Thailand Live Sunday 8th Jun 2014

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NCPO to brief foreign envoys
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- Diplomats will be told reasons for coup; security tightened today at five locations

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732602-ncpo-to-brief-foreign-envoys/

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Rice farmers seek 40% profit margin
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- Rice farmers yesterday proposed that the National Council for Peace and Order set a price for rice based on the average production cost plus a 40 per cent profit margin so they can survive.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732605-rice-farmers-seek-40-profit-margin/

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Beefed-up security hits businesses
Chanon Wongsatayanont
The Sunday Nation

Large LCD screens at the Victory Monument show pro-military footages.

BANGKOK: -- Customers seem to be avoiding the Victory Monument and Ratchaprasong areas for fear of conflict

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732606-beefed-up-security-hits-businesses/

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Overweight, low-IQ kids 'a wake-up call for society'
The Sunday Nation

Courtesy of FrieslandCampina (Thailand) PCL Academics are urging parents to get their kids to exercise regularly, eat healthy and drink milk daily.

BANGKOK: -- With research indicating more Thai children will be overweight, shorter and have a lower IQ in the next decade, academics are urging society to prevent kids from growing up with low potential.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732607-overweight-low-iq-kids-a-wake-up-call-for-society/

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Flu claims seven in lower Northeast over five months
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- Almost 2,000 people had contracted seasonal flu in the lower Northeast - seven of whom died, the head of Office of Disease Prevention and Control 5 in Nakhon Ratchasima said yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732608-flu-claims-seven-in-lower-northeast-over-five-months/

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More rosewood seizures in the far Northeast
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- Bueng Kan police and troops arrested two young men yesterday who were transporting 67 pieces of protected Siamese rosewood, worth Bt5 million, to a pier in Muang district for export to Laos.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732609-more-rosewood-seizures-in-the-far-northeast/

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Myanmar citizens duped others from their country to work on boats
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- Four men and a woman from Myanmar were arrested in Bangkok's Bang Khun Thien district for luring other Myanmar people to do hard labour on fishing boats - lying to them by saying they would have well-paid jobs at a bread factory in Samut Sakhon.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732610-myanmar-citizens-duped-others-from-their-country-to-work-on-boats/

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Tourist areas greet lifting of curfew
The Sunday Nation:

BANGKOK: -- Hoteliers in Hua Hin and Cha-am welcomed the lifting of the curfew in tourist areas, saying it will boost income for hotels and resorts plus people running restaurants, shops and entertainment venues.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732611-tourist-areas-greet-lifting-of-curfew/

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New BOI board
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- The junta yesterday appointed a new 18-member executive for the Board of Investment to be headed by the leader of the ruling National Council for Peace and Order, General Prayuth Chan-ocha.

In addition to three generals, the board includes the Industry Ministry's permanent secretary Vitoon Simachokdee, Bank of Thailand Governor Prasarn Trairatworakhun, Securities Exchange of Thailand president Sathit Limpongphan, and leaders of the Federation of Thai Industries, Thai Bankers Association, and Thai Chamber of Commerce.

-- The Nation 2014-06-08

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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.t...chiang-mai-soon

-- Thai PBS 2014-06-07

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Special Report: Thais commemorate the late King Ananda Mahidol

BANGKOK: -- The Thai people, on the 9th of June of every year, commemorate the death of King Ananda Mahidol, the eighth monarch of the Chakri dynasty and a young king who made great contributions to medical and educational developments in Thailand.

A grandson of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), King Ananda Mahidol was the eighth monarch of the House of Chakri. Born on 20 September 1925 in Heidelberg, Germany, he was the first son and the second child of Prince Mahidol of Songkhla and Mom Sangwan, who was later installed as Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother.

King Ananda Mahidol acceded to the throne in March 1935 after his uncle, King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) abdicated. Although King Prajadhipok, who was without children of his own, had officially declined the right to name a successor, it was widely believed in 1935 that he had favored young Prince Ananda as his heir.

At that time, Prince Ananda, the future King Rama VIII, was still a student in Switzerland. He was only 9 years old and Thailand ( Siam ) was in a period of transition, following the coup of 24th June 1932, when the country changed its administrative system from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.

King Ananda Mahidol had come to the country in December 1945 for only the second time since ascending the throne. Earlier he, his elder sister Princess Galyani Vadhana, and his younger brother, then Prince Bhumibol, had remained domiciled with their mother in Switzerland while continuing their studies, during World War II.

