Thailand Live Friday 6 Jun 2014

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1,000 baht discounts likely for digital TV set top boxes

BANGKOK, 6 June 2014 (NNT) – The Broadcasting and Telecommunications Research and Development Fund (BTFP) has endorsed an initiative to provide 1,000 baht discounts for digital TV set top boxes, in an effort to encourage a switch to digital TV broadcast.

National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) secretary-general Thakon Tanthasit revealed that the fund's executives agreed to provide 1,000 baht discount coupons for the set top boxes, as proposed by the NBTC. The initiative would have to be approved once again by the NBTC assembly, fore the coupons are handed out to roughly 25 million households nationwide.

The fund also resolved to terminate an agreement with the ICT Ministry concerning public free Wi-Fi, as many conditions have not been met. The fund will be asking for a return of its 950 million baht provided as support for the project, with interest.


-- NNT 2014-06-06

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WORLD CUP
Curfew may be eased during tournament
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) yesterday mulled whether to make curfew hours more flexible for the World Cup tournament, which kicks off next week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732094-world-cup-curfew-may-be-eased-during-tournament/

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Doctor warns betting on World Cup matches may lead to gambling addiction

BANGKOK, 6 June 2014 (NNT) – The Department of Mental Health warned on Thursday those who partake in gambling activities during the football World Cup period put themselves at risk of gambling addiction, which may lead to depression and suicide.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732095-thai-doctor-warns-betting-on-world-cup-matches-may-lead-to-gambling-addiction/

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“Bor Kor Lai Jud” nabbed at Chon Buri home

BANGKOK, 6 June 2014 (NNT) – The military has apprehended Red Sunday Group leader Sombat Boonngamanong, aka Bor Kor Lai Jud, at a residence in Chon Buri province following his defiance of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)’s authority.

According to Pol Maj Gen Pisit Paoin, Advisor to the Permanent Secretary for Information and Communication Technology, officers from the 21st Infantry Regiment, Queen’s Guard, have arrested Mr Sombat after storming a private home in Phan Thong district of Chon Buri on Thursday night. The military had earlier collaborated with the National Intelligence Agency in tracking down an IP address on a computer used by the runaway activist, leading to his arrest.

Mr Sombat has reportedly been taken to the Nawamin Camp of the 21st Infantry Regiment, Queen’s Guard, for custody.

The Red Sunday Group leader had been a prominent critic of the military coup and was ordered by the NCPO to report to the authorities for his action. However, he declared he would not comply with the order and challenged the military officers with a slogan “Catch Me If You Can”. Before he was taken away for detention, a message was posted on his Facebook account, saying he had been caught.


-- NNT 2014-06-06

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Five dual-track railway lines proposed for quick construction
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 6 - State Railway of Thailand (SRT) governor Prapas Chongsanguan has called on the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to help speed up the environmental impact assessment for five dual-track railway lines so the projects can be undertaken more quickly.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732096-five-dual-track-railway-lines-proposed-for-quick-construction-thailand/

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UPDATE:

Thai anti-graft body to probe Yingluck finances

BANGKOK, June 6, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's anti-graft body on Thursday launched an assets probe into deposed premier Yingluck Shinawatra in relation to a bungled rice subsidy scheme that sparked widespread anger.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/731971-nacc-sets-up-panel-to-investigate-assets-of-yingluck-former-ministers-related-to-rice-scheme/page-3?p=7934448#entry7934448

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UPDATE:

RICE-PLEDGING SCHEME

Yingluck faces assets probe

The Nation

Yingluck

Anti-graft agency also targets four former ministers involved in the rice-pledging scheme; junta orders nationwide check of rice stocks

BANGKOK: -- The national anti-graft agency yesterday resolved to examine the assets of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and four other members of her Cabinet involved in her government's loss-making and corruption-plagued rice price-pledging scheme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/731971-nacc-sets-up-panel-to-investigate-assets-of-yingluck-former-ministers-related-to-rice-scheme/?p=7932095

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LESE-MAJESTY LAW
Exiles among "violators" summoned by junta
The Nation


Jakrapob

BANGKOK: -- Outspoken academic Giles Ungpakorn and former government spokesman Jakrapob Penkair - both of whom live in exile - were among five people the junta has summoned in connection with lese-majeste charges, according to an order on Wednesday night.

The other included London-based hairdresser Chattrawadi Amornpat, 34 known also as "Rose London", Ekkapop Luara, 22 who is better known as "Tung Achiwa" and activist Chupong Thithuan.

