Thailand Live Saturday 03 May 2014

[Lite Beer]

RT@Aim_NT: Media troop waiting to hear Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva's plan for the country to get out of political impasse. pic.twitter.com/x2J4d6bgS9

[Lite Beer]

Phuket ready for inter-island tourism policy meetings

Suthicha Sirirat

Vice Governor Sommai Prichasilpa

PHUKET: The city of Phuket is looking forward to hosting the 18th Inter Island Tourism Forum (ITOP), which will convene in two parts – a pre-meeting to be held later this month, followed by the main meeting scheduled in August.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723282-phuket-ready-for-inter-island-tourism-policy-meetings/

[Lite Beer]

Let there be light: Phuket mangrove forest villagers may get PEA electricity, clean water
Phuket Gazette -

Villagers protested outside the Chalong Municipality building on March 20 and called on Mayor Samran Jindapol to find solutions. Photo: PR Department

PHUKET: Officials have been tasked with determining if the law can be bent in order to provide an illegally established mangrove forest community with much-needed electricity.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723283-let-there-be-light-phuket-mangrove-forest-villagers-may-get-pea-electricity-clean-water/

[Lite Beer]

RT@Aim_NT: Abhisit's press conference begins. pic.twitter.com/GuAhho49vk

[Lite Beer]

RT@Saksith: Abhisit: ”In the past 10 days … I have seen the political situation and decided that I [can’t be on the sidelines] anymore.”

RT@Saksith: Abhisit: ”In the past 10 days I have seen the anger of the Thais still remains … Govt has announced to move forward with the new elections.”

RT@Saksith: Abhisit: ”1. Avoid loss of life, 2. Avoid unconstitutional move, 3. Avoid any institutions (e.g. courts) to be dragged into conflict.”

RT@Saksith: Abhisit: ”I want to thank everyone who has talked with me in the past 10 days and every citizen who has expressed their interest.”

RT@Saksith: Abhisit: ”I’m confident that there are people out there ready to take responsibility to reform.”

[Lite Beer]

RT@Saksith: Abhisit: ”1. My reforms (proposals) are within the law.”

RT@Saksith: Abhisit: ”2. In a time frame of 150-180 days (of reforms) we can have peaceful elections that will be accepted by all sides.”

RT@Saksith: Abhisit: ”3. We can have a NEUTRAL prime minister … 4. We can have a govt that will bring forward reforms.)

[Lite Beer]

RT@Saksith: Abhisit: A referendum for the people to decide on the reform proposals.

RT@Saksith: Abhisit: the PM and the cabinet should resign or the PM changes a few ministers and resigns (herself).

RT@Saksith: RECAP: Abhisit proposes an interim, unelected ”neutral” admin before elections, then elected govt to follow through reform agenda for a year

[Lite Beer]

Investigation finds senior Immigration Police officers linked to visa scam

Bangkok:-- Following an internal investigation, two senior Immigration Police officers have been permanently transferred to police headquarters after it was found that they were involved in an alleged visa scam.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723289-investigation-finds-senior-immigration-police-officers-linked-to-visa-scam/

[Lite Beer]

BPbreakingnews: Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva says the proposal will be sent to the PDRC and government on Tuesday.

[Lite Beer]

RT@Saksith: Abhisit: ”I want both sides (govt and protesters) to consider my proposal,” but ultimately it’s up to PM @PouYingluck.

RT@Saksith: Abhisit: ”I want to ask PM @PouYingluck how my proposals are damaging to the country, she should ask herself how to move Thailand forward.”

RT@Saksith: Abhisit: ”I want to ask PM @PouYingluck: ‘can you wait 5-6 months [with elections] for the sake of the country’?”

RT@Saksith: Bit paraphrasing here - Abhisit: ”…[emotional plea for Thais to be unified]…”

RT@Saksith: Abhisit just wrapped up his speech, question time now.

[Lite Beer]

RT@Saksith: Q: ? - AV: If govt says this proposal is interesting enoughthey must act quickly before court rulings.

RT@Saksith: Abhisit reiterates that the ball is now in PM @PouYinglucks court to accept his proposal or now.

[Lite Beer]

RT@Saksith:.@pakhead asks what most are thinking: ”Where’s the difference to PDRC?” AV: ”Your Thai isn’t probably good enough. (cont.)”

RT@Saksith:(cont.) AV: ”Some key points can be done in 6 months, some take longer.” (cont.)

RT@Saksith: (cont.) AV: ”I urged for a political solution … All of us have brought to where we are, incl me and the Democrat Party.” (cont.)


