Thailand Live Tuesday 24 Jun 2014

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Pattaya Cyclists Raise Money For Turtles Hospital

SATTAHIP – June 22, 2014 [PDN]; Dr. Weerawat Kharkhai (Deputy Mayor of Pattaya city), Vice Admiral Weeeraphan Sukkon

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737028-pattaya-cyclists-raise-money-for-turtles-hospital/

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Weapons Found At Mini bus Stop In Sattahip

SATTAHIP – June 23, 2014 [PDN];-at 06.00 am. Pol.Capt.Nonsamat Bosuwan-investigation inspector of Satthip police station- was notified that some weapons had been found

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737025-sub-machine-gun-and-bullets-found-at-mini-bus-stop-in-sattahip/

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UPDATE:

NBTC orders capping of users' credit after 200,000 baht Cookie Run bill shocks parent



BANGKOK, 24 June 2014 (NNT) – The National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) has ordered all mobile phone service providers to put a cap on all users' allowed credit, after the parent of a boy received a 200,000 baht bill incurred from purchases in the game 'Cookie Run'.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736966-cellphone-operator-ais-waives-200000-baht-cookie-run-bill/page-2#entry8012660

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Feature:
Behind bars: Thai women pay high price for drugs
by Delphine THOUVENOT, Apilaporn VECHAKIJ

AYUTTHAYA, June 24, 2014 (AFP) - Lured by easy money, an escape from poverty or family pressure, thousands of women are locked up for drug offences in Thailand, which has one of the world's highest rates of female imprisonment.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737037-behind-bars-thai-women-pay-high-price-for-drugs/

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Phuket police plan second wave of mass taxi-related arrests
Tanyaluk Sakoot


Pol Maj Gen Paween Pongsirin, Commander of the General Staff Division.

PHUKET: -- Following the mass arrests of taxi drivers on June 4 that netted 110 people , including the Mayor of Karon, Tawee Thongcham, the police, backed by the Army, are preparing a second, similar, drive tomorrow (June 25).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737038-phuket-police-plan-second-wave-of-mass-taxi-related-arrests/

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Dane faces death penalty in Indonesia for alleged drug trafficking



JAKARTA: -- A Danish man faces the death penalty in Indonesia after being arrested for attempting to smuggle 1.48 kilos of methamphetamines into the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737043-dane-faces-death-penalty-in-indonesia-for-alleged-drug-trafficking/

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Monsoon season hits the south

CHUMPHON, 24 June 2014 (NNT) - Several provinces in the southern region are facing a rather strong southwest monsoon currently ravaging both sides of Thailand’s southern coasts.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737044-monsoon-season-hits-the-south/

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Thailand plays host to 6th AMCDRR, pushing for reduction of risks from natural disasters



BANGKOK, 24 June 2014 (NNT) - Thailand has welcomed high-profile governmental and ministerial-level delegations as well as representatives from intergovernmental and international organizations from 63 countries in the Asia-Pacific region to the Sixth Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (6th AMCDRR).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737047-thailand-plays-host-to-6th-amcdrr-pushing-for-reduction-of-risks-from-natural-disasters/

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AFTER COUP
Chula academic calls for enforcement of traffic laws


File photo : Chaiyan

BANGKOK: -- Chulalongkorn University's political scientist Chaiyan Chaiyaporn on Tuesday called on the junta to ensure traffic laws are strictly enforced to show single standard is being applied.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737048-chula-academic-calls-for-enforcement-of-thai-traffic-laws/

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Downgrade only a short-term impact



BANGKOK: -- The US downgrade of Thailand to the lowest level or Tier 3 in the "Trafficking in Persons" (TIP) report will have only a short-term impact as the country is now striving to clarify the world communities on the issue, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737051-us-downgrade-only-a-short-term-impact-fti/

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Thai Foreign Ministry calls on EU Ambassador for talks
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 24 -- Thailand's Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow called on the head of the European Union (EU) delegation to Thailand, Ambassador Jesus Miguel Sanz, for talks after the EU resolved to review cooperation with Thailand.

