BMA to set up disaster prevention center, northern locals warned of flash floods

BANGKOK, 29 May 2014 (NNT) - In light of this month’s quake in the North, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is drafting a plan to establish a center to handle the disaster prevention and mitigation in the future.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729978-bangkok-to-set-up-disaster-prevention-center-northern-locals-warned-of-flash-floods/

Independent legal expert Verapat Pariyawong says via Facebook that he will not report as summoned by NCPO, saying he is in UK /MCOT

Gen Prayuth invites all 10 NCPO advisors to meet to outline duties, responsibilities for effective administration /MCOT

Second batch of provincial governors transferred

BANGKOK, 29 May 2014, (NNT) - Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Vibul Sangunpong, has approved the transfer of another batch of provincial governors.

According to the Ministry’s latest order, 5 more governors would be removed from their current positions and appointed to inactive posts of interior ministry inspectors.

The five governors affected by the orders are as follows; Kalasin Governor, Suwit Subongkot, Chantaburi Governor Kriangdej Khemthong, Somsak Khamtaweeprom of Roi-et, Rayong’s Wichit Chartpaisit, and Governor of Ubonratchathani Wanchai Sutthiworachai.

The Ministry then appointed 5 administrative officials to take those provincial top posts: their names are as follows: Phuchong Phothikutsai, an administrative adviser in the Permanent Secretary Office of the Ministry of Interior, is to be appointed as the Governor of Kalasin.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Interior inspector Samart Loyfah will take the position of Chantaburi Governor, while other inspectors Thani Samartkit and Serm Chainarong will take the helms of Rayong and Ubonratchathani respectively. Finally, Mr. Somsak Jangtrakul, a security adviser of the Permanent Secretary Office of the Ministry of Interior, will take the role of Roi-et Governor.

The transfers and appointment will take effect on June 2nd.


-- NNT 2014-05-29

Reuters: Most Thais support military coup

BANGKOK, 29 May 2014 (NNT) - Most Thais have given support to the armed forces and said that a military coup was like a “remedy to heal the nation”, according to a report in foreign media.

Reuters reported that despite anti-coup movements and public backlash from a number of foreign countries, many people in Bangkok have felt that the coup was the perfect solution to end the seven-month long political deadlock.

Coup supporters were often seen giving flowers and providing water to soldiers who were standing guard in the capital.

The news agency also said that there were a lot of groups on Facebook and other social media sites who were in favor of the Army.

A Facebook user mentioned that: “We could care less if some foreigners say the coup was the equivalent of a military dictatorship, because many of them are not well-informed about the level of corruption in Thailand.”


-- NNT 2014-05-29

Passport services available at Chaeng Wattana from June 2

BANGKOK, 29 May 2014 (NNT) - The Consular Affairs Department made known that the passport services office on Chaeng Wattana Road is set to officially reopen on June 2, after months of occupation by the anti-government protesters.

The department said the office will process around 8,000 passports per day and is capable of processing up to 20,000, if necessary.

Currently, those who have applied for a new passport can receive it by post 7 days after the appointment with the office. The office noted that due to curfew restrictions, each application will be processed within 4 working days, instead of 3, after June 2.

Passport applicants can still book a queue online and 1,400 applicants can schedule appointments per day.

The department was forced to shut down during anti-government protests late last year. The move had resulted in a massive backlog of passport applications as temporary passport offices cannot process as many applications per day.


-- NNT 2014-05-29

Power cuts in Phuket and South likely June 13 to July 10
Suthicha Sirirat


Photo Anders Bergstrom

PHUKET: -- Authorities have warned that Phuket and other provinces in the south may experience more blackouts than normal between June 13 and July 10 because the natural gas pipeline from Malaysia will be closed for maintenance.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730009-power-cuts-in-phuket-and-south-likely-june-13-to-july-10/

Brad Pitt Attacked On Red Carpet At 'Maleficent' Premiere
The Huffington Post | By Ed Mazza

LOS ANGELES: -- Brad Pitt was reportedly assaulted at Hollywood's El Capitan theater on Wednesday evening while walking the red carpet.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730011-brad-pitt-attacked-on-red-carpet-at-maleficent-premiere/

Heavy rains expected in most parts of Thailand during May 31-June 3

BANGKOK, 29 May 2014 (NNT) - Thunderstorms and strong winds are expected in many parts of Thailand during May 31 to June 3.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730013-heavy-rains-expected-in-most-parts-of-thailand-during-may-31-june-3/

Smart phones sales to rise 23pct this yr to over 1.2bn units on growth of budget priced phones in emerging mkts;12.3pct annual growth rate until 2018: IDC survey /The Nation

A 998-tonne oil tanker was listing off the Japanese coast on Thursday after an explosion and subsequent fire. /Bangkok Post

RT @tulsathit: Illegal logs seized in Mae Hong Son and allegedly linked to ex-Pheu Thai head Jarupong. ASTV photo http://t.co/Wcz5x53tYH

Explosion sparks fire on oil tanker off Japanese coast
By Yoko Wakatsuki and Jethro Mullen, CNN

