Thailand Live Monday 21 Apr 2014

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UPDATE:

SOUTH KOREA'S FERRY MISHAP
Ferry transcript reveals evacuation panic

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719186-ferry-carrying-470-passengers-sinking-off-south-korea/page-3#entry7715138

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Thai producers urged to build Thai chicken brand
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, April 21 – The Commerce Ministry has called on Thai private sector to build up the brand of Thai chicken for export to the same level as the widely-accepted “Aussie Beef.”

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/720279-thai-producers-urged-to-build-thai-chicken-brand/

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,410.05, gains 0.87 points /MCOT

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UPDATE:

Ferry captain's action 'tantamount to murder' : South Korea president

Seoul - South Korean President Park Geun-Hye said Monday that the behaviour of the captain and crew of the ferry that capsized five days ago with 476 people on board was unacceptable and "tantamount to murder".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719186-ferry-carrying-470-passengers-sinking-off-south-korea/page-3#entry7715259

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Armed Forces not yet give consent to CAPO's statement



BANGKOK: -- The commanders-in-chief of the Thai armed forces have not yet given consent to the statement of the Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) regarding the call for fair and straightforward judgments in cases against caretaker prime minister, according to Air Force commander-in-chief Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/720280-thai-armed-forces-not-yet-give-consent-to-capos-statement/

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UPDATE:

Arrest warrant soon for Phuket hit-and-run Russian woman
Anthika Muangrod


Larisa Kim, left, and the dead boy, 'Lotus'.

PHUKET: -- An arrest warrant is to be sought this week for Russian woman Larisa Kim, accused of crashing into the motorbike of a 16-year-old boy on April 5 while making a U-turn on Patak Rd close to Chalong Circle.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/719680-phuket-hit-and-run-russians-now-fugitives/page-3?p=7715392#entry7715392

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Canadians rally to legalize marijuana

OTTAWA: -- Several thousand people came out in Canada's biggest cities on Sunday to call for the legalization of marijuana - a yearly protest that happens internationally on April 20, AFP reports. The demonstrations - dubbed the "420" rallies after the date, 4/20 in North American style, and the code-term popularly used to refer to pot consumption - took place in Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/720283-canadians-rally-to-legalize-marijuana/

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PM Yingluck's lawyer not worried about rice case

BANGKOK, 21 April 2014 (NNT) – The lawyer of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is confident that the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) will not rule the Premier guilty of charges in connection with the rice pledging scheme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/720286-pm-yinglucks-lawyer-not-worried-about-rice-case/

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UPDATE:

Permanent Secretary for Public Health working as usual after home attacked
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, April 21 -- Permanent Secretary for Public Health Narong Sahametapat was working this morning as usual after his home was attacked using an M-79 grenade shortly after midnight.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/720247-bangkok-house-of-top-health-official-hit-by-m-79-grenade/#entry7715487

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Public Health Min warns parents of child drowning risks



BANGKOK, 21 April 2014 (NNT) – The Public Health Ministry is warning parents to take a close eye on their kids going out swimming in natural ponds around home as rate of child drowning is normally high during April and May, the period of summer school vacation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/720290-public-health-min-warns-parents-of-child-drowning-risks/

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Passenger brawl heralds end of Metal Age for Thai Airways
By Coconuts Bangkok


Sadly the spoon is a sad victim of guilt by association.

BANGKOK: -- A violent brawl Thursday between Chinese passengers on a Thai Airways flight has claimed a casualty: stainless steel tableware.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/720292-passenger-brawl-heralds-end-of-metal-age-for-thai-airways/

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Finnair to start scheduled Phuket, Krabi services next winter



BANGKOK: -- In the upcoming winter season 2014-2015, Finnair will introduce scheduled services to Krabi and Phuket in Thailand, destinations which were previously served on a charter basis. Finnair will operate to Phuket (HKT) three times per week from November 14 and to Krabi (KBV) twice per week from December 10. Both routes will be operated with Airbus A340 aircraft.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/720293-finnair-to-start-scheduled-phuket-krabi-services-next-winter/

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UPDATE:

Dr Narong’s home attacked with M79 grenade



BANGKOK: -- The home of Dr Narong Sahamethapat on Chaengwattana 14 was attacked with a M79 grenade last night, causing damage to his car and the wall fence.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/720247-bangkok-house-of-top-health-official-hit-by-m-79-grenade/page-2#entry7715670

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Military distributes drinking water to drought-hit area

BANGKOK, 21 April 2014 (NNT) – Authorities are speeding up help for drought victims in Phichit Province. Around 18,000 liters of water have already been delivered to the affected area.

