Thailand Live Thursday 12 Jun 2014

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NCPO pleads for time to achieve reconciliation and true democracy

BANGKOK, 12 June 2014 (NNT) – The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has called on the international community to allow time for the agency to prove its sincerity in ending social conflicts and strengthening the Thai democratic system.

On behalf of the NCPO spokespersons’ team, Col Weerachon Sukondhapatipak gave an address to foreign media, saying the military intervention in Thailand did not signify the country’s intention to isolate itself from the international community. Though affirming that the NCPO was willing to accept all criticisms from foreign nations, he clarified that the failed political system in Thailand had prompted the need for the military to step in.

Col Weerachon viewed that the global responses to Thailand’s situation only originated from the difference in political standpoints and was adamant the issue would have no effects on multilateral security cooperation. He then asked for more time and understanding, insisting that the NCPO would eventually prove its determination to help the country become stronger as a democratic nation.

In the effort to reduce conflicts, Col Weerachon said the NCPO had been giving all factions the chance to speak up and settle their differences while claiming that the overall atmosphere had been improving.


-- NNT 2014-06-12

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Thailand's auto exports may set new record
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 12 -- Thailand may break its automobile export record by delivering 1.16-1.22 million vehicles to other countries this year, according to the Kasikorn Research Centre (KRC).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733687-thailands-auto-exports-may-set-new-record/

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HEALTH
Contaminated water makes 900 pupils, teachers sick
POUNGCHOMPOO PRASERT
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- MORE THAN 900 students and teachers at the Bangkok Christian College (BCC) have come down with acute diarrhoea over the past month, due very likely to contamination in the school's underground water tanks.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733689-bangkok-contaminated-water-makes-900-pupils-teachers-sick/

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AFTER COUP

Curfew lifted in more districts across 17 provinces

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- CURFEW HAS been lifted across certain districts in another 17 provinces, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) announced on Tuesday night.

The order applies to two districts in Songkhla province - Sadao and Muang - while Hat Yai district is already free from the restriction.

Phetchaburi and Trat provinces now enjoy full exemption from the curfew, as do Cha-am and Koh Chang districts in the respective provinces.

Other provinces where the curfew no longer applies are Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Nakhon Phanom, Sakhon Nakhon, Roi Et, Loei, Surin, Tak, Sukhothai, Mae Hong Son, Uttaradit, Phrae, Nan, Trang and Satun.

Curfew was previously lifted in Pattaya in Chon Buri province, Krabi, Phang Nga and Phuket provinces, Koh Samui and Koh Pha-ngan in Surat Thani province and Hua Hin district in Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

-- The Nation 2014-06-12

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UPDATE:

Free World Cup telecast
Watchiranont Thongtep,
Panya Thiosangwan,
Usanee Mongkolporn
The Nation

At prodding from junta, NBTC tells RS to show all matches live on free TV; RS seeks Bt700m compensation

BANGKOK: -- In a bid to live up to its motto of "Bringing happiness back to Thai people", the junta yesterday managed to pull off a deal for the live telecast of all World Cup 2014 matches on free TV, which will bring joy to 22 million households.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733630-nbtc-to-subsidize-live-broadcast-of-all-world-cup-matches-on-free-tvs/page-2#entry7960428

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NBTC
Telenor must comply with martial law: NBTC
Usanee Mongkolporn
The Nation


Settapong Malisuwan

BANGKOK: -- The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission yesterday lashed out at a comment by Norway's Telenor, warning that Thailand is now ruled by martial law and all companies must comply with the military rule.

Now Thailand is under martial law, we are not using only the Frequency Allocation Law 2010 anymore, so everyone needs to respect the martial law," said Settapong Malisuwan, chairman of NBTC's telecom committee.

Tor Odland, vice president of Telenor Asia, the major shareholder of Total Access Communication, reportedly said that DTAC was ordered to prevent its customers from accessing Facebook through its mobile network on May 28 by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and NBTC.

Settapong insisted that the NBTC had never issued such an order.

