Thailand Live Tuesday 10 Jun 2014

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Royal functions on Ananta Mahidol Day

BANGKOK, 10 June 2014 (NNT) - Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on June 9 represented His Majesty the King in laying royal wreaths at the statue of King Rama VIII, located in Chulalongkorn Hospital of the Thai Red Cross Society in Phaya Thai District, on the occasion of the Ananta Mahidol Day.

The Ananta Mahidol Day is observed every year on June 9 to commemorate the benevolence of King Rama VIII, or King Ananta Mahidol, who founded the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, with a kind intention to save people from sickness. The King died on June 9, 1946.

This year, Chulalongkorn University held several activities to mark the occasion including religious merit-making ceremony, quizzes on biology and medical science and the issuance of commemorative badges to raise funds for the Ananta Mahidol Foundation. Her Royal Highness on this occasion presented the 2014 Ananta Mahidol Day pins to those who donated money to the Ananta Mahidol Foundation.

Later in the evening Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn proceeded to Suthat Monastery, where she officiated on behalf of His Majesty the King at a religious function dedicated to King Rama VIII, on the occasion of his demise.

As the royal ash of King Rama VIII has been enshrined at the front of Phra Srisakayamuni, the principal Buddha image of Wat Suthat, His Majesty the King has commanded that a merit making ceremony be held on June 9 at the temple every year to mark the death of King Rama VIII, his elder brother king.

On this occasion, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn also presented proceeds raised by the King Rama VIII Foundation to the monastery for use in its restoration. The Foundation, officially known as Atthamarajanusorn Foundation, was established by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1975 with the royal personal fund in memory of his elder brother king. The foundation has as its objective to raise funds for the restoration of the temple and for the educational development of monks and novices.

Her Royal Highness also presented public donations raised through the traditional 'Pha Pa' campaign to the temple, and laid royal wreaths of Their Majesties the King and Queen at the statue of King Rama VIII located in the monastery.

Thereafter, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn went to Amarindravinitchai Throne Hall in the Grand Palace where the Princess deputized for His Majesty the King at a merit making ceremony dedicated to King Rama VIII, as well as the late Prince Father and Princess Mother.

King Rama VIII was born on September 20, 1925 and was crowned in 1934 when he was only 9 years old. The King stayed on the throne for 12 years before passing away on June 9, 1946.


-- NNT 2014-06-10

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Traffic police: fewer motorbike gangs after curfew imposed

BANGKOK, 10 June 2014 (NNT) – Police Maj-Gen Jirasan Kaewsang-ek, the commander of traffic police, has confirmed that there have been no reports of traffic problems during the curfew hours from midnight to 4 am.

Meanwhile, numbers of motorcycle gangs have been decreasing since several military checkpoints were installed to provide a security guard under the guidelines of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

Meantime anyone affected by motorcycle gangs can call the traffic police hotline 1197.


-- NNT 2014-06-10

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Perm Sec for Foreign Affairs set to clarify human rights situation in Thailand to UNHCR

BANGKOK, 10 June 2014 (NNT) - Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow is set to address the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland on Thailand’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights.

Fresh from his visit to Myanmar to attend the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), Mr Sihasak is set to travel to Geneva to allay concerns expressed by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) members over the detention of political figures and censorship of the media in Thailand.

The permanent secretary will assure UNHCR members that the army-run National Council for Peace and Order has loosened many of its measures to contain the political situation and is eventually set out to restore peace and democracy in the kingdom.

Mr Sihasak will also hold talks with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay to clarify Thailand’s stance on the issue. Ms Pillay earlier condemned the coup and expressed concerns over restrictions on freedom of expression.

After his visit to Switzerland, the permanent secretary will also travel to Cambodia and China in July.


-- NNT 2014-06-10

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NCPO keeps some constitutional organic laws in effect

BANGKOK, 10 June 2014 (NNT) – The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has announced continued enforcement of certain organic laws of the 2007 Constitution in a bid to allow judicial and independent bodies to function normally.

Following the NCPO’s announcement earlier which partially suspended the 2007 Charter, the council has issued another statement specifying additional organic laws which were to remain effective in the kingdom. The laws consist of the Organic Law on Election of Members of the House of Representatives and Selection of Members of the Senate 2007, the Organic Law on Political Parties 2007 and the Organic Law on Referendum 2009.

