UPDATE:

Comptroller General's Office making sure lottery tickets retail at 80 baht



BANGKOK, 2 July 2014 (NNT) – The Comptroller General's Department is guarding against overpricing of lottery tickets, starting with the batch due on July 16. At the same time, the Government Lottery Office is threatening to revoke the quotas of lottery ticket wholesalers who charge small vendors excessively for the tickets.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739288-d-day-for-80-baht-thai-lottery-price-today/#entry8046857

Military campaign nets millions of madness pills



BANGKOK: -- Drug suppression during the past one month after the military junta seized power on May 22 has been a success with more than eight million methamphetamine or madness pills seized.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739305-thai-military-campaign-nets-millions-of-madness-pills/

OBEC to quickly whip up plans to improve Thailand's education system



BANGKOK, 2 July 2014 (NNT) - Mr. Kamol Rodklai, Secretary General of the Office of Basic Education Commission (OBEC), has moved to whip up an education plan, with a focus on instilling morality codes and analytic skills in students.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739306-obec-to-quickly-whip-up-plans-to-improve-thailands-education-system/

Black market processed wood worth around 3 million baht seized by Army rangers

CHIANG RAI, 2 July 2014 (NNT) - Military rangers from the Pha Muang Task Force in Chiang Rai province have seized several sheets of illegal wood that were going to be smuggled out to a neighboring country.

Rangers from the 31st Ranger Regiment Task Force along with other related security units have seized 55 sheets of processed rosewood and Sathorn wood valued at 3 million baht. Investigations reveal that some government officials have been involved in selling these illegal woods.

In a separate case, forest rangers in Chiang Rai province have seized four resorts that were found to be built on a forest reserve land area and are soon to be demolished. The resorts that are to be torn down include the Baan Klang Doi resort, Aeng Doi Coffee Shop, Ruen Roi Lanna, and Baan Tang Ngern resort.

The owners of these resorts were guilty of building property on national forest reserve areas of Doi Nang Lae, Doi Yao, and Doi Phra Baht. Seven other resorts are still being investigated.


-- NNT 2014-07-02

Free seasonal influenza vaccinations for groups at risk

SAMUT PRAKARN, 2 JULY 2014 (NNT)- The Samut Prakarn Provincial Health Office is launching a seasonal influenza vaccination program to avoid an impact on the health of known risk groups.

Dr. Asadang Ruayarjin, officers from Samut Prakarn Provincial Health Office said that this year the Ministry of Public Health has launched a vaccination program to avoid influenza infection in two main groups of people. These are the group of people who are exposed to the infection, such as medical personnel and individuals over 65 years of age and clinical risk groups such as women at 4-months pregnancy, babies from 6 months of age to 4 years old and individuals with chronic diseases who are at a higher risk of severe infection.

The vaccination is to prevent three species of influenza which are H1N1,H3N2 type A and B. The flu shot provides protection against infection for one year. Meanwhile individuals are urged to watch their hygiene, exercise and take care of their health.


-- NNT 2014-07-02

Special Report: Gen Prayuth gives explanation to international community

BANGKOK: -- Head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) General Prayuth Chan-ocha has given an explanation of Thailand’s situation to the international community, saying that the NCPO has put efforts into creating a better understanding through every possible channel.

The explanation came after the European Union (EU) had expressed its concern over the situation in Thailand and considered revising cooperation with Thailand as part of its call for general elections at the earliest opportunity.

General Prayuth said that the NCPO understands the demands of the EU. However, he said, holding an election under the present circumstances would only lead the country back to a cycle of conflict, continued rampant corruption among those holding political power, exposure to potential terrorism, and the use of weapons between conflicting groups.

He believes that most Thai people understand these problems and do not want the country to face such a situation. They have, therefore, called on the NCPO to push ahead with solutions to these problems. The NCPO stressed the need for reform as soon as possible to make Thailand become a fully functioning democracy before elections. It fully hopes that the EU will understand the situation, as most Thais do.

The NCPO has met and talked to foreign business people from the EU, as well as the United States. Their trade and investment relations with Thailand have continued.

Concerning the credibility of Thailand, General Prayuth said that the NCPO will try its best to address the issue as quickly as possible. On 23 June 2014, the Security Chief of the NCPO invited the US Ambassador to Thailand to discuss and exchange views on the current situation. The Ambassador was informed of the roadmap of the NCPO and was satisfied that Thailand has clear directions. She also supports efforts to end human trafficking.

On 26 June, the NCPO Deputy Chief for Economic Affairs met and discussed concerns with members of foreign chambers of commerce and various groups of entrepreneurs. He also listened to their suggestions, together with solutions to prevent Thailand’s trade and investment relations with foreign countries from being affected. The entrepreneurs have shown their better understanding about the country’s situation.

