Thailand Live Thursday 3 Apr 2014

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Phuket motorcyclist struck and killed picking up his bike after spill
Phuket Gazette


Mr Atthaphon was trying to stand his motorbike upright when he was struck by the car. Photo: Thawit Bilabdullar

PHUKET: -- A 19-year-old fell off his motorbike near Phuket International Airport early this morning and was hit by a car and killed while he was trying to right his bike.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/716096-phuket-motorcyclist-struck-and-killed-picking-up-his-bike-after-spill/

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UPDATE:

4 dead, including shooter, at Fort Hood
By Dana Ford, CNN

(CNN) -- Authorities have identified the man who opened fire at Fort Hood in Texas on Wednesday, killing three people before committing suicide, as Specialist Ivan Lopez.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/716071-shooting-at-us-armys-fort-hood-base-in-texas/#entry7644585

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Powerful earthquake measuring 7.8 rocks Chile, just a day after 8.2 jolt; tsunami warning issued, thousands of people ordered to evacuate /MCOT

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Suthep calls supporters to get ready for big ever demonstration after Songkran



BANGKOK: -- People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban told supporters Wednesday night to get ready for big ever demonstration after the water festival once the Constitutional Court will have a ruling on the status of the caretaker prime minister.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/716115-suthep-calls-supporters-to-get-ready-for-big-ever-demonstration-after-songkran/

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Bang Khen Police set up booths for residents to file complaints on yesterday's Lat Pla Khao bomb incident



BANGKOK, 3 April 2014, (NNT) – The Bangkhen Police have been setting up booths to let residents living at Soi Lat Pla Khao 72 file complaints about a bomb that exploded at the district’s junk shop yesterday.

Krit Kiatpanachart, the Bangkhen Police District Chief, mentioned that the bomb victims are entitled to receive government compensation by providing the relevant documents.

The police chief said at the moment his team is unable to estimate the cost of the damages. Nonetheless, he has vowed to look after the bomb victims to the best of his abilities.

He said initially the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) would provide a 25,000 to 30,000 baht compensation to each household for any damages and 10,000 baht as funeral expenses to each deceased family member.

Yesterday, a construction worker reportedly came to the junk shop to sell an oval-shaped metallic object that weighed about 230 kilograms. Unknowingly, the workers cut the object apart with a gas torch, which resulted in an explosion that instantly killed seven people and wounded 20 others.

Later, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team revealed that the object was actually a 500-pound World War 2-era bomb dropped by a bomber aircraft and the bomb had a blast radius of 500 meters.


-- NNT 2014-04-03

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Powerful 7.8 earthquake rocks northern Chile: officials

SANTIAGO - A powerful earthquake measuring 7.8 rocked northern Chile late Wednesday, the day after a deadly 8.2 jolt in the same region, authorities said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715751-powerful-quake-hits-chile-tsunami-warning-officials/#entry7644779

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Chiang Rai plants trees to honour HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn

CHIANG RAI 3 April 2014 (NNT) — Chiang Rai province has recently planted 6,000 trees in the northern province in order to honour HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

The Governor of Chiang Rai, Phongsak Wangsamoe presided over a ceremony that celebrated HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s 59th birthday anniversary, in advance of which thousands of trees were planted for the occasion.

The celebration was organised by the 3rd Regiment Calvary along with related officials and local residents. It's estimated that over 1,000 participants attended the ceremony in Chiang Rai province.

In honor of Her Royal Highness, the planting of 6,000 Leadwood trees was commissioned. They were planted along the Mae Sai River, Ruak River, and in forested areas. Furthermore, provincial authorities report that the ultimate target is a total of 60,000 Leadwood trees planted in the Chiang Rai region.


-- NNT 2014-04-03

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EC keen on issuing new election decree



BANGKOK, 3 April 2014 (NNT) – The Election Commission is adamant to issue a new royal decree for the general election at an earliest date possible, and it is convening a meeting with high-ranking military officers to discuss the maintaining of peace and order during the election.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/716134-thailands-ec-keen-on-issuing-new-election-decree/

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Army chief's remark draws strong criticism



BANGKOK: -- Army commander-in-chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha came under strong criticism by both several retired senior government officials and protest leaders when he compared caretaker government as an owner of the company and he himself is an employee.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/716136-thai-army-chiefs-remark-draws-strong-criticism/

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Kardashian clan were ‘great guests’ at luxury Iniala resort, north of Phuket
Claire Connell


Kim Kardashian on a boat trip around Phang Nga. Photo: Instagram

PHUKET: -- The celebrity Kardashian clan booked out the entire Iniala resort in Phang Nga, which would have cost them a minimum of USD$18,000 a night, for the duration of their Thailand stay, and have been described as “the perfect guests” by hotel staff.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715225-kardashians-in-phuket-catch-glimpse-of-muay-thai-fights/#entry7644982

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Search for missing Malaysian plane 'most difficult in human history' - Australian PM Abbot

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said on Thursday that the ongoing search for missing Malaysian flight MH370 is "the most difficult in human history," while reiterating his promise to the families of those on aboard that his country will continue the current search process as best as they can.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709464-missing-malaysia-airlines-jet-carrying-239-triggers-southeast-asia-search/page-142?p=7644998#entry7644998

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PDRC leaders and thousands of supporters moved out of the Foreign Ministry before noon today to hold rally in front of the Bank of Thailand head-office.