He was just 20 years old, and was yet to be crowned when he returned to Bangkok as the Monarch. King Ananda Mahidol died on 9th June 1946 and the crown passed to his younger brother, Prince Bhumibol. The untimely death of the young king brought great sorrow to all Thais.

During his lifetime, King Rama VIII wished to create more medical schools in the country with the aim of producing a sufficient number of medical staff to help the Thai people. At the time, only one medical school existed in Thailand, Siriraj Hospital, which could only accommodate 50 students at most. Thus, King Rama VIII's idea prompted the establishment of what is today as the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University. In remembrance of His Majesty's graciousness, the Faculty of Medicine has designated 9th June of each year as the day of homage to the late king.

-- NNT 2014-06-07

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NCPO hits back at Human Rights Watch

BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) today (Saturday) hit back at the New York-based Human Rights Watch for the latter’s criticism of the junta over the arrest of ani-coup leader Sombat Boonngarm-anong.

Colonel Winthai Suvaree, deputy spokesman of the army, said that Brad Adams, the Asia’s director of HRW, had used his personal feelings to judge the NCPO’s action and had looked at the situation in Thailand from one perspective while ignoring the reality of the situation.

Brad Adams was quoted by AFP as saying that the Thai military’s manhunt and arrest of Sombat shows the NCPO’s shameful refusal to recognize basic rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

“Next we will see a travesty of justice as the NCPO drags him (Sombat) in front of a military tribunal that resembles a kangaroo court more than a proper court of law,” Adams was quoted to have told AFP.

Colonel Winthai explained that the current situation was not normal and, therefore, the freedom of expression had to be restricted in accordance with the law. He maintained that most of the Thai people understood and accepted the military’s reasons to seize the power from the Yingluck government.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/ncpo-hits-back-human-rights-watch/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ncpo-hits-back-human-rights-watch

-- Thai PBS 2014-06-08

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Posted Yesterday, 20:04

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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RT@RichardBarrow: 8:10am - RT @RPOBB: Some soldiers showing up at Central Bangna, but fewer than last Sunday pic.twitter.com/nQlLOwh8ST

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American Man Arrested for Pattaya Murder

An American man has been arrested in Udonthani for the murder of a Thai woman whose body was left in a bag on the roof above a restaurant in Pattaya.

PATTAYA – June 7, 2014 [PDN]; On March 18 the police found the body of a girl who had been murdered and packed into a black bag and left on the roof of Le Petite Planete restaurant . The girl was identified as Ms.Anutsara (Nam) Paja aged 19 from Buriram province. In addition the police had questioned her friends and found out that Ms.Anutsara and her friends (both Thais and foreigners) were going to Koh Lan island.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732625-american-man-arrested-for-pattaya-murder/

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RT@KristieKenney: Thailand. Reminder for US citizens: avoid protests & security operations, observe curfew hours. More info @ACSBKK

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Australian Man Found Dead in Luxury Resort on Koh Samui

An Australian man has been found dead in a luxury room on Koh Samui. The death is mysterious because there were no signs of being attacked or robbed.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732634-australian-man-found-dead-in-luxury-resort-on-koh-samui/

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NCPO shelves 350 billion baht water projects for reconsideration

BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order has issued an urgent order instructing all governmental agencies which are concerned with the 350 billion baht water management projects to put on hold all the projects whether any of them have been endorsed, being implemented or in the planning stage.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732644-ncpo-shelves-350-billion-baht-water-projects-for-reconsideration/

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RT@RichardBarrow: 11am - RT @WatchGirlInTown: Army seen on skywalk at Victory Monument. Also a jeep blaring patriotic music pic.twitter.com/vKwtB8BYD7 #Bangkok

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RT@RichardBarrow: 11:30am - RT @FreeMindTH: Ratchaprasong McDonald's. No protesters. Earlier just a few journalists pic.twitter.com/imLltvzful #Bangkok

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Chonburi private school admits preschoolers served two bites of lunch
By Coconuts Bangkok


Lunch is served, kids! All two lumps of it.

