Thailand Live Friday 16 May 2014

[webfact]

Thai stock index opens on Friday at 1,392.23, falls 2.98 points /MCOT

[webfact]

Students in Chiang Rai start day one of school term in makeshift classrooms



CHIANG RAI, 16 May 2014 (NNT) – Students at many schools in Chiang Rai province had to commence their first day of the school term in makeshift classrooms on Thursday, with their main school buildings damaged by the previous week's earthquake.

At Thanthong Witthaya School in quake-rattled Mae Lao district, classes were being held in the space under the old school building, where the teachers and students were laboring to ensure that the bare necessities, such as chalk boards, were in working order. The main school building suffered massive structural damage from the magnitude 6.3 earthquake and the aftershocks that followed, and has been indefinitely closed.

According to Ekkachai Phapchai, the director of Education Area 3, which encompasses schools in 5 districts of Chiang Rai, said around 30 schools out of a total of 184 have been damaged by the tremors.


-- NNT 2014-05-16

[webfact]

FTI shows concerns over SME operators going out of business due to political conflict



BANGKOK, 16 May 2014 (NNT) - The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has expressed concern that a hundred thousands of SME operators can be gradually forced to close down businesses by the ongoing political turmoil by the end of this year, and that the threat is likely if no government with normalized power is in sight.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726569-fti-shows-concerns-over-sme-operators-going-out-of-business-due-to-political-conflict/

[webfact]

Acting Prime minister, psychologists visit quake victims in Chiang Rai

CHAIANG RAI, 16 May 2014 (NNT) - Acting Prime Minister has paid a visit to Chiang Rai to comfort victims of the earthquake that jolted the province and the aftershocks that followed. The Acting Prime Minister has also visited the Ban Huai San Yao School that has been used as a makeshift shelter and the famous Wat Rong Khun, which has been severely damaged.

Psychologists and nurses from all over Chiang Rai have been spreading throughout the area struck by the quake in order to assist the depressed earthquake victims.


-- NNT 2014-05-16

[webfact]

BoT admits Q1 economic performance may enter negative territory



BANGKOK, 16 May 2014, (NNT) - The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has acknowledged that the ongoing political conflict has placed tremendous strain on the local economy, pointing out that the first quarter’s economic growth would likely fall into the negative zone when compared with the fourth quarter of last year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726572-bank-of-thailand-admits-q1-economic-performance-may-enter-negative-territory/

[webfact]

School Rainbow Campaign supports diversity

BANGKOK, 16 May 2014 (NNT) - Towards the goal of making all schools safe havens for learning, NGOs have highlighted the critical need to raise awareness of an often ignored or overlooked issue.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726574-school-rainbow-campaign-supports-diversity/

[webfact]

Tight security planned ahead of new school term in the South

YALA, 16 May 2014 (NNT) - Yala Governor Dejrat Simsiri has instructed provincial officials to step up security measures for teachers and Buddhist people ahead of the opening of a new school term.

The Governor reiterated the policy to representatives of the combined security forces comprising the military, police and civil servants at their meeting yesterday. Governor Dejrat also instructed tightened security particularly during two major events, namely the celebration of the City Pillar and the annual Red Cross fair. Extra protection measures will be provided for teachers traveling across districts.

Meanwhile, the recent bombing of Yala-Sungai Kolok rail tracks has forced authorities to reroute the train between the two stations, leaving numerous passengers to cancel their trips. As for passengers in Narathiwat wishing to go to Bangkok, they are requested to take a bus to Yala station to catch a train to the capital.

Vendors at the Yala station complained that they lose substantial amount of income each time the attack on rail tracks was carried out.

In a related development, Hat Yai train station has stepped up security measures, increasing troops patrolling the passenger terminal and on train wagons, in their bids to ensure safety for the passengers. Officials claimed that the number of train commuters in Hat Yai was still high, thanks to convenient access and low ticket prices.


-- NNT 2014-05-16

[webfact]

Phuket TOT internet outages are over, but hiccups to continue
Phuket Gazette


TOT says the fiber-optic cable that caused internet outages throughout Southern Thailand has been repaired, but more disruptions are expected until June 5. Photo: Hhedeshian

PHUKET: -- Staff at TOT Phuket have confirmed that a broken fiber-optic cable in Nakhon Sri Thammarat has been repaired, restoring internet access for thousands of TOT customers throughout Southern Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726577-phuket-tot-internet-outages-are-over-but-hiccups-to-continue/

[webfact]

Drought situation affects production of lime

LAMPANG 16 May 2014 (NNT) — Local lime farmers in Lampang province have been severely affected by the current drought situation plaguing the province, seeing their production dropping significantly as a result of water shortage.

