Thailand Live Monday 28 Apr 2014

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Worshiping ceremony of Royal Regalia for the Coronation celebrations

ฺBANGKOK, 28 April 2014 (NNT) - The Bureau of the Royal Household on April 27 held a worshiping ceremony of the Royal Regalia which will be used in the celebration on the Coronation anniversary of His Majesty the King on May 5, 2014.

Mr. Narongrid Snidvongs Na Ayuthaya, a Grand Chamberlain, presided over the worshiping ceremony held at Sala Ratchapracha Samakhom Pavilion in Klai Kangwon Palace, in Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. By royal command, the Royal Regalia has been removed from Bangkok to be instituted at Klai Kangwon Palace for use in the royal and traditional ceremony to celebrate the Coronation Day, May 5.

The Royal Regalia is surmounted on a throne and is comprised of five elements namely the Great Crown and Sword of Victory, the Royal Staff, Fan and Slippers.

His Majesty the King was officially crowned on May 5, 1950, when he pledged he would “reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people”. For more than 60 years, His Majesty has proved he has kept his words, ruling the country with the 10-fold code of moralities of the King. The numerous projects that His Majesty has initiated have reflected the royal benevolence for his people and the nation.

Also on Sunday, at a nearby hall inside the Ratchapracha Samakhom Pavilion, Klai Kangwon Palace, representatives from government units, leading members of the armed forces and the general public kept pouring into the hall to lay vases of flowers in front of the royal portrait of Their Majesties the King and Queen and sign books to congratulate Them on the Royal Wedding anniversary on April 28.

The Bureau of the Royal Household has opened the hall for public signing of the books since April 25, and the activity will continue until April 29.


-- NNT 2014-04-28

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Abhisit floats 'minor reforms'
JINTANA PANYAARVUDH
THE NATION



Plan calls for poll restrictions before an election, to be followed by larger moves

BANGKOK: -- FIVE DAYS after launching a proposal to seek talks with all stakeholders in the political stand-off, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva appeared hopeful yesterday that his proposal to end the six-month-long crisis would succeed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721938-abhisit-floats-minor-reforms/

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Pheu Thai mocks move to seek royal help
OLAN LERTRUDTANADUMRONGKUL
THE NATION

SAYS MOVE WOULD LACK A LEGAL BASIS; NOPPADON SUGGESTS ANOTHER ELECTION

BANGKOK: -- A CLAIM THAT the Privy Council president agreed to a proposal to seek assistance from His Majesty the King to help end the political crisis has come under attack from key Pheu Thai Party men.

Lawyer Noppadon Pattama said he had no knowledge of whether Privy Council chief General Prem Tinsulanonda had accepted the Man of State group's proposal. But he personally believed that Prem, who holds the high post of Privy Council president and is regarded as one of the country's most respected figures, would not accept the proposal, as there were no laws to support it.

Saiyud Kerdphol, a retired Army general who is a former armed forces supreme commander, said on Friday that Prem would submit to HM the King an appeal by the group for a royal command to solve the political crisis, which has dragged on for six months.

"Saiyud should urge the Election Commission to hold a snap election and the Democrat Party to take part in the election besides asking the People's Democratic Reform Committee to stop its rallies. Do not opt for measures beyond the charter boundaries, as the country has not reached a dead-end,'' he said.

Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit quoted Prem's close aide Lt General Pitsanu Phuttha-wong, chief of the Office of the General Prem Tinsulanonda Statesman Foundation, as saying that Saiyud met Prem but did not agree with the proposal. Prompong quoted Prem's aide as saying the statesman felt strange about a former high ranking military man who was also Pollwatch chairman stage a political move that may cross lines of the charter.

"The country is facing problems. While people want to take a step towards an election, Saiyud wants to lead them by jumping through the window. The proposal could upset the King. Privy Councillors should be above politics,'' he said.

"Saiyud risks becoming a wreck late in life. I believe he is a medium of anti-government groups and his move has a political implication,'' Prompong said.

The spokesman questioned Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva's motive to seek co-operation from all sides to end the political impasse. He said if Abhisit was sincere and was seeking redemption for teaming up with anti-government groups in plunging the country into a crisis, he should vow to take part in the election as soon as possible and declare an iron rule to make party members who have joined the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) stop carrying out any activities with the group.

He said he suspected Abhisit only faked his fights with PDRC chief Suthep Thaugsuban to shore up the Democrat Party's image.

Pheu Thai's director on political affairs Udomdej Rattanasatien said Abhisit's latest political move was a last-ditch attempt to restore the party's name as an institution that upholds democracy. "When he sees that the PDRC and Abhisit's common ground of having reform before an election was not feasible, he was forced to do a U-turn to show a commitment to democracy and election,'' he said.


