Thailand Live Thursday 26 Jun 2014

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Labour Ministry seeks to regain confidence from abroad by improving alien workers registration



BANGKOK, 26 June 2014 (NNT) – The Ministry of Labour is looking to put in place a more thorough alien workers registration system, to regain confidence from the international community following the United States' relegation of Thailand to Tier 3 on its human trafficking watch list.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737679-labour-ministry-seeks-to-regain-confidence-from-abroad-by-improving-alien-workers-registration/

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More case of exorbitant charges from mobile phone games reported in the South

PHANG-NGA, 26 June 2014 (NNT) - Several complaints of exorbitant charges from mobile phone games are made in the southern region. One particular bill in Phang-Nga is as high as 116,000 baht.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737682-more-case-of-exorbitant-charges-from-mobile-phone-games-reported-in-the-south/

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International organizations urge governments to establish stronger laws on disaster risk reduction

BANGKOK, 26 June 2014 (NNT) - International organizations have called for Asian countries to establish and enforce stronger laws that protect at-risk communities from threats posed by natural disasters.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737686-international-organizations-urge-governments-to-establish-stronger-laws-on-disaster-risk-reduction/

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A 50-million baht subsidy granted to assist orchard growers in the East

BANGKOK, 26 June 2014 (NNT) - The Comptroller’s General Department (CGD) has approved a 50 million baht budget to help orchard growers in eastern provinces who are facing huge losses due to overproduction of fruits.

Director-General Manas Chaemveha revealed that the eastern fruit market is being affected by an oversupply of fruits, especially mangosteen and rambutan which all come out at the same time in June.

Fruit prices have fallen dramatically as a result of low demand and high supply. Therefore, the CGD has come up with certain measures to tackle the problem by allocating 50.93 billion baht from the Central Fund to assist orchard growers.

The measures include distribution of fruits to different markets and to encouraging fruit processing to create more choices of products for customers and added value to the fruits. The relief measures have already begun on June 21st, 2014 and will last until December 31st, 2015.


-- NNT 2014-06-26

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NCPO spokesman admits Council plans committee to monitor news reports, but does not plan to limit press freedom /MCOT

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Yossawadee resort home seized



LOEI: -- A combined force of soldiers, police, forestry and local government officials yesterday raided the 700-rai resort inside Phu Rue forest reserve in Loei province in the bid to seize it on charge of encroachment and illegal occupation of state property.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737696-loei-yossawadee-resort-home-seized/

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FDA to incinerate drugs on International Day against Drugs

BANGKOK, 26 June 2014 (NNT) – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is set to incinerate narcotics worth at least 8.8 billion baht to mark the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737699-thai-fda-to-incinerate-drugs-on-international-day-against-drugs/

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PR Reconciliation center set up in Chiang Rai

CHIANG RAI, 26 June 2014 (NNT) - A Public Relations Center for reconciliation has been set up in the Northern province of Chiang Rai to promote happiness and peace to the people in line with the policy of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

The NCPO has earlier resolved to set up reconciliation centres throughout the country. So far provinces including Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen and Bangkok have established the center in accordance with the policy.

The centres would be forums for people to exchange views and receive information from the military. This would help avoid misunderstandings and false information spreading among the people bent on stirring up more conflict.

Executives of the Public Relations Department traveled to the province to attend the opening ceremony this week. PRD Director-General Apinant Chantharangsi said the headquarters for Public Relations Center for reconciliation is in Bangkok and more regional centers are being set up nationwide to restore unity in the kingdom.

The PRD Director-General added that the ultimate goal is to iron out political differences and enhance national harmony as unity is the key to bringing the country back on the right track.


-- NNT 2014-06-26

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Several provinces in the South hit by storms

CHUMPHON, 26 June 2014 (NNT) - Several southern provinces have been hit hard by heavy rains. In Chumphon, roads were heavily damaged by rain-triggered run-offs.

The enormous water volume has wrecked the Tha Sae District’s reservoir, causing run-offs to destroy a road in Rubroe Sub-district. The flood has cut off villagers from the outside world, preventing them from delivering agricultural produce and students from going to schools.

Initially, the locals have built rafts as temporary means of transportation to the outside world.

Furthermore the storms have inundated houses and para rubber plantations in La-mae District, prompting the provincial military unit to dispatch officials to help repair the affected houses.

People living on the Prapas Beach in Ranong Province, and Khao Lak Beach in Takua Pa District of Phang-Nga reported that high waves from the Andaman Sea had severely damaged food stalls and shops along the beaches.


