Lampang officials reclaimed encroached national park

LAMPANG, 3 July 2014, (NNT) -The Lampang provincial military has discovered that more than 40 rais of land in Maeyao National Park linking the districts of Kohka and Hangchat has been encroached upon.

The area is a lush deciduous forest and serves as the water source of the nearby areas. Authorities found several tree stumps and 10 charcoal kilns in the area, leading to speculations that offenders encroached on the area to produce charcoal for sale.

The speculation was confirmed after they discovered more than a thousand bags of charcoal neatly packed, ready for distribution.

Officials did not find any perpetrators at the scene, however, speculating that they must have escaped before the officers arrived.

Authorities have removed the fences and reclaimed the area, vowing to bring those responsible for the encroachment to justice.


-- NNT 2014-07-03

Florida woman, 56, chases younger man with knife after he refuses to have sex

US: -- A 56-YEAR-OLD woman has been charged with assault after she allegedly chased a 25-year-old man around a carpark with a knife and a broken walking stick when he rejected her sexual advances.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739587-us-florida-woman-pulls-knife-on-man-after-he-rejects-her-sexual-advances/

Download Hua Hin Today July 2014

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Find out more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/files/file/688-hua-hin-today-july-2014-edition-pdf-flip/

Private sector proposes NCPO to tackle ghost job brokers seriously



BANGKOK: -- The private sector is to propose the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to seriously reorganise employment broker service which is creating forced labour and human trafficking problems for the country.

Source: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739591-thai-private-sector-proposes-ncpo-to-tackle-ghost-job-brokers-seriously/

Saudi King gives dates to Thai Muslims



NARATHIWAT, 3 July 2014 (NNT) - The King of Saudi Arabia has recently provided 60 tons of dates to Muslim people in southern Thailand, through His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The royal dates are intended for the Thai Muslim community for consumption at the beginning of the Ramadan month. His Majesty the King has designated the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) and the Satthachon Foundation for Education and Orphans to distribute the dates to the Islamic Committees of the five southern border provinces and Muslim people in the region.

Mr. Jetsada Jitrat, chief officer of Su-ngai Ko-lok District yesterday presented portions of the royal dates to religious and community leaders as well as representatives of various mosques in the district, at their monthly meeting held at the district’s official administrative center.

-- NNT 2014-07-03

Anti-graft agency mulls new regulations requiring financial institutes to report cash transactions over Bt500,000 related to politicians,state officials /The Nation

Prison Inmate-controlled drug network cracked by Pattaya Police

PATTAYA:--On Wednesday Morning at Pattaya Police Station, Police Colonel Supatee, the Acting Superintendent of the Station, announced the arrest of three men who were caught with over 4,000 Yabba Tablets between them.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739595-prison-inmate-controlled-drug-network-cracked-by-pattaya-police/#entry8051183

Pattaya Police seize gun and drugs in Larn Island raid

PATTAYA:--Pattaya Police were recently made aware of illegal activities involving firearms and drugs which were taking place on Larn Island, off the coast of Pattaya, and on Wednesday morning they travelled there to raid a number of locations on the Island.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739596-pattaya-police-seize-gun-and-drugs-in-larn-island-raid/

Top World inferno causes over 100 million baht



UDON THANI: -- A landmark supermarket which had been in business for 20 years in Udon Thani province has become a legend now after it caught fire and completely burned to the ground.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739601-udon-thani-top-world-fire-inferno-causes-over-100-million-baht-damages/

KPI releases study on different election methods
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- King Prajadhipok's Institute released its study on the advantages and drawbacks of different election methods yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739604-kpi-releases-study-on-different-thai-election-methods/

BKK Airport's Extension Plan 'Suspended By Junta'
By Khosod English


A stranded passenger dozes off during the occupation of Suvarnabhumi Airport by "Yellowshirt" protesters, 26 November 2008.

BANGKOK — The Thai military junta has ordered Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport to shelve the plan to extend its facilities, a state official says.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739607-bangkoks-suvarnabhumi-airport-extension-plan-suspended-by-junta/

Thai Government cashes in on crooks' Cars

BANGKOK, 3 July 2014 (NNT) -- Over three hundred luxury cars seized by the Department of Customs will go under the hammer today. The auction is expected to generate over 600 million baht for the government's coffers.

According to Customs Department Director-General Somchai Satchapong, the auction will be held on July 3, after the department allowed interested bidders to check on those luxury cars between June 30 - July 2.

Among the nearly 400 seized cars up for grabs are 31 Bentley, 1 Lamborghini, 15 Jaguar, 6 Jaguar, 4 Lexus and 74 Mercedes Benz. The auction is to be held in the parking lot of the department's headquarters in Khlong Toei on Thursday July 3 .


