Thailand Live Saturday 12 Jul 2014

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Explosion at Buddhist monk supplies shop in Ang Thong's Wiset Chai Chan district, 11 wounded, building damaged /MCOT

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Special Report: TAT to launch new campaign to boost tourism industry

BANGKOK: -- Thailand’s new global tourism campaign, “Amazing Thailand: Happiness Within,” will be launched for visitors to experience the “Thai way of happiness.”

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/742196-special-report-tat-to-launch-new-campaign-to-boost-tourism-industry/

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RT @191Thailand: Photos of the aftermath of an explosion in Ang Thong. At least 4 people seriously injured (Pic @fm91trafficpro) http://t.co/jiCHohSkfy

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Travelers still taking trains despite voicing safety concern

BANGKOK, 12 July 2014 (NNT) – A large number of travelers were seen yesterday taking trains at Hua Lamphong Station to make their commutes for the long holiday this weekend, despite the murder of a teen on board a moving train early this week shaking public confidence in the safety of train passengers.

Passengers at Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok said they chose the train service due to convenience and the economical price. However, they noted that the safety issue needed to be tackled, and called for more frequent patrols on board the trains.

At Khonkaen province's main train station, officers from the Provincial Police and the Tourist Police were seen augmenting security on board the Nong Khai-Bangkok trains that run through Khonkaen, in an effort to prevent a repeat of this week's tragic incident. Meanwhile, train passengers at the station told reporters they were not confident over their safety, and wanted to see better security measures.

The State Railway of Thailand has added another 50 cars to the trains that run daily, in order to accommodate the rise in passenger numbers during this long weekend. By doing so, the SRT can increase passenger carrying capacity by 5,000 passengers per day. Railway officials have also reported that seats have been fully booked for the Buddhist Lent holiday period.

-- NNT 2014-07-12

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RT @191Thailand: Monk supply shop that was destroyed in an explosion is believed to have stored fireworks too - TR @Rawangpai: http://t.co/V91Tw4VPKn

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UPDATE:

Phuket west coast beach restoration nearly halfway through: Gov Maitri

Darawan Naknakhon

PHUKET: The local government's campaign to restore order on Phuket's major west-coast beaches is about 45 per cent through, Governor Maitri Inthusut has revealed.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/742133-illegal-shops-face-demolition/#entry8089829

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Thaksin's birthday doesn't merit temple ceremony this year

BANGKOK: The big merit-making ceremony held each year to mark the birthday of Thaksin Shinawatra won't be held this year, a Pheu Thai Party member confirmed on Friday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/742225-thaksins-birthday-doesnt-merit-temple-ceremony-this-year/

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UPDATE:

Gen Prayuth says NCPO to advise interim government
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, July 12 -- The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), formed in the wake of the May 22 military takeover, would continue to function and offer advice to the interim government which will be established soon, said NCPO head and army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/742125-ncpo-to-work-with-interim-government/#entry8089906

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Thailand becoming hub of automotive R&D within ASEAN
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, July 12 -- Thailand was gearing up to become the hub for research and development (R&D) within the ASEAN region for the automotive industry.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/742227-thailand-becoming-hub-of-automotive-r-d-within-asean/

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UPDATE:

Second suspect in rape-and-murder case acts as a lookout for murderer

PRANBURI: -- Police have arrested another State Railway Authority of Thailand (SRT) employee who is suspected of being the lookout for the rapist murderer.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/742128-second-man-charged-in-train-murder/page-3#entry8089999

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Thailand rated world’s 24th most powerful military

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's military is ranked the 24th among 35 most powerful militaries in the world, according to an infographic published in Business Insider.

Two other countries in ASEAN, Indonesia and Vietnam are also among the world’s top 35 militaries.

Indonesia comes in 19th place while Vietnam 23rd place.

Business Editor said for a simpler evaluation of military power, it has turned to the Global Firepower Index, a ranking of 106 nations based on more than 50 factors including overall military budget, available manpower and the amount of equipment each country has in its respective arsenal, as well as access to resources.

The index focuses on quantity, ignoring significant quantitative differences.

Business Insider has created the chart to compare the top 35 militaries according to the Global Firepower Index. The ranking, released in April, involves a complex set of data that is subject to ongoing adjustments and corrections.

The graphic showed Thailand’s military strength comprises 750 tanks and 543 aircraft and military spending totalled $5.39 billion, while Vietnam spent $3.36 billion and has 3,200 tanks and 413 aircraft.

Indonesia’s military spending amounted to $6.9 billion and has 374 tanks and 381 aircraft.

Key finding from the index revealed
the U.S. clearly leads the world in military spending at more than $600 billion, has 13,683 aircraft and 8,325 tank.

Russia comes second in military might with 15,000 tanks, 3,083 aircraft, and military spending of $76 billion.

China is the closest nation to follow the US at nearly $130 billion — still less than one-third of America’s overall spending.

According to a report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the U.S. has reduced its defence budget by 7.8% chiefly because of America’s gradual withdrawal in overseas military operations, such as in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Russia has increased its arms spending by $88 billion and plans to ‘”modernize” its weapons arsenal.