Tokyo (CNN) -- Japanese coast guard ships and aircraft are battling a fire set off by an explosion on an oil tanker off the country's coast.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730017-explosion-sparks-fire-on-oil-tanker-off-japanese-coast/

Locals, foreigners call for a safer Bali



BANGKOK: -- Hundreds of foreigners and locals, dressed in all-white, gathered at Batu Bolong Beach in Canggu, Badung regency, on Monday to support the safer Bali campaign, the Jakarta Post reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730018-locals-foreigners-call-for-a-safer-bali/

RT @tulsathit: MT @teamkorn: TR @NationTV22: illegal wood confiscated near Yaowapa's house (Thaksin's sister) in Chiang Mai http://t.co/3AQ7zaJMW1

Chiang Rai exports near Bt10 billion in first three months

BANGKOK, 29 May 2014 (NNT) – Chiang Rai’s border trade so far has not been affected by the coup, according to Boontham Thipprasong, President of Chiang Rai Chamber of Commerce.

From January to March 2014, from total exports worth 9.922 billion baht, a breakdown shows exports to Myanmar amounted to 5.219 billion, 2.765 billion to Laos, and 1.160 billion to southern provinces of China.

Meanwhile, Chiang Rai’s imports from Myanmar were worth 264.52 million baht, 74.14 million for those from Laos, and 438.40 million in imports from China’s southern provinces.

Myanmar’s Tachileik township is situated opposite Chiang Rai and has a population of around one million, so many consumable and most construction products are imported from Thailand.


-- NNT 2014-05-29

RT @KhaosodEnglish: NCPO now broadcasting video explaining why coup necessary: "democracy has failed to solve problem", "election will lead to losses", etc

Bueng Kan locals show support for army officials

BUENG KAN, 29 May 2014 (NNT) – Locals at Bueng Kan province have gathered together to show their support for army officials in the region.

Reports have indicated that the local Red Cross Society in Bueng Kan, along with the police, public health officials, and citizens, have gathered together to show their support for the soldiers and police who are currently on guard in the province.

Assistant Professor Varunvarn Pakote, who is also Bueng Kan’s Red Cross Society President, led a team of supporters to donate food and medical aid to army and police personnel currently holding their posts in the province.

Ms. Varunvarn stated that the visit was aimed to give moral support among the officers to carry out their duties of maintaining peace and order in the province. In addition, the local Army Housewives Association has also gone to show their support.


-- NNT 2014-05-29

Junta warns creditors against using force to intimidate farmers to repay debt

BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order Thursday issued an order to warn creditors of farmers against using violence and intimidation to force farmers to pay debt.

The 46th order of the NCPO was issued after the junta sped up paying money to farmers who have sold their rice to the government under the rice-pledging scheme.

The order said some groups of people have unfairly and illegally forcing farmers to repay debt.

The order said those who use force to harm or who intimidate farmers to pay debt would be liable to two-year imprisonment and a Bt20,000 fine or both.


-- The Nation 2014-05-29

4G licence auction to go ahead

BANGKOK: -- The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) says auction for the fourth generation (4G) mobile phone licences on the 1,800 and 900 MHz spectrums will go ahead despite of the power change.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730023-thailand-to-go-ahead-with-4g-licence-auction/

Junta issues two new orders, summoning 17 more persons

BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order Thursday issued two new orders, summoning 17 more persons to report themselves at the Army Auditorium on Friday.

The 30th order requires nine persons, including Prawit Jaihao and Ana Wiphusaming, to report themselves at 10 am until noon.

The 31st order requires eight persons, including Suwicha Phanitpol, Yothin Srijanthep, and Cherdchai Tantisirin, to report themselves at 10 am until 11 am.


-- The Nation 2014-05-29

Department of Disease Control to hold campaign 'Raise taxes on tobacco'



BANGKOK, 29 May 2014 (NNT) – The Department of Disease is set to launch a campaign “Raise Taxes on Tobacco” to mark World No Tobacco Day on May 31, to urge relevant agencies to review the tax imposition on tobacco.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730024-thai-health-officials-to-call-for-higher-tobacco-tax/

More Pheu Thai ex-MPs are expected to be released today from custody



BANGKOK: -- Eight former Pheu Thai MPs and ministers are expected to be released today by the military after they were held in custody for more than three days.

They are former deputy prime minister and foreign minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, former deputy interior minister Chuchart Harnsawat, former secretary-general of the Prime Minister Suranand Vejjajiva, former public health minister Torpong Chaiyasarn, former deputy education minister Worawat Uah-apinyakul, former Pheu Thai MPs Worachai Haema, Pracha Prasobdee, and Vicharn Moenchainan.

Media tycoon and former yellow-shirt movement leader Sondhi Limthongkul is also expected to be released separately today.

In Petchabun province, five key members of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship in Petchabun, were released this morning. They are Sitthichai Ta-art, Nanpipat Wongmak, Nanthawat Boonthook, Chamnong Keedkhunthod and Prapass Yamprakone.