-- NNT 2014-07-03

Drug mule writes to mom about Thai jail worries
Zikhona Tshona

GRAHAMSTOWN - A letter written to her mother by Nolubabalo Nobanda, who is serving 15 years in a Thai jail for drug trafficking, has been revealed amid worries she might serve more time.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739611-south-african-drug-mule-writes-to-mom-about-thai-jail-worries/

Iron Throne ready for Thai fans to try at Siam Paragon

BANGKOK: -- Fans of HBO's hit series, The Game of Thrones, will have a chance to sit on the Iron Throne of the King's Landing when they visit the Bangkok Comic Con at the Royal Paragon Hall of Siam Paragon from Friday until Sunday.

The Bangkok Comic Con is orgainised by BEC Tero True Visions company limited.

Bat Man's fans can talk to Michael E. Uslan, the artist who drew the storyboard of every part of Bat Ma.

Fans of the Walking Dead series can also have a close encounter with zombies on Sunday.

Admission is Bt150.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Iron-Throne-ready-for-Thai-fans-to-try-at-Siam-Par-30237641.html

-- The Nation 2014-07-03

EU Shuts Doors To Thai Ministers

By Khaosod Eng.

BANGKOK — The European Union has barred Thai ministers from taking official visits to its member countries, according to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In a statement released yesterday, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the measure applies to official visits undertaken by "Thai officials holding the ranks of Ministers and above."

Ordinary Thais can still visit EU countries with passports and relevant visa documents, the statement added.

The statement was released after a rumour spread on social media that Thai citizens have been banned from entering the EU.

Western countries such as the EU, the United States, and Australia have responded negatively to the 22 May military coup in Thailand, downgrading relations with the Kingdom, cutting military aid, and calling for an immediate return to democracy.

Two weeks ago the EU announced that it suspended signing a cooperation pact with Thailand and cancelled state visits in response to the 22 May coup.

The ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) claims that the coup was necessary to restore peace and order in Thailand after six months of political turmoil, in which anti-government protesters sought the ousting of then-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1404369449&section=11&typecate=06

-- Khaosod English 2014-07-03

Auto industry is picking up after farmers are paid

BANGKOK: -- Thai automobile industry is recovering after the general political situation has improved and farmers get paid.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739507-automakers-eye-much-needed-sales-boost-as-economic-climate-improves-thailand/#entry8051693

Motorbike theft rings busted by security forces in northeastern Thailand

KALASIN, 3 July 2014 (NNT) - Police and soldiers have joined forces to eradicate a criminal network responsible for stealing motorcycles. Together, they have found a large warehouse for demolishing stolen motorbikes in Kalasin province and have confiscated over 1,500 of them.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739643-motorbike-theft-rings-busted-by-security-forces-in-isaan/

Cousteau's grandson spends a month under water

Islamorada, Florida: Fabien Cousteau, the grandson of French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, has emerged from the deep after 31 days in an undersea laboratory.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739646-cousteaus-grandson-spends-a-month-under-water/

Fear of Sri Lankan security forces still drives Tamils into exile, advocates say

Jason Koutsoukis

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739647-fear-of-sri-lankan-security-forces-still-drives-tamils-into-exile-advocates-say/

Khon Kaen lottery vendors uncertain about NCPO lottery pricing policy

BANGKOK, 26 March 2014 (NNT) -- So far only a small number of Khon Kaen people who like to buy lottery tickets have done so, as the lottery draw date is still far off. The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) asked the Government Lottery Office to sell lottery tickets at not more than 90 baht a pair for the July 16th, 2014, draw.

Mrs. Lamduan Maneechaem, the major lottery ticket vendor in Khon Kaen, said she is not sure if she has to sell tickets at 90 baht as requested by the NCPO, so she does not show a price tag.


-- NNT 2014-07-03

Nakorn Ratchasima: Lottery retailers still sell 90 baht lotto

NAKORN RATCHASIMA, 3 July 2014 (NNT) – At the Thao Suranari Monument, the biggest lottery selling venue in Nakorn Ratchasima, about 30 retailers have many customers who come to buy their lotto tickets. However, some still price tickets at 90 baht as they say that their costs are 74.40 baht.

If they sell at the official price of 80 baht and lotteries don't sell out, they have to carry a bigger loss. To address the problem of overpriced lottery tickets, the government has to get to the root of the problem.

Recently, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) asked the retailers to sell tickets at 80 baht, but has confirmed that it doesn’t have a policy of arresting those who sell tickets at inflated prices.


