Thailand Live Tuesday 17 Jun 2014

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Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visits Bang Khwang Central Prison

BANGKOK, 17 June 2014 (NNT) - HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn yesterday afternoon (June 16) visited Bang Khwang Central Prison in Nonthaburi province to observe vocational training activities for inmates at the high-security prison.

Her Royal Highness on this occasion observed various training courses aimed at developing inmates’ behavior, as well as their mental and physical health. The training ranges from carving, basketry, and painting to engineering and studies in Pali and Sanskrit languages.

The Princess also presented unit flags to non-formal scout masters at the prison. Scout activities have been applied to inmates in an effort to instill order and morality which will help them integrate with the society upon release.

The Princess also opened a prison library set up following the royal initiative, with financial support from the Securities Exchange of Thailand and related government units. The library presently offers more than 12,000 items of informative media. And following the guidance of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the Prison has been cooperating with Nakornluang Polytechnic College, Buddhamonthon Industrial and Community Education College and open universities in Bangkok in providing education in various fields such as computer graphic design and book keeping. At present, some 350 inmates at Bang Khwang received a bachelor’s degree under their jail terms.

The Bang Khwang Central Prison was established following a royal initiative of King Rama V but was actually built in the reign of King Rama VI. It is currently a high-security men’s prison housing 3,850 prisoners with punishment ranging from 15 years to death row.


-- NNT 2014-06-17

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British tourist jailed for molesting Emirates attendant on Bangkok to Dubai flight
Salam Al Amir

DUBAI: -- A British tourist has been jailed for three months for molesting an Emirates airline flight attendant.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735017-british-tourist-jailed-for-molesting-emirates-attendant-on-bangkok-to-dubai-flight/

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TAT To Invite Foreign Journalists To Boost Tourism
By Khaosod English


Tourists buy drinks at Full Moon Party in Pha Ngan on 12 June, 2014 (Photo by Prach Panchakunathorn).

BANGKOK — Foreign reporters and bloggers will be invited on a government-sponsored trip to Thailand in an effort to boost the country's struggling tourism industry, says the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735019-tat-to-invite-foreign-journalists-to-boost-thai-tourism/

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ENVIRONMENT
Freak waves batter beaches in the south
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- SHOPS, HOTELS and extensive sections of two seawalls were badly damaged in Krabi and Phang Nga provinces after severe waves and rainstorms hit Thailand's south-west coast.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735021-freak-waves-batter-beaches-in-thailands-south/

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RUMOURS
Cambodian families calling relatives to return home
Thanapat Kitjakosol
The Nation
Sa Kaew

BANGKOK: -- FEARING A military crackdown on illegal workers, Wiang left his construction site in Bangkok without even receiving a single baht for many weeks of work.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735023-cambodian-families-calling-relatives-to-return-home-thailand/

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AFTER COUP
Foreign envoys seek meeting with junta chief
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A number of foreign ambassadors - three of them from Asian countries - have sought to meet with junta leader General Prayuth Chan-ocha as efforts to create a "good understanding" about the power seizure in Thailand appear to be paying off, according to a junta spokesman.

The Asian diplomats are India's ambassador to Thailand and two unnamed envoys from Asean member countries, said Colonel Werachon Sukondhapatipak, deputy spokesman for the Army and the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

They will soon meet with Prayuth to glean more of an understanding about the political situation in Thailand, Werachon said.

The NCPO has instructed the Foreign Affairs Ministry to help explain the post-coup situation to the international community, he said.

"The ministry needs to take proactive measures with other countries,"

the spokesman said. "Also, Thai expatriates overseas could help foreigners and expatriates to appreciate the situation."

He said Thai businesspeople with overseas connections would also be asked to help.

Recently, Prayuth met with 23 Thai diplomats stationed in 17 countries to discuss how best to explain the NCPO's plans for Thailand.

Prayuth is satisfied as foreign governments and businesspeople seem to have an improved understanding of the May 22 power seizure, Werachon said.

He said Prayuth had attached great importance to reaching out to foreign countries. Special focus had been placed on countries that had downgraded relations or cut aid to Thailand after the coup, including the United States and Australia.