-- NNT 2014-06-26

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Deputy Permanent Secretary for Interior Panadda says no dissolution for sub-district headmen, village headmen /MCOT

Gen Prayuth resigns as TMB bank board member, effective today /MCOT

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UPDATE:

Chinese envoy confident NCPO will improve Thai-Chinese economic ties

By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 26 -- The Chinese ambassador to Thailand has voiced his confidence that the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) will improve Thailand's economic relations with Beijing.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737606-china-praises-ncpo-even-as-us-cuts-military-aid/page-3?p=8022302#entry8022302

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Gen Prayuth resigns from TMB Board

BANGKOK: -- Junta chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha has resigned from his post from executive board of TMB Bank Plc, according to a filing to the Stock Exchange of Thailand today.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Gen-Prayuth-resigns-from-TMB-Board-30237140.html


-- The Nation 2014-06-26

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1st Thai privately-owned budget airline, VietJet Air to launch commercial flights service this Sept /The Nation

189,182 businesses nationwide needed 306,148 workers last yr,but 59.4pct of available positions (181,827) not filled NSO said /The Nation

Google is working on a budget smartphone w/ basic features, near 5-in. screen size,costing less than U$100 for emerging markets /The Nation

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Thai general says 'no advanced planning' for coup: report

BANGKOK, June 26, 2014 (AFP) - A senior Thai general has rejected reports the army planned to rid the kingdom of the influence of controversial former premier Thaksin Shinawatra years before it seized power in May.

"So far as I know there was no advanced planning, because if it were planned that would be illegitimate," Lieutenant General Chatchalerm Chalermsukh told the BBC in an interview published Thursday.

"If you're wondering why this (the coup) happened so smoothly, that was because forces were already deployed in the city (Bangkok)," he claimed.

His comments came after local media reported that Suthep Thaugsuban, the leader of mass protests which crippled the former administration, said he had been advising the army chief who led the coup on how to tackle Thaksin for four years.

The Thai military seized power on May 22 after several months of protests which saw 28 people killed and hundreds of others wounded, paralysing the government of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra -- Thaksin's younger sister.

It was the latest chapter of a seemingly-intractable political crisis that broadly pits billionaire Thaksin -- a fugitive former premier who was toppled by a coup in 2006 -- and his supporters against a royalist establishment backed by parts of the military and judiciary.

The junta says the army takeover was necessary to restore order to the country, ruling out elections for at least a year to pass political reforms, including crafting a new constitution.

In the BBC interview, army deputy chief of staff Chatchalerm said Thaksin, who lives in self-imposed exile in Dubai to avoid prison for a corruption conviction, and his family could still return to Thai politics.

"Everyone who is Thai and is qualified can take part in that election -- even the family of Thaksin Shinawatra," he said.

"We are not hunting Thaksin, as we did before... We would like to see him come back and fight the legal charges against him. If he is confident he can win, then he will be able to return to politics."

Thailand's new military rulers have suspended democracy since seizing power, imposing martial law, banning public rallies and censoring the media to stifle any dissent.

The junta has summoned and detained several hundred people, the majority linked with the deposed Puea Thai government and the Shinawatra family's "Red Shirt" supporters.

But Chatchalerm insisted "the military belongs to all Thai people, not just one group".

"None of the summonsed people have been charged with serious offences. We only charge them with disobeying our orders. When these cases reach court they will be processed in a normal legal way," he said.

On Wednesday, the junta said it would set up five panels to monitor national and international news organisations as well as social media in its latest attempt to control the press.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-06-26

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Vegetable growers cry out in distress as thieves encroach their plantations

PATHUM THANI, 26 June 2014 (NNT) - Vegetable growers in the Khlong 5 area of Pathum Thani province have voiced their anger against thieves that have trespassed into their farmlands to steal certain produce such as lemon grass and galingale.

On the night of June 25th, there were three separate cases where thieves have intruded into vegetable farms to dig up certain plants so that it could be sold into the market.

According to a merchant in the Khlong 5 area, the prices of lemon grass and galingale have increased twice their original values from 15-20 baht to somewhere between 35-40 baht. The doubling prices were the main reason behind the thefts, as many people have taken advantage of the situation to sell these produce at expensive prices and net them handsome profits.


-- NNT 2014-06-26

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NCPO to overlook dissemination of media content

BANGKOK, 26 June 2014 (NNT) – The Thai Journalists Association (TJA) has been discussing about the scope of content in traditional media channels after the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has set up a committee to monitor all kinds of news and information disseminated to the public.

The TJA Board of Directors has been consulting with each other following the NCPO’s decision to set up a committee to monitor content in printing media, radio, and television.

The TJA is worried about the scope of content and insisted that the NCPO should give clear guidelines and ensure that it does not affect the people's right to access information.

Nonetheless, the NCPO has assigned the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to monitor content in radio and television, while the Special Branch Police was responsible to overlook content in printed media. Lastly, the permanent-secretary of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Ministry was assigned to monitor online media content.


