Thailand Live Thursday 24 Apr 2014

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Number of Thai tourists visiting South Korea declines

BANGKOK, 24 April 2014 (NNT) - Mr. Sutthipong Puenpipob, President of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), revealed that the number of Thais visiting South Korea has declined by at least 10% after it reached a saturation point.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721059-number-of-thai-tourists-visiting-south-korea-declines/

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More than 500 logs of protected timber seized in Chonburi Province

CHONBURI, 24 April 2014 (NNT) – The Chonburi Provincial Police have confiscated more than 500 logs of Siamese rosewood after raiding an empty land area in Sri Racha District.

The Chonburi Police, in collaboration with the Forest Resource Management Office 9, raided a 100 rai of land owned by a local politician. They’ve discovered four containers filled with protected Siamese rosewood. After a quick count, the police said there were at least 500 logs of timber that are valued at approximately 10 million baht. However, if all the timber could be smuggled out of the country, then they could have a combined value of 500 million baht.

Further investigation revealed that the timber was going to be delivered to a wildlife smuggling network in China. Mr Khomsan Ekachai, the Chonburi Governor, has therefore, ordered all related agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.


-- NNT 2014-04-24

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DIT to regulate product sizes

BANGKOK, 24 April 2014, (NNT) – The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) is set to control the methods of product distribution from consumer product manufacturers in order to prevent unfair trading.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721067-thai-dept-of-internal-trade-to-regulate-consumer-product-sizes/

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Two ethnic minority men arrested in Chiang Mai; 250,000 meth pills seized /MCOT

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Future leaders? Ferrari-driving rich kids make fools of themselves in Vice video
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- The simplistic argument that Thailand's political crisis boils down to a class war between poor, upcountry rice farmers and corrupt Bangkok overlords just got a whole lot more ammunition.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721086-future-leaders-ferrari-driving-rich-thai-kids-make-fools-of-themselves-in-vice-video/

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UPDATE:

Phuket Police brutality at heart of mega-blockade
Phuket Gazette


The blockade left thousands of motorists caught in Phuket’s worst traffic jam on record. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- Four police officers were removed from active duty last night to bring an eight-hour blockade of Phuket’s critical Thepkrasattri Road to an end at about 11:30pm.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721050-people-miss-their-flights-following-protest-near-phuket-airport/#entry7729971

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Ratchaburi chemical waste plant caught fire earlier this morning

BANGKOK, 24 April 2014 (NNT) – A fire broke out this morning at an industrial waste disposal plant in Rangbua Sub-district, Chom Bueng District, Ratchaburi Province causing damage worth over 10 million baht. Police investigation is being conducted into the cause of the blaze.

Several firefighters with more than 10 fire-trucks from Chom Bueng, Nam Phu and nearby sub-districts were rushed to the scene at around half past 3 in the morning. The waste site is owned by Wax Garbage Recycle Center Company Limited.

Officials were reportedly able to control the blaze before it reached a nearby building which was keeping 200-liter oil tanks. However, the fire has destroyed several warehouses with an estimated damage of 10 million baht.

The ill-fated plant was designed to recycle chemical wastes into such products as paints, plastic pellets, and dish washing solution. The building had a history of arson when it caught fire on March 16th, 2013 before being rebuilt into a waste management plant.


-- NNT 2014-04-24

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SHOOTING
Human rights group condemns killing of Thai poet

BANGKOK: -- A human rights group on Thursday called for quick investigation into the killing of a Thai poet known for his support for the pro-government Red Shirt movement and criticism of the country's lese-majesty law.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721100-human-rights-group-condemns-killing-of-thai-poet/

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Strong 6.6 earthquake strikes off Canada's Vancouver island: USGS

WASHINGTON - An earthquake measuring 6.6 struck late Wednesday off Canada's Vancouver island in the Pacific, the US Geological Survey said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721103-strong-66-earthquake-strikes-off-canadas-vancouver-island-usgs/

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Samut Sakhon carries out efforts to deal with polluted canals

SAMUT SAKHON, 24 April 2014 (NNT) – Samut Sakhon province is currently carrying out efforts to help solve the problem of polluted local canals.

Samut Sakhon Governor Pol. Lt. Athit Boonyasopat, along with related officials from the Samut Sakhon Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment, have gathered together in a meeting to address the issue of the province’s polluted canals, which are mainly the Pasi Charoen and Sakha canals.

