Thailand Live Friday 20 Jun 2014

[webfact]

Charles Taylor wants to serve his sentence in Rwanda

LONDON - Former Liberian president Charles Taylor has formally applied to serve the rest of his jail term for war crimes in Rwanda, saying his imprisonment in Britain breaches his human rights, his lawyer said on Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736027-charles-taylor-wants-to-serve-his-sentence-in-rwanda/

[webfact]

Uganda slammed with sanctions over anti-gay laws

WASHINGTON: -- The United States Thursday slapped sanctions on Uganda -- cancelling a military air exercise, imposing visa bans and freezing some aid -- amid deep US anger at "vile" Ugandan anti-gay laws.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736029-uganda-slammed-with-sanctions-over-anti-gay-laws/

[webfact]

NCPO appointed justice inspector Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan, 60, back as chief of Central Institute of Forensic Science 'to improve far South solutions'. /Bangkok Post

[webfact]

Scandinavia welcomes record number of Thai tourists this year

Members of the 1,950-strong Thai tour group organised by Amway (Thailand) Ltd. as part of incentive travel, on board Celebrity Infinity cruise ship that takes them from Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Russia’s St. Petersburg. Photo courtesy of Amway Thailand’s Facebook fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/amwaythailand

BANGKOK: -- Scandinavia as a tourist destination has experienced steady growth in the past several years among well-heeled Thai travellers who enjoy clean air, excellent food, nice locals as well as distinct and varied seasonal landscapes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736039-scandinavia-welcomes-record-number-of-thai-tourists-this-year/

[webfact]

Tourism Department to open language training for local tourism guides

BANGKOK, 20 June 2014 (NNT) -- The Department of Tourism has joined hands with eight universities launching a language training for tourism guides, which will be opened soon.

The training is part of a project aimed at helping improve local guides language ability in 10 languages, including Burmese, Vietnamese, Russian, French, and Chinese, etc. before the ASEAN Economic Community integration, which will start next year.

The registration is now open at the department's official website--www.tourism.go.th and will be closed at the end of this month.


-- NNT 2014-06-20

[webfact]

Police nab drug ring 'big player' in Phuket
Eakkapop Thongtub


Police nab drug ring 'big player' in Phuket

PHUKET: -- Police believe that the man they arrested in Phuket on Wednesday (June 18) with possession of a substantial amount of amphetamines and methamphetamines is a “big player” of a major drug ring based in Central Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736043-police-nab-drug-ring-big-player-in-phuket/

[webfact]

Songkhla kicks off city pillar celebrations

SONGKHLA, 20 June 2014 (NNT) – A large number of visitors are flocking to the one-kilometer street in downtown Songkhla where a festival kicked off on Wednesday, to celebrate the founding anniversary of the city pillar.

The bustling Nang-Ngam road in the center of Songkhla municipality is now the venue of the celebrations to mark the 172nd year of the city pillar.

Both tourists and local residents enjoy shopping from more than 100 booths of local products ranging from food, rare traditional deserts, to souvenirs and handicrafts. There is also a theatre showing classic Thai movies for those who want to walk through the memory lane. Chinese opera which is a way of life of Chinese descents is also staged as a show of respect to the holy spirit believed to be residing at the city shrine.

Moreover, visitors will have a chance to taste several ancient-style and delicious deserts of Songkhla which are hardly found anywhere. The festival will come to an end on June 24.


-- NNT 2014-06-20

[webfact]

Assange claims he was tortured in UK prison - media

LONDON: -- WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said that he had been tortured in the British prison prior to getting asylum with Ecuador embassy in London, Ecuadorian news agency Andes reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736053-assange-claims-he-was-tortured-in-uk-prison-media/

[webfact]

Suppression of illegal logging continues in Beung Kan

BEUNG KAN, 20 June 2014 (NNT) -- The northeastern province of Beung Kan has attached much importance to the National Council for Peace and Order's policy in suppressing illegal logging and smuggling-out of rare wood.

An anti-illegal logging unit which is a joint operation between police and soldiers raided a cabin in a remote rubber plantation located in the province's Muang district at the dawn of Thursday, June 20th.

Sixty-six Siamese Rosewood logs and planks were found in the cabin along with guns and a chainsaws. A man who owns that cabin was arrested and charged with possession of illegal logged wood and weapons.

Yesterday Beung Kan authorities just launched a massive suppression operation on illegal logging and forest encroachment. The operation is in line with the National Council for Peace and Order's policy calling on provincial authorities to step up suppression of illegal logging to stop further depletion of Thailand's natural resources.


-- NNT 2014-06-20

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Why so many goals at the World Cup?

Find out here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736052-why-so-many-goals-at-the-world-cup/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

I won't resign, says Hodgson after England shocker

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736054-i-wont-resign-says-hodgson-after-england-shocker/

[webfact]

LA's homeless allowed to live in cars, appeals court rules

LOS ANGELES: -- A federal appeals court ruled that a Los Angeles ordinance preventing homeless people from living in cars is unconstitutionally vague and struck down the ban.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736073-las-homeless-allowed-to-live-in-cars-us-appeals-court-rules/

[webfact]

Former Education Minister Chaturon to face third detention period

BANGKOK, 20 June 2014 (NNT) - Chaturon Chaisaeng, a former Education Minister of the Pheu Thai Party, is set to face his third detention period for another 12 days by the court-martial.

