Thailand Live Friday 13 Jun 2014

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Officials continue efforts to eliminate gambling and extortion

BANGKOK, 13 June 2014, (NNT) -The Deputy Commissioner General, Police General Ake Angsananont has reported that the police have apprehended several extortionists illegally working for loan sharks, collecting debts from desperate financially troubled citizens.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734057-thai-police-continue-efforts-to-eliminate-gambling-and-extortion/

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Woman on trial after video shows nine-year-old boy drunk, stumbling and slurring

NEW ZEALAND: -- A WOMAN remains on trial after a nine-year-old boy was filmed stumbling around and slurring his words after guzzling bourbon cans and doing shots.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734059-trial-after-nz-boy-9-was-found-drunk-in-park/

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Jim Keays of Masters Apprentices has died, aged 67
Bernard Zuel
Senior music writer

Jim Keays, who helped kick off garage rock in Australia and then helped transform the Masters Apprentices into one of the best pop and rock bands of the 1960s and ‘70s, has died.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734061-jim-keays-of-masters-apprentices-dies-aged-67-australia/

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Princess Sirindhorn calls for better garbage disposal and conservation of rare native plants

BANGKOK, 13 June 2014 (NNT) - Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on Thursday (June 12) graciously declared open an exhibition-cum meeting on school botanical gardens, at the Nonthaburi Witthayalai School in Pakkret District, Nonthaburi Province.

The meeting, the third of its kind, is organized by the Plant Genetic Conservation Project Under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (RSPG). Its objective is to publicize the success of school botanical gardens which currently exist in more than 2,000 schools throughout the country and to promote an exchange of experience among teachers and students in the project. The RSPG has been supporting the School Botanical Gardens Project to create awareness of plant genetics within the new generation, showing to students that the study of botany can be very enjoyable, with delightful teaching and training.

The Princess on this occasion presented certificates to various schools which have successfully upgraded their botanical work and database in response to the royal initiative to establish model botanical gardens for people in local communities. On this occasion Her Royal Highness urged all the participating schools to help raise public awareness on garbage disposal for better environment and encourage conservation of rare native plants.

Her Royal Highness also toured the exhibition of various school botanical gardens organized simultaneously with the meeting. The princess particularly expressed admiration for the participation of hearing impaired students in the plant genetic conservation project. Displayed in the exhibition are useful innovations that each participating schools have developed such as gloves made from skin of Mara-khinok (มะระขี้นก) or bitter gourd, and the study into the advantage of Phakchi-chang with scientific name of asparagus racemosus, which is useful in strengthening human skin and muscles.

The exhibition will continue until June 16 at the School, with a series of interesting seminars and participation of several booths of One Tambon One Product (OTOP) goods from all parts of the country.


-- NNT 2014-06-13

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Special Report: Provinces across Thailand organize activities promoting national reconciliation

Provinces nationwide are proceeding with the plan to create an atmosphere that is conducive to national reconciliation, in line with the instructions given by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

Permanent Secretary for Interior Wiboon Sanguanpong said that provincial governors, in their capacity as directors of the national reconciliation centers in their respective areas, have been assigned to arrange activities at the village level as part of the reconciliation efforts and to listen to the views of local people.

In the process, questionnaires are being distributed and are scheduled to be completed in July 2014, when the people’s views and suggestions on national reconciliation are compiled. Results will be submitted to the NCPO Head, General Prayut Chan-O-Cha.

Speaking on the establishment of the National Reconciliation Center, General Prayut explained that his primary objective is to give people an opportunity to talk to each other, after nine years of political rifts leading to establishment of different political and social factions. In the reconciliation process, the NCPO will act as an observer, a facilitator, and an information provider. It will collect ideas from all sides and use the information gathered in order to materialize the national reconciliation and reforms.

He said that the NCPO welcomes opinions from all sides, conflicting groups, and political parties, and that all the proposed issues would be discussed openly with little involvement of the military in this effort. The military will not judge what is right or wrong or force its view on the results.

After the reconciliation process, the NCPO will move to the second phase, which includes the forming of a government, a reform council, and a legislative council. All issues will be brought before the reform council. Issues agreed upon by all sides will be forwarded to the legislative council and go through the legislative process.

General Prayut stated that, on the road to the reconciliation, some activities will have to be carried out simultaneously, including recreational and entertainment programs, to equip people with the atmosphere conducive to reconciliation talks. In the second phase, everything will be resolved through the laws and the reform council.

