Thailand Live Wednesday 30 Apr 2014

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Obama's Asia trip fails to achieve goals, experts say
Li Xiaokun
China Daily

(ANN) As the dust settles on US President Barack Obama's Asian trip, it seems that Washington got less out of it than its hosts, but Beijing is now more aware of US intentions in the region, observers said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722525-obamas-asia-trip-fails-to-achieve-goals-experts-say/

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Indonesia to protest Friday prayer raid by Czech police
News Desk
The Jakarta Post

JAKARTA: -- Indonesian Embassy in Prague, Czech Republic is intending to file an official protest over the unlawful detention of an Indonesian diplomat during a raid on a Prague mosque conducted amid Friday prayers by dozens of Czech counterterror police officers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722526-indonesia-to-protest-friday-prayer-raid-by-czech-police/

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Science minister Phiraphan dies
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Science and Technology Minister Phiraphan Phalusuk died Wednesday morning a day after he received a brain surgery, Thai Rath reported. He was 68 years old.

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

A well-informed source from the Pheu Thai Party said Phiraphan went to the hospital to check for the symptom of tiredness because of vasoconstriction in the heart but doctors also found the vasoconstriction in the brain, prompting the doctors to make the brain operation.

Initially, the operation became successful but his condition became critical at 8 pm on Tuesday, according to the source.

His family was seeking a royally-sponsored bathing rite.

Phiraphan has been working hard for the Pheu Thai as a member of the legal team, which defended Yingluck in legal cases against her and Phiraphan also helped the party campaign prior to the February 2 election.

Phiraphan was born on June 10 1946. He graduated from Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Law and got a diploma from International Institute of Public Administration.

He has been elected as Yasothon MP since 1985 as a Democrat MP. He joined the Thai Rak Thai government since 2001. He was reelected as a People Power Party MP in 2007 and became a Pheu Thai MP in 2011.

He used to hold several key political posts, including a deputy PM's secretary general and an assistant to a PM's Office minister.

He was appointed the science minister for the Yingluck government on June 30 2013.


-- The Nation 2014-04-30

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Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 1,412.83, gains 0.50 points /MCOT

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China to jail eaters of rare wild animals

BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislature on Thursday passed an interpretation of the Criminal Law which will put eaters of rare wild animals in jail.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722529-china-to-jail-eaters-of-rare-wild-animals-shark-fins/

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Thai police seize 5 tons of marijuana

file photo

BANGKOK, 30 April 2014 (NNT) – Thai police have seized 5,000 kilograms of marijuana, worth up to 500 million baht.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722530-thai-police-seize-5-tons-of-marijuana-worth-500-million-baht/

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Thai Airways investigates internet idol's theft of life vest
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Thai Airways is investigating the case of a popular internet personality suspected of stealing a life vest and sharing a photo of her loot on Instagram.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722548-thai-airways-investigates-internet-idols-theft-of-life-vest/

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UPDATE:

NACC indicts 36 senators over Constitution amendment
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, April 30 -- Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has indicted 36 senators for misconduct in attempting to amend the constitution to make the Senate a fully elected body.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722393-36-senators-face-impeachment-for-abuse-of-authority-in-charter-amendment/#entry7755946

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Sharp lesson for Phuket bed-jumper
Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: -- A 20-year-old woman learned a sharp lesson yesterday evening (April 29) that others may profit from: never jump seat-first onto a bed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722550-sharp-lesson-for-phuket-bed-jumper/

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Korat warned of inclement weather; Chiang Rai repairs storm-damaged power line

BANGKOK, 30 April 2014 (NNT) – Residents in Nakhon Ratchasima have been warned against possible hailstorms while Chiang Rai authorities are speedily erecting electric power poles that were taken down by the latest storm.

The Provincial Electricity Authority in Chiang Rai is working hard to re-erect more than 10 power poles that collapsed on Tuesday during heavy storm that swept the province and ravaged houses and other public utilities in 7 sub-districts. Provincial authorities are now assessing the damage and lending hands to the victims.

In Uttaradit Province, the provincial deputy governor paid a visit to storm-ravaged villages to give moral support to the locals. The storm also caused heavy damage to agricultural plantations in the area. At this point, the deputy governor has handed out relief packages and financial assistance to those affected.