-- NNT 2014-06-26

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Motorbike taxis soon to be reorganized in Pattaya

CHONBURI, 26 June 2014 (NNT) - The commander of the 14th Military Circle has summoned around 2,000 motorcycle taxi operators into a meeting in Pattaya City to combat unfair practices made by motorcycle taxis and to relieve the plight of the residents within the area.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737765-motorbike-taxis-soon-to-be-reorganized-in-pattaya/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

INVITATION

Attention all Thaivisa members….

We’d like to invite you to….

the Grand Opening of…

Thaivisa Lounge Bar, Sukhumvit Soi 7, Bangkok

on Friday July 4, 2014 at 7pm until late.

Your first drink is on us!

Find out more here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737739-invitation-to-the-grand-opening-of-the-thaivisa-lounge-bar-in-bangkok-on-july-4/

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UPDATE:

Thailand burns 3 tonnes of seized illicit drugs
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 26 -- To mark World Anti-Drug Day on Thursday, Thailand destroyed more than three tonnes of confiscated narcotics worth over Bt8.8 billion.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737699-thai-fda-to-incinerate-drugs-on-international-day-against-drugs/#entry8023005

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US Envoy: American action on Thai human trafficking 'not political issue'

By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 26 -- US Ambassador to Thailand Kristie Kenney has reiterated that her government's more negative consideration of human trafficking in Thailand is not a political issue, and does not concern the May 22 military takeover.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737773-us-envoy-american-action-on-thai-human-trafficking-not-political-issue/

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Authorities team up to return Cambodian workers to Thailand

BANGKOK, 26 June 2014 (NNT) –The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior has mobilized authorities at the Labor Coordination Centers in four provinces to return Cambodian workers to Thailand within a month as directed by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior said that under the new arrangements for the entry of immigrant workers, the ministry will immediately begin to bring more than 100,000 Cambodian workers back to Thailand. One Stop Service Centers have been set up for labor coordination in four provinces: Chanthaburi, Sakaeo, Trat, and Surin. This service is expected to systematize and process the arriving immigrant workers.


-- NNT 2014-06-26

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Radical preacher Abu Qatada not guilty of terrorism offences in court in Jordan relating to alleged plot in 1998 /BBC

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4.6-magnitude quake hits Chiang Rai

CHIANG RAI: -- A 4.6-magnitude quake hit Chiang Rai's Mae Lao district at 2:29 pm Thursday, the Meteorological Department reported.

The department said the quake's epicenter was about 9 kilometres underground.

It could be felt by the people in Mae Lao, Phan and Muang districts.

No damage was reported.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/4-6-magnitude-quake-hits-Chiang-Rai-30237164.html

-- The Nation 2014-06-26

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NEW BRIEFS IN ENGLISH
Short news in English by NOW26 comes to BTS



BANGKOK: -- New briefs in English - the Now News Update - can now be viewed on the BTS Skytrain via 1,056 TV screens and at all 21 BTS stations through 92 LED screens from 6am to 12pm everyday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737787-bangkok-short-news-in-english-by-now26-comes-to-bts/

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1.7 Mil Baht Worth of Lotto Tickets 'Lost In The Mail'
By Khaosod English


Fortune seekers buy lottery tickets from a vendor in Kanchanaburi province, 12 June 2014 [MATICHON].

BANGKOK — Thailand’s postal service will compensate the Governmental Lottery Office (GLO) a meager sum of 2,000 baht for losing 1.7 million baht worth of lottery tickets in the mail.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737791-2000-baht-compensation-for-17-mil-baht-worth-of-lost-lotto-tickets/

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SET index closed 1,477.48, up 8.99; Bt/USD32.34; GBP54.82; AUD30.26; EUR43.96; CAD30.03; HKD4.16; SGD25.77; JPY31.64

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Ex-BBC DJ Jimmy Savile sexually abused victims aged five to 75 in UK national health service hospitals, over decades of unrestricted access /BBC

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EC dismisses charge of power abuse against Yingluck



BANGKOK: -- The Election Commission has dismissed a petition contesting the parliamentary memberships of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and other members of the parliament who endorsed constitutional amendment to change the composition of the Senate.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737804-ec-dismisses-charge-of-power-abuse-against-yingluck/

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Prayuth may unveil details of interim charter Friday

BANGKOK: -- Junta chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha may unveil details of the interim constitution on Friday, deputy junta spokesman Col Winthai Suvari said Thursday.

Winthai said Prayuth would talk about the interim charter by himself and details would be known within this week.

Prayuth has a weekly TV talk every Friday.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Prayuth-may-unveil-details-of-interim-charter-Frid-30237183.html


-- The Nation 2014-06-26

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UN warns El Nino likely by end of year

GENEVA - The "El Nino" phenomenon, which sparks climate extremes around the globe, is likely to occur in the Pacific Ocean by the end of the year, the UN weather agency said on Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/737806-un-warns-el-nino-likely-by-end-of-year/