Thailand Live Monday 31 Mar 2014

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Mercedes-driving Hot Shot crushes less rich, slower man in his way, witnesses say
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Driving cautiously can be a dangerous thing on the road, that is if you get in the way of Mr. Mercedes Big Shot and provoke his rage.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715250-mercedes-driving-hot-shot-totally-right-to-crush-less-rich-slower-man-in-his-way-witnesses-report/

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Phuket lawyer wins senator poll, 'No Vote' comes second
Phuket Gazette - 2014-03-31 12:34 PM


Local lawyer Chaiyot Panyawai (wearing garlands) has won the contest to become Phuket’s new representative in the Upper House. Photo: PR Dept

PHUKET: -- Unofficial results of yesterday’s senatorial election on the island indicate that local lawyer Chaiyot Panyawai, 47, has won the contest to become Phuket’s new representative in the Upper House.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715263-phuket-lawyer-wins-senator-poll-no-vote-comes-second/

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Pakistani court charges former President Pervez Musharraf with high treason /BBC

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Fleecing Ichitan: Thai marching band wins Dutch gold medal by competing with themselves
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- After camping out in Thonglor and guilting Ichitan's CEO into paying millions of baht to compete on two continents, the little performers of a school band managed to win a gold medal after all. By competing with themselves.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715290-fleecing-ichitan-thai-marching-band-wins-dutch-gold-medal-by-competing-with-themselves/

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Elton John to marry longtime partner

WASHINGTON - Pop icon Elton John says he will tie the knot with partner David Furnish now that his native Britain has legalized gay marriage.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715294-elton-john-to-marry-longtime-partner/

[Lite Beer]

Yala province commemorates those who lost their lives from southern unrest with Buddhist ceremony

YALA 31 March 2014 (NNT) — Yala province has held a public merit making ceremony offering alms to 323 monks in a symbolic gesture to commemorate those who have lost their lives in the southern unrest.

Governor of Yala, Dejrath Simsiri, and other top officials of the province presided over the opening of the Buddhist merit making ceremony, held to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in Thailand’s notorious southern rift.

The ceremony included a procession offering alms to 323 monks from 4 different temples in the southern provinces. The public event was joined by many government officials, in addition to police, soldiers, students, and Buddhist members of the general public.

The alms offering ceremony has been held every year in Yala province. This year marks its 10th year anniversary and the 100th time such a ceremony has been held in the province.

-- NNT 2014-03-31

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Suspicion in new evidence prompts court to acquit all officers in the missing Saudi businessman case

BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court today acquitted five senior police officers of abduction and murder charges in connection with the disappearance of Saudi businessman Mohammad Al-Ruwaili in 1990 after finding the evidence produced by the state prosecutors contained several causes of suspicions.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715236-charges-against-thai-police-in-saudi-murder-trial-dismissed/page-2#entry7631919

[Lite Beer]

CMPO praises EC for smooth Senate election

BANGKOK, 31 March 2014 (NNT) – Chalerm Yubamrung, the Director of the Center for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) has praised the Election Commission (EC) for running the Senate election smoothly and has urged them to set a new general election date as soon as possible.

He also said that the EC should not fear threats from Suthep Thuagsuban, Secretary-General of the PDRC.

As PDRC leaders are meeting on April 5th, the same day as a Red Shirts mass rally, he believes that no confrontation will occur.

Meanwhile, he said that the number of red shirt supporters is more than PDRC supporters, so Mr. Suthep should end the rally as he once promised.

-- NNT 2014-03-31

[Lite Beer]

STR announces the group will not protest today

BANGKOK, 31 March 2014 (NNT) — The Student and People Network for Thailand's Reform (STR) has announced today that the group will not be demonstrating in the streets of Bangkok.

The STR has announced that the group will not be demonstrating today, but are willing to discuss politics with those who are interested in the topic. The atmosphere at the current gathering site at Chamai Maruchet Bridge on Phitsanulok Road was reported to be relatively empty.

Press groups around the STR main site have reported no major movements, and no public speeches are being made on stage today. However, the security around the area remains tight.

-- NNT 2014-03-31

[Lite Beer]

No sign of Yingluck at NACC

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker premier Yingluck Shinawatra on Monday worked at the defence permanent secretary's office on Chaeng Wattana Road, arriving at her temporary office at 10am.

It is still unknown if she will defend herself in person at the anti-corruption agency over the rice-pledging scheme.

-- The Nation 2014-03-31

[Lite Beer]

Meteorological Department warns of extremely hot weather in various areas

BANGKOK, 31 March 2014 (NNT) - According to the Meteorological Department, temperatures can reach a blistering 40 degrees Celsius in certain areas across the country.