Appropriate measures to deal with the problem have been discussed, as well as receiving updates on other areas of the province’s waterways to prevent further pollution.

Preventive means have also been implemented to fix the problem such as investigating the wastewater being drained out by local factories and ensuring that the water has gone through proper treatment before being released into the environment.


-- NNT 2014-04-24

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Surin province dispatches happiness caravan

SURIN 24 April 2014 (NNT) – Surin province has dispatched its “happiness caravan” in an aim to bring smiles to locals suffering from hardship in the region.

Surin Provincial Governor Niran Kallayanamit presided over the opening ceremony of the province’s happiness caravan with the goal to assist and alleviate those in need. Activities include donations of household necessities, agricultural products, and consumer goods.

Moreover, the so-called happiness caravan aims to put Surin’s officials in making firsthand contact with those in need of assistance. The project is set up every year and this year the governor has donated 10,000 baht from the provincial budget to help build homes for the poor and gave out bicycles to students who have a good academic record.

Other donations include the ones from the Red Cross Society, where they provided rice, educational scholarships worth 1,000 baht each, fish for breeding, and other household amenities.


-- NNT 2014-04-24

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Revenue Dept advises Finance Ministry to extend 7% VAT for another year to ease burden on consumers due to current economic slowdown /MCOT

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H1N1 influenza outbreak situation from Jan to April 2014

BANGKOK, 24 April 2014 (NNT) -- The Department of Disease Control have called a meeting of provincial health leaders from the Northeast to discuss the latest seasonal outbreak of H1N1 flu in the region.

According to Director-General Sophon Mekthon, 45 out of 29,821 patients who contracted the disease nationwide have died from the influenza virus during January to Mid April.

He said the virus was the same type that made an outbreak four years ago. The report showed that people in the 55-64 age group were most at risk, followed by those aged between 45 and 54, and pregnant women and children aged over 2 years.

Dr. Sopon Mekthon said patients should be separated from others to prevent the virus from spreading. However, the flu can be cured and the ministry has distributed vaccines to hospital nationwide.

-- NNT 2014-04-24

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Democrat urges Yingluck to testify to Constitutional Court

BANGKOK: -- The Democrat Party Thursday called on caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to testify to the Constitutional Court by herself in the case related to unlawful transfer of National Security Council chief Thawil Pliensri.

The court has approved Yingluck's request to extend the deadline for her to defend herself in the court to May 2.

Democrat spokesman Chavanon Intharakomalsu said since the court approved the deadline extension, Yingluck should not assign anyone to speak on her behalf in the court.

-- The Nation 2014-04-24

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Phuket's one-stop yacht center trial period hits first software snag
Phuket Gazette


The one-stop yacht center at Chalong Pier hit its first snag on Monday, as check-in software failed, requiring officers to register all incoming yachts by hand. Photo: Isaac Stone Simonelli

PHUKET: -- The long-awaited, 70-million-baht one-stop yacht center at Chalong Pier opened on Monday only to see system bugs force officers to register all inbound yachts and crews by hand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721107-phukets-one-stop-yacht-center-trial-period-hits-first-software-snag/

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City police commissioner Camronwit to be transferred : police chief

BANGKOK: -- National police chief Gen Adul Saengsingkaew on Thursday confirmed news report that Metropolitan Police Commissioner Camronwit Toopgrajank would be transferred out of Bangkok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721132-city-police-commissioner-camronwit-to-be-transferred-bangkok-metro-police-chief/

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Democrat urges Yingluck to testify to Constitutional Court
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Democrat Party Thursday called on caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to testify to the Constitutional Court herself in the case related to the unlawful transfer of National Security Council chief Thawil Pliensri.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721114-democrat-urges-yingluck-to-testify-to-constitutional-court/

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HM the King will grant an audience, or Maha Samakom, on the Coronation Day on May 5 at Klai Kangwon Palace, the Royal Household Bureau announces. /Bangkok Post

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Suthep lobbies state enterprise to support for his final “overthrow Yingluck” push

BANGKOK: -- People's Democratic Reform Committee leader Suthep Thaugsuban kicked off "overthrow Yingluck" anti government campaign Thursday leading thousands of protesters to the Provincial Electricity Authority head office to persuade state enterprise employees to join upcoming massive protest to unseat Yingluck.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721119-suthep-lobbies-state-enterprise-to-support-for-his-final-overthrow-yingluck-push/

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UPDATE:

Motive Behind Redshirt Poet's Murder Unclear: Police

By Khaosod English.