The EU foreign ministers' meeting on Monday in Luxembourg decided to halt all official visits to the kingdom and delay signing of cooperation agreements with Thailand.

The talks will focus on why the EU has decided to suspend all ties with Thailand, during which the Thai foreign affairs permanent secretary will also express Thailand's stance on the matter, as well as to clarify the current political situation.

The senior foreign affairs official will give a press briefing about the talks later.

The EU foreign ministers decided Monday to suspend all official visits to Thailand, as well as to postpone the signings of standing partnership and cooperation accords with the nation, as it calls on the military junta to quickly set up a new government in line with democratic rule. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-06-24

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UPDATE:

Chumporn braces for floods and more storms

CHUMPORN, 24 June 2014 (NNT) - Authorities in Chumporn are on high alert this week as heavy rains could trigger flash floods and landslides in Muang district.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737044-monsoon-season-hits-the-south/#entry8013066

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CRIME
Weapons, hoodies dumped in Nonthaburi

BANGKOK: -- Police yesterday found a cache of weapons under a bridge in Nonthaburi's Bang Kruai district as the grace period for surrendering weapons draws to an end.

Police seized a black trash bag containing 22 bullets, nine iron plates, and a number of xray films that had been dumped at the foot of a bridge to Wat Pikul.

Six hoodies, eight spikes and four lines of black ropes were also found in the area. It was suspected that the perpetrators dumped these weapons of war fearing pressure from the NCPO.

Police will process the evidence for fingerprints. The grace period, which allows those in possession of war weapons to return their arms without facing jail time, ends on Thursday.


-- The Nation 2014-06-24

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RI may overtake Thailand in auto market
The Jakarta Post

JAKARTA: -- Indonesia will potentially overtake Thailand as the biggest car market in Southeast Asia this year as the country sees steady growth in its automobile market, defying a flat sales estimation, according to research firm Frost&Sullivan.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737070-indonesia-may-overtake-thailand-in-auto-market/

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Poll supports vote buyers be banned from running in election for life



BANGKOK: -- NIDA poll revealed that the majority of people agreed to ban vote buying politicians from running in elections for life.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737073-thai-poll-supports-vote-buyers-be-banned-from-running-in-election-for-life/

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RT @191Thailand: Two storey Chiang Mai-Nakhon Phanom coach crashed in Bualamphu. Ten seriously injured including 4 foreignerspic.twitter.com/G0LuM4mWMr

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Flash flooding, landslides a hazard in southern parks
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- National parks in Ranong province have issued warnings to tourists visiting waterfalls in the area to take extra care following predictions of more flash flooding and possible landslides.

Ngao Waterfall National Park’s chief Lt Rittikorn Noonloi said that Ranong authorities had given a warning of heavy rain, flash flood, landslides and strong wind in the area.

The eight national parks, which are spread over the provinces of Ranong and Chumphon, have been instructed to issue warnings to tourists visiting waterfalls.

Officials will be on hand to help tourists in case of emergency, Rittikorn said.

-- The Nation 2014-06-24

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UPDATE:

Asian ministers' meeting on disaster risk reduction kicks off in Bangkok
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 24 -- The 6th Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) officially kicked off in Bangkok on Tuesday, with a main aim to generate stronger political commitment and investment by Asian countries for disaster risk management and sustainable development.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737047-thailand-plays-host-to-6th-amcdrr-pushing-for-reduction-of-risks-from-natural-disasters/#entry8013367

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Eqypt under pressure to pardon jailed journos

CAIRO - Egypt was under mounting pressure on Tuesday to pardon three Al-Jazeera journalists, including Australia's award-winning Peter Greste, jailed in a ruling that sparked global outrage and fears of a growing media crackdown.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737081-eqypt-under-pressure-to-pardon-jailed-al-jazeera-journalists/

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Tak police parade condemns human trafficking and illegal migrant labor coercion

TAK, 24 June 2014 (NNT) -The Tak Social Development and Human Security Office has called a parade to condemn human trafficking and illegal migrant labor exploitation in Mae Sod district.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737113-tak-police-parade-condemns-human-trafficking-and-illegal-migrant-labor-coercion/

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Army Bans Political Satire From Buddhist Lent Candles

By Khaosod English



NAKHON RATCHASIMA - This year's annual giant candles parade in Korat will lack the usual touch of humour due to the Thai army's order that no political satire can appear on the candles.

