Thailand Live Tuesday 1 Apr 2014

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NATIONAL BROADCASTING AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

NBTC to appeal after court backs RS right to World Cup
Usanee Mongkolporn
The Nation


Natee Sukonrat

'Must have' rule ruled out of plan to allow only 22 matches on free TV

BANGKOK: -- The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) will appeal to the Supreme Administrative Court against a lower court's ruling yesterday suspending the NBTC's "must have" rule in the case of World Cup soccer matches.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715459-nbtc-to-appeal-after-court-backs-rs-right-to-world-cup/

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THAI-SAUDI RELATIONS
Saudi embassy 'upset but not surprised'
The Nation



BANGOK: -- THE SAUDI ARABIAN embassy and relatives of a Saudi businessman whose mysterious disappearance 24 years ago upset Thai-Saudi relations voiced disappointment over a court ruling yesterday that dismissed a case against five police officers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715457-thai-court-ruling-saudi-embassy-upset-but-not-surprised/

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POLITICS
Top brass to step in
The Nation


Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra arrives at the National Anti-Corruption Commission yesterday to defend herself against the charge of condoning corruption in connection with the government

Military commanders will gather tomorrow to discuss political crisis amid fear of confrontation this weekend

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715458-thai-politics-top-brass-to-step-in/

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UPDATE:

BANGKOK
Sukhumbhand steps aside
TANATPONG KONGSAI
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra yesterday announced he was suspending his duties as governor due to legal proceedings that alleged he had benefited from a slanderous election campaign.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715351-sukhumbhand-suspends-his-bangkok-governorship/#entry7634447

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SENATE
EC gets complaints against Jaruvan, others
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Former Auditor General Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka, an avid opponent of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, has faced harsh criticism and electoral complaints after unofficially winning a Senate seat in Bangkok, a clear sign of the country's deeply divided political landscape.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715460-ec-gets-complaints-against-jaruvan-others/

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MIN BURI
Deaths of two men in blast linked to political strife: police
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- An ongoing investigation suggests that bomb blasts in Bangkok's Min Buri district on Saturday were related to intensifying political violence.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715462-deaths-of-two-men-in-bom-blast-linked-to-political-strife-bangkok-police/

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Wireless electricity to be launched in Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok residents will soon benefit from wireless electricity, after the Ministry of Energy and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration today announced plans for a major redevelopment of the capital’s electricity network.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715463-wireless-electricity-to-be-launched-in-bangkok/

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STREETWISE
The illusions clouding Thailand's energy outlook
Achara Deboonme

BANGKOK: -- The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) has hosted media trips to several countries over the past few years.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715464-the-illusions-clouding-thailands-energy-outlook/

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Pattaya Red Shirts force cancellation of anti-government concert in South Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- The Pattaya Pro-Government Red Shirts were out in-force late on Monday Night in South Pattaya after they received word of a music concert at a South Pattaya Restaurant featuring a well-known anti-government singer.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715465-pattaya-red-shirts-force-cancellation-of-anti-government-concert-in-south-pattaya/

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Shocked Residents as Toll Booths Appear Overnight

PATTAYA: -- During the night City Hall have introduced a new tollbooth at the start of Beach Road, as you enter from Dolphin Round about.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715466-pattaya-shocked-residents-as-toll-booths-appear-overnight/

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1 Million Baht Fire at Mitsubishi Showroom in North Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- Late on Monday Night a fire took hold of a Car Showroom in North Pattaya which is thought to have caused an estimated 1 Million Baht’s worth of damage.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715467-1-million-baht-fire-at-mitsubishi-showroom-in-north-pattaya/

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Pattaya Police Perfume on sale from Monday!



PATTAYA: -- In a move which has caused a mixed reaction, the Pattaya Police Chief announced on Monday the launch of his own brand of Perfumes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715468-pattaya-police-perfume-on-sale-from-monday/

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Phuket to stamp out 'indecency'
The Phuket News


A volunteer was persuaded by the authorities to get stamped with both the first offender (black) and repeat offender (red) stamps.

PHUKET: -- In an attempt to improve Phuket’s scenery, underdressed tourists are to be stopped by police and subjected to several penalties that will replace the current B500 fine.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715469-phuket-to-stamp-out-indecency/

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BURNING ISSUE
TV channels' portrayal of sexual violence harms our society
Chularat Saengpassa

BANGKOK: -- A few years ago, BEC World executive director Pravit Maleenont vowed to limit violence in TV Channel 3's series for the sake of society. Female activists - firmly convinced that violent acts shown in soap operas promotes violence in society - warmly welcomed this.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715470-tv-channels-portrayal-of-sexual-violence-harms-our-society/

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Release of health details 'could result in a jail term'
POUNGCHOMPOO PRASERT
THE NATION

UNAUTHORISED LEAKS A CRIME, NHCO SAYS

BANGKOK: -- THE NATIONAL Health Commission Office (NHCO) has warned against the unethical public release of patients' medical information.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715471-nhco-release-of-health-details-could-result-in-a-jail-term/

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Woman caught with 4kg of crystal meth
The Nation



CHIANG MAI: -- A Thai woman was arrested at Chiang Mai International Airport on the weekend carrying 4.2kg of crystal meth, which had a street value of well over Bt13 million.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715472-chiang-mai-woman-caught-with-4kg-of-crystal-meth/

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Two police cadets die in parachute mishap in Phetchaburi
The Nation



CHA-AM: -- Two police cadets plunged to their death after an accident in a parachute drill in Cha-am in Phetchaburi yesterday morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715474-two-police-cadets-die-in-parachute-mishap-in-phetchaburi/

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First ever SweCham event in Hua Hin



HUA HIN: -- On the 21st of March the CABINET Interior Design, together with Black Mountain Golf Club and Nishaville Resort, hosted a Thai-Swedish Chamber of Commerce networking event, the first ever to be held in Hua Hin.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715500-first-ever-swecham-event-in-hua-hin/

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Flood chaos on Phuket’s main artery as first rain falls
Eakkapop Thongtub


Flooding last night on Thepkrassattri Rd.

