Thailand Live Tuesday 17 Jun 2014

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Military continues to inspect rice in silos and warehouses nationwide



PHITSANULOK, 17 June 2014, (NNT) - Region 2 Military dispatch troops have placed locks on the doors of warehouses in the rice support program in various provinces, preventing any attempt to move the rice stock before it is inspected. Secure locks have been placed on warehouses and silos in Muang District of Phitsanulok Province, awaiting the military’s inspection of the pledged rice. Officials will soon verify whether or not the area has the 100,000 bags of the rice crop as recorded.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735074-thai-military-continues-to-inspect-rice-in-silos-and-warehouses-nationwide/

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Cambodian exodus from Thailand jumps to nearly 180,000

POIPET, June 17, 2014 (AFP) - The number of Cambodians fleeing Thailand over fears of a clampdown on illegal migrant workers rose to nearly 180,000 Tuesday, as the two countries were expected to hold talks on the crisis in Bangkok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735076-cambodian-exodus-from-thailand-jumps-to-nearly-180000/

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Special Report: NCPO’s handling of migrant workers in line with international standards

BANGKOK: -- Thailand’s policy on the management of migrant workers is in accordance with international standards and conducted with humane treatment, in cooperation with its neighboring countries.

Speaking after a meeting of the Policy Committee on Alien Workers, Supreme Commander and Deputy Head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) General Tanasak Patimapragorn stated that the problem concerning migrant workers, mostly coming from neighboring countries, has existed for more than ten years.

It is an issue which involves seven ministries and more than twelve laws. After the takeover of national administration by the NCPO, the Head of the NCPO has underlined his policy to integrate work of relevant agencies for greater efficiency and unified operation.

In the initial stage, General Tanasak said, the NCPO is placing first priority to the suppression of activities involving forced labor, child labor, or those leading to human trafficking. The NCPO will seriously enforce and enact laws and regulations to control and intercept such unlawful activities in line with international standards.

He said while the NCPO was considering fair and just measures which would be soon introduced, business operators are requested to control and look after their workers in an orderly and appropriate manner.

As for cases of corruption, he said all parties involved in such wrongdoing would be seriously dealt with while pending cases would be expedited for immediate results.

General Tanasak said that measures in a bigger picture would be introduced gradually, in accordance with international standards and humanitarian principles.

He also pointed out that the upcoming measures regarding the management of migrant workers would be reasonable and well suited to the reality and everyday life. More importantly, the measures will be beneficial to the country, its economic system, and good for business operators and workers alike. Both the employers and migrant workers will be treated with fairness, leading to national stability and long term development of the country.


-- NNT 2014-06-17

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Phang-Nga declared as disaster zone following high waves crashing shoreline which is affecting business along Phuket beach too /The Nation

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BAAC to conclude the rice pledging project as it's almost finish paying the payments

BANGKOK, 17 June 2014, (NNT) - Several offices of the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) have start terminating their role in the rice support project as more and more branches have completed the payments to rice farmers participating in the scheme.

Rice farmers in Ang Thong have started withdrawing their recent payments from the BAAC to fund their next rice planting season, after the bank was finally able to make payments to the majority of the farmers.

As of June 12th, the province’s BAAC had paid 92% percent of the amount owed to farmers or 1.451 billion baht, according to the BAAC officials, while estimating that the remaining payment of 126 million baht would be made this week.

Meanwhile in Udon Thani Province, the area’s BAAC office has announced the termination of the rice pledging scheme, as the bank, since June 12th, has paid all 13,470 farmers, accounting for 20,897 batches of rice. The province would from now on focus on promoting the traditional way of improving incomes from agriculture, which is by taking an organic approach to reduce production costs, in accordance with the National Council for Peace and Order’s policies.


-- NNT 2014-06-17

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Culprits of explosion on Rama 9 Rd. identified; police say blast unrelated to politics

BANGKOK, 17 June 2014 (NNT) – The police asserted on Monday they have identified the persons suspected of damaging 2 cars on Rama 9 Rd. in Bangkok with a grenade, and affirmed that the motive was personal and unrelated to politics.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735083-culprits-of-explosion-on-rama-9-rd-identified;-police-say-blast-unrelated-to-politics/

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LPG canisters seized in Tak before being smuggled out to Myanmar

TAK, 17 June 2014 (NNT) - A combined task force in Tak Province has discovered a total of 300 LPG canisters waiting to be smuggled out to Myanmar, in a raid on a remote warehouse near the Thai-Burmese Border in Mae Sot District.

Twenty of these gas canisters weighed 15 kilograms each while another 131 canisters tipped the scales at 58 kilograms, and the remaining 135 others were empty 58-kilo canisters. Twelve sets of gas pipes were also found at the scene.