Despite the enforcement of the three organic laws, the NCPO noted that the election of MPs as well as the election and appointment of senators would be put on hold for the time being. The NCPO also prohibited all political parties from holding meetings or carrying out any of their activities during this period while allocations undertaken by the Fund for the Development of Political Parties were suspended as well.

Moreover, the announcement stated that the Election Commission, the Political Party Registrar and the Courts of Justice would be allowed to continue their processing of any complaints or legal cases under the three aforementioned organic laws if the matters were submitted to them before May 22.

The Supreme Court was also given the authority to handle election-related lawsuits and decide on the disqualification of candidates contending for seats in the House of Representatives and the Senate.


-- NNT 2014-06-10

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AFTERMATH
Arisman to compose songs on national reconciliation
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Former singer and red-shirt activist Arisman Pongruangrong, who reported himself to the junta along with two aids yesterday came up with an idea.

He has offered to croon songs that would promote the NCPO's reconciliation policies, according to Suchaiwut Chaosuankluay, an activist representing Free Thai Legal Aid (FTLA).

Suchaiwut said a number of people he represented could not report because the orders were issued at night, while some had health problems.

He said the FTLA would work to get them to present themselves to the NCPO at a later stage.

A woman using the name of Janya Yimprarsert, a political activist on a summons list, showed up yesterday, but was later discharged after a check found she merely had the same name as the person the junta was really after. That Janya later posted on her Facebook page that she remained in Finland.

The NCPO has issued three orders - 49th, 53rd and 59th - summonsing a large number of individuals, including red-shirt associates accused of violating lese majeste laws - such as Jakrapob Penkair, Giles Ji Ungpakorn, Ekkaphob Luara and Chatwadee Amornpat. All are reported to be abroad.

Among other high-profile names on the lists are Aree Krainara, the security chief of the red shirts, and Sunai Chulpongsatorn.

Jiraprawat Wasinsongsuradej, who reported himself yesterday, flashed three fingers to reporters across the street before going inside the Army Auditorium. He was told by soldiers not to flash the sign again, which has become a symbol of anti-coup activists.

Another red activist, Sombat Boonngamanong, was taken to the Army Auditorium yesterday from an Army barracks in Chon Buri, where he was found and detained last week. He will later be prosecuted through a military court after serving a seven-day detention, starting today at a location in Bangkok.

Sutthichai Sungkamanee, director-general of the Revenue Department, said those who ignored NCPO summonses would also face probes by his agency as well as the National Anti-Money Laundering Office and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board.


-- The Nation 2014-06-10

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MILITARY JUNTA
Parties not dissolved: NCPO
The Nation

Law on political parties and electoral laws remain intact, junta announces

BANGKOK: -- In an attempt to quell speculation, the junta yesterday said it still maintained, at least for now, the status quo of governing political parties and the judiciary, as well as the staging of elections, rejecting rumours that it preferred selection rather than election of MPs.

Maintaining the existing organic laws and independent organisations will allow all controversial cases concerning corruption and election fraud to continue, analysts said.

The ruling National Council for Peace and Order has issued Order number 57 that allows public referendums to be conducted, the Election Commission (EC) to continue its work and the Supreme Court to continue hearing election cases.

Under the latest order, the election of MPs and the Acquisition of Senators 2007 Act takes effect till amendments are enacted or until the law is scrapped. But the MP election and senator acquisition are temporarily suspended.

The EC has the authority to schedule or extend the date for Senate candidates to submit statements of their expenses and revenue.

To keep peace and order, political parties are banned from holding meetings or carrying out any political activities. Establishing or registering new parties is prohibited. The Fund for the Development of Political Parties is also suspended.

The EC, political registrars and the courts have the authority to continue investigating complaints or hearing cases in connection with political parties, elections and public referendums pending before the May 22 coup.

The Public Referendum 2009 takes effect without disruption until an amendment is enacted or the law is scrapped.

The Supreme Court has the authority to hear election cases, revoke election rights in connection with the MP and Senate elections. The EC can also submit complaints to the Supreme Court to revoke election rights of Senate candidates from May 22.

The election commissioners will meet today to consider what they can do to perform their jobs, according to EC secretary general Puchong Nutrawong.

The ruling National Council for Peace and Order's (NCPO) deputy spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvari denied reports on social media that a new government and the People's Council had been established to change the country's ruling system.

