Thailand Live Wednesday 30 Apr 2014

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Airport Rail Link collaborates with police and security officers to raise security level

BANGKOK, 30 April 2014 (NNT) - The Airport Rail Link is collaborating with the Railway Police, Makkasan Local Police and security officers to raise the level of security by using electronic devices.

Air Chf Mshl Kamrop Leeyawanich, the acting managing director of SRT Electrified Train Co., Ltd. said that the company has had discussions with police and security officers to strengthen safety and security measures on the airport rail link, both day and night. The measures include an increase in random checks by officials, the wider application of electronic devices and the close monitoring of operational control. Passengers who park their cars in the parking lots at SRT stations are also asked to let officials check the luggage in the back of their cars.

This measure is also applied to those who have contact with the government office at Klong Tan maintenance center.


-- NNT 2014-04-30

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Justice Seeker for 2010 Crackdown Victims Dies
By Khaosod English


Elizabeth Polenghi appears on a Redshirt rally stage next to the mother of a volunteer nurse killed in the 2010 crackdown, 19 May 2013.

BANGKOK — The Italian photographer-turned-activist who campaigned for justice on behalf of victims of the 2010 crackdown, including her own brother, passed away last night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722465-elizabeth-polenghi-italian-justice-seeker-for-2010-crackdown-victims-dies/

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NATIONAL SECURITY
Thawil to review deep South policy
THE NATION



Army chief also seeking to adjust South operations to make them precise, fast

BANGKOK: -- NATIONAL Security Council chief Thawil Pliensri says his first mission will be to review policy on the unrest in the deep South and national security work there.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722466-thawil-to-review-thailands-deep-south-policy/

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POLITICS
EC warms up to Abhisit's ideas for election reform
The Nation


Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, with his arm in a sling, shakes hands with Banharn Silapa-archa, chief adviser to Chart Thai Pattana Party, after they met at the Chart Thai Pattana Party office

EC to consider Democrat's proposals and pass them on to PM today

BANGKOK: -- The Election Commission (EC) yesterday agreed to take into consideration the proposal of Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva to reform the electoral process before holding an election. However, both sides remain concerned whether an election could be held while the political impasse continues.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722467-ec-warms-up-to-abhisits-ideas-for-election-reform/

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POLICE
Prayuth against use of force to end impasse
The Nation


People's Democratic Reform Committee secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban and protesters are warmly welcomed during their visit to the Port Authority of Thailand.

BANGKOK: -- Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha yesterday voiced concerns about some local leaders and political groups opting for violence to end the prolonged political conflict.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722468-thai-army-chief-gen-prayuth-against-use-of-force-to-end-impasse/

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RICE-PLEDGING SCHEME
NACC will not allow any more witnesses from PM
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) said yesterday it will not allow any more witnesses in defence of caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in the case of alleged negligence related to her government's rice-pledging scheme.

The NACC has also decided to indict 36 senators who were behind the charter amendment related to the composition of the Senate. The amendment was ruled illegal by the Constitutional Court.


-- The Nation 2014-04-30

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THEFT
American detained for stealing transport van
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- An American tourist was arrested in Trat's Muang district on Monday night for allegedly stealing a Bangkok-Trat public transport van so he could catch a border bus to Cambodia.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722469-american-tourist-arrested-for-stealing-transport-van-in-thailand/

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German firms mull diversification here
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation


Nils Schmid, finance and economics minister of Baden-Wuerttemberg, meets with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday while leading more than 20 German enterprises to visit and eye investment opportunities in Thailand.

Branching out from auto sector; Thailand seen as manufacturing hub in Asean

BANGKOK: -- German companies are considering investing more in Thailand in various industries, not only the automobile and related business, as they view the country as a potential hub for manufacturing and related services in Asean.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722470-investment-opportunities-in-thailand-german-firms-mull-diversification-here/

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Banks well placed to cope with economic slump: BOT
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Despite the economic slowdown, Thai commercial banks continue to maintain a strong position because of their high provisions, the Bank of Thailand said yesterday, expressing no concern over credit expansion.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722471-banks-well-placed-to-cope-with-economic-slump-bank-of-thailand/

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EDITORIAL
After a promising start, digital TV must deliver
The Nation

Balance between commercialism and creativity is key

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722472-after-a-promising-start-digital-tv-must-deliver-thai-editorial/

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STOPPAGE TIME
Why Thailand's political system isn't working
Tulsathit Taptim

BANGKOK: -- Democracy's biggest flaw, perhaps, is its tendency to force everyone to bite off more than they can chew. When an overwhelmed team runs a corporation, the worst-case scenario is bankruptcy for those concerned. When a group of people has to do everything "for" a country after winning an election, there is no limit to how bad things can get.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722473-why-thailands-political-system-isnt-working/

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Innocent, adorable and the poster-boy for murderous dictatorship
Elias Groll
Foreign Policy
Washington


Pictures released by North Korean Central Television last week show leader Kim Jong-un as a child.

