Thailand Live Friday 6 Jun 2014

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Thai stock index opens on Friday at 1,462.27, gains 9.11 points /MCOT

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M.L. Panadda attends ‘Music in the Garden’ event promoting unity among Thais

BANGKOK, 6 June 2014, (NNT) - M.L. Panadda Dissakul, Deputy Interior Minister, presided over the opening ceremony of the ‘Music in the Garden’ event at the Health Garden of the Department of Public Relations (PRD) in Soi Areesampan in the capital. The event is part of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)’s efforts to instill peace and unity among Thais.

According to M.L. Panadda, the event aims at re-introducing the atmosphere of peace, joy and harmony to all Thais through the use of music. He also asked them to lend a hand in restoring peace in the nation.

Meanwhile, Director General of the PRD, Apinant Chantarangsri said the event was part of the NCPO’s policy to dissolve political factions and to promote unity among the citizens, essentially paving the way for a sustainable peace and reconciliation while moving Thailand forward.

The activity, which kicked off yesterday, attracted a huge crowd who had a wonderful time enjoying a wide range of instrumental and contemporary music performed by the PRD’s music band. It will be held every Thursday at 4.30 pm, from now on.


-- NNT 2014-06-06

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Thai Airways employee jumps to his death at Suvarnabhumi
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- A Thai Airways employee jumped to his death from the parking lot of the airline’s operations at Suvarnabhumi Airport last night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732168-thai-airways-employee-jumps-to-his-death-at-suvarnabhumi-airport/

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New managing editor for The Phuket News


Nick Walker (right) takes over from Simon Ostheimer

PHUKET: -- Nick Walker takes over on Monday (June 9) as Managing Editor of The Phuket News.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732170-new-managing-editor-for-the-phuket-news/

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Focus
Thai junta's spin doctors prescribe 'national happiness'
by Amélie BOTTOLLIER-DEPOIS

BANGKOK, June 6, 2014 (AFP) - With free meals, music concerts and dancing soldiers, Thailand's junta is waging a propaganda offensive to encourage "national happiness" following a military coup that has severely restricted civil liberties.

Since seizing power on May 22 from an elected government, the army has banned public protests, censored the media and summoned hundreds of politicians, activists and academics for questioning.

The army, which has ruled out elections for at least a year, says its intervention was needed to end months of bloody political unrest.
And now the coup-makers are trying to portray the softer side of military rule, with propaganda programmes on the television and festivities in the streets.

"Thai people, like me, have probably not been happy for nine years, but since May 22 there is happiness," army commander-in-chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha said in a recent televised address to the nation.

While the coup has its supporters, particularly among the Bangkok-based elite who loathed the previous government, the happiness campaign masks what activists say is a severe deterioration in human rights.

"I think it is mere propaganda," said Paul Chambers, director of research at the Institute of Southeast Asian Affairs in Chiang Mai.
"It is blunt and too obvious."

But for the hundreds of Thais who attended an army-hosted festival this week in Bangkok, the spin doctors' medicine appears to be working.

"People coming here today are happy and today society started to smile," said Chutamat Kritcharoen, 45, while a group of young soldiers showed off their muscles on stage to a delirious crowd.

"Happiness is coming back to the people."

- 'Land of crisis' -

Arunee Omsin, 59, said she was most happy about being able to venture out onto the streets without fear of a repeat of the gunfire and grenade attacks that shook Bangkok for months before the coup.

"We want the Thai style of atmosphere back. In the past people called us the Land of Smiles, but now we have become the Land of Crisis," she said while queuing up for a free meal of rice and omelette.

Nearby, children stroked a horse from a military cavalry regiment, while several Thais enjoyed free medical check-ups and a young woman posed for a photo with a soldier in camouflage.

"This event is seen as a fresh start for Thai society so people can face each other and talk, using music as a medium, or with other activities," said Colonel Sombat Thanyawan, a cavalry regiment commander.

With a carnival atmosphere and free food, the festivities are reminiscent of the anti-government protests that precipitated the coup.