A weekly meeting starting tomorrow will be held with foreign military attaches in Thailand who will be briefed on the latest situation, Werachon said.

In a related development, James Wise, the Australian ambassador to Thailand, said yesterday that most of his country's bilateral ties with Thailand had not been affected by the coup, although Australia had reduced its military engagement with the Kingdom after the takeover.

Wise said three planned military activities had been postponed but the defence and broader bilateral relationships had not been affected.

The ambassador was speaking at the opening of a workshop aimed at improving Thai universities' research outcomes. He said Australia's involvement in the workshop was a clear indication that it would continue to "engage fruitfully" with Thailand.

"This workshop is living proof of our continuing engagement, and living proof that Australia wants to work with Thailand in fields where we can learn from our respective experience," Wise said.


-- The Nation 2014-06-17

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AFTERMATH
Junta: No crackdown on foreign workers
The Nation



Video of shooting of pickup carrying cambodians may have raised fears

BANGKOK: -- THE MILITARY junta yesterday reiterated it has no policy to crack down on migrant workers here despite the exodus of more than 120,000 Cambodian "illegals", amid rumours of fierce operations targeting them.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735024-no-crackdown-on-foreign-workers-ncpo/

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Now scrap martial law, tourism begs junta
Suchat Sritama
The Nation


A large number of foreign tourists use the Koh Tao ferry. The island off Phang Nga attracts more than 1,000 tourists a day. More tourists are descending on the island after the junta lifted the nationwide curfew.

BANGKOK: -- Key tourism bodies have called on the military junta to lift martial law in a further effort to lure foreign tourists back to the Kingdom.

"The military has lifted the curfew to restore the travel environment, but this will be good mainly for domestic travel, not for the entire sector. [Foreign] tourists would like to see martial law lifted before they come," said Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, which specialises in inbound tourism.

The junta last week lifted the curfew nationwide after enforcing it for three weeks, but kept martial law in place, citing national-security concerns.

The ruling National Council for Peace and Order has also vowed to shore up domestic tourism with a grant of Bt845 million over the next three to four months.

Tourism associations earlier delivered tourism recovery plans to the military, included lifting martial law. "We needed help, and lifting martial law is the only thing left. If this were done, it would ensure tourists' confidence and encourage them to return to Thailand," Sisdivachr said.

In this tough environment, tour-operator members see that the flow of air travel even within the country will be slow.

Inbound tourists

According to Thai Hotels Association statistics, hotel operators in Bangkok have suffered from the lower numbers of inbound tourists and businesspeople. Many hotels are running occupancy rates as low as 30-40 per cent compared with 70 per cent at the same time last year. "The THA sees very good signs for the tourism sector after the cancellation of the curfew. The political developments should help draw tourists back to the country," said THA president Surapong Techaruvichit.

However, inbound tourism will not bounce back to the normal level soon, as many tourists still fear for their security. Moreover, Thailand is currently in the low season.

To give the right information that business and travel are running as usual even in Bangkok, Marc Begassat, general manager of Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel, advised the military to disclose a "national vision" to foreigners and also tell them all about the recovery measures for the travel sector.

Thailand last year welcomed 26.7 million tourists providing income of Bt1.2 trillion, plus Bt800 billion from the domestic market, underscoring the tourism industry's importance to the economy, accounting for 10 per cent of gross domestic product.

Total tourism revenue had earlier been expected to climb to Bt2.2 trillion this year, most of it generated by international tourists.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand planned to run a three-month recovery programme by organising familiarisation trips, street festivals in Bangkok, and a concert featuring a foreign superstar.


