Thailand Live Monday 30 Jun 2014

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Chanthaburi waterfront communities preparing for flash floods

CHANTHABURI, 30 June 2014 (NNT) –The heavy rains on the Chantaburi River in the areas of Khao Khitchakut and Makham districts are causing higher water levels at the Chanthaburi River, Yang dike and Tha Rama dike.

Locals residing along the river banks are making barriers from sand bags and rocks to prepare for flash floods. The Chanthaburi Metereological Office is monitoring the weather as the Southwest monsoon is expected to become stronger in the next few days. Fishermen should be prepared for 2-3 meters of strong waves in the Andaman Sea and the upper part of the Gulf of Thailand.


-- NNT 2014-06-30

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Hunt for three tigers in Nan province

NAN: -- A combined force of army, police, local administration and forestry officials has launched a hunt for a mother tiger and her two cubs which were spotted running on a laterite road in Tambon Chaisathan, Muang district of Nan province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/738596-hunt-for-three-tigers-in-nan-province/

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Foreign affairs ministry: Thailand is not cracking down on Cambodian illegal workers

BANGKOK, 30 June 2014 (NNT) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed Thailand wants to regulate alien workers while denying that it only deals with those from Cambodia.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/738597-foreign-affairs-ministry-thailand-is-not-cracking-down-on-cambodian-illegal-workers/

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PRISON
Prison troublemakers face 'supermax' unit
Thanapat Kitjakosol
The Nation,
Ratchaburi


A bird eye

BANGKOK: -- Trouble-making inmates from across Thailand are being transferred to the country's only jail with a "super-maximum" security facility.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/738598-thai-prison-troublemakers-face-supermax-unit/

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THAI-US RELATIONS
US embassy snubs top brass: no July 4 invite
The Nation

It is very hard for the United States to regard the military coup in Thailand as business as usual.

BANGKOK: -- The US embassy in Bangkok has not extended an invitation to any key member of the junta to attend its Independence Day celebration this week.

Washington has discouraged formal associations or celebrations with Thai military officers who were directly involved in the military coup on May 22 to topple the elected government, according to a diplomatic source.

The US embassy has organised a reception on Thursday at a Bangkok hotel to celebrate Independence Day. It usually extends invitations to senior officials in government agencies, high society figures and the diplomatic community.

People started receiving the invitations last week but junta leader General Prayuth Chan-ocha and his four deputies did not get one.

The ruling National Council for Peace and Order's spokesman Colonel Werachon Sukondhapatipak confirmed that the US embassy did not invite any senior military officers.

"May not attend"

However many military with the rank of colonel were invited, a source said.

An army colonel said he got the invitation as usual but he and many colleagues were considering not going. Many of them had decided not to join the celebration, he said.

"They want the US to realise that we have feeling towards what it has expressed towards us," said the officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The US had consistently expressed its stance against military intervention in the political crisis before the coup. Washington cut its US$4.7 million in military assistance to Thailand and cancelled many activities and joint exercises in response to the power seizure.

Other Western countries also took a tough stance against the junta. The British embassy cancelled a reception to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's birthday at a Bangkok hotel on June 11 to reflect its opposition to the coup.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/US-embassy-snubs-top-brass-no-July-4-invite-30237402.html


-- The Nation 2014-06-30

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ENERGY
Piyasvasti opponents to protest at Army HQ today
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Groups of people concerned about energy issues will gather at the Army headquarters on Rajdamnoen Road this morning to protest against the junta's appointment of energy "guru" Piyasvasti Amranand to the board of PTT Plc.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/738599-thai-energy-piyasvasti-opponents-to-protest-at-army-hq/

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NACC seeks more info on 3G wireless broadband service projects
Usanee Mongkolporn,
Sugree Manchainimit
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The National Anti-Corruption Commission has requested more information from the national telecom and broadcasting regulator and ICT Ministry on their separate cases relating to 3G wireless broadband service projects as the anti-graft agency probes the cases.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/738600-nacc-seeks-more-info-on-3g-wireless-broadband-service-projects/

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Producers vow to clean up act
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation


Migrant workers in the fishery products industry attend a religious activity arranged by their employers recently. Members of the Thai Fishery Producers Coalition have regularly provided this kind of activity to their local and migrant labour

Fishery groups vow to eliminate child and forced labour within two years

BANGKOK: -- MEMBERS of the Thai Fishery Producers Coalition made a joint commitment in April to completely eliminate child and forced labour from their 'upstream' supply chains to 'downstream' manufacturers within two years.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/738601-thai-fishery-groups-vow-to-eliminate-child-and-forced-labour-within-two-years/