At the warehouse, the authorities also found a six-wheeled truck with a Tak license plate no. 80-5716. The truck driver was identified as Mr. Pratueng, who confessed that the illegal gas canisters were going to be smuggled out to Myanmar.

The task force also found 32 alien workers from the Karen Tribe in Myanmar at the warehouse. Some of them have illegally entered the country, and would eventually be deported back to their hometown. As for those who were supporting the gas smuggling ring including those providing shelters, they would be held responsible on related charges.


-- NNT 2014-06-17

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UPDATE:

NCPO dismisses alien worker clampdown rumour

BANGKOK, 17 June 2014 (NNT) - The National Council for Peace and Order has issued its 67th announcement last night, addressing rumours that local authorities are clamping down on illegal migrant workers in Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735024-no-crackdown-on-foreign-workers-ncpo/#entry7983357

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Princess Sirindhorn visits maximum security prison



BANGKOK: -- Her Riyal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visited Bang Khwang Central Prison in Nonthaburi province on Monday afternoon to observe vocational training activities for inmates at the high-security prison, the National News Bureau of Thailand (NNT) said today.

Her Royal Highness on this occasion observed various training courses aimed at developing inmates’ behaviour, 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.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/princess-sirindhorn-visits-maximum-security-prison/


-- Thai PBS 2014-06-17

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Rice pledging project draws to a close

BANGKOK, 17 June 2014, (NNT) - Several offices of the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) have started terminating their rice support projects, as most of farmers participating in the scheme have been paid.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735111-thai-rice-pledging-project-draws-to-a-close/

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UPDATE:

Powerful tank shell discovered behind a famous school in Pattaya

CHONBURI, 17 June 2014 (NNT) - Police have detected a tank shell that was concealed within a fertilizer sack left abandoned in a patch of grass.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735030-live-mortar-shell-found-in-north-pattaya/?p=7983464#entry7983464

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Appeal Court rejects trial against Amaret

BANGKOK: -- Appeal Court Tuesday dismissed a case of Amaret Sila-On, former chairman of the dissolved Financial Sector Restructuring Authority, involving with malfeasance sale of assets of 56 defunct finance companies.


-- The Nation 2014-06-17

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Bangladesh officials observe town development in Pathum Thani

PATHUM THANI, 17 June 2014 (NNT) - Representatives from the Bangladesh Ministry of Public Administration have visited Pathum Thani to observe town development and planning.

The visit of the 40 Bangladesh delegates, led by Dr. Md.Mahmudul Hassan, is part of the 93rd Advanced Course on Administration and Development, from June 13 to 22.

Welcoming the delegates were Governor of Pathum Thani Pongsathon Sajjachonlapan and 50 related officials. The delegates listened to a briefing by the provincial governor and exchanged their views with the Thai officials on various dimensions of town development.

The Bangladeshi delegates are also scheduled to visit the Rangsit Municipality in Thanyaburi District and Suankularp Wittayalai Rangsit High School in Klong Laung District, both in Pathum Thani.

The delegation will be staying in Thailand until June 22, under the sponsorship of the University of Eastern Asia.


-- NNT 2014-06-17

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Myanmar migrants arrested, but not main target in Thai crackdown



BANGKOK: -- A heavy crackdown on undocumented migrants in Thailand has so far mostly targeted Cambodian workers, although there have been frequent reports of arrests of Myanmar workers, according to organizations working with Myanmar migrants in Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735148-myanmar-labourers-remain-in-thailand-despite-rumour/

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Phuket hotels veto taxi stands on their land
Anthika Muangrod


Maan Samran: No enthusiasm from the hotels.

PHUKET: -- Hotels in Surin, asked to give space on their premises for taxi stands, met the request with a ringing “No” yesterday (June 16).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735143-phuket-hotels-veto-taxi-stands-on-their-land/

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Suthep reports to DSI over sedition charges

BANGKOK: -- Suthep Thuagsuban, secretary general of the People's Democratic Reform Committee, and other PDRC leaders reported to the Department of Special Investigation Tuesday and asked for delay in sedition charges.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735146-suthep-reports-to-dsi-over-sedition-charges/

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Foreigner with dark skin found dead on Pattaya beach

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735145-foreigner-with-dark-skin-found-dead-on-pattaya-beach/

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Telenor exec axed for outspoken Thai comments

OSLO: -- Norwegian telecoms company Telenor sacked its Asia communications head after the company said the Thai junta ordered a block on social network website Facebook, a news report said Monday.

Tor Odland, vice president of Telenor Asia and its chief of communications, was moved out of the Bangkok office after he made public the reasons behind the company's Facebook blackout, the Bangkok Post reported.

Telenor issued an apology on Sunday to Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), expressing regret for having "damaged the public image" of the regulatory body.

The NBTC, which has been under military control since a coup on May 22, originally blamed the disconnection on technical difficulties.