General Prayuth said that problems concerning labor, human trafficking, and abuse of democracy have accumulated for a long time and it will take some time to ease them. In this regard, rules and regulations will have to be revised to meet international standards and prevent the abuse of state authority. Various measures will also be improved to eliminate corruption.

He emphasized efforts to formulate strategies, both domestic and international, in order to move the country forward, saying that all sectors need to adjust to the new situation.


-- NNT 2014-07-02

UPDATE:

Cambodia releases detained activist back to Thailand
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, July 2 -- Cambodia granted a royal pardon to detained Thai yellow shirt activist Veera Somkwamkid and scheduled to return to Thailand by noon today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739140-cambodian-king-pardons-jailed-thai-spy/?p=8047082#entry8047082

Restoring peace in Northeast Asia
Wang Junsheng
China Daily

Just three days before President Xi Jingping's visit to the Republic of Korea, Kim Jong-un, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea leader, attended a tactical rocket firing drill prompting many to speculate that Pyongyang is not happy with the visit.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739316-restoring-peace-in-northeast-asia/

Activist Veera Somkwamkid arrived at Bangkok at 11.25 a.m. on a flight from Phnom Penh after serving more than three years in prison for illegally crossing border, and espionage.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/49193/


-- Thai PBS 2014-07-02

RT @MandalaySamui: Economy class seating on a Pan Am 747 in the '60's #Travel #JetSet https://twitter.com/MandalaySamui/status/484209032433909760/photo/1

FLASH: Phuket mafia taxi investigators raid Karon municipal offices
Tanyaluk Sakoot

PHUKET: -- Police and anti-money laundering investigators, backed by heavily armed Navy marines, this morning descended on the offices of the Karon Municipality.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739321-phuket-mafia-taxi-investigators-raid-karon-municipal-offices/

Peace and Order Council prepares peace talks for South
By Digital Content



YALA, July 2 - Thailand's Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) on Wednesday said the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has given importance to address problems in the southernmost provinces as talks with the insurgent groups would continue.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739322-peace-and-order-council-prepares-peace-talks-for-thai-south/

Bor Kor Laijud freed on bail



BANGKOK: -- Sombat Boon-ngam-anong, widely known as “Bor Kor Laijud,” has been released on bail by the Bangkok Military Court.

He was freed Tuesday when police escorted him to the Bangkok Military Court for permission to detain him for another 12 days.

The Red Sunday Group leader was arrested for defying the National Council for Peace and Order’s summons to report to the authorities, and charged with inciting unrest in violation of Section 116 of the Criminal Code and violating the Computer Crimes Act. He had been detained at the Bangkok Remand Prison.

On being released, he was taken to Roi Et province by Roi Et police to hear a lese majeste charge filed against him on Jan 5, before the imposition of nationwide martial law.

He was questioned by the police before releasing him on a 300,000 baht bail posted by his wife Duangrudee Wiputpanich with condition that he refrains from inciting public disorder.

(pic : Social Media)

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/bor-kor-laijud-freed-bail/


-- Thai PBS 2014-07-02

Foreigners to pay more to drive into Singapore



SINGAPORE: -- Foreigners driving into Singapore will have to pay more from August, the Land Transport Authority announced on Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739326-foreigners-to-pay-more-to-drive-into-singapore/

UPDATE:

Education Council identifies causes of student loan defaults



BANGKOK: -- The Office of the Education Council (OEC) says student loan default was caused by insufficient earnings, misunderstanding and misinformation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739279-thai-student-loan-takers-cite-low-income-and-misunderstanding-in-failure-to-repay-loan/#entry8047339

Body found in Jerusalem after Palestinian youth forced into vehicle
JERUSALEM

(Reuters) - Israeli police found the body of a teenager in the Jerusalem area on Wednesday and were investigating a possible connection to the reported kidnapping of a Palestinian youth in East Jerusalem earlier the same morning, a police spokesman said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739328-body-found-in-jerusalem-after-palestinian-youth-forced-into-vehicle/

UPDATE:

Veera returns but booked by CSD for questioning



BANGKOK: -- Former yellow-shirt activist Veera Somkwamkid arrived at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport before noon today from Phnom Penh after he was granted royal pardon from the Cambodian King.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739140-cambodian-king-pardons-jailed-thai-spy/page-2?p=8047389#entry8047389

Military court approves police request for 4th detention round for Chaturon;allows temporary release as he was earlier granted bail /MCOT

Thailand, ILO to cooperate in tackling human trafficking
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, July 2 -- The Thai Ministry of Labour is trying to resolve human trafficking in Thailand in cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739357-thailand-ilo-to-cooperate-in-tackling-human-trafficking/

UPDATE:

Veera freedom followed discussion with Prayuth, Cambodia says
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The sudden freeing of a yellow-shirt activist from a Cambodian jail came about after junta leader Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha talked on the phone with Cambodia's premier Hun Sen, Cambodia's Defence Minister Tea Banh said Wednesday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739140-cambodian-king-pardons-jailed-thai-spy/page-2?p=8047467#entry8047467

