Thailand Live Saturday 7th Jun 2014

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Police to launch new campaign against traffic law violators
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Traffic police in Bangkok have vowed to strictly enforce a new campaign starting on Monday that focuses on strong enforcement of traffic laws.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732406-police-to-launch-new-campaign-against-traffic-law-violators/

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UPDATE:

Curfew lifted in Krabi, Phang Nga, Hua Hin, Cha-am, and for Full Moon Party
The Phuket News

Photo: María Gabriela Lucero

TOURISM: Effective as of last night (June 6), Thailand's curfew was lifted in the provinces of Krabi and Phang-nga, as well as the districts of Hua Hin (in Prachuap Khiri Khan) and Cha-am (in Phetchaburi), bringing the number of key tourist destinations with a curfew exemption to seven.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732307-curfew-lifted-in-cha-am-hua-hin-krabi-and-phang-nga/page-2?p=7939814#entry7939814

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Foreign countries urged to understand Thailand better
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, June 7 -- Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, also head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), has urged foreign countries to better their understanding of Thailand following the May 22 bloodless coup which had toppled the elected, civilian government.

In a nationally broadcast TV address late on Friday, Gen Prayuth said several foreign countries still misunderstood the kingdom, and he wished others would have a better understanding as Thais “need time to build the country, creating a democratic system which would help Thais to become more disciplined and truly understand the democratic system.”

Gen Prayuth said he hoped every country would understand attempts being undertaken by the military to rebuild the country with good governance in administrative work under His Majesty the King's royal initiative on "Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy.”

His remarks were made after Australia, the US and the European Union expressed disappointment over the military coup and subsequently cut military aid to Thailand.

Promising that the military would do what it had promised, Gen Prayuth went on to say that political conflicts in Thailand had continued for nine consecutive years and became more severe in the past six months.

He said that martial law was still needed in order to make people respect the law. But martial law would be enforced only where necessary, while every sector has to join forces in solving problems so that the country could return to the democratic system, Gen Prayuth said.

Security is vital and everybody has to play a role, he said. It is not only the responsibility of the military and police.

After it is achieved, relations with neighbouring countries, especially with fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), would strengthen.

In a related development, the NCPO has lifted the curfew in additional tourist destinations i.e. Phetchaburi's Cha-am district, Prachuap Khiri Khan's Hua Hin district, Krabi, and Phang-nga.

The curfew between midnight to 4am and other areas was still intact.

The NCPO earlier cancelled the curfew in Chon Buri's Pattaya, Ko Samui in Surat Thani and in all of Phuket. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-06-07

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Sihasak to explain Thailand's political situation to UN Human Rights Council next week

BANGKOK: -- Permanent Secretary for Foreign Ministry Sihasak Phuangketkeow will next week explain the latest political development in Thailand to the UN Human Rights Council, Foreign Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee said Saturday.

He said Sihasak would attend the UN Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva and would take the chance to explain to country members why the National Council for Peace and Order had to seize power.

-- The Nation 2014-06-07

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RT@BPbreakingnews: The junta has shut 40 community radio stations and 553 websites since the armed forces seized power on May 22, the NCPO says

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NCPO to conclude measures to help farmers next week, focusing on production cost cutting, improving irrigation, boosting rice quality /MCOT

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Authorities plan to fine motorcycle taxis overcharging people during rush hours up to 5,000 baht. / Bangkok Post

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NCPO asks for time to solve problems, asserts its intention of transparency; to enforce laws against anti-coup, urges them not to break laws /MCOT

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RT@Juarawee: RT @MFAThai: Thai Perm-Sec of MFA in a bilateral meeting with Chinese deputy FM Liu Zhenmin in Myanmar pic.twitter.com/fKQME4OEzC

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Runners get set for Laguna Phuket International Marathon
The Phuket News

Runners get set for Laguna Phuket International Marathon

PHUKET: The count-down is almost up for some 5,000 runners who will begin their quest to complete the challenging 42.1 km course at the 9th Laguna Phuket International Marathon early tomorrow morning.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732451-runners-get-set-for-laguna-phuket-international-marathon/

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RT@Juarawee: MT @nuntida_nna: Thai MFA asks Myanmar thru its ambassador to not allow Jakkrapob Penkair use its country as base for anti-coup movements

