Thailand Live Thursday 10 Jul 2014

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Sihasak to attend China-Thailand Strategic Dialogue on July 11-12

BANGKOK, 10 July 2014 (NNT) – Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow is scheduled to join the 2nd China-Thailand Strategic Dialogue in China during July 11-12, with an aim to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

In his capacity as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Sihasak has been invited by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin to the 2nd China-Thailand Strategic Dialogue, which is to take place in Beijing this Friday and Saturday. During the visit, Mr Sihasak plans to pay a courtesy call on Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi as well.

The dialogue presents an opportunity for both countries to strengthen their strategic partnership and bring the collaboration between their foreign ministries even closer.

At the upcoming event, the main focus will be placed on the progress of the Joint Action Plan on Thailand-China Strategic Cooperation 2012-2016 as well as the long-term plan on the promotion of the Thai-Chinese friendship, which resulted from the Chinese Prime Minister’s visit to Thailand in October 2013.


-- NNT 2014-07-10

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Loei launches metered taxi service for the first time

LOEI, 10 July 2014 (NNT) - Loei province has started operating a metered taxi service to cater to tourists in the province, while issuing reassurances of safe service with legal taxi fares, in line with the Department of Land Transport's rules and regulations.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741485-loei-launches-metered-taxi-service-for-the-first-time/

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Thailand expected to recover from gems, gold export slump in latter half of year

BANGKOK, 10 July 2014 (NNT) – The Gems, Jewelry and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand has reported that exports of Thai gems and gold will likely pick up in the second half of the year, thanks to the global economic revival.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741486-thailand-expected-to-recover-from-gems-gold-export-slump-in-latter-half-of-year/

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Thailand expected to recover from gems, gold export slump in latter half of year

BANGKOK, 10 July 2014 (NNT) – The Gems, Jewelry and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand has reported that exports of Thai gems and gold will likely pick up in the second half of the year, thanks to the global economic revival.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741486-thailand-expected-to-recover-from-gems-gold-export-slump-in-latter-half-of-year/

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UPDATE:

AFTERMATH
SRT governor rejects calls for resignation
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- STATE RAILWAY of Thailand governor Prapat Chongsanguan yesterday vowed to stay on as SRT chief, saying his resignation would be deemed an escape from the problems surrounding the railways.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741368-state-railway-of-thailand-srt-governor-prapat-to-stay-in-the-job/#entry8078918

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UPDATE:

CRIME
Victim of rape on train in 2001 speaks up
The Nation


Women's right advocates urge the junta to solve the violence against women and children yesterday at the Government House.

Breaks silence after recent attack on teen, urges harsher punishment

BANGKOK: -- A THAI WOMAN lost her bright career, her optimism and her ability to continue living in Thailand after a State Railway of Thailand (SRT) employee raped her on a train 13 years ago.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741381-ncpo-urged-to-tackle-violence-against-women-children/#entry8078920

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RICE-PLEDGING SCHEME
Nationwide checks continue to find fault with rice stocks
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- INSPECTIONS reveal that the rice stocks from the controversial pledging scheme have become mired in both quality and quantity problems.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741488-rice-pledging-scheme-nationwide-checks-continue-to-find-fault-with-rice-stocks/

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Bangkok to keep top spot among visitors to cities in Asia-Pacific
SOMLUCK SRIMALEE
THE NATION
SINGAPORE

BANGKOK: -- BANGKOK WILL retain its leading position among Asia-Pacific cities this year, despite an 11-per-cent decline in visitors due to the political unrest that plagued Thailand since the last quarter of last year, according to the MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741489-bangkok-to-keep-top-spot-among-visitors-to-cities-in-asia-pacific/

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Casio opens new plant at Thai complex
KWANCHAI RUNGFAPAISARN
THE NATION
NAKHON RATCHASIMA


Workers are busy on the production line for calculators at Casio

CASIO (THAILAND), one of the Japan-headquartered company's bases for the manufacture of watches, on Tuesday officially opened a new factory for calculators and electronic dictionaries at its complex in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741491-casio-opens-new-plant-at-thai-complex/

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AFTER COUP
Political timeline is starting to look clearer
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE TIMELINE for Thailand's politics over the next 18 months now seems to be clearer, given what has been drafted in the provisional constitution that is due to be announced soon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741493-thailands-political-timeline-is-starting-to-look-clearer/

