Thailand Live Friday 18 Apr 2014

[webfact]

Princess graces grand opening of the Prince Mahidol Hall

NAKHON PATHOM, 18 April 2014 (NNT) - Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn yesterday morning (April 17) presided over the ceremony of unveiling a new auditorium-cum-concert hall of Mahidol University in Tambon Salaya, Buddhamonthon District.

The building has been refurbished from a multi-purpose technological innovation center and named in Thai by Her Royal Highness as Mahidol Sitthakhan, meaning the building symbolizing the success of Mahidol University. The hall is named in English as Prince Mahidol Hall, to honor the late Prince Father, His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, Prince of Songkla.

The hall was built with a budget of 1.4 billion baht. It covers an area of about 26,500 square meters and serves as the venue for graduation ceremonies, a performance venue for symphony orchestras and operas, and a facility for national and international conferences. With a 2,000-seat capacity, the hall was designed by foreign architects and uses the state-of-the-art acoustic technology.

On this occasion, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn also enjoyed a concert by Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, held as part of the grand opening ceremony of the hall.


-- NNT 2014-04-18

[webfact]

CAPO makes statement on political situation

BANGKOK, 18 April 2014 (NNT) - The Center for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) has issued a statement on its requests and urged all sides to resolve the political conflicts together.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719664-capo-makes-statement-on-political-situation/

[webfact]

Thailand charges reporters over Pulitzer-winning article

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719593-thailand-charges-reporters-over-pulitzer-winning-article/

[webfact]

UPDATE:

Navy Lawsuit: Journalists Released on Bail
By Khaosod English


Chutima Sidsathian and Alan Morison speak to the press after their bail release has been granted, 17 April 2014.

PHUKET: -- The two journalists charged with defaming the Royal Thai Navy in a news article were released on bail today after being detained in holding cells with other accused persons—including a murder suspect—for five hours.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719593-thailand-charges-reporters-over-pulitzer-winning-article/#entry7703037

[webfact]

UPDATE:

UDD Cancels 18 April Rally, Citing Fears of Clashes
By Khaosod English


Redshirt demonstrators conduct a ritual to place a curse on Election Commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn in Ubon Ratchatani province on 17 April.

BANGKOK: -- The United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) has called off the mass rally originally scheduled for 18 April.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719566-red-shirt-group-calls-off-planned-major-rally-on-aksa-road/page-3#entry7703042

[webfact]

CRIME
Three Chinese sought in heist of rare Mont Blanc watch
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Three Chinese suspects have left the country after allegedly stealing a Mont Blanc wristwatch worth over Bt10 million from a luxury shopping mall in the heart of Bangkok, Immigration Police Bureau chief Lt-General Panu Kerdlarpphol said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719665-bangkok-3-chinese-sought-in-heist-of-rare-10mil-baht-montblanc-watch/

[webfact]

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Dr Narong explains why he chose not to attend CAPO meeting


Public Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr Narong Sahametapat, left, accepts the gold whistle from PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban.

BANGKOK: -- Public Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr Narong Sahametapat speaks to The Nation's Pongphon Sarnsamak about why he decided not to attend the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) meeting with top officials from each ministry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719666-dr-narong-explains-why-he-chose-not-to-attend-capo-meeting/

[webfact]

TERRORISM
Suspected 'Hezbollah' to be sent back to Lebanon : Chalerm
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The three suspected foreign terrorists held for questioning regarding their possible involvement with the Islamist Hezbollah militant group will be deported back to Lebanon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719667-chalerm-suspected-hezbollah-to-be-sent-back-to-lebanon/

[webfact]

SANAM LUANG
Largest gathering of kites to mark special anniversaries
The Nation


The world's largest number of flying kites will hover over Sanam Luang in an event starting tomorrow held to celebrate the 232nd anniversary of Bangkok and the fifth cycle birthday anniversary of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

BANGKOK: -- "We will fly as many as 10,231 kites," Culture Ministry permanent secretary Preecha Gunteeya said yesterday. His ministry will hold an event to celebrate the special anniversaries between April 19 and April 21.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719671-bangkok-sanam-luang-largest-gathering-of-kites-to-mark-special-anniversaries/

[webfact]

THAI
Specialists urge privatisation, board revamp at THAI Airways
Bamrung Amnatcharoenrit
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thai Airways International Plc, the national carrier, should be privatised and also look for ways to get qualified members on its board of directors if the airline wants to stay competitive in the aviation industry, according to specialists from finance, academics and the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719677-specialists-urge-privatisation-board-revamp-at-thai-airways/

[webfact]

RICE PLEDGING
Govt may tap budget again to pay farmers
The Nation


Yanyong Phuangrach

The government says it will soon discuss borrowing more money from its central budget to pay farmers under the rice-pledging scheme.

