Series of activities planned to celebrate HM the Queen’s birthday

BANGKOK, 16 July 2014 (NNT) - Documentaries and feature films will be produced to honor Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of her 82nd birthday anniversary this year.

Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office Mom Luang Panadda Diskul said at a press conference that the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has given approval to the film project, which calls for production of two documentaries and two movies featuring royal activities of Her Majesty the Queen in the four parts of the country.

The two movies, which portray royal activities in the northern and southern parts of Thailand, will be screened on 5th August 2014, at the Siampawalai Royal Grand Theatre of the Siam Paragon Shopping Center in Bangkok. All other theatres nationwide are also requested to show the film on the date.

Apart from the film project, a Buddha image will be casted to commemorate Her Majesty’s 7th cycle anniversary on 12th August 2016. The public are invited to donate for the project to enable the Buddha image to be completed in time for the celebration. Other activities for this year include a grand exhibition in honor of HM the Queen at Amporn Gardens and the Royal Plaza on 9th and 10th of August, a light-and-sound show, and a candle-lit ceremony to wish Her Majesty a happy birthday to be presided over by the NCPO Head, General Prayuth Chan-o-cha.

The Sangha Supreme Council of Thailand has also asked Buddhist monks worldwide to chant holy stanzas as a tribute to Her Majesty during 8-12 August. The Bureau of the Royal Household will arrange books for well wishers to sign on the 12th of August.


-- NNT 2014-07-16

AFTER COUP
Foreigners urged to convey 'better understanding' of Thai politics
Erich Parpart
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Foreign Ministry yesterday urged foreign business representatives to help give their respective governments a better understanding of the political developments in the Kingdom.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743136-foreigners-urged-to-convey-better-understanding-of-thai-politics/

HEALTH PLAN
Top Health official did not propose cost-sharing by patients
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- RESPONDING to criticism of a reported Health Ministry proposal submitted to the junta that patients should share treatment costs under a ministry reform to ease budgetary constraints, a senior health official yesterday took responsibility for having made the proposal.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743137-top-health-official-did-not-propose-cost-sharing-by-patients-thai-health-plan/

POLICE
Reforms cause a stir
THE NATION

Some welcome junta's changes, others accuse it of overstepping its role

BANGKOK: -- NATIONAL POLICE reforms introduced by the National Council for Peace and Order have already started creating ripples spreading far and wide, and also in the political arena.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743138-thai-police-reforms-cause-a-stir/

CREMATION
BMA gets tough over temple crematoriums
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has threatened to take action against temples using crematoriums that exceed its limits for pollutants.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743139-bangkok-administration-gets-tough-over-temple-crematoriums/

RICE STRATEGY
BoT offers rice strategies
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation


Isara Vongkusolkit

BANGKOK: -- The Board of Trade of Thailand will propose five strategies on sustainable rice-industry development to the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), a programme it claims would cost the government just Bt20 billion a year, a tenth of the cost of the defunct pledging scheme, to reform farming and marketing.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743140-board-of-trade-of-thailand-offers-rice-strategies/

STOPPAGE TIME
In defence of great 'national art'
Tulsathit Taptim

BANGKOK: -- In removing State Railway of Thailand chief Prapat Chongsa-nguan, the junta has put a great practitioner of a national art form to the sword.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743141-thai-opinion-in-defence-of-great-national-art/

Two Ladyboys steal Gold Necklace from Australian on Pattaya Beach



PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Tuesday, Pattaya Police witnessed two Ladyboys steal a gold necklace from an Australian Tourist on Pattaya Beach.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743142-two-ladyboys-steal-gold-necklace-from-australian-on-pattaya-beach/

5 injured, 2 seriously as train strikes pick-up at East Pattaya Level Crossing



PATTAYA: -- Late on Tuesday Night an incident occurred at a Level Crossing in East Pattaya whereby a train struck a pick-up truck, causing injuries to 5 people in the vehicle with 2 of them currently in critical condition in Hospital.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743143-5-injured-2-seriously-as-train-strikes-pick-up-at-east-pattaya-level-crossing/

