Thailand Live Monday 21 Jul 2014

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Earthquake victims in Chiang Rai to set up a disaster administration network

CHIANG RAI, 21 July 2014 (NNT) – People in 16 sub-districts in Chiang Rai Province who suffered through the recent earthquake are setting up a disaster administration network in order to solve the problems in a sustainable way in the future.

Authorities and the general public have held brainstorming sessions in cooperation with Kasetsart University to exchange ideas about natural disaster administration such as housing restoration, earthquake coping, disaster prevention and preparation courses and maintaining local funds to help future sufferers.


-- NNT 2014-07-21

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Cambodians Arrested For Robbing Russian Tourists in Pattaya
By Khaosod English


Police say they have arrested two Cambodian men for allegedly robbing a pair of Russian tourists in the popular resort town of Pattaya.

CHONBURI — Police say they have arrested two Cambodian men for allegedly robbing a pair of Russian tourists in the popular resort town of Pattaya.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744555-cambodians-arrested-for-robbing-russian-tourists-in-pattaya/

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UPDATE:

Thais split on whether Yingluck will come back
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- ABOUT HALF OF people in a recent survey back the junta's granting of permission for ousted prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra to take a short trip out of the country, but opinions were split 41:39 on whether she would actually return, according to Nida Poll.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744447-nida-poll-shows-41-percent-doubt-ms-yingluck-will-return-within-schedule/#entry8129614

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Mass media at 'a low point, too cosy with big business'
PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE MEDIA NEEDS a truly reliable system of checks and balances to ensure it does not fall under the sway of big business, Suchada Chakpisuth, director of the Thailand Information Centre for Civil Rights and Investigative Journalism (TCIJ) has said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744556-mass-media-at-a-low-point-too-cosy-with-big-business/

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EDUCATION
Nakhon Ratchasima tackles underprivileged kids' issues
TANPISIT LERDBAMRUNGCHAI
THE NATION
NAKHON RATCHASIMA


A member of a group of 40 underprivileged children weaves cloth at the House of Silk in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Local authorities and teachers are struggling to educate children from poor families who have dropped out of regular schooling

KORAT: -- SIX-YEAR-OLD Yot (not his real name) was described by his scavenger mum as a problem child.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744557-korat-tackles-underprivileged-kids-issues/

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SPECIAL REPORT

'Mekong delta will be partly submerged'

SUPALAK GANJANAKHUNDEE

THE NATION

CAN THO, VIETNAM July 21, 2014 1:00 am

LOCALS BATTLING RISING SEAS, DAM IMPACTS

CAN THO: -- BY THE END of this century, 20 per cent of Vietnam's business hub Ho Chi Minh City will be inundated and 39 per cent of the Mekong Delta will be submerged, according to a Vietnamese study.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744558-special-report-mekong-delta-will-be-partly-submerged/

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EDITORIAL
We need to start loving one another again
The Nation

Political propaganda has been so potent it has turned thai against Thai

BANGKOK: -- Politics, more often than not, brings out the worst in us. More so in Thailand, which has not had political peace for about a decade. That is to say what happened before the 2006 coup - street protests and the tumultuous share-concealment saga - was democratically "normal."

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744559-thai-editorial-we-need-to-start-loving-one-another-again/

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American victim of Pattaya Baht Bus pickpocket gang



PATTAYA: -- On Saturday Pattaya Police were able to apprehend 4 members of a pickpocket gang who were known to operate on Baht Buses in the Pattaya area and would target only foreign tourists.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744560-american-victim-of-pattaya-baht-bus-pickpocket-gang/

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Street Racers arrested and vehicles seized by Police and Navy in Central Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Sunday, Pattaya Police in conjunction with the Royal Thai Navy received information of a gathering of modified vehicles in Central Pattaya and went to investigate.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744561-street-racers-arrested-and-vehicles-seized-by-police-and-navy-in-central-pattaya/

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UPDATE:

Prominent Thaksin backers told not to attend his party
OLAN LERTRUDTANADUMRONGKUL
KHANITTHA THEPPHAJORN
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- FUGITIVE ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra advised red shirt leaders and former Pheu Thai Party MPs not to attend his 65th birthday celebration in Paris on Saturday, saying he did not want them to be subjected to junta scrutiny. A party source said Thaksin said he wanted to mark the occasion with close family members only.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744460-thaksin-tells-pheu-thai-red-shirt-leaders-not-to-join-birthday-party/page-3?p=8129687#entry8129687

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SPECIAL REPORT
AMLO follows money trail to bring down Siamese rosewood smuggling cartel
PIYANUT TUMNUKASETCHAI
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- WITH THE anti-money laundering law covering trade in endangered Siamese rosewood, investigators have been able to follow the money trail related to the timber smuggling gangs and have come up with a more complete picture of this illegal activity in the Northeast.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744565-amlo-follows-money-trail-to-bring-down-siamese-rosewood-smuggling-cartel/

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2 hurt in banana boat drama off Pattaya
The Nation