Meanwhile, he told Boonchai Bencharongkakul, chairman of DTAC, Sigve Brekke, chairman of Telenor Asia, and Jon Eddy Abdullah, CEO of DTAC, to stop "lobbying" NBTC from making negative comments about Telenor.

Expressing his dissatisfaction over this issue, he said Telenor should consider investing elsewhere if Thailand presents too much trouble for its business.

"If it wants to continue investing in Thailand, it should respect Thai law," Settapong said. Following the May 22 coup, Facebook and other social media were used by anti-coup protesters to organise protests.

On May 28, Facebook users briefly could not access their pages, leading to speculation that the NCPO had ordered the shutdown. The junta later said that it did not have such a policy. Later, it was reported that more than 100 Facebook accounts were blocked.

In his e-mail to Aftenposten, a Norwegian newspaper, Telenor's Odland said the company had received a call from the NBTC, which has been under the NCPO since the May 22 coup, asking it to temporarily to stop its customers from entering Facebook. The restriction was carried out at 3.35pm, affecting about 10 million DTAC users, Odland said.

Settapong said NBTC would strictly examine foreign ownership in telecom operators to prevent foreign dominance in the industry and to protect national security.

The NBTC will set up a committee to probe the direct and indirect shareholdings of foreign entities in telecom operators. This is the commission's duty and complies with regulations, and everyone will be treated on an equal basis, he said.

The NBTC has also reviewed whether it is appropriate to allow foreign ownership in telecom operators at the present maximum of 49 per cent under the Telecom Business Act and Foreign Business Act.

Telecom operators cannot take part in licence auctions for segments of the 1,800- and 900-megahertz spectra this year if they are found to breach the foreign-ownership law and NBTC regulations governing foreign dominance in the telecom business, he said.

Currently, Telenor Asia is holding 42.61 per cent in DTAC, followed by a 23-per-cent stake by Thai Telecom Holdings, which is majority-owned by the Bencharongkakul family. Vichai Bencharongkakul, director of Thai Telecom Holdings, said no family member was involved in DTAC's management.


-- The Nation 2014-06-12

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BURNING ISSUE
NCPO's roadmap throws up a number of possibilities
ATTAYUTH BOOTSRIPOOM
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE ROAD MAP of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) sets out a number of goals over three clear stages.

First and foremost, the emphasis is on establishing and maintaining peace and order. Phase 2 involves the drafting of an interim constitution while a government is set up in tandem with the reform council. The final phase involves a general election and a return to democratic rule.

The NCPO has now managed the country for a number of weeks, giving observers a reasonable length of time to judge its efforts so far. Some are satisfied, while others want to see better results, particularly on the economic front.

A lack of clarity is palpable, especially in relation to Phase 2 of the roadmap. How will a temporary charter look while there are still no elections on the horizon? Thais also wonder how the country will be administered during the interim and how both the reform and national legislative assemblies will function.

It seems likely that a degree of normality will soon return to the political landscape. A prime minister will head the interim government. But who will be chosen as the new PM and who will be in his or her cabinet?

Many will be watching to see if there is a power struggle between the new prime minister and General Prayuth Chan-ocha, the leader of the NCPO. What is certain, however, is that the new person in charge must really enjoy the trust of General Prayuth.

As for the national legislative assembly, it is yet to be seen which model the NCPO will adopt. Thailand has had five such assemblies in the past, the first set up during the era of Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn in 1972. There were 299 members of the legislative assembly at that time.

The second time Thailand had a legislative council was after the October 1973 uprising. At that time, 2,347 people were appointed to select 299 among themselves as legislative assembly members.

This grouping also acted as the charter-drafting assembly.

The third legislative assembly was created in 1977 after the October 6, 1976, coup led by Admiral Sa-ngad Chaloryu. There were 360 members in that assembly.

The fourth assembly was formed in 1991 after another coup, and there were 299 members. The fifth and the latest national legislative assembly was appointed by the Council for National Security after the coup in 2006 and had 242 members.