Disciplinary probe against a lecturer in stamps for grades deal



BANGKOK: -- A committee has been set up to take disciplinary action against a lecturer of Rajabhat University’s Kalasin campus who allegedly demanded 7-Eleven stamps or glass set from students in exchange for higher grades.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743145-thai-lecturer-accused-of-trading-grades-for-7-eleven-stamps/

Military junta endorses fairer debt collection law



BANGKOK: -- Local citizens who have incurred debts can now rejoice as the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has given approval to a debt collection legislation which will give more protection for debtors against unpleasant or sometimes inhumane debt chasing.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743146-ncpo-endorses-fairer-debt-collection-law/

Suthep becomes a monk
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The People's Democratic for Reform Committee (PDRC) leader and former Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban has been ordained as a Buddhist monk at Wat Tha Sai in his home province of Surat Thani.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743148-suthep-becomes-a-monk/

Brics nations to create $100bn development bank

BRAZIL: -- The leaders of the so-called BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - sign a deal to create a new $100bn development bank and emergency reserve fund.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743151-brics-nations-to-create-us100bn-development-bank/

PHUKET UPDATE:

Out-in visa hoppers now being barred from entry to Thailand

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743034-out-in-visa-hoppers-now-being-barred-from-entry-to-thailand/

LATEST

Scores of foreigners refused entry to Thailand at Malaysian border

SONGKHLA:-- More than 100 foreign nationals per month are being refused entry to Thailand despite having valid tourist visas, according to a senior Immigration official at the Sadao border checkpoint.

Read the full story here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743066-scores-of-foreigners-refused-entry-to-thailand-at-malaysian-border/

Thailand Research Expo 2014 to be held in August
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, July 16 -- The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) is preparing to conduct the Thailand Research Expo 2014 in Bangkok in August.

NCRT and research agencies nationwide will hold the Thailand Research Expo 2014 August 7-11 at Centara Grand Hotel in Bangkok, showcasing about 250 research projects for the sustainable development of quality of life, economy and society from across the country.

Among the research works are tricycles for handicapped, a tree climbing monkey robot, straw furniture products and research on Thai rice.

The exhibition on His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and his contribution to the country through researches will also be displayed at the event.

A seminar on several issues in the country as well as the third Thai-Chinese Chinese Strategic Research Seminar will also be held to promote research collaboration between the two nations. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-07-16

BMA orders sellers who occupy footpath on Ratchadamnoen to move out by Thursday

BANGKOK, 16 July 2014 (NNT) – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has declared that lottery selling stalls on the footpaths along Ratchadamnoen Rd. must be removed by Thursday, to allow workers to start beautifying the area and also to improve road traffic.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743190-bangkok-orders-sellers-who-occupy-footpath-on-ratchadamnoen-to-move-out-by-thursday/

Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 1,527.21, gains 2.68 points /MCOT

Haze moves in to cover downtown Yala; security tight as intelligence maintains warning

YALA, 16 July 2014 (NNT) – Residents of Yala on Tuesday found themselves bracing for another bout of haze that resulted from forest fires in Indonesia. Meanwhile security measures have been tightened after intelligence officials maintained that insurgents were still looking to strike multiple targets during the month of Ramadan.

Haze from forest fires on Indonesia's Sumatra Island has moved over Thailand's lower Southern Region. Those in downtown Yala experienced the haze cover a couple days back, although it quickly lifted. Tuesday's haze cover was substantial and slightly irritating for locals, but not to the point of causing traffic problems as visibility remained adequate. The provincial public health office asserted the haze situation was not health-threatening but all health offices were encouraging people to put on face masks when out in the open.

Meanwhile, security officials in Yala have been maintaining vigilance due to the continuous warning from intelligence units that insurgents plan to strike midway into the Ramadan period. Intelligence indicated that preparations were being made for ambushes and bombings on both Buddhist and Muslim locals who were on the road, as well as traveling state officials. Those traveling to and from mosques were being especially targeted, according to intelligence. Security personnel have been asked to increase caution when carrying out mission, and ensure security for the softer targets.