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Commerce Minister Yanyong Phuangrach said he would discuss with Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisarn, the deputy prime minister and commerce minister, a proposal from the Thai Farmers and Agriculturalists Association for the government to request the Election Committee to approval additional borrowings of Bt40 billion from the central budget.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719678-thai-govt-may-tap-budget-again-to-pay-farmers/

[webfact]

EDITORIAL

Deep South victims need more than compensation
The Nation

Systematic change is necessary if state agencies want to regain the trust of local residents

BANGKOK: -- The proposal to create a single agency directly responsible for looking after victims of insurgency-related violence in the deep South makes a great deal of sense.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719679-thai-editorial-deep-south-victims-need-more-than-compensation/

[webfact]

Phuket hit-and-run Russians now fugitives
Phuket Gazette


Larisa and Valentin Kim are wanted by the Phuket Police for the fatal hit-and-run that killed a 16-year-old Phuket boy. Photo: Supplied

PHUKET: -- Chalong Police are seeking arrest warrants for two Russians who have fled the country amid an investigation into a fatal hit-and-run of a 16-year-old boy in Phuket in the early hours of April 5.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719680-phuket-hit-and-run-russians-now-fugitives/

[webfact]

Police say they have no evidence to indict arrested Hezbollah members



BANGKOK: -- The Thai police have no evidence to press terrorism charge on two member of the Hezbollah terrorist group as alerted by Israeli intelligence, National police office deputy commissioner Pol Ge Worapong Chiewpreecha said Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719667-chalerm-suspected-hezbollah-to-be-sent-back-to-lebanon/#entry7703127

[webfact]

Chalerm briefs top bureaucrats
Pravit Rojanaphruk,
Anapat Deechuay
The Nation


Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order chief Chalerm Yoobamrung, second left, addresses the meeting of ministry permanent secretaries yesterday. Justice Ministry permanent secretary Kittipong Kittayarak is seen at second right.

Permanent secretaries of five ministries choose to stay away

BANGKOK: -- The permanent secretaries of all 20 ministries were summoned yesterday afternoon to hear Chalerm Yoobamrung, chief of the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order, give a 40-minute lecture on how bureaucrats should conduct themselves vis-a-vis the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719681-chalerm-briefs-top-bureaucrats/

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE
With commitment from all, we can bring road toll down
Supon Thanukid
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Songkran has just ended. The water-splashing festival is associated not only with celebrating Thai New Year, but also with a dramatic rise in the number of road accidents. While complete official accident statistics are not yet available, it appears unlikely that the death and injury tolls will drop this year, as some agencies had expected.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719682-with-commitment-from-all-we-can-bring-songkran-road-toll-down/

[webfact]

Ukraine crisis: Deal to 'de-escalate' agreed in Geneva

GENEVA: -- Russia, Ukraine, the US and the European Union have said that all sides have agreed to steps to "de-escalate" the crisis in eastern Ukraine.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719686-ukraine-crisis-deal-to-de-escalate-agreed-in-geneva/

[webfact]

UPDATE:

THE KOREA HERALD
Rapid direction change may cause the sinking
The Korea Herald/Asia News Network


Photo : Yonhap

SEOUL: -- A joint investigation team on Friday raided the office of Cheonghaejin Marine Co., the owner and operator of the Sewol ferry that sank Wednesday to probe allegations that the mishap may have been caused by an attempt to change direction too sharply.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719186-ferry-carrying-470-passengers-sinking-off-south-korea/#entry7703593

[webfact]

Ukraine crisis: Jews ordered to register in Donetsk
Oren Dorell

DONETSK: -- Jews in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, where pro-Russian militants have taken over government buildings, were told they have to "register" with the Ukrainians who are trying to make the city become part of Russia.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719708-ukraine-crisis-jews-ordered-to-register-in-donetsk/

[webfact]

Colorado unveils pot-vending machines
Jenny Deam

Littleton, Colorado: -- In the posh resorts of Vail Valley, where celebrities are as common as the paparazzi who stalk them, a machine has suddenly stolen the limelight.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719709-colorado-unveils-pot-vending-machines/

