Special Report: Five special economic zones set up to boost border trade

BANGKOK: -- Five border areas will be developed as special economic development zones at the initial stage to boost Thailand’s border trade and prepare for the arrival of the ASEAN Community in late 2015.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743533-five-special-economic-zones-set-up-to-boost-border-trade-thai-report/

UPDATE:

Thai junta allows deposed PM to leave country

BANGKOK, July 17, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's junta has given permission to ousted former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra to leave the country for the first time since a May 22 coup, a military spokesman said Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743492-yingluck-seeks-ncpos-permission-to-visit-europe/page-2?p=8112407#entry8112407

Lottery price control remains unsuccessful



BANGKOK: -- The 80-baht price control lottery ticket price has not been successful with lottery vendors selling higher than the control price at 90 baht, while some even lower at 70-75 baht on the last minute before the lottery draw yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743544-thai-lottery-price-control-remains-unsuccessful/

Three dead in 3-vehicle smash in Krabi
Eakkapop Thongtub

KRABI: -- An accident involving two pick-up trucks and a bus resulted yesterday evening (July 16) in three deaths, including that of a three-month-pregnant woman.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743549-three-dead-in-3-vehicle-smash-in-krabi/

UPDATE:

Peace and Order Council allows Yingluck European tour
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, July 17 -- Army chief and leader of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha has given permission to former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra to travel to Europe, starting Sunday, amid speculations that she plans to meet her elder brother former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in France.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743492-yingluck-seeks-ncpos-permission-to-visit-europe/page-3?p=8112612#entry8112612

Kalasin police arrest a man responsible for selling fraudulent health products

KALASIN, 17 July 2014 (NNT) - Kalasin provincial police along with security forces and Public Health officials have busted a smuggling ring responsible for distributing fake health products. Authorities have found several products that do not have proper labels issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743553-kalasin-police-arrest-a-man-responsible-for-selling-fraudulent-health-products/

SRT to provide free Wi-Fi in express trains, sleeping carriages, inside Bangkok Railway Station in the initial stage /The Nation

Ratchaburi launches an operation to stop deforestation and encroachment

RATCHABURI, 17 July 2014 (NNT) – Security forces have continued their operations to suppress illegal rare tree logging and smuggling in Thailand nationwide.

Ratchaburi military and police officers have confiscated a large number of processed wood that were about to be shipped to customers.

Together, they have raided a house in Suan Pheung District during the night of June 16 and found more than 100 sheets of processed wood planks that were from protected trees.

The house owner was charged with illegal possession and processing of protected wood. He confessed in the interrogation that he bought the logs from villagers and transformed them into sheets of processed wood for his customers, who are resort operators in Suan Phueng.

The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has instructed provincial authorities nationwide to crackdown on illegal logging and wood smuggling operations within their area in an attempt to stop deforestation and encroachment of Thai national parks.


-- NNT 2014-07-17

2 suspects arrested for involvement in killing elephant for ivory poaching in Ayutthaya /MCOT

Foreign Ministry cautions against traveling to war-torn Iraq

BANGKOK, 17 July 2014 (NNT) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is cautioning Thai nationals against traveling to Iraq due to outbreaks of violence in the Middle East country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743561-thai-foreign-ministry-cautions-against-traveling-to-war-torn-iraq/

Free Wi-Fi service for train passengers

BANGKOK: -- The board of directors of the State Railway of Thailand has instructed acting SRT governor Prasert Attanan to install free Wi-Fi services for train passengers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743562-free-wi-fi-service-for-train-passengers/

Drunkard Husband Punishes Wife With Boiled Water
By Khaosod English

AMNAT CHAROEN — A woman in Northeastern Thailand is suffering from severe burns after her husband scorched her with boiling water when she refused to buy him more alcohol.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743589-drunkard-husband-punishes-wife-with-boiled-water-thailand/

266 ex-MPs have yet to return iPADs

BANGKOK: -- House of Representatives Secretary General Chare Phanpruang said Thursday that 266 ex-MPs have yet to return iPad tablet computers to the House after the House was dissolved early December.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743597-266-ex-mps-have-yet-to-return-ipads/

Traffic goes smooth on first day of the D Day against traffic violation

BANGKOK: -- Traffic police today reported smoother traffic flows on most intersections in the capital during the morning rush hours as thousands of police were deployed to monitor the behaviour of motorists.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743598-traffic-goes-smooth-on-first-day-of-the-d-day-against-traffic-violation/