WASHINGTON: -- Kim Jong-un was adorable as a child. He had big puffy cheeks, a funny smile and made military salutes from an early age. His parents - or perhaps his caretakers - liked to dress him up in military uniforms. And that's how he's portrayed in baby pictures released last week by North Korean state television.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722474-kim-jong-un-innocent-adorable-and-the-poster-boy-for-murderous-dictatorship/

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Police close-in on Pattaya ATM Robbery Suspects



PATTAYA: -- Following the theft of money from a stand-alone SCB ATM on the Sukhumvit Road in Jomtien early on Monday Morning, Forensic Police and other Police Investigators began the investigation into the theft of an amount thought to be in excess of 2 Million Baht.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722475-police-close-in-on-pattaya-atm-robbery-suspects/

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BURNING ISSUE
After snubbing poll, Abhisit not qualified to be mediator
Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva will not be able to achieve his ambition to reconcile the political rift and find a solution, as his Democrat Party, and he himself, are part of the problem, not the solution.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722476-after-snubbing-poll-abhisit-not-qualified-to-be-mediator/

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Consumer body urges curbs on double-decker buses
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Foundation for Consumers yesterday proposed that double-decker buses be restricted from travelling down winding roads in a move to cut down on the number of accidents. It also urged bus operators to immediately pay damages to passengers in case of accidents instead of them having to file lawsuits.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722477-thai-consumer-body-urges-curbs-on-double-decker-buses/

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Driver who mowed down three police officers released on bail
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The driver, who allegedly mowed down three police officers and wounded three others in a car accident in downtown Bangkok on Sunday, was released on bail yesterday after his uncle posted a Bt1.4-million land title deed as guarantee. The bail was actually set at Bt500,000.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722478-bangkok-driver-who-mowed-down-three-police-officers-released-on-bail/

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Pregnant health official killed in Narathiwat gun attack
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A two-month pregnant health official was killed and her colleague wounded in a gun attack yesterday afternoon in Narathiwat's Si Sakhon district.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722479-pregnant-health-official-killed-in-narathiwat-gun-attack/

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Arrest warrants sought for two key suspects in red-shirt poet's murder
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- At least two people were involved in the April 23 killing of red-shirt poet Kamol "Mainueng Kor Kuntee" Duangphasuk, a senior police officer said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722481-arrest-warrants-sought-for-two-key-suspects-in-red-shirt-poets-murder/

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May Day tradition this year marred by political crisis
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- May Day this year will be different. Tomorrow there will be fewer traditional events held by working people because of the political instability which will either discourage them from celebrating fully, or divide them over their political stances.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722483-may-day-tradition-this-year-marred-by-political-crisis/

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France provides US$109m for fight against Aids, TB and malaria
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- France has recently contributed US$109 million (Bt3.5 billion) to help Thailand in its fight against HIV/Aids, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, the French embassy's press section reported yesterday. Of the contribution, $59.3 million was allocated for HIV/Aids, $22.7 million for TB and $27 million for malaria.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722484-france-provides-bt35-billion-for-fight-against-aids-tb-and-malaria/

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Senate can convene as all senators endorsed
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Election Commission (EC) endorsed the 15 remaining senators-elect, including Bangkok Senator Jaruvan Maintaka, yesterday in order to keep within the 30-day deadline.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722485-thai-senate-can-convene-as-all-senators-endorsed/

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Somyos's plight makes wife an anti-lese majeste law activist
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- With her husband Somyos Prueksakasemsuk languishing behind bars for three years now as a lese majeste detainee, Sukanya has emerged as a key campaigner for the release of all prisoners of conscience - including her husband.

She has come to terms with the fact that Somyos will most likely stay in prison for another eight years, but is hopeful that the controversial and lese majeste law will eventually be amended.

Sukanya, 47, said that though her work was in the field of science - she still works full-time at a medical research firm - the fact that her husband was arrested three years ago this day has changed her life and turned her into a part-time activist.

"We cannot determine everything in life, but we can make the most out of the situation," she said referring to her current role as an accidental anti-lese majeste activist.

She said Somyos, who was editor of the Voice of Taksin magazine, has recovered from the court ruling, which sentenced him to 11 years in prison for publishing two articles deemed as insulting to the monarchy. The articles appeared in the magazine under a pen name that Somyos insisted had been written by someone else.