The demonstrators, drawn largely from Bangkok and the south, succeeded in their aim of toppling the government of ex-premier Yingluck Shinawatra, who is the younger sister of divisive former leader Thaksin Shinawatra.

Thaksin, a billionaire tycoon-turned-populist politician who lives in self-exile to avoid prison for corruption, is popular in the northern half of the country but is hated by many in Bangkok and the south.

While the army has presented itself as a neutral mediator in the long-running crisis, its takeover of power and plans to draw up a new constitution are exactly what the opposition protesters wanted.

- 'National unhappiness' -

With Thai society deeply divided since a 2006 coup that ousted Thaksin, the prospects for a victory for the generals in the propaganda war appear uncertain.

Dozens of people were killed in a military crackdown on pro-Thaksin rallies in 2010.

"In view of the political crisis over the past decade, Thais have been collectively unhappy and the military correctly sees this," said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, political analyst at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University.

"But national unhappiness cannot be remedied merely through promotional campaigns," he added. "It has to be tackled at its roots, at the sources of social divide and political conflict."

As part of its campaign the junta also plans to set up "reconciliation" centres around the country, although details are still sketchy.

The organised activities are accompanied by tight control of national media, who are obliged to regularly interrupt their normal broadcasting to transmit the junta's messages.

Behind the happy images, anyone caught protesting against the coup in public risks trial in a military court and possible imprisonment.

"This is a carrot and stick military media campaign," said Chambers.

While Bangkok residents may welcome the festivities, "rural people may not buy it hook, line and sinker," he added.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-06-06

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Chaturon to seek bail : his sister

Chaturon Chaisaeng, former education minister, on Friday was brought from Bangkok Remand Prison to a Court Martial as officials seek further custody of him.

Chaturon, the first civilian to be tried in the Court Martial which is empowered by military junta to try civilians, resisted the junta’s order to report himself. He was also charged with instigating unrest in the country and was arrested late last month.

He was seen handcuffed and in brown prisoner outfits when he arrived at the court at about 8.30am.

His sister; Thitima Chaisang, a former Pheu Thai MP, said that her brother would file bail request today.

-- The Nation 2014-06-06

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Extended detention sought for Chaturon



BANGKOK: -- Former education minister Chaturon Chaisang was escorted from Bangkok Central Prison to the Military Court (Criminal Court) this morning for extended detention after the first 12-day detention period expires today.

The ex-minister, in handcuff and wearing brown prison uniform, was welcomed by a number of supporters at the court with roses. His sister Thitima Chaisang was also at the court in a bid to seek temporary release on bail from the court.

Prison warden said Mr Chaturon was treated equally same as other prisoners who were escorted to court for extended detention.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/extended-detention-sought-chaturon/


-- Thai PBS 2014-06-06

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Digital TV subsidy coupon set at 1,000 baht



BANGKOK: -- The Broadcasting and Telecommunications Research and Development Fund has endorsed a 1,000 baht digital TV subsidy coupon for the people to buy set top boxes in promoting them to switch to digital TV watch.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732177-digital-tv-subsidy-coupon-set-at-1000-baht/

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Police unveil new measures to resolve traffic problems

BANGKOK, 6 June 2014 (NNT) – The Royal Thai Police has unveiled new measures to tackle eight traffic problems in Bangkok and its vicinity.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732180-police-unveil-new-measures-to-resolve-traffic-problems-in-bangkok/

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EOD continues searching for evidence in city canal

BANGKOK: -- Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) police, soldiers and charity foundation volunteers continued to search for evidence in Klong Padung Krungkasem canal near Government House for the third consecutive days Friday after the discovery of a human skeleton and skull inside a green bag dumped into the canal.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732182-bangkok-eod-continues-searching-for-evidence-in-city-canal/

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Special Report: TAT expects tourism to bounce back soon

BANGKOK: -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) believes that Thailand’s tourism industry will rapidly bounce back after having been affected by political crisis.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732185-tat-expects-tourism-to-bounce-back-soon/