Mayor of Lampang Thawil Kulchorn has been inspecting lime farms to keep updated on the adverse effects of the drought on lime production. More than 500 rai of lime farms have reportedly been badly hit by the drought.

Lime production in Lampang is said to have been so low that the income of local lime farmers has dropped to 5,000 baht a year--just a fraction of their average income of 50,000 baht a year in the past.

Mr. Thawil and local officials are going all-out trying to alleviate the province’s water shortage problems. Sandbags have been given to local farmers to be used to form dikes to reserve water. Lampang province receives, over the duration of six months, an average 100 milimeters of rainfall every year.


-- NNT 2014-05-16

[webfact]

PCAD Guards Beat Up Redshirt Over Traffic Complaints
By Khaosod English


The damaged car of the motorist who shouted insults at PCAD demonstrators and was then reportedly beaten up by PCAD guards, 16 May 2014.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726582-pcad-guards-beat-up-redshirt-over-traffic-complaints/

[webfact]

ICT reaffirms development of nationwide Wi-Fi hotspot project



BANGKOK 16 May 2014 (NNT) — The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has reaffirmed its stance on pushing forward with its plan to provide free Wi-Fi nationwide.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726586-thai-ict-reaffirms-development-of-nationwide-wi-fi-hotspot-project/

[webfact]

18 bidders took part in AFET's rice auction yesterday

BANGKOK, 16 May 2014 (NNT) – The Commerce Ministry revealed that the auction of 200,000 tons of the government’s pledged rice through the Agricultural Futures Exchange of Thailand (AFET) has attracted 18 bidders.

Deputy Commerce Minister Yanyong Phuangrach said that the 11th AFET rice auction offered more than 130,000 tons of white rice with 5% moisture content. The auction prices offered a 2.40 - 3.88 baht discount from the market price tag. The bidding was also able to sell 4,000 tons of 100% class-2 Jasmine fragrant rice at a price lower than the street value by 4.70 - 4.80 baht per kilo.

The deputy minister said the previous 10 AFET rice auctions had successfully sold 588,000 tons of stockpiled rice worth 7 billion baht, while assuring that the Commerce Ministry would soon be able to achieve its goal of selling 1 million tons of pledged rice.

Meanwhile, Department of Foreign Trade Director General, Surasak Riengkrue, indicated that the Commerce Ministry has already returned 20 billion baht it had borrowed from the government’s central budget. He said the Ministry would wait for a new government to form before deciding whether it would raise another loan.


-- NNT 2014-05-16

[webfact]

Acting PM now in Chiang Rai



BANGKOK: -- Despite the effort of the acting Senate speaker to have government representatives joining its informal meeting to find ways to end the political impasse, acting Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan flew to Chiang Rai yesterday to inspect earthquake damages and visit troubled people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726588-acting-thai-pm-niwattumrong-now-in-chiang-rai/

[webfact]

Surapong and other ministers will complain against charter court judges



BANGKOK: -- Former deputy prime minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul and other ministers who were removed from the office by the ruling of the Constitutional Court will lodge complaints against the nine court judges with the Government Anti-Corruption Commission on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726592-surapong-and-other-ministers-will-complain-against-charter-court-judges/

[webfact]

PDRC victims of M-79 grenade attacks receive one-million baht compensation

BANGKOK, 16 May 2014 (NNT) - Gunmen have opened fire and launched M-79 grenades against anti-government protestors on May 15th at the Democracy Monument, killing a few and wounding several others.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726593-pdrc-victims-of-m-79-grenade-attacks-receive-one-million-baht-compensation/

[webfact]

Interpol, Russia notified of Phuket murder-kidnap suspects
Phuket Gazette


WANTED: Aleksandr Novichkov, 58. Photo: Gazette file


WANTED: Oleksandr Boychuk. Photo: Gazette file

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726595-interpol-russia-notified-of-phuket-murder-kidnap-suspects/

[webfact]

Surapong voices support for martial law declaration

BANGKOK: -- Former deputy prime minister and foreign minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul Friday expressed support for the Army to declare martial law.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726599-former-thai-fm-surapong-voices-support-for-martial-law-declaration/

[webfact]

Former NIDA rector arrested on insurrection charges

BANGKOK: -- The government’s Centre of Administration for Peace and Order apprehended a former rector of National Institute of Development and Administration (NIDA) who is a core leader of anti-government campaigns on insurrection charge inside the institute compound on Friday.

The arrest of Sombat Thamrongthanyawong was made after Criminal Court on Wednesday approved arrest warrant for some 30 rally leaders.