He pointed out that the NCPO would do its best to prevent any conflict from recurring in the second phase. If conflicts are still unresolved, the reform council in the second phase will not be able to work. The direction in this phase will be based on ideas that are proposed by experts and scholars.

Meanwhile, the Reform Network, comprising 70 professionals and civil society organizations, suggested that there should be a group of people that can bring conflicting parties to the negotiating table. The group, which might be an organization, should be acceptable to all sides. People should also be assured that they would be part of the reconciliation process. In addition, there should be several forms of the national reconciliation process in accordance with different aspects of the Thai society.


-- NNT 2014-06-13

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Police detect betting activities on first day of World Cup

BANGKOK, 13 June 2014 (NNT) – The Royal Thai Police reported on betting activities in Bangkok and other provinces on the first day of the FIFA World Cup tournament which kicked off in Brazil last night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734072-thai-police-detect-betting-activities-on-first-day-of-world-cup/

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Former US State Secretary Hillary Clinton urges Scotland to stay in UK

WASHINGTON: -- Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton on Thursday called upon Scotland to stay in the United Kingdom, echoing the comments made last week by her former boss Barack Obama. Speaking on BBC's Newsnight programme, Clinton said: "I would hate to have you lose Scotland" in the September referendum.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734073-hillary-clinton-urges-scotland-to-stay-in-uk/

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Krabi opens annual OTOP trade fair to promote local tourism

KRABI, 13 June 2014 (NNT) -- The southwestern province of Krabi has kicked off its annual trade fair to promote local ways of life for tourism purposes, and conservation of its cultural heritages and local wisdoms.

Deputy governor Krit Rangsisena said at the opening ceremony of the fair on Thursday that the event was held to expand markets of local products and improve the image of Andaman tourism. This year’s trade fair focuses on promoting community-based tourism which aims to benefit local communities.

Visitors to the fair will not only be able to shop five-star OTOP products of Krabi and nearby provinces, they will also experience a wide range of local food, and traditional performances on stage and games.

The event is held in front of Krabi's city hall from June 12 to 21.


-- NNT 2014-06-13

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Canadian cannabis producers set their sights high
BY JOHN TILAK

(Reuters) - By unlocking the once-obscure medical marijuana market, Canada has created a fast-growing, profitable and federally regulated industry with a distinct appeal to the more daring global investor.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734081-canadian-cannabis-producers-set-their-sights-high/

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UPDATE:

Rumour of military sweep forces exodus of illegal Cambodian labour



BANGKOK: -- Rumour that the military will begin to sweep illegal foreign labour has sent wave of panic and scare with Cambodian workers now crowding border-bound trains in hurry to return homes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733993-cambodian-workers-flee-thailand-out-of-fear/page-2#entry7966252

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UPDATE:

Curfew to be lifted across the country



BANGKOK: -- The commander of the Military Junta's peace keeping force Lt-Gen Thirachai Narkvanich has proposed Army Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha to lift curfew in the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734010-curfew-may-be-lifted-in-bangkok-and-elsewhere-friday-night/page-3?p=7966281#entry7966281

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Sisaket province holds drug rehabilitation program

SISAKET, 13 June 2014 (NNT) – Sisaket province is currently holding a drug rehabilitation program to help those with chronic drug addiction problems and help them properly assimilate back into society.

Deputy Provincial Governor of Sisaket Sanit Kaosa-ad presided over the opening ceremony of the drug rehabilitation program along with other related top officials. The program is intended to help those suffering from drug addiction and help them get back on their feet.

The program will run from June 9-23, lasting for a total of 15 days. A total of 60 drug addicts are also participating in the program. The state has set it one of its highest priorities to tackle drug problems in the kingdom by conducting roadmaps and strategies to ensure the eradication of drugs.


-- NNT 2014-06-13

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Prayuth lambastes at town and country planning department

BANGKOK: -- Junta chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha Friday lambasted at the Public Works and Town and Country Planning Department for letting Bangkok city plan become a mess.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734091-prayuth-lambastes-at-town-and-country-planning-department/

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Interim Thai government by September: junta chief

BANGKOK, June 13, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's junta will form an interim government by September to oversee political reforms that will be followed by elections in about one year, the army chief said Friday.

