Thailand Live Thursday 20 Mar 2014

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Kamphaeng Phet launches project to reduce power failures

KAMPHAENG PHET, 20 March 2014 (NNT) – Mr. Uayporn Suriyawong, the Manager of Kamphaeng Phet Electricity Authority, and Tha Khun Ram Subdistrict Administrative Organization, organized a Public Energy Alternatives (PEA) project to reduce power failures in the future.

Mr. Suraphon Vanichsenee, the Governor of Kamphaeng Phet presided over the opening of the project, which included Kamphaeng Phet’s heads of government sectors and more than 200 volunteers from Tha Khun Ram Subdistrict.

Mr. Uayporn said the PEA project to reduce power failure was organized to provide knowledge about how to use electricity sparingly and safely. It also allows people to take part in monitoring PEA’s electricity distribution system and transmission cables, which are the property of the government.

The project encourages people and volunteers to accurately and promptly inform the Provincial Electricity Authority Office, whenever there are power failure spots, as this will reduce electric current faults and lead to better service and a positive relationships between the PEA and the locals.

The Tha Khun Ram Administrative Organization was selected to participate in the project as the local leaders wish to solve electricity problems for their constituents. An MOU between the President of Tha Khun Ram Administrative Organization and the Manager of Kamphaeng Phet Electricity Authority was signed. The MOU guarantees cooperation and implementation of a plan to achieve set targets to ensure better electricity service.


-- NNT 2014-03-20

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POLITICS
Forum offers proposal for a directly elected PM
PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK
THE NATION

Ex-minister says move would make vote-buying almost impossible

BANGKOK: -- CHANGING THE SYSTEM to provide for a directly appointed prime minister was proposed during the fifth national reform forum held by the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) yesterday in Bangkok's Lumpini Park.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712316-forum-offers-proposal-for-a-directly-elected-thai-pm/

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POLITICS
Military to maintain bunkers despite lifting of emergency
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE MILITARY will maintain its force and 176 street bunkers across Bangkok, even though the government has lifted the emergency decree.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712317-military-to-maintain-bunkers-in-bangkok-despite-lifting-of-emergency/

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POLITICS
Court to decide fate of Feb 2 poll tomorrow
CHANIKARN PHUMHIRAN
THE NATION



Phongthep warns holding another poll could result in more casualties

BANGKOK: -- THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT will, tomorrow, make a much-awaited ruling on the validity of the February 2 election, a judgement that could end the ongoing political stalemate or further fuel conflict.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712170-constitutional-court-to-rule-friday-on-validity-of-feb-2-election/page-3#entry7583960

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LANDFILL
Fire shifts focus on illegal disposal
Thanapat Kitjakosol
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- DAYS OF SMOG from a burning landfill in Samut Prakan has shifted the spotlight on illegal disposal of garbage, especially toxic waste, in this area.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712318-samut-prakan-fire-shifts-focus-on-illegal-disposal/

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SAMUT PRAKARN
Fire may be put out today
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- THE LANDFILL FIRE in Samut Prakan that is billowing smoke and fumes across surrounding areas will probably be extinguished today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/711510-samut-prakan-garbage-site-fire-hundreds-of-families-evacuated/page-2#entry7583972

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Pattani bomb attack narrowly misses three
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Three local officials escaped a bomb attack in Pattani's Muang district on Tuesday night, Muang Pattani superintendent Pol Col Tuande Juthanant said.

Police yesterday morning inspected the scene near a bridge in Ban Deu Rahae and found the victims' Ford Escape SUV with its hood wrecked by the impact of the 20kg home-made bomb. The explosion left a 2.5-metre-wide and one-metre-deep hole on the ground.

The SUV owner, president of the district's kamnan and village headmen club, Baharudin Yusoh and two passengers --Tambon Barahoh Administrative Organisation vice presidents -- were not injured.

Baharudin, a well-known propagator of Islamic faith, has just returned from giving a "Da'wah" preaching at a local mosque. Police investigating the attack found Baharudin had been targeted in several attacks before.


-- The Nation 2014-03-20

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Positive factors fuel baht: BOT
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE BAHT has been rallying on growing optimism over the end to the Bangkok state of emergency and firming investor confidence in emerging-market countries after their economies did not slow down as expected.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712320-positive-factors-fuel-baht-bot/

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TELL IT AS IT IS
Thailand is swerving towards the edge of a moral, political precipice
Pornpimol Kanchanalak
Special to The Nation



BANGKOK: -- On Tuesday morning, bombs were lobbed at the Tonson Tower. Fortunately, they were duds. Why this building and why now?

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712321-thailand-is-swerving-towards-the-edge-of-a-moral-political-precipice/

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THAI TALK
If neither side blinks first, they will have to blink together
Suthichai Yoon
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- You could say their attempt was aborted. But when the six independent agencies proposed on Monday that both sides of the conflict come up with 10 names so that identical personalities could form the "mediation team" to end the country's long drawn-out face-off, they were in fact doing a "face-saving" act for themselves.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712322-thai-talk-if-neither-side-blinks-first-they-will-have-to-blink-together/

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EDITORIAL
Turning back the trash tsunami
The Nation

Illegal dumping threatens to turn our seas and beaches into a toxic mix of oil and plastic garbage; we need stronger rules to protect Thai waters

BANGKOK: -- Visitors to Bang Saen Beach, the popular weekend getaway in Chon Buri, recently suffered skin irritation after swimming in seawater tainted with oil. A passing ship has likely dumped the oil in the water.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712323-turning-back-the-trash-tsunami-thai-editorial/

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POLITICS
Foreign envoys asked to help invite tourists to Songkran
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Foreign Minister Surapong Tohvichakchaikul on Wednesday asked the foreign envoys to help invite their people to come to Thailand to enjoy the Songkran festival given that the state of emergency has already been cancelled."