PATTAYA: -- A 12-YEAR-OLD girl and another Chinese tourist were sent to hospital yesterday after their banana boat crashed into a sightseeing ship off Pattaya.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744567-2-hurt-in-banana-boat-drama-off-pattaya/

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Debt Collectors caught harassing debtor in Central Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Sunday Police arrested two men suspected of working as debt collectors as they attempted to scare a debtor into paying an outstanding debt.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744569-debt-collectors-caught-harassing-debtor-in-central-pattaya/

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Court halts Arizona inmate's execution

(BBC) A US court has ordered the execution of an Arizona death row man to be delayed until he gets more details about the lethal injection procedure he faces.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744575-us-court-halts-arizona-inmates-execution/

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MH17 plane crash: Kerry points finger at Russia

WASHINGTON: -- US Secretary of State John Kerry says there is overwhelming evidence of Russian complicity in the downing of a Malaysia Airlines plane in Ukraine.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744576-kerry-attacks-russia-over-mh17-crash/

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Gaza crisis: 13 Israeli soldiers, scores of Gazans killed

JERUSALEM: -- Israel and Gaza have both suffered their bloodiest day since the beginning of the current offensive.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744577-gaza-and-israel-suffer-deadliest-day/

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Nida Poll shows 41 percent doubt Ms Yingluck will return within schedule

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744447-nida-poll-shows-41-percent-doubt-ms-yingluck-will-return-within-schedule/

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Appeal for Irishman Matthew Boyle missing in Bangkok
By Colin Brennan


Matthew Boyle

Matthew is 37 years old, five foot eight inches tall and of stocky build

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744593-appeal-for-irishman-matthew-boyle-missing-in-bangkok/

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Royal trophies awarded to winners of a radio controlled aircraft flying competition

BANGKOK, 21 July 2014 (NNT) - His Royal Highness Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti on Sunday (July 20) presided over the presentation of royal trophies to winners of the Radio Controlled Airplane Competition at the Central Sports Center in Dusit area, Bangkok.

The competition was held in honor of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn on the occasion of his birthday anniversary on 28 July 2014. It was designed to provide an opportunity for young enthusiasts from schools nationwide to show their capabilities in controlling model planes by radio.

The competition was divided into eight types including skills and intelligence of flyers, strategy, beautiful models, logistics supply, long flying, adventurous flying and efficiency in airdrops. Hundreds of students from various schools throughout the country participated in the competition.

After the award presentation, Prince Dipangkorn watched a demonstration on the flying of unmanned aerial vehicles including their dropping of cargo into the right target. The day’s event included an exhibition on HRH the Crown Prince and his talent in flying.


-- NNT 2014-07-21

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Pattaya Beach to be reorganized

CHONBURI, 21 July 2014, (NNT) - Authorities have now set their eyes on reorganizing popular areas of Pattaya Beach, Chonburi Province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744601-pattaya-beach-to-be-reorganized/

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Officials step up measures against illegal wildlife trading

BANGKOK, 21 July 2014, (NNT) - Officials of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNP) have raided Sombutburi Market in Nontaburi notoriously known for its illegal wildlife trading activities.

According to the authorities, the suspects fled as soon as they spotted the officials who proceeded to confiscate 112 Red-whiskered bulbuls worth approximately 50,00 baht.

The seized wild animals have been sent to the Department’s Wildlife Conservation Office, while the rest of the evidence has been forwarded to the Bangbuathong Police station for further investigation.

The authorities said the operation would be intensified especially in flea markets across the capital, where illegal wildlife trading has long been active.

Residents have been urged to call the DNP’s 1362 Hotline around the clock to report on illegal wildlife trading activities.


-- NNT 2014-07-21

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High quality rice seeds handed to farmers in Korat

NAKHONRATCHASIMA, 21 July 2014, (NNT) - More than 300 tons of high quality rice have been handed to farmers in 20 districts of Nakhonratchasima Province, as part of the authorities’ campaign to return happiness to farmers by providing a means to boost their incomes.

A ceremony has been organized yesterday by the Rice Department and related units with more than 1,000 farmers attending the event. Aside from giving away quality rice seeds, various activities were also held. There were rice and related products on sale at the event as well.

The event was aimed at providing technological know-how to farmers to help them increase their output while lowering the expenses, encouraging farmers to produce their own high quality rice seeds, and promoting the formation of the local rice seed bank in the community.

The Department of Rice has so far implemented such an initiative in 9 provinces: Nakhonratchasima, Roi-et, Burirum, Khon Kean, Srisaket, Chaiyabhumi, Chiang Rai, Pattalung, and Songkla. Altogether, more than 450 tons of rice seeds have been handed to farmers in the 9 provinces.


-- NNT 2014-07-21

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,537.54, gains 4.13 points /MCOT

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Landlords of migrant workers in Samut Sakhon province have been asked to report to authorities within 24 hours or face legal action. /Bangkok Post

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Poll shows majority satisfied with NCPO performance
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, July 21 -- A survey conducted recently by Master Poll showed that majority of respondents are satisfied with the overall performance of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

Assoc Prof Chet Ratchadapunnathikul, vice chairman of Master Poll, said the survey conducted on 2,148 people nationwide found that 72.4 per cent agreed that the social atmosphere in Thailand had improved as compared to before the May 22 bloodless coup by the NCPO.