[webfact]

Does Russia spy on millions? Edward Snowden asks Vladimir Putin on live TV
Sergei L. Loiko

Moscow: -- Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor who was granted asylum in Russia, made a surprise appearance on Russian President Vladimir Putin's annual televised call-in session to ask if the country conducts mass surveillance like the United States does.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719710-does-russia-spy-on-millions-edward-snowden-asks-vladimir-putin-on-live-tv/

[webfact]

Mystery of abandoned motorbike outside of South Pattaya Naked Sushi Restaurant

PATTAYA:--On Thursday Afternoon Police were called to the front of a popular Naked Sushi Restaurant in South Pattaya to investigate reports of an abandoned motorbike which had remained at the location for 46 days.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719712-mystery-of-abandoned-motorbike-outside-of-south-pattaya-naked-sushi-restaurant/

[webfact]

UPDATE:

State funeral for Karpal in Penang

PENANG: -- DAP stalwart and prominent lawyer Karpal Singh will be given a state funeral on Sunday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719442-karpal-singh-veteran-malaysian-lawyer-dies-in-car-accident/#entry7703791

[webfact]

Man arrested for assault after North Pattaya crash and road rage incident

PATTAYA:--On Thursday Morning Police were called to the North Pattaya Intersection on the Sukhumvit Road to investigate a minor road crash which resulted in an alleged assault on one of the drivers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719715-man-arrested-for-assault-after-north-pattaya-crash-and-road-rage-incident/

[webfact]

Thai stock index opens on Friday at 1,411.93, gains 3.15 points /MCOT

[webfact]

Daily Weather Forecast For Thailand 18 April 2014

General Situation
The heat low pressure remains over upper Thailand, and the weak southeasterly wind brings humidity from the South China Sea to Thailand. A decrease in thundershowers with gust is likely over the areas while hotter weather occurs over the upper country. People should beware of the severe weather that leads to the loss of lives and properties.

Weather forecast for Thailand from 6.00 a.m. Friday to 6.00 a.m. Saturday
Northern Thailand -Hot with haze during the day. Widely scattered thundershowers and isolated gust mostly in Chiang Rai, Nan, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit and Phetchabun. Minimum temperature 22-24 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 35-39 degree Celsius. Westerly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand -Hot with haze during the day. Widely scattered thundershowers with isolated gust mostly in Loei, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram and Ubon Ratchathani. Minimum temperature 24-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 36-37 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Central Thailand -Hot with haze during the day. Widely scattered thundershowers and isolated gust mostly in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Suphan Buri and Kanchanaburi. Minimum temperature 24-26 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 36-38 degree Celsius. Southerly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand -Hot with haze during the day. Widely scattered thundershowers with isolated gust mostly in Chon Buri, Chachoengsao, Prachin Buri and Sa Kaeo.Minimum temperature 24-27 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 34-38 degree Celsius. Southeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter.

Southern Thailand East Coast -Cloudy and widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Songkhla. Minimum temperature 24-26 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 33-37 degree Celsius. Southeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter.

Southern Thailand West Coast -Very cloudy. Scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain mostly in Phang-nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun. Minimum temperature 23-25 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 -Hot with haze during the day and 30% chance of thundershower with gust. Minimum temperature 25-28 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 35-37 degree Celsius. Southerly winds 15-30 km/hr.


-- NNT 2014-04-18

[webfact]

Jatuporn, Nattawut ask court to postpone hearing on withdrawing bail to May 8; PDRC rallies at Metropolitan Waterworks Authority /MCOT

[webfact]

Philippines 3rd most dangerous country for journalists



MANILA: -- The Philippines has retained its unenviable position among the world’s most dangerous countries for journalists, Manila Bulletin reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719717-philippines-worlds-3rd-most-dangerous-country-for-journalists/

[webfact]

Road Safety Centre: 322 deaths, 3,225 injuries in 2,992 road accidents nationwide during seven-day Songkran holiday /MCOT

[webfact]

PM Yingluck awaits Constitutional Court decision on extending deadline
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, April 18 – Thailand's Constitutional Court was non-committal regarding its response to a request by caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to extend her deadline for presenting clarifications on the transfer of the former National Security Commission (NSC) chief for 15 days.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719719-pm-yingluck-awaits-constitutional-court-decision-on-extending-deadline/