Thailand Live Tuesday 8 Jul 2014

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15 southern and eastern provinces warned of floods and landslides this week

BANGKOK, 8 July 2014 (NNT) – Fifteen provinces in the East and South of Thailand are urged to prepare for floods, windstorms, and landslides from 8th to 12th July.

Chatchai Phromlert, Director of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), has revealed that the DDPM has coordinated with the 15 provinces, namely Cholburi, Rayong, Chantaburi, Trat, Chumport, Surat Thani, Nakorn Si Thammarat, Ranong, Pangnga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Satun, Songkhla, and Pattalung as well as the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Offices in the 11th region, 12th region, 17th region, and 18th region. The stability of reservoirs and dams is being checked. Meanwhile, the “Mr. Warning” program is being used to reach the risky areas promptly.

Residents in the areas at risk, are advised to monitor weather forecasts and disaster warnings closely and strictly comply with any warnings. Fishermen with small boats should stay in port, while tourists should take caution if travelling in the areas.


-- NNT 2014-07-08

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50,000 baht reward for information of missing girl

BANGKOK: -- A 50,000-baht reward has been offered by the State Railway of Thailand for anyone who can give information which will lead to the finding of a 13-year old girl who reportedly went missing while travelling on a Bangkok-bound train on early Sunday morning.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740743-50000-baht-reward-for-information-of-missing-girl/

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UPDATE

Blacklisting proposed for foreigners who overstay in Thailand

BANGKOK: New tougher rules on foreigners overstaying their permits to stay in Phuket are probably on the way, the ThaiVisa.com website reports today (July 7).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740634-thai-immigration-bureau-to-blacklist-all-overstayers-of-more-than-90-days/page-12?p=8068478#entry8068478

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UPDATE:

LATEST DEVELOPMENT
Missing teen 'still alive'
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL who was reported by her family to have gone missing while taking a train ride early on Sunday is still alive, police have said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740743-50000-baht-reward-for-information-of-missing-girl/#entry8068998

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CRIME
2 men sought over Suthin killing
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- olice plan to seek arrest warrants for another two suspects allegedly linked with the killing of protest leader Suthin Taratin, who was shot dead while leading a rally against advance voting outside Wat Si-iam on Bang Na-Trat Road in January.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740806-2-men-sought-over-suthin-killing-on-bang-na-trat-road/

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ORGAN TRANSPLANT
Ministry looks into Cambodia kidney scandal
Suriyan Panyawai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Thai Public Health Ministry is looking into a report published in The Cambodia Daily about a Cambodian woman allegedly running an organ-transplant racket in which she reportedly persuades people to sell their kidney to patients in Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740807-thai-health-ministry-looks-into-cambodia-kidney-scandal/

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AFTER COUP
Sihasak waiting to brief UN chief
Nuntida Puangthong
The Nation

Thai team visits the UN to boost understanding about army takeover

BANGKOK: -- A DELEGATION led by Foreign Ministry's permanent secretary Sihasak Phuangketkeow was, as of yesterday, still waiting for a meeting with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to be confirmed. They hope to update UN chief about the post-coup situation in Bangkok.

Sihasak, who is the acting foreign minister, is attending a ministerial meeting of the UN Economic and Social Council at the UN headquarters in New York, ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee said.

A Foreign Ministry source said yesterday that Sihasak was waiting to hear from Ban's office if they can meet before Sihasak returns home tomorrow night.

The UN visit is part of a "roadshow" suggested last week by junta chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha for state agencies and the private sector to help people overseas get a better grasp of why the military seized power.

When Thailand's political conflict was degenerating into crisis a few months ago, Ban offered to mediate and met with politicians from the then ruling Pheu Thai and opposition Democrat parties.

The ECOSOC session in New York, from yesterday to tomorrow, presents a good opportunity for Thailand to describe to foreign nations the conditions in the country now. Sihasak said yesterday he would try to talk with delegates from the US and some Latin American countries that had harsh words about the May 22 power seizure.

Sihasak will also hold talks with high-level representatives from ECOSOC member states.

"We have to make foreigners comprehend the context of Thai politics. We will tell them that Thailand has not abandoned democratic principles, nor respect for human rights. Instead, what happened will strengthen our democracy," he said.

Consultations with editors of The New York Times plus officials from the Asia Society are also part of his itinerary in the US. He would also meet Thai expatriates from major cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles and New York to hear their views on reconciliation and reform. He will then report back to the ruling National Council for Peace and Order about their opinions.

The "roadshow" is taking him to many countries, like Geneva last month, where he described to participants of a UN Human Rights Council meeting the latest developments in Thailand - and stressed that the situation had improved immensely.

On Friday, he will lead a mission to China to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and he will head to the Philippines next week.

