Thailand Live Thursday 19 Jun 2014

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ISOC told to address forest encroachment and yield result in 6 months

MAE HONG SON, 19 June 2014 (NNT) – The Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) has been told to quickly address the forest encroachment issue in 9 target provinces and to yield results within 6 month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735715-isoc-told-to-address-forest-encroachment-and-yield-result-in-6-months/

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Tourism industry leery of 'low-end' Chinese tourists
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Maybe if they spent more money and didn't upset the better-heeled visitors from Europe, Chinese visitors would get some love from the tourism industry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735720-thai-tourism-industry-leery-of-low-end-chinese-tourists/

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Oil tanker truck driver arrested in Tak

TAK, 19 June 2014 (NNT) - Tak Provincial Police have arrested a man driving an oil tanker truck that was making its way to the Mae Sot-Myawaddy border crossing at the Huay Ya-U checkpoint within the province.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Tosak Sa-adpak, the Deputy Commissioner of the Provincial Police Region 6, has deployed a team of police at the border area to stop smuggling of oil out of the country.

At the scene, police found a 20-wheeler Hino truck attached with another oil tanker truck storing at least 40,000 litres of gasoline. They also found hydrocarbon solvent valued at 936,000 baht. Parts of the tanker truck’s seals have been cut, which indicated that some oil has been taken out without permission.

Meanwhile, the truck driver, Mr. Prayoon Wongpinit, confessed that both trucks belonged to a private company hired to deliver the oil to the Thai-Myanmar border. He admitted that he had stolen at least 681 liters of oil from the truck and sold it at a price of 10,500 baht to pay for his personal expenses.


-- NNT 2014-06-19

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NCPO urges NACC to urgently fight corruption in government sector

BANGKOK, 19 June 2014 (NNT) – The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has urged the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to expedite collecting evidence against corruption-related cases in the government sector. The military also told all state agencies to draw up preventive measures against corrupt practices.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735724-ncpo-urges-nacc-to-urgently-fight-corruption-in-government-sector/

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NCPO starts strict measures against taxis, motorcycle taxis obstructing traffic; pilot project at 4 Bangkok locations /MCOT

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Daycare center temporarily closed after HFMD alert in Nong Bua Lamphu

NONG BUA LAMPHU, 19 June 2014 (NNT) - A daycare center in Nong Bua Lamphu province has been ordered closed for one week after children are at risk of contracting hand, foot and mouth disease.

Local administrative officials have been instructed to clean up and disinfect the the center’s amenities as well as belongings of children, following the HFMD outbreak.

A child in the care of the center has been diagnosed with HFMD recently. To prevent further spread of the disease, the local health office has suspended classes at the center. Currently, the center takes care of around 112 children from many communities nearby.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is a common disease in infants and children and is spread through direct contact with the mucus, saliva, or feces of an infected person. It typically occurs in small epidemics in nursery schools or kindergartens, usually during the summer and rainy months.


-- NNT 2014-06-19

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US Marshals accidentally leak potential Bitcoin bidders list

NEW YORK: -- A list of potential bidders for the Bitcoin auction was accidentally leaked by the US Marshals Service on Wednesday, according to the agency.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735725-us-marshals-accidentally-leak-potential-bitcoin-bidders-list/

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Thailand's peace index rises over last year



BANGKOK: -- Thailand is ranked among the world's least peaceful countries behind Cambodia but ahead of Myanmar and the Philippines in the latest survey by the Institute for Economics and Peace.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735727-thailands-peace-index-rises-over-last-year/

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NCPO rebukes Human Rights Watch on rights issue
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 19 -- Thailand's National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) rejects the allegation by Human Rights Watch that it limits rights and is ruining democracy in Thailand.

Col Winthai Suvaree, an NCPO spokesman, on Wednesday dismissed the remarks of John Sifton, Asia advocacy director for Human Rights Watch.

He said that Mr Sifton's remark that the council limited people's rights and freedom was the view of an outsider and was based on insufficient information about Thailand.