Winthai also categorically dismissed the following reports that have gone viral:

Provincial Administrative Organisations have been scrapped and only Tambon Administrative Oragnisations and municipalities have been maintained; all governors must be elected; kamnan and village heads will directly report to governors; and the role of politicians has been curbed.

He also denied that 30 per cent of MPs will be elected, with one MP for each province, and 70 per cent will be appointed; police will directly report to governors; and provinces will be divided into zones with the establishment of a Council of Dynamics.

"Please exercise your discretion in consuming information from social media. Any question, please inquire the NCPO,'' he said.

Junta chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha was scheduled to meet today with Thai ambassadors and consul generals from around the world to explain the reasons for the coup so they can repeat it to the international community.

Another junta spokesman Weerachon Sukondhapatipak said Prayuth planned to host a dinner with foreign correspondents to explain the coup.

-- The Nation 2014-06-10

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UPDATE:

BEAUTY CONTEST
Miss Universe Thailand steps down after social-media row
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- BOWING TO PRESSURE, Weluree Ditsayabut yesterday tearfully relinquished her Miss Universe Thailand crown.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732976-anti-red-miss-universe-thailand-concedes-crown/page-7?p=7951370#entry7951370

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JUNTA CHIEF
Army chief and songwriter: Prayuth opens his heart
Nation News Agency


National Council for Peace and Order chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha speaks during his weekly programme on Friday night.

BANGKOK: -- The person behind the success of the TV programme "Return Happiness to the People" - which featured a one-hour speech by National Council for Peace and Order chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha - is none other than Prayuth himself.

The show, aired on all digital TV channels last Friday, has become the talk of the town and left people asking this question: Who is the producer?

Prayuth did not look stiff like he did when he last appeared on television. He seemed relaxed and one could sense his aura of power, his command and confidence.

The Army chief did not hire advisers, a public relations team or an event organiser to help him produce and direct the programme or write the script, as some politicians choose to do to ensure success.

A source said that the show was Prayuth's idea - he came up with the programme - and wrote the lyrics of the song "Return Peace to Thailand", which has been viewed more than 200,00 times on Youtube.

Reassuring lines such as "we offer to take care and protect you with our hearts" and "give us a little more time" shows the Army chief's soft and sensitive side.

"He wanted a song which expressed his feeling for the people... a song which Thai people listen to and then begin to love each other again,'' Colonel Krisada Sarika, head of the Royal Thai Army band said.

Prayuth has said he was inspired to deliver the weekly programme by his meetings with government agencies to brainstorm on how to move the country forward.

He also stays up-to-date with what's happening and checks on his public approval rating by getting as much information as possible from social media, television programmes, magazines, newspapers or any publications that discuss the military's work after it seized power.

He has proven to be a general with an eye for detail in everything he does, even though his critics often cite his bad temper as one of his weaknesses.

Prayuth demands perfection from people who work with him and his subordinates.

The NCPO chief must have paper and a pencil on his desk to jot down points he wants his team to get details on, an NCPO source revealed.

After the Office of the Army Secretary gets the details, they are submitted to Prayuth for a final check.

Channel 5, which is run by the Army, finds pictures and clips to match the content that Prayuth wants to discuss on 'Return Happiness to the People'. Its news team, producers, technicians and programming staff then join forces to make the show.

Channel 5 hailed Prayuth for making their life easy, as the whole programme was shot in one go without cutting, the source said.

As a TV host with important messages to pass on to the community, Prayuth has demonstrated he knows what he is doing.

Since seizing power on May 22, the military has gone out of its way - holding concerts with dancing soldiers, showing old movies, giving free food to people, seeking a return to happiness, and trying to bring unity and dissolve political colours. But critics say the military will only achieve this by bridging social and economic disparities that all Thais face.


-- The Nation 2014-06-10

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Council wants junta to help tourism industry
Suchat Sritama
The Nation

Many problems need addressing besides curfew, TCT says

BANGKOK: -- The tourism sector is pressing the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to solve some urgent problems that are making things even worse for a crucial industry that has been hit hard for months.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733115-council-wants-junta-to-help-thai-tourism-industry/

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PTT chief dismisses allegations against largest, listed state firm
Pichaya Changsorn
The Nation


The CEO of energy giant PTT, Pailin Chuchottaworn, speaks to a press conference yesterday.