From July 20 to 25, there is a ministerial meeting of Asean and the European Union, in Brussels, then a meeting in South Korea between Seoul and Mekong River member states at the end of this month, prior to an Asean foreign ministers' meeting in Myanmar early next month.

Sihasak said he would try to clarify several issues with EU officials attending the EU-Asean meeting, while the Europeans should also try to understand Thailand in this regard.

Last week, the anti-coup Free Thais for Human Rights and Democracy group, led by its European coordinator Jaran Ditapichai, met with officials of the EU's Human Rights Council in Paris.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Sihasak-waiting-to-brief-UN-chief-30237971.html


-- The Nation 2014-07-08

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REFERENDUM
Reform Now Network divided
Khanittha Thepphajorn
The Nation

Group discusses public input and setting up council

BANGKOK: -- Participants at the Reform Now Network (RNN) forum said they wanted the reform council to be a long-term and inclusive body. However, many were divided yesterday over whether reforms proposed by the yet-to-be set up council should be put to a public referendum.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740809-thai-reform-now-network-divided/

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TAT launches new campaigns for 2015 in push for Bt2.2 trillion revenue
Suchat Sritama
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- In a move to boost the economy, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) yesterday announced campaigns and marketing plans for next year with a revenue target of Bt2.2 trillion from local and international visitors.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740810-tat-launches-new-campaigns-for-2015-in-push-for-bt22-trillion-revenue/

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Rice stocks check to end this month
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation



Management of stockpiles in place

BANGKOK: - The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has speeded up inspections of the state's rice stockpiles and expects to complete them by the end of this month before implementing a plan to release the stocks to the market.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740811-thai-rice-stocks-check-to-end-this-month/

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STREETWISE
Junta pushing renovation unseen for decades
Achara Deboonme

BANGKOK: -- In the six weeks since the military took control, actions unseen during decades of elected governments have been unveiled.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740812-junta-pushing-renovation-unseen-for-decades-thai-opinion/

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Frenchman suspected of killing his son then committing suicide in Jomtien



PATTAYA: -- On Monday afternoon, Police were called to a Condominium Complex in Jomtien where a suspected murder and suicide had taken place.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740813-frenchman-suspected-of-killing-his-son-then-committing-suicide-in-jomtien/

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Motorcycle taxis allowed to wear bright orange jackets but must have more details on the back



BANGKOK: -- Motorcycle taxi drivers will be allowed to continue wearing their bright orange uniform but with names and number printed on the back of the jackets.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740815-bangkok-motorcycle-taxis-allowed-to-wear-bright-orange-jackets/

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UPDATE:

Body of 13-year-old girl found near rail track in Prachuap Khiri Khan

BANGKOK: -- The body of 13-year-old girl, who disappeared on board a train from Surat Thani to Bangkok, was found near a rail track in Prachuap Khiri Khan early Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740743-50000-baht-reward-for-information-of-missing-girl/?p=8069119#entry8069119

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MISSING BILLY

Rights commissioner asks deputy police chief to find Billy
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Niran Pitakwatchara, a member of the National Human Rights Commission, yesterday called for help from national police deputy chief Pol General Aek Angsananont over the disappearance of Karen activist Pollachee "Billy" Rakchongcharoen on April 17.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740818-rights-commissioner-asks-deputy-police-chief-to-find-billy/

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Kalasin forest reserve 'claimed for farms and homes'
The Nation



KALASIN: -- More than 10,000 rai of a forest reserve has allegedly been converted into plantations and housing areas in the Phuphan mountain range in Sam Chai district in Kalasin, prompting the Army and provincial administrators to investigate.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740821-kalasin-forest-reserve-claimed-for-farms-and-homes/

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Network urges closure of Praksa dump
Janjira Pongrai
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- THE ANTI-PRAKSA Dumpsite Network yesterday called on the authorities to close permanently the 100-rai (16-hectare) dump in Samut Prakan that caught fire earlier this year and badly affected local residents.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740822-network-urges-closure-of-samut-prakans-praksa-dump/

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Chicago police: Gun laws blamed for weekend killings

CHICAGO: -- Chicago's police chief has blamed weak gun laws after a string of shootings over the holiday weekend that killed at least nine and injured dozens.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740824-chicago-police-gun-laws-blamed-for-weekend-killings/

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One dead as strong quake hits Mexico, Guatemala

PALENQUE, Mexico - A strong 6.9 magnitude earthquake rocked parts of southern Mexico and Guatemala on Monday, killing one person and injuring another as shockwaves toppled walls and caused landslides.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740825-one-dead-as-strong-quake-hits-mexico-guatemala/

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Scientists closer to blood test for Alzheimer's

LONDON - A British study has identified blood proteins that appear in patients subsequently diagnosed with Alzheimer's, raising hopes of a test that could help the search for a cure.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740838-british-scientists-closer-to-blood-test-for-alzheimers/