Somyos has since decided not to plead guilty or to seek a royal pardon, and is currently fighting the case at the Appeals Court while under detention. This, Sukanya said, means he will most likely be spending another eight years behind bars because he believes he is innocent. As Somyos has not acknowledged his "crime", he is not entitled to parole even if he behaves well, Sukanya stressed.

"He said he cannot accept it [acknowledge his 'crime'] because it is severely contradictory to his conscience," said Sukanya, who allowed to visit her 53-year-old husband once a week for 20 minutes.

"He will probably be in for the long haul," she said, adding that Somyos was writing and hopes to publish a book from prison. He is also growing vegetables and sharing the produce with his fellow inmates. Sukanya hopes that one day the law will be repealed by Parliament, despise failed attempts so far.

Sukanya has been contacted by the new high-profile Commoner Party of Thailand to run as a parliamentary candidate, but she turned down the offer, saying she would rather be an adviser or a member of the party's executive committee instead. The party is expected to make an announcement soon.

Somyos and Sukanya's son, Panithan Prueksaksemsuk, 23, has just graduated from Thammasat University with a degree in law. After a stint as an anti-lese majeste law campaigner, calling for the release of his father and other detainees, Panithan said he would now seek employment as an attorney.

Panithan acknowledged that as Somyos's son, society expects a lot from him, but he told The Nation that eventually this issue was a matter for all Thai citizens to pay attention to. On the other hand, being Somyos's son and sharing his family name also carries a stigma amongst royalists, he acknowledged. Panithan, like his mother, hopes that society will pay more attention to the lese majeste law in the future.

"It's not just an issue for families of the detainees. Others must pitch in too," he said.


-- The Nation 2014-04-30

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Amanda Knox argued with UK student Meredith Kercher before murder in Italy, court says

ROME: -- Amanda Knox and her Italian lover slayed British student Meredith Kercher after an argument spiralled out of control, an Italian court said on Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722488-amanda-knox-argued-with-uk-student-meredith-kercher-before-murder-in-italy-court-says/

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LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling banned for life

LOS ANGELES: -- The owner of the Los Angeles Clippers professional basketball team has been banned from the National Basketball Association for life after a recording emerged of him making racist remarks.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722489-la-clippers-owner-donald-sterling-banned-for-life/

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German government disowns former chancellor Gerhard Schroeder after he is pictured in bear-hug with Putin despite tensions over Ukraine
Government has distanced itself from Gerhard Schroeder following picture
Former chancellor was seen embracing Russian President Vladimir Putin
Pair spotted in St. Petersburg after Schroeder's 70th birthday celebration
By EMMA GLANFIELD


Source: File photo

BERLIN: -- The German government has distanced itself from former chancellor Gerhard Schroeder after he was pictured embracing Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722491-german-govt-disowns-ex-chancellor-schroeder-after-he-is-pictured-in-bear-hug-with-putin/

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Oklahoma botches execution as man dies of heart attack
Bailey Elise McBride

McAlester, Oklahoma: -- An Oklahoma inmate whose execution was halted because the delivery of a new drug combination was botched died of a heart attack, the state Department of Corrections said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722499-us-oklahoma-botches-execution-as-man-dies-of-heart-attack/

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Science minister Phiraphan dies following brain surgery

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Science and Technology Minister Phiraphan Phalusuk died Wednesday morning a day after he received a brain surgery, Thai Rath reported.

He was admitted to Phyathai Nawamin Hospital on Tuesday suffering from vasoconstriction in the brain.


-- The Nation 2014-04-30

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Rain in Bangkok causes heavy traffic jams around capital; five cars crash in Huay Khwang tunnel, halting traffic in Ratchadapisek Road /MCOT

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Bhumjaithai: Abhisit's campaign to resolve current conflicts positive signal

BANGKOK, 30 April 2014 (NNT) – Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva's campaign to find a solution to the country's current political crisis might be taken as a sign that all political parties will partake in the upcoming general election, according to Bhumjaithai Party leader Anuthin Chanwirakun.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722506-bhumjaithai-abhisits-campaign-to-resolve-current-conflicts-positive-signal/

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Education Minister says students cannot be forced to take U-NET

BANGKOK, 30 April 2014 (NNT) – Universities have no authority to require students in the senior year of the bachelor's degree programs to take the proposed U-NET standardized test, although the test scores would provide valuable data for improving on tertiary education, according to Education Minister Chaturon Chaisaeng.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722516-thai-education-minister-says-students-cannot-be-forced-to-take-u-net/