Later assemblies tended to have greater representation from professional sectors, but the number has varied. In 1976 the number was set at 300 to 400 members.

In 1991 it was 200 to 300 members, while the assembly in 2006 was set at 250.

It is also yet to be seen if the newest legislative assembly will also play a role in drafting the new constitution, which is highly likely. If it does not draft the charter itself, it will almost certainly indirectly influence it.

We must see what the reform assembly will look like, too. There were many models adopted in the past, including one where coup-makers introduce 10 of their members to join the charter-drafting assembly.

All these scenarios suggest that nothing is set in stone and the situation will need to be tailored to suit. We'll just need to see if they can be tailored to suit the needs of modern Thailand.


-- The Nation 2014-06-12

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ECONOMIC
World Bank sees dimmer Thai Economic
The Nation


Shopping Center in Bangkok launches sale campaing to boos their sale at the period of the country's economy has signed to grow lower than three per cent.

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's economic growth would keep tapering this year and the outlook remains uncertain due to continued political tensions, while global growth is also lacking vigour, according to the World Bank.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733690-world-bank-sees-dimmer-thai-economic/

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EDITORIAL
Disarming the warring parties
The Nation

Police seemingly stood by as caches of war weapons were assembled; now the junta can cool the crisis by bringing justice to bear

BANGKOK -- Large caches of war weapons have been seized by authorities since the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) issued an order on May 29 for people to hand over military hardware to the authorities. Anyone arrested in possession of war weapons will be tried in a military court and faces between two and 20 years in jail if found guilty, according to the junta's order.

In the two weeks since, more than 1,500 guns, 900 grenades and thousands of rounds of ammunition - much of it for assault rifles - have been seized or surrendered. Adding to the pile are the M-16 and AK-47 assault rifles, M67 and rocket-propelled grenades found "abandoned" in many provinces - most likely as a result of the NCPO order and its accompanying threat of lengthy imprisonment.

The NCPO order and its dramatic effect contrasts sharply with the action - or rather, lack of action - taken by police over the six months of street protests leading up to the coup that ousted the Pheu Thai-led government. Police never made any arrests in connection with the series of attacks on anti-government protests prior to the May 22 coup. In the six months of rallies led by the People's Democratic Reform Committee, starting in late November and continuing until the military intervened, 28 protesters and bystanders were killed and more than 800 injured by unknown assailants armed with military-grade weapons.

We now know that those weapons were just the tip of the iceberg, a fraction of the armouries of military hardware being stockpiled across the country to wage political violence. Many of those arrested in connection with the illegal caches have been found to have political links.

All this has intensified the focus on the police and their failure to prevent this dangerous "military build-up" and the attacks on protesters. There are strong suggestions that the police failed to do their job properly because they were also embroiled in the political crisis. Law enforcers were repeatedly accused of siding with the politicians in power and acting against anti-government protesters. Many allege that senior police officers allowed themselves to become pawns of politicians. Evidence for these allegations came with the breakdown in security and the unchecked spread of political violence, which military commanders led by Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha cited as the motive behind their decision to seize power.

Now the junta must justify its action by returning security to the country and getting rid of the illegally stockpiled war weapons. Authorities also need to focus on preventing weapons from being smuggled out of military or police arsenals by men in uniform. In order to avoid allegations of double standards, men in uniform found in illegal possession of war weapons should face the penalties under the NCPO order.

If it wants to make good on its pledge to "bring back happiness to the people", the junta must ensure that all those caught fomenting violence are punished according to the law, regardless of their political or military connections.


