Thailand Live Monday 2 Jun 2014

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Heavy rains set to lash most parts of the country

BANGKOK, 2 June 2014 (NNT) – Thunderstorms are expected across all regions of Thailand as monsoons are rolling in from the Southwest.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/731024-heavy-rains-set-to-lash-most-parts-of-thailand/

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Government House officially reopens

BANGKOK, 2 June 2014 (NNT) - Government House was officially reopened today after being closed for about six months by protesters demanding the ouster of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her government.

Deputy permanent secretary for interior, ML Panadda Dissakul, who has been appointed the new permanent secretary to the Prime Minister's Office, said cooperation among state agencies were key to restoring peace and happiness in the country.

For the first time in months, staff members and government officials arrived for a full day of work today after workers began a major clean-up operation last week.

Former Police Chief and National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) deputy chief Pol Gen Adul Sangsingkaew is among those now working at Government House. He has been assigned to special activities for the council. The NCPO is set to meet later today at the army headquarters.

All units working within Government House are to meet on June 5 to discuss operational guidelines.


-- NNT 2014-06-02

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38 more people summoned to report



BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) Sunday night summoned 38 people who included politicians and academics to report the military junta Monday and Tuesday.

One of the people summoned to report tomorrow, Saravuth Puthornyothin, shot himself to death in what his family said he committed suicide to escape from long neck and back pain and had no connection with the order to report to the NCPO.

Saravuth is on the list of 26 persons summoned by the junta’s Order No 44 to report at the Army Auditorium at 10.00-noon of Tuesday June 3.

He was the manager of Ubon Krungthai Kolakarn shop in Ubon Ratchathani province.

His family said he had pain on the neck for over three months and the pain has now spread to his back.

His family was about to take him to see doctor this morning and he went upstairs to his room to dress. But he used his .38 revolver to take his life, police quoted family as telling police.

Others summoned to report included ex-Senator Ruangkrai Leekitwatana, State Railways of Thailand governor Prapat Chongsa-nguan, and MCOT board director Chakkapand Yomhinda.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/38-people-summoned-report/


-- Thai PBS 2014-06-02

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More than 60 RPG rockets, and five boxes of ammunition were found abandoned at a banana plantation behind the Suan Udom-withaya school in Muang district of Chonburi province this morning.

The police are asking EOD team from an army base in Chonburi to inspect the arms cache.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/44140/

-- Thai PBS 2014-06-02

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Nakhon Sawan dispatches army officers to prevent local unrest

NAKHON SAWAN, 2 June 2014 (NNT) – Troops have been deployed in Nakhon Sawan province to prevent unrest and any unwanted violence that may break out within the community.

Commander of the 31st Military Circle Maj. Gen. Pichet Sukphongpisit, along with Nakhon Sawan Governor Chairoj Meedaeng, presided over the ceremony of dispatching law enforcement officials to maintain peace and order in the province.

Army soldiers, police officers, and volunteer civilians were ordered to keep a vigilant watch over the community. The objective of the surveillance is to prevent unwanted violence in the province and to maintain peace and order within the local community.

Moreover, dispatched officials are set to crackdown on suspected drug tracking zones, gambling dens, and any anti-coup protest rallies or uprising from the locals. As of now, the situation has been normal so far.


-- NNT 2014-06-02

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Authorities Silent on Abducted Anti-Coup Protester
By Khaosod English


A 71-year-old woman was mobbed and escorted away by police for wearing a mask with an anti-coup message, 1 June 2014.

BANGKOK — Few details have emerged about the anti-coup protester who was abducted in plain view yesterday.
The woman was forcefully shoved into a taxi by a group of suspected plain-clothed policemen in front of Sheraton Grand Sukhumvit on Sukhumvit Road at around 2:10 pm on Sunday.

The men who abducted her were heard saying they were taking the woman to "a police station." It is not clear whether the taxi driver was member of the security forces, although a man wearing all black was seen sitting in the back of the car.

Authorities have yet to publicly disclose any information about the incident.

A wallet left by the woman at the scene contained two ID cards. One belongs to Pailin Puangsiri, a resident of Suan Luang district in Bangkok, while the other belongs to Sunantha Puangsiri, a resident of Tha Maka, Kanchanaburi province.

The woman appeared to be a lone protester nearby a larger anti-coup demonstration. Shortly before her abduction, she was seen flashing the "three-finger salute” that has become a symbol of opposition to the military junta to security forces who were containing the anti-coup protest at the nearby Terminal 21 shopping mall.

No relative or friend of the woman could be found at the protest site.

