Thailand Live Monday 5 May 2014

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Royal ceremonies celebrating Coronation Day

BANGKOK, 5 May 2014 (NNT) - His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn on May 4 deputized for His Majesty the King at the royal ceremony to mark the Coronation Day, May 5, at Amarindravinitchai Throne Hall in the Grand Palace.

The Crown Prince, accompanied by the Royal consort, Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasmi, arrived at the Amarindravinitchai Throne Hall at 3.30 pm. He then paid homage to the Buddha image representing the Ninth Reign and listened to religious chanting by a chapter of senior Buddhist monks.

His Royal Highness then made offerings of gold and silver flowers to the deity protecting the Throne which is placed underneath the Nine-Tiered White Umbrella of State. This was followed by the Court Brahmin reading an announcement on the Royal Ceremony Celebrating the Coronation Day. The Buddhist monks then chanted prayers blessing Their Majesties the King and Queen.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej was crowned on May 5, 1950. And by royal command, a 3-day royal ceremony is scheduled from May 3-5, 2014 to celebrate the anniversary. May 3 saw His Royal Highness the Crown Prince represent His Majesty the King at the ceremony to pay homage to the relics of the Chakri Dynasty’s former kings in the Grand Palace.

Today (May 5), at 10.30 a.m., His Majesty the King will proceed from Piam Suk Building to Rajapraja Samakhom Pavilion in Klai Kangwon Palace, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, to attend a merit making ceremony held in celebration of the Coronation Day.

By Royal Command, Prasat Phra Thep Bidon, or the Royal Pantheon, in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Grand Palace, is open to the public on May 5, 2014 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is to allow members of the Royal Family, civil servants and members of the public to pay homage to the past kings of the Chakri Dynasty.


-- NNT 2014-05-05

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Crowds await HM the King
Wimon Tabkong,
Apichart Hongsakul
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- People from around the country started reserving footpath space along a section of Phetkasem Road in Prachuap Khiri Khan yesterday morning for a chance to get a glimpse of their beloved monarch.

HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 86, will travel along the road this morning for his appearance at a ceremony held at Rajapracha Samakhom Pavilion, Klai Kangwon Palace, to mark Royal Coronation Day.

The much-revered monarch was crowned an exquisite royal coronation ceremony on May 5, 1950.

Television Pool of Thailand will broadcast the ceremony live to mark the anniversary of the royal coronation ceremony.

For decades His Majesty has worked tirelessly for his people and as a result commanded their overwhelming love and respect.

"Thai people are like his children. We are happy to see our beloved father," Jariya Benjapong, 73, said.

She has been eagerly waiting for today and having another opportunity to sit among other loyal subjects amid chants of "long live the King".

Jariya was among the crowd when the royal motorcade passed this same section late last year.

Worapoj Limakhom, 65, said people wanted to greet His Majesty because it was a way to show their loyalty and love for him.

Like Jariya, Worapoj lives in Hua Hin and he considers himself lucky. "His Majesty is here. I feel blessed," he said.

Klai Kangwon Palace is located in Hua Hin.

The Nation spoke to people who had travelled from as far as Buri Ram in the Northeast to see His Majesty today.

Relevant authorities have installed several giant TV screens in the area so to ensure people get a glimpse of His Majesty.

More than 10,000 pots with yellow flowers - the colour associated with His Majesty's birthday - have been placed on the route.


-- The Nation 2014-05-05

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EC to push ahead with plan for poll
The Nation


Kamnans, village heads and officials from local administrative bodies gather in front of the Defence Ministry yesterday, after their move prompted People

To begin drafting decree for July 20 election, as Abhisit defends his proposal for interim govt

BANGKOK: -- The Election Commission is pushing ahead with plans for a national election on July 20 and is set to draft a Royal Decree to begin the process, after a proposal by opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva to end the political deadlock received a cool response.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723652-thailands-ec-to-push-ahead-with-plan-for-poll/

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Customs find 225 live turtles in bags at airport
Thirapol Khumsuk
The Nation


Senior officials of Suvarnabhumi Airport Passenger Control Customs Bureau produce hundreds of turtles at a press conference yesterday. These reptiles, many of them still in plastic wraps, were smuggled into Thailand.

BANGKOK: -- Customs rescued 225 live spotted pond turtles worth about Bt1 million from four unclaimed luggage bags at Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723653-customs-find-225-live-turtles-in-bags-at-suvarnabhumi-airport/

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Govt wants help to save Salween forest
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation
Mae Hong Son


The 36th Ranger Regiment Special Task Force used a truck to transfer confiscated teak logs seized from illegal logging gangs in Salween forest reserve.