BANGKOK — Police say they have not established a clear motive behind yesterday’s murder of a pro-government activist and poet, although his fellow activists insist it was a political assassination.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/720888-redshirt-poet-shot-dead-in-bangkok/page-5?p=7730404#entry7730404

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Hot weather, drought affect many provinces
By Digital Content

KALASIN, April 24 -- Hot weather and drought have affected many provinces in Thailand, damaging agricultural areas while the Lam Pao Dam in this northeastern province will stop discharging water on Saturday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721126-hot-weather-drought-affect-many-thai-provinces/

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Korn Dabaransi admitted to hospital because of food poisoning

BANGKOK: -- Korn Dabaransi, a former deputy prime minister, has been admitted to the Lerdsin Hospital because of food poisoning, his son said Thursday.

Kritpon Dabaransi, Korn's son, said Korn was admitted to the hospital Wednesday evening.

He suffered from vomiting and doctors diagnosed that he had food poisoning.

-- The Nation 2014-04-24

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Revenue Department proposes another year of 7%t VAT
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, April 24 -- The Revenue Department has affirmed that it earlier advised the Finance Ministry to extend the 7 per cent value-added tax (VAT) for another year to ease burden on consumers during the current economic slowdown, according to the agency chief.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721127-thai-revenue-department-proposes-another-year-of-7t-vat/

[Lite Beer]

Gunman storms Rama II jewelry shop, makes off with pile of gold
By Coconuts Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- A single, helmeted robber opened fire in a gold shop on Rama II road and walked out with 80 gold necklaces.

Read More: http://bangkok.coconuts.co/2014/04/24/gunman-storms-rama-ii-jewelry-shop-makes-pile-gold

-- Coconuts Bangkok 2014-04-24

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Officials Clarify 'Somalian Crown Prince' News Reports

By Khaosod English


Beeldaaje Mohamed, a community leader mistaken for the "crown prince" of Somalia, visits Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Bangkok.

BANGKOK — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released a statement clarifying that, despite a number of media reports, the republic of Somalia does not in fact have a Crown Prince.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721134-thai-officials-clarify-somalian-crown-prince-news-reports/

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Asean disaster specialists meet in Phuket to prepare for the next big one
Phuket Gazette


Dr Anuchar Sethasathein said the meeting would help professionals in the field engage in expert discussions and share knowledge. Photo: Saran Mitrarat

PHUKET: -- Doctors and disaster medicine specialists from nine Asean countries are in Phuket to attend a workshop aimed at sharing knowledge and upgrading disaster response systems.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721135-asean-disaster-specialists-meet-in-phuket-to-prepare-for-the-next-big-one/

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Yingluck says she under pressure over case of Thawil's transfer

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra Thursday remained non-committal as to whether she would be present when the Constitutional Court hears testimonies of witnesses in the case of National Security Council chief's transfer on May 6.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721138-yingluck-says-she-under-pressure-over-case-of-thawils-transfer/

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Trang confirms 50 cases of H1N1 flu
The Nation

TRANG: -- Trang Hospital on Thursday reported 50 confirmed cases of seasonal H1N1 flu infection in Trang province, and offered a list of recommendations on how to protect oneself.

Hospital chief Dr Chaiyuth Saksornchai said 50 cases of non-severe infections had been diagnosed since the beginning of the year, , mostly from people aged 25 to 30. Common symptoms included those usuallly associated with flu and high fever.

He said that 24 deaths had been registered across the kingdom from the seasonal flu.

Anyone suffering from fever and cough for more than two days should see the doctor immediately, while those infected should wear masks and wash their hands frequently, the hospital said..

In addition people should protect themselves by cooking food thoroughly to kill germs.


-- The Nation 2014-04-24

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Election Commissioner states that July 20th is the most suitable election date

BANGKOK, 24 April 2014 (NNT) - Election Commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn has announced that on April 30th, the EC will meet to exchange views with the government and decide on the most appropriate date to host another general election.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721142-thai-election-commissioner-states-that-july-20th-is-the-most-suitable-election-date/

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UPDATE:

MURDER
Democrat condemn redshirt killing

BANGKOK: -- The Democrat Party on Thursday condemned the killing of a redshirt poet and called for police to take quick action to bring killers to justice.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/720888-redshirt-poet-shot-dead-in-bangkok/page-5?p=7731127#entry7731127