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EDITORIAL
A train service going off the rails
The Nation

Sunday's brutal rape and murder of a child has shocked the country and left many reluctant to travel by rail

BANGKOK: -- News of the brutal rape and murder of a 13-year-old girl on an overnight train from Surat Thani to Bangkok on Sunday night sent shock waves across the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741494-thai-editorial-a-train-service-going-off-the-rails/

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THAI TALK
General Prayuth's dilemma: A single, dual or triple role?
Suthichai Yoon
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- In one way, he doesn't want to be seen as the "Supreme Leader". But then, since he has decided to take the plunge, he will have to see the mission through - and most people around him have told him he will have to go through with it whatever it takes.

General Prayuth Chan-ocha, Army chief and head of the coup-makers who form the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), might have made the most difficult decision of his life so far when he decided to seize power on May 22. Now, a series of even more frustrating questions awaits him:

1. Does he want to be the prime minister while he is still NCPO chief?

2. Even more complicated is the question of whether he will also remain Army commander-in-chief at the same time.

3. A related, and no less frustrating, question: If he keeps his NCPO post and names somebody else as prime minister, how much power should he retain? Can he still be in charge and not be seen to be dictating the government - while also being able to get things done his way?

General Prayuth has gone on the record as saying he and his NCPO team have no intention of overstaying the transition period. "We do not seek to stay on in power," he declared.

A day later, one of his close aides, Defence Permanent Secretary General Surasak Kanchanarat, confirmed to reporters that the coup-makers would stay as long as stipulated in the roadmap - which means, if interpreted strictly according to the statement, by the end of next year, the military would be back in their barracks and the top brass would either step down or retire into oblivion.

But then, another leading NCPO leader, Air Chief Marshal Prachin Chantong, in response to reporters' questions last week, suggested that the NCPO would very likely remain in existence even after a new government is appointed to run the country's affairs. In his scenario, the NCPO and the government will operate in parallel, obviously with the former wielding somewhat more power than the latter.

Taking all the statements and suggestions together, some conclusions seem clear:

1. General Prayuth will remain the most powerful person in the political landscape for the foreseeable future, no matter what power-sharing composition is decided upon.

2. The interim constitution to be put in force later this month will give clear hints on Prayuth's role(s) in the new political set-up.

3. The content of the interim charter will offer ample hints on whether General Prayuth will simultaneously assume the post as premier in the new government - and whether he will extend his term as Army chief before his retirement on September 30.

In the unlikely event that he straddles all the three posts, the wording about the NCPO's directly supervising the government won't have to be too specific; a general reference to the NCPO and the government working hand in hand with the National Legislative Assembly would suffice. It is also clear that the NCPO will be actively involved in the work of the National Reform Assembly, which will decide on a number of crucial reform issues that will have far-reaching consequences in the days ahead.

A more likely scenario is that he will keep only the NCPO post, while retiring as Army chief to pave the way for one of his deputies to take his place in the military hierarchy.

He is of course experienced enough to realise that if he forces an extension of his term in the Army, no matter how close they are to him, those waiting to move up the ladder would begin to lose their loyalty and his power base would start to erode.

In that case, General Prayuth may be urged by his top advisers to concurrently lead the government so that he can carry on some of the main items on the national agenda.

Any close observer of the Army chief's moves would agree that he is meticulous in his strategic planning. Even before he declared martial law and then staged the coup, he offered sufficient hints in what appeared to be casual bantering. ("We won't stand by idly if things got out of hand." "You really want soldiers to come out? Let me warn you: If soldiers come out, they won't go back.")

If one studies his recent remarks carefully enough, a rough sketch of his intentions might be discernible.

As Sun Tzu wrote in his famous "Art of War": "The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses makes but few calculations beforehand."

Assuming he has made his mind up about his own future role or roles, General Prayuth hasn't dropped any hints publicly so far. But you can be sure that he has factored all the risks into his calculations. The reason is clear: The day he decides to become the country's "Supreme Leader" by taking over all three top posts is the day the countdown to the end of his power begins.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/General-Prayuths-dilemma-A-single-dual-or-triple-r-30238123.html


-- The Nation 2014-07-10

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BBC to launch online Thai news service after coup

BANGKOK, July 10, 2014 (AFP) - The BBC said Wednesday it will launch a new social media service in Thailand to offer people another source of information at a time when the junta has imposed widespread censorship over domestic media.