-- NNT 2014-07-16

Suthi Atchasai, environmental activist, leading protesters against Rayong power plant construction, dies after reportedly shooting himself /MCOT

ITD to reclaim Thai rice reputation



BANGKOK: -- The Internal Trade Department is preparing to reclaim the reputation of Thai rice as the best in the world.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743192-itd-to-reclaim-thai-rice-reputation/

DBD to regulate rules for condominiums and housing estates

BANGKOK, 16 July 2014 (NNT) – The Department of Business Development (DBD) is planning to tighten rules in the management of condominiums and housing projects, to promote transparency and provide greater protection for tenants and buyers from false advertising and unfair management of common fee collections.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743195-thai-dbd-to-regulate-rules-for-condominiums-and-housing-estates/

Military junta endorses 2.575 trillion baht budget bill for 2015 fiscal year



BANGKOK: -- The budget bill will see a deficit of 250 billion baht, according to Budget Bureau director Somsak Chotrattanasiri.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743197-military-junta-endorses-2575-trillion-baht-budget-bill-for-2015-fiscal-year/

Four thousands workers registered at work permit at six work permit centers on the first day

BANGKOK, 16 July 2914 (NNT)- Six one-stop service centers set up to issue temporary work permits for immigrant workers are up and running in Bangkok as part of the National Council for Peace and Order's (NCPO) bid to tackle human trafficking and labor abuse.

On the first day of operation, the Department of Employment Director-General Sumet Mahosod said that there were 1,007 workers who applied at the Rama-Indra Sports Center in Bangkhen and 727 workers who registered at the Bangkok Youth Center (Thai-Japan) in Dindaeng.

Meanwhile 701 workers came to register at Minthinthong City Hall in Minburi, 528 migrants at Lumpini Youth Center in Pathumwan, with another 616 at Taweewattana’s Youth Center, and 557 workers who applied for their work permit at Bangbon’s Sports Center.

A total of 4,136 foreign workers have now registered for work permits at the six newly opened one-stop service centers in Bangkok on the first day.


-- NNT 2014-07-16

Russian women robbed by Phuket bag-snatchers
Eakkapop Thongtub


The two Russian women show police where the robbery took place.

PHUKET: -- Two Russians women were robbed by bag snatchers late on Monday night (July 14). The snatchers pounced on Bang Tao Bay in front of Jaspal Tailor and got away with US$500, B2,000, and RUB1,500 cash, along with Visa Electron card.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743205-russian-women-robbed-by-phuket-bag-snatchers/

KFC closes three outlets in deep South



BANGKOK: -- KFC officially announced the closure of its three outlets in Pattani and Yala provinces after it could not complete needed renovations to meet operational standards.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743206-kfc-closes-three-outlets-in-deep-south/

‘See ya,’ American teacher says before suicide
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- A 60-year-old American teacher was found hanged by a rope Monday in an apparent suicide.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743211-american-teacher-found-hanged-in-ubon-ratchathani/

Thailand calls for Israeli-Palestinian peace talks

BANGKOK, 16 July 2014 (NNT)-The Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Sihasak Phuangketkeow, also serving as acting foreign minister, has called on Israel and the Palestinian representatives to resume peace talks.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743215-thailand-calls-for-israeli-palestinian-peace-talks/

Power plant protest activist shoots himself



BANGKOK: -- Environmental activist and leading protesters against Rayong power plant construction, Suthi Atchasai, was dead after he shot himself inside his car.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743217-rayong-power-plant-protest-activist-shoots-himself/

Security forces raid a neighborhood in Chonburi province

CHONBURI, 16 July 2014 (NNT) - Military and police officers, along with authorities from Bang La Mung District in Chonburi Province have raided a village in the province as part of their mission to crackdown on illegal activities.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743223-security-forces-raid-a-neighborhood-in-chonburi-province/