Meanwhile, in Bueng Kan Province, torrential rains forced rice growers to reap their rice early as they feared that the moisture content would be high, which would drive down the prices.

In Nakhon Ratchasima, authorities have urged all residents to brace for more rains and strong winds, with possibility of hailstorms, saying trees and billboards around houses should be inspected to prevent unprecedented incidents.


-- NNT 2014-04-30

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Thaicom 8 satellite set for 2016 launch
By Digital Content



NONTHABURI, April 30 -Thaicom Public Company Limited, Thailand’s satellite operator, announced on Tuesday that its planned Thaicom 8 satellite will be launched in the first half of 2016.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722554-thaicom-8-satellite-set-for-2016-launch/

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Giant Buddha Head Attracts Lotto Hunters

By Khaosod English



NAKHON PANOM — Buddhist worshipers are flocking to the fallen head of a giant Buddha statue, which was recently unearthed in Nakhon Panom province, in search of good luck.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722559-giant-buddha-head-attracts-thai-lotto-hunters/

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UPDATE:

Huge cache of marijuana seized in Pathum Thani



BANGKOK: -- Narcotic and local police have seized five tons of marijuana, worth up to 500 million baht in a raid at a warehouse in Lamluka district of Pathum Thani province today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722530-thai-police-seize-5-tons-of-marijuana-worth-500-million-baht/#entry7756219

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"THAIFEX - World of food ASIA 2014" to be held during May 21-25



BANGKOK, 30 April 2014 (NNT) – The Commerce Ministry is set to organize “THAIFEX - World of food ASIA 2014” at IMPACT, with an aim to promote the popularity of Thai food in the international community.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722561-thaifex-world-of-food-asia-2014-to-be-held-during-may-21-25/

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Assad regime 'using chlorine gas' in attacks
Ruth Sherlock

Gaziantep, Turkey: Soil sample testing conducted on behalf of Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper shows that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is using chemical weapons against civilian targets, the newspaper says.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722582-assad-regime-using-chlorine-gas-in-attacks/

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UPDATE:

Verdict to be delivered soon for PM's cases

BANGKOK, 30 April 2014 (NNT) - Lawyers defending Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in a corruption trial under review by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) expect that a verdict on the case will be delivered some time during the next two weeks.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722397-nacc-expects-to-rule-on-pms-rice-pledging-case-on-may-8-or-may-13/#entry7756433

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BANGKOK: -- PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban led thousands of supporters to lobby for support from employees of TOT Plc and CAT Telecom on Chaengwattana road this morning of his massive ever protest to be announced tonight at Lumpini park.

At noon he and other core members of the PDRC were warmly welcomed by the state enterprise employees, their unions and management executives.

He told employees to join the massive protest which he said would be the final stage to bring the Thaksin regime down.

Announcement of the last protest will be made to all people of the nation at 7.00 p.m., he said.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/39021/


-- Thai PBS 2014-04-30

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Chiang Rai to grow Sakura to attract tourists
By Coconuts Bangkok



CHIANG RAI: -- Udon Thani’s rubber duck should worry because Chiang Rai is preparing its own marquee tourist attraction, the “Road of Sakura.”

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722586-chiang-rai-to-grow-sakura-to-attract-tourists/

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Special Report:

Thai workers concerned over future prospects on eve of Labour Day

BANGKOK: -- On the eve of the National Labour Day on May 1, Thai workers continue to face a daily struggle brought on by rising living costs and prolonged political turmoil.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722592-thai-workers-concerned-over-future-prospects-on-eve-of-labour-day/

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Consumption, investment expected to further decline if no govt in sight by Q3



BANGKOK, 30 April 2014 (NNT) – The Siam Commercial Bank says Thai economy will see a negative growth if a new government is not formed by the third quarter.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722595-consumption-investment-expected-to-further-decline-if-no-thai-govt-in-sight-by-q3/

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Central Administrative Court frees Watana from obligation to pay damages to BMA over fire vehicle deal

BANGKOK: -- The Central Administrative Court Wednesday ruled in favour of former commerce minister Watana Muangsook, freeing him from the obligation to pay damages to the city administration over the controversial fire vehicle deal.