A low pressure area is covering northern Thailand, causing hot weather in most of the region and extremely hot weather in some particular locations in the north, northeastern, and central regions.

In Mae Hong Son, Tak and Lampang provinces, the highest temperatures have been reported to reach around 36-40 degrees Celsius.

Similar reports were also found in the northeastern region, where extremely hot weather and gloomy weather persist during midday while some areas in Loei Province have reported the highest temperatures at around 38-40 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, the provinces in the central region including Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, and Kanchanaburi provinces have reported temperatures at 37-40 degrees Celsius.

As for Bangkok and its suburbs, temperatures remain relatively lower at 34-37 degrees Celsius.

-- NNT 2014-03-31

[Lite Beer]

Regional papers team up to provide in-depth news on single platform
Asia News Network

Insightful news on Asean is now within easy reach as four national papers, including The Nation, join hands to provide full reports daily from their countries on a single platform.

Readers will get in-depth news, written from a local perspective, from The Nation, The Star (Malaysia), The Jakarta Post (Indonesia) and Philippine Daily Inquirer with one ePaper subscription.

The CIMB-Asean ePaper offer will start publishing tomorrow. Subscribers to The Nation e-Paper can enjoy the three additional regional publications by logging onto thenation.newspaperdirect.com via a PC, tablet or mobile device. Annual subscriptions are just US$115, with the first seven issues free.

-- The Nation 2014-03-31

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UPDATE:

Court dismisses Saudi businessman's murder case
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, March 31 – The Criminal Court today acquitted charges against five Thai police officers in connection with the illegal detention and premeditated murder of a Saudi businessman 24 years ago.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715236-charges-against-thai-police-in-saudi-murder-trial-dismissed/page-2?p=7632164#entry7632164

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PM arrives at NACC

Caretaker Prime Miniser Yingluck Shinawatra arrived at the National Anti-Corruption Commission at 2:30pm Monday.

She was escorted in a wheelchair upon arrival.


-- The Nation 2014-03-31

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Nong Khai celebrates Civil Servants' Day

NONGKHAI, 31 March 2014 (NNT) –At Prajaksilpakom Meeting Hall, Nong Khai Government Center, Nong Khai Governor Wirat Limsuwat, today presided over Civil Servants' Day and awarded certificates to prominent civil servants.

April 1st of each year from 1980 marks Civil Servants' Day, as well as the adoption of the Civil Service Act in B.E. 2472 (1929). Historically, the day also commemorates King Rama III who first laid down the foundations of a civil service in Thailand.

Prominent full time or part time civil servants are selected annually to receive the honor.

This year the three civil servants are Pol.Gen Somchai Sanguansakpakdee, Superintendent of Thabo Police Station; Mr. Anusorn Wannawong, director of Baanprabatnahong School; and Ms. Jiajai Phromma, Technical Nurse (Experienced Level) of Nong Khai Hospital.


-- NNT 2014-03-31

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Australia says no time limit on hunt for Malaysian jet

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709464-missing-malaysia-airlines-jet-carrying-239-triggers-southeast-asia-search/page-134?p=7632263#entry7632263

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Surin kicks off Khao Sawai annual event

SURIN, 31 March 2014 (NNT) -- Thousands of tourists and local residents have joined in Surin's annual event to pay respect to sacred things and holy spirits on Khao Sawai Mountain.

The ceremony began at the auspicious time of nine o'clock and nine minute on Monday morning at the Kho Sawai national park, just only 22 kilometers from downtown Surin.

Locals have long believed that there are nine sacred things on the three peaks of Khoa Sawai mountain. Paying respect to the nine sacred things on the first day of the year in the lunar calender, which falls on March 31 for this year, they believe they will be blessed with good luck and prosperity.

The Surin municipality has, therefore, organized the event annually for locals and visitors to make merit. An activity which attracts visitors is ringing one or more of the 1,080 bells, taken from other temples in the province for the occasion, on one of Khao Sawai peaks.

-- NNT 2014-03-31

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Group polls people at rally sites to assess reform demands
BUDSARAKHAM SINLAPALAVAN
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- A PARALLEL survey involving ordinary people has provided a similar but more detailed result than the opinions gathered in the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) reform forum, a civic group claimed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715326-group-polls-people-at-rally-sites-to-assess-reform-demands/

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PM leaves NACC at a brief presence

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Prime Miniser Yingluck Shinawatra left the National Anti-Corruption Commission at 3:00 pm after meeting the anti-graft body for about 20 minutes.

She went to the NACC head office to defend herself in the malfeasance change related to the rice-pledging scheme.


