Thailand Live Monday 23 Jun 2014

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More Cambodian workers expected to return to Thailand
By Digital Content



SA KAEO, June 23 -- More Cambodian workers are expected to return to work in Thailand after the Cambodian government sharply reduced passport feee to US$4 from between US$135-250, according to a senior immigration police officer.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736734-more-cambodian-workers-expected-to-return-to-thailand/

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Police seek extradition of lese majeste suspect in Britain
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 23 -- Thailand's police are cooperating with the Foreign Affairs Ministry in requesting the British government to extradite a Thai national lese majeste suspect to face trial in Thailand, deputy national police chief Pol Gen Aek Angsananont said today.

Gen Ake and other concerned officials met to discuss progress on bringing Chatwadee Amornpat, aka Rose, to stand trial in Thailand on charges of lese majeste.

The Criminal Court on June 16 issued a warrant for her arrest.

Police are cooperating with the Foreign Affairs Ministry in revoking her Thai passport after learning that she has applied for British citizenship, Gen Ake said.

Pol Maj Gen Pisit Pao-in, an advisor to the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, said that the British government must extradite Ms Chatwadee to Thailand if her passport is revoked.

However, if she is allowed to change her citizenship, then it is the duty of the Office of the Attorney General to request the British government to extradite her, said Gen Pisit.

Meanwhile, regarding significant cases such as using military weapons against anti-government protesters from late last year until last month, causing many casualties, Gen Ake said progress has been made.

Warrants for the arrest of a bomber who attacked protesters loyal to the People’s Democratic Reform Committee at Bangkok’s Victory Monument and for those who attacked Ramkhamhaeng University students have been issued. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-06-23

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Top Malaysian court dismisses divisive 'Allah' case

Putrajaya (Malaysia) (AFP) - Malaysia's highest court on Monday dismissed a bid by Christians for the right to use the word "Allah", ending a years-long legal battle that has caused religious tensions in the Muslim-majority country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736739-top-malaysian-court-dismisses-divisive-allah-case/

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,472.58, gains 5.29 points /MCOT

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Two wounded in bomb ambush of army rangers near school in Pattani's Yaring district /MCOT

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Egypt: Al-Jazeera journalists await trial verdict

(BBC) A court in Egypt will deliver verdicts in the case of three al-Jazeera journalists jailed since December.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736766-egypt-al-jazeera-journalists-await-trial-verdict/

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Appeal for Phuket sightings of missing 'tug-of-love' girls
The Phuket News


The two girls, Alina and Annie.

PHUKET: -- The aunt of two young girls caught in a “tug of love” between their British father and Thai mother has appealed for anyone seeing the two girls to get in touch with her or with the Thai police.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736775-appeal-for-phuket-sightings-of-missing-tug-of-love-girls/

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Interim charter almost done

BANGKOK: -- The drafting of the interim constitution has been almost done and the junta has ordered an amendment to free the next charter from public referendum requirement, Isara News Agency reported.

The agency quoted a source from the National Council for Peace and Order as saying that the Wissanu Krea-Ngam, a legal advisor of the NCPO, has submitted a draft of the interim charter for the junta to consider.

The draft interim charter would require the new constitution to be drafted by a constitution drafting assembly to be approved by a national referendum but the junta told Wissanu to delete the clause, the Isara News agency said.


-- The Nation 2014-06-23

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600 football gambling related websites closed

BANGKOK, 23 June 2014 (NNT) - The Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police says more than 600 football gambling related websites have been closed, insisting that authorities will continue to tackle the problem even after the World Cup is over.

Police General Ake Angsananon said before attending the weekly follow up meeting with officials responsible for the prevention of football gambling, that over 600 websites were ordered to close as they were related to gambling on the 2014 World Cup while the persons behind these websites will be investigated and placed on a blacklist for further monitoring.

He added that officials will continue the suppression of football gambling on both domestic and international leagues even after the World Cup ends.

The Anti Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has also suggested that officials coordinate with banks to check and where necessary seize bank accounts used for gambling purposes. In addition, officials nationwide have been ordered to further investigate gambling operators to identify the major ones.

-- NNT 2014-06-23

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Labour Ministry delivers migrant worker solution to recruitment agencies

BANGKOK, 22 June 2014 (NNT) -The Secretary General of the Labor Ministry said that the ministry has met with licensed private recruitment agencies to explain its solution to the migrant worker problem issued by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and Department of Employment at the Ministry of Labour office.