PHUKET: -- Heavy rain for the first time in months caused flooding and traffic jams in Thalang last night (March 31).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715502-flood-chaos-on-phukets-main-artery-as-first-rain-falls/

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Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,377.51, gains 1.25 points /MCOT

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Govt. to quickly seek funding source for this month’s rice pledging payment

BANGKOK, 1 April 2014 (NNT) - The Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) is reportedly seeking ways to fund pending payments worth approximately 20 billion baht under the rice pledging scheme this month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715504-thai-govt-to-quickly-seek-funding-source-for-this-months-rice-pledging-payment/

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CAPO to ensure safety and order on April 5

BANGKOK, 1 April 2014 (NNT) – The Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) will deploy security forces on April 5th when both pro and anti-government protesters plan to stage mass rallies.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715508-capo-to-ensure-safety-and-order-on-april-5/

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Anti-government protesters led by People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban started march from Lumpini park to Chaengwattana Government Complex at 9.30 a.m. on trucks and buses today to persuade government officials to stop serving what he called illegitimate government.

He stressed that as today (Tuesday) is the national civil servant day and is most important day for civil servants, they should come out to show their stance not to serve the bad and corrupted government. PDRC leader will join Luang Poo Buddha-issara at noon on Chaengwattan and will have lunch there.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/34404/


-- Thai PBS 2014-04-01

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Central bank: Thai economy weakens but far from recession
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Apr 1 – The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has given assurances that the Thai economy, despite deteriorating growth, has yet to suffer recession.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715509-central-bank-thai-economy-weakens-but-far-from-recession/

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Songkran festival the magnet for Thai tourism
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Apr 1 – Domestic tourism will return to life this month as Thai and foreign tourists celebrate the water-splashing Songkran festival nationwide.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715513-songkran-festival-the-magnet-for-thai-tourism/

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Tourism Authority of Thailand expects foreign tourists will fall over 10pct in 1st half 2014 if political stalemate does not improve by June /The Nation

Suthep leads PDRC anti-govt protesters to Govt Complex on Chaeng Wattana Rd; urged state employees to support PDRC /The Nation

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Buriram Governor expedites help for 16 drought afflicted provinces

BURIRAM, 1 April 2014 (NNT) — Buriram Governor Thongchai Leuadul has ordered related government agencies in the region to expedite the process of assisting those who have been affected by drought.

A total of 16 municipalities have been classified as drought disaster zones. Therefore, the Buriram Governor has recently sent out an order to expedite the process of assisting those in need. He has also informed any region with insufficient funds to directly request more from the province if needed.

So far, over 250,000 people in the province have been affected by the current drought crisis. Additional help is constantly being provided to alleviate the current difficulties that the locals are facing such as providing water for agricultural and animal farming usage.

Municipalities that have been declared as drought disaster zones will receive 100,000 baht each as aid money. However, for regions that are heavily affected and find that the initial funds are insufficient, the governor has urged them to request more directly from the province itself.


-- NNT 2014-04-01

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King urges all civil servants to serve the country with full dedication



BANGKOK: -- His Majesty the King has urged all civil servants to serve the country with full dedication and with regard to the plight and happiness of the people.

In marking the Civil Servants Day today, the King said to the civil servants that no matter what ranks and position levels they are in, or what duties they are performing, their work are all important to the country.

The King then urged them to work with their full capability, courage and sacrifice and also to be aware of all duties that they perform are correct and just.

He said all civil servants must always remind themselves that any fulfillment of duties will result in the plight and happiness of the people, as well as the prosperity and instability of the country.

(photo : www.facebook.com/infodivohm)

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/king-urges-civil-servants-serve-country-full-dedication/


-- Thai PBS 2014-04-01

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Chiang Rai police seize 400,000 meth pills

CHIANG MAI, 1 April 2014 (NNT) – Around 400,000 pills of methamphetamine have been seized in Chiang Rai, while Chiang Mai authorities have confiscated 4 kilograms of crystal meth.

A 27-year-old man has been apprehended for drug smuggling after a hot pursuit by the Chiang Rai police. According to authorities, 400,000 meth pills were being smuggled en route to Muang District of Chiang Rai. Along with the drugs, the police have confiscated a cellphone, a motorcycle, and a truck that was used to deliver the drugs. The culprit confessed that the drug belonged to a well-known drug network in the north and that he had picked up the drugs from a Hmong.

Meanwhile, another drug bust took place in Chiang Mai Province where 4 kilos of crystal meth, also known as “ya-ice”, were confiscated along with a 27-year-old woman traveling back from Hong Kong. According to Chiang Mai’s Customs Office, the drugs were neatly wrapped and hidden in 2 baby strollers. The police believed that the woman had connections with an Indonesian man who were earlier arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport for smuggling 33 kilograms of the similar drug.


-- NNT 2014-04-01

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Pheu Thai moves to accelerate the EC to hold a new round of general elections

BANGKOK, 1 April 2014 (NNT) - Pheu Thai Party chief Jarupong Ruengsuwan has proceeded with a move to accelerate the Election Commission (EC) to hold a new round of general elections within 45-60 days by forwarding them a letter to that effect expected to reach the EC today .

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715526-pheu-thai-moves-to-accelerate-the-ec-to-hold-a-new-round-of-general-elections/