Thailand Live Thursday 1 May 2014

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MOAC ready to join World Exposition Milano 2015

BANGKOK, 1 May 2014 (NNT) -The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC) has announced its readiness to participate in the World Exposition Milano 2015 taking place between May 1st and October 31st, 2015 in Italy.

Mr. Yukol Limlaemthong, Minister of MOAC, has revealed that the MOAC will present the progress of Thailand’s economy, society, and innovations, as well as the Kingdom’s competencies, under the theme entitled “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life”.

Meanwhile, Mr. Chalit Damrongsak, Deputy-Secretary for the MOAC, announced that the Work Right Joint Venture has been awarded a contract worth 750 million baht for the design and construction of the Thai Pavilion.

The exhibition is divided into five zones: land and water treasures & Thai souls; Suwannabhumi (Golden Land); Thai kitchen to the World; the Thai King and agriculture; and food for the future. Architecturally the Thai pavilion is inspired by the “Ngob” (a farmer's hat made of bamboo and palm leaves) while the foundation of the building is to be decorated with the King of Nagas.


-- NNT 2014-05-01

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UPDATE:

Yingluck Accepts 20 July Election Deals
By Khaosod English


A pro-election demonstrator holds up a sign which reads "Respect My Vote" at a poll station in Bangkok during the advance voting session on 26 January, 2014.

BANGKOK - The government and the Election Commission (EC) have at last agreed to an election on 20 July - on a number of conditions demanded by the EC.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722638-crisis-hit-thailand-to-hold-new-election-on-july-20/page-2?p=7759384#entry7759384

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UPDATE:

CAPO ready for new poll on 20 July

BANGKOK, 1 May 2014 (NNT) -The Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) has expressed readiness to provide security for the new general election set on 20 July 2014.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722638-crisis-hit-thailand-to-hold-new-election-on-july-20/page-2?p=7759390#entry7759390

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UPDATE:

Suthep disregards EC-Govt talk, schedules new mass protest

BANGKOK, 1 May 2014 (NNT) – Secretary-General of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) Suthep Thaugsuban has expressed disapproval of the meeting between the Election Commission (EC) and the government while setting the next major rally for May 14.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722663-suthep-announces-monday-as-day-of-final-war/page-2?p=7759399#entry7759399

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Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams held over Jean McConville murder

LONDON: -- Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has been arrested by Northern Ireland police in connection with the 1972 murder of Jean McConville.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722715-sinn-fein-leader-gerry-adams-held-over-jean-mcconville-murder/

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Bob Hoskins dies of pneumonia aged 71

LONDON: -- British actor Bob Hoskins, who was best known for roles in The Long Good Friday and Who Framed Roger Rabbit, has died of pneumonia at the age of 71.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722716-british-actor-bob-hoskins-dies-aged-71/

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Migrant workers find heaven and hope in Thailand
THANYA WADWONG,
TANPISIT LERDBUMRUNGCHAI
THE NATION


Immigrant workers at a construction site in Bangkok, Thailand

BANGKOK: -- WHILE THAI WORKERS are expected to voice grievances over low pay against the rising cost of living today, many migrant workers continue struggling to make ends meet with little complaint. For these workers from Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos, Thailand is a still a good place to work.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722718-migrant-workers-find-heaven-and-hope-in-thailand/

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UPDATE:

Election set for July 20
ANUPHAN CHANTANA,
JEERAPONG PRASERTPOLKRUNG
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Ec sets conditions for govt: says there must be no misuse of power; poll should be free from violence; Suthep calls three-stage final battle from May 5; Democrats in doubt if they will take part in poll

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722638-crisis-hit-thailand-to-hold-new-election-on-july-20/page-2?p=7759432#entry7759432

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UPDATE:

Court orders Pracha, Samak's family to pay damages in BMA fire-vehicle purchase
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Fugitive former deputy interior minister Pracha Maleenont and the heirs of late former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej were yesterday ordered by the Central Administrative Court each to pay Bt587 million to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to cover the losses caused by the procurement of fire trucks nine years ago.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722616-samaks-wife-pracha-ordered-by-court-to-pay-bt587-million-to-bma/page-2?p=7759438#entry7759438

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Plea to lodge appeal over acquittals in the murder of Saudi
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE CHULARATCHAMONTRI and the Central Islamic Council yesterday urged the Office of the Attorney-General to appeal against the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court's acquittal of five former police officers charged with abducting and murdering Mohammad al-Ruwaili, a Saudi businessman.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722719-plea-to-lodge-appeal-over-acquittals-in-the-murder-of-saudi-businessman-al-ruwaili/