The former Pheu Thai head honcho has refused to answer the summons of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) when the military took over the country. For this reason, Mr. Jaturon is subjected to face a two-year prison term and a fine up to 40,000 baht on grounds of defying the Army’s orders.

He is also found guilty of violating Section 116 of the Criminal Code for inciting unrest. The punishment for this offense alone can amount up to seven years in prison.

Mr. Chaturon was earlier granted bail on June 6th during his first detention period. Nonetheless, he is set to face a total of four detention periods lasting for 12 days each by the court-martial.

After his detention period is over, the courts would begin their rulings and other judicial processes on the two charges that Mr. Chaturon is facing.


-- NNT 2014-06-20

[webfact]

Phuket dawn raids net five people
Suthicha Sirirat


Provincial Police Deputy Commander Col Arun Klaewwatee addresses police and marines before the dawn raids.

PHUKET: -- Police backed by marines from the Royal Thai Navy Third Fleet early this morning (June 20) descended on the Parlai community in Chalong in a mass search searching for illegal weapons and drugs.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736075-phuket-dawn-raids-net-five-people/

[webfact]

NCPO transfers Pornthip Rojanasunand, prominent pathologist, back to post as director-general of Central Institute of Forensic Science /MCOT

[webfact]

Military junta returns chief forensic position to Khunying Porntip



BANGKOK: -- The military junta has returned the position of forensic chief to Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan in order to streamline the working of the military and the Justice Ministry in resolving the southern problems.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736099-ncpo-returns-chief-forensic-position-to-khunying-porntip/

[webfact]

Customs to auction seized luxury cars but under question by former finance minister



BANGKOK: -- The Customs Department is to hold auction of seized luxury cars on July 3.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736101-thai-customs-to-auction-seized-luxury-cars-on-july-3/

[webfact]

186 foreign firms set up in Thailand in during first-half of 2014
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 20 -- A total of 186 foreign enterprises with combined investment of about Bt7. 4 billion were allowed to be set up in Thailand during the first six months this year, said Pongpun Gearaviriyapun, director-general of the Business Development Department.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736104-186-foreign-firms-set-up-in-thailand-in-during-first-half-of-2014/

[webfact]

UPDATE:

MISSING NUMBERS
Lottery tickets go missing

BANGKOK: -- A total of 42,800 lottery tickets for the July 1 draw went missing earlier this month while being transported from a post office to the city hall in Ayutthaya province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736023-thai-post-mysteriously-loses-42800-lottery-tickets/#entry7997666

[webfact]

Abhisit say reform council must exclude conflict parties

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said Friday that the reform council must exclude affected parties because it will have to draft new rules.

He said he has not heard about details of the reform council yet. He said anyone in the reform council should have no conflict of interest.

Abhisit said members of the reform panel should be prohibited from holding political positions for a certain period.


-- The Nation 2014-06-20

[webfact]

CAT Telecom board will not resign and will make overseas tour



BANGKOK: -- The board of directors of CAT Telecom Plc will not resign and will carry on with its plan to make a business trip to Japan and the United States.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736117-cat-telecom-board-will-not-resign-and-will-make-a-trip-to-us-japan/

[webfact]

Arms trader arrested at Lat Phrao petrol station; NCPO to rearrange taxi service practice at Mo Chit bus terminal /MCOT

ACM Prajin Juntong said he is still the THAI board chairman at the request of army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha. /Bangkok Post

[webfact]

Thai military court considers case of defiant ex-minister
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 20 -- A Thai military court on Friday extended the detention of ex-Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang, who remains defiant in the face of the military coup.

Mr Chaturon faces two charges including disobeying the order of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) which seized power in the May 22 bloodless coup by not reporting to the NCPO military authorities, which carries a maximum two years imprisonment and a fine of Bt40,000.

Another charge he faces is instigating unrest in the country, which carries a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment.

The authorities could jail him for four times, each round carrying a 12-day imprisonment.

The court approved extending his third detention but did not detain him as the court had earlier granted him bail.

Mr Chaturon was released on bail at Bt400,000 on June 6 on condition that he not leave Thailand unless permission was granted by the court. He must also not attend political gatherings or make any public comments which could create unrest in the country. He was apprehended on May 27. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-06-20

[webfact]

Ranong province faces landslide

RANONG, 20 June 2014 (NNT) – A landslide has occurred down the Petchkasem Road in Ranong province, causing difficulties for commuters.

Continuous rainfall has caused soil in the mountainous area to overflow due to heavy absorption of excess water. The overflow or landslide has brought along branches and tree roots down to the Petchkasem road, clogging the area at the kilometer marker 581 in La-oon District, Ranong province as well as affecting many other road maintenance spots.

According to the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation office director in Ranong province, related agencies have been warned and advised to be prepared as well as to closely follow the situation in case of any emergencies should occur such as flash floods, landslides, and mudslides.

Commuters must travel with caution while damages have already been done to a pickup truck and a house that is under construction.


-- NNT 2014-06-20

[webfact]

Five THAI board members resign



BANGKOK: -- Five members of Thai Airways International's board of directors have resigned to pave the way for the ruling military to reshuffle and restructure the loss-ridden national carrier.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736145-five-thai-board-members-resign/

[webfact]

SET index closed 1,467.29, up 5.38; Bt/USD32.35; GBP55.00; AUD30.25; EUR43.91; CAD29.77; HKD4.16; SGD25.77; JPY31.62

[Lite Beer]

to continue:

Thailand Live Faturday 21 Jun 2014

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736233-thailand-live-saturday-21-june-2014/