RT@Saksith: Q:Role of red shirts? AV: They’ll have an elected govt by end of year according to my plan, but they will loose YL for 5-6 months. (cont.)

RT@Saksith: (cont.) [the red shirts] have a lot to gain, they will just sacrifice 5-6 months.

[Lite Beer]

Taiwanese tourist drowns at Koh Yao Yai, off Phuket
Phuket Gazette -

Rescue workers delivered Mr Lu’s body to Thalang Hospital after he drowned. Photo: Thawit Bilabdullar

PHUKET: A Taiwanese tourist drowned at Koh Yao Yai yesterday after waves pulled him out to sea.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723296-taiwanese-tourist-drowns-at-koh-yao-yai-off-phuket/

[Lite Beer]

Two members of ATM Theft Gang arrested by Pattaya Police

PATTAYA:--On Friday afternoon Police announced they had arrested the alleged leader of the ATM Theft Gang who is suspected of stealing nearly 3 Million Baht from an ATM on the Sukhumvit Road in Jomtien on 28th April and a 17 year old accomplice. A 23 year old man and a fourth man whose identity is unknown are still outstanding.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723294-two-members-of-atm-theft-gang-arrested-by-pattaya-police/

[Lite Beer]

Political Conflict Exposes ‘Cracks’ in Media Freedom

By Khaosod Eng.

BANGKOK — Thailand’s protracted political crisis has shined a spotlight on the capacity and credibility of the country’s media, experts say.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723306-political-conflict-exposes-cracks-in-media-freedom/

[Lite Beer]

RT@AP: BREAKING: Efrem Zimbalist Jr., star of hit TV series "77 Sunset Strip" and "The FBI," dies at 95

[Lite Beer]

MH370: Families of Chinese passengers leave hotels in Beijing after MAS’ deadline

Families of Chinese passengers aboard the ill-fated Flight MH370 left Lido Hotel in Beijing on Friday evening following Malaysia Airlines' decision to close all its family assistance centres, according to The Star Online.

A notice has been put up to inform the families that MAS would stop providing food and accommodation from 6pm on Friday (May 2) at all three hotels in Beijing, namely Lido, Rosedale Hotel and Chunhuiyuan Hotel, where lodging have been provided since March 8.

The next-of-kin could be seen bidding each other farewell at the hotel lobby at about 6pm, before leaving in small groups.

The doors of the ballroom, where daily briefings were held for the families, were locked after the deadline.

A new notice has been put up to inform the families that MAS would make an advanced compensation payment of US$50,000 (RM163,325) after they return home to help them cope financially.

“Details will be announced via our official communication platform within two weeks,” the statement read. A MAS official said the airline would be in close touch with families.

CNN reported that the relatives “wailed and yelled” when the announcement to close down the assistance centre was made in a briefing on Thursday.

It said a video of MAS CEO Ahmad JauhariYahya making a seven-minute English statement was played for the next-of-kin.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/mh370-families-chinese-passengers-leave-hotels-beijing-mas-deadline/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mh370-families-chinese-passengers-leave-hotels-beijing-mas-deadline

-- Thai PBS 2014-05-03

[Lite Beer]

RT@Aim_NT: The first step in Abhisit's plan is... To delay the issuing of the Royal Decree on election (for July20).

2) The Election Commission revises/ issue regulations for the free and fair election. #Abhisit's plan

3) Reform Now Network and PDRC jointly draft guidelines for setting up of national reform council. #Abhisit

4) hold national referendum for the guidelines for reform council. (process takes 90 days) #Abhisit

5) Political parties join in the campaigns for the national reform. #Abhisit

6) Open ways for an interim government... The Yingluck Cabinet resigns... Senate Speaker in charge of finding, nominate a PM. #Abhisit

The interim govt consists of no politician. 7) Without a House of Representatives,the interim govt has no authority to pass a law. #Abhisit

8) After the national referendum, a new election be held within 45-60 days. All candidates promise to support the reform. #Abhisit

9) The elected govt, House can administrate d country, but must complete reform acc. to reform council's guidelines within 1 year. #Abhisit

10- final) After the reform process (which takes 1 year), a new election is held and the Thai politics return to the normal path. #Abhisit

[Lite Beer]

Suthep leads PDRC march along Ramkhamhaeng Road
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, May 3 -- Anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban on Saturday led protesters on a march along Ramkhamhaeng Road to call on the public to join the latest final mass rally to be held later this month.

Mr Suthep, secretary general of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) started marching at around 10am from Ramkhamhaeng intersection, passing The Mall Department Store Ramkhamhaeng, Ramkhamhaeng University, Lamsalee intersection to Lat Phrao Road and ending the rally at The Mall Department Store, Bang Kapi for a total of 6.5 kms.