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Ministry to consider workers' Labour Day demands
Thammarat Kijchalong
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Labour Ministry has set up a committee to consider 12 demands made by workers on May 1, Labour Day.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722720-thai-ministry-to-consider-workers-labour-day-demands/

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Thai Airways to get first-ever CFO from outside the company
BAMRUNG AMNATCHAROENRIT
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THAI AIRWAYS International, the national carrier, will employ a professional chief financial officer from outside to help turn the airline's financial fortunes around, following last year's loss of Bt12 billion.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722721-thai-airways-to-get-first-ever-cfo-from-outside-the-company/

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EDITORIAL
A lesson for Thai politicians from South Korea's PM
The Nation

It's time our lawmakers stopped passing the buck and began taking responsibility for their actions

BANGKOK: -- Chung Hong-won resigned from his post as South Korea's prime minister on Sunday, taking responsibility for the slow initial response to the Sewol ferry disaster which ended in the loss of more than 300 lives.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722722-a-lesson-for-thai-politicians-from-south-koreas-pm/

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WHAT OTHERS SAY
Hits and misses in Obama's Asia trip
The Straits Times
Asia News Network


US President Barack Obama walks up the stairs of the Air Force One plane as he leaves the Philippines at AGES Aviation Center in Pasay City, the Philippines, Tuesday.

SINGAPORE: -- President Barack Obama's travels in Asia the past week were billed as reaffirmation of America's commitment to stay focused on the world's most dynamic region - in both the security and economic spheres.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722724-hits-and-misses-in-obamas-asia-trip/

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UDD to stage a rally on May 5 at Aksa road



BANGKOK: -- The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship has decided to move forward its planned rally in Bangkok to May 5 to coincide with the People’s Democratic Reform Committee’s plan to rally at Sanam Luang to express their well wishes to His Majesty the King and to make a vow to serve the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722728-jatuporn-udd-to-stage-a-rally-on-may-5-at-aksa-road/

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Visa restrictions force Thais to spend night at German airport
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- SIXTY THAI nationals who were forced to spend a night at Frankfurt Airport in Germany are scheduled to arrive on board Thai Airways International Flight 921 this morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722731-visa-restrictions-force-thais-to-spend-night-at-german-airport/

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Rice farmer kills himself over debts from unpaid rice money

BANGKOK: -- A 36-year-old farmer of Chai Nat province killed himself by drinking coffee mixed with poison.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722732-farmer-kills-himself-over-debts-from-unpaid-rice-money-thai-govts-rice-pledging-scheme/

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BURNING ISSUE
Hopeful signs, but many devils lie in the details
ATTAYUTH BOOTSRIPOOM

BANGKOK: -- Judging from the signs from different parties, it appears the political gloom that has continued for more than six months is likely to come to an end soon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722734-thai-politics-hopeful-signs-but-many-devils-lie-in-the-details/

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TELL IT AS IT IS
We are degenerating just like Venice did in the 18th century
Pornpimol Kanchanalak
Special to The Nation

BANGKOK: -- There are several reasons why it was refreshing to hear former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva explain why he is stepping in to help find an "amicable" and mutually acceptable resolution, as our messy and nasty political conflict approaches a destructive dead end.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722735-we-are-degenerating-just-like-venice-did-in-the-18th-century-thai-opinion/

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NACC warned it may face malfeasance charges



BANGKOK: -- The National Anti-Corruption Commission was warned today that they might face charge of malfeasance in office in accordance with Article 157 of the Criminal Code for their refusal to allow seven more witnesses to testify in the defence of the premier and their refusal to check rice stocks.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722736-nacc-warned-it-may-face-malfeasance-charges/

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Commerce says it can pay back rice loan in time



BANGKOK: -- Commerce Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisarn said confidently that the government would be able to pay back the 20 billion baht it borrowed from the central budget by the end of May deadline.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722737-thai-commerce-says-it-can-pay-back-rice-loan-in-time/

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'Eeny, meeny, miny, mo ... catch a n***** by his toe': Fury as Clarkson is 'caught on camera using N-word'
Top Gear presenter reportedly used term in unaired footage
He was allegedly heard reciting the rhyme while comparing two cars
Unbroadcast footage was studied by audio forensic experts
Legal experts say star could have breached equality legislation
Allegations come after he was involved in row over the word 'slope'
By LUCY CROSSLEY

Jeremy Clakson. File photo

(Daily Mail) Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has sparked fury after he was reportedly caught on camera using the n-word during filming of the hit BBC series.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722740-jeremy-clarkson-is-caught-on-camera-using-n-word/

