Thailand Live Saturday 19 Jul 2014

[Lite Beer]

Junta will steer clear of legal case against Yingluck: Prajin
The Nation

Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra hit out at the National Anti-Corruption Commission at a press conference yesterday. She claimed that its handling of the rice-pledging case was biased against her.

BANGKOK: -- Former PM claims rice graft case was pursued in a discriminatory way

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744079-junta-will-steer-clear-of-legal-case-against-yingluck-prajin/

[Lite Beer]

Prayuth invites public to join reform council
Panya Thiosangwan
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha has asked Thai people to join the National Reform Council.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744081-prayuth-invites-public-to-join-reform-council/

[Lite Beer]

UNREST OVERSEAS
Thais warned to avoid visiting Libya
Thammaraj Kijchalong
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Violence looks set to get worse, consular deputy warns

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744082-thais-warned-to-avoid-visiting-libya/

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Thai Airways re-routes Europe-bound flights
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Thai Airways International flights to and from Europe have been re-routed to avoid Ukrainian airspace after Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was apparently shot down.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743897-thai-reroutes-europe-flights-to-avoid-ukraine-airspace/page-2#entry8120955

[Lite Beer]

Calls mount for justice over MH17
Agence France-Presse

Grabove, Ukraine: -- World leaders demand thorough investigation, want those responsible to be tried if jet found to have been shot down; rebels to allow access to site

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744083-calls-mount-for-justice-over-mh17/

[Lite Beer]

Transport officials selling papers for stolen cars, police say
Kwanhatai Malakarn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Authorities have suspended the registration of some 500 cars because they suspect "official" papers were misused for stolen automobiles.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744086-transport-officials-selling-papers-for-stolen-cars-police-say/

[Lite Beer]

Ex-ministers and senators disclose assets and debts
Natthapat Phromkaew
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Ministers from the previous government, plus senators and former senators have formally revealed their assets and liabilities, as required by law, which aims to detect any unusual change in a politician's wealth derived from their time in public office.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744084-ex-ministers-and-senators-disclose-assets-and-debts/

[Lite Beer]

Bank manager sued for fraudulent dealings
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Some 20 individuals yesterday filed a lawsuit against a former Government Savings Bank manager, accusing her of fraud and allegedly cheating them and many others out of Bt200 million.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744089-bank-manager-sued-for-fraudulent-dealings/

[Lite Beer]

Funds for city councillors' overseas trips cancelled
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Bangkok City Assembly yesterday cancelled some Bt400 million in funds allocated for overseas trips by its councillors, citing austerity.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744090-funds-for-city-councillors-overseas-trips-cancelled/

[Lite Beer]

Dramatic Pattani attack leaves 5 police injured, two badly
The Nation

A police substation in Pattani

PATTANI: -- A police substation in Pattani's Thung Yang Daeng district came under suspected insurgent attack on Thursday night, leaving two officers with serious gunshot wounds and three others with burns after the attackers set fire to the facility before fleeing.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744092-dramatic-pattani-attack-leaves-5-police-injured-two-badly/

[Lite Beer]

URBAN FOCUS
Condos, malls helping to transform Udon Thani
Panyaporn Saithong
The Nation

Udon Thani: -- Already considered a "shopper's paradise", Udon Thani is becoming more like Bangkok with retail areas and new condominiums changing lifestyles to suit emerging trends.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744094-condos-malls-helping-to-transform-udon-thani/

[Lite Beer]

Inflation could be worry if VAT jumps to 10% next year, experts say
Business reporters
The Nation

A woman shops at an outlet of a major retailer.

BANGKOK: -- A rise in the value-added tax (VAT) to 10 per cent, scheduled to go into effect next year, has given rise to worries about inflation getting worse.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744095-inflation-could-be-worry-if-vat-jumps-to-10-next-year-experts-say/

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL
Time to get 'jealous girls' off screen
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Television soaps have clung to damaging cliches far too long

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744096-time-to-get-jealous-girls-off-screen/

[Lite Beer]

NBTC postpones auction for 1800 and 900 megahertz frequencies for a year on NCPO orders

BANGKOK, 18 July 2014 (NNT) - The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is to postpone the auction of the 1800 and 900 megahertz telephone frequency for one more year, confirming that it will not affect people’s telephone usage.