Master Poll is a survey by the Thai Researchers in Community Happiness Association (TRICHA).

On local politics and the economy, 69.7 per cent and 56.8 per cent of respondents respectively said both had improved.

Prof Chet cited the poll as showing that 88.1 per cent of the respondents wanted a national leader having courage and straightforwardness while 76.7 per cent wanted a leader who could make decisions to solve the country’s problems and 61 per cent wanted an honest leader.

The survey showed that 82.3 per cent wanted the NCPO to solve rising cost of living, 76.8 asked it to help landless people find occupations, 74.6 per cent wanted help in the form or lower oil prices, 67.4 per cent by reducing the high production costs of agricultural products and 56.6 per cent asked for assistance to unemployed people.

Nearly three-fourths of respondents, 73.2 per cent, also called for clean politics while 63.6 per cent asked for strict enforcement of the law, and 61 per cent asked the NCPO to eradicate the problems of inappropriately influential persons and narcotics. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-07-21

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Bus overturns, injures 15



KORAT: -- A sleeper bus from Chiang Mai to Nakhon Ratchasima flipped over on the Si Kiew-Chaiyaphum highway in Si Kiew district of Nakhon Ratchasima province yesterday , injuring 15 passengers, three seriously.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744610-reckless-driving-bus-overturns-in-korat-province-injures-15-three-seriously/

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Bangkok prepares for monsoon floods
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, July 21 -- Water drainage as well as garbage collection have been completed in more than 70 per cent of the total area in the Thai capital out of concern for possible flooding during the current monsoon season, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) officials said Sunday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744614-bangkok-prepares-for-monsoon-floods/

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Health ministry warns of leptospirosis during monsoon
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, July 21 -- Permanent Secretary for Public Health Narong Sahametapat has warned the public of possible widespread leptospirosis during the current monsoon after seven persons died of the disease since the beginning of this year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744617-health-health-ministry-warns-of-leptospirosis-during-monsoon/

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Woman loses control of car, smashes into Phuket light pole
Eakkapop Thongtub


The CRV and the light pole it hit.

PHUKET: -- A woman lost control of her Honda CRV and smashed into a light pole on the bypass road yesterday afternoon (July 20). No other vehicles were involved.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744619-woman-loses-control-of-car-smashes-into-phuket-light-pole/

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Special Report: Thailand asks international community for cooperation on national reform

BANGKOK: -- Head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) General Prayuth Chan-ocha has urged the international community to join Thai people in reforming Thailand, which would lead to a future of long-lasting relations.

In his televised public address on “Return Happiness to the People,” General Prayuth explained that Thailand was trying to build foundations for a strong democracy, which would lead to more sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships with the international community.

He explained that the problems existing before 22 May 2014 included the delay in reimbursements to farmers for the rice-pledging scheme; the deaths and injuries of innocent people caused by the use of war weapons; and the inefficient administration of the country by an acting government with limited powers, hindering implementation of the current budget and the new proposals for the Fiscal 2015 budget. These problems would have led to major problems in the future if no action was taken.

Moreover, negotiations for reform and elections could not be held, because conflicting parties refused to compromise and reduce their demands. Businesses, academics, and other people involved had continually tried to find ways to achieve a peaceful compromise, but there were many legal obstacles, which had resulted in looming civil disorder and civil war.

General Prayuth stated that the army had monitored the situation closely and deemed it necessary to step in, in order to resolve the situation immediately. The first act was to halt the use of violence between conflicting groups and stop the protracted protests. The effort happened just in time to prevent a potentially bloody civil war. And then, the tensions and the sufferings of the people quickly subsided.

He called on Thais and friends of Thailand to look forward to the future and find ways to prevent what had happened time and time again in the past from reoccurring, and to find ways to achieve democracy for Thailand.

He said that countries that are friends of Thailand cannot deny Thailand’s role as an important partner of many global powers. Thailand is the oldest ally in Southeast Asia of the United States and of many other Western countries. Bangkok is the location of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and it is also the site of regional offices of many international organizations. China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand are also partners of Thailand. Moreover, Thailand is a partner in a number of regional and international cooperation frameworks.

He said that Thailand is one of the largest economies in ASEAN. It has contributed to the creation of many production bases, services, and joint investments. The country also played a leading role in the establishment of ASEAN and the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), and it is an active member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), and the East Asia Summit (EAS), in which both the United States and Australia are members.

General Prayuth pointed out that in stepping in to make rearrangements for sustainability, the NCPO has not changed the country’s economic foundations, nor has it prevented the country from achieving future economic growth in ASEAN and the international community.

He said that Thailand did not want its friends to constrain the constructive role of the military or NCPO. In this regard, he called on the international community to allow Thailand to continue to participate in the global stage, which should be more favorable to other countries.


-- NNT 2014-07-21