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Research team collecting Phuket corals mistaken as poachers
Phuket Gazette


Dr Patrick Colin works with research assistants to gather samples for cancer research. Photo: Chulabhorn Research Institute

PHUKET: -- A group of six researchers studying the possibility of corals containing the key to curing cancer were mistaken as coral poachers by recreational divers at the popular Phuket dive spot Koh Dok Mai on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722743-research-team-collecting-phuket-corals-mistaken-as-poachers/

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Phuket residents warned about sewage dumping
Phuket Gazette


Untreated wastewater is being targeted in the latest campaign to clean up Phuket Town’s Bang Yai Canal. Photo: Irfarn Jamdukor

PHUKET: -- Governor Maitri Inthusut has warned residents and restaurant owners in the Soi Paniang area, north of Phuket Town, that they will be prosecuted if they are caught releasing untreated waste water into the Bang Yai Canal.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722748-phuket-residents-warned-about-sewage-dumping/

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Logs of rosewood seized in Sakon Nakhon

SAKONNAKHON, 01 May 2014, (NNT) - Officials in Sakon Nakhon Province have confiscated logs of rosewood being smuggled into a neighboring country.

Provincial patrol police announced the arrest of an illegal logging ring, saying officials were able to seize a pickup truck, 154 logs of the rare valuable wood, a cell phone and a map.

They stated the operation came about after its intelligence unit was informed that a smuggling deal was to be conducted in the area. According to the informant, the dealer would arrive at a designated area in Muang District to purchase the logs which were hidden in a cassava farm.

Police early on Wednesday apprehended the dealer, later identified as Mr. Apidej Chaiphuthon, who arrived at the scene driving a pickup truck matching the specific description in the informant’s data. The suspect confessed to his crime, admitting that he would buy the logs for 100,000 baht before smuggling the rosewood into neighboring Laos.


-- NNT 2014-05-01

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Phuket marina canal dredging stirs ire
Phuket Gazette


The drill dredger that Mr Jitti opposes. Photo: Mark Knowles

PHUKET: -- The 12-million-baht project to deepen the Koh Kaew Canal and the existing approach channel from Phang Nga Bay has come under fire by villagers who claim that the method of dredging is endangering mangroves, marine life and residents’ livelihoods.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722773-phuket-marina-canal-dredging-stirs-ire/

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More than 500,000 meth pills seized in Chiang Rai

CHIANG RAI, 01 May 2014, (NNT) - Police and military officials have apprehended two suspects over involvement in transporting 500,000 methamphetamine pills.

Authorities said the suspects were identified as Prachan Boonthep and Anuchit Nernkong who were boarding a Sombut Tour Company bus headed to Khon Kaen from Chiang Rai Province. The illicit pills were found in the bus’ storage compartment packed in a box, the officials said.

One of the suspects, Mr. Prachan who was an operator of the bus, claimed that the box containing the illegal drugs belong to another suspect, Mr. Anuchit, who boarded the bus in Muang District, Chiang Rai. Mr. Prachan was under the impression that the container was holding lychees.

Mr. Anuchit said however, that he didn't know what the box contained as it belonged to his other friend, ‘Somchai’ whose family name is unknown at present.

According Chiang Rai Governor Pongsak Wangsamor, drug smuggling rings usually use personal vehicles in their evil operations, however lately the criminals have adjusted their strategies, and have begun to deliver goods via public transportation. Therefore the governor has instructed officials to step up their screening measures, while asking bus operators to give it their full cooperation.


-- NNT 2014-05-01

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FT charge rises by 10 satang/unit

BANGKOK, 1 May 2014 (NNT) – The country’s fuel tariff or FT charge is set to increase by 10 satang per unit, effective from May until the end of August.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has resolved to raise FT charge for electricity by 10 satang per unit. As a result, power consumers will now be charged 3.96 baht per unit of electricity.

According to the ERC, the actual cost of electricity has increased by 13.94 satang per unit which reflects the real fuel cost, but the commission decided to raise the rate by only 10 satang as the remaining amount of 3.94 satang will be shouldered by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. The new price hike will take effect from May until August, 2014.


-- NNT 2014-05-01

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Threatened residents rise against temple donation scammers in Phuket
Phuket Gazette


Even scammers can have official looking donation envelopes. Photo: Saran Mitrarat

PHUKET: -- Thalang Police have warned Phuket residents against scammers asking for donations for temple development projects.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722788-threatened-residents-rise-against-temple-donation-scammers-in-phuket/

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Appeals Court sentences red shirt Jeng Dokjik to 2 years jail, with no suspended sentence, for speech insulting the monarchy in 2010 /MCOT