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DCD warns against HFMD outbreaks during rainy season

BANGKOK, 6 June 2014 (NNT) - The Disease Control Department has warned parents of new Hand, Foot and Mouth disease outbreaks, which are set to spread during the upcoming rainy season.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732188-warning-against-hfmd-outbreaks-during-rainy-season-thailand/

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"Thai Exports 2014" event offers commemorative Thai coins

BANGKOK, 6 June 2014 (NNT) - The Treasury Department is presenting an exhibition at the “Thai Exports 2014" event from 6th -15th June 2014, to promote coins for sale to collectors, notably coins minted for special occasions such as the commemorative coin in honor of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, on the occasion of his acceptance of an award as "The First UNDP Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award" by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

“Thai Exports 2014" is being held at the Department of International Trade Promotion, Ratchadapisek Road between 6th-15th June 2014. For more information, contact Grand National Treasure Bureau Tel. 0 2226 0251 ext. 3102.


-- NNT 2014-06-06

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Sombat Boonngamanong, leading online campaign to rally resistance to coup, taken to Bangkok after being detained in Chon Buri /MCOT

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Gen Prayuth meets business community seeking measures to revive investor confidence /MCOT

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AK assault rifle, flares, bombs left at Sattahip roadside in Chon Buri; 254 cartridges in fertilizer bag found in Sing Buri /MCOT

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Upper northern provinces adjust to new breed of tourists

LAMPHUN, 6 June 2014 (NNT) – Provinces in the upper North of Thailand are improving their service potentials to cushion needs by the newest kind of foreign tourists.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732192-thailands-upper-northern-provinces-adjust-to-new-breed-of-tourists/

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Yala on red alert

YALA, 6 June 2014 (NNT) -- Authorities in Yala have been warned of attack risks after the seizure of a large number of explosive devices in the area.

Military personnel and police officers in six areas have been ordered to be on alert for possible attacks that may come in many forms such as car bomb, shooting and assassination of government officials. Those areas are Muang district, especially in the municipal area, Raman, Krong Pinang, Yaha, Than To and Bannang Star district.

All types of vehicles and commuters on key roads are subjected to a thorough search to prevent the public from attacks.


-- NNT 2014-06-06

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Small man who made a big mark in Phuket expat society dies
Alasdair Forbes

PHUKET: -- The diminutive John Devenport, stalwart of the Grumpy Old Men’s Society (GOMS) of Phuket, died last night (June 5) in the UK.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732193-small-man-who-made-a-big-mark-in-phuket-expat-society-dies/

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Gen Prayuth says interim government to be set up in 3 months; to apply strict measures on corruption, gradually lift curfew /MCOT

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Thai Embassy issues warning to Sweden-bound berry pickers

BANGKOK: -- The Thai Embassy in Stockholm has issued a warning to Thai nationals seeking employment as berry pickers in Sweden to avoid being scammed by unscrupulous job placement agents.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732195-thai-embassy-issues-warning-to-sweden-bound-berry-pickers/

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Mythical Beast Found In Construction Pool, Villagers Insist
By Khaosod English


A pool said to contain the mythical "Naga," in Bueng Ta Ko village in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — Local residents claim that they have spotted the "Naga," a many-headed dragon from Buddhist mythology, in a construction pond near Bueng Ta Ko village in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732200-mythical-beast-found-in-construction-pool-villagers-insist-korat/

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The NCPO plans to lift the curfew in other tourist destinations including Hua Hin, Cha-am, Hat Yai and Krabi. /Bangkok Post

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Police confiscate 240 kg worth of marijuana

BUENG KAN, 6 June 2014 (NNT) – Police have confiscated 240 kg worth of marijuana in Bueng Kan province. The drugs are suspected to be headed for Phuket after the recent curfew has been lifted.

Local police in Bueng Kan province have confiscated a hefty amount of marijuana. A total of 240 kg of the drug was seized near the Mekong River. Reports have indicated that there have been increasing orders from the Southern province.