General Prayut Chan-O-Cha, who led a May 22 coup that deposed an elected government, did not say whether the cabinet would be made up of civilians or military personnel.

"A new government will be set up in August or the beginning of September," he told officials at a briefing on the 2015 budget.

"Don't ask me who they are and where they come from," he added.

The junta chief has not ruled out becoming prime minister himself.

The ruling generals have curtailed civil liberties by banning public protests, arresting demonstrators, censoring media and temporarily detaining hundreds of critics for questioning.

Prayut has ruled out elections for at least a year to allow time for political reforms -- including the drafting of a new constitution -- which he says are necessary to end almost a decade of political turmoil and street violence.

He urged Thais to "please be patient with me".

"I know it's a honeymoon period now but I hope it lasts a bit longer," he said.

The commander-in-chief said it was important for Thailand to have a strong military.

"If we don't have a military we cannot bargain with anyone. If our military is not strong no one listens to us," he said.

Critics accuse the junta of using political unrest as an excuse for a power grab by a military-backed royalist establishment seeking to curb the political dominance of fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Thaksin or his affiliated parties have won every election in more than a decade, including in 2011 under his younger sister Yingluck Shinawatra, helped by support among voters in the northern half of the country.

The billionaire tycoon-turned-populist politician was ousted in a 2006 coup and lives in Dubai to avoid jail for a corruption conviction.

Prayut said that he would scrap a loss-making rice price guarantee scheme launched by Yingluck and explore ways to reduce production costs for struggling farmers instead.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-06-13

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Gen Prayuth expects new government will be formed in Aug-Sept; stresses transparency in 2015 budget preparation, rice pledging scheme scrapped /MCOT

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Civil servants outraged at food prices sold in government centers

BANGKOK, 13 June 2014 (NNT) - The hotline 1569 was flooded with complaints from consumers, who were mostly civil servants, regarding expensive prices of ready-to-eat meals at food stalls in government offices.

Santichai Santhawanpaet, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade (DIT), disclosed that prices of ready meals can range between 35 to 45 baht a dish. Although it may not sound expensive for some people, these prices are equivalent to those sold within department stores.

Mr. Santichai therefore called on related government agencies to help tackle the problem. He said that rental fees imposed on these food stalls are normally used to help support the social welfare of civil servants. Therefore, it is unreasonable to charge high rentals as the vendors here do not have to pay for water and electricity costs, unlike those in department stores.


-- NNT 2014-06-13

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Prayuth supports double-track project
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- National Council for Peace and Order Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said Friday that he supports the double-track railway project while indicating his opposition to the high-speed train project.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734092-prayuth-supports-double-track-project/

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Prayuth says no to proposal to dig Kra Isthmus Canal in Prachuap Khiri Khan

BANGKOK: -- National Council for Peace and Order Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha Friday expressed opposition to the long-proposed Kra Isthmus Canal project.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734118-prayuth-says-no-to-proposal-to-dig-kra-isthmus-canal-in-prachuap-khiri-khan/

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Junta chief says Thailand still needs unskilled labourers from neighbouring countries

BANGKOK: -- Junta chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha denied Friday that the Army would crackdown on illegal immigrants from neighbouring countries who have come in to work as unskilled labourers.

The reumours prompted workers, especially those from Cambodia, to flee en masse back to their countries.

Prayuth said Thailand still needed workers from the neighbourign countries to compensate for labour shortage in the country.


-- The Nation 2014-06-13

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Education Min: NCPO’s music has positive impact over students

BANGKOK, 13 June 2014 (NNT) – The Education Ministry’s permanent-secretary has looked forward on playing patriotic music during breaks in schools and universities.

Ms. Sutthasri Wongsamarn, the Permanent-Secretary of the Education Ministry has revealed that National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)’s music has a positive impact over students by encouraging a sense of patriotism towards them. From a recent survey, most students like the songs that have been broadcasted by the NCPO.

Ms. Sutthasri is looking forward to request for the original copy of at least ten patriotic songs from the NCPO to be broadcasted across all schools for students before paying respects to the national anthem in the morning and during breaks.

All schools and universities have been told to advise students about the ongoing anti-coup protests and not to act against NCPO’s commands.