Col Winthai, also a deputy Army spokesman, said the people are supporting the NCPO in immediately solving prolonged problems that have caused a deadlock for the nation.

He insisted that democracy existed in Thailand but that the NCPO needed some time to strengthen it by, for example, stopping violence and casualties that occurred along with democratic demonstrations.

Regarding control of expression, Col Winthai said most people understood the necessity in the present circumstances and agreed to sacrifice freedom of expression to support attempts to restore national peace, and that only a minority were not ready to do so.

Col Winthai also rejected the remark that "Returning Happiness to People" activities of the NCPO were propaganda. He said that the activities served people who wished to take part in creating an atmosphere of unity in place of past gatherings that had shown political conflict and hatred.

He said that they were also symbolic activities that could trigger participation, reconciliation and unity in Thai society. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-06-19

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Khon Kaen launches "happiness" ceremony

KHON KAEN, 19 June 2014 (NNT) - Khon Kaen Province is now carrying out "happiness" activities in accordance with the decree from the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), in an attempt to placate Thai citizens after the political unrest that consumed the nation for months.

Villagers from Ban Phai District along with police and soldiers have held activities aiming at reviving unity and harmony back to the country by setting up a concert and entertainment activities.

In the event, there are also young plants given away to the villagers provided by The Siam Cement Public Company Limited.


-- NNT 2014-06-19

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Agriculturists petition NCPO to solve their debt, land problems /MCOT

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Smartphone messenger app, LINE is advising users to change their passwords following hacking of hundreds of accounts in Japan May and June 14 /The Nation

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Prayuth to head new structure for deep South
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Junta chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha will head the new structure for administering the southern border provinces, it was announced on Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735758-prayuth-to-head-new-structure-for-deep-south/

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Cambodian labour force exodus eases
By Digital Content



CHANTHABURI, June 19 -- The problem of departing Cambodian workers flocking back to their homeland due to the rumour that the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) planned a crackdown on foreign workers has now eased.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735760-cambodian-labour-force-exodus-from-thailand-eases/

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World association concerned for Community Radios in Thailand
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters has expressed concern over the recent closure of community radio stations in Thailand in the wake of the coup.

However, it noted in a statement on its website that it was heartened to learn that approximately 500 licensed community radios are preparing to resume broadcast at the behest of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC).

Following the reports related to the Thai community radio stations, Maica Lagman, president of AMARC Asia-Pacific called on the junta to recognise the invaluable contributions community radios offer towards inclusive dialogue and peace-building.

"I earnestly urge the Thai military to let the community radios resume broadcast without further delay, so that dialogues at community levels can resume, and all sections of the society can participate in a positive resolution of the problems Thailand is facing currently. Community radios in other parts of Asia-Pacific as well as throughout the world are recognised for their contribution towards fostering dialogue and peace, and Thailand must take advantage of its community radios in this regard. Also, any impedance on community broadcasting is an impedance over freedom of expression of the people and this must be avoided," Lagman said.

Lagman also expressed concern over the content restrictions under the martial law, which have a negative impact on the essence of community radios as a medium for local voices.

"If conversations through this channel are limited only to commercial or entertaining content, the limitation will gradually undermine the value of community radios. We believe that community radio is one of the most effective tools for political expression. This is why each community needs its own community station," she said.

AMARC calls on the Thai military to return to the democratic process, respect human rights and fundamental freedoms including press freedom, and create a conducive environment for community radio stations in Thailand to operate free from restriction or fear.


-- The Nation 2014-06-19

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RT @RichardBarrow: Why do people blame the #ThaiCoup for everything? Don't panic, Facebook is down for everyone, not just #Thailand http://t.co/US32b8OKWA

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FB is down - not only in Thailand



http://facebook.com/

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Employment and foreign labour chiefs sacked



BANGKOK: -- The military junta today sacked both the director-general of the Department of Employment and the foreign labour affairs director to pave the way for efficient, effective and orderly regulation of foreign labour in the country.

