killing six & injuring one. Children were among the dead - TR @songpon05

[Lite Beer]

Raging Phuket black market passport trade
Phuket Gazette -

PHUKET: Police have admitted they are powerless to prevent motorcycle and car rental operators from holding foreign tourists’ passports as collateral against potential damage to rented vehicles.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/711246-raging-phuket-black-market-passport-trade/

[Lite Beer]

RT@mpoppel: Great map by the NYT that clearly shows the region where Flight 370 may be pbs.twimg.com/media/BizG8JbC… (h/t @AntDeRosa)

[Lite Beer]

Eight districts in Chiang mai declared drought-affected areas

CHIANG MAI, 14 March 2014 (NNT) – Eight districts in Chiang Mai have been declared as drought-affected areas, specifically in 29 Subdistricts and 212 villages, and a total of 77,871 people have been affected. The eight districts include Doi Tao, Chai Prakarn, Prao, Doilo, Om Koi, Hang Dong, Sanpatong and Hod.

According to official reports, 21,005 people in two districts, 7 subdistricts and 44 villages lack an adequate drinking water supply, while 71,856 acres of agricultural areas are short of water, as well as 3,927 acres for livestock farms. Now, local administrators and districts are providing initial help to relieve people’s suffering.

-- NNT 2014-03-15

[Lite Beer]

Phuket Opinion: Preventing passport malpractice
Phuket Gazette -

Foreigners should be wary of rental operators who might monkey around with passports. Photo: Gazette Graphics

PHUKET: The revelation that two passengers aboard the ill-fated Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 were travelling on passports stolen in Phuket (story here) once again highlights the need for a serious and sustained crackdown on the use of travel documents as collateral on motorbike, car, and jet-ski rentals.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/711246-raging-phuket-black-market-passport-trade/#entry7567158

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Jatuporn to become new UDD leader

AYUTTHAYA: -- Jatuporn Prompan was named the new chairman of the redshirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/711231-jatuporn-new-udd-chief/#entry7567187

[Lite Beer]

PDRC co-leader Akanat Promphan posted on his Facebook page shortly after midnight Sunday that a M 79 grenade was fired into his home again for the second time within a week. He said the grenade landed on the backyard garden at 7.10 p.m. Saturday night. Nobody was hurt , he said.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/31874/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=31874

-- Thai PBS 2014-03-16

[Lite Beer]

‘Vacharayan Bucha’ funeral rites to be held for the late Supreme Patriarch

BANGKOK, 16 March 2014 (NNT) - Bovoranives Vihara Monastery and the Indian Embassy in Bangkok will jointly hold 3-day funeral rites this week to be dedicated to the late Supreme Patriarch, His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara , at Tamnak Phet building in Bovoranives Monastery.

The ceremony officially named “Vacharayan Bucha Rites for the Remains of the Supreme Patriarch, Indian-Thai Relationship”, will be held from March 17-19 in line with the merit-making tradition of Vacharayan Buddhism. The rites comprise the creation of Sand Mandala, the molding of Butter sculptures and the chanting of prayers honoring the Buddha, his teachings and the monks. 10 Tibetan Lama monks will also perform chanting dedicated to the Supreme Patriarch. This will be followed by three sets of worshiping dances involving dancing of angels, dancing to get rid of delusion and dancing of the god of death.

The rites will be attended by the Ambassador of India, Mr. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and members of the Techaphaibul Family, host of the nightly requiems. Members of the public are invited to attend the 3-day rites to be held during March 17-19, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

-- NNT 2014-03-16

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Thailand suspends search for missing MH370

BANGKOK, 16 March 2014 (NNT) – Thailand has suspended its operation searching for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 that has gone missing since March 8th, pending new assistance requests from Malaysian.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/711115-disappearance-of-malaysian-jet-appears-deliberate-pm/page-8?p=7567495#entry7567495

[Lite Beer]

M79 grenade fired at house of Suthep's wife

BANGKOK: -- An M79 grenade was fired at the house of the wife of People's Democratic Reform Committee secretary general Suthep Thaugsuaban Saturday night, she said.