Soldiers from Phetchaburi Province traveled to Wang Sai Phun District in Phichit where they distributed 18,000 liters of water to 140 families affected by the severe drought. The hot weather conditions has reportedly impaired irrigation system in the area and caused widespread drought throughout the province.

Given the fact that Wang Sai Phun District has only small river basins and when they dry up, the locals will have to struggle without water until the rainy season comes back again.

As for long-term solutions, provincial authorities have made a request for budget to set up a medium-sized irrigation system in the district, so that the locals will have sufficient supply of water.


-- NNT 2014-04-21

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SOUTH CRISIS
Army to follow up on Yala slayings

BANGKOK: -- Fourth Army Region Commander Lt Gen Walit Rojanapakdi on Monday visited Yala's Bannang Sata district to follow up the investigation into the killing of three people, one of them a two-year-old girl, on Sunday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/720300-thai-south-army-to-follow-up-on-yala-slayings/

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Suthep leads PDRC supporters to Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives in Bang Khen /MCOT

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Caretaker PM chairs economic ministers meeting, asks NESDB to find measures to attract investment, boost export /MCOT

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Governor orders probe into 'reckless' bungy -jump operators
Phuket Gazette


Governor Maitri has ordered police to investigate the illegal construction site of the bungy-jump tower where two men died and one was seriously injured. Photo: PR Dept

PHUKET: -- Governor Maitri Inthusut has ordered police to investigate the illegal construction site of the Phuket bungy-jump tower where two men died and one was seriously injured on Friday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/720306-governor-orders-probe-into-reckless-bungy-jump-operators/

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Wind, thunder and heat forecast

BANGKOK: -- Meteorological Department warned on Monday of strong winds, thundershowers and high temperatures throughout the country.

The heatwave would continue to affect the upper region while the southeast wind bringing humidity from the South China sea would become stronger. The department warned people to be cautious in the strong winds.


-- The Nation 2014-04-21

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Python rescued from electric shock
By Coconuts Bangkok

Photo: Rescue Volunteer Thailand

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/720307-rescue-volunteer-thailand-python-rescued-from-electric-shock/

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Gold Coffin For Saraburi Amulet-Master Monk
By Khaosod English



SARABURI: -- Disciples of a prominent Buddhist monk in Saraburi have honoured his passing by interring his body in a gilded coffin.

Pra Kru Prasitviharnkun served as the abbot of Mutchalintasarararm Temple for 50 years before he passed away on 15 April. He was 87 years old.

Reports say Pra Kru Prasitviharnkun, whose secular name was Samrong Thitdharmmo, is greatly respected by his followers in Saraburi for his reputation as a famous amulet producer and other religious works.

To express their reverence, a group of the Prasitviharnkun's followers decided to inter his body in a coffin made of teak wood gilded with gold, attracting much attention from locals.

One of the disciples told our correspondent that they paid approximately 200,000 baht for the coffin.

The funeral of Pra Kru Prasitviharnkun is being held at Mutchalintasarararm Temple and expected to last for about 100 days, his disciples say.

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1398056544


-- Khaosod English 2014-04-21

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Pheu Thai still firm to push for an election in 60 days



BANGKOK, 21 April 2014 (NNT) - The Pheu Thai Party is aiming to push the Election Commission (EC) to hold a new round of general election within 60 days, while the Democrat Party urges the agency to find a measure to convince all sides to accept the election before setting the date for the new poll.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/720308-pheu-thai-still-firm-to-push-for-an-election-in-60-days/

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Tattooed body found off Phuket beach, believed to be foreigner
Phuket Gazette


A tattoo was found on the inside of the man’s right forearm. Photo: Thawit Bilabdullar

PHUKET: -- Police are trying to establish the identity of a body, believed to be of a foreign man, found floating off Pansea Beach this morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/720319-tattooed-body-found-off-phuket-beach-believed-to-be-foreigner/

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Graft busters get serious about Phuket dive industry extortion
Anthika Muangrod


Prayong Preeyachitt, the PACC’s Deputy Secretary-General (left) with Pol Lt Col Wannop Somchintanakul, pictured during the PACC’s initial visit to Phuket at the beginning of April.

