Thailand Live Friday 11 Apr 2014

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Eight Cambodians died in a van accident while on their way to a border checkpoint in Chanthaburi province on Friday morning, 12 more injured /Bangkok Post

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Chaengwattana protest site rocked by bombs



BANGKOK: -- The protest site of the anti-government protesters on Chaengwattana road was struck by a M79 grenade and a firecracker bomb late Thursday night, causing injury to a security guard.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718140-bangkoks-chaeng-wattana-protest-site-rocked-by-bombs/

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DLT to eradicate unrealistic fare hikes by motorcycle taxi operators

BANGKOK, 11 April 2014 (NNT) - Motorcycle Taxi operators charging fares unfairly during the long Songkran holiday are subject to fine, said Department of Land Transport Director General Atsatai Rattanadilok Na Phuket.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718142-dlt-to-eradicate-unrealistic-fare-hikes-by-bangkok-motorcycle-taxi-operators/

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Double-decker bus hits motorcycle in Ranong; one dead, 43 injured; van hits tree in Chantaburi, 7 dead, 12 injured /MCOT

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RT @191Thailand: Passenger van crashed & burst into flames on Sukhumwit in Chantaburi. 8 dead & 12 injured - TR @ittipat_Rw: http://t.co/aAR4HkXSEz #Thailand

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Redshirt leader Kwanchai Praipana has revealed Thaksin Shinawatra will be making a trip to Hong Kong during Songkran.

The chairman of the red-shirt Rak Udon Group in Udon Thani province said the former prime will be celebrating Songkran with some Pheu Thai party members there while he will not due to his sickness from wounds.

-- Thai PBS 2014-04-11

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Bangkok-Phuket bus crash injures 40
Eakkapop Thongtub


The bus lies on its side after the crash at dawn.

PHUKET: A public express bus on the way from Bangkok to Phuket crashed off the road and fell onto its side at about 6am this morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718149-bangkok-phuket-bus-crash-injures-40/

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US embassy releases viral Songkran celebration clip



BANGKOK, 11 April 2014 (NNT) – The US embassy in Bangkok has made a video clip to celebrate the Thai New Year, which is also known as the Songkran Festival.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718151-us-embassy-releases-viral-songkran-celebration-clip/

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Phuket doesn't need more tuk-tuks, says tuk-tuk chief
Phuket Gazette


The legal tuk-tuk drivers of Patong have long campaigned against illegal drivers, and now are protesting against having more legal ones. Photo: Jeremie Schatz

PHUKET: -- Seven months after his last appeal to legalize tuk-tuk drivers on the island, Sakol Srisompoch filed yet another complaint yesterday, but this time it was against legalizing them.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718154-phuket-doesnt-need-more-tuk-tuks-says-tuk-tuk-chief/

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Car accident in Chanthaburi kills at least seven and injures many others

BANGKOK: -- A passenger minivan on Friday slided off Sukhumvit road and plunged into a ditch in Chanthaburi’s Tha Mai district, killing at least seven passengers.

Thirteen others passengers were injured and rushed to hospitals nearby.


-- The Nation 2014-04-11

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UPDATE:

Pheu Thai cries foul over nomination of Ms Supha to NACC



BANGKOK: -- Ruling Pheu Thai party has opposed the nomination of Ms Supha Piyajitti, a deputy Finance permanent secretary, to graft busting job claiming she has a tainted record.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718091-pheu-thai-member-petitions-senate-against-nacc-nominee/#entry7677250

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Nine Cambodians killed in Thai road accident

BANGKOK, April 11, 2014 (AFP) - Nine Cambodians were killed Friday when a mini-bus carrying migrant workers returning home for the Buddhist New Year crashed and burst into flames in eastern Thailand, police said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718163-nine-cambodians-killed-in-thai-road-accident/

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Police step up efforts to assist Songkran revelers

BANGKOK, 11 April 2014 (NNT) – The Royal Thai Police is stepping up efforts to facilitate convenience during the Songkran celebration, especially during April 11-17.

Assistant National Police Chief Pol Lt Gen Ruangsak Jaritek chaired a ceremony to deploy 850 police officers who will be stationed at various locations to assist travelers during Songkran holidays. According to Mr. Ruangsak, a huge number of people will be returning to their hometowns this weekend.

In the meantime, the Metropolitan Police Bureau has been asked to enforce strict laws on drunk driving and alcohol distribution as well as sexual harassment during this year’s Songkran holidays. Checkpoints and complaint centers will also be set up to ensure order and safety.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary for Public Health Dr. Narong Sahametapat has ordered 855 hospitals and more than 160,000 authorities throughout Thailand to be on a 24-hour alert. In addition, 14,000 medical teams will be on standby in case of an emergency.