Mr Suthep and PDRC leaders were welcomed by the public along the way and many of them have given donations and shown posters expressing their support for the movement.

Uthai Yodmanee, co-leader of the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (NSPRT) and also the President of Ramkhamhaeng University Student Association led Ramkhamhaeng students to welcome Suthep and join the rally.

The NSPRT has been an ally group of the PDRC. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-05-03

[Lite Beer]

Italian man found hanged in Patong
Phuket Gazette -

Officers and rescue workers retrieved the body of Roberto Becchetti from the narrow gap between the two buildings. Photo: Thawit Bilabdullar

PHUKET: The body of an Italian man was found hanged from a rooftop steel bar at the Happy Apartment building in Baan Nanai Patong yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723325-italian-man-found-hanged-in-patong/

[Lite Beer]

Pattaya to spend 31 million baht on boat, water sports buoys

Pattaya:-- Pattaya plans to spend 31 million baht to install 30 buoys to regulate the speed and course of speedboats and designate specific areas for water sports other than swimming.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723326-pattaya-to-spend-31-million-baht-on-boat-water-sports-buoys/

[Lite Beer]

Abhisit recommends caretaker PM to resign, interim goverment set up, delay of general election for reform; to propose reform plan on Tuesday /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

Thai opposition urges PM to resign, refuses to back poll

BANGKOK, May 3, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's opposition leader Saturday refused to commit to elections mooted for July to end a deadly political crisis, instead calling for prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra to resign before new polls later in the year.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723328-thai-opposition-urges-pm-to-resign-refuses-to-back-poll/

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Abhisit proposes PM to resign, interim govt to carry out urgent reform

BANGKOK: -- Democrat Party leader Saturday proposed that the caretaker government should resign to pave way for an establishment of an interim administration to carry out an urgent reform before holding a new election.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723328-thai-opposition-urges-pm-to-resign-refuses-to-back-poll/#entry7769711

[Lite Beer]

RT@tulsathit: Chuwit: Abhisit's proposals have PDRC shadow all over them and are impossible. via @NowTV26

[Lite Beer]

Media urged to play more responsible role to societies

The Thai Journalists Association today called on all news media to play more responsible role and present news that does not incite hatred, conflict and violence.

The call was made as the TJA joined the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association to hold seminar to mark the World Press Freedom Day Saturday.

During the event, both associations called on all press bodies to be more responsible when presenting news to the public and encouraged all media to be more responsible in their news presentation yo the public.

They said the media must not publicize news that incite hatred, conflict and violence.

Although the media has the right to express themselves freely, it should still adhere to the core principle set by UNESCO.

The journalist association also reminded the government of its duty to respect and uphold the rights to freedom of expression of the press, adding that the media has been playing a pivotal role in promoting transparency and good governance in the Thai society.

May 3 has been declared as the World Press Freedom Day by the United Nations General Assembly in an attempt to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/media-urged-play-responsible-role-societies/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=media-urged-play-responsible-role-societies

-- Thai PBS 2014-05-03

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Abhisit unveils his nine-point political roadmap

Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva today (Saturday) proposed his nine-point political roadmap which, among them, calls for the resignation of caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her cabinet, slowing down the election and setting up a neutral interim government and a reform council.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723328-thai-opposition-urges-pm-to-resign-refuses-to-back-poll/page-2#entry7769852

[Lite Beer]

Governor orders probe into alleged Phuket beach land swindle
Phuket Gazette -

Damrongtham Center chief Prapan Kanprasang explains to the Wanyee family what his team of officers can do to help them. Photo: Chutharat Plerin

PHUKET: The Phuket Governor has ordered an investigation into how a man claiming to be a real estate agent allegedly conned villagers near Layan Beach into signing a document that empowered him to mortgage their land for 20 million baht.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723342-governor-orders-probe-into-alleged-phuket-beach-land-swindle/

[Lite Beer]

Government confident in human trafficking improvements

BANGKOK: Thailand is confident that the progress it has made in the prosecution of human trafficking cases over the past year will be enough for the United States to give the country a good ranking in its Trafficking In Persons (TIP) report due out next month, a senior ministry source says.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723354-government-confident-in-human-trafficking-improvements/

[Lite Beer]

Varathep says Abhisit's proposal cannot be done

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker PM's Office Minister Varathep Ratanakorn said Saturday at least one of proposals of Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva cannot be done.

He said the proposal for the appointment of a nonpartisan prime minister and establishment of an interim government cannot be done under the existing laws.

-- The Nation 2014-05-03