-- The Nation 2014-06-12

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Defence volunteer fatally shot in Pattani
The Nation



PATTANI: -- A defence volunteer was fatally shot yesterday in Pattani's Sai Buri, though the victim managed to shoot back at an attacker. The volunteer later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733692-defence-volunteer-fatally-shot-in-pattani/

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Institute leads calls to scrap flood agency
JUTARAT TIPNUMPA
THE NATION

NCPO URGED TO SET UP NEW ORGANISATION TO DEAL WITH- WATER-MANAGEMENT ISSUES

BANGKOK: -- THE ENGINEERING Institute of Thailand has recommended scrapping the Water and Flood Management Commission (WFMC) along with its Bt350-billion water-management modules.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733694-thai-institute-leads-calls-to-scrap-flood-agency/

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Army scheme to clean up public transport abuses
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Army is targeting issues over public transport services - especially motorcycle taxis, vans and taxicabs. Meanwhile, First Army Area chief Lt-General Theerachai Nakawanich, who oversees the Central region, has ordered senior Army officers in the area to hold serious talks with operators.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733695-army-scheme-to-clean-up-public-transport-abuses/

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PCD to declare tambon in Kalasin's Khongchai district a pollution-control zone
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The Pollution Control Department (PCD) plans to declare tambon Khok Sa-ard in Kalasin's Khongchai district a pollution-control zone and implement metal-poisoning mitigation measures, after its findings that lead contamination in the soil was three times and arsenic level two times the safety level.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733697-pcd-to-declare-tambon-in-kalasins-khongchai-district-a-pollution-control-zone/

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Shinawatra-initiated funds under scrutiny
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- UNDER ITS latest plan, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) will scrutinise the Village Fund initiated during the Thaksin Shinawatra administration and the Thai Women Empowerment Fund started by the Yingluck Shinawatra government. If the funds are proven to be useful, they will be continued.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733699-shinawatra-initiated-funds-under-scrutiny/

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A screening of 1984, the film version of George Orwell's anti-authoritarian novel, was cancelled in Chiang Mai as it may breach a ban on political gathering. /Bangkok Post

Fugitive red-shirt co-leader Jakrapob Penkair says an anti-coup organisation-in-exile has been formed. / Bangkok Post

Microsoft is challenging a US court order that would require it to hand over data from an overseas server in a test of the reach of American law enforcement. /Bangkok Post

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Over 500,000 baht worth of scholarship granted to outstanding students in South

YALA, 12 June 2014, (NNT) - The Pitak Prachachat Foundation, The Foundation of Islamic Centre of Thailand and the network of female leaders from the 3 southernmost provinces have together granted a total of 525,000 baht worth of scholarships to outstanding students from the South.

President of the Pitak Prachachat Foundation and Former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, General Winai Pattiyakul, presided over the scholarship-presenting ceremony, which took place at the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) in Yala Province.

According to the event organizers, this is the eighth consecutive year the scholarships have been granted. Every year for the past eight years, 50 eligible students are selected from high school and university students to receive a scholarship of 10,500 baht each, for a combined total of 525,000 baht. Those who received the scholarships expressed their gratitude and promised to spend the funds wisely.


-- NNT 2014-06-12

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EC extends senators' asset declaration deadline to July 28th

BANGKOK, 12 June 2014, (NNT) The Election Commission (EC) has extended for another month the deadline for the former senators to submit their asset declarations, from June 28th to July 28th.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733712-ec-extends-thai-senators-asset-declaration-deadline-to-july-28th/

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Top businessman pleads for world to take 'balanced' view of coup
The Phuket News


Bill Heinecke

BANGKOK: -- One of Thailand’s top foreign businessmen has launched a open plea for media and governments to stop what he sees as serious distortion of perceptions of what is going on in Thailand, especially since the Army-led coup of May 22.

A naturalised Thai citizen born in the US, William “Bill” Heinecke is the CEO and Chairman of Minor Corp, the CEO and Chairman of Minor International, and Chairman of Minor Food Group.

Brands that come under the umbrella of his companies include the JW Marriott Resort & Spa, the Anantara and the Anantara Vacation Club, all in Mai Khao. He also owns food chains including Pizza Co.

In his open letter, he writes:

“In the wake of recent political developments in Thailand, I feel compelled to write to address what I believe to be gross misinterpretations of the current situation in Thailand by certain Western nations and elements of the international media.