The parade of giant candles marks the beginning of the three-month Buddhist Lent (Kao Pansa), when monks are required to stay overnight at their temples throughout the entire rainy season.

In previous years, the parade's magnificently crafted candles did not only feature Buddha and mythical beasts in Buddhist cosmology but also political figures to raise laughter from the crowds of worshipers and tourists.

However, artisans interviewed by Khaosod say that there will be no reference to politics for this year's celebration following instruction from the 2nd Region Army, which is stationed in the province.

According to the candle artists, the soldiers told them that the ban on political satire is necessary to maintain the atmosphere of "reconciliation" and avoid any further conflict in the society.

The ban is the latest attempt by the military junta's National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to "decolourise" the political situation in Thailand and stifle any display of political expression in the wake of the military coup on 22 May.

Instead of the traditional tongue-in-cheek reference to politics, the main feature of the Buddhist Lent candle parade for this year would involve Lord Buddha and His Majesty the King, artists say.

The event is scheduled to take place on 12 July along the seven-kilometre stretch of road in Nakhon Ratchasima's town centre.

A panel of judges would pick the most beautiful candle in the parade, and the winning team of artists would receive a special award from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Some of the political figures featured in last year's giant candle parade include then-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, and Democrat Party's Deputy Chairman Suthep Thaugsuban.

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1403592413


-- Khaosod English 2014-06-24

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PRD organizes Thai TV Forum on the 59th anniversary of Thai TV broadcasting

BANGKOK, 24 June 2014 (NNT) - The Public Relations Department recently organized, Thai Television: From Analogue to Digital Terrestrial Television Forum, in celebration of the 59th anniversary of television broadcasting in Thailand, on June 24, 2014. The PRD promised to be the medium to provide information to the public to promote the use of digital television nationwide.

Mr. Prawin Pattanapong, the PRD Deputy Director-General, presided over the opening ceremony of the Thai Television Forum. The Technical Development Office under the PRD in collaboration with the Jumnong Rangsikul Foundation held the forum to celebrate the 59th anniversary of Thai television broadcasting and to provide an opportunity for the public to learn about the history and development of Thai television from the analogue terrestrial system to the digital terrestrial system used at present. The forum was attended by representatives of television stations, the press, professional associates, educational institutions, government officials and former PRD officials at the PRD meeting hall.

Mr. Prawin added that Thai television broadcasting has developed in terms of content, form and systems as well as expanding its service to cover all regions of the country, to provide complete access to news and entertainment for every citizen nationwide. Moreover, the PRD has been providing information about the digital television system to the public. At the forum, several actors, actresses and producers were invited as speakers to share work experiences and ideas of how to adjust television content and style to suit the modern digital era.

-- NNT 2014-06-24

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Singapore tourism hit by MH370 mystery, Thai crisis

SINGAPORE, June 24, 2014 (AFP) - Singapore is mounting a drive in China to market itself as a standalone tourism destination, officials said Tuesday, after a drop in Chinese arrivals to neighbouring countries affected the city-state.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737117-singapore-tourism-hit-by-mh370-mystery-thai-crisis/

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Final farmer in Chacheongsao receives money from BAAC

CHACHEONGSAO, 24 June 2014 (NNT) –Representatives of the Military and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) today paid money to the last farmer in Chacheongsao who was registered in the rice pledging scheme for the 2013-2014 crop season.

The 11th Infantry Division Commander, BAAC Eastern Region Director and BAAC Chacheongsao branch manager paid an amount of about 200,000 baht to Suthi Chatreechaisit, a farmer from Bangkla district. He revealed that he would use this amount for debt repayment.