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Energy populism is too costly for us to swallow
Pichaya Changsorn
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Besides the messy Thai politics, energy is one particular area that has been subjected to a public backlash on a massive scale during the past few years.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/738604-thai-energy-populism-is-too-costly-for-us-to-swallow/

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EDITORIAL
Where will 'reform' place the judiciary?
The Nation

Thais need to accept independent agencies and the vital role they play in our check and balance system

BANGKOK: -- One of the biggest technical headaches concerning how to politically reform Thailand has to do with the judiciary. On June 21, the Pheu Thai Party asked those who overthrew it to keep in mind that the courts in the future shall never get involved in politics.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/738605-thai-editorial-where-will-reform-place-the-judiciary/

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REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE
NCPO urgently needs better media relations
Kavi Chongkittavorn

BANGKOK: -- The latest move by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to micro-manage the traditional and new media after the May 22 power seizure could seriously tarnish or even paralyse the NCPO's public diplomacy within Thailand and abroad.

Judging from the comments and actions of its media officials, the NCPO should immediately consider ceasing its current anti-media operation, which could easily cause civic disengagement through widespread confusion. It could also harm the NCPO's professed noble intentions of promoting accurate information and accountability.

In fact, there are better ways to achieve these objectives without intimidation or breaking into newspaper editorial rooms or TV studios.

First, the freedom of expression that Thai people once enjoyed must be restored as soon as possible. We must not forget Thailand means the 'Land of the free'. Within the region, it has been known as a tolerant nation that respects a free press. It would be wise to repeal the ten announcements restricting media freedom in various forms affecting all news media platforms.

Prior to 2000, rankings of Thai media freedom were among the top tiers of numerous international indexes. For instance in 2000, the New York-based Freedom House ranked Thailand at 29th under the Chuan Leekpai government, compared to 141 this year. Should the trend persist, Thailand could eventually turn into a dictatorial state and serve as a target for free-media advocacy groups.

Furthermore, the NCPO needs officials who can engage effectively with the media, not by some who think they know the media, which is often the case. They must be able to distinguish good and bad journalism - avoiding mao-keng or "generalising" the media they encounter.

Pol General Adul Saengsingkaew, deputy head of NCPO, who is responsible for media policy, had a stellar record in the southern provinces a few years back with his transparency and media-friendly approach. His experience must be put into full practice among his officials now at the national level.

In any circumstance, the NCPO must not expect journalists both local and foreign to write whatever they are told. It is understandable that cynicism is still high given the smear campaigns perpetuated by some media before the coup. Therefore, the NCPO has imposed its own media standards and judgements, which are not shared norms and values.

For example, Announcements No 12, No 14 and No 18 were ill-conceived and should be annulled immediately. Each media outlet must be held responsible and accountable for its content. For whatever reason, the NCPO finds a media product unpalatable, it can take action through the rule of law on a case by case basis. The best thing to do is to provide up-to-date information and answer questions from the media at all times in all circumstances.

Due to a growing interest in "Amazing Thailand" around the world, better communications skills, in multiple foreign languages, among NCPO officials are thus essential.

More than ever before, the NCPO should consult and work closely with the National Press Council of Thailand (NPCT) and the Thai Journalists Association (TJA), which oversee the codes of conduct. They would be the most appropriate organisations to handle media misgivings, especially when outlets misreport or distort information. The NPCT and TJA must be given opportunities to carry out their professional commitments. Under the current leadership, they are not the paper tigers they appear to be. Any unilateral action by the NCPO would be detrimental and self-defeating. In Thai culture, asking for cooperation - koh kham ruam mue - is often perceived as a veiled intimidation. Failure to comply means retaliation.

Equally, granted the country's media vibrancy, further prompted by the recent drive to digitalisation, Thai media workers urgently need comprehensive capacity-building in fundamental and investigative reporting. The younger generation has been brought up with social media views, obtaining and disseminating information differently from older colleagues. In addition, the country's cross-cutting issues today require better understanding and skills to write balanced reports.

Truth be told, the Thai media community - albeit its deficiencies - has performed well in its duties of disseminating information and analysis throughout long-standing political uncertainties. And let's not forget, no journalist in this part of the world faces such regular conundrums, which cause further media malaise and partisanship.

Finally, media proprietors, managers and editors in Thailand need a new mindset that would allow their journalists to do their jobs with dignity, despite differing views. Corporate interests, which have permeated the media industry after the economic crisis of 1997, must be boldly trimmed. Currently the Thai media survival instinct, based on social responsibility and political trust, has already given way to ugly commercialism and personal idiosyncrasy.