Airs warning against populist energy policy

BANGKOK: -- The chief executive of energy giant PTT, Pailin Chuchottaworn, yesterday called a press conference to deny several allegations against Thailand's largest state enterprise and publicly listed company - and warn against any plan to impose a populist energy policy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733116-ptt-chief-dismisses-allegations-against-largest-listed-state-firm/

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True Corp announces alliance with China Mobile
Usanee Mongkolporn
The Nation


Suphachai

BANGKOK: -- True Corp group has announced an alliance with China Mobile to strengthen its business and recapitalise its financial position through a private placement of about Bt28.6 billion, equivalent to 18 per cent of total shares, and a rights offering to existing shareholders amounting to approximately Bt36.4 billion.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733117-true-corp-announces-alliance-with-china-mobile/

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STREETWISE
NCPO, please kill our subsidy culture
Achara Deboonme

BANGKOK: -- As Thailand enters its third week under military rule and pledges of reform, the National Centre for Peace and Order (NCPO) is being bombarded by requests and suggestions.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733118-ncpo-please-kill-our-subsidy-culture-thai-opinion/

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RAYONG
Blaze at IRPC 'under control'
The Nation

RAYONG: -- Explosions rocked a petrochemical plant of PTT affiliate IRPC in Rayong's Muang district late yesterday, generating big, thick column of smoke and toxic gas.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733120-rayong-blaze-at-irpc-under-control/

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Police set to crack down on football gambling
KWANHATHAI MALAKAN,
CHULEEPORN ARAMNET
THE NATION


File Photo

VENUES SHOWING WORLD CUP MATCHES, BOOKIES, SMS LUCKY DRAWS WILL BE TARGETED

BANGKOK: pp AHEAD OF THE World Cup kick-off on Thursday, police have launched an operations centre to crack down on football gambling, both online and offline, as well as SMS lucky draws.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733121-thai-police-set-to-crack-down-on-football-gambling/

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Karachi attack: THAI crew and passengers safe
The Nation

THAI plane caught in airport drama after terror attack on Sunday night

BANGKOK: -- All passengers on a THAI jet that was among aircraft stranded at Pakistan's besieged Karachi International Airport yesterday were safe, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733122-thai-crew-and-passengers-safe-karachi-attack/

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Prisons chief wants regular searches
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- In response to the junta policy against illegal drugs, Corrections Department chief Suchat Wong-anantachai urged prisons to conduct regular "clean-ups" - search all inmates' cells - and to report by June 16 about the probe into prison guards suspected to be involved in trafficking drugs.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733123-thai-prisons-chief-wants-regular-searches/

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Traffic violators beware
The Nation


To highlight its stricter policy on traffic offenders, police demonstrate to the media yesterday how a taxi that parked illegally on Rama IV Road in Bangkok is towed away.

POLICE HAVE STARTED a campaign to "return roads to the people" by cracking down on traffic violators.

BANGKOK: -- Pol Lt-Geneneral Wuthi Liptapallop said police would tow away or lock the wheels of illegally parked vehicles, arrest and jail offenders, and do this in a polite |manner.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733124-crackdown-on-bangkok-traffic-violators/

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Three soldiers killed in Pattani
The Nation

PATTANI: -- Three soldiers and two civilians were wounded in a shooting yesterday afternoon in Pattani's Khok Pho district.

The five men were travelling in a van belonging to the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Front ’s public relations team in tambon Plong Hoi when the unknown gunmen opened fire with war weapons at about 3.30pm.

The injured men - identified as Major Chalaem Somthanonthi, Master Sergeant First Class Kittiwat Semkhong, Master Sergeant First Class Nurat Phetchmanee, Abadi Yasem and Polsak Chankhum - were taken to Khok Pho Hospital and subsequently transferred to Pattani Hospital.


-- The Nation 2014-06-10

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Suspects name alleged bomb mastermind
The Nation

YALA: -- Two recently arrested suspects have identified Rorki Dorloh as a mastermind behind bomb-attack plots, according to the 41st Ranger Regiment.

"They have provided useful information," the regiment's deputy commander, Lt-Colonel Sittisak Jenbanjong, said yesterday.

The two suspects, Maruwan Salae and Ayu Ma-ae, were arrested last week while allegedly working on bomb-making materials at a house in Yala.

