Gen Prayuth chairs meeting, prepares security measures as Myanmar Supreme Commander visits this afternoon /MCOT

Chulabhorn Foundation celebrates 57th birthday of its president

BANGKOK, 4 July 2014 (NNT) - Chulabhorn Foundation has arranged a number of activities to celebrate the 57th birthday of its President, HRH Princess Chulabhorn, at the Foundation’s meeting hall in Lak Si District, Bangkok.

Privy Councillor Kasem Watthanachai, in his capacity as secretary-general of the Foundation led members of various organizations under the auspices of the Foundation in a ceremony to offer their wishes for the happiness and longevity of the Princess. Representatives of the public and private sectors have also queued up to sign books to offer their good wishes to HRH.

HRH Princess Chulabhorn was born on 4 July 1957 as the 3rd child to Their Majesties the King and Queen. She has devoted her time and efforts to scientific and medical research and development to promote the health of Thai public, particularly cancer patients. The Princess has been working to upgrade the standard of health personnel, and actively involved in raising funds for the foundation by making hand-made necklaces and other products for sales.

In conjunction with the Princess's birthday, Chulabhorn Foundation is also encouraging the public to donate blood as a tribute to Her Royal Highness.

-- NNT 2014-07-04

Weapons dating back to World War II era found in Samut Songkhram province

SAMUT SONGKHRAM, 4 July 2014 (NNT) - Cases of war weapons left discarded in remote areas have resurfaced again, as perpetrators fear heavy punishment under the military court.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739872-weapons-dating-back-to-world-war-ii-era-found-in-samut-songkhram-province/

DIT announced suggested retail prices of fertilizers and pesticides

BANGKOK, 4 July 2014, (NNT) - The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has announced its suggested retail prices for fertilizers and pesticides, as part of the National Council for Peace and Order's policy.

According to Director-General of the DIT Somchart Soithong, the new retail price guidelines will help ease the burden of farmers nationwide, who have already had several other expenses to deal with regularly, adding that the new pricing scheme is now in effect nationwide.

The price of formula 46-0-0 chemical fertilizer will be cut by 40 baht a sack, whereas those of the 16-20-0, 16-16-16, and 16-8-8 formulas will be decreased by 50 baht per sack.

The prices of 1-liter and 4-liter sizes pesticide, meanwhile, will be lowered by between 5-10%, depending on the brand and the location. The department will soon hand down the pricing guidelines to the provincial administration, said the director-general.

Sellers found selling the goods above the suggested prices, stockpiling the items, or refusing to sell them will be subject to imprisonment of no more than 7 years and a fine of 140,000 baht; those who fail to clearly display the items’ prices will be fined up to 10,000 baht, said the Director-General.


-- NNT 2014-07-04

Video: Weeping Japanese politician goes viral

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739873-video-weeping-japanese-politician-goes-viral/

Bright prospects for Thai agricultural investment in ASEAN
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, July 4 -- The Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE) pointed out that Thailand has considerable opportunities to expand its agriculture in other Southeast Asian nations, especially those sharing its border or near it.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739877-bright-prospects-for-thai-agricultural-investment-in-asean/

Two die in oil tank explosion



BANGKOK: -- Two workers died and two others, including a Cambodian, were seriously injured in an explosion caused by welding of an oil tank on Thursday in Chonburi province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739882-two-die-in-oil-tank-explosion-in-chonburi-province/

TOT unveils communication technology to save more lives



BANGKOK, 4 July 2014 (NNT) - TOT has established the TOT Help Call Center, an innovation by the TOT to equip home phones with an emergency call button.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739884-tot-unveils-communication-technology-to-save-more-lives/

NCPO replaces ONCB's director

BANGKOK, 4 JUL 2014 Pol Gen Pongsapat Pongcharoen has been relieved of his position as Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, while Corrections Department chief Suchart Wong-anantachai has been transferred to the post of inspector-general.

Pol Gen Pongsapat of the ONCB was replaced by his deputy Permpong Chaovalit in the 84th announcement which was broadcast live on Thursday.