-- NNT 2014-07-03

Nation University provides English training to BMA officials
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Nation University have provided English language training to BMA officials to help them better communicate with foreign tourists as well as improve services.

Deputy BMA Governor Dussadee Tamthai said the city administration had decided to provide English communication training for its staffs after a survey found that Thailand ranked ninth among the 10 Asean nations in terms of being able to communicate in English.

She said the training would upgrade the services offered by the BMA, prepare all BMA units to serve foreign tourists as well as ready Bangkok for the Asean Economic Community, which is due to take effect late next year.

She said the English speaking skill of BMA officials would help Bangkok achieve its goal of becoming the capital of Asean.

She said BMA officials should practice English speaking to brush up their language skills.

"The officials must practice often. They should walk to Khao San Road and speak to the tourists there," Dussadee suggested.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Nation-University-provides-English-training-to-BMA-30237644.html


-- The Nation 2014-07-03

Food Cart Practice Causes Cancer, Health Official Warns
By Khaosod English


A fried banana vendor dressed up as an angel in Nakhon Rachasima Province, 8 July 2013.

BANGKOK —The Department of Health has advised street vendors and cooks across Thailand to stop blotting oily foods with tissue paper, as it may cause cancer.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739649-food-cart-practice-causes-cancer-thai-health-official-warns/

Phuket park chief moves to block land papers for 'encroacher'
Anthika Muangrod


Park chief Kitipat Tharapiban: Crooked officials face criminal charges.

PHUKET: -- The head of Sirinart National Park has filed papers to block the pending issue of three titles covering 256 rai of land which, he says, is in the park.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739651-phuket-park-chief-moves-to-block-land-papers-for-encroacher/

June confidence index highest in eight months



BANGKOK: -- Consumer confidence index in June increased to the highest level in eight months at 75.1, the Centre for Economics and Business Forecasting of the Thai Chamber of Commerce said on Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739656-june-confidence-index-highest-in-eight-months-thailand/

PDRC security guard allegedly assaulted, injured army officer, who moved PDRC traffic cones blocking road; arrested, he denies charges /MCOT

Police seize 300,000 meth pills worth Bt30 million hidden in wood by road in Lampang /MCOT

Football betting syndicate busted by Thai Metropolitan Police

BANGKOK, 3 July 2014 (NNT) - Metropolitan police officers have coordinated with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to crackdown an online football gambling network and have arrested one bookmaker in the process.

Police Colonel Ake Angsananont, the MPB Deputy Police Chief, announced that the police have conducted a raid on ten targeted locations suspected of arranging illegal football betting activities. So far, they have been able to arrest eight men who were responsible for running online gambling websites and have confiscated a number of items.

Among those items included a computer, a mobile phone, cash up to 800,000 baht, and a bank passbook recording the transactions of revolved money up to 1 billion baht.

The operations has been the largest bust of an illegal gambling network that would get people involved in predicting the results of the World Cup matches. Around 90,000 people have engaged in online betting activities and 40 websites have been launched for online betting activities. At this point, police have shutdown the websites and are looking to find the names of those who are responsible so that charges could be made.


-- NNT 2014-07-03

UPDATE:

AoT delays Suvarnabhumi airport expansion
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, July 3 -- Airports of Thailand (AoT) postponed its expansion of Suvarnabhumi airport as the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) was examining the project cost.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739607-bangkoks-suvarnabhumi-airport-extension-plan-suspended-by-junta/#entry8051933

Military rice inspection in Korat; some rice taken for DNA examination

BANGKOK, 3 July 2014 (NNT) - Today ( July 3rd) at 10.00 am, Poonsub Sakunee, chief of the rice inspection committee, and related officials inspected the Jia Meng rice mill in Chaloem Phra Kiat district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. Over 20,000 tons of rice is stored in ten warehouses.

The rice quantity and quality inspection is aligned with the policy of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). The Nakhon Ratchasima inspection team is divided into three teams to inspect all forty-seven rice mills and warehouses in 14 districts of the province by July 27th 2014. The total amount of rice, which was registered for the pledging scheme and produced in 2011/2012 to 2013, is approximately 500,000 tons.

Today, the first day of inspection, nothing wrong has been found. The officers randomly inspect rice piles by taking rice from seven different spots in one pile. Furthermore, in each pile, the officers check the contents of rice sacks, locating the 15th sack beneath the top sack in order to check for possible counterfeit product.

White rice which is taken from the warehouse is packed into three sets while jasmine rice is packed into four sets. The Public Warehouse Organization will keep one set of each kind of rice. The rest will be sent for DNA examination in Bangkok.


-- NNT 2014-07-03