Employers and relevant sectors are asked to treat the migrant workers with justice and fairness as well as to give them a discount on fees or service charges. If any officials are witnessed taking advantage of the workers, the authorities at the Department of Employment should be informed directly so that disciplinary action can be taken. In addition, it is necessary that the accusation by the USA that Thailand is involved in human trafficking and labor exploitation be expunged.

Moreover, the Cambodian workers who earlier fled to their homeland, have gradually returned to Thailand after gaining confidence in Thailand's labor management strategies. The Ministry of Labor operates in accordance with the policy of the NCPO.


-- NNT 2014-06-23

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Iraq crisis: ISIS rebels hunting for wives in Baiji

IRAQ: -- AS the Sunni terror spreads, ISIS militants are on a mission of a different kind that is as equally terrifying — the hunt for wives.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736785-isis-rebels-hunting-for-wives-iraq-crisis/

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Three meth dealers busted in Phuket weekend blitz
Eakkapop Thongtub


From left, Weeradun, Yutthapom and Seukri.

PHUKET: -- Three men were arrested last night on drug dealing charges. Police seized 819 methamphetamine (ya bah) pills and 10.25 grams of crystal methamphetamine (ya ice).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736806-three-meth-dealers-busted-in-phuket-weekend-blitz/

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Military Court approves arrest warrants for 28 including Jakrapob, approves detention of red shirt activist Sombat Boonngarmanong for 2nd 12 day period /MCOT

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ONCB seizes assets linked to drug dealing cases in the North

CHIANG MAI, 23 June 2014 (NNT) – The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) have seized several assets linked to drug-dealing cases over the course of 8 months in the North, accounting for a total of 1,404 items worth 565 million baht.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736810-thai-oncb-seizes-assets-linked-to-drug-dealing-cases-in-the-north/

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UPDATE:

Tourist arrivals rise after curfew lift

BANGKOK: -- The Department of Tourism now forecasts tourist arrivals will rise over 26 million people and tourism revenue to jump to 1.9 trillion baht revenue this year after the military junta has lifted nationwide curfew on June 13.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736679-tourism-significantly-recovers-after-curfew-lifted/page-2?p=8008910#entry8008910

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UPDATE:

LABOUR
Junta sets out to solve illegal labour problems

BANGKOK: -- The junta's National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has a clear policy on labour and illegal migrant workers in Thailand and is determined to solve the problems associated with these, its deputy spokesman Winthai Suvari said on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736732-ncpo-determines-to-resolve-labour-problems/#entry8008924

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More moto taxi stands display fare boards
By Coconuts Bangkok


Price boards such as this one at a motorcycle taxi stand in the Sathon area appeared over the weekend. Photo: Coconuts Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- Crackdowns come and crackdowns go, but motorcylce taxi operators around Bangkok seem to be taking this one more seriously.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736815-more-bangkok-motorcycle-taxi-stands-display-fare-boards/

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Boy’s Cookie Run 'hack' fails, mom billed for THB200,000
By Coconuts Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- Amporn Chumcheundee’s was a little surprised by her regular phone bill when it arrived last Tuesday. Instead of a few hundred baht, AIS sent the 48-year-old farmer from Suphan Buri province a three page bill totaling THB203,477.06.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736820-boys-cookie-run-hack-fails-mom-billed-for-thb200000/

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Thai transport projects proceed
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 23 -- The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) discussed transport projects with the Ministry of Transport to be funded with the 2015 budget.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736822-thai-transport-projects-proceed/

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Thai police, army prepare for protests
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 23 -- The Royal Thai Police have been preparing to deal with protests against the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) said to take place tomorrow.

Royal Thai Police deputy commissioner Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmoung told the press about the planned protests against the NCPO at Rajadamnoen Avenue and near Wat Phra Sri Mahathat in Bang Khen district.

The rallies marked the passage of one month since the military junta assumed power, but the police and the army had already prepared for the situation.

Gen Somyot gave assurances that both the police and army would be ready around the clock and that both agencies believe that there would not be any violence.

Moreover, Gen Somyot said the Royal Thai Police would also be giving rewards of Bt500 for each picture captured of suspects illegally expressing their political stances. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-06-23

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Staff suspended after flight flies to wrong airport in Vietnam

Hanoi - The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam suspended four flight dispatchers and the crew of a low-cost flight which landed at the wrong airport, local media reported Monday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736824-staff-suspended-after-flight-flies-to-wrong-airport-in-vietnam/

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Women warned of overseas work risks

Prachuap Khiri Khan,23 June 2014 (NNT)The Prachuap Khiri Khan Employment Office has warned Thai women of human trafficking by illegal recruiters as they have induced many Thai women to accept massage jobs in South Korea.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736826-thai-women-warned-of-overseas-work-risks-prachuap-khiri-khan/

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Honda recalls 2 mn vehicles worldwide for airbag defect

TOKYO - Japan's Honda Motor on Monday recalled more than two million vehicles worldwide over an airbag defect that could pose a fire risk.

