RT @Aim_NT: The TIP report said Thailand has corruption in all level. "Corruption is not just in Thailand. We have taken legal actions seriously." SP

UPDATE:

Washington downgrades Thailand over human trafficking

WASHINGTON - The United States accused Thailand on Friday of allowing human trafficking, slavery and gross human rights abuses, downgrading the country's reputation to same level as Syria, Iran and North Korea.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736234-thailand-downgraded-to-be-among-worst-human-trafficking-centres/page-4?p=8000713#entry8000713

Gerry Goffin, writer of song Natural Woman, dies

Songwriter Gerry Goffin, who penned chart-topping songs with his then-wife Carole King, has died at the age of 75 in Los Angeles.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736310-songwriter-gerry-goffin-dies-at-75/

Riverside 3 tourist ship catches fire

Riverside 3 tourist ship catches fireRiverside 3 tourist ship catches fire

BANGKOK: -- A large 900-person cruise ship caught fire while docking at the pier of the Riverside hotel in Chao Phraya river this morning, injuring two perons.
The injured perons are later identified as the chefs of the river cruiser.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736311-riverside-3-tourist-ship-catches-fire/

UPDATE:

Military raid foils opening of large casino in capital

BANGKOK: -- The military and police raid at a huge Baccarat gambling den in Meng Chai area Thursday has foiled its opening and forced the immediate transfer of a local senior police officer for negligence of duty.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736239-chuwits-tip-on-gambling-den-proves-correct/page-2?p=8000845#entry8000845

Thailand to co-chair the 11th ASEAN-China Joint Working Group

BANGKOK, 20 June 2014 (NNT) -- On 24-25 June 2014, Mr. Arthayudh Srisamoot, Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, will co-chair the 11th ASEAN-China Joint Working Group on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (JWG on DOC) meeting, with Mr. He Wei, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Boundaries and Ocean Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China. The meeting will be held in Bali, Indonesia.

The objective of the 11th JWG on DOC is to maintain the momentum of dialogue and consultations between ASEAN Member States and China in promoting effective implementation of practical cooperative projects under the DOC framework and ensuring substantive progress in the discussions of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) as mandated by senior officials at the 7th ASEAN-China SOM on the Implementation of the DOC (SOM on DOC) held in Suzhou last September. The Meeting will exchange views on various issues such as basic principles or commonalities on COC including measures and/or mechanisms that will add value to the DOC to enhance greater trust and confidence among ASEAN Member States and China. In addition, they will also discuss an approach on the development of the COC and consider draft progress report on the implementation of the DOC and the COC process to be submitted for notation at the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) Session with China in August in Nay Pyi Taw.

Thailand attaches great importance to promoting cooperation and building greater trust and confidence among ASEAN Member States and China. In this regard, Thailand is committed to accelerating the work of the JWG on DOC and will host the 12th JWG on DOC back-to-back with the 8th SOM on DOC in October 2014 in Thailand.

-- NNT 2014-06-21

‘One-stop office’ to help migrants at border

POIPET: -- Following an exodus of more than 200,000 Cambodian workers from Thailand in the past two weeks, the junta has urged Cambodia to expedite planned border offices that will facilitate legal labour migration.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736314-one-stop-office-to-help-migrants-at-border/

RT @PravitR: Thai junta deputy spokesperson said redshirt Krirsada 'kept' without trial since May 28 so she can "concentrate". #Thailand ht wasana

Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs upset that US downgrades Thailand in its Trafficking in Persons report /MCOT

Yingluck makes merit for birthday anniversary today

BANGKOK: -- Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and son performed a religious merit-making ceremony at a temple in Bangkok to mark her 47th birthday anniversary Saturday morning.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736322-yingluck-makes-merit-for-birthday-anniversary-today/

Thai Women Scammed For 3 Million Baht By German 'Lover'

By Khaosod Eng.