RT@Juarawee: Thai MFA to invite 22 foreign diplomats, envoy to discuss situation in Thailand, meet Prayuth on June 11. HT @MFAThai

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Four high-ranking police officers transfered to inactive posts after soldiers cracked down on a gambling den in Phitsanulok on Wednesday. /Bangkok Post

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RT@sikkha: Dr Sawatree, member if Nitiras group has been detained by the junta at the airport after arrival from the US trip

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RT@UDD_English: Police & soldier in Chiang Mai report that they have arrested 613 suspects in 5 days - 66 for illegal firearms, 302 drug related, 145 others

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RT@SuthareeW: Thammasart Uni already informed NCPO that Sawitree will report to NCPO on 9 Jun. She's just returned from study trip hosted by US Embassy

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Tourists visiting Hat Yai drop sharply
By Digital Content

SONGKHLA, June 7 -- Tourism business operators have been severely affected, as the number of foreign tourists visiting Hat Yai district in the southern province of Songkhla has dropped significantly.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732483-tourists-visiting-hat-yai-drop-sharply/

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Police, troops deployed at five major locations around Bangkok to prevent anti-coup rallies tomorrow, urges public not to join movement /MCOT

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Phuket police nab three peddlars with million baht's worth of drugs
Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: Provincial drug suppression officers on Friday (May 6) raided a house in the Chao Fa Garden Home housing estate at Phuket's Koh Kaeo sub-district, seizing a total of 2,833 amphetamine pills (ya ba) and methamphetamine (ya ice) weighing 3.40 grammes.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732489-phuket-police-nab-three-peddlars-with-million-bahts-worth-of-drugs/

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NCPO urged to appoint new tourism policy chief

BANGKOK: -- The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) has proposed the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to speedily appoint a new chief of the National Tourism Policy Committee so that it could start work immediately to boost tourism.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732491-ncpo-urged-to-appoint-new-tourism-policy-chief/

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RT@RichardBarrow: [bangkok Post] Extra security on Sunday at: Suvarnabhumi, McDonald’s Ratchaprasong branch, Victory Monument, Siam Paragon & Grand Palace

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TRAVEL ADVICE from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Thailand

Latest update

This Advice was last issued on Saturday, 07 June 2014. This advice contains updated information in the Summary and under Safety and Security: Civil unrest/Political tension (the curfew no longer applies in Pattaya City, Samui district, Phuket province, Krabi, Phang Nga, Hua Hin and Cha-am.

The curfew continues to operate in all other parts of Thailand between 2400 hrs and 0400 hrs, including Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Martial law continues to be imposed nationwide. You should be aware that the military may restrict access to some areas to prevent demonstrators from gathering, including around major shopping and hotel districts in central Bangkok.

We recommend that you check with your travel insurance provider to ensure that you are covered for any claims arising from the current situation). We advise Australians to exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand overall due to the possibility of civil unrest and the threat of terrorist attack, including Bangkok and Phuket.

Summary
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand due to the possibility of civil unrest and the threat of terrorist attack, including in Bangkok and Phuket. The security situation remains volatile. You should pay close attention to your personal security at all times and where possible monitor the local media, including social media, for information about possible new safety or security risks.

On 22 May, the military announced that it had taken control of the administration of the country. Martial law continues to be imposed throughout Thailand.

The curfew no longer applies in Pattaya City (Chonburi Province), Samui district (Surat Thani province), Phuket province, Krabi, Phang Nga, Hua Hin and Cha-am. The curfew remains in place between 2400 hrs and 0400 hrs in all other parts of Thailand, including Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Authorities have advised that the curfew will not apply if travelling to or from an airport.

Travellers should have passports and tickets with them when travelling to and from the airport. Travellers should be prepared to show their travel documents on demand.

In Bangkok, there may be disruptions to some public transport services and other infrastructure. The Tourism Authority of Thailand can provide information to tourists, including on any planned disruptions (www.tatnews.org or call 1672 and press ‘9’ for English).

Domestic and international flights are operating normally, though travellers should leave extra time to travel to and from airports.
Since the military coup there have been a number of anti-coup demonstrations in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand, including in areas frequented by tourists. The military has arrested some participants for failing to comply with orders to cease protest activity. These confrontations are potentially volatile. Australians should stay well clear of all demonstrations, political events, rallies and processions and large-scale public gatherings as they may turn violent.