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712324-foreign-envoys-asked-to-help-invite-tourists-to-songkran/

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Mounting trash becoming a national worry
Poungchompoo Prasert
The Nation

THE AMOUNT of household garbage nationwide has risen to 27 million tonnes, the Pollution Control Department (PCD) reported yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712325-mounting-trash-becoming-a-national-worry-thai-pcd/

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'Yaba'-heroin mix a new threat, police warn
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- A drug bust in Chiang Mai on March 17 that saw police seize 400,000 'yaba' pills exposed a new formula of yaba mixed with heroin, Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) secretary-general Pol Gen Pongsapat Pongcharoen said yesterday. The drug carried a logo of a lion on a globe.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712327-yaba-heroin-mix-a-new-threat-thai-police-warn/

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POLITICS
NACC to probe PM's role in ministers' speeches
ANUPHAN CHANTANA
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE NATIONAL Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has the right to interrogate caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra for allegedly failing to stop two ministers from provoking an uprising and introducing separatist sentiments, NACC deputy secretary general Witthaya Arkompitak said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712328-nacc-to-probe-yinglucks-role-in-ministers-speeches/

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BURNING ISSUE
Mediation role of six agencies was doomed from the start
ATTAYUTH BOOTSRIPOOM

BANGKOK: -- THE ATTEMPT by six independent organisations to mediate talks between the government and the rival Suthep camp to resolve the political deadlock met a premature end, because they got off to a wrong start.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712329-mediation-role-of-six-agencies-was-doomed-from-the-start-thai-politics/

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American wanted in connection with body found on Pattaya French Restaurant roof



PATTAYA: -- As Pattaya Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman whose decomposed body was found on the roof of a South Pattaya French Restaurant on Tuesday, the identity of the victim is now known and her American Boyfriend is now being sought by Police.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712330-american-wanted-in-connection-with-body-found-on-pattaya-french-restaurant-roof/

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Roof fire leads to evacuation of South Pattaya Hotel



PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Thursday 5 Fire Rescue Units were called to deal with a fire at a Hotel full of Thai and foreign tourists who were evacuated as a precaution.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712331-roof-fire-leads-to-evacuation-of-south-pattaya-hotel/

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UPDATE:

MISSING IN ACTION
Missing Malaysian jet a 'top priority' : Obama


Photo : the Star

WASHINGTON: -- President Obama said Wednesday the hunt for the missing Malaysian airliner is a "top priority," as the FBI joined the investigation into the mystery.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709464-missing-malaysia-airlines-jet-carrying-239-triggers-southeast-asia-search/page-99?p=7584593#entry7584593

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A bomb found near a pond in Chon Buri led to the discovery Thursday morning of more than 20 explosive devices hidden underwater - with more likely to be found. /Bangkok Post

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Gas field maintenance disrupting power supply next month
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Mar 20 – The Energy Ministry has mapped out measures to prevent power blackouts during the maintenance of the Bongkot gas field and Thai-Malaysian Joint Development Area (JDA) next month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712365-thailand-gas-field-maintenance-disrupting-power-supply-next-month/

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Thai stock index opens on Thursday at 1,358.36, falls 5.91 points /MCOT

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Hong Kong eases travel alert for Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Hong Kong has eased its outbound travel alert for Bangkok from the highest level of black to amber, the lowest of three alert levels, following the lifting of the state of emergency in the Thai capital effective Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712370-hong-kong-eases-travel-alert-for-bangkok/

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EOD retrieves 14 bombs found at pond in Chon Buri's Phanat Nikom district /MCOT

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Air Force asserts it did not cover up anything on MH370



BANGKOK, 20 March 2014 (NNT) – The Royal Thai Air Force made clear on Wednesday (March 19th) that it did not try to withhold radar information, after the incident where a Malaysia Airline's Boeing 777 went missing during an international flight.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712371-thai-air-force-asserts-it-did-not-cover-up-anything-on-mh370/

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RT @mpoppel: AP: Australian PM says 2 objects in search for Malaysian jet may have been found

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Nationalities of Muslim migrants to be urgently verified
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Mar 20 – Two international organisations have been asked to visit Thailand’s southern province of Songkhla to verify the origins of 218 Muslim migrants detained there, a senior Thai official said.

Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said the Thai government has contacted the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organisation for Migration to jointly take care of the illegal migrants.

Thai authorities believed the migrants to be Uighurs, an ethnic Muslim minority from Xinjiang region of China.

Turkey and China have intended to join the nationality verification process.

Mr Surapong said Thailand has strictly followed humanitarian principles in dealing with the migrants.

Thai officials were instructed to treat the migrants carefully and their safety must be taken into consideration in deporting them to their countries of origin, he said.

The nationality verification process should be hastened and completed as soon as possible, he said. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-03-20

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RT @mpoppel: Australian Maritime Safety Authority to hold media briefing in 1 hour after PM reports objects spotted on satellite imagery

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Phuket Police set to launch nationwide manhunt for Patong headhunter killers
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- Patong Police are preparing to send an alert to every police station in the country in the hopes of apprehending three prime suspects for the murder of Myanmar worker Wai Phyo Kyaw, 22, whose decapitated body was found dumped on Patong Hill on March 9.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712375-phuket-police-set-to-launch-nationwide-manhunt-for-patong-headhunter-killers/

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Two objects spotted possibly related to missing Malaysian MH370 - Australian PM

Two objects possibly related to the search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 have been sighted, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said on Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709464-missing-malaysia-airlines-jet-carrying-239-triggers-southeast-asia-search/page-99?p=7584921#entry7584921