Two suspects in elephant death arrested

Region One provincial police have arrested two men they suspected of poisoning a male elephant and stole its tusks in Ayutthaya province last Friday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743607-two-suspects-in-elephant-death-arrested/

130,000 people registered to operate motorcycle taxi service



BANGKOK: -- Almost 130,000 motorcycle taxi drivers have registered with the Land Transport Department under the National Council for Peace and Order’s measure to regulate this public transport service to free the service from Mafia control.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743614-bangkok-130000-people-registered-to-operate-motorcycle-taxi-service/

Security forces begin cracking down on street vendors who refuse to leave Ratcha Damnoen

BANGKOK, 17 June 2014 (NNT) - Bangkok authorities along with military and police officers have went in to dismantle tents and stalls of street vendors who continue to occupy pavement spaces at Ratcha Damnoen Road, as they have been warned in advance to move out of these areas.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743617-security-forces-crack-down-on-street-vendors-who-refuse-to-leave-ratchadamnoen/

Chemical leak at Laem Chabang port in Chon Buri; 60 students sent to hospital, evacuation proceeds /MCOT

Prosecution of red shirt protest leaders proceeds
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, July 17 -- Authorities are speeding up the prosecution of red shirt protest leaders, including those suspected of acts of terrorism during the tenure of the Abhisit Vejjajiva government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743620-prosecution-of-red-shirt-protest-leaders-proceeds/

Typhoon Rammasun, downpour warnings issued

BANGKOK, 17 July 2014 (NNT)-The National Disaster Warning Center has issued a warning about typhoon Rammasun which is set to bring heavy rains and thunderstorms to Thailand on July 18th and 19th.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743623-typhoon-rammasun-downpour-warnings-issued-for-thailand/

Cops open fire on panicked, totally high driver fleeing checkpoint
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- An under-the-influence attempt to evade police ended after a driver struck six cars and somehow landed his Honda City atop another car’s mirror.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743627-bangkok-cops-open-fire-on-panicked-totally-high-driver-fleeing-checkpoint/

Thai students win 9 gold, 8 silver, 3 bronze medals at Primary Mathematics World Contest 2014 in Hong Kong /MCOT

At least 106 people hospitalised in Laem Chabang chemical leak

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743665-laem-chabang-gas-leak-sends-26-to-hospitals/#entry8114133

Thailand, Vietnam agree to boost diplomatic relations
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, July 17 -- Thailand and Vietnam agree to expand diplomatic relations and Thailand thanks Vietnam for lifting its negative warning against its people visiting Thailand.

Full story: Thailand, Vietnam agree to boost diplomatic relations http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743659-thailand-vietnam-agree-to-boost-diplomatic-relations/

Special Prison For 2010 Red Protesters May Be Abolished

By Khaosod English


Red activist Thida Thavornseth visits Redshirts prisoners at Laksi Prison, 17 January 2012

BANGKOK — Thailand’s military regime may close down a special jail for Redshirt protesters who have been charged for their alleged role in Thailand's 2010 political violence, prison sources say.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743660-special-prison-for-2010-red-shirt-protesters-may-be-abolished/

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THAI's first Dreamliner to arrive Friday



BANGKOK: -- Thai Airways International announced Thursday its first Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner will arrive at Suvarnabhumi airport Friday from the United States.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743663-thais-first-dreamliner-to-arrive-friday/

Gas leak sends 26 to hospitals



CHONBURI: -- A gas leak at Laem Chabang deep seaport late today has forced the emergent evacuation of residents and school children from the port.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743665-laem-chabang-gas-leak-sends-26-to-hospitals/

Students change their story on stamps-for-grades controversy
By Coconuts Bangkok



What a difference a day makes.

BANGKOK: -- After a video showed a university lecturer copping to having traded grades for 7-Eleven stamps, students completely changed their stories at a press conference intended to “protect” the school’s reputation, despite a dubious reception by school officials.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743674-thai-students-change-their-story-on-7-eleven-stamps-for-grades-controversy/

High-speed train continued

BANGKOK, 17 July 2014 (NNT) - The high-speed train project has been continued with the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route expected to begin service in 2026. Three-hour trips between the two provinces are expected to cost around 1,000 baht/person.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743680-high-speed-train-project-continues-with-the-bangkok-chiang-mai-route/