Thailand Live Saturday 12 April 2014

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Gen Prayuth urges Thais to adhere to democratic rules

BANGKOK, 12 April 2014 (NNT) – Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha has called on all citizens to abide by the rules of democracy in a bid to create equality and virtue in the society.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718382-gen-prayuth-urges-thais-to-adhere-to-democratic-rules/

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Special Report: Songkran Festival celebrated in all corners of Thailand

Thousands and thousands of foreigners are joining Thai people in celebrating Songkran Festival, the traditional Thai New Year, which features colorful cultural programs in various parts of the country.

Often referred to as the “Water Festival” among foreigners, Songkran is celebrated not only in Thailand but also in the neighboring countries of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and southern China.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced the official opening ceremony of its “Grand Songkran Splendors 2014,” with fun and family-friendly activities arranged for locals and visitors alike, from 11 to 20 April 2014.

It is joining hands with various provincial authorities in hosing the Songkran Splendors activities in 12 major provinces in the four regions of the country. These provinces include Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Chon Buri, and Samut Prakan in the Central region; Chiang Mai and Sukhothai in the North; Khon Kaen, Nakhon Phanom, and Nong Khai in the Northeast; and Songkhla, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phuket in the South.

According to TAT Governor Thawatchai Arunyik, the Songkran Festival is one of the most joyous and meaningful celebrations for the Thai people and one that dates back hundreds of years. He urged tourists to join the celebrations of the world’s most unique water festival. This festival has been enjoyed by Thais for hundreds of years, and everyone wants to see it carried on with its ancient values intact and the fun of the water play that many people around the world come here to enjoy.

This year, according to the governor, TAT has arranged many activities, which will appeal to both local and international tourists. As well as the usual fun of water splashing, visitors will be able to experience the ancient cultural aspects of Songkran in Thailand.

Based on traditional Thai beliefs, water is a symbol of purity, prosperity, and happiness, and has always played a vital symbolic role in today’s celebrations such as weddings, funerals, and even temple ceremonies.

The theme of this year’s Grand Songkran celebrations was chosen to reflect the traditional beliefs that the element of water is imbued with near miraculous qualities. After all, water is life and during Songkran helps unite families and brings friends together.

TAT stated that the Songkran Splendors 2014 should also help cement Thailand’s reputation as ASEAN’s regional tourism hub. The fun and festivities of the traditional Thai New Year will once again raise awareness of the Kingdom as a fun place to visit, showcasing its unique festivals to foreign tourists.

Although the festival is celebrated throughout the Kingdom, each region has its own style of celebrating this special occasion. It is the festival that Thai people of all ages look forward to enjoying every year, while many foreigners find Songkran a great time to visit Thailand.

-- NNT 2014-04-12

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RT@RichardBarrow: Day 1 of 7 Dangerous Days of #Songkran: 39 dead & 402 injured in 379 reported accidents #Thailand

RichardBarrow: Most accidents yesterday were caused by drunk driving and speeding

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Hua Hin Street Dog Lovers’ Carnival 3-4 May 2014

Hua Hin:-- For the first time ever in Hua Hin a group of dedicated Dog Lovers have created a two day Dog Lover’s Festival in the month of May.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718383-hua-hin-street-dog-lovers-carnival-3-4-may-2014/

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Phuket maintains zero road fatalities in Seven Days of Danger
Phuket Gazette -

Police officers will be manning 24 checkpoints throughout Phuket during the Seven Days of Danger Safety Campaign. Photo: Woranut Pechdee

PHUKET: As of 9am today, no deaths had been reported in Phuket during the Songkran holiday Seven Days of Danger safety campaign.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718422-phuket-maintains-zero-road-fatalities-in-seven-days-of-danger/

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Speed, seats and safety targeted in Songkran bus blitz
Phuket Gazette -

Extra buses were on standby to ensure that everyone wanting to travel was able to. Photo: Saran Mitrarat

PHUKET: Extra buses, drug and alcohol tests for drivers and GPS to monitor speeds have been ordered to ensure that holiday travelers make it home safely for the Songkran holidays.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718425-speed-seats-and-safety-targeted-in-songkran-bus-blitz/

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Thailand Weather Forecast Saturday 12 April 2014 Time issued 1100 LST

General Situation

The high pressure area covers the South China Sea. It induces the easterly winds to prevail across the country during 12-16 April. More thundershowers with gust are likely overall country. People should beware of the severe weather that leads to the loss of lives and properties.

During 14-16 April, the westerly trough will cover the upper North with more rain in the North.

Weather forecast for Thailand from Saturday Noon to Sunday Noon

Northern Thailand -Hotter and haze during the day. Scattered thundershowers and isolated gust mostly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit and Phetchabun. Minimum temperature 19-22 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 33-35 degree Celsius. Southerly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand -Scattered thundershowers with isolated gust mostly in Nong Khai, Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima and Buri Ram. Minimum temperature 22-23 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-34 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Central Thailand -Hotter and haze during the day. Scattered thundershowers with isolated gust mostly in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Suphanburi and Ratchaburi. Minimum temperature 24-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 33-35 degree Celsius. Southeasterly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand -Cloudy and widely scattered thundershowers with isolated gust mostly in Nakhon Nayok, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri and Rayong. Minimum temperature 24-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 33-34 degree Celsius.

Southeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter.

Southern Thailand East Coast -Cloudy and widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Minimum temperature 24-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 33-36 degree Celsius. Southeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter.

Southern Thailand West Coast -Cloudy and widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Krabi, Trang and Satun. Minimum temperature 24-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 33-35 degree Celsius. Westerly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter and about 2 meters in thundershower areas.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity -Very cloudy. 60% chance of thundershower with gust. Minimum temperature 24-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-34 degree Celsius. Southerly winds 15-30 km/hr.

ThaiVisa Weather: http://weather.thaivisa.com/

-- NNT 2014-04-12

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Heavy traffic jam seen at Songkhla's immigration point

SONGKHLA, 12 April 2014 (NNT) -- A large number of Malaysian and Singaporian tourists have been seen crossing over to Thailand to join this year's Songkran celebrations.

The highway leading to Sadao checkpoint has been heavily jammed with both tourist and transport vehicles queuing up for as long as two kilometers to pay toll fees.

This year the province has revived the Songkran festival at Ban Darn Nok to boost its tourism sector from the dull condition caused by the repercussion of rising insurgency in the deep South.

According to local tourism entrepreneurs, all of the accommodation in Ban Dan Nok have been fully booked during 12-14 April, the period the festival is to be held.

-- NNT 2014-04-12

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Yala municipality kicks off reconstruction plan

YALA, 12 April 2014 (NNT) -- The Municipality of Yala has kicked off its plan to restore the areas hit by a spate of bombing attacks recently.

The series of bombing in downtown Yala almost a week ago have caused huge damage to buildings, shophouses, and homes along two main streets -- Nakorn and Rathakit.

According to Mayor Pongsak Yingchoncharoen, the restoration plan is focusing on two dimensions -- reconstructing the buildings and reviving local residents' confidence in the city's safety measures.

According to the Governor, the municipality, together with the provincial authority and the Southern Border Provinces Administration Center, has assessed the damage and agreed on the reconstruction plan.

However, the city will have to meet with the affected people to talk about the city's relief and compensation scheme before launching the reconstructing procedure.

-- NNT 2014-04-12

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UPDATE:

Police commandos search Ko Tee's home and radio station, man not found

BANGKOK, 12 April 2014 (NNT) – Police commandos conducted a search of pro-government hardline figure Wutthipong "Ko Tee" Kachathamkul's home and radio station on Friday evening but were unable to find the man wanted under lese majeste charge.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718339-army-chief-asks-ko-tee-to-surrender/page-2?p=7681259#entry7681259

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UPDATE:

Pheu Thai accuses NACC being biased for reducing additional witness to 1

BANGKOK, 12 April 2014, (NNT) -The Pheu Thai Party has accused the National Anti Corruption Commission (NACC) of being biased for allowing only one additional witness to testify in the ongoing investigation into the alleged fraud case against the Prime Minister in the government's rice pledging program.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718375-nacc-assures-fair-treatment-of-pm-yingluck/#entry7681282

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Massive Songkran festival travel spurs coffin business

BANGKOK: -- Songkran festival is the period when people return homes for celebration and family reunion.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718430-massive-songkran-festival-travel-spurs-coffin-business/

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39 killed, 402 injured in road accidents on first of 'seven dangerous' Songkran holidays

The first day of seven-day period for road accident monitoring saw 379 accidents happen and 39 people killed and 402 others injured, the Road Safety Directing Centre announced Saturday.

The seven-day monitoring period started Friday when people started returning homes or visiting provinces to celebrate the long Songkran holidays.

Thirapong Rodprasert told a press conference that centre received reports that most of the 379 road accidents were caused by drunk driving.

-- The Nation 2014-04-12

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RT@ACSBKK: ACS will be closed on Monday, April 14 through Wednesday, April 16 in light of the #Songkran Holiday. 24/7 Duty Officer @ 02-205-4000.

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UPDATE:

Commando police hunt Kotee

PATHUMTHANI: -- Commando police searched the 105.65 MHz Redguard community radio station in Thanyaburi district of Pathumthani province this morning in a hunt for the hardcore redshirt leader Wuthipong Kochathammakun, alias Kotee, but he was not in.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718339-army-chief-asks-ko-tee-to-surrender/page-2?p=7681458#entry7681458

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First day’s death toll rises to 39

BANGKOK: -- The first day of the seven-day dangerous day of the Songkran water festival claimed 39 deaths and 402 injuries.

The deputy permanent secretary of Transport Ministry Thirapong Rodprasert said a total of 379 cases of road accidents were reported on April 11, the first day of the seven-day dangerous period campaign to lower road accidents starting April 11-17.

He said 39 people died, and 402 were injured in the first day of the campaign.