Thai media is colourful, dynamic and uneven. It is still the country's biggest asset. Spare it. Given the NCPO's desire to transform Thailand into a truly democratic country, Thai media must continue to serve as an impartial watchdog as well as an agent and a platform for debate and public learning.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/NCPO-urgently-needs-better-media-relations-30237384.html


-- The Nation 2014-06-30

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Police seize 1.3 million 'yaba' pills in Loei
The Nation

LOEI: -- Police in Provincial Region 4 seized 1.3 million methamphetamine tablets, its largest haul in nine recent arrests, from drug traffickers in Pak Chom district in Loei on Saturday night, officers said yesterday.

Police said they had learnt that drug traffickers are transporting as many as 30 million 'yaba' pills from Burma to northern Thailand via Mae Sot district in Tak. But the drugs were due to be sent to Laos first before being loaded onto ships at the pier near a garbage landfill at Tambon Huay Pichai in Pak Chom district.

Police were tipped off by informers on Saturday night that two pickup trucks were parked suspiciously on the road at Ban Nonsawan. Two men carrying "fertiliser" bags out of the trucks fled into the trees when police approached.

Due to darkness and the forest, police were unable to catch the pair.

After checking both pickups, police found five bags filled with methamphetamines - an estimated 1.3 million tablets. Police suspected that this lot is part of the 30 million tablets to be smuggled into the country.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Police-seize-1-3-million-yaba-pills-in-Loei-30237401.html


-- The Nation 2014-06-30

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Ministry shifts officials to boost efficiency
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Interior Ministry permanent-secretary Wibul Sanguanpong on Saturday ordered a reshuffle of five top ministry officials, to take effect next week.

The order was to create suitable staff adjustments and boost efficiency in the ministry. Songkhla governor Krisada Bunrat will serve as acting Interior Ministry deputy permanent secretary, while Phang Nga governor Thamrong Charoenkul will be appointed acting Songkhla governor.

Land Department director-general Pinit Hanpanich will be appointed Samut Prakan governor. Current Samut Prakan governor, Kanit Iamrahong will take the post of acting Interior Ministry inspector, and Chumphon governor Peerasak Hinmuangkao is to take the post of Land Department director-general.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Ministry-shifts-officials-to-boost-efficiency-30237399.html


-- The Nation 2014-06-30

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
General blasts banks over drugs
The Nation


Assistant Army chief General Paibul Khumchaya.

Paibul says banks face probes over allegations they are enabling the trade in illegal drugs, calls for national database to monitor users to be set up

BANGKOK: -- ASSISTANT Army chief General Paibul Khumchaya is up in arms over what he considers to be a lack of scruples in the banking sector, after discovering that commercial banks are accepting deposits from imprisoned drug traffickers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/738607-thai-general-paibul-blasts-banks-over-drugs/

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Louis Vuitton-toting nun under investigation

By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- A year after a famous monk was brought down by his taste in designer bags and jet-setting lifestyle, attention has turned to a Buddhist nun reportedly seen driving a Porsche and toting Louis Vuitton bags.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/738614-louis-vuitton-toting-thai-nun-under-investigation/

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Jean-Claude Juncker 'will address UK concerns'

LONDON: -- Jean-Claude Juncker has told David Cameron he is "fully committed to finding solutions for the political concerns of the UK", No 10 has said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/738615-jean-claude-juncker-will-address-uk-concerns/

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Thai rice exports in 2014 projected at 9 million tonnes



BANGKOK, June 30 - The Thai Rice Exporters Association has projected that Thailand will be able to export 9 million tonnes of rice this year, the highest level in three years, with earnings of US$4.75 billion.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/738626-thai-rice-exports-in-2014-projected-at-9-million-tonnes/

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MSDHS to address beggar issues

BANGKOK, 30 June 2014, (NNT) - The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) has said it will address the ongoing problem of beggars currently roaming streets throughout the kingdom.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/738628-thai-msdhs-to-address-beggar-issues/

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DBD to propose measures against formation of nominee companies

BANGKOK, 30 June 2014 (NNT) - The Department of Business Development (DBD) will propose to the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) several measures to prevent formation of nominee companies.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/738650-thai-dbd-to-propose-measures-against-formation-of-nominee-companies/

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EGAT urges Southern Region residents to conserve energy

BANGKOK, 30 June 2014, (NNT) - The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has urged residents in the South to conserve energy during the shutdown for maintenance of the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Area (JDA)'s A18 block.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/738651-egat-urges-southern-region-residents-to-conserve-energy/

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Some 800,000 vote in Hong Kong polls referendum
Li Xueying
The Straits Times