-- NNT 2014-04-11

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5 drug dealers from major illicit drug ring in northern region arrested in Pathum Thani; over 1 million meth pills seized en route to BKK /MCOT

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Temporary road Accident Prevention and Reduction Center opens in Lopburi

LOPBURI, 11 April 2014 (NNT) - Lopburi Province has established a temporary Accident Prevention and Reduction Center for this year’s Songkran Festival.

Lopburi Governor Thanakom Jongjira presided over an opening ceremony to launch the temporary road safety center under the slogan “Creating a culture of safety so that Songkran can be free of road accidents.” The center is in operation for the entire period from April 11th to April 17th.

The provincial governor also announced that six measures would be followed to help reduce road accidents. The six measures include having efficient management procedures, enforcing traffic laws, fostering the right values in society, proper road engineering, using public relations to provide information, and having emergency medical units to provide help at all times. By pursuing these goals, the province hopes to lower the number of deaths and casualties this Songkran compared to the toll last year.

Meanwhile, the Lopburi police are also enforcing stringent measures to control traffic behavior by establishing checkpoints, detecting excessive speed, and handing out fliers promoting safe driving to everybody.


-- NNT 2014-04-11

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Transport Co to increase 2,000 trips for public transport during Songkran
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, April 11 - Thailand's government-operated Transport Company is scheduling 2,000 more bus and van trips to serve travellers during the Songkran holiday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718171-transport-co-to-increase-2000-trips-for-public-transport-during-songkran/

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Phuket police declare body on ground a suicide
Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: -- A man found dead this morning on the ground near low-income government housing in Kuku most likely jumped from the flat roof of a nearby building, police believe.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718173-phuket-police-declare-body-on-ground-a-suicide/

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UPDATE:

Australian PM 'very confident' signals are from MH370

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709464-missing-malaysia-airlines-jet-carrying-239-triggers-southeast-asia-search/page-163?p=7677555#entry7677555

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Roadside service by Highway Department available during Songkran

BANGKOK, 11 April 2014 (NNT) - The Department of Highways has set up several service points to assist the general public traveling on roads during the Songkran festival. Highway and provincial police have also been tasked with providing assistance.

According to the Director General of the Department of Highways Chatchawan Boonjaroenkit, this year the number of people who travel during the festival is likely to be even higher than in previous years.

The department has accordingly, come up with measures to improve traffic flow on busy routes, with traffic signs, traffic bypasses and danger point signs, in order to aid travelers. There is a major focus on three main roads, namely Esan - Mae Sod road; the road leading to Prachinburi province especially the Thap Lan national park section; and the Pho Khun Pha Mueang Bridge section, of the Lom Sak-Chumpae road, all of which are quite challenging for motorists, resulting in far too many accidents over the years.

Moreover, highway and provincial police are assigned to ensure road safety at all times. There are roadside service points where travelers who feel sleepy or want to avoid traffic jams can stop and rest. Any travelers having difficulty finding their way to their destination, can call the highway department hotline on 1586 around the clock.


-- NNT 2014-04-11

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IS THAT A BAT?
Woman throws shoe at Hillary Clinton in Vegas

LAS VEGAS: -- A woman rushed past security and threw a shoe at Hillary Clinton in Las Vegas on Thursday, but it missed and the former US secretary of state laughed off the incident.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718196-woman-throws-shoe-at-hillary-clinton-in-vegas/

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SRT probes runaway train locomotive crash



BANGKOK: -- The State Railway Thailand (SRT) is conducting an investigation into an incident in Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasima Thursday when a runaway locomotive ran off the track and ploughed 30 meters on the ground before stopping five meters short of a nearby housing community.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718229-state-railway-thailand-probes-runaway-train-locomotive-crash/

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500,000 baht reward for the arrest of Ko Tee



BANGKOK: -- A 500,000 baht reward has been offered to any police who manage to arrest Wutthipong Kotthammakhun, alias Ko Tee, wanted on lese majeste charges within seven days.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718230-500000-baht-reward-for-the-arrest-of-ko-tee/

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Sadao Border Post crowded with Malaysian and Singaporean tourists to Songkran Festival

SONGKHLA, 11 April 2014 (NNT) – The Sadao Boundary Post, Songkhla Province is crowded with tourists who have come for a travel holiday in Songkhla and southern Thai provinces over Songkran. They have been arriving since early morning, creating a crowded fun filled atmosphere.