-- NNT 2014-06-13

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UPDATE:

Gen Prayuth says no rice pledging or rice price guarantee schemes



BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order will definitely not adopt the Yingluck government’s rice pledging scheme or rice price guarantee scheme to help farmers but will try to improve their productivity and cut production costs.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734089-prayuth-says-ncpo-will-not-continue-rice-pledging-scheme/#entry7966732

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Prayuth says populist schemes will not go on forever

BANGKOK: -- Junta chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said Friday that the populist schemes will continue on a temporary basis only to alleviate the people's hardship.

"They will be temporary rather than so excessive that people choke on them," Prayuth said while chairing a budget meeting in a live telecast session.

He said the National Council for Peace and Order understood populist issues well.

"We have carried out them with understanding and not lacking in understanding, as critics have said," Prayuth added.

-- The Nation 2014-06-13

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Prayuth threatens to crack down on forest, park encroachers

BANGKOK: -- National Council for Peace and Order Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said Friday that the junta will not tolerate encroachers of national forests and parks.

Speaking during a budget meeting with senior government officials, Prayuth said all encroachers would be arrested.

-- The Nation 2014-06-13

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Crackdown was 'good in parts' - Phuket's Mr Big
Suthicha Sirirat


Prap Keesin: 'I wasn’t surprised that it happened. If it hadn’t happened now it would have happened sometime in the future.'

PHUKET: -- Preechawut “Prap” Keesin, one of Patong’s leading businessmen and a prime figure in the town’s hurly-burly transport structure, has spoken about the recent crackdown on taxis by police and the Royal Thai Army.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734138-crackdown-was-good-in-parts-phukets-mr-big/

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Former labour leader Jitra arrested
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Jitra Kotchadej, a former labour leader and adviser to the red-shirt Palang Prachathipatai Party, was arrested by police at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Friday after failing to report to the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

The 42-year-old Jitra was detained at 7.40am in the immigration area of the airport after returning from the United States. Jitra was summoned by the NCPO but failed to show up, leading to a warrant being issued for her arrest.

Speaking briefly after being arrested, she told reporters that she doesn't know what to do and would like to consult with her friends first.

She will be brought to the military court Saturday, together with arrest red-shirt actor-singer Thanat Thanawatcharanond, aka Tom Dundee, who also refused to report after being summoned and was later arrested.


-- The Nation 2014-06-13

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Education Min pondering to play patriotic music in schools

BANGKOK, 13 June 2014 (NNT) – The Ministry of Education is looking into a possibility for government schools to play patriotic music before morning classes begin and during lunch breaks.

Ms. Sutthasri Wongsamarn, the Permanent Secretary for Education has revealed that patriotic songs have positive impact on students, encouraging their sense of patriotism. She cited a survey as saying that students were attracted to patriotic songs broadcast on radio and television since the seizure of power by the National Council for Peace and Order.

Ms. Sutthasri said she expected to request the original copies of 10 such songs from the NCPO and distribute copies to schools and universities for playing before the national anthem at 8 o’clock and perhaps during lunch break.

Besides, she said, all schools and universities have been told to advise students against joining any political protest, and to raise their understanding about the current situation.


-- NNT 2014-06-13

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UPDATE:

Football gambling reported in Bangkok, provinces
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 13 -- The Royal Thai police said that football gambling has already been reported in Bangkok and other provinces, even as the first match of the World Cup 2014 between Brazil and Croatia kicked off.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734072-thai-police-detect-betting-activities-on-first-day-of-world-cup/#entry7967129

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Thai police move forward with illegal logging crackdown
By Digital Content



ROI ET, June 13 -- Authorities from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NED) raided a site which is a hiding place for more than 30 tonnes of illegal wood.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734162-thai-police-move-forward-with-illegal-logging-crackdown-roi-et/

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Farmers bank says 1.393 million farmers paid of 180 billion baht



BANGKOK: -- The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives says so far it has paid 1,393,678 farmers, amounted to a total of 180.33 billion baht for 10.97 million tons of paddy they pledged.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734174-farmers-bank-says-1393-million-thai-farmers-paid-of-180-billion-baht/

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UPDATE:

Gen Prayuth hints at possible lifting of nationwide curfew

BANGKOK, 13 June 2014 (NNT) – The chief of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) General Prayuth Chan-ocha hinted at the possibility that the nationwide curfew could be lifted as soon as tonight.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734010-curfew-may-be-lifted-in-bangkok-and-elsewhere-friday-night/page-4?p=7967380#entry7967380