-- The Nation 2014-06-17

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EDITORIAL
Migrant workers hit by iron fist
The Nation

Reports of thousands fleeing for the safety of their homeland are a worrying sign for Thailand

BANGKOK: -- Seizing power was the easy part; the everyday task of running the country is proving far more difficult for the Thai military. Chief among those difficulties is management of the workforce, which the junta must now realise is not primarily a security issue.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735026-thai-editorial-migrant-workers-hit-by-iron-fist/

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Russian Pedophile suspect arrested by Police in North Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- Acting on an arrest warrant from 2013, officers from the Police Region 2 Child and Women Protection Unit arrested a 42 year old Russian on Monday Night, who has been tracked by the unit for 3 years following allegations he had sexually assaulted boys under the age of 15 on numerous occasions.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735027-russian-pedophile-suspect-arrested-by-police-in-north-pattaya/

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Polish Herbal Cream Shop Owner robbed at gunpoint in Jomtien



PATTAYA: -- Late on Sunday Night a Polish Herbal Cream Shop Owner was robbed at gunpoint in the car park of his condominium complex in Jomtien.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735028-polish-herbal-cream-shop-owner-robbed-at-gunpoint-in-jomtien/

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Live Mortar Shell found in North Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- With the weapons amnesty imposed by the Police having expired, anyone found with weapons are set to face harsh penalties. Even now, one week after the amnesty has expired, abandoned weapons and ammunition are still being found, including the latest find in North Pattaya of a 150mm Mortar Shell.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735030-live-mortar-shell-found-in-north-pattaya/

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Demolition time: Phuket beach clubs bow to government orders
Anthika Muangrod


So where do I get my food now? The dog sits in the wreckage of a destroyed restaurant on Surin Beach.

PHUKET: -- The beachfront at Surin Beach began to undergo a massive change today (June 16) as restaurants and beach clubs, who have been sitting on public land – in some cases for decades – complied with government orders to clear illegal structures.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735031-demolition-time-phuket-beach-clubs-bow-to-government-orders/

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Police reform to be finalized within this year



BANGKOK: -- Acting commissioner of the Royal Thai Police Pol Gen Watcharapon Prasarnrachakit indicated Monday that the reform of the Royal Thai Police is expected to be finalized before he retires this year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735032-thai-police-reform-to-be-finalized-within-this-year/

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Chatuchak vendors want help over extortion, costs
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- About 20 vendors at Chatuchak Weekend Market called yesterday for the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha to help them with many problems at this world famous shopping site.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735034-bangkok-chatuchak-vendors-want-help-over-extortion-costs/

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Police sweep cracks down on World Cup gambling
Patinya Iamtan
The Nation

Arrest 80 suspects since Friday

BANGKOK: -- BANGKOK POLICE are using anti-money laundering laws against major bookmakers betting on football games, calling on the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to seize their assets and check on suspicious transactions.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735037-thai-police-sweep-cracks-down-on-world-cup-gambling/

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'Unlawful' diet products
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said "Fuco" diet supplements, including Fuco Pure and Fuco Burn, that are sold online violated the law for being extravagantly advertised and none of the brand's products have FDA approval.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735038-fda-warns-over-unlawful-diet-products/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

German-born Brooks gives USA memorable win over Ghana

German-born United States defender John Brooks came off the bench to stun Ghana with a late winner in a 2-1 victory in Natal on Monday to put a huge dent in the 2010 World Cup quarter-finalists hopes of emulating that feat this time round.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735045-german-born-brooks-gives-usa-memorable-win-over-ghana/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Brazil scoring World Cup tourism goal

Four days after the host nation set the ball rolling with a win over Croatia, Brazil is also winning off the pitch and hitting its World Cup tourism goals, the government said Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735049-brazil-scoring-world-cup-tourism-goal/

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Britain set to ease visa rules to attract Chinese
Cecily Liu and Zhang Chunyan
China Daily

LONDON: -- Britain will further simplify visa applications for Chinese tourists and businesspeople, the UK government said on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735059-britain-set-to-ease-visa-rules-to-attract-chinese/

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Four bomb blasts kill one villager and injure seven officials



BANGKOK: -- One villager was killed and seven officials were injured in four bomb explosions in Narathiwat province on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735061-four-bomb-blasts-kill-one-villager-and-injure-seven-officials-in-narathiwat-province/

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443 people arrested on gambling charges during June 12 and 16

BANGKOK, 17 June 2014 (NNT) – The Royal Thai Police's center for suppression of World Cup football gambling announced on Monday that 443 individuals have been arrested just during the 5 days between June 12 and 16, for involvement in gambling.