Giles has written a book, "A Coup for the Rich", which criticises the 2006 power seizure and the Royal Family. He was charged in January 2009 but fled to England.

Jakrapob, who is believed to be in Phnom Penh, made a speech deemed insulting to the Royal Family on August 29, 2007.

Ekkapop allegedly criticised the Royal Family at a red shirt rally at Rajamangala Stadium in November 2013.

Chattrawadi allegedly posted video clips that criticised the monarchy on a social network site. Her parents have filed complaints against her with the Crime Suppression Division.

Chupong was the host of a radio show on a red-shirt community radio station.

He allegedly criticised the Royal Family during his programme. He has fled to the United States and has been campaigning against the Royal Family with a red-shirt group there.

Junta spokesman Col Winthai Suvari said the authorities would continue to summon people to report to them but if any of those named had difficulties or were inconvenienced they could send a written report or send representatives.

People questioning summons

The orders summoning people have raised questions and strong criticism, as some are not in the position to comply.

Matichon newspaper owner Khanchai Boonpan has been sick and sent his nephew, Matichon general manager Thakoon Boonpan, to inform the junta he was unwell.

Winthai said the junta summoned Khanchai to "adjust" his political attitude but as long as he was indisposed, the authorities would be flexible.

But for those who intend to run away or hide, the authorities would strictly enforce law and order to bring them back, he said.


-- The Nation 2014-06-06

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Tourism agency bidding for return of foreign tourists ahead of high season
Suchat Sritama
The Nation


Thawatchai Arunyik

BANGKOK: -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand is preparing a three-month plan to rebuild tourism, but the country would probably still fail to achieve its arrival target for this year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732098-thai-tourism-agency-bidding-for-return-of-foreign-tourists-ahead-of-high-season/

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CONFIDENCE
International firms keep faith in Kingdom despite coup
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- International firms have high confidence to continue trading with Thailand, despite the military government, according to Thai trade officials overseas.

Srirat Rastapana, permanent secretary of the Commerce Ministry, said yesterday that Thai trade representatives in 66 overseas offices reported that foreign traders have seen no violence after the junta started running the country peacefully and effectively.

The ministry has assigned its trade counsellors abroad to send a letter to foreign traders in each country to improve their understanding of the situation here. They confirmed that trading has not been interrupted by or intervened in by the government.

Thailand is still committed to trade liberalisation under the World Trade Organisation and will continue to fulfil its obligations under trade agreements with Asean and other countries.

The overseas trade offices have sent letters of explanation to many parties, such as private enterprises, trade associations, the media and press, and government agencies.

With the clear policies of the National Council for Peace and Order to drive the economy, the domestic economy, export sector and investment will grow this year and next year.

Asean countries have shown a good understanding of Thailand's situation. They have promised to continue cooperating with Thailand and continue trading with and investing in the country.

Some countries have expressed concern over the safety of travellers in Thailand during the curfew, but after the NCPO withdrew the curfew from some provinces, foreign countries will have more confidence and expect the curfew measure will be eventually cancelled, she added.


-- The Nation 2014-06-06

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GOLD RUSH
Call for museum to display trove of ancient gold
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Villagers yesterday called on the government to set up a museum at the palm plantation in Phatthalung's Khao Chai Son district where a treasure trove of ancient gold was discovered.

Nakhon Si Thammarat Fine Arts Office director Anat Bumrungwong responded to the call by saying it was possible to set up a museum, provided appropriate factors such as community and infrastructure readiness were in place.

Plantation owner Vee Thabsaeng, who led the villagers' call, also called on the Fine Arts Department to give him an expropriation fee before surveying the land this Saturday. He said he was willing to donate the land for the construction of a museum should officials find more artefacts there.


-- The Nation 2014-06-06

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EDITORIAL
A worrying sign
The Nation

If the junta believes that banning anti-coup protesters' three-finger salute will aid the cause of peace, it is badly mistaken

If you don't mind, it don't matter," as the old saying goes.

BANGKOK: -- The military authorities should take this message to heart and rethink their decision to clamp down on citizens expressing their silent defiance of the coup with the three-finger salute, borrowed, some say, from the Hollywood film "The Hunger Games".

And if they came to their senses, they would rethink their entire approach to critics in the aftermath of the May 22 bloodless coup, which has put Thailand back more or less to where it was in 2006, at the time of the previous military take-over.

The three-finger symbol of opposition to the coup quickly drew the ire of the military, which has threatened to arrest those protesters who ignore the warning to "lower their arms".