Watana filed the lawsuit against the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, arguing against the BMA's demand for him to pay compensation over the inflated prices of fire vehicles the BMA was told to purchase from Austria’s Steyr Daimler Puch Spezialfahrzeug.

The court ruled that Watana had nothing to do with the order to have the BMA urgently sign purchase contract with the Austrian firm.


-- The Nation 2014-04-30

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UPDATE:

Phuket woman impaled by her mattress
Phuket Gazette


Rescue workers use bolt cutters to free Ms Darunee. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722550-sharp-lesson-for-phuket-bed-jumper/#entry7756728

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Rayong: Girl Found Brutally Murdered Sexually Assaulted with A Branch

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722611-rayong-girl-found-rrutally-murdered-sexually-assaulted-with-a-branch/

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Samak's wife, Pracha ordered by court to pay Bt587 million to BMA
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Central Administrative Court Wednesday ordered the wife of late former prime minister Samak Sundaravej and former deputy interior minister Pracha Maleenont to pay Bt587 million each to the city administration over the controversial Bt6.6 billion fire vehicles project.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722616-samaks-wife-pracha-ordered-by-court-to-pay-bt587-million-to-bma/

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At least 11 were killed in a car accident in Tak province

At least 11 people were killed and four others injured when a trailer truck crashed into their passenger bus, pushing it into a ravine Tak's Mae Sot district.

-- The Nation 2014-04-30

[Lite Beer]

HRH Princess Sirindhorn visits Laos

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand arrived in Vientiane yesterday morning to make a two-day working visit to Laos.

The princess and her delegation were warmly greeted by Vice President Bounnhang Vorachit at the Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel.

Vice President Bounnhang praised and highly valued the visit to Laos by Her Royal Highness as a contribution to further strengthening the friendship and cooperation between Laos and Thailand. He also wished the Princess and her delegation success with their visit to Laos.

While in Laos, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will attend an official ceremony to open the new consulate general of Thailand in Savannakhet Province, and visit the Agricultural Development and Service Center of Nongtao, Phosin Village, Kaysonphomvihane District.

The Princess will then attend a celebration of the 20th founding anniversary of the Huai Son – Huai Sua Agricultural Development and Service Center in Naxaythong District of Vientiane Capital.

Her Royal Highness left Vientiane yesterday afternoon for Luangprabang Province, where she visited Vat Sen temple and provided some funds to renovate the Prabang Buddha image hall and visited the morning market. On 30 April, Her Royal Highness will go to Oudomxay province to visit the organic farm of Ban Houay-oun, Xay District, provincial hospital of Oudomxay, and an ethnic boarding school.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/hrh-princess-sirindhorn-visits-laos/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hrh-princess-sirindhorn-visits-laos

-- Thai PBS 2014-04-30

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14 dead in northwest Thailand road accident

BANGKOK, April 30, 2014 (AFP) - At least 14 people were killed Wednesday when a truck carrying local villagers crashed in a mountainous region of northwest Thailand, police and hospital officials said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722620-14-dead-in-northwest-thailand-road-accident/

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12-Year-Old Boy Killed in Rocket Accident

By Khaosod English



UBON RATCHATHANEE — A 12-year-old boy was killed this morning when a homemade rocket accidentally exploded in Ubon Ratchathanee province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722627-ubon-ratchathani-12-year-old-boy-killed-in-rocket-accident/

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Scorpions drummer in Dubai jail for 'insulting Islam': reports

DUBAI - The drummer for German rock band Scorpions has been in jail for almost a month after being arrested for "insulting" Islam and offensive behaviour at Dubai's international airport, media reported Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722628-scorpions-drummer-in-dubai-jail-for-insulting-islam-reports/

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COURT
Durian merchant gets 15 days in jail for selling unripe durian

BANGKOK: -- Rayong court that sentenced a merchant to 15-days in jail for selling unripe fruit to a customer set a legal precedent for Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722632-thailand-durian-merchant-gets-15-days-in-jail-for-selling-unripe-durian/