Sombat told Thai Rath online in a telephone interview that he had initially intended to surrender to CAPO after learning about the warrant as he is an academic and has no intention to flee.

He denied the charges and will request bail.


-- The Nation 2014-05-16

[webfact]

Needy Americans don't get financial aid, as US spend it on less poor people

(US) According to the recent studies, despite the fact that the amount of programs to help people in need in the US increases, the people who need it the most still don’t get their assistance.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726606-needy-americans-dont-get-financial-aid-as-us-spend-it-on-less-poor-people/

[webfact]

Temple Defends Doi Suthep Observation Tower Design
Khaosod English


The plan for a new observation tower being built at Doi Suthep Temple in Chiang Mai.

CHIANG MAI — A temple official has assured Buddhist worshipers that the observation tower being built at Doi Suthep Temple will not be taller than the nearby Buddhist reliquary.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726610-temple-defends-doi-suthep-observation-tower-design/

[webfact]

MCOT president resigns
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, May 16 -- Anek Permvongseni, president of MCOT Public Company Limited, Thailand's leading media organisation, has resigned, citing health problems.

Mr Anek tendered his resignation and the Board of Directors approved his resignation at a meeting on Wednesday.

iThe MCOT president cited health problems as his reason to leave, saying that it could affect his work and company operations.

He did not specify his health problem, but his resignation will take effect June 12.

Jessada Promjart, Exective Vice President and Chief Finance Officer, was appointed acting president during the process to find a new president.

Mr Anek on May 2 has issued statement, denying rumours that he was resigning. However he was on sick leave May 6-16.

Mr Anek was appointed by the company's executive board on September 26, 2012 and formally began work as MCOT president on October 1, 2012. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-05-16

[webfact]

Chalerm warns EC to organise election or face jail term

BANGKOK: -- Former labour minister Chalerm Yoobamrung Friday warned the Election Commission to speed up preparations for holding the next election or face a jail term.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726613-chalerm-warns-ec-to-organise-election-or-face-jail-term/

[Lite Beer]

RT@KhaosodEnglish: Police arrest PCAD leader & professor Sombat Thamrongthanyawong on insurrection charges in a univ. parking lot today. pic.twitter.com/zgppqeZHp5

[Lite Beer]

Niwattumrong says he has no time for discussing political solution with Senate

BANGKOK: -- Acting Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan said Friday that he has no time for meeting the Senate to discuss political solutions.

The Senate invited the government to hold a discussion with the Senate on Saturday.

Niwattumrong said he had to work in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and other northern provinces over the weekend and would have no time for a meeting with the Senate.

-- The Nation 2014-05-16

[webfact]

Unidentified men hold up villagers protesting gold mining operations



BANGKOK: -- A complaint was lodged with Wang Sapung district police in Loei province Friday morning by a group of protesting villagers who claimed they were beaten up and illegally detained by a large group of unidentified men some of whom were armed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726633-unidentified-men-hold-up-villagers-protesting-gold-mining-operations-loei/

[webfact]

UPDATE:

CAPO chief-advisor supports martial law

BANGKOK, 16 May 2014 (NNT) - The Center for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO)’s chief-advisor Surapong Tovichakchaikul has leaned towards the Army's idea to declare martial law in order to prevent a civil war.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726599-former-thai-fm-surapong-voices-support-for-martial-law-declaration/#entry7832002

[webfact]

Meteorological Department: Thailand will enter the rainy season by the end of May



BANGKOK, 16 May 2014 (NNT) – The Meteorological Department said that Thailand would enter the rainy season at the end of May, while the average temperature nationwide is around 38-40 Celsius.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726671-thailand-will-enter-the-rainy-season-by-the-end-of-may-meteorological-department/

[webfact]

Karaoke waitress shot dead in front of well-known Phuket pub

Eakkapop Thongtub

The Saraphan Pleng pub. The women died in the road outside.

PHUKET: -- A 35-year-old karaoke waitress was shot dead early this morning (May 16) in front of one of the island’s best-known live music pubs, Sarapan Pleng on Patak Rd in Chalong.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726675-karaoke-waitress-shot-dead-in-front-of-well-known-phuket-pub/

[webfact]

New UK visa application centre in Bangkok inaugurated

By Digital Content

BANGKOK, May 16--- The United Kingdom has officially unveiled a new and improved visa centre in the Thai capital, aiming to facilitate an increasing number of visa applicants with a wider range of services.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726679-new-uk-visa-application-centre-in-bangkok-inaugurated/

[webfact]

RT @BangkokDan: True or false? Suthep’s attacker? Really must be an error or Photoshop or whatever... http://t.co/2viSC7bxFA