“As a naturalized Thai citizen born in America I feel that I have a unique perspective on recent events and the reactions to these events. I have lived in Thailand for over 51 years but have not forgotten my western roots. I feel obliged to say something about the reaction in the West towards these recent events.

“I am distressed by the interpretation by a number of Western governments and the international media of both the Coup that recently took place in Thailand and the situation that led to the Coup.

“Put succinctly, many of you have gotten it wrong. From where we sit in Thailand today, it is not an issue of which political party was right and which was wrong. All Thais will pull together to work within a system that is acceptable to the majority of Thais and is sustainable. Vilifying one party or politician will not lead to constructive reconciliation moving forward.

“A Coup d’Etat is not a positive event by any means. I do not believe that the Thai military considered it to be positive, but rather a necessary step that was taken reluctantly.

“I cannot think of one Western country that has in recent memory experienced the social and political gridlock that Thailand suffered through for the past six months, resulting in government and political paralysis against a background of increasing violence and needless loss of life.

“As the situation in Thailand escalated, it became painfully clear that there would be no resolution as neither side of the political divide offered any reasonable compromise or demonstrated any inclination to compromise.

“The military showed great restraint as it stood by watching the situation deteriorate, allowing ample time and opportunity for the politicians to resolve the crisis.

“The price for that period was paid for by the Thai people, in blood, stress and economic sacrifice and only when it was clear that that there was no other reasonable solution did the Thai military step in.

It is easy for people far away to have characterized events in Thailand as a clash between “pro” and “anti” democracy protestors. This is not correct. There are very few people on either side of the political debate who oppose the idea of a functional democratic system for Thailand.

“I believe the Thai military, the majority of political parties in Thailand and the Thai people all want democracy. But I believe what they want is a stable and functioning democracy that represents the will of the majority of Thai people.

“I believe that the current environment provides the platform for an effective “reboot” of Thai democracy that will meet the needs and aspirations of the Thai people.

“Thailand is a relatively young democracy and as every Western democracy has gone through periods of great change and reform, this is precisely what Thailand is experiencing as part of the maturation of its political system.

“Recent developments are an important step toward establishment of a strong and stable political structure which will underpin Thailand’s success going forward.

“However, Thailand is not only facing political challenges, but also the compounding effects of exaggerated media reports which paint a distorted and unrealistic picture of the situation in the Kingdom.

“While such reporting may sell newspapers and draw TV audiences, it is fear-mongering which promotes a misunderstanding of the situation—this in turn influences government travel warnings worldwide and has a disastrous effect on tourism.

“There are no concerns whatsoever for personal safety within Bangkok’s large expatriate community or the millions of tourists still enjoying their holidays in Thailand, yet this is not mentioned in the international media reports or travel warnings. “Life goes on very much as usual in Thailand but this is far from the impression that one gets when watching the international news channels.

“Hospitality has a huge impact on the Thai economy, generating millions of jobs and billions of dollars in revenue for a country that is known throughout the world for its charm, safety and hospitality.

“However, 62 countries have issued travel advisories for Thailand, 19 of which contain a “red alert” advising citizens to defer all travel to Thailand, according to the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

“These travel warnings are baffling to those of us who understand Thailand and fly in the face of the fact that Thailand continues to peacefully welcome millions of travellers from all over the world.

“It is the responsibility of all parties, and the media in particular, to present the situation accurately and in proper context to promote understanding, rather than misunderstanding, of the situation. All parties involved need to think hard about the detrimental effect that their words and actions are having on the people of Thailand.

“Today’s travellers are more savvy than they have ever been and with many countries around the world facing economic challenges, political difficulties and natural disasters, our globetrotting community understands how to take these factors into account when making their travel plans.

“Increasingly, travellers are relying on first-hand advice from people at ground zero who understand that this is simply part of the international travel landscape.

“If the media continues to promote sensationalistic and simplistic viewpoints of the situation in Thailand, they not only do a disservice to the viewing public but also run a very real risk of making themselves irrelevant.