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World Bank ranks Thailand No. 18 in terms of business friendliness



BANGKOK, 8 July 2014 (NNT) -The World Bank has revealed that Thailand has been listed in the Top 20 countries based on its ‘Ease of Doing Business’ report.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740858-world-bank-ranks-thailand-no-18-in-terms-of-business-friendliness/

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Factories must register w/ Industrial Works Dept w/in 2 months as Industry Ministry go after industrial waste polluting plants /The Nation

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Flights cancelled, over 100,000 residents advised to evacuate as super typhoon Neoguri expected to hit Okinawa w/ heavy rain, up to 270 kph wind /The Nation

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More than 100,000 meth pills seized in Chiang Mai

CHIANG MAI, 8 July 2014, (NNT) - Chiang Mai police have apprehended a man with more than 100,000 meth pills in possession.

Chiang Mai Governor Suriya Prasartbundit made the announcement, saying the suspect, Mr. Jumlong Sanyakiatikhun, was arrested with 156,000 methamphetamine pills in possession, while he was on the road heading to Chiang Mai from Prao District.

According to the Governor, the suspect had avoided a checkpoint on the main road but ran into another one on the alternate route. Upon the inspection of the suspect's vehicle, officials discovered the illicit drugs hidden in the pickup truck.

The suspect confessed to the crime, saying he would be paid 100,000 baht after he delivered the drugs to a client in Chiang Mai.


-- NNT 2014-07-08

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6 villagers wounded in shooting attack on local 'songtao' baht bus in Yala's Krong Pinang district /MCOT

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Israel, Hamas on collision course as clashes escalate
Isabel Kershner

JERUSALEM: -- Israel and the militant group Hamas seemed set on a collision course, with an escalation of cross-border clashes around the Gaza Strip, Hamas vowing to avenge the deaths of six of its fighters, and preparations underway for a possible large-scale Israeli operation in the Palestinian coastal territory.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740862-israel-hamas-on-collision-course-as-clashes-escalate/

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HRH Princess Chulabhorn is on visits to the US and Japan

BANGKOK, 8 July 2014 (NNT) - The Royal Household Bureau has announced Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn is paying official visits to the United States and Japan during July 7-25, 2014.

In an announcement issued last night, the Royal Household Bureau said that in the United States, Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn will observe research conducted at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) in North Carolina. The visit is aimed at promoting future cooperation between the NIEHS and the Chulabhorn Research Institute.

In Japan, Her Royal Highness will participate in a meeting of the President’s Advisory Council of the University of Tokyo, which the Princess is a member. Her Royal Highness is also scheduled to observe academic work on natural marine products at the University of Tokyo and veterinary affairs of the Japan Institute for Sick Animals. Her Royal Highness will also grant an audience to members of the Thai community at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.

Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn left for the United States and Japan last night (July 7) and will return to Thailand on July 25, at 21.55 hr.


-- NNT 2014-07-08

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Handicapped lottery vendors to be allocated tickets for extra income

BANGKOK, 8 July 2014 (NNT) – The Government Lottery Office (GLO) will print an additional 2 million tickets for each of the lottery draws, in an effort to allocate more tickets to handicapped vendors.

The new tickets will be printed starting with the August 1 draw, where 74 million tickets will be distributed to sellers instead of the usual 72. The extra tickets will be randomly allotted to 3,340 handicapped lottery vendors, out of 96,936 handicapped persons who have registered.

One of the handicapped who observed the allotment process on Monday said he hoped to receive allocation of the tickets so he can make more income for his family.

Police Colonel Bunsong Chansi, deputy director of the GLO, asked those who were granted lottery tickets allotment on Monday to sell the tickets at no more than 80 baht. Tickets will be made available to the new allocation right holders at 74 baht 40 satang per ticket.


-- NNT 2014-07-08

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Measures handed down to motorbike taxi drivers in Bangkok’s Huaykwang

BANGKOK, 8 July 2014, (NNT) - All motorcycle taxi drivers have been instructed to comply with measures issued by the Royal Thai Police (RTP) for the benefit of both the passengers and the drivers.

According to Deputy Commissioner General Pol Lt Gen Ruengsak Jarit-ake, the measures include: All drivers must register with the officials, the fare must be reasonable, basic human rights must be observed, and parking areas must be organized. In addition, establishments such as schools and shopping malls should set aside a space for motorcycle taxis, the driver must be knowledgeable in driving and safety codes, and lastly all drivers must wear appropriate uniforms issued by the authorities.

Authorities have been getting positive feedback in general although they have received a few complaints about drivers denying service and ill-mannered operators through the hotline 1197.


-- NNT 2014-07-08

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Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,506.01, gains 2.80 points /MCOT