Thailand Live Wednesday 2 Apr 2014

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Chachoengsao kicks off mango festival

CHACHOENGSAO, 2 April 2014 (NNT) -- Chachoengsao, just east of Bangkok, has kicked off its annual mango festival on Tuesday evening.

It is the fourth consecutive years that the province has organized the event with an aim to introduce local products to ASEAN market and beyond.

The province is one of the best mango growing areas in Thailand, focusing on organic mangoes which fetch better price in the international market.

During the ten-day festival, visitors can enjoy local food such as sticky rice with mango and green mango salad, shop in local agricultural product and craft fairs, watch on-stage performances and also witness competitions searching for best agricultural products.

The event will be wrapped up on April 10.


-- NNT 2014-04-02

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Ex-House speaker Somsak indicted for violating Constitution
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, April 2 -- Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Committee (NACC) on Tuesday indicted former parliament president and House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont for unlawfully performing his duty during a parliamentary debate on a Constitutional amendment concerning the composition of the Senate.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715830-ex-house-speaker-somsak-indicted-for-violating-constitution/

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Checks begin on foreigners working in Phuket dive industry
Anthika Muangrod

PHUKET: -- A senior official in the Foreign Labour section of the Phuket Employment Office has confirmed that officers will tomorrow (April 3) begin checking work permits of all those foreigners working in the dive industry in Phuket.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715831-checks-begin-on-foreigners-working-in-phuket-dive-industry/

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Suphan Buri plays host to international bike marathon

SUPHAN BURI, 2 April 2014 (NNT) – Suphan Buri Province has hosted an international bike marathon in an attempt to promote local tourism.

The bike marathon entitled “Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Cup Tour of Thailand 2014” started in front of the Heaven Dragon Village near Suphan Buri City Hall and ended in front of Uthai Thani City Hall.

The 192-kilometer long marathon saw a number of bikers including foreigners from 22 countries around the world.

The aim of the event was to promote tourist destinations of both Suphan Buri and Uthai Thani Provinces as bikers were able to appreciate the nature and historic sites along the way.

The opening ceremony was presided over by former Prime Minister and Chartthaipattana Party chief advisor Banharn Silpa-archa.


-- NNT 2014-04-02

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The Royal Forest Department intensifies its measures of combating illegal logging

MAE HONG SON, 2 April 2014 (NNT) — The Royal Forest Department is working closely with the Salaween National Park to combat illegal logging in the nation.

Mae Hong Son’s Director of the Royal Forest Department Region 1 has announced the collaboration, saying 150 Royal Forest Department officials and volunteers are keeping a watchful eye out for illegal activities in the Salaween National Park, Mae Hong Son province, particularly illegal logging.

The operation is an integrated and joint cooperation between public officials and locals that are assisting in the apprehension of illegal loggers. Two main operation centers have been set up at Ban Sop Moei and Mae Khae villages. Public relations efforts are launched to educate locals about helping to fight illegal logging and to create a network of informants on suspicious activities in the area.

The Royal Forest Department also noted that all those in violation of the law will be brought to swift justice with the utmost strictness.


-- NNT 2014-04-02

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Kidnapping of Phuket boy, 4, foiled at bus terminal
Phuket Gazette


Yupin Matratturat (left) and Thanawat Ouanain were caught at Phuket Bust Terminal 2, waiting to board a bus to Bangkok with Nong Ice, 4. Photo: PR Dept

PHUKET: -- Quick action by a Phuket village headman last night stopped a couple about to board a bus to Bangkok with a 4-year-old boy who had been abducted from his home in Koh Kaew.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715837-kidnapping-of-phuket-boy-4-foiled-at-bus-terminal/

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RT @191Thailand: Explosion this morning at a recycle shop on Soi Lat Plakhao 72 , Bang Khen #Bangkok - TR @Arisaralive: http://t.co/1uRSBgU6Lr

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No reports of movement at PDRC’s Chaeng Wantana protest site

BANGKOK 2 April 2014 (NNT) — The People’s Democratic Reform Committee’s protesting site at Chaeng Wantana has been relatively calm with no movements observed. Reports have indicated that the core leaders are preparing to oust the premier on April 4.