The BAAC Bangkhla branch, had registered 1,481 farmers who pledged 21,305.396 tonnes of paddy, which accounted for 315,319,862 baht.


-- NNT 2014-06-24

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POLICE RAID
Weapons seized, one arrested in Bangkok Noi

BANGKOK: -- Police on Tuesday raided a house in Bangkok Noi district and seized a rifle and ammunition.

Police detained Nuttapon Punsuwan, 23, a messenger with Thanachart Bank's Lumpini branch, who lives on the third floor.

The search revealed an M16 rifle and 110 bullets as well as a BB gun.

Nuttaphon told police that the house belongs to a cousin and said the weapons belonged to two male friends. He added that the friends had said that they would pick up the weapons on Tuesday.

Police said they were charging Nuttapon with possession of weapons without a permit.


-- The Nation 2014-06-24

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10,000 rai of restricted forest being revived

SURIN, 24 June 2014 (NNT)-The Surin Provincial Office for Natural Resources and the Environment is beginning to restore restricted rain forest in Tha Tum District, Surin in Thailand's north east, after the forest reserve was found to have been desolated.

Mr. Niran Surasawadi, an officer of the Surin Provincial Office for Natural Resources and the Environment, revealed that the office had joined forces with the police, the military and other authorities as well as related agencies, to visit and survey the forest of which a total 10,000 rai of forest has been violated, to expel intruders and prevent further forest encroachment.

The office will investigate the number of people who were allowed to live in the area before June 30th, 1998 under the government attenuation policy, while intruders who have entered the forest after that date will be ordered out, so that the forest reserve can be restored.

The office also asked for co-operation from the public to inform them of any suspected deforestation gangs. The authority will take firm legal action against such gangs without clemency.

-- NNT 2014-06-24

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UPDATE:

Thaksin’s aide gets six years in jail



BANGKOK: -- The Samut Prakarn provincial court today sentenced Apichat Chansakunporn, alias Sia Pieng, managing director of President Agri Co Ltd, and a close aide to ex- Premier Thaksin Shinawatra, to six years in prison after finding him guilty of embezzlement of 20,000 tons of broken rice, and breaching government rice contract.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737022-rice-fraud-verdict-on-thaksins-aide-dues-today/page-2#entry8014061

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26th Suspect of 'Khon Kaen Model' Terror Group Arrested

By Khaood English

KHON KAEN - The police claim they have arrested another member of the clandestine group who allegedly planned to stage terror attacks to voice their opposition against the military regime.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737145-26th-suspect-of-khon-kaen-model-terror-group-arrested/

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Thailand urges EU to review its decision on punitive measures
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 24 -- The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs wants the European Union (EU) to review its moves against Thailand, even as an EU representative says that the pressures will not affect the pending free trade agreement between the EU and Thailand.

Late this morning acting Thai foreign minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow held a press conference after meeting EU ambassador to Thailand Jesus Miguel Sanz.

The meeting concerned the EU's condemnation of the May 22 military takeover in Thailand and pressures for the restoration of democracy.

Mr Sihasak said that he expressed disappointment with the EU's suspension of its senior officials visits to Thailand and delay of the signing of the cooperation agreement with the country.

The EU paid no attention to improving situations in Thailand and its move to restore democracy, he said.

Thailand disagreed with the EU's unilateral response and he said Thailand is trying to have discussions to create understanding.

The EU should understand the situation in Thailand, he said.

Regarding the EU's postponement of signing its Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with Thailand, Mr Sihasak said the EU should consider mutual interest and international relations.

Ambassador Jesus Miguel Sanz said the EU's reactions were not a boycott and its trade, investment and tourism relations as well as free trade negotiations with Thailand would continue as usual.

The EU still recognized Thailand's significance and important role in ASEAN and the matter would not affect the ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting next month, he said. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-06-24

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Shell, Caltex cut diesel price to Bt29.85, effective tomorrow; Boonsom Lerthiranwong resigns as State Railway of Thailand board chairman /MCOT