The BBC World Service operation will cover local and international news in Thai and English for an initial period of three months, the British broadcaster said, launching on Facebook at 6.30 pm (1130 GMT) Thursday.

Thailand's military rulers have suspended democracy since seizing power on May 22, imposing martial law, banning public rallies and censoring the media to stifle any dissent.

"One of the fundamental principles of the World Service is to bring impartial and accurate news and to countries when they lack it," Liliane Landor, head of language services at the BBC World Service, said in a statement.

"We think the time is right to trial a new Thai and English digital stream to bring trusted news and information to people inside Thailand."

Thai junta spokesman Werachon Sukondhapatipak said he was happy to help the BBC "better understand the situation in Thailand".

"We don't have any problem as long as they don't send any provocative information that is negative or impacts the stability of the country," he said.

Last month the junta said it would set up five panels to monitor national and international news organisations as well as social media in its latest attempt to control the press.

The coup in Thailand follows years of political divisions between supporters of fugitive former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and a royalist establishment backed by parts of the military and judiciary.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-07-10

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BBC to launch online Thai English news service



BANGKOK: -- The BBC is set to launch a new social media service in Thailand to offer people another source of information at a time when the junta has imposed widespread censorship over domestic media.

The BBC World Service operation will cover local and international news in Thai and English for an initial period of three months, the British broadcaster said in a statement issued on Thursday.

It said Thailand’s military rulers have suspended democracy since seizing power on May 22, imposing martial law, banning public rallies and censoring the media to stifle any dissent.

‘One of the fundamental principles of the World Service is to bring impartial and accurate news and to countries when they lack it,’ Liliane Landor, head of language services at the BBC World Service, said in the statement.

‘We think the time is right to trial a new Thai and English digital stream to bring trusted news and information to people inside Thailand.’

In reaction to BBC’s move, National Council for Peace and Order spokesman Col Werachon Sukondhapatipak said he was happy to help the BBC ‘better understand the situation in Thailand’.

‘We don’t have any problem as long as they don’t send any provocative information that is negative or impacts the stability of the country,’ he said.

Last month the junta said it would set up five panels to monitor national and international news organisations as well as social media in its latest attempt to control the press.

The coup in Thailand follows years of political divisions between supporters of fugitive former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and a royalist establishment backed by parts of the military and judiciary.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/bbc-launch-online-thai-english-news-service/


-- Thai PBS 2014-07-10

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Two female students brutally killed at a flea market

YALA: -- Two female students were shot dead by suspected separatists as they went shopping at a flea market in Yaha district of Yala province Wednesday afternoon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741496-two-female-thai-students-brutally-killed-at-a-flea-market/

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Restoration of Phuket's Nai Thon Beach: 7 down, 11 to go
Suthicha Sirirat


A Parks official takes a sledgehammer to an illegal restaurant.

PHUKET: -- A 150-strong force of Department of National Park officials have resumed the restoration of Nai Thon Beach in Phuket’s north, having razed seven encroaching structures there this morning (July 9), while issuing a demolition order for 10 more structures.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741499-restoration-of-phukets-nai-thon-beach-7-down-11-to-go/

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Police nab suspect in killing of anti-Thaksin activist
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE GUNMAN suspected of killing Suthin Taratin, who led a rally against advance voting in January, was arrested on Tuesday at his home in Samut Prakan's Phra Pradaeng district, police said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741500-police-nab-suspect-in-killing-of-anti-thaksin-activist/

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EC's reform plans seem naive, detrimental to democracy
ATTAYUTH BOOTSRIPOOM

BANGKOK: -- AFTER looking at the Election Commission (EC)'s proposals for electoral reform, I wonder if the commission's way of thinking might end up being problematic and whether it will pose an obstruction to democracy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741501-ecs-reform-plans-seem-naive-detrimental-to-democracy/

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BMA works on clearing Bangkok pavements
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is planning to ensure pavements in the Rajdamri-Rajprarop areas are kept free after it decided to carry out a similar operation in the area outside Ramkhamhaeng University yesterday, a senior BMA official said.