-- The Nation 2014-04-28

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Abhisit's nephew 'Itim' first Thai to lead top Oxford society
BUDSARAKHAM SINLAPALAVAN,
KORNCHANOK RAKSASERI
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- PARIT WACHARASINDHU, the 21-year-old nephew of former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, is in the spotlight again with the news that he has become the first Thai to be voted president of the Oxford Union, the largest student society at Oxford University.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721939-abhisits-nephew-itim-first-thai-to-lead-top-oxford-society/

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Plan for university test 'on track'
The Nation

NIETS PROCEEDING WITH CONTROVERSIAL U-NET EXAM DESPITE GROWING CRITICISM BY STUDENTS

BANGKOK: -- THE NATIONAL Institute of Educational Testing Service (NIETS) is going ahead with plans to introduce a controversial test for students called the University National Education Test, despite growing opposition.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721940-thailand-plan-for-university-test-on-track/

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BROADCASTING
Set-top box vouchers tool for reshaping industry
USANEE MONGKOLPORN
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE VOUCHERS for digital TV set-top boxes will be a key tool of the broadcasting committee of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission to shape up the TV broadcasting industry and put it in order.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721942-set-top-box-vouchers-tool-for-reshaping-industry-thailand-broadcasting/

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EDITORIAL
Ex-monk's reflection of Thais and Buddhism
The Nation

Yantra's return opens old wounds

BANGKOK: -- Few embody such a gross misinterpretation of Buddhism as that weird-looking guy who has just returned from a long exile abroad. The former phra Yantra Ammarobhiku radiates none of that aura that the popular monk whose sexual scandals rocked Thailand's ecclesiastic circles some two decades ago had. Press and social media photos show him dressed in strange clothing that some may call robes, and sporting a long beard that obscures much of his face.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721943-thai-editorial-ex-monks-reflection-of-thais-and-buddhism/

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Prompong: new election should be held within 60 days

BANGKOK, 28 April 2014 (NNT) - A spokesman for the ruling Pheu Thai Party, Prompong Nopparit, advised the Election Commission (EC) to accept opinions from the public, political leaders, and even foreign countries about holding a new election within 60 days as proposed by 53 political parties.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721945-pheu-thai-new-election-should-be-held-within-60-days/

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Elderly Irish Man Jumps to His Death in Pattaya

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721883-elderly-irish-man-jumps-to-his-death-in-pattaya/

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5 year old son locked in house with dead British Father in East Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- Police and medics were called to a house in Soi Kao Talo in East Pattaya on Saturday after neighbors discovered the body of the British Owner of a house and inside was his 5 year old son who is thought to have been trapped inside the house with his dead Father for at-least 7 days.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721947-5-year-old-son-locked-in-house-with-dead-british-father-in-east-pattaya/

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Political rivals urged to 'cool it'
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- A DUSIT POLL survey released yesterday found most people wanted rival political camps to take one step back to end the political deadlock, fearing it could spiral into civil strife.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721948-thai-poll-political-rivals-urged-to-cool-it/

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EC to discuss measures to prevent poll blockades
CHANIKARN PHUMHIRAN
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- ELECTION COMMISSION (EC) OFFICIALS have learned from the blockade of ballots and candidacy registration for the February 2 poll and come up with measures to prevent such blockades recurring.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721949-thailands-ec-to-discuss-measures-to-prevent-poll-blockades/

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50 dead as number of influenza cases jumps dramatically
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- FIFTY PEOPLE have been killed by seasonal influenza, which has hit more than 30,000 people this year, prompting the Public Health Ministry to be on alert.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721951-50-dead-as-number-of-influenza-cases-in-thailand-jumps-dramatically/

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Woman held for 2010 Nonthaburi blast, linked to Min Buri bomb
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Amphorn Jaikorn, who is suspected of being behind a huge explosion at a Nonthaburi apartment in 2010, arrives at the Royal Thai Police compound to give a statement yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721952-woman-held-for-2010-nonthaburi-blast-linked-to-min-buri-bomb/

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Ukraine crisis: Military observer freed in Sloviansk

(BBC) Pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine have released one of a team of eight European monitors seized in the flashpoint city of Sloviansk.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721953-military-observer-freed-in-ukraine/

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Vatican declares Popes John Paul II and John XXIII saints

ROME: -- Pope Francis has declared Popes John Paul II and John XXIII saints, in front of a crowd of hundreds of thousands.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721954-vatican-declares-popes-john-paul-ii-and-john-xxiii-saints/

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Pattani couple killed, as alert intensifies in lead-up to anniversary of Krue Se massacre today
The Nation



PATTANI: -- ASSAILANTS YESTERDAY shot dead a couple in their tobacco shop in broad daylight in a fresh market in Pattani's Ma-Yor district and fled in the victims' pickup truck.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721955-pattani-couple-killed-as-alert-intensifies-in-lead-up-to-anniversary-of-krue-se-massacre-today/

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Paris police officers charged with sexually assaulting Canadian tourist

PARIS, France - Two elite French police officers have been charged with raping a Canadian tourist in their Paris headquarters in a case that has sent shock waves across France.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721959-paris-police-officers-charged-with-sexually-assaulting-canadian-tourist/

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Suthep Promises 'One Last Fight' Against Govt
By Khaosod English


PCAD leader Suthep Thaugsuban eats lunch alongside other core activists during a march in Bang Khae district of Bangkok, 27 April 2014.