The PDRC’s Chaeng Wantana protest site has been relatively quiet this morning, with no noticeable movements reported. Demonstrators are resting in the area, while watching Bluesky Channel for updates on the political situation.

The monk-turned-protest-leader, Luang Pu Buddha Issara, who has been camping at Sala Ruen Thai, was seen carrying out his daily monkhood duties this morning; showing no signs of preparation to lead another protest soon.

Meanwhile, followers of the monk disclosed that the PDRC core leaders are currently preparing a petition to oust Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, which is set to take place on April 4; they are also preparing necessary documents explaining to the foreign press why the recent election has been rejected.


-- NNT 2014-04-02

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Constitutional Court decides to proceed with case against PM related to Thawil's transfer

The Constitutional Court decided Wednesday to proceed with a petition against caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra who was accused of breaching the charter related to the transfer of the National Security Council chief.


-- The Nation 2014-04-02

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RT @W7VOA: Several fatalities now reported in that apparent gas explosion at a #Bangkok recycling shop - @fm91trafficpro: http://t.co/npn0XjZcRy

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Ten injured in blast in Bangkhen district

BANGKOK: -- At least ten people were injured on Wednesday in an explosion at a house in Lard Plaklao 72, Bangkhen district. The house is used as a recycle shop. A fire broke out after the blast and firefighters and firetrucks went there in an attempt to extinguish the fire.


-- The Nation 2014-04-02

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Political groups urge early general election
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Apr 2 - Representatives of 53 Thai political parties today called on the country's Election Commission (EC) to quickly hold a general election after the Feb 2 nationwide poll was invalidated by the Constitution Court.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715820-thai-govt-pressures-ec-on-new-election-decree/#entry7640423

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Constitutional Court rejects Chalerm's complaint against PDRC

The Constitutional Court Wednesday rejected a petition of caretaker Labour Chalerm Yoombamrung against the People's Democratic Reform Committee.

Chalerm asked the court to order the PDRC to halt its rally on ground that the demonstration was unconstitutional but the court rejected the petition.


-- The Nation 2014-04-02

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Three killed, five injured in Bangkok gas explosion; fire rages in recycling warehouse in Lat Pla Khao Soi 72 /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

EXAT opens all traffic lanes on RAMA 9 Bridge

BANGKOK, 1 April 2014 (NNT) -- Mr. Aiyanat Thinaphai, the Governor of the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), reports that EXAT has successfully conducted the surface repair of Rama 9 Bridge roadway, after working since late 2013, which meant closing one traffic lane at a time. EXAT asked the contractors to work faster than planned to relieve traffic problems that inevitably occurred.

Now EXAT can open all traffic lanes on Rama 9 Bridge in both directions, from Bangkok (Bang Klo) to Thonburi (Suksawas) to accommodate the public traveling during the Songkran festival. Only the shoulders of the roadway over Rama 9 Bridge still need to be completed; that should be done before the end of May.

-- NNT 2014-04-02

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EXPLOSION
Five killed, six injured in blast

Photo : Nation Channel

BANGKOK: -- At least five people were killed and six others were injured in a blast on Wednesday at a recycling shop in Bang Khen district.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715878-five-killed-six-injured-in-blast-in-bangkoks-bangkhen-district/

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Charter court accepts petition seeking PM’s disqualification

BANGKOK: -- The Constitutional Court has accepted for consideration a petition filed by a group of senators seeking to disqualify caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra over the removal of Mr Thawil Pliensri as the chief of National Security Council over a year ago.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715877-constitutional-court-decides-to-proceed-with-case-against-pm-yingluck-thawils-transfer/#entry7640744

[Lite Beer]

Gunman Robs Russian At Her Chonburi Home

By Khaosod English.