Meanwhile, former Pheu Thai MP Prasit Chaisrisa was escorted by the army to Chokechai police station this morning to acknowledge lese majeste charge for a statement deemed insulting to the Monarchy he made on May 7 at a red-shirt rally at the Imperial Lat Prao department store.

Prasit, however, denied the charge and said he would ask for a bail with the Military Court which is to try the case.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/pheu-thai-ex-mps-expected-released-today-custody/


-- Thai PBS 2014-05-29

MILITARY JUNTA
EU calls on junta to exercise restraint or lose support

BRUSSELS: -- European Union's supports to Thailand will depend on early and credible roadmap to restore the constitutional rule and elections.

"Only an early and credible roadmap for a return to constitutional rule and elections will allow for EU’s continuous support," read the statement issued on May 28.

The EU has expressed extreme concern on the current political development in Thailand and called for Thailand to urgently restore the legitimate democratic process and the constitution, through credible and inclusive elections.

In its statement, the EU also urged the military leadership to free all those who have been detained for political reasons in recent days and to remove censorship.

"We call on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint. Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms must be upheld. Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms must be upheld.


-- The Nation 2014-05-29

Junta issues two new orders, summons 17 more individuals
The Nation May

BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order Thursday issued two new orders, summoning 17 more persons to report to the Army Auditorium on Friday.

The 30th order requires nine persons to report themselves between 10am and noon.

The nine are:

1) Apiradee Suphan

2) Prasert Thongnoom

3) Sunthorn Limpikul

4) Prawit Jaihao

5) Ana Wiphusaming

6) Narong Kaewpornpong

7) Pinij Chaisenee

8) Chaimongkol Saneha

9) Anusak Anukarn

The 31st order requires eight persons to report themselves between 10am and 11am.

The eight are:

1) Suwicha Phanitpol

2) Sailom Kabbuadaeng

3) Yothin Srijanthep

4) Sanga Khunyosying

5) Thongyos Maksakhon

6) Maneerat Kothan

7) Cherdchai Tantisirin

8) Piyabutr Promlakkhano

-- The Nation 2014-05-29

Troops hand over former Pheu Thai MP Prasit to police on lese majeste charges

BANGKOK: -- Troops handed over former Pheu Thai MP Prasit Chaisisa to police Thursday for legal action against him for an alleged lese majeste comment.

Prasit was brought from the Weerawat Yothin Army camp in Surin at 5am and handed over to officers at Chokechai police station in Bangkok.

He was taken to the Criminal Court at 12.10pm for the court to approve the 12-day extension of his detention pending his arraignment over the lese majeste charges.

His wife and daughter turned up at the police station to be close to him.

-- The Nation 2014-05-29

Junta mulls pricey transport projects
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order will take two weeks to review big-ticket transport infrastructure projects, include the expansion of Suvarnabhumi Airport and the development of 10 Bangkok mass-transit lines and four cross-country high-speed rail routes.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730030-junta-mulls-pricey-transport-projects/

Police vow to strict enforcement of law against protesters with 'hidden agenda'

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Police Commissioner-General Pol Gen Somyos Poomphanmuang Thursday vowed to strictly enforce the law against protesters at the Victory Monument.

He alleged that the protesters, who have held demonstrations on a daily basis since the day after the coup, are not taking part in the protests off their own bat but that their rallies have been organised by certain persons.

Somyos, who has been assigned to head the operation to deal with protesters, warned those who are not involved to stay clear of the rally site because "the authorities will enforce the laws seriously".

-- The Nation 2014-05-29

RT@RichardBarrow: A sign at Democracy Monument saying it’s under repair RT @kowit_js: อนุสาวรีย์ประชาธิปไตย”ปิดซ่อมปรับปรุง” pic.twitter.com/tkBK4e09uW #Thailand

Export is picking up

BANGKOK: -- The central bank says Thai exports are expected to gradually pick up and strengthen the economy this year.

Bank of Thailand spokesperson Roong Mallikamas said there was sign of slow recovery in exports as evidenced by a 3.1% drop year-on-year in March and a 0.9% decrease in April.

She said the sign indicated that export should be an important economic driver this year.

She said export volumes look good, especially those of industrial products. Besides, global demand indicators and Thai exporters’ views point to a better future, albeit slowly.

But she warned China’s economic slowdown had affected farm prices, especially rubber and that could limit Thailand’s export value.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/export-picking/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=export-picking

-- Thai PBS 2014-05-29

Chainat discovers 103 year old granny

CHAINAT, 29 May 2014 (NNT) – A 103 year old woman was recently found in Chainat and she is reported to be the oldest person living in the province.

The 103 year old granny, Kiao Promhuad, stated that she loved boiled vegetables with chili paste. According to her daughter, this is one of the primary reasons why she maintained such a long life.

The granny’s daughter, Ms. Malai Promhuad, gave an interview with journalists saying that her mother was quite healthy for her age. However, she is unable to walk on her own as her bones are not as strong as they used to be.

Although the old woman’s hearing has deteriorated over the years, she is able to see quite clearly, and still remembers all her close relatives. Ms. Malai stated that her mother did not have any congenital disease, as her mother was in good health.


-- NNT 2014-05-29