BMA adviser Pol Maj-General Wichai Sangprapai led city officials to inspect the area in Ramkhamhaeng yesterday and said the authorities would inform people who have set up structures that intrude on the pavement, especially between Ramkhamhaeng Sois 17 and 53/1. People will be given 30 days to remove the structures, he said.

Wichai also instructed street vendors in the university area to open at 7pm instead 6pm.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/BMA-works-on-clearing-Bangkok-pavements-30238158.html

-- The Nation 2014-07-10

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Pratunam Polyclinic owner ordered to pay Bt76m
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Supreme Court yesterday upheld a previous ruling ordering the owner of the Pratunam Polyclinic to pay Bt76 million in debt, including interest since 1997, for breaching his mortgage for two adjoining townhouses in Bangkok's Makkhasan area.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741502-bangkok-pratunam-polyclinic-owner-ordered-to-pay-bt76m-in-debt/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

BREAKING

South Thailand border crossings reports problems to enter with 60-days tourist visas "TR60"

HAT YAI:-- [thaivisa.com] - Thaivisa.com has been made aware of a number of instances in southern Thailand of foreign nationals being refused entry into the Kingdom after trying to re-enter using a 60 day tourist visa, whilst also having a history of multiple previous visa exemptions (border runs) in their passports.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741503-south-thailand-border-crossings-reports-problems-to-enter-with-60-days-tourist-visas-tr60/

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Slot Machines and firearm seized, two Pattaya Bars raided by Pattaya Police



PATTAYA: -- Pattaya Police announced the results of a 24 hour crime suppression operation with cases featuring 60 Slot Machines, a Gun and two bars allegedly conducting Sexually Explicit Shows.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741506-slot-machines-and-firearm-seized-two-pattaya-bars-raided-by-pattaya-police/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Romero shootout saves send Argentina to final

Match report: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741507-romero-shootout-saves-send-argentina-to-final/

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France proposes anti-terrorist travel bans

PARIS: -- The French government has proposed six-month travel bans to stop citizens travelling to Syria and Iraq to fight alongside Islamist militants.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741515-france-eyes-anti-terror-travel-ban/

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Israel 'to intensify Gaza attacks'

JERUSALEM: -- Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to "further intensify attacks on Hamas" in the Gaza Strip, following talks with his defence chiefs.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741516-israel-to-intensify-gaza-attacks/

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Greenwald: NSA and FBI spied on five Muslim-Americans

WASHINGTON: -- US spy agencies snooped on the emails of five high-profile Muslim Americans in an effort to identify security threats, documents leaked by fugitive ex-NSA contractor Edward Snowden show.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741517-nsa-and-fbi-spied-on-us-muslims/

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Malaysian MP admires Germany win - and Hitler - in tweet

(BBC) A Malaysian member of parliament has sparked controversy after he expressed admiration for Germany's win over Brazil in a World Cup semi-final - and Adolf Hitler.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741518-malaysian-mp-in-hitler-controversy/

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Fatalities in Houston house shooting

HOUSTON: - Police near the US city of Houston have cornered a man suspected of a series of shootings in a house, which local media reports say left five people dead.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741539-fatalities-in-houston-house-shooting/

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Cable TV businesses ask NCPO to halt planned subsidy for digital TV set-top boxes

BANGKOK, 10 July 2014 (NNT) – Cable TV businesses submitted a letter to the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) on Wednesday calling for a halt to the planned distribution of subsidy coupons for buyers of digital TV set-top boxes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741541-cable-tv-businesses-ask-ncpo-to-halt-subsidy-for-digital-tv-set-top-boxes/

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Iran declares it not going to "kneel" as nuclear talks enter crisis

TEHERAN: -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif took to YouTube on Wednesday to deliver a message that Iran was ready to take steps to ensure its nuclear program remains peaceful but would not "kneel in submission" to do a deal with major powers.Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran would need to significantly increase its uranium enrichment capacity, highlighting a gap in positions between Tehran and world powers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741550-iran-declares-it-not-going-to-kneel-as-nuclear-talks-enter-crisis/

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Thai stock index opens on Thursday at 1,512.92, gains 5.00 points /MCOT