The incident was captured on camera by the Bangkok Post and has raised concerns that authorities are employing increasingly heavy-hand approaches to crackdown on protesters.

Another lone protester, a woman in her 70s, was also mobbed and escorted away by police at Ratchaprasong Intersection in central Bangkok yesterday for wearing a mask with an anti-coup message.

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1401686446


-- Khaosod English 2014-06-02

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Modest quake rattles Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES: -- A modest 4.2 magnitude earthquake shook the Los Angeles region late Sunday causing no known damage or injuries, officials said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/731049-modest-quake-rattles-los-angeles/

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Thailand's Government House fully reopened today
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 2 - Senior Thai government officials this morning arrived at a Government House that is fully reopened, with Panadda Diskul, acting permanent secretary to the Prime Minister's Office, outlining his policies to office staff as the order of the day..

Government House had been cordoned off, occupied by demonstrators for seven months, but a thorough cleanup over the weekend made ready the facility for its reopening.

Pol Gen Adul Saengsingkaew, deputy chief of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), arrived at his office in Government House this morning as well, before departing for an NCPO meeting at Army headquarters. Army and NCPO chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha chaired the meeting today.

Mr Panadda, also deputy permanent secretary for interior, said today's NCPO meeting would follow up the work of concerned agencies and introduce additional policies. The NCPO is promoting unity among government officials so that they can set a good example for national reconciliation among the general public, he said.

Mr Panadda said he would also discuss regulations and guidelines for work with Government House staff on Thursday and organize religious ceremonies for blessing Government House and its officials. He said he had no idea when the new government would assume office there. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-06-02

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Department of Land Transport issues new driving exam

BANGKOK 2 June 2014 (NNT) – The Department of Land Transport has issued new rules and regulations for the driver’s license examination, which is set to take effect on June 2, 2014.

Newer versions of the exam have been issued for those who wish to take the driver’s test. Director- General of the Department of Land Transport Asdsathai Rattanadilok Na Phuket led a group of press officials to observe the new process of receiving the licenses.

The original exam had 30 questions, whereas the newer version would have 50 questions total. Test takers would now need a score of at least 90% to qualify for a passing score compared to the original 75%. The new regulation takes effect on June 2, 2014.

In order to ensure more transparency in the exam, computer touch screens have been brought in to integrate the E-Exam system into the process. Test takers will then be able to receive their test scores immediately after the exam. For more information, visit www.dlt.go.th.


-- NNT 2014-06-02

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Mukdahan Registrar Office present gifts to soldiers

MUKDAHAN, 2 June 2014 (NNT) – The Mukdahan Registrar Office has presented gifts and necessities to soldiers dispatched in the area as a token of gratitude for their duties in protecting and overseeing security in the province.

Soldiers deployed at the Provincial City Hall were visited by Registrar officials who brought a number of necessities as a way of expressing their gratitude. The soldiers received the gifts while thanking people for their understanding and cooperation about their duties.

The Mukdahan Registrar Office was ready to provide full cooperation to soldiers in supporting a safe atmosphere within the province while also hoping that the country would return to normal as soon as possible.


-- NNT 2014-06-02

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Chiang Rai struck by nine aftershocks today



BANGKOK: -- Chiang Rai was struck by nine aftershocks of 1.9-3.3 magnitude from mid night until noon Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/731064-chiang-rai-struck-by-nine-aftershocks-today/

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300,000 Trucks Idle After Economic Slowdown
By Khaosod English

BANGKOK — Transportation companies in Thailand are taking a serious hit from the economic slowdown caused by the country’s ongoing political crisis, said the President of the Land Transport Federation of Thailand (LTFT).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/731065-300000-trucks-idle-after-economic-slowdown-land-transport-federation-thailand/

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Gen Prayuth proposing legislation to open way for reform, positive progress on reconciliation process /MCOT

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Clean-up operation underway at Victory Monument
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, June 2 -- Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) workers and soldiers cleaned the vicinity of Bangkok's Victory Monument while the authorities urged the general public to cooperate with official attempts to restore national peace.

City clerk Ninnart Chalitanon inspected the clean-up and encouraged city workers cleaning the area left with much trash during a week of anti-coup demonstrations at the central city transport hub.

Ratchathewi district workers and three companies of soldiers from Adisorn Camp in Saraburi province cleaned the vicinity of the monument, including traffic islands on Phaya Thai, Ratchawithi, Phahon Yothin and Din Daeng roads.

No property was damaged there. The military is holding an event tomorrow to entertain the public from 4pm to 7pm.