The military may restrict access to some areas to prevent demonstrators from gathering, including around major shopping and hotel districts in central Bangkok. In the past this has led to the closure of some nearby public transport infrastructure and major shopping malls.

Individuals may be detained for publicly criticising Thailand’s current political situation, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), the Royal Thai Army or the monarchy.

Australians travelling to Thailand should subscribe to receive regular updates and register their travel plans on smartraveller.
You should check with your travel insurance provider to ensure that you are covered for any claims arising from the current situation. Travellers should be aware that some travel insurance policies contain exclusions relating to military coups and the imposition of martial law.

Australians in Thailand may see an increased presence of security forces in some locations. You should be aware that under martial law military authorities have wide powers, including to suspend laws, restrict public assembly, restrict movement and impose curfews and other security measures. Where available, you should monitor local media, including social media, for information on restrictions and possible disruption to transport and other services. For further information on possible disruptions see under Safety and Security: Civil unrest/political tension.

Carefully consider your safety and the implications of accidents if you hire a motorcycle or jet ski and seek advice on any restrictions that may apply (such as insurance cover if you are not licensed to ride a motorcycle in Australia). You should check with your travel insurer whether these activities are covered by your policy. You may be detained and arrested by police following jet ski and motorcycle accidents until compensation, often in thousands of dollars, can be negotiated between parties.

Australian travellers continue to report harassment and threats of violence by jet ski operators on beaches across Thailand, and particularly in Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
Tourists may be exposed to scams and more serious criminal activity in Thailand. Be aware that food and drink spiking occurs in Thailand, including around popular backpacker destinations such as Khao San Road in Bangkok the night-time entertainment zones in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket, and during the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan.

Travellers planning to attend Full Moon parties at Koh Phangan or other locations should carefully consider personal safety issues and take appropriate precautions. See our Partying Overseas page for advice on the risks you may face when attending Full Moon parties and tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty. The possession of even small quantities of "soft drugs" for recreational purposes can result in lengthy jail sentences.

We strongly advise you not to travel at this time to the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla or overland to and from the Malaysian border through these provinces due to high levels of ongoing violence in these areas, including terrorist attacks and bombings that result in deaths and injuries on an almost daily basis.

Reporting indicates that extremists may be planning to target westerners in the southern border provinces.
We advise you to exercise particular caution in the areas surrounding the Preah Vihear Temple (known as Khao Pra Viharn temple in Thailand) and the Ta Kwai and Ta Muen Thom temples, all on the Thailand-Cambodia border, due to the presence of unexploded ordnance. There was renewed fighting in the area in early 2011 and there continues to be a military presence in these areas.

Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy. Remember that if you cannot afford travel insurance you cannot afford to travel to Thailand.
register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency
subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it’s reissued.

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Kathu Police dismantle dozens of illegal taxi ranks in Phuket

Suthicha Sirirat

PHUKET: A 150-strong task force, comprising both police officers and government officials from Kathu and Patong this afternoon could be spotted dismantling dozens of illegal taxi ranks in Phuket today and yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732559-kathu-police-dismantle-dozens-of-illegal-taxi-ranks-in-phuket/

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Curfew may be lifted in Chiang Mai soon

Chiang Mai may be the next province where the midnight-4 am curfew imposed since May 22 by the military junta will soon be lifted.

Maj-Gen Sarayuth Rangsee, commander of the 33rd army district, said today that all sectors in Chiang Mai had been very cooperative with the NCPO as there were no political activities as well as assembly of underground forces to defy the military junta.

He said that if the peaceful situation in Chiang Mai persists a big longer, curfew would soon be lifted as demanded by several business sectors.

On Friday, the NCPO lifted curfew in Hua Hin, Cha-am, Phang-nga and Krabi provinces.

Maj-Gen Sarayuth warned whoever still possess war weapons to hand them over to the military within June 10 otherwise they will face harsh punishment.

As for the reconciliation efforts, the local military and local administration have jointly held entertainment activities under the slogan “restoration of happiness to the people” at Wua Lai walking street today and at Ratchadamnoen walking street tomorrow.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/curfew-may-lifted-chiang-mai-soon/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=curfew-may-lifted-chiang-mai-soon

-- Thai PBS 2014-06-07

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to continue:

Thailand Live Sunday 08 Jun 2014

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732604-thailand-live-sunday-8th-jun-2014/