A Russian woman in Chonburi province said she has been robbed at gunpoint in her home this morning.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715890-gunman-robs-russian-at-her-chonburi-home/

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Six killed, 19 injured in blast in Bangkhen district

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715878-five-killed-six-injured-in-blast-in-bangkoks-bangkhen-district/?p=7640738#entry7640738

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UPDATE:

Five die in old bomb explosion

BANGKOK: -- Five employees of a scrap shop and neighbors in Bang Khen died when a 200-kilo steel drum, suspected to be an old World War II bomb, exploded when a worker was trying to cut it with gas.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715878-five-killed-six-injured-in-blast-in-bangkoks-bangkhen-district/?p=7640903#entry7640903

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UPDATE:

WWII bomb blast in Thailand kills six, injures 18: officials

BANGKOK, April 2, 2014 (AFP) - At least six people died and 18 others were injured Wednesday when a suspected World War II bomb exploded at a scrap metal warehouse in Bangkok as workers tried to cut it open, officials said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715878-five-killed-six-injured-in-blast-in-bangkoks-bangkhen-district/?p=7641043#entry7641043

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Police, armed forces chiefs meet to discuss red-shirt mass rally

BANGKOK: -- The supreme commander on Wednesday held a meeting with the chiefs of the three armed forces and the Police chief to discuss the situation related to the red-shirt rally planned for Saturday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715818-thai-military-not-imposing-martial-law/?p=7641201#entry7641201

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MH370
Hobbit movie director's plane used in search of missing jet
Agencies


File photo : Peter Jackson

Wellington - A high speed jet owned by Sir Peter Jackson, director of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies, is being used in the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709464-missing-malaysia-airlines-jet-carrying-239-triggers-southeast-asia-search/page-139?p=7641228#entry7641228

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Japan to abandon whaling in 2014

Tokyo - Japan will not conduct whaling operations in the Antarctic Ocean this year in the wake of a UN court ruling, the government said Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715929-japan-to-abandon-whaling-in-2014/

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UPDATE:

Thai PM faces new dismissal threat in court

BANGKOK, April 2, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's Constitutional Court agreed Wednesday to consider a petition to remove Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra from office for transferring a top security official -- the latest in a volley of legal challenges by her opponents.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715877-constitutional-court-decides-to-proceed-with-case-against-pm-yingluck-thawils-transfer/page-2?p=7641307#entry7641307

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Bangkokians urged to monitor news on thunderstorms

BANGKOK, 2 April 2014 (NNT) — Bangkok’s Department of Drainage and Sewerage has prepared to cope with thunderstorms during April-May and warned residents to monitor news closely.

According to Department of Drainage and Sewerage Director, Adisak Khantee, officials have been dispatched to inspect drainage system, dredge up canals, install temporary water pumps, maintain pumping stations, and inspect drainage tunnels.

Moreover, the relevant authorities have been assigned to check the stability of all huge billboards. The rapid response teams called "Best 94: consisting of 700 officials in 50 districts of Bangkok are ready to provide assistance around-the-clock.

The data of the drainage center is provided on Bangkok’s website, dds.bangkok.go.th. The center will monitor and follow up on the situation and report it to the denizens to allow them ample time to prepare themselves for the thunderstorms.


-- NNT 2014-04-02

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SET index closed 1,396.62, up 9.14; Bt/USD32.27; GBP53.55; AUD29.65; EUR44.42; CAD29.12; HKD4.15; SGD25.50; JPY30.94

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Finance Ministry Says No VAT Hike - Yet
By Khaosod English


Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Finance Minister Kittirat Na Ranong

BANGKOK: -- The Ministry of Finance has aborted its plan to increase VAT by 3%, to 10%, this September, its Permanent Secretary says today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715939-thai-finance-ministry-says-no-vat-hike-yet/

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Mubarak, Morsi may be amnestied in case al-Sisi wins Egypt election

In case of victory in the presidential election in Egypt, Defense Minister Abdul Fattah al-Sisi might amnesty former presidents of the country – Hosni Mubarak and Mohamed Morsi. Al Murakib information edition reported Wednesday that al-Sisi is "looking into the matter".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715944-mubarak-morsi-may-be-amnestied-in-case-al-sisi-wins-egypt-election/

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UPDATE:

Seven dead as war bomb explodes in Bangkok scrap yard

(BBC) At least seven people were killed and 19 injured when a suspected World War Two bomb exploded in a scrap metal warehouse in the Thai capital, Bangkok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715878-five-killed-six-injured-in-blast-in-bangkoks-bangkhen-district/page-2?p=7641622#entry7641622