The NCPO, in its announcement, ordered the creation of an additional position of Inspector in the Office of The Permanent Secretary for Justice. Therefore, Corrections Department chief Suchart Wong-anantachai was transferred to the newly-added post of inspector-general at the Justice Ministry while Mr. Wittaya Suriyawong, director of the Office of Justice Affairs was transferred to become the chief of the Corrections Department.

The Corrections Department deputy director-general Kobkiat Kasiwiwat was also transferred to the Office of Justice Affairs.

The announcements take effect immediately


-- NNT 2014-07-04

Overpass collapse kills two in Brazil World Cup city

BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil - An unfinished overpass being built for the World Cup collapsed in Brazil's southeastern city of Belo Horizonte on Thursday, killing at least two people and injuring 19.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739885-overpass-collapse-kills-two-in-brazil-world-cup-city/

Ousted ministers meet first time after military takeover
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, July 4 -- Members of the Pheu Thai Party including former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, ousted in the May 22 military takeover, met for the first time Thursday at the cremation ceremony of a former minister.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739890-ousted-thai-ministers-meet-first-time-after-military-takeover/

US Independence Day celebrated in Thailand
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, July 4 -- The United States Embassy in Thailand celebrated the 238th Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America on July 4, 2014.

US Ambassador to Thailand Kristie A Kenney welcomed guests of several sectors, including political figures, members of non-governmental organizations, government officials, the business community, academic figures, activists and journalists, gathering to celebrate the 238th Independence Anniversary of the United States at the reception held at Conrad Hotel in Bangkok on Thursday night.

Among other activities, the ceremony included the singing of the Royal Anthem of Thailand and the toast for His Majesty the King, led by the US Ambassador to Thailand, before all the guests were invited to sing the US national anthem and have a toast for US President Barack Obama.

US Ambassador Kenney, on the occasion, confirmed to journalists that the relations between Thailand and the US will remain the same after the military takeover, especially the cooperation on education, environment and culture.

The top envoy also encouraged and expressed her support to all parties in Thailand in working together to restore democracy in the country. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-07-04

Myanmar Supreme Commander visits Thailand
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, July 4 -- The commander-in-chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces Senior Gen Min Aung Hlaing is paying a two-day official visit to Thailand on July 3-4 as a guest of the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

Chief of the Defence Forces Gen Thanasak Patimapragorn who also serves as deputy chief of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), welcomed and held talks with his Myanmar counterpart, who inspected a military honor guard and signed his name in the visiting book.

Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing is due to meet Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda at his Si Sao Theves residence before meeting NCPO leader Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha at 2pm today. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-07-04

Phuket is ready to host 2014 Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek


Phuket is all set to welcome sailors from around the world for the 2014 Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek.
Photo by MarineScene.asia.

PHUKET: -- Phuket Island is ready to host the award-winning Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek from 16 – 20 July off the Island's southeast coast. The season-opening event of the prestigious 2014/15 AsianYachting Grand Prix – a series of 12 of the best regattas in Asia – Raceweek is set to welcome one of the most competitive fleets in the Regatta's history.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739893-phuket-is-ready-to-host-2014-cape-panwa-hotel-phuket-raceweek/

Thai authorities impound assets of Siamese rosewood smugglers
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, July 4 -- Thai Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) personnel along with army and police personnel early Friday impounded the assets of suspected Siamese rosewood smugglers to Thailand’s neighbouring countries.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739897-thai-authorities-impound-assets-of-siamese-rosewood-smugglers/

Phuket bike gang knife and rob two tourists
Tanyaluk Sakoot

PHUKET: -- An 44-year-old Italian tourist was stabbed at 3am yesterday morning (July 3) as he was being taken back to his hotel in Karon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739936-phuket-bike-gang-knife-and-rob-two-foreign-tourists/

More rains expected next week in Thailand

BANGKOK, 4 July 2014 (NNT) – More rains are expected next week as a monsoon covering parts of Thailand is gaining strength.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739944-more-rains-expected-next-week-in-thailand/