BANGKOK — A German man has swindled over 3 million baht from Thai women who he fooled into marrying him and ordering non-existent iPhones from Germany, police say.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736325-thai-women-scammed-for-3-million-baht-by-german-lover/

Phuket Brit in amazing escape from spectacular crash
Eakkapop Thongtub

Mr Pritchard awaits transport to hospital.

PHUKET: A British expat survived a spectacular crash early this morning when his smashed his car heading towards Phuket Town at high speed into a power pole just south of the Heroines Monument.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736328-phuket-brit-in-amazing-escape-from-spectacular-crash/

UPDATE:

Porntip vows to devote to work

BANGKOK: -- Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan said she would devote to work for the country until her term expires.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736242-junta-brings-back-pornthip-as-director-of-cifs/page-2#entry8001213

26 provinces remain drought-affected areas

BANGKOK, 21 June 2014 (NNT) –The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has reported that 26 provinces, 177 districts, 1,134 subdistricts and 11,496 villages remain drought-affected area. The 26 provinces include Sukhothai, Phrae, Tak, Nan, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Lamphun, Chiang Rai, Phetchabun, Si Sa Ket, Chaiyaphum Maha Sarakham, Kalasin, Surin, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nong Khai, Amnat Charoen, Udon Thani, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Sa Kaeo, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Songkhla.

Major reservoirs across the country now hold a total of 33,697 million cubic meters of water, 48% of their total capacity. Of that, 22% is available for distribution. Meanwhile the amount of water flowing into the reservoirs is 57.75 million cubic meters but the amount of water required for distribution is 117.94 million cubic meters.

There are 10 major reservoirs which hold 30% or less of their total capacity including Mae Kuang Udom Thara Dam, Kwai Noi Bamrung Dan Dam, Huai Luang Dam, Nam Phung Dam, Lam Pao Dam, Lam Phra Plerng Dam, Pasak Chollasit Dam, Khlong Si Yad Dam and Tab Salao Dam and Khun Dan Prakarn Chol with only 6% of its remaining water available for distribution.

-- NNT 2014-06-21

Poll shows junta’s rice farmer payment outstanding performance

BANGKOK: -- Dusit Poll says the military junta's policy on payment to rice farmers received the highest vote as most favourite performance from the people it surveyed.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736332-poll-shows-juntas-rice-farmer-payment-outstanding-performance/

Tourists warned of currents at famous Chao Lao and Lam Sadej beaches

CHANTABURI, 21 June 2014 (NNT) – Strong currents and large waves are reported at Chantaburi’s popular Chao Lao and Lam Sadej beaches while local entrepreneurs put up “No Swimming” warning signs for tourists. As a result, fewer visitors traveled to the beaches.

According to the Chantaburi Provincial Meteorological Office, there's a 60 percent chance of thunderstorms and 2-3 meter waves are expected in the eastern region accompanying the southwest monsoon. Some areas of Chantaburi and Trat will face torrential rains. The monsoon is forecast to become stronger from June 22-25, so people, especially fishermen should be properly prepared during this period. Small boats should stay in port while the strong winds and waves dominate the waters.

-- NNT 2014-06-21

Mega projects to be considered in early fiscal 2015
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, June 21 -- The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) plans to consider implementing mega-transportation projects in early 2015 fiscal year, starting this October 1, in order to boost the investment atmosphere in Thailand, said army chief and NCPO leader Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736343-mega-projects-to-be-considered-in-early-fiscal-2015/

NCPO urges state enterprises to work with transparency
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, June 21 -- Representatives of 56 state enterprises on Saturday attended a meeting with the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and were told that their board members must be efficient while their offices must be equipped with transparency and accountability, said an NCPO spokesman.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736344-ncpo-urges-state-enterprises-to-work-with-transparency/

Gas explosion rips through river cruise boat in Bangkok

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736350-gas-explosion-rips-through-river-cruise-boat-in-bangkok/

To continue:

Thailand Live Sunday 22 Jun 2014

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736456-thailand-live-sunday-22-june-2014/