The demonstrators were welcomed by hundreds of the central bank officials coming out for lunch with applause and cash donations for the PDRC to continue fighting for the country.

A PDRC spokesman Ekant Phrompan said a reason to move from the Foreign Ministry to the central bank was to encourage all central bank officials to protect the interest of the country as there is growing attempt by the illegitimate government to exploit the bank for political gains.

The PDRC urged all bank officials to stop working for the interest of the government which has lost legitimacy to rule the country, citing its losses in many court cases.

They also wanted to signal a member of the central bank’s board, Ampon Kittiampon to stop any attempt to help the caretaker government.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/34907/


-- Thai PBS 2014-04-03

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Ayutthaya celebrates 417 years of history since its founding

AYUTTHAYA 3 April 2014 (NNT) — The former capital of Ayutthaya is celebrating its 417 years of history by hosting a grand celebration to honor the founder of the ancient kingdom, King Ramathibodi I.

Ayutthaya Governor Wittaya Phewpong today presided over the opening ceremony, which was attended by thousands of local residents, to commemorate the founding of the ancient city of Ayuthaya, which was established 417 years ago.

The glorious kingdom was founded by King Ramathibodi I, better known as King U-thong. Grand ceremonies such as this year’s are held annually to commemorate the province’s long history and its forefathers.

According to Mr. Wittaya, 417 monks have been invited to partake in the celebration for prayers and blessings.


-- NNT 2014-04-03

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Suthep leads protesters to rally in front of Foreign Ministry

BANGKOK: -- Suthep Thaugsuban, secretary general of the People's Democratic Committee, led protesters to rally in front of the Foreign Ministry Thursday morning against the minister's plan to invite the United Nations to solve Thailand's political crisis.

Suthep and the protesters traveled in a motorcade procession and arrived at the ministry at 10:30 am.

Suthep urged the ministry to allow him and 9 other PDRC representatives to meet the permanent secretary and other senior officials to discuss the current political situation.

But Suthep was told that there were only a dozen of officials who came in to take documents and the permanent secretary was not at the ministry.

Suthep's procession left the ministry at 12:10 pm and headed to the central bank.


-- The Nation 2014-04-03

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73 Political parties invited to discuss next general election
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, April 3 – Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) has resolved to invite 73 political parties to attend a discussion to set an appropriate date for the next general election.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/716153-73-political-parties-invited-to-discuss-next-general-election/

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Security beefed up for Saturday rallies by two rival groups
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, April 3 – Thai authorities will prevent any confrontation between two rival political groups which plan to hold major rallies on Saturday, according to a senior security official.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/716155-security-beefed-up-for-saturday-rallies-by-two-rival-groups/

[Lite Beer]

Suphan Buri PDRC whistles against caretaker PM; Surapong unfazed by Constitutional Court acceptance of Yingluck case for consideration /MCOT

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Tropical storm strikes Lampang's train and horse fair



BANGKOK: -- Tropical storm created havoc to Lampang’s annual 15th trains and horse carriage fair with torrential rainstorm blowing off several exhibit tents and makeshift vendor stalls and forcing tourists and locals to run away for fear of danger from flying debris.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/716157-tropical-storm-creates-havoc-to-lampangs-train-and-horse-fair/

[Lite Beer]

Lat Pla Khao bomb death toll rises to 8; search continues for two more missing /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

Phitsanulok soldiers give out water to aid Sukhothai residents

SUKHOTHAI, 3 April 2014 (NNT) — Soldiers from Phitsanulok are giving out water for residents in nearby Sukhothai province during the hard-hit drought season.

Phitsanulok’s Army Provincial Chief had ordered the dispatch of 2 giant water trucks, carrying 16,000 liters of water, to help aid the drought afflicted residents in Sukhothai.

The assistance was under the drought relief project aimed at helping local residents in nearby areas that have been undergoing difficulties related to the drought situation.

More than 1,000 families in Sukhothai are reported to be suffering from the drought conditions, with hardly water left in natural sources and merely a local groundwater well for the entire village. The call for assistance was answered by the Phitsanulok army, and aid will be given until the drought situation subsides.

-- NNT 2014-04-03

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BANGKOK: -- Death toll from the powerful bomb explosion at a scrap shop in Bang Khen Wednesday rose to eight when Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and forensic police searched the area again for more evidence to bring criminal charges against all relevant people.

The latest finding by forensic police before noon today was a three-year old child of a Cambodian worker. The body was among the piles of debris from collapse houses from explosion and fire . Two other people are still missing.