NACC to propose anti-corruption packages to junta



BANGKOK: -- The National Anti-Corruption Commission will submit to the National Council for Peace and Order three sets of measures and recommendations to tackle corruption in government bureaucracy, said NACC secretary-general Sansern Poljiak today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739963-nacc-to-propose-anti-corruption-packages-to-junta/

Louis Vuitton-toting nun apologizes
By Coconuts Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- Sistery Sherry, a Chumphon nun known for her charitable works and bling-bling lifestyle, held a press conference surrounded by her disciples yesterday to explain photos showing her penchant for material excesses.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739967-louis-vuitton-toting-thai-nun-apologizes/

Hackers take over Israel army Twitter account

JERUSALEM - Internet hackers briefly took over an Israeli army Twitter account, the military said Friday, posting an alarming message that a nuclear facility had been hit by rocket fire.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739970-hackers-take-over-israel-army-twitter-account/

PM's Office Permanent Secretary says nationwide rice warehouses inspection found rice missing, rotten; to conclude investigation in 1 month /MCOT

Many farmers in non-irrigated areas are facing drought this wet season due to unusual rainfall,Agriculture, Cooperatives Ministry said /The Nation

Visiting Myanmar armed forces leader Fri. praised decision by Thai army chief to seize power in May 22 coup /The Nation

Commerce Ministry asserts US not banning Thai products due to human trafficking report, to revive confidence /MCOT

Thai TV Channels Fined For Airing Hit TV Series 'Dexter'

By Khaosod English

Thailands media-regulating body says it has fined three private TV channels for airing the hit American TV series "Dexter because the show is too "violent.

BANGKOK Thailands media-regulating body says it has fined three private TV channels for airing the hit American TV series "Dexter because the show is too "violent.

According to a report on Daily News, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) has fined Thai TV channels GMM, CTH, and TOT 50,000 baht each.

Col. Natee Sukolrat, deputy chairman of the NBTC, was quoted by Daily News as saying that Dexter has violated Article 37 of the 2008 Broadcasting Act, which prohibits airing content that could "lead to the overthrow of democratic regime with the King as Head of State, or affect the national security, peace and order, and morals of the people, and actions that tend to be pornographic or lead to degradation of mind or health of the public."

The NBTC's deputy chairman reportedly argued that Dexter, which tells the story of a vigilante who disguises himself as a forensic science investigator, violates Article 37 because it is too violent.

"Even though it is a foreign-made series that cannot be altered in its content, it is still not appropriate to be aired in Thailand," Col. Natee said, according to Daily News. However, violence and sexual abuse are regularly seen on nightly dramas aired on state-owned televisions.

The NBCT has an extensive record of punishing broadcasters and censoring media contents using a broad interpretation of Article 37.

The victims include an episode of Thailand Got Talent that featured a woman who painted a canvass with her naked breasts, a TV soap opera Nuea Mek (Above the Cloud) that reportedly insulted the "higher institution, and a televised debate that pitted pro-monarchy academics against a famous critic of the Thai Royal Family, Somsak Jeamteerasakul.

The eleven-person NBTC panel consists of five military officers, one police officer, and four civilians.

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1404464769

-- Khaosod English 2014-07-04

BOT: Thai economy not affected by EU downgrade of ties

BANGKOK, 4 July 2014 (NNT) - The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has assured the public that the kingdom’s economy will not be affected by the European Union’s recent downgrade of ties.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/739974-bot-thai-economy-not-affected-by-eu-downgrade-of-ties/

Former News of the World editor Andy Coulson jailed for 18 months for conspiracy to hack phones /BBC

SET index closed 1,495.83, up 2.62; Bt/USD32.25; GBP55.25; AUD30.03; EUR43.75; CAD30.19; HKD4.15; SGD25.75; JPY31.45

RT @veen_NT: The Nation: PTT's directors on resolved to appoint Piyasvasti Amranand as the company's new chairman.

Rolf Harris jailed for five years and nine months

Mr Justice Sweeney said Harris had taken advantage of the trust placed in him because of his celebrity status

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740010-rolf-harris-jailed-for-five-years-and-nine-months/

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Opening Party at the new Thaivisa Lounge Bar in Bangkok

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