BANGKOK: -- The government is set to seek the help of neighbouring countries in a bid to halt rampant illegal logging at the country's national forest reserves.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723654-thai-govt-wants-help-to-save-salween-forest/

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Smart Grid to change the face of Thai power, energy systems
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Engineering is undergoing a pilot run of its so-called Smart Grid project. The project's aim is to demonstrate that the use of electricity and energy in Thailand by consumers can be greater while maintaining power supplies over the long term.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723655-smart-grid-to-change-the-face-of-thai-power-energy-systems/

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Gerry Adams freed in Jean McConville murder inquiry

BELFAST: -- Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has criticised the timing of his arrest over the IRA murder of Jean McConville.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723656-gerry-adams-freed-in-jean-mcconville-murder-inquiry/

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UK: 'Skull Cracker' Michael Wheatley absconds from open prison

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723657-uk-skull-cracker-michael-wheatley-absconds-from-open-prison/

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Ital-Thai drops its revenue forecast
Somluck Srimalee
The Nation



Property and hotel businesses hit by political turbulence

BANGKOK: -- Ital-Thai Group has cut its revenue forecast this year from Bt13 billion to Bt12 billion after property and hospitality businesses showed signs of faltering due to the country's marathon political conflicts.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723659-ital-thai-drops-its-revenue-forecast/

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EDITORIAL
When mobilisation equals democracy...
The Nation

New rallies loom, and so does Square One

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723660-thai-editorial-when-mobilisation-equals-democracy/

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English Resident of Pattaya shot in the face by "European" in Jomtien



PATTAYA: -- Just before 7.30pm on Sunday Night a 41 year old English Resident was shot in the face by a man described as “European” in appearance, at the culmination of a heated argument in front of a village in Jomtien.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723662-english-resident-of-pattaya-shot-in-the-face-by-european-in-jomtien/

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Thai-American killed in Jomtien road accident



PATTAYA: -- A 21 year old Thai-American was killed as his motorbike slammed into a stationary pick-up on the Tepprasit Road in Jomtien early on Saturday Morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723663-thai-american-killed-in-jomtien-road-accident/

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Middle-Easterner wanted for theft from Central Pattaya Money Exchange Booth



PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Monday a Money Exchange Booth assistant reported the alleged theft of around 100,000 Baht’s worth of foreign currency from her Booth in Central Pattaya.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723664-middle-easterner-wanted-for-theft-from-central-pattaya-money-exchange-booth/

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Thai universities miss 'young' top 100 list
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- No Thai university has made a list of the world's top 100 universities that are less than 50 years old.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723665-thai-universities-miss-young-top-100-list/

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The Bangkok boys' club
Four Hollywood figures with impressive CVs have set up shop in Thailand. They talk about the future of Asia-Pacific entertainment with Jason Gagliardi

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723668-the-bangkok-boys-club-four-hollywood-figures-talk-about-the-future-of-asia-pacific-entertainment/

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Jeremy Clarkson: BBC gave me final warning

LONDON: -- Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson says the BBC has told him he will be sacked if he makes "one more offensive remark, anywhere, at any time".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723671-jeremy-clarkson-bbc-gave-me-final-warning/

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US acrobats injured in fall at Rhode Island circus act

PROVIDENCE: - The acrobats described as 'hairialists' fell after the scaffolding structure holding them collapsed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723672-us-acrobats-injured-in-circus-fall/

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Scotland Yard police to dig at resort in Portugal where Madeleine McCann disappeared

PORTUGAL: -- THE search for missing British girl Madeleine McCann has taken a new twist with reports Scotland Yard detectives are going to Portugal to oversee digging around the resort where she went missing seven years ago.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723703-scotland-yard-to-dig-for-madeleine-mccann/

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Crowd of well-wishers in yellow shirts gathers along route of planned royal motorcade in Hua Hin to catch a glimpse of HM the King on Coronation Day /MCOT

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Strong earthquake jolts Tokyo
News Desk
The Yomiuri Shimbun

TOKYO: -- A strong earthquake, with an estimated magnitude of 6.0, jolted central Tokyo on Monday morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723714-strong-earthquake-jolts-tokyo/

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Redshirts call ruling party to disobey charter court

BANGKOK: -- Redshirt people yesterday urged the ruling Pheu Thai party to disobey the ruling of the Constitutional Court, accusing it itself grossly violated the country's highest law.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723716-red-shirts-call-ruling-pheu-thai-party-to-disobey-charter-court/

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NIDA Poll says July 20 election not smooth



BANGKOK: -- The National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) says the general election scheduled on July 20, 2014 will not go smooth.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723718-nida-poll-says-july-20-thai-election-not-smooth/

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Nation celebrates King’s Coronation Day



BANGKOK: -- People from all walks of life are gathering together in Hua Hin in Prachuab Khirikhan Province to mark Coronation Day today (May 5).

They are wearing yellow shirts, holding pictures of the king and sitting along Petchkasem Road amid the summer heat in order to welcome His Majesty the King today.

Some of the well-wishers said they were afraid that they would not find seats today so they have come Saturday and have brought along small mosquito nets.

Meanwhile, the traffic in Hua Hin has been running smoothly, although Petchakasem Road in front of Klaikangwon Palace will be closed from 03:00 p.m. onwards Sunday.