Facebook was made unavailable in Thailand on May 28, but connection was restored 45 minutes later after a wave of comment and condemnation on other online fora and social media.

Telenor, which holds a large stake in local telecommunications company DTAC, said the NBTC ordered the Facebook block. The commission has denied giving such as order.

The apology and sacking comes after the NBTC threatened to investigate alleged improprieties within Telenor's stake in its Thai telecoms company.

The NBTC denies its investigations have any political connection.

Source: http://www.enca.com/telenor-exec-axed-outspoken-thai-comments

-- eNCA 2014-06-17

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UPDATE:

Ministry of Labour denies migrant worker prosecution in Thailand
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 17 -- Jirasuk Sugandhajati, permanent secretary to the Thai Ministry of Labour, said that tomorrow he would visit Chon Buri province with Pravit Khiengpol, director-general of the Department of Employment, to discuss ways to better communication between migrant workers, eastern labour officials and provincial governors.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735024-no-crackdown-on-foreign-workers-ncpo/page-2#entry7983782

[Lite Beer]

Thailand ranks second in ASEAN for prevalence of obesity
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, June 17 -- A recent study shows that Thais are tending to have more tendency to become obese, as the country now ranked second in ASEAN for the most people with obesity.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735155-thailand-ranks-second-in-asean-for-prevalence-of-obesity/

[Lite Beer]

Thailand closely monitoring Iraqi events impact on Thai oil prices
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, June 17 -- The Thai Ministry of Energy and oil producers and traders expect retail oil prices to rise in Thailand due to the situation in Iraq.

Pailin Chuchottaworn, chief executive officer and president of PTT Plc, said he was concerned with the situation in Iraq despite Iraqi forces' attempts to protect its energy sources as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group was occupying areas in Iraq in the past week.

He said that investors shared the concern on the declining amount of oil exported from Iraq that was the second biggest oil producer in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Mr Pailin said he told subordinates to follow up relevant developments closely and that no PTT refineries had bought oil from Iraq.

However, global oil prices made their new high in ten months and that would finally affect Thai oil prices, he said.

Meanwhile, Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong, Air Force chief and deputy chief of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO); who is overseeing energy policies, acknowledged PTT's report on the possible impacts of situations in Iraq and he would convene a meeting to prepare measures to cope.

The NCPO pays attention to renewable energy.

ACM Prajin and members of his energy policy committee yesterday inspected the biggest raw palm oil plant, biogas production and biogas-fired electricity generation in the South. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-06-17

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Thai Foreign Ministry, Cambodian Embassy discuss labour issue
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, June 17 -- The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cambodian Embassy have tried to jointly seek solutions to the problem of the Cambodian labour exodus from Thailand as a rumour has spread that Thailand would clear out all foreign labourers in the country.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735024-no-crackdown-on-foreign-workers-ncpo/page-2#entry7984016

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Thai-Belgian Bridge to be reopened June 23

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735168-thai-belgian-bridge-to-be-reopened-june-23/

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NCPO orders employers to make migrant employee lists; state officials will be prosecuted if found involved in human trafficking /MCOT

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Australia aim to shock high-flying Dutch

Australia forward Mathew Leckie believes his side can become the latest to cause an upset at the World Cup on Wednesday when they face a Netherlands team fresh from hammering defending champions Spain 5-1.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735160-australia-aim-to-shock-high-flying-dutch/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Sturridge shies away from Suarez skulduggery

England striker Daniel Sturridge is prepared to do "anything" to beat Uruguay on Thursday, but would stop short of blocking a shot with his hand like Liverpool team-mate Luis Suarez.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735157-sturridge-shies-away-from-suarez-skulduggery/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Rooney asked to train with substitutes - FA

The Football Association has reacted to speculation about striker Wayne Rooney's place in the England team by explaining that he trained with back-up players at his own request on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735158-rooney-asked-to-train-with-substitutes-fa/

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Military and police to reorganize motorbike taxi services

BANGKOK, 17 June 2014 (NNT) - The military is cooperating with police to reorganize motorcycle taxi services in Bangkok and its suburbs within the month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735174-military-and-bangkok-metropolitan-police-to-reorganize-motorbike-taxi-services/

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UPDATE:

Thailand and Cambodia agree to quash 'rumours' after worker exodus
by Thanaporn PROMYAMYAI

BANGKOK, June 17, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand and Cambodia agreed Tuesday to quash "rumours" of a crackdown against illegal migrant workers by the new Thai junta after the exodus of nearly 180,000 Cambodian labourers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735076-cambodian-exodus-from-thailand-jumps-to-nearly-180000/#entry7984288

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Junta approves Bt459 million for repair of schools, temples

National Council for Peace and Order Tuesday approved Bt322 million budget for repair of schools and another Bt127 million for repair of temples affected by earthquakes in Chiang Rai.


-- The Nation 2014-06-17