Ms Ninnart said she was not concerned about ongoing anti-coup demonstrations as police and the military were deployed to ensure order. She also urged the public to cooperate with attempts to restore national peace and wait for the police and the military to do their peace restoration job. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-06-02

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UPDATE:

13 Vietnamese, one Thai killed in Chaiyaphum road accident
The Nation
Chaiyaphum



BANGKOK: -- A chartered van crashed head-on with a trailer truck in the northeastern province of Chaiyaphum early Monday, killing 14 people and injuring two others.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/731001-12-die-in-van-truck-crash-in-chaiyaphum-province/page-2?p=7918154#entry7918154

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AFTER COUP
Thai deputy chief of mission in UK to assume ambassador's duties

BANGKOK: -- The Thai Embassy in the United Kingdom's Deputy Chief of Mission Nudhavathna Krishnamra has been assigned to take charge of the embassy's affairs following the recall by the Foreign Ministry of the Thai ambassador Pasan Teparak last week, ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee said on Monday.

The ministry cited propriety as reason for reassigning Pasan, who has close ties with ex-premiers Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra.

Sek said Nudhavathana, a capable and reliable diplomat, will be acting on behalf of Pasan for now. There would be no assignment of new ambassador as it is not yet reshuffle time, Sek said.

Pasan was recalled to Bangkok for the sake of propriety and this decision does not reflect of ThaiBritish relations.


-- The Nation 2014-06-02

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Moody's affirms Thailand's Baa1 rating; outlook stable
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Moody's Investors Service today affirmed Thailand's long-term issuer ratings at "Baa1" with a stable outlook on the view that the country's fundamental credit strengths remain largely intact despite the political confrontations.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/731075-moodys-affirms-thailands-baa1-rating;-outlook-stable/

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New Samsung phone marks break from Android

SEOUL: -- Samsung announced Monday the launch of a new smartphone based on its own operating system, in a step towards independence from the Google Android platform that dominates its popular handsets.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/731077-new-samsung-phone-marks-break-from-android/

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Foreign Ministry: ASEAN countries concerned by Thailand's political situation

BANGKOK, 2 June 2014 (NNT) - The Foreign Affairs Ministry has noted that many ASEAN countries at a security meeting in Singapore expressed concerns over the political situation in Thailand.

Ministry spokesperson Sek Wannamethee said that during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, ministry representatives including permanent secretary Sihasak Phuangketkeow presented the new economic roadmap unveiled by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to other ASEAN members.

They further explained that the NCPO has loosened a number of security measures put in place after the declaration of the coup, including the detainment of politicians and censorship of the media.

Mr Sek noted that most countries urged Thailand to swiftly return to democracy by staging a new election soon.

So far 39 countries have expressed deep concerns over Thailand’s political stability and 19 countries have issued travel advisories for Thailand.

On Monday, ministry officials is also scheduled to visit Nayphidaw, the Asean chair, to explain the timeframe and measures set by the NCPO to restore Thailand’s peace and order.


-- NNT 2014-06-02

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63 nations issued traveling warning for Thailand

Latest information shows that 63 countries have now issued travel warnings for Thailand and 19 have recommended that their citizens avoid visiting the country, Foreign Ministry's spokesman Sek Wannamethee said Monday.

The foreign ministry has sent a summary of the junta's road maps to Thai ambassadors in foreign countries so they are able to provide explanations to the host countries.


-- The Nation 2014-06-02

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Cambodia demands Thais remove fence near disputed temple site

Phnom Penh - Cambodia has demanded that Thailand tear down a fence it says Thai forces erected last week on disputed border land near an 11th-Century temple, local media reported Monday.

The fence was erected on Wednesday and "violated the MOU (memorandum of understanding) from 2000" over the Preah Vihear temple site, foreign affairs spokesman Koy Kuong told The Cambodia Daily.

The 2000 agreement "says that the area has to remain status quo, meaning that there can be no development in that area," he was reported as saying.


-- The Nation 2014-06-02

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Old bomb unearthed at Red Line construction site

BANGKOK, 2 June 2014 (NNT) - Workers at a construction site for the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Red Line in Bang Sue reported discovering a bomb.

Noppawong Railway Police station investigator Pol Lt Prakartchai Kaewkar said the suspected bomb was discovered at the site while workers were using a backhoe to dig up the ground. The site is where the soon-to-be new Bang Sue station on the Red Line is located.

Police identified the explosive as a model GT500 bomb and said the old bomb appeared to be a dud.

The area has nonetheless been sealed off and Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams have been called in to safely remove the bomb.