NBTC secretary-general Takorn Tantasit said after the release of the NCPO announcement no. 94 on the subject of the temporary cancellation of the Frequency Allocation Act and the NBTC Act, that the NBTC had conformed by postponing the auction of the 1800 and 900 megahertz telephone frequency initially set up for August, to July next year.

However, telephone users can continue to use the service as normal because the 1800 megahertz frequency, which was initially to be terminated in September, will be extended to provide service until the frequency reallocation is done.

DTAC has advised that its service won't be affected as it has enough megahertz to maintain service but took the view that the auction should remain for long-term investment. Whereas, AIS said that it is good news that the auction has a clear timeline before taking place and it will join the auction.

-- NNT 2014-07-18

[Lite Beer]

Hua Hin as model for traffic management in the provinces

PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN, 18 July 2014 (NNT) - The Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruengsak Charit-ek, visited the area in front of Chatchai market on Petchakasem Road in Hua Hin to observe the traffic monitoring activities and make sure motorists are driving in accordance the 5 Jom campaign.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744097-hua-hin-as-model-for-traffic-management-in-the-provinces/

[Lite Beer]

Flash Flood monitoring and warning devices on standby

LAMPANG, 18 July 2014 (NNT)-The Lampang office of disaster prevention and mitigation, is taking steps to deal with the threat posed by flash flooding, likely from 17th-21st July 2014 as storms and heavy rainfall are expected.

The Lampang office of disaster prevention and mitigation has conducted a check up of flash flood warning devices in the areas most at risk, to be ready for the approaching weather depression in Thailand.

Mr. Woravit Waisawat, Sheriff of Wang Nuea District, with the Chief of the Lampang office of disaster prevention and mitigation has checked the warning and monitoring devices in the area which could be affected by landslides and flash floods.

The officials have warned villagers in Wang Nuea district, Chae Hom District and Mueang Pan District which is in the area of the source of the Wang River to be extra cautious about the water situation.

The Public is urged to watch for dertain indications of a possible flash flood: any deterioration in weather conditions, a build up of clouds or the sound of thunder, a sudden change in water clarity from clear to muddy, and signs of floating debris,

-- NNT 2014-07-18

[Lite Beer]

50 billion Baht approved to boost investment

BANGKOK, 18 July 2014 (NNT)-The Chief of the NCPO met with the Board of Investment (BOI) today to finalize a decision on investment projects; a total of 50,000 million baht will be invested and 15 more projects will be financially supported.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744098-50-billion-baht-approved-to-boost-investment/

[Lite Beer]

Sakon Nakhon warns people against floods, storms and landslides

SAKON NAKHON, 18 July 2014 (NNT) - Mr. Krairas Kaewdi, the Deputy Governor of Sakon Nakhon, said Sakon Nakhon is taking steps to deal with the threat posed by flash flooding, which is likely to occur from 17-21 July as storms and heavy rainfall are expected at that time.

People must prepare to prevent and mitigate floods, as storms and landslides could cause damage to lives and property of people. Sakon Nakhon will thoroughly inform the locals through a local radio broadcast tower and local radio networks about the possible dangers. Moreover, all dams and reservoirs will be inspected for safety and officers will be placed on duty to monitor and prepare to deal with the situation.

Mr. Krairas Kaewdi, the Deputy Governor of Sakon Nakhon, said further that if a disaster occurs in the area, people can report the situation and ask for initial help from the presidents of the Subdistrict Administrative Organizations, mayor and Chief District Officers. People can also report the situation to Sakon Nakhon Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office by calling 0 4271 1771, 0 4271 5233 or Hotline 1784.

-- NNT 2014-07-18

[Lite Beer]

NCPO pleads with all exiled Thais to return home

BANGKOK: -- Without naming names, the National Council for Peace and Order chief pleaded with all Thais who have taken refuge overseas to return to Thailand to cooperate with the junta in nation building with an assurance that they will be give fair treatment.

“Why fighting with each other? If we cooperate, I believe that we, Thai people, will forgive. Please come back. We cannot carry on with our conflict, must join hands to bring our country to a better future. Thanks again for listening,” said General Prayuth Chan-ocha in his weekly address to the nation which was broadcast live Friday night.

Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and several former Pheu Thai MPs and ministers, among them are Charupong Ruangsuwan, Jakrapob Penkair, Sunai Julapongsathorn and Charun Dittha-apichai have been living in exile with Charupong and Jakrapob heading an anti-coup organization.

The NCPO chief also pleaded with opponents of the coup and the NCPO not to rush opposing anything initiated or undertaken by the junta without first listening to what he would have to say.

He insisted that the various actions or moves carried out by the NCPO were gleaned from different sectors of the Thai society and most of them were supportive of the junta.’

The general said that the NCPO did not seek praises or commendations but just wanted to “unlock” the protracted impasse which beset the country for mover six months.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/ncpo-pleas-exiled-thais-return-home/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ncpo-pleas-exiled-thais-return-home

-- Thai PBS 2014-07-19

[Lite Beer]

Spider bitten patient may lose his leg



PHRAE: -- A patient who was bitten by a poisonous spider in Phrae province might have his leg amputated to prevent further damages to other body organs from the poison.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744100-spider-bitten-patient-may-lose-his-leg/

[Lite Beer]

300 million baht worth of narcotics seized in Phitsanuloke



Police arrested a trailer truck driver and seized about 300 million baht worth of narcotics drugs on a highway in Phitsanuloke province Friday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744101-300-million-baht-worth-of-narcotics-seized-in-phitsanuloke/

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-- The Nation 2014-07-19

[Lite Beer]

Angry mahout assaults elephant tusk thieves

AYUTTYAYA: -- A prime suspect in the elephant tusk theft in Ayutthaya was bodily assaulted by an angry mahout as three suspects were brought to reenact their crime Friday for the second time after yesterday’s cancellation due to threat by mahouts and residents.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....t-tusk-thieves/

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

New Zealand family happy to fly to Samui with Malaysian Airlines despite both air disasters

Kuala Lumpur: -- It has been announced by the Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) that all flights, both to and from Europe, have been rerouted to avoid Ukrainian airspace. The move came after a Malaysian airlines plane was apparently shot down while crossing the rebel-held country.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/743739-mh17-malaysia-airlines-plane-shot-down-near-ukraine-border/page-20?p=8121282#entry8121282

[Lite Beer]

Pattaya Police arrest female drug dealing suspect

PATTAYA:--In the early hours of Friday, Pattaya Police received a tipoff that a female drug dealer was selling Marijuana to young Thai’s around Pattaya and decided to track her down and arrest her.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744115-pattaya-police-arrest-female-drug-dealing-suspect/

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Mega projects worth over 50 billion baht get promotion

BANGKOK: -- The Board of Investment (BOI) has approved 15 new mega-projects worth 51.5 billion baht.
BOI secretary-general Udom Wongviwatchai said the approved applications of the 15 mega-projects Friday, bringing the total number of projects receiving the promotion approval this month to 92.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744098-50-billion-baht-approved-to-boost-investment/#entry8121598

[Lite Beer]

Russian Media Goes Far Out to Explain Malaysia Airlines Disaster
By Carol Matlack

MOSCOW: -- Russians awoke on Friday to news reports that bumbling Ukrainian troops had shot down a Malaysia Airlines (MAS:MK) jet after mistaking it for President Vladimir Putin’s official plane.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744123-russian-media-goes-far-out-to-explain-malaysia-airlines-disaster/

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

US points to Ukraine separatists in downing of jet

GRABOVE, Ukraine - The United States on Friday built a case that pro-Moscow separatists downed a Malaysian airliner in Ukraine with a surface-to-air missile, killing all 298 people on board -- with the possible technical assistance of Russians.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744083-calls-mount-for-justice-over-mh17/?p=8121819#entry8121819

[Lite Beer]

Opposition to Phuket dolphin show growing fast

The Phuket News

The pool and auditorium in the Soi Parlai building.

PHUKET: A new, almost complete building that will, it is believed, house a dolphin show in Soi Parlai, Chalong, is becoming the centre of controversy, with international eco-warriors Sea Shepherd calling for the show to be stopped before it starts, and for a social media campaign to make this happen.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744154-opposition-to-phuket-dolphin-show-growing-fast/

[Lite Beer]

RT @Aim_NT: The NCPO last night revoked its previous announcements about the media and issued a new one that prohibits the media from criticising it.

RT @Aim_NT: NCPO also prohibits provocation, spreading false information or state confidentials, insult to the monarchy and threat of violence.