Today (May 5), at 10.30 a.m., His Majesty the King will proceed from Piam Suk Building to Rajapraja Samakhom Pavilion in Klai Kangwon Palace, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, to attend a merit making ceremony held in celebration of the Coronation Day.

By Royal Command, Prasat Phra Thep Bidon, or the Royal Pantheon, in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Grand Palace, is open to the public on May 5, 2014 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is to allow members of the Royal Family, civil servants and members of the public to pay homage to the past kings of the Chakri Dynasty.

Yesterday (May 4), His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn performed the royal ceremony to mark the Coronation Day, May 5, at Amarindravinitchai Throne Hall in the Grand Palace.

The Crown Prince, accompanied by the Royal consort, Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasmi, arrived at the Amarindravinitchai Throne Hall at 3.30 pm.

He paid homage to the Buddha image representing the Ninth Reign and listened to religious chanting by a chapter of senior Buddhist monks.

His Royal Highness made offerings of gold and silver flowers to the deity protecting the Throne which is placed underneath the Nine-Tiered White Umbrella of State. This was followed by the Court Brahmin reading an announcement on the Royal Ceremony Celebrating the Coronation Day. The Buddhist monks then chanted prayers blessing Their Majesties the King and Queen.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/nation-celebrates-kings-coronation-day/


-- Thai PBS 2014-05-05

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Monarch appears at Rajpracha Samakhom Pavilion, Klai Kangwon Palace, with royal family members to grant royal audience /MCOT

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Imported cigarette prices to be increased by 1-2 baht per pack

BANGKOK, 5 May 2014, (NNT) – The Excise Department has announced that the prices of imported cigarettes would be increased by 1-2 baht per pack, adding that retailers may apply the hike without informing the department.

According to Director-General Somchai Poonsawad, the price hike is approved to reflect the actual costs of cigarettes set by manufacturers abroad. He said that retailers can raise the prices without notifying the department, as they already have abolished a policy that requires retailers to declare their adjusted prices. Nonetheless, Mr. Somchai said the prices must be adjusted appropriately based on factors such as rising production or logistics costs.

Mr. Somchai also added that the Revenue Department would deploy a number of Revenue officials to conduct inspections in collecting the right amount of Value Added Tax (VAT) from retailers in accordance of the law.


-- NNT 2014-05-05

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'Long Live the King': people shout in front of Hua Hin Palace
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- A section of Phetkasem Road in front of the Klaikanwon Palace reverberated with shouts of "Long Live the King" as His Majesty the King exited from a gate to preside the coronation anniversary ceremony.

His Majesty's car came out of the palace at 10:15 Monday and moved slowly through tens of thousands of people waiting along the Phetkasem section. Most people came to wait to have a glimpse of His Majesty since Sunday.

His Majesty waved to the people while his car moved along the way to the Rajapracha Samakhom Pavilion in the Klai Kangwon Palace to mark Royal Coronation Day.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Royal Family, Cabinet members and senior government officials.

The much-revered monarch was crowned an exquisite royal coronation ceremony on May 5, 1950.

The ceremony was broadcast live on TV Pool.


-- The Nation 2014-05-05

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PDRC considering giving Chaeng Wattana area back to public

BANGKOK, 5 May 2004 (NNT) – The People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) at the Chaeng Wattana rally site is now considering to give back the public area to the people.

PDRC core leader Senior Monk Buddha Issara, who is in charge of Chaeng Wattana protest site, said that he was disappointed with Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva’s decision not to run for the next general election. He added that Mr. Abhisit’s political reform roadmap was nothing new. As a matter of fact, it was similar to the PDRC’s demand to have political reform take shape before an election.

The leader went on to say that he was considering to move his protest camp from Chaeng Wattana Road into the compound of the Government Complex in order to let traffic flow clearly after a months-long roadblock.


-- NNT 2014-05-05

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Abhisit says his reform roadmap does not breach Constitution

BANGKOK, 5 May 2004 (NNT) – Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva says his political roadmap neither violates the Constitution nor freezes the country, while calling on the prime minister and the cabinet to step down for 5-6 months to allow a country reform.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723724-abhisit-says-his-reform-roadmap-does-not-breach-constitution/

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Pheu Thai: Abhisit's political reform roadmap is unconstitutional

BANGKOK, 5 May 2014 (NNT) – Academics in political science and laws have expressed their disagreement with the Democrat Party’s Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva’s proposed political reform roadmap, saying that it may be unconstitutional, while the ruling Pheu Thai Party simply views that it is not the correct exit strategy to the nation’s political crisis.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723725-pheu-thai-abhisits-political-reform-roadmap-is-unconstitutional/

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Thailand deeply concerned over rising number of Mers cases worldwide

BANGKOK, 5 May 2014 (NNT) - Health officials in Thailand are concerned by new alarming statistics indicating that 424 cases of MERS-CoV have been reported globally, including 131 deaths.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723731-thailand-deeply-concerned-over-rising-number-of-mers-cases-worldwide/