PHUKET: -- The Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) is to conduct a full-blown investigation into police extortion of Phuket’s dive industry, starting next Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/720331-graft-busters-get-serious-about-phuket-dive-industry-extortion/

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Phuket police arrest duo for snatch-and-go robbery of Russian tourist
Eakkapop Thongtub


Ms Shustrova identifies the two bag-snatchers.

PHUKET: -- Police on Saturday (April 19) arrested two drive-by bag snatchers who robbed a Russian tourist of her handbag four days earlier in Kata.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/720332-phuket-police-arrest-duo-for-snatch-and-go-robbery-of-russian-tourist/

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Shinawatra family members prepared to exit Thai politics if justice can be restored, ex-PM Thaksin said /The Nation

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Daily Weather Forecast For Thailand 21 April 2014

General Situation
The heat low pressure covers upper Thailand and the stronger southeasterly winds still bring humid from the South China Sea to the country. Hot weather remains over Thailand and increasing thundershower with gust. People should beware of this condition.

Weather forecast for Thailand from 6.00 a.m. Monday to 6.00 a.m. Tuesday.

Northern Thailand -Hot with haze during the day. Widely scattered thundershowers with gust mostly in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Lumphun, Lampang, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet and Phetchabun. Minimum temperature 23-26 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 36-40 degree Celsius. Variable winds 10-20 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand -Hot with haze during the day. Widely scattered thundershowers with gust mostly in Loei, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani and Nakhon Ratchasima. Minimum temperature 25-26 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 37-39 degree Celsius. Southeasterly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Central Thailand -Hot with haze during the day. Widely scattered thundershowers with gust mostly in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Lop Buri, Saraburi and Kanchanaburi. Minimum temperature 26-27 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 37-39 degree Celsius. Southerly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand -Hot with haze during the day. Widely scattered thundershowers with gust mostly in Prachin Buri, Sa Keao, Chanthaburi and Trat. Minimum temperature 25-27 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 34-38 degree Celsius. Southeasterly winds 10-30 km/hr. Wave height below 1 meter.

Southern Thailand East Coast -Hot during the day. Partly cloudy and widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phatthalung. Minimum temperature 24-27 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 34-36 degree Celsius. Southeasterly winds 10-30 km/hr. Wave height below 1 meter.

Southern Thailand West Coast -Very cloudy. Widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Phang-nga, Phuket, Krabi and Trang. Minimum temperature 24-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 34-35 degree Celsius. Variable 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 20% chance of thundershower with gust. Minimum temperature 26-28 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 36-37 degree Celsius. Southerly winds 10-30 km/hr.


-- NNT 2014-04-21

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Phayao hit by summer storm for second time

PHAYAO 21 April 2014 (NNT) — Phayao has been bit by a strong summer storm for the second time this year, damaging over 100 homes and destroying several others that have just been rebuilt after the first storm demolished them.

Officials in Ban Tom, Phayao province, are working tirelessly to clear the main roads that have been covered with trees hard-hit and fallen by the summer storm. Reports indicated that the heavy storm that wreaked havoc in the region on April 20 lasted over 30 minutes.

More than 100 homes have been either damaged or destroyed — including those that have just been rebuilt after they were demolished by the first storm that hit the province. Related officials are continuously working to help and provide assistance to those afflicted.

Roads that have been scattered with fallen trees are being cleared to allow traffic to flow again. Authorities continue to dispatch more officials to provide succor to afflicted residents in the region.


-- NNT 2014-04-21

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UPDATE:

MH192 lands safely in KLIA



KUALA LUMPUR: -- A Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight bound for Bengaluru (Bangalore) which was forced to make a turn back, landed safely at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport early Monday, according to The Star Online.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/720245-malaysia-airlines-jet-in-kl-emergency-landing-after-tyre-bursts/#entry7716172

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CAPO assigns Modernine TV, Channel 11, for live broadcast of EC meeting with political parties on election /MCOT