The explosion so far left eight dead, and 20 injured.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/34924/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=34924

-- Thai PBS 2014-04-03

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North, northeast residents warned of heat wave, thunderstorms
The Nation

The Meteorological Department Thursday warned people in the north and northeastern provinces to brace themselves for a heat wave and thunderstorms.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/716165-north-northeast-residents-warned-of-heat-wave-thunderstorms/

[Lite Beer]

BANGKOK: -- Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul hinted of possible violence by redshirt supporters of the government in case the Constitutional Court ruled in favor of Senator Phaibul Nititawan’s petition calling for ruling on the caretaker status of the prime minister over the removal of former NSC chief Thawil Pluensri.

He anticipated the violence if the court rules that the entire caretaker cabinet must leave the job if prime minister is ruled guilty.

He said what he spoke was not intended to intimidate the court but is the truth, adding throughout his life he never tells lies.

He then called on independent organizations to prove themselves and correct everything with transparency.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/34916/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=34916

-- Thai PBS 2014-04-03

[Lite Beer]

Yingluck visits fish farms in Suphanburi

Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Thursday morning visited fish farm and tourist spots in Suphanburi province.

Her party who included caretaker Deputy Agriculture Minister Yugol Limlaemthong was welcomed by Mr Banharn Silpa-archa, chief advisor to the Chart Thai Pattana party.

She went to Bung Chawak, a famous tourist spot and fresh water fishery center of the province, and later to pay respect to the City Pillar shrine, and Wat Pa Lelai temple, and the Suphanburi aqua culture center.

Later before noon, she also chaired a meeting to follow up development in the improvement and productivity of rice and farm products.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/yingluck-visits-fish-farms-suphanburi/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=yingluck-visits-fish-farms-suphanburi

-- Thai PBS 2014-04-03

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Direct rice sale to exporters will be ended to prevent falling price

BANGKOK: -- The Internal Trade Department will propose the National Rice Policy Committee to stop direct sale of rice to the exporters as this method tends to suppress domestic rice prices.

ITD director-general Somchart Soithong said Thursday that the proposed stoppage of direct rice sale was among a set of measures discussed at a recent meeting to stabilize domestic rice prices.

Direct sale, he said, will be replaced by auction and sale via the Agricultural Futures Exchange of Thailand (Afet) which is believed to help arrest decling rice prices.

Mr Sommart disclosed that the millers and exporters proposed that they would store more rice stocks on the condition that the government compensate for the storage charges. Howerver, he said that this proposal was shot down because it might go agaist the Constitution.

Domestic market price of 5 percent white rice now stands at 11-40-11.70 baht/kg. The price of paddy has gone up to 7,400-7,800 baht a tonne compared to 6,700-6,800 baht a tonne a month ago.

An estimated 6-7 million tonnes of second-crop paddy will have to reach the market in March and April.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/207836-imagejpeg-314775-wpcf_728x413.jpg

-- Thai PBS 2014-04-03

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Controversial Lao dam on Mekong River almost a quarter complete

Vientiane - Construction of the controversial Xayaburi Hydro-power plant, the first dam on the lower stretch of the Mekong River, is now 23 per cent complete, Lao media reports said Thursday.

The 3.5-billion-dollar dam and power plant in Xayaburi province is "on track to be operational in 2019 as planned," the Vientiane Times reported.

Xayaburi Power Company Limited’s deputy managing director gave US ambassador to Laos Daniel Clune a tour of the project this week, a state-run daily said.

The ambassador also visited the resettlement site under construction for the inhabitants of 15 villages displaced by the project.

The dam has been strongly opposed by environmentalists and neighbouring countries concerned about its potential impact on ther iver’s fisheries.

Clune reportedly said the project would benefit the Lao people in the future as long as it was able to minimize downstream effects.

-- The Nation 2014-04-03

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Big Phuket helmet giveaway tomorrow morning - don't miss it!
The Phuket News


Got a head? Get a helmet - free!!

PHUKET: -- The big motorbike helmet giveaway by Class Act Media and friends takes place tomorrow morning (Friday, April 4) in front of company’s offices in Billion Plaza, opposite Tesco-Lotus on the bypass road.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/716177-big-phuket-helmet-giveaway-tomorrow-morning-dont-miss-it/

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Thai operator dtac launches LTE with Ericsson



BANGKOK: -- To meet the needs of a data-hungry new generation of users in densely populated areas, dtac TriNet Co., Ltd, a subsidiary of Thailand’s second-largest mobile operator dtac, has assigned long-time partner Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) to deploy a 4G/LTE network.swe_th_dtac

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/716179-thai-operator-dtac-launches-lte-with-ericsson/

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Pheu Thai party told to stop fantasizing on conspiracy theory



BANGKOK: -- Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has called on the Pheu Thai party to stop fantasizing the conspiracy theory that the Democrat party, the People’s Democratic Reform Committee and all the independent agencies have conspired to overthrow the government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/716206-pheu-thai-party-told-to-stop-fantasizing-on-conspiracy-theory/

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Caretaker PM expresses concern over NACC cutting many defense witnesses on rice pledging scheme allegations; Suthep leads protesters to Bank of Thailand /MCOT