The many visitors have mostly traveled with tour groups or in private cars. Extra immigration officers have been stationed at the checkpoints due to the large number of tourists who have been entering the country throughout the day to join in the Songkran festivities.

Songkran Festival activities in Songkhla are held near the Thailand-Malaysia border; Hat Yai District; and Khao Niaw Road. It's reported that 13,000 hotel rooms in Sonkhla Province are all reserved.


-- NNT 2014-04-11

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Suthep presents golden whistle to Public Health Ministry officials via permanent secretary for sharing standpoint on political reform /MCOT

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BREAKING: 7.3 magnitude quake strikes off coast of Papua New Guinea in the south Pacific /CNN

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7.3 earthquake hits Papua New Guinea and felt in the Solomon Islands
Apr 11, 2014

A very strong 7.3 earthquake hit the Western Pacific Ocean on April 11 at 6.07 pm local time, or April 10 07.22 UTC (London)

The location:
6.653°S 155.043°E depth=50.7km (31.5mi)

Nearby Cities
61km (38mi) SW of Panguna, Papua New Guinea
73km (45mi) SW of Arawa, Papua New Guinea
399km (248mi) SE of Kokopo, Papua New Guinea
555km (345mi) ESE of Kimbe, Papua New Guinea
622km (386mi) WNW of Honiara, Solomon Islands

At this time no more information is available. No tsunami warnings were issued.

Source: http://www.eturbonews.com/44585/73-earthquake-hits-papua-new-guinea-and-felt-solomon-islands

-- eTN 2014-04-11

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Suthep warmly welcomed by Public Health officials
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Suthep Thaugsuban, secretary general of People's Democratic Reform Committee, received a warm welcome on Friday when he led protesters to rally at the Public Health Ministry.

Suthep led a motorcade of protesters from Lumpini Park to the Ministry.

Cheers greeted Suthep and protesters on their arrival, with many public health officials handing cash donations to Suthep. Several also posed for photos with Suthep, who spent more than 30 minutes talking with staff outside the building.

Stepping inside the ministry, Suthep was welcomed by Public Health Permanent Secretary Narong Sahamethapat. The two hugged each other and Narong led Suthep to meet other senior public health officials.

After a round of discussions that finished at 12.40pm, PDRC leaders gave flowers to Narong and Suthep presented a golden whistle to the permanent secretary for supporting the country's reforms.

Suthep then told a press conference that officials of the Public Health had always supported the PDRC for the reform and his visit had been a courtesy.

After the discussions, he felt confident that the public health officials shared the same stand as the PDRC on the fight for reforms.

Narong told the press conference that public health officials would like to see three reforms - health system, political system and the bureaucratic system.

After the press conference, Suthep and other PDRC leaders lunched with senior public health officials. The officials prepared chicken noodles for the PDRC leaders while the PDRC leaders gave the officials the lunch boxes prepared for the protesters.


-- The Nation 2014-04-11

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Finance Ministry will return proceeds of rice subsidy program to Budget Bureau by May

BANGKOK, 11 April 2014 (NNT) - Permanent Secretary for Finance Rangsan Siworasart has expressed confidence that the Ministry of Finance will be able to submit 20-billion-baht proceeds of the rice pledging scheme to the Bureau of the Budget by May this year.

Mr Rangsan on Friday said the Department of International Trade informed him that the department had already returned over 10 billion baht to the Bureau of the Budget after it had disbursed 20 billion baht to finance the rice pledging program. The department could return the rest of the money to the Bureau of the Budget before the end of next month, the permanent secretary said.

As for tax rebates for first-time car buyers, Mr Rangsan said the finance minister had already approved budget for the tax rebates, estimated at 10 billion baht. First-time car buyers would receive their rebates after the Cabinet gave the green light to the budget call, said the official.


-- NNT 2014-04-11

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UPDATE:

SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
More buses to be added over Songkran


Two tourists prepare for Songkran Festival at Khao Sarn//Photo : Thanachai Pramarnpanich

BANGKOK: -- More buses are being deployed to serve people returning to their homes upcountry during the Songkran Holiday, the president of the government's Transport Company said on Friday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718171-transport-co-to-increase-2000-trips-for-public-transport-during-songkran/#entry7678330

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Another Phuket beach befouled by wastewater, again
Phuket Gazette

Foul water flowed across the beach at this time last year, and boatmen sought treatment for skin irritations and blood infections. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- Dirty, smelly water is flowing across a Phuket beach again, not in the south this time, but in Bang Two in the north, causing health and economic problems for local boat operators.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718242-another-phuket-beach-befouled-by-wastewater-again/