Under Thursday’s order of Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, chief of the National Council of Peace and Order, director-general of the Department of Employment Mr Pravit Kiengpol, and foreign labour office director Mr Decha Prukpatanarak will be transferred to the Prime Minister’s Office.

They will be replaced respectively by Mr Sumet Mahosot, deputy permanent secretary of the Labour Ministry, and Mr Phichit Nilthongkham, chief of the Chonburi Employment Office.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/employment-foreign-labour-chiefs-sacked/

-- Thai PBS 2014-06-19

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RT @TheNextWeb: UPDATE: Facebook is back up for many people now http://t.co/HKg4VnT2iF

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UPDATE:

Thailand continues to rank low on global peace index

BANGKOK, 19 June 2014 (NNT) – According to the latest Global Peace Index (GPI), Thailand is ranked among the world’s least peaceful countries, just behind neighboring Cambodia.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735727-thailands-peace-index-rises-over-last-year/#entry7993194

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Less rains expected in most parts of Thailand

BANGKOK, 19 June 2014 (NNT) – Thailand is expected to see less rain as a monsoon in the South weakens even further.

The Meteorological Department reported that a southwestern monsoon covering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand is weakening, resulting in less rain for provinces bordering both sides. Strong winds will continue to generate waves up to 2 meters high and all ships are advised to proceed with caution before setting sail.

However from June 21-23, the monsoon is set to regain its strength, bringing more rains to the southern region. Waves of up to 3 meters can be expected.

Most of Bangkok and its vicinity will experience thunderstorms with average temperatures hovering between 32-34 degrees Celsius.


-- NNT 2014-06-19

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Phuket police 'to target Patong and airport mafia taxis'
Suthicha Sirirat

Pol Lt Gen Panya Mamen, Commissioner of Police Region 8.

PHUKET: -- “Mafia” taxi drivers in Patong and at Phuket International Airport are still being targeted, police said today (June 19).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735779-phuket-police-to-target-patong-and-airport-mafia-taxis/

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Finnwatch activist faces prosecution
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- British migrant rights activist Andy Hall has been formally detained following his fight for better work conditions for migrant workers in Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735786-british-finnwatch-activist-faces-prosecution-in-thailand/

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Fantasy Pharma warned



BANGKOK: -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers not to buy "Fantasy Pharma" food supplement as it is over advertised of quality and may be harmful to health.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735788-thai-fda-warns-consumers-not-to-buy-fantasy-pharma-food/

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PCAD Guard Who Assaulted Pilot Arrested, Police Say
By Khaosod English


Police say they arrested former PCAC guard Chaiwat Dee-ngam last night for allegedly assaulting an innocent bystander last month.

BANGKOK — A former security guard for the anti-government protest group that paralysed Bangkok streets for six months has been arrested for assaulting a motorist last month, police say.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735810-pcad-guard-who-assaulted-pilot-arrested-thai-police-say/

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500,000 Thais infected with HIV but only half of them get treatment



BANGKOK: -- About 500,000 Thais are infected with HIV and only half of them knew the results of their positive blood tests and have entered into treatment programme, said public health permanent secretary Dr Narong Sahamethapat today (Thursday).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735811-500000-thais-infected-with-hiv-but-only-half-of-them-get-treatment/

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SET index closed 1,462.39, up 11.03; Bt/USD32.28; GBP54.78; AUD30.24; EUR43.83; CAD29.7; HKD4.15; SGD25.73; JPY31.57

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UPDATE:

Finnwatch researcher nabbed for 'defaming' Thai fruit juice exporter

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735786-british-finnwatch-activist-faces-prosecution-in-thailand/#entry7993579

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An injured German caver trapped underground for 12 days reaches the surface after a painstaking rescue operation /BBC

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FM: Japan affirms continued cooperation with Thailand
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 19 -- The Japanese government has affirmed that Japan would maintain cooperation with and support for Thailand, a Thai foreign ministry spokesman said on Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/735819-fm-japan-affirms-continued-cooperation-with-thailand/