Drunk driving topped the total road accident cases or 30.61%, while speeding came second place of 21.64%.
Chiang Rai registered the highest death toll of four persons in one day, her said.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/first-days-death-toll-rises-39/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=first-days-death-toll-rises-39

-- Thai PBS 2014-04-12

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Mayor files police complaint to stop Phuket lake-filling
The Phuket News

Mayor Phudit appealed to the public to report activity around the lake.

PHUKET: The Mayor of Rassada, Phudit Raksarat, has filed a complaint with police in an attempt to stop land developer Boonkeng Srisansuchart filling in any more of a 150-rai tin mine lake that is surrounded by land he owns.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718457-mayor-files-police-complaint-to-stop-phuket-lake-filling/

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Police too busy to extradite Hull man Mick ‘the Pom’ Taylor accused of killing girlfriend in Thailand
By Hull Daily Mail
By James Campbell

PHUKET: -- A HULL man accused of murdering his girlfriend in Thailand has still not been extradited to stand trial because police have been "too busy".

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718468-police-too-busy-to-extradite-mick-the-pom-taylor-accused-of-killing-girlfriend-in-thailand/

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MH370 co-pilot made mid-flight phone call: report

KUALA LUMPUR - The co-pilot of missing Malaysian airliner MH370 attempted to make a mid-flight call from his mobile phone just before the plane vanished from radar screens, a report said Saturday citing unnamed investigators.

The call ended abruptly possibly "because the aircraft was fast moving away from the (telecommunications) tower", The New Straits Times quoted a source as saying.

But the Malaysian daily also quoted another source saying that while Fariq Abdul Hamid’s "line was reattached", there was no certainty that a call was made from the Boeing 777 that vanished on March 8.

The report -- titled a "desperate call for help" -- did not say who he was trying to contact.

Fariq and Captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah have come under intense scrutiny after the plane mysteriously vanished en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people on board.

-- The Nation 2014-04-12

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RT@2Bangkok: Thaksin's Songkran message: Let's forgive and forget

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Phuket police praised as excellent, inspiring
Phuket Gazette -

Deputy national police chief Aek Angsananont praised the Phuket Police as excellent and inspiring. Photo: Woranut Pechdee

PHUKET: In Phuket to review safety measures for the Songkran holidays, deputy national police chief Gen Aek Angsananont has praised the Phuket Police as “excellent” and “inspiring” in preserving the safety of tourists.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718491-phuket-police-praised-as-excellent-and-inspiring/

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12 roads in Bangkok to be closed for Songkran celebrations

BANGKOK, 12 April 2014, (NNT) - Twelve roadways in Bangkok are to be closed to traffic temporarily, providing additional safe venues for Songkran enthusiasts to participate in water play.

Pol. Lt. Gen.Jirasan Keawsaeng-Ake, Traffic Division Commander made the announcement, further noting that the closures would be in effect from Sunday evening until Tuesday. He stated Songkran event goers can freely splash water along the following routes; Khaosan Road, Chakrapong Road, Bawonnivet Road, Samsibhang Road, and Tanao Road from Khokwua to Samsinhang Roundabout. These roads are closed from 6pm to midnight over the three days, while the section of Silom Road from Saladaeng to Naralom Intersection will be closed from 2 pm to 9 pm.

Vehicle owners can be fined up to 1,000 baht, for driving into the pedestrian venues.

Meantime, the following roads are closed to pick up trucks, where loud music is also banned from being played; Taweewattana Road from the area's canal over-pass to the Suphapburut intersection; the Sanamluang 2 intersection to Suphapburut intersection of Aksa Road; Chokchai 4 Road; the road linking Wanghin Intersection to Chokchai 4 trisection; Pahonyothin Soi 58, and lastly Nakaniwat Road, particularly from Soi Sangkomsongkroa to Striwittaya 2 intersection, all the way to Praditmanutham Intersection.

Pol. Lt. Gen.Jirasan stressed that any violators will be in breach of Section 139 of the land transport law and may be punished by means of a fine, not exceeding 1,000 baht.

-- NNT 2014-04-12

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RT@STcom: JUST IN: 'Unconfirmed reports' from Aussie media say #MH370 black box has been found, PM Abbott to make a statement at 11.45am Perth time.

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Assailant hurls rock at police booth in front of Democrat leader Abhisit's home in Sukhumvit, glass window shattered, no report of injuries /MCOT

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The Phuket robbery that wasn’t

PHUKET: Chalong Police spent hours today trying to make sense of a story they were told by a 33-year-old British man who reported that he had been robbed by three foreigners early this morning

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718529-the-phuket-robbery-that-wasnt/

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Thavorn thanks Chaikasem for appointment of new PM under Article 7

BANGKOK: -- Former Democrat MP Thavorn Senniem, now a co-leader of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), thanked caretaker Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri to propose royal appointment of a new prime minister in case caretaker prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra is ruled guilty by the Constitutional Court and has to step down.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718530-thavorn-thanks-chaikasem-for-appointment-of-new-pm-under-article-7/

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to continue:

Thailand Live Sunday 13th Apr 2014

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/718564-thailand-live-sunday-13th-april-2014/