Srisakul Promphan, Suthep's wife, posted a message on her Facebook wall that a M79 grenade was fired at her house and it landed in the lawn near the dining room.

"I was at home when the grenade landed. I don't know how many more grenades will be fired to satisfy them. But we will fight on. Although they want to take our lives, the kamnan [suthep] will fight with his life," Srisakul posted.

Her son, PDRC spokesman Akanat Promphan, posted a message on his Facebook wall that no one was injured in the attack at 7:10 pm.

-- The Nation 2014-03-16

[Lite Beer]

Protesters to allow passport application at Cheang Wattana to proceed

BANGKOK, 16 March 2014 (NNT) – Protesters at Chaeng Wattana led by Buddha Isara will allow civil servants to enter the Government Complex on March 18th to resume passport application services.

People looking to renew or apply for a passport will be able to do so at Chaeng Wattana after the protesters agreed to allow the resumption of passport application service at the Government Complex.

Revealing after having negotiated with protest leader Buddha Isara, the Department of Consular Affairs said the seventh floor of the Government Complex building on Chaeng Wattana Road would be opened on Tuesday (March 18) from 9am to 2.30pm for passport application.

At this initial stage, the Consular Affairs expects to be able to process at least 500 passport applications per day.

Other locations where citizens can have their passports renewed are Bangna and Pinklao temporary offices, as well as passport offices nationwide.

-- NNT 2014-03-16

[Lite Beer]

Letter from the Phuket Governor: Creating unity in a time of discord
Phuket Gazette -

Caring about others and taking steps to help them makes for a more humane society, says Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut. Photo: Chutharat Plerin

Maitri Inthusut arrived on the island to take up the position of Governor of Phuket in October 2012. With a master’s degree in political science from Thammasat University, he joined the National Security Council, rising to the position of NSC Secretary-General, before taking up the position of Chief Secretary for Secretariat of the Cabinet. He has also served as Governor of the provinces of Trang and Phayao.

Here, in his third ‘Letter from the Governor’, he thanks two foreigners who helped Phuket residents in need.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/711283-letter-from-the-phuket-governor-creating-unity-in-a-time-of-discord/

[Lite Beer]

DCA to establish agency to manage airports

BANGKOK, 16 Mar 2014 -- The Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) is looking at the possibility of establishing an agency to manage all of the 28 airports under the department’s supervision.

According to Deputy Director General of the Department, Seree Jitsopha, the department has been conducting a feasibility study of the project; other relevant researches are also underway. It expected to reach a conclusion by the end of September.

The establishment of the agency is necessary in order to facilitate various services of the airport, as the arrival of the ASEAN Economic Communiy (AEC) in 2015 will definitely attract various international airlines, said Seree. He also said that airports in popular rural destinations such as Udon Thani Province have potential to offer international flights in addition to their domestic routes. Korean Airline, for example, has earlier expressed its interest in flying direct flights between Udon Thani and Korea.

-- NNT 2014-03-16

[Lite Beer]

Import of luxury Items surged in 2013

BANGKOK, 16 Mar 2014 -- 2013’s import of luxury items considerably surged, jumping by 14.82% from 2012, said the Finance Ministry.

According to the Finance Ministry's data, 2013's import of luxury items was worth 102.4 billion baht. Import of perfume and cosmetics, the most popular items, was valued at 19.3 billion baht, a 35.63% jump year-on-year.

The top 5 luxury importing items included glass kitchenware & crystal decoration items, perfume & cosmetics, lighters, watches, and garments.

In the fourth quarter of last year alone, the value of import of the top 17 importing items was worth 25.4 billion baht, equivalent to 1.3% of overall import value in 2013, representing an increase of 1.02 billion baht or 4.2% year-on-year. Perfume and cosmetics remained the items of the quarter, having import value of 5.02 billion baht.

-- NNT 2014-03-16

[Lite Beer]

Bang Saen hit with oil slick

CHONBURI, 16 March 2014 (NNT) -- Oil slicks have been reported at Bang Saen Beach, causing over 100 of beach-goers to suffer from skin irritation.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/711287-bang-saen-hit-with-oil-slick/