According to Sittisak, both have now implicated Rorki, accusing the man of ordering bombs.Rorki, 30, is facing arrest warrants in a number of security cases already. In one, he allegedly played a role in an attack on rangers in which five troops died and three others were injured.

Meanwhile, a former ranger was shot dead at his home in Pattani yesterday morning.Police believe the shooting was carried out to spread unrest in the deep South.


-- The Nation 2014-06-10

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Construction Worker murdered in Jomtien



PATTAYA: -- Pattaya Police investigated a suspected murder at a Jomtien Village on Monday Night which saw a 37 year old Construction Worker killed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733127-construction-worker-murdered-in-jomtien/

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South Pattaya Nightclub Security Guard arrested for assault on Israeli Brothers



PATTAYA: -- Late on Sunday Night a fight broke out at a Nightclub on Walking Street which was shown on Thai National TV News forcing Pattaya Police to take decisive action against the venue and those responsible for the altercation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733128-south-pattaya-nightclub-security-guard-arrested-for-assault-on-israeli-brothers/

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Germany's deepest cave rescue drama near Berchtesgaden

BERCHTESGADEN: -- A team is trying to rescue a 52-year-old man injured in a rock fall in a 1,000m-deep (3,280ft) cave in Germany, in an operation that could take days.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733131-germanys-deepest-cave-rescue-drama-near-berchtesgaden/

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Gen Prayuth chairs full NCPO meeting; large amount of war weapons found abandoned in Nonthaburi /MCOT

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Nok Air is tapping rapid growing NE market, launching 2-times daily services from Don Muang Airport to Khon Kaen as of July 1 /The Nation

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Phuket Immigration looking for a Russian volunteer
Anton Makhrov


Coordinator Andy Clark, with volunteers Olaf (left) and Chris (right).

PHUKET: -- The island’s Phuket Immigration Volunteers (PIV) are looking for a native Russian speaker to join their ranks.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733148-phuket-immigration-looking-for-a-russian-volunteer/

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Thai Airways flight TG508 arrives at Suvarnabhumi

SAMUT PRAKAN, 10 June 2014 (NNT) - TG 508 flight with 296 crew and passengers has arrived at Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The jet was stranded at Karachi airport when a group of gunmen attacked the airport Sunday night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733122-thai-crew-and-passengers-safe-karachi-attack/#entry7952108

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Sisaket correctional facility undergoes comprehensive search

SISAKET 10 June 2014 (NNT) — Sisaket Correctional Facility is under going a comprehensive search by army officials for illegal objects hidden within the confines of the facility.

National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) deputy, Lieutenant Colonel Warakorn Thonyangyuen, has ordered a group of 30 army officials to search the ground of the Sisaket’s correctional facility for any illegal objects, such as weapons, drugs, and other illegal items.

The search was in accordance with the NCPO’s policy to eradicate illicit drugs from the country. Among the 1,516 inmates searched, 130 were female and 1,386 were male.

Illegal objects found included 46 lighters, a mobile phone, a crudely made tattooing apparatus, 9 cutters and home-made knives. Those found in possession of such items will be punished, according to the Lieutenant Colonel.


-- NNT 2014-06-10

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9:53 PDRC leader Suthep has right shoulder surgery after suffering inflammation; Revenue Dept asks NCPO to consider tax restructuring /MCOT

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Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,453.12, falls 4.18 points /MCOT

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Ayutthaya holds mushroom festival

AYUTTHAYA 10 June 2014 (NNT) — Ayutthaya is holding a mushroom extravaganza to showcase its delicacy-- the Bolete mushroom.

Ayutthaya province is to hold the Bolete fair to showcase and promote the local mushroom to local residents and tourists alike. The press conference was presided over by Ayutthaya’s deputy governor Nathee Bosuvarn and other top ranking officials.

This year, the Bolete mushroom fair, which has been held annually for the past five years, will be held from June 14-15, 2014, according to Mr. Nathee.

The main objective of the event, he said, is to promote the well-known local mushroom breed to locals who are not familiar with the fungus, and to tourists who are in search of something new and tasty to eat.

Moreover, the fair is hoped to generate tourism revenue for the province and draw a number of visitors who are lured to the traditional Thai ways of life as well as other cultural tourism in the region.

-- NNT 2014-06-10