BANGKOK — Anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban has urged his supporters to prepare for the "last fight" to overthrow the government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721962-suthep-promises-one-last-fight-against-govt/

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Bombing at Farmhouse bread factory in Chiang Mai; two trucks damaged, no injuries /MCOT

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SET index this week is expected to show a lower-than-expected performance

BANGKOK, 28 April 2014 (NNT) - According to Kasikorn Research Center Company Limited and Kasikorn Asset Management Company Limited, the SET index this week would likely become weaker as investors are expected to sell their shares to make short term profits.

The companies predicted the key international influence factors include the US Real Estate performance figure, ISM Manufacturing index, first quarter’s GDP figure, and employments in the non-agricultural sector.

K-Asset predicted that this week’s resistance would likely be in the range of 1,426-1,430 points and 1,450 points, respectively while support level should be around 1,400 to 1,393 points.

The forecast was based on last week’s figures which adjusted up from preemptive purchases before diving down as the week progressed thanks to concerns over economic figures from China and Ukraine.

The week concluded at 1,408.16 points, a decrease of 0.07% from the previous week with average trading of 32.79 billion baht.


-- NNT 2014-04-28

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Bombings at Farmhouse bread warehouse in Chiang Mai
By Digital Content

CHIANG MAI, April 28 -- An M-79 grenade and a RGD 5 hand grenade were hurled into a baked goods warehouse in Chiang Mai's San Kamphaeng district early today, damaging two trucks but apparently injuring no workers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721992-bombings-at-farmhouse-bread-warehouse-in-chiang-mai/

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,410.81, up 2.65 points /MCOT

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Low economic growth is expected in the second half of the year

BANGKOK, 28 April 2014 (NNT) - Rangsit University’s Economic Faculty Dean Anusorn Thammajai revealed that the prolonged political crisis has posted an ever-increasing economic downgrade prospect, saying the Thai economy in the second half of this year would likely expand at the rate of 0.25-2.25%, or growing 0.5-1.5% on a year-on-year basis after a zero growth in the first half was recorded.

The dean said political factors had already cost the nation more than 500 billion baht worth of damages in terms of opportunity loss. He suggested that the Election Commission (EC) hold a new round of general elections as soon as possible while pushing forward with the political reform. He urged related organizations to draw up a social contract for the reform while establishing an elected reform committee to monitor the process.

Mr. Anusorn also called for the use of digital technology to elevate the nation’s competitiveness and to assist in the election process in order to ensure fairness and deal with attempts to block the election.


-- NNT 2014-04-28

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'Obama and Najib share natural chemistry'
News Desk
The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: -- It was a busy second day for US President Barack Obama in Malaysia but he made it seem easy as he zipped through the capital full of vigour and even his weighty bilateral talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak went smoothly thanks to the “great natural chemistry” between the two leaders.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722015-obama-and-najib-share-natural-chemistry-malaysia-visit/

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Caretaker FM Surapong asks Cabinet to reduce military deployment, increase number of police officers to monitor protests /MCOT

Suthep leads PDRC protesters to Thailand Tobacco Monopoly in Klong Toey /MCOT

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Seven million baht worth of drugs seized at Suvarnabhumi Airport

SAMUT PRAKAN, 28 April 2014 (NNT) – Suvarnabhumi International Airport’s Customs Bureau has seized seven million baht worth of ketamine, while Don Mueang Airport has confiscated 3.3 kilograms of crystal meth, also known as “ya ice”.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722038-nepali-man-arrested-at-suvarnabhumi-airport-with-7-mil-baht-of-ketamine/

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PWO seals a rice deal with China

BANGKOK, 28 April 2014 (NNT) - The Public Warehouse Organization (PWO) revealed that the agency has inked a rice deal with China, under which it will export 20,000 tons of Hom Mali fragrant rice to that country this year at the average price tag of 30,000 baht per ton.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722043-thai-pwo-seals-a-rice-deal-with-china/

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Tropical storms wreak havoc to many provinces



BANGKOK: -- Tropical storms wreaked havoc to many northern and northern provinces yesterday damaging several hundreds of homes and blacking out large areas.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722045-tropical-storms-wreak-havoc-to-many-thai-provinces/

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Prices of Mama noodles to remain unchanged

BANGKOK, 28 April 2014, (NNT) - Thailand’s manufacturer of the famous 'Mama'instant noodle has affirmed that it will not increase the prices of its popular items, despite the fact that the company could be in the red.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722048-prices-of-mama-noodles-to-remain-unchanged-thailand/