A private school in Chonburi province is on the defensive after these recent photos were taken of the sorriest lunches ever served in its cafeteria to preschool students.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732655-chonburi-private-school-admits-preschoolers-served-two-bites-of-lunch/

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UPDATE:

NCPO to meet foreign ambassadors on June 11

BANGKOK, 8 June 2014 (NNT) – The Foreign Ministry will invite foreign diplomats to a discussion with General Prayuth Chan-ocha, chief of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), this week.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732602-ncpo-to-brief-foreign-envoys/page-3#entry7943641

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102 Illegal immigrants arrested in Ranong as they cross Thai border to Malaysia

RANONG, 8 June 2014, (NNT) - Local police and military in Ranong Province have arrested 102 immigrants for illegal entry as they crossed Thai border on their way to Malaysia.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732657-102-illegal-immigrants-arrested-in-ranong-as-they-cross-thai-border-to-malaysia/

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Culture ministry proposes cultural road map for reconciliation

BANGKOK, 8 June 2014 (NNT) - The Ministry of Culture has completed a cultural road map for national reconciliation and unity in line with the policy to promote unity via culture of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

Permanent Secretary for Culture Preecha Kantiya said the road map consisted of three strategies. The first one is called “the strategy for happiness” which includes entertainment activities, concerts, cultural performances and cultural tourism promotion. The national cultural council will be the main organization to implement the strategy of happiness and create reconciliation guidelines with its cultural networks nationwide.

The second strategy is the strategy of reconciliation with a focus on creating love and bonds between Thai people. The activities under this strategy include religious activities, stage plays, soap operas, TV programs and a video clip competition. The last strategy is the strategy of cultural immunity aimed at promoting socially-desirable values, morality and ethics.

The road map will be submitted to the NCPO’s deputy chief responsible for social psychology. It will be immediately implemented if approved.

-- NNT 2014-06-08

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Chinese tour bus driver arrested in Phuket for theft

Eakkapop Thongtub

Chinese tour bus driver arrested in Phuket for theft

PHUKET: A Krabi man employed as a bus driver for a major Chinese tour agency in Phuket was arrested at his Rassada home yesterday evening after police found him in possession of stolen items and cash belonging to Chinese tourists.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732658-chinese-tour-bus-driver-arrested-in-phuket-for-theft/

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MH370 families raise funds to find 'whistleblower'
Agence France-Presse

KUALA LUMPUR June 8, 2014 12:36 pm
Several families of those aboard Flight MH370 on Sunday launched a drive to raise $5 million to reward any insider who comes forward and resolves the mystery of the plane's disappearance exactly three months ago.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732660-mh370-families-raise-funds-to-find-whistleblower/

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Two bombs found and defused by bomb demolition squad in North Pattaya

Two bombs found and defused by bomb demolition squad in North PattayaTwo bombs found and defused by bomb demolition squad in North Pattaya

PATTAYA: -- Two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were successfully defused after they were found abandoned on the roadside in North Pattaya Saturday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732664-two-bombs-found-and-defused-by-bomb-demolition-squad-in-north-pattaya/

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BoI set up with General Prayuth as its chairman

BANGKOK: -- A new 18-member of the Board of Investment has been appointed by an order of the National Council for Peace and Order with General Prayuth Chan-ocha sitting in the board as the chairman.

The other members of the board are ACM Prajin Jantong, air force commander-in-chief and advisory board of NCPO; General Chatchai Sarikalya, deputy chief of the advisory board; industry permanent secretary Vitoon Simachokedee; finance permanent secretary Rangsan Sriworasart; commerce permanent secretary Mrs Srirat Ratthapana; National Economic and Social Development secretary-general Arkhom Termpittayapaisit.

Issara Wongkusolkit,president of Board of Trade; Suphan Mongkolsuthee, president of Federation of Thai Industries; Boonthak Wangcharoen, president of Thai Bankers Association; Prasarn Trairatvorakul, governor of Bank of Thailand; Sathit Limpongphan; Thewin Wongwanich, president of Thai Business Management Association; Mrs Pentip Pornchaded, president of SMEs Promotion Association; Somchai Harnhirun, director of Office of Industrial Economics; Prakit Chin-amornpong, president of Thai Hotels Association; Pakkapol Ngamlak, presidents of Retailers Association; and Udom Wongwiwatchai, secretary-general of Board of Investment.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/boi-set-general-prayuth-chairman/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=boi-set-general-prayuth-chairman

-- Thai PBS 2014-06-08

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RT@RichardBarrow: Doing the salute from Hunger Games, reading George Orwell's 1984 & now eating sandwiches. #Thailand's Anti-#ThaiCoup protesters get creative

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UPDATE:

THB 350 billion water management projects likely to be reevaluated

BANGKOK, 8 June 2014 (NNT) - The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has reportedly called for a stop to all 350-billion-baht water management mega projects initiated by the previous administration.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732644-ncpo-shelves-350-billion-baht-water-projects-for-reconsideration/?p=7944102#entry7944102