-- The Nation 2014-03-31

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Chief medical inspector counters CBC's Belanger sisters death report
Phuket Gazette


Canadian sisters Noemi and Audrey Belanger were found dead on Phi Phi Island in 2012. Photo: Facebook

PHUKET: -- The chief medical inspector called in to investigate the mysterious deaths of Canadian sisters Noemi and Audrey Belanger on Phi Phi Island in 2012 has dismissed reports that said the sisters died from poisoning from a specific pesticide.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715330-chief-medical-inspector-counters-cbcs-belanger-sisters-death-report/

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Phuket Countdown to confusion
Phuket Gazette


Deadline for completion of the 187-million-baht Phuket project is October 15. Photo: Supplied

PHUKET: -- The Phuket Gazette has learned that Phuket has been named as the pilot province for a nationwide project that will eventually see all “countdown” traffic lights retrofitted to show Thai numerals instead of the more popular Arabic numbers currently used in most countries, including Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715331-phuket-countdown-to-confusion/

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Summer storms warning this week



BANGKOK: -- The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department Monday warned of summer storms, gusting winds and hails from April 2-4 in 37 provinces.

Department chief Chatchai Promlert said the warning to 37 provinces in the country’s Northeast, North and Central came after the Meteorological Department reported low pressure system covering the upper part of Thailand and a northeasterly wind over the lower Northeast will bring a hot to very hot spell to the both areas with isolated summer thunderstorms and hail during that period.

The 37 provinces are: Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Buri Ram, Surin, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Kalasin, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Ubon Ratchathani, Amnat Charoen, Si Sa Ket, Yasothon, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Bung Kan, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phayao, Phrae, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Phitsanulok, Tak, Sukhothai, Phetchabun and Uttaradit.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/summer-storms-warning-week/


-- Thai PBS 2014-03-31

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Chalerm warns ‘neutral PM candidates’ to think carefully before accepting the role



BANGKOK, 31 Mar 2014 (NNT) - Director of the Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) and caretaker Labor Minister Chalerm Yubamrung has urged anyone who are picked by the People’s Democratic Reform Committee to take the role of a neutral prime minister to think carefully before taking up the responsibility.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715338-chalerm-warns-neutral-pm-candidates-to-think-carefully-before-accepting-the-role/

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Action stunt leaves fleeing Phuket thief with broken neck
Phuket Gazette


Mr Mongkolchai was trying to jump from one apartment building to the next to escape his knife-wielding pursuer when he fell four floors. Photo: Thawit Bilabdullar

PHUKET: -- A man broke his neck after falling from the fourth floor of a Phuket apartment building while trying to escape two women who caught him red-handed stealing from their room.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715342-action-stunt-leaves-fleeing-phuket-thief-with-broken-neck/

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Russian Female Hit In The Face With Rock During Robbery

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715343-russian-female-hit-in-the-face-with-rock-during-robbery/

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Thai PM defends herself against negligence charges
by Aidan JONES

BANGKOK, March 31, 2014 (AFP) - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra testified Monday in front of anti-graft officials over negligence charges that could lead to her removal from office and a ban from politics.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715347-thai-pm-defends-herself-against-negligence-charges/

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SET index closed 1,376.26, up 7.36; Bt19900(sell). Bt/USD32.30; GBP53.63; AUD29.68; EUR44.29; CAD29.08; HKD4.15; SGD25.50; JPY31.23

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Strange details emerge in Phuket Russian kidnapping case
Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: -- As police wait for confirmation that the corpse found on Saturday afternoon (March 29) in the Baan Don area is that of missing Russian Alexei Slabinsky, more details of the background to the case are emerging, often conflicting with earlier versions.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715348-strange-details-emerge-in-phuket-russian-kidnapping-case/

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Sukhumbhand suspends his Bangkok governorship
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, March 31 - Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra today announced leaving his official duties temporarily while awaiting a court ruling on his allegedly benefiting from campaign slander.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715351-sukhumbhand-suspends-his-bangkok-governorship/

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Five anti-government leaders to face police
The Nation

BANGKOK:-- Five of the 58 anti-government rally leaders facing charges of sedition have contacted police and will report on Wednesday, a working group member of Centre for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO).

Sirima Sunawin said the five are Ong-art Klampaiboon, Boonyod Sukthinthai, Tossapon Pengsom, Charnwit Wipusiri and Nattaya Benjasiriwan.

The five are scheduled to meet special investigative police on Wednesday.

Sirima said the rest of the rally leaders, including National Security Chief Tawil Pliensri, should surrender themselves within this week otherwise police will submit their cases to public prosecutors for further legal action.


-- The Nation 2014-03-31