HONG KONG: -- Nearly 800,000 Hong Kongers voted in an unofficial referendum to choose their desired model of democracy, thumbing their noses at Beijing which has branded it as "illegal and a farce".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/738652-some-800000-vote-in-hong-kong-polls-referendum/

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Three mild earthquakes hit Chiang Rai
By Digital Content



CHIANG RAI, June 30 - Three mild earthquakes shook Thailand’s northernmost province of Chiang Rai before dawn Sunday but no casualties were reported, according to the Meteorological Department’s Seismological Bureau.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/738656-three-mild-earthquakes-hit-chiang-rai/

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Two police killed, two villagers wounded in Narathiwat ambush
By Digital Content



NARATHIWAT, July 30 - Two policemen were killed and two villagers were wounded before dawn Sunday when a group of insurgents ambushed police officers on patrol in a village of this southern Thai province, police said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/738657-two-police-killed-two-villagers-wounded-in-narathiwat-ambush/

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One killed, one wounded in shooting attack at mosque in Pattani's Panare district; tight security in Narathiwat after Ramadan began Sunday /MCOT

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,487.24, gains 4.00 points /MCOT

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Two American tourists detained in N Korea to face trial: KCNA

Seoul (AFP) - North Korea said Monday two detained American tourists would face trial for charges including "perpetrating hostile acts".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/738659-two-american-tourists-detained-in-n-korea-to-face-trial-kcna/

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Southern muslims prepare for Ramadan

YALA, 30 June 2014, (NNT) - Muslims in the Southern province of Yala have been seen shopping as the holy month of Ramadan arrived yesterday.

Muslims have reportedly been busy buying essential items for the Ramadan, including desserts, fresh food, and ingredients for cooking dinner, since yesterday morning.

Beginning yesterday until July 29th, Muslims around the world observe the period as the month of fasting, during which they spend the daylight hours in a complete fast. According to the Provincial Livestock Department, during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims usually consume meat especially beef, which provides substantial energy during the fasting period.

The Department has instructed meat vendors to be extra careful in their meat selection process, in a bid to ensure quality beef for the public.

Meanwhile, the 4th region army region and provincial police officers have made providing security for the people during the holy month their top priority.


-- NNT 2014-06-30

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Storm hammers Surin Province and heavy rains cause flooding in Bangkok

SURIN, 30 June 2014 (NNT) - More than 100 houses, schools, and temples in Si Khoraphum District, Surin Province, have been affected by a hailstorm that struck the area last night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/738664-storm-hammers-surin-province-and-heavy-rains-cause-flooding-in-bangkok/

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Thailand seeks extradition of Jakrapob from HK

BANGKOK: -- Thailand is seeking the extradition of Jakrapob Penkair, a founder of Thailand’s pro-democracy “red shirt” movement and a former spokesman for ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, from Hong Kong to stand trial in the kingdom after a military court issued an arrest warrant for his alleged involvement with war weapons.

Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmoung said Sunday that the military court has issued warrants for the arrest of Mr Jakrapob and seven others for alleged involvement in more than 10 cases involving war weapons.

He said that the warrants were issued following investigation and confessions by arrested suspects plus the seizure of a large amount of weapons recently.

He said Mr Jakrapob was found to have stayed in Hong Kong recently.

He said the Royal Thai Police is coordinating with the Office of the Attorney General and the Foreign Affairs Ministry this week to request Hong Kong to extradite Mr Jakrapob.

There should not be any problem because there is an extradition treaty between both parties, he said.

Mr Jakrapob, a former minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office in the government of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, faces several other charges including his failure to report to the National Council for Peace and Order NCPO) which seized power on May 22.

On June 24, Mr Jakrapob reportedly helped set up an anti-coup movement called the Organisation of Free Thais for Human Rights and Democracy (FT-HD).

The list of founding members of the anti-coup Free Thai board showed Mr Jakrapob as executive secretary and spokesman of the so-called Free Thais.
Former Pheu Thai Party leader and former Interior Minister Charupong Ruengsuwan, also in exile abroad, is secretary-general of the FTHD.

As many people have resisted reporting to the council, Gen Somyot said he has ordered Asst National Police Chief Pol Lt Gen Chakthip Chaichinda and Metropolitan Police Deputy Chief Pol Maj Gen Amnuay Nimmano to speed up the process to arrest them.

These people include Saran Chuichai, alias “Aum Neko”, a university student, whose whereabouts were not known.

(pic : file photo)

Source; http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/thailand-seeks-extradition-jakrapob-hk/


-- Thai PBS 2014-06-30

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RT @W7VOA: Burmese, Cambodian and Laotian migrant workers display their just-issued #Thailand ID cards. http://t.co/IzOWjgZxNj