Police said 47 of those arrested were bookmakers, and that nearly 600,000 baht of bet money was seized in the 428 cases. Out of the 443 arrested, 237 were nabbed in Bangkok. No underage persons have been arrested so far.

In Chonburi, the provincial police announced the arrest of 141 individuals on gambling-related charges. 5 of the arrested were bookmakers, and another 5 were messengers for the bookies. The remaining 131 persons were gamblers. Evidence seized included spread information sheets, 56,000 baht in cash and 2 handguns.


-- NNT 2014-06-17

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NCPO may asked telecom regulator, NBTC to transfer revenue from digital TV auctions to state coffers /The Nation

The army deployed soldiers to lock down 315 warehouses stocking pledged rice in the Northeast to prevent the stock from being moved before inspection. /Bangkok Post

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Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,475.68, gains 3.83 points /MCOT

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Phuket Opinion: Making changes to Phuket's taxi system

PHUKET: -- The whole island – apart from the taxi drivers (and possibly even some of them) – applauded the arrests of more than 100 criminal drivers and the destruction of dozens of illegal taxi stands over the past 10 days.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735065-making-changes-to-phukets-taxi-system-opinion/

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Free King Naresuan movie show makes Thais happy

BANGKOK: -- A survey by Thai Researchers in Community Happiness Association found that 93.7 per cent of respondents were happy to have watched latest King Naresuan movie.

The survey was carried out on Sunday and Monday among 424 randomly picked people in Bangkok. The free show was provided by 160 theatres nationwide on Sunday.

Up to 98.2 per cent of the respondents said they were proud in the leadership of King Naresuan and 98.1 per cent said they were proud to be born Thais.


-- The Nation 2014-06-17

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Lao PDR voices support for Thailand

VIENTIANE, 17 June 2014 (NNT) – The Lao People's Democratic Republic has voiced its support for Thailand and expressed its willingness to continue cross-border cooperation with the kingdom in all aspects.

During his official visit to Vientiane, the Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Thailand Sihasak Phuangketkeow, paid a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Laos Thonglun Sisoulith.

During the meeting, Mr Sihasak informed the minister of the changed situation in Thailand, saying the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) had been working hard restoring peace and unity, which is part of the its three-stage plan for reconciliation, national reform and elections.

The permanent secretary also told Mr Thonglun about the NCPO’s economic policies which include infrastructure development, energy reform, and trade and investments.

In response, Mr Thonglun told the Thai side that Laos understood the problem of the long running political conflict in Thailand and the intentions of the NCPO, adding that Laos was ready to give its full support and maintain cooperation on a wide range of issues with Thailand, especially cross-border development issues.


-- NNT 2014-06-17

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Gen Prayuth chairs full NCPO member meeting; Foreign Min meets with Cambodian ambassador to seek solution on exodus of migrant workers /MCOT

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NCPO content with preparations for lowered power generation in South



NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, 17 June 2014 (NNT) – Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong, the head of economic affairs of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), on Monday expressed satisfaction with preparations for the maintenance shutdown of the natural gas source in block A18 of the Thai-Malaysian joint development area (JDA).

ACM Prajin was in Nakhon Si Thammarat to inspect the measures in place to prevent a power blackout in the South, with the feed from the JDA-A18 gas source for electricity generation being shut down until July 10. ACM Prajin said he was especially satisfied with the swift purchasing of electricity from Malaysia on Sunday, when the energy use in the locality peaked to 2,286 megawatts. 142 megawatts was purchased from Malaysia at a cost of 8.5 baht per unit to ensure power supply for the South.

ACM Prajin added that similar power purchases will be immediately executed when electricity use touches 2,100 megawatts. He thus expressed confidence there is enough power generating capacity for the Southern Region, as peak demand has been recorded at 2,450 megawatts.


-- NNT 2014-06-17

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Taiwanese-run call centre gang cracked



CHIANG RAI: -- A combined force of soldiers, police and immigration officials yesterday cracked a Taiwanese-run call centre in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai and arrested 48 Taiwanese on fraud charges.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735071-taiwanese-run-call-centre-gang-cracked-chiang-rai/