"At this point we are monitoring the movement," Colonel Weerachon Sukhondhapatipak, a spokesman for the ruling junta, told the Associated Press. "If it is an obvious form of resistance, then we have to control it so it doesn't cause any disorder."

Since the imposition of martial law and the coup d'etat two days later, the junta has taken measures to clamp down on political gatherings and made considerable headway in silencing critics, blocking websites and shutting down television stations affiliated with the warring political parties and groups.

A planned protest in Bangkok against the coup last Sunday, for example, was met with nearly 6,000 security officials.

The three-finger sign means different things to different people, but essentially it is a form of protest against what the military has done.

What's absurd about this whole thing is that the Army believes it can force people to keep their mouths shut.

If anything, such extreme censorship of free expression stands to make the situation worse. The military administration needs to realise that people are not machines and that each and every one of us has our own opinion and feelings about the ongoing political crisis.

By trying to impose uniformity on thoughts and feelings, the junta is digging its own grave.

If sub-national conflicts around the world tell us anything, it is that clamping down on criticism does not serve the interest of peace, especially when the dissenting voices reflect the sentiment of a significant number of people.

Yes, the military is setting up a new agency as part of a peace process - the Reconciliation Centre for Reforms (RCR). But, if the centre is to have any chance of success, it will have to allow the participants freedom of expression.

The junta says the centre, which will have branches throughout the country, will be a platform for people of all political affiliations to come together and iron out their differences.

As part of the process, those from opposing sides must be permitted to vent their frustrations. If, instead, authorities choose to use coercion and censorship in a bid to "force" an agreement, the deep-rooted division between enemies will remain and violent conflict will inevitably resurface.

If the military chooses to obsess over hand gestures, then what chance of success does the RCR have in creating an atmosphere conducive to peace?


-- The Nation 2014-06-06

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Burmese pair arrested for illegal abortions in Phuket
Suthicha Sirirat


Tien Tien, left, and Sein Maung, after their arrest

PHUKET: Two Burmese nationals carrying out illegal abortions in Phuket Town were arrested at midday June 5 by Phuket Immigration, after they were busted at a hotel with a range of medical devices and equipment and confessed to carrying out abortions.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732099-burmese-pair-arrested-for-illegal-abortions-in-phuket/

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Two Indians Drugged and robbed at Central Pattaya Hotel



PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Thursday two Indian Tourists reported a suspected case of drugging and robbery to Investigators at Pattaya Police Station.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732100-two-indians-drugged-and-robbed-at-central-pattaya-hotel/

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SWEDISH ECOLOGIST
'Food production cycle needs rethink'
THIRANAT SUCHARIKUL
THE NATION



Rundgren explains the need for change in consumption habits

BANGKOK: -- OUR WORLD is not sustainable, so people should change the way they consume in order to mitigate this growing problem, Swedish ecological thinker Gunnar Rundgren told environmental enthusiasts in Bangkok ahead of World Environment Day yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732102-swedish-ecologist-food-production-cycle-needs-rethink/

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Quebec passes law allowing assisted suicide

MONTREAL: -- Canada's Quebec province adopted legislation Thursday allowing terminally ill patients to kill themselves with a doctor's help, becoming the first jurisdiction in the country to effectively legalize assisted suicide.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732103-canadas-quebec-province-passes-law-allowing-assisted-suicide/

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D-Day 70th anniversary: Ceremonies and staged landing held

(BBC) Hundreds of the last surviving D-Day veterans have gathered on both sides of the English Channel, 70 years on from the momentous World War Two mission.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732105-d-day-70th-anniversary-ceremonies-and-staged-landing-held/

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Ireland: 800 children mass grave - church 'has no records'

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732108-ireland-800-children-mass-grave-church-has-no-records/

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Suspect detained for murder of Phuket Canadian man in 2009
Eakkapop Thongtub


Nukul in Kathu Police custody.