-- NNT 2014-06-02

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Chiang Rai authorities seize 1.2 million meth pills, smuggled across Mekong River to Thailand, abandoned in Chiang Saen district cornfield /MCOT

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King Juan Carlos of Spain to abdicate, the prime minister announces /BBC

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King Juan Carlos of Spain abdicating

MADRID: -- King Juan Carlos of Spain has decided to abdicate, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has announced.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/731098-king-juan-carlos-of-spain-abdicating/

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Phuket colleges sign up to give driving lessons
Suthicha Sirirat

PHUKET: -- The Provincial Land Transport Office (PLTO) has signed agreements with four colleges who will provide practical lessons on campus for learner-drivers, as part of a national drive to boost driving standards.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/731103-phuket-colleges-sign-up-to-give-driving-lessons/

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THAI-AUSTRALIAN RELATIONS
Thailand disappointed by Australia's reaction to coup

BANGKOK: -- Thailand has expressed disappointment at Australia's decision to downgrade mutual relations, issue travel bans for highranking officers and cut defence cooperation in the wake of the military's power seizure.

The Foreign Ministry's permanent secretary Sihasak Puangketkaew conveyed the disappointment during the annual ShangriLa security dialogue in Singapore in which Australia attended during the weekend, said Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee on Monday.

The Australian government said in a joint statement on Saturday that it had postponed three activities with the Thai military and would prevent the leaders of the coup from travelling to Australia as it continues to have "grave concerns" about the military's coup in Thailand.

"In line with our concerns, Australia is reducing our engagement with the Thai military and will lower the level of our interaction with the Thai military leadership," Australia's Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Defence Minister David Johnston said in a joint statement.

"The Australian government continues to call on the military to set a pathway for a return to democracy and the rule of law as soon as possible, to refrain from arbitrary detentions, to release those detained for political reasons and to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms."

The Australian government said it looked forward to "normalising our relationship as soon as possible," but added that it would continue to "review defence and other bilateral activities".


-- The Nation 2014-06-02

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SET index closed 1,440.94, up 25.21; Bt/USD32.73; GBP54.70; AUD30.21; EUR44.46; CAD30.02; HKD4.21; SGD25.94; JPY31.95

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Thailand explains its coup at Singapore
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 2 -- Senior Thai authorities explained reasons for the May 22 coup in Thailand at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman.

Sek Wannamethee, director-general of the Department of Information, said a Thai delegation comprising Sihasak Phuangketkeow, permanent secretary for foreign affairs, a deputy supreme commander and a deputy permanent secretary for defence of Thailand attended the Shangri-La Dialogue, a forum for security issues in Asia and the Pacific.

He said that representatives of 28 counties attended the forum and the Thai authorities used it as an opportunity to explain local situations and reasons for the coup.

One of them was violent incidents that had escalated in the past six months.

Governments of 39 countries announced their stances and measures against it, he said adding that, it was understood that many countries are expressing their concerns and calling on Thailand to return to elections and democracy.

Mr Sek said "Thailand has been a friend of the nations for a long time and developed joint interest and cooperation in various fields. So the countries are urged to look at overall situations and long-term benefits before deciding on their stances towards Thailand. Importantly the NCPO (National Council for Peace and Order) has relaxed its measures and this shows gradual developments."

According to Mr Sek, the Thai permanent secretary for foreign affairs had bilateral talks with representatives of many countries including the United States, Australia, Japan and Germany.

Thai authorities expressed a negative response to Australia that downgraded its relations with the Thai armed forces and bans Thai armed forces chiefs from visiting the country.

They also elaborated on the NCPO's course of actions including those concerning national reconciliation, national reform and the next election so that the governments of other countries can review their stances towards Thailand.

Mr Sihasak also visited Myanmar, as the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), today to explain situations in Thailand.

Mr Sek admitted that Southeast Asian nations were concerned about situations in Thailand as they recognized the importance of the country, the economy of which was the second biggest in ASEAN.

They viewed that situations in Thailand could affect the region. Mr Sek said that Thai authorities confirmed that Thailand was ready to proceed with its proactive international roles and policies. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-06-02

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Phuket 'encroachers' torch Chalong work camp
Eakkapop Thongtub


The bike is set alight.

PHUKET: -- A work camp in Soi Pa Lai, Chalong, opposite the Pong Pang Seafood restaurant, was attacked twice yesterday (June 1) by people opposed to the land being cleared. In the second attack the camp was torched.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/731111-phuket-encroachers-torch-chalong-work-camp/