30,000 confiscated firearms to be destroyed by Royal Thai Police

BANGKOK, 2 July 2014 (NNT) - Law enforcement officers from the Police Ordnance Division under the Royal Thai Police are preparing to dispose at least 30,000 guns on July 15.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739359-30000-confiscated-firearms-to-be-destroyed-by-royal-thai-police/

DIT: Farming production costs to be reduced



BANGKOK, 2 JULY 2014 (NNT)- More reasonable costs of farming have been announced by the Department of Interior Trade. The reduction is in line with the policy of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), decided on after Thai farmers called for help from the NCPO, to tackle the issue of high rice farming costs, and for a guarantee on crop prices.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739361-dit-thai-farming-production-costs-to-be-reduced/

Cambodia not backing anti-NCPO movement
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, July 2 -- Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen has reiterated that Cambodia will not interfere in Thai politics nor support any Thai anti-coup group, a senior Thai foreign ministry official said on Tuesday.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen expressed his understanding of Thailand’s political situation and development of sustainable democracy during a meeting with Thailand’s Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary and Acting Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh on Tuesday.

According to the acting Thai foreign minister, Hun Sen said that Thai internal affairs must be solved by Thai people, giving assurances that Cambodia will not interfere in Thai politics or support any political movement against the Thai army-led National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

Mr Sihasak added that Hun Sen believed Thailand is on the right track towards democracy and stability in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The senior Thai foreign minister official on the occasion,confirmed Thailand’s foreign policy in deepening relations with the neighbouring country in all aspects despite being in a transitional period.

As for the labour employment issue, the Cambodian prime minister will cooperate with concerned agencies in sending back migrant workers to Thailand legally.

Passport fees for Cambodians has been reduced from US$200 to US$4, and Thailand is working on reducing the visa process time from three days to one day. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-07-02

Sihasak asserts Cambodia frees activist Veera without conditions; Hun Sen awaits new Thai government for talks on Preah Vihear issue /MCOT

South Korean man arrested at Suvarnabhumi International Airport

BANGKOK, 2 July 2014 (NNT) - A South Korean man has been apprehended by Customs officials at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport for attempting to smuggle 12 gold bars out of the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739389-s-korean-man-arrested-at-suvarnabhumi-airport-for-smuggling-12kg-gold/

THAIVISA LOUNGE
Last chance to RSVP for the Thaivisa Lounge Bar opening in Bangkok

FINAL CHANCE: Sign up for the Grand Opening of Thaivisa Lounge Bar Bangkok on Friday July 4, 2014

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

Welcome!

Japan to extend training term for Thai technicians to five years

BANGKOK, 2 July 2014 (NNT) - The Ministry of Labor’s Permanent Secretary on Monday welcomed the Director of the International Manpower Development Organization, Japan (IM Japan).

The Labor permanent secretary Jirasak Sukonthacha has revealed that IM Japan has agreed to extend the training term for Thai technicians from three years to five years. Hence, it is a great opportunity for Thais to gain experience from extensive technical training in Japan to bring skills back to their own country.

Mr. Kyoei Yanagisawa, the director of IM Japan, advised that the Japanese government has a policy of allowing foreign technicians to train in Japan for five years. It is expected that the policy will be officially announced by July 15th.

He added that the preliminary criteria required for applicants is that they have qualified for the second level technical standard test. In addition, the Japanese government allows those who complete five-years of training to stay in Japan for a further two years without any test if they have experience in construction. This project is due to start in April 2015 and continue until 2020.


-- NNT 2014-07-02

Nationwide inspection of rice warehouses begins

BANGKOK: -- A task force established by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) will start inspecting the quantity and quality of rice at every warehouse nationwide from Thursday, beginning in four provinces - Kamphaeng Phet in the upper Central region, Chachoengsao in the East, Nakhon Ratchasima in the Northeast, and Nakhon Si Thammarat in the South.

ML Panadda Diskul, permanent secretary of the Prime Minister's Office, said the inspecting team, which is mainly made up of military and representatives from government agencies, the Office of the Auditor-General of Thailand, and the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, said the mission was expected to be complete nationwide within a month.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Nationwide-inspection-of-rice-warehouses-begins-30237576.html


-- The Nation 2014-07-02

Abhisit to have new operation on collarbone

BANGKOK: -- Ex-premier Abhisit Vejjajiva will have a new operation on his collarbone, which he broke in a fall in March, as it did not heal properly possibly due to incorrect exercise.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Abhisit-to-have-new-operation-on-collarbone-30237574.html


-- The Nation 2014-07-02

UPDATE:

Customs notice removed



BANGKOK: -- The Customs Department has removed a notice put up at the Suvarnabhumi airport's arrival terminal requiring inbound passengers to declare their personal effects for taxation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739023-thai-customs-for-passengers-travelling-in-and-out-of-thailand/page-6?p=8048007#entry8048007