PHUKET: -- Police have detained a key suspect in the murder of a Canadian businessman who was murdered in Patong in 2009

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732114-suspect-detained-for-murder-of-phuket-canadian-man-in-2009/

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Gunman kills one, wounds 3 on US campus

SEATTLE: -- A lone gunman killed one person and injured three others on a Seattle college campus before he was subdued by a student as he tried to reload.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732117-gunman-kills-one-wounds-3-on-us-campus/

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Tourist arrivals in May totalled 1.74 million, down 10.7%25, compared with the same period last year but better outlook is anticipated in the second half. /Bangkok Post

NCPO to meet consumer goods suppliers, food ctrs today to freeze prices for another 6 months /The Nation

Broadcasting and Telecom R&D Fund has approved Bt1,000 subsidy coupon for digital TV device /The Nation

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Burmese Tourist “tricked” out of 15,000 Baht in North Pattaya

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732119-burmese-tourist-tricked-out-of-15000-baht-in-north-pattaya/

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Chanthaburi fruit producers speed up harvesting their produce

CHANTHABURI, 6 June 2014 (NNT) -- Orchard farmers in Chanthaburi have been speeding up the harvest to sell their fruit during this time of higher prices.

Orchardists in the Chanthaburi Klong Narai subdistrict are harvesting their high quality fruit -- mangosteen, rambutan, durian and longgong, and selling it mostly to wholesalers while prices for this year's fruit remain at a satisfactory level.

Rambutan is at 30-45 baht per kilogram, Durian is at 30 baht per kilogram, Rambutan is 17 baht, while Longgong is at 45-50 baht, which are all higher than last year prices.

Farmers say they have hired helpers for the harvest because fruit prices are high enough for them to make a good profit this year.


-- NNT 2014-06-06

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Singing nun wins Italian television talent show

MILAN: -- A singing nun clinched the final of The Voice of Italy television talent show contest on Friday after winning millions of followers with her lively dance act and soulful renditions of lusty pop classics.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732140-singing-nun-wins-italian-television-talent-show/

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Health Ministry gears up for dengue fever prevention
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 6 -- Thailand's Health Service Support Department (HSS) under the Ministry of Public Health is mobilising village health volunteers to help local residents destroy the breeding grounds of common house mosquitoes to prevent dengue fever.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732143-thai-health-ministry-gears-up-for-dengue-fever-prevention/

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Chaturon taken to military court as Peace and Order Council seek permission to further detain him for 2nd time; family requests bail /MCOT

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Tourist numbers drop by 10 per cent

BANGKOK: -- Thailand suffered a 10-per-cent reduction in tourist numbers in Thailand between May 2013 and the same period this year, the Department of Tourism said on Friday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732146-thailand-tourist-numbers-drop-by-10-pct/

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Junta sets up special Council of State panel to deliberate draft interim charter: report

BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order has ordered the Council of State to set up a special panel to deliberate a draft interim charter, Isra News Agency reported.

The news agency quoted a source from the Council of State as saying that the council had finished drafting an interim charter that has 45 articles.

The draft scrutiny panel has Meechai Ruchuphan as its chairman and other members are Wissanu Krea-Ngam and Bowornsak Uwanno.


-- The Nation 2014-06-06

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LINE Cookie Run On Tour competition returns to Thailand

BANGKOK: -- Line Thailand's "Cookie Run On Tour" qualification rounds will be arranged in Songkhla's Central Festival Hat Yai, Chiang Mai's Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center and Khon Kaen's Central shopping mall on June 12, 15 and 18 respectively.

The final round will be held on at Bangkok's CentralWorld on June 22.

To become the champion in the competition, gamers must capture the screen with their top score, and email it to [email protected] during June 7 and 18.

Line Cookie Run, an online game featuring cute cookies running away from the wicked witch before she slams them in the oven for supper, is a big hit among line users with more than 30 million downloads.


-- The Nation 2014-06-06

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Bomb components seized in Yala

YALA, 6 June 2014 (NNT) - Officials in Yala Province yesterday morning were able to locate and arrest 3 men suspected of being involved in separatism and numerous explosive components, communication devices, electronics parts, and other suspicious items at a house in Muang District.

The three suspects were identified as Mr. Maruwan Salae, Mr. Maleepeng Malee, and Mr. Ayu Mae. Initial investigations revealed that the house belonged to Mr. Isaho Yako, who still denied any link with the men and the weapons found in his home.

Nonetheless officials have collected DNA samples from the trio for further examination, and conducted additional inquiry on Mr. Maruwan and Mr. Maleepeng. The officials admitted both suspects did not give any useful information, but they believed that the house was used as the site for bomb assembling before an attack in the municipality of Yala.

Meanwhile, a combined force in Yala is on the lookout for stolen motorcycles and a Toyota VIGO pickup truck suspected to be used in carrying improvised explosive device for use in possible future attacks in the Yala municipality.

The Officials also urged local people to immediately inform them of any suspicious individual and object, in order to prevent a terrorist attack.


-- NNT 2014-06-06