As Samui and Phuket have now had their curfews lifted, it is suspected that should the drugs reach these destinations, they would have fetched at least 7 million baht in street value.

Local officials suspected that the drugs were smuggled from the border of Laos and Thailand. At 4AM on June 6, police scouts were sent to patrol the border after receiving tip-offs. Working in close cooperation with park rangers and related officials, the police were able to seize the mentioned 240 kg of the drug.


-- NNT 2014-06-06

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Sisaket province to pay out some farmers today

SISAKET, 5 June 2014 (NNT) -The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) in Sisaket, expects to pay another 70 million baht today before moving onto the second round payments, valued at 1,100 million baht, next week.

The Director of the Sisaket BAAC expects to finish making the 8-month overdue payments from the rice pledging scheme of 2013/2014, today. The farmers have been anxiously awaiting their payments from the 70 million baht allocation since it was recently made available. In Sisaket province, there are 83,000 farmers in the rice pledging scheme, meaning a total volume of 6,700 million baht in payments. 4,500 farmers are now paid while the others are waiting for further funds to be made available by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

The BAAC Director in Sisaket said that the bank had paid farmers all of the first budget of 1,500 million baht, which had been approved by the NCPO, within a week. Now, the bank is contacting farmers to receive their second payments next week. The second amount of funding, valued at 1,100 million baht, is being lent by the Government Savings Bank.


-- NNT 2014-06-06

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The curfew in Hua Hin, Cha-am, Had Yai and Krabi soon to be lifted. Our source says from tonight, but we are awaiting confirmation. /Thaivisa.com

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BANGKOK: -- The Military Court has extended the detention of former education minister Chaturon Chaisang for 12 more days as requested by the police who reasoned to question four more witnesses. The extension will be from June 9-20.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/44897/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=44897

-- Thai PBS 2014-06-06

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PRAYUTH TELLS CHINESE BUSINESSMEN
Interim govt to be set up in three months
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Junta chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha Friday assured visiting Chinese businessmen that an interim prime minister and Cabinet will be appointed in three months.

Prayuth was speaking to the businessmen, who were led by deputy chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce Wichai Atsaratsakon to visit him at the Army headquarters.

Prayuth called on the Chinese businessmen to cooperate with the National Council for Peace and Order to do away with conflicts of interest and corruption to bring down the prices of goods and construction projects.

He said the NCPO also supported free trade and fair competition among businessmen. Prayuth also called on the Chinese businessmen to transfer technologies to their Thai counterparts.

Prayuth urged the businessmen to tell Chinese tourists that the curfew in the kingdom was not affecting local residents or tourists.


-- The Nation 2014-06-06

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Political Development Council proposes establishment of people's councils in 77 provinces

BANGKOK: -- The Political Development Council Friday proposed that there should be each people council in all 77 provinces as a measure for political reform.

Thirapat Serirangsan, the chairman of the Political Development Council, said the people's councils were among four measures the PDC would propose to the National Council for Peace and Order.

Thirsapat aid the people's council would allow the people to discuss and exchange opinions on various issues, including political, economic, social and cultural issues.

-- The Nation 2014-06-06

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Police strictly monitor security at all BTS Stations

BANGKOK, 6 June 2014 (NNT) - Police have stationed their forces on all commuter lines of the BTS skytrain to prepare themselves against anti-coup groups who have announced they will stage another rally on June 7th.

Pol. Gen. Somyot Pumpanmuang, the Deputy Police Chief of the Royal Thai Police, has dispatched a group of police officers to oversee security around all BTS stations to prevent a possible clash between security forces and anti-coup protesters.

The police have also joined hands with the Army to enforce stringent security measures by deploying their teams on skywalks connecting to department stores.

Should there be any violence, both the Army and the police would quickly get into action to contain the situation and call for reinforcement, if necessary.

The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and the Royal Thai Police have also warned that they would take legal action against all and any department stores that support anti-coup protestors by allowing them to use their venues as rally sites, as it is in direct violation of the NCPO’s orders.


-- NNT 2014-06-06