Honda said the recall covers about 2,033,000 vehicles which were produced between August 2000 and December 2005.

-- The Nation 2014-06-23

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Junta denies its chief having hold private talks with Suthep

BANGKOK: -- Junta chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha has never held private or secret talks with Suthep Thaugsuban, secretary general of the People's Democratic Reform Committee, junta deputy spokesman Col Winthai Suvari said Monday.

Winthai said it was not true as reported that Suthep and Prayuth had earlier communicated secretly.

Winthai said Prayuth was only assigned by the Yingluck Shinawatra government before the coup to carry out his duty as the head of a security agency to inform all groups to find a way to hold talks.

Winthai said efforts had never become successful.

-- The Nation 2014-06-23

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Junta sets out to solve labour problems

BANGKOK; -- The junta's National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has a clear policy on labour and illegal migrant workers in Thailand and is determined to solve the problems associated with these, its deputy spokesman Winthai Suvari said on Monday.

The committee formed to draft guidelines opn illegal workers has already started work and will look into the legislation to ensure offenders are punished in line with the law.

-- The Nation 2014-06-23

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AMLO reveals 203 bank accounts linked to foreign-run call centre frauds



BANGKOK: -- The Anti Money Laundering Office (AMLO) revealed Monday 203 bank accounts which were hired by Chinese and Taiwanese call centre gangs to open for money transactions and warned account owners to close their accounts immediately or else they could face arrest on conspiracy charge.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736839-amlo-reveals-203-bank-accounts-linked-to-foreign-run-call-centre-frauds/

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Woman involved in loansharking activities busted by Udon Thani police

UDON THANI, 23 June 2014 (NNT) - Police in Udon Thani province have arrested a middle-aged woman who runs an illegal automobile pawn shop that charges unusually high interest rates.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736841-woman-involved-in-loansharking-activities-busted-by-udon-thani-police/

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Southern beauty crowned Miss Thailand World 2014
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Nonthawan “Maeya” Thongleng, a 22-year-old model from Surat Thani was crowned this year's Miss Thailand World on Saturday night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736844-southern-beauty-crowned-miss-thailand-world-2014/

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Crime Suppression Division will request the court to revoke an arrest warrant of Khanchai Boonparn of Matichon Group who is sick and unable to report to NCPO. /Bangkok Post

China's manufacturing activity index this month at 50.8; first expansion this yr, highest since Nov. 2014 identical figure /The Nation

Labour committee set guidelines to tackle labour issues; laws against offenders will be enforced, NCPO spokesman said /The Nation

Kasikorn Research Ctr revised up its forecast for 2014 Thai GDP to 2.3 pct due to easing political situation /The Nation

NCPO sets up special economic zone committee to promote trade, investment and centre to prepare for AEC 2015 /The Nation

Military Court approves arrest warrants for 28,including Jakrapob;approves detention of red shirt activist,Sombat Boonngarmanong for 2nd 12 day period /The Nation

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Military junta gets ready for AEC launch



BANGKOK: -- The military junta on Monday sets up a 38-member committee to get the country ready for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) launch in 2015.

Under Order No 71 issued today by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), Gen Tanasak Patimapagorn, the supreme commander and deputy NCPO chief in charge of security affairs, will head the committee.

The military junta said in its order that the committee will work to prepare Thailand’s readiness in three areas, political and security; economic; and social and cultural communities.

This is to ensure that Thailand will get ready for the AEC launch at end of 2015 with efficiency, unity, and integration of all sectors.

Members of the committee include permanent secretaries of finance, foreign affairs, justice, tourism, and interior ministries, representatives of all armed forces commanders and secretaries-general of the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board, National Security Council, Civil Service Commission and Office of the Narcotics Control Board.

The committee is responsible for formulating policies, strategies, guidelines and Thailand’s stance toward joining the AEC.

It is also entrusted with proposing amendments to laws and regulations to facilitate the preparations and is empowered to set up sub-committees and working groups as necessary to help its operations.


-- Thai PBS 2014-06-23