Business Editor said aircraft carriers contribute greatly to a country’s overall military strength. These massive vessels allow nations to project their force far beyond their borders and across the entire face of the globe by functioning as essentially a mobile naval and air force base. Aircraft carriers can also carry drones, which significantly change the global surveillance game.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/thailand-rated-worlds-24th-powerful-military/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=thailand-rated-worlds-24th-powerful-military

-- Thai PBS 2014-07-12

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Explosion at ancient market in Ang Thong

Sixteen people were injured by an explosion at a three-storey shop situated at an ancient Talat Roi Pee market in Wiset Chai Chan district of Ang Thong province early Saturday.

The explosion occurred at 8:50 am. The shop had some fireworks but police were still checking whether the explosion was caused by the fireworks or cooking gas.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Explosion-at-ancient-market-in-Ang-Thong-30238354.html

-- The Nation 2014-07-12

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RT @BBCBreaking: Tommy Ramone, founding member of punk band The Ramones, dies aged 62 @RamonesOfficial announce http://t.co/4IkdwZx59v http://t.co/3HmBNOYGxq

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Burmese warship patrol seizes Thai fishing boat, lets fisherman flee

Suthicha Sirirat

PHANG NGA: A crew of 20 Thai fishermen who were captured by a Burmese gunboat patrolling Myanmar territorial waters yesterday, have been rescued at sea after they were allowed to escape overboard.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/742255-burmese-warship-patrol-seizes-thai-fishing-boat-lets-fisherman-flee/

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7 wounded in Ang Thong explosion
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, July 12 -- A total of 17 people were wounded and about 10 shops and several vehicles were damaged in an explosion at a market in the central province of Ang Thong on Saturday, police said.

The victims were sent to a local hospital for treatment.

Witnesses said the blast occurred at a shop selling supplies for Buddhist monks, located inside the market in Wiset Chai Chan district.

The impact of the explosion damaged eight shops in a commercial building, including a gold shop and Thanachart Bank branch, as well as several cars and motorcycles parked near the scene.

Police initially believed the explosion may have resulted from either fireworks stored inside the monk supplies shop or from stored cooking gas. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-07-12

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Buddhists nationwide make merit on Buddhist Lent Day
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, July 12 -- Buddhists throughout Thailand early on Saturday flocked to temples to make merit on Buddhist Lent Day, wishing for bright prospects and happiness.

Tens of thousands of Thais and foreigners participated in a traditional candle procession in the annual Candle Festival in front of Wat Sri Ubon Wanaram in the northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani.

A total of 55 large, handcrafted candles moved along with beautiful Thai dance while popular singers of the province crooned along the three-kilometre distance as crowds watched with enthusiasm.

In Nakhon Ratchasima, a hundred thousand tourists had an opportunity to watch a beautiful candle procession around the revered Thao Suranaree Statue.

Some of the candles were carved with designs and themes inspired by the FIFA World Cup and the latest Transformers movie, now showing in Thailand.

More than 40 candles participated in the competition in this province and the winner will receive the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn trophy.

Many devout Buddhists turned up at Wat Thaluang in the northern province of Phichit and presented food, candles, light bulbs and other necessities to monks and prayed that their lives would be as bright as the candlelight.

Buddhists in the southern province of Songkhla also offered necessities to monks on the Buddhist Lent Day amid tight security. Security officials were ordered to provide extra protection during the long holiday, which began on Friday. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-07-12

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Thai envoys in China briefed on political situation
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, July 12 -- Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and acting Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow on Saturday briefed the Thai ambassador and consul generals based in China about the current political situation in the kingdom.

Mr Sihasak, now on a two-day visit to China between July 11-12, told journalists that his visit would benefit Thailand as it would help strengthen relations between the two countries.

As Thailand is now in a transitional period, diplomats must help show that Thailand was still moving forward, both in economic and its foreign policy, he said.

This was to show that Thailand does not stay idle, no matter in its relations with neighbouring countries, ASEAN and the international arena.

The country has to move in an pro-active way, he said.

On Friday, Mr Sihasak held talks with Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Liu Zhenmin regarding several issues.

Mr Sihasak said China was interested in several mega projects in Thailand such as high-speed train service and water management, initiated by the now-defunct government.

He said he had explained to the Chinese minister that the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) which seized power in Thailand on May 22 was prepared to implement the projects but they must be carried out with “transparency and within the government’s budget.”

Mr Sihasak said he also requested the Chinese to invest in agricultural products in Thailand and also for the country to open its market wider for Thai agricultural products.

Thailand and China have agreed to strengthen their already strong bilateral relations at all levels, while preparations have been made to mark the 40th anniversary of Thai-Chinese diplomatic ties. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-07-12

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UPDATE:

Tourism business in Thailand is improving: TAT
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, July 12 -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said that tourism business has gradually improved and Thailand remained a popular tourist destination among Middle Eastern and Chinese tourists.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/742196-special-report-tat-to-launch-new-campaign-to-boost-tourism-industry/?p=8090875#entry8090875

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to continue:

Thailand Live Sunday 13 Jul 2014

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/742353-thailand-live-sunday-13-jul-2014/