Thailand Live Tuesday 22 Jul 2014

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King Bhumibol sends condolences to Malaysia and the Netherlands

BANGKOK, 22 July 2014 (NNT) - His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has sent messages of condolence to the Heads of State of Malaysia and the Netherlands over the loss of lives in the downed Malaysia Airlines on the 17th of July 2014 in eastern Ukraine.

The royal message sent to His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, said Their Majesties the King and Queen were deeply saddened by the news of the crash of Malaysia Airlines in eastern Ukraine which led to the loss of so many lives. Their Majesties conveyed profound condolences to the Malaysian king as well as to members of the bereaved families for this irreparable loss.

In another message sent to King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, Their Majesties the King and Queen extended heartfelt condolences and deep compassion to the Dutch monarch and, through him, to the families of the Dutch victims in the plane crash.


-- NNT 2014-07-22

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DSD joins two agencies to develop English skills for taxi drivers ahead of the AEC

BANGKOK, 22 July 2014 (NNT) -- Mr. Nakorn Silpa-archa, the Director General of the Department of Skills Development (DSD), said the DSD had combined efforts with FM 91 radio station to promote safety and assist traffic flow, and Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) to organize an English Teaching Program for the taxi drivers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744885-dsd-joins-two-agencies-to-develop-english-skills-for-thai-taxi-drivers-aec/

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SRT may drop challenge to 2002 claim for compensation
The Nation July 22, 2014 1:00 am


File Photo

Fight against ruling allowing payment tovictim of 2001 rape has gone on 'too long'

BANGKOK: -- THE STATE Railway of Thailand (SRT) is considering scrapping its appeal against a court order that it compensate a woman who was raped on its train in 2001.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744886-state-railway-of-thailand-may-drop-challenge-to-2002-claim-for-compensation/

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Media groups tell the junta its ban threat is 'intolerable'
Jeerapong Prasertpolkrung,
Kornchanok Raksaseri
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Media groups have called on the National Council for Peace and Order to revoke or change its latest announcement on control measures over the industry. Of particular concern is the immediate ban and legal action that media organisation's face for disseminating confidential government information or criticising the NCPO.

Representatives from the Thai Journalists Association (TJA), the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association, the National Press Council of Thailand (NPCT) and the News Broadcasting Council of Thailand met with permanent-secretary for defence General Surasak Kanjanarat late yesterday.

"The meeting between the permanent-secretary of defence and the representatives from media organisations was a good sign," TJA president Pradit Ruangdit said after the meeting. "The permanent-secretary of defence will convey the message to the NCPO or send the signal for the change, improvement or revocation of the announcement No.97 as soon as possible. However, 'revocation' is my own word."

NPCT chairman Chakkrish Permpool said he hoped the junta would act soon as media organisations had invited the industry as a whole to discuss the issue on Thursday. He said Surasak told the group the NCPO wanted to strengthen media self-censorship but it recognised there were concerns so he invited the media to meet with him.

Pradit said: "What was most intolerable in the announcement was item five, which allows authorities to ban the distribution, sale or broadcast of media. This is a very big issue for the media. We used to face such things from military coups."

Chakkrish said the media had let the NCPO know that they were concerned they could be banned immediately without warning or the chance to appeal the decision. It was unclear who would be authorised to issue a ban.

Pradit said: "We are also concerned about item three that prohibits criticism of the NCPO. It should be removed otherwise it would be very difficult for the media to do their job.

"We also asked for the removal of the prohibition on disseminating confidential government information as it will obstruct investigative reporting on corruption."

Pradit said there were laws in place already and organisations such as the National Press Council and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission that were designed to make the media work responsibly according to a code of conduct.

However, Pradit said it was undeniable that some elements in the media did not work responsibly and caused or exasperated conflicts. They should stop their poor conduct as it was staining the professional.

Surasak, who agreed with media self-censorship, said he was assigned by the NCPO to be in charge of reconciliation.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Media-groups-tell-the-junta-its-ban-threat-is-into-30239118.html


-- The Nation 2014-07-22

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Constructive criticism 'should be permitted'
The Nation

Democrat leader urges junta to ease restriction on the media and critics

BANGKOK: -- Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday called on the junta to allow people with differing views to present constructive criticism of its orders and administration, saying that would propel the country toward true reconciliation and democracy.

Although the country is about to enter the second stage of the National Council for Peace and Order's roadmap to democracy, the council last week slapped additional orders that critics say are aimed at completely silencing its critics - especially the media.

Abhisit wrote on his Facebook page that people who disagreed with the junta had offered their views with honest intentions in order to bring about true reform for the country.

"Many people are willing to help push the country to achieve successful reform.

"They are entitled to present their opinions. I also have the same intentions,'' he wrote.

Abhisit said although the NCPO seized power to restore peace and order, Thais were paying a price because their freedom of expression has been curbed and democracy has taken a step back.

"We must admit that society has given the NCPO the chance to work to the best of its ability, but it does not mean Thais would be satisfied if the NCPO exercises its absolute power forever,'' he said.

"Whether the peace that prevails now is sustainable or not can be proven when freedom of expression is not restricted.

"If the NCPO's administration cannot be subjected to criticism, public pressure will accumulate and reconciliation will not be achieved.''

Abhisit said that as the country began the second stage of the roadmap to democracy, the public was hoping to see the junta slowly return power to the people and relax restrictions on freedom of expression.

He said that once the interim government and the National Legislative Assembly were installed, greater freedom of expression should be allowed to support reform procedures.

"The absolute power should be used only to clean up the house or right all the wrong things such as cracking down on influential people behind van and motorcycle taxi operations and fighting corruption at national level," he wrote.

Abhisit said he hoped that in the interim charter, the junta only gave itself amnesty for taking control of the country but not to pardon other offences that must go through proper justice procedures.

He would present points of concern over the NCPO's administration and orders that might compound the country's situation if they were implemented in the long term.

Meanwhile, former deputy PM Surapong Tovichakchaikul said the Pheu Thai Party would call a meeting to elect a new executive board after the new charter, which would allow the party to carry out political activities, was promulgated.

In the wake of the May 22 coup, Charupong Ruangsuwan, who lives in exile abroad, resigned as party leader and announced the formation of the Organisation of Free Thais for Human Rights and Democracy, which aims to restore democracy.

But Surapong insisted that other party members had stopped their political activities while some had started a business or taken an overseas holiday. "We do not even meet to dine together, fearing we may be summoned and taken into custody again," he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Constructive-criticism-should-be-permitted-30239116.html


-- The Nation 2014-07-22

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Foreign firms allowed Thai IPO launches, simultaneous offerings
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Foreign companies will be allowed to launch initial public offerings in Thailand and simultaneous offerings of equities in Thailand and other countries.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744888-foreign-firms-allowed-thai-ipo-launches