“Thailand remains a peaceful and welcoming country, with unique natural and cultural attractions for travellers to experience and is very much open for business—this is the reality and this is the message that is not being sent by most major international media outlets and embassies.

“Despite my deep concerns regarding the media’s portrayal of the current situation in Thailand, I have great respect and appreciation for the positive role that the media can play in promoting understanding of countries and cultures.

“I am hopeful that all parties concerned, the media and foreign missions to Thailand included, can pull together for the greater good of the Thailand that we know and love. I urge the media to exercise its persuasive power with principle and integrity, to promote an honest and clear understanding of the current situation. I urge foreign governments to reassess the severity of their travel warnings and to revise and update prior statements to reflect the reality that Thailand is completely safe for travel.

“I applaud those nations and media outlets already portraying news of the coup and the security situation in Thailand in a balanced manner—your integrity is appreciated.

“We all agree that the tourism industry is critical to the Thai economy and the growth of Thailand, and it should not become a casualty of misunderstanding, misrepresentation and hyperbole.

“Thailand very much remains open for business and is as safe, friendly and welcoming [to] tourists as it has always been.

“I know that my letter is only one voice, but without voices there can be no conversation. I hope that at a minimum my thoughts will cause some reflection, and generate informed dialogue, on the realities of Thailand today.”

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/top-businessman-pleads-for-world-to-take-%E2%80%98balanced%E2%80%99-view-of-coup-46815.php


-- Phuket News 2014-06-12

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Suthep Calls Off 10,000 Baht Per Seat Dinner Party

By Khaosod English


Suthep Thaugsuban after undergoing shoulder surgery for too many fist pumps as leader of the anti-government PCAD, 12 June 2014.

BANGKOK — Former leader of the anti-government protests Suthep Thaugsuban has indefinitely postponed the fundraiser dinner originally scheduled for this Saturday.

"I thank you all for booking and buying the ticket for 'Dinner With Senior Village Headman [Mr. Suthep's nickname]' on Saturday the 14th," Mr. Suthep wrote on his Facebook, "But there have been reasonable calls for reconsideration of the event, and I have concluded that the event may not be in accordance with the martial law and orders of the National Council For Peace and Order (NCPO)."

"Furthermore, it may let some people to exploit the opportunity and stage activities to cause damage to our country," he continued, "Therefore, I have postponed the Dinner With Senior Village Headman until appropriate situation."

Those who have bought the tickets, which cost 10,000 baht per seat, can apply for a refund, Mr. Suthep said.

The dinner was supposed to take place at an exclusive club in central Bangkok. The former leader of the People's Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) billed the dinner as an opportunity to raise money for PCAD supporters who have were injured over the group's six-month campaign against the former government.

PCAD will find "other ways" to assist the injured protesters, now that the dinner party has been cancelled, Mr. Suthep insisted. "Please do not worry."

In another Facebook post, Mr. Suthep said the operation on his right shoulder has been successful. The PCAD leader, who is currently recovering from the surgery at Bangkok Hospital, said the injury was caused by 'fist pumping' too many times over the past six months.

PCAD's protests came to an end when the military staged a coup on 22 May and toppled the government that PCAD had been seeking to depose for months.

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1402540406


-- Khaosod English 2014-06-12

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Channel 5 prepares for live broadcast of 42 World Cup matches

BANGKOK, 12 June 2014 (NNT) - The Royal Thai Army Radio and Television Channel 5 has sealed a deal with RS Plc to broadcast the remaining 42 World Cup matches to uphold the public’s interests.

Lieutenant General Chart-udom Tidtasiri, Channel 5’s managing director, has announced that the Army’s TV station would link its signals with that of RS for the live broadcast of the 42 remaining matches, which Channel 7 didn’t have the exclusive rights to air. According to the Army, one of their policies is to “return happiness to the Thai people.”

Needless to say, the move has garnered full support from the public and private sectors. Further discussions would be made on how Channel 5 would launch all these matches to let everything fall in place.


-- NNT 2014-06-12

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Immigration Police to deport four international fraudsters caught in Thailand

BANGKOK:-- The Immigration Bureau is to deport four foreign nationals arrested in connection with four separate cases of fraud.

Read the full story here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733720-immigration-police-to-deport-four-international-fraudsters-caught-in-thailand/

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Thai stock index opens on Thursday at 1,460.90, falls 2.81 points /MCOT

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UPDATE:

Hunt continues for Phuket B800k armed robbery criminals

Anthika Muangrod

CCTV footage of the suspects.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733543-men-flee-with-b800k-after-armed-robbery-in-phuket/#entry7961242

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TDRI proposes dual-track railway project to military junta for approval



BANGKOK: -- Thailand Development and Research Institute is to propose the 118-billion baht dual-track railway project to the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) for approval after seeing its greater advantages to travel and transportation than the 783-billion baht high-speed train project of which its viability is seriously doubted.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733728-tdri-proposes-dual-track-railway-project-to-military-junta-for-approval-thailand/

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122 Illegal Cambodian workers nabbed in Surin

SURIN, 12 June 2014, (NNT) - Surin officials have apprehended 122 illegal Cambodian workers, as officials tighten their grip on measures against illegal workers in accordance with the policy of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

Police said that 59 of the illegal workers are male and the remaining 63 are female, adding that all of them were found in the train cabins and on the platform of Surin Train Station.

Initial inquiry revealed that all of the illegal immigrants are from Siem Reap and Udon Mechai Province of Cambodia, and were heading back to their country from Chonburi Province after being laid off by their employers. They claimed that the NCPO’s policy on foreign worker prompted their employers to fire them.

All of the Cambodian workers do not have the required permits to work in Thailand. Officials are now processing their files before repatriating them to Cambodia.


-- NNT 2014-06-12

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NCPO treats public with free seats to latest King Naresuan movie

BANGKOK, 12 June 2014 (NNT) – Those who are free on Sunday are in for a rare treat, as the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has declared it was making the 11am screening of the latest King Naresuan movie available to the public for free on Sunday, at 160 cinemas throughout the country.

Army spokesperson, Col. Winthai Suwari, said on Wednesday that the NCPO was arranging the treat as part of its effort to foster reconciliation in the nation. People will be able to get the free tickets from NCPO officials who will be stationed at each of the 160 participating cinemas.

According to Sahanongkol Film, owner of the rights to the movie, each person will receive 1 ticket when he/she shows up to get the tickets at 10.30 am. Costs of the special screening will be shouldered by the production house and the cinemas, and no money from taxpayers will be used.

Meanwhile, press members and civil servants will be able to attend special screenings of the much-anticipated 5th sequel to the film on Saturday afternoon. The armed forces commanders are also expected to attend the special screening at Siam Paragon in Bangkok, where other NCPO-hosted activities will also be held in tandem.

-- NNT 2014-06-12

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Thailand to build villages for migrant workers
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 12 -- Thailand’s Department of Employment (DOE) plans to establish villages for migrant workers, starting in Samut Sakhon and Ranong provinces.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733731-thailand-to-build-villages-for-migrant-workers/

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Special Report: Foreign investors expect economic recovery in Thailand

BANGKOK: -- The Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) have agreed that the business ambiance in Thailand has not changed significantly since the establishment of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733734-foreign-investors-expect-economic-recovery-in-thailand-special-report/

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Truck driver killed, power poles knocked down on Sri Nakarin road



BANGKOK: -- A city garbage truck driver was killed in a crash at a power pole on Sri Nakarin Road Thursday morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733735-bangkok-truck-driver-killed-power-poles-knocked-down-on-sri-nakarin-road/

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Tourism recovering after curfew lifted in 32 provinces



BANGKOK: -- Tourism is now slowly recovering after the military junta lifted curfew in more provinces where the situation has turned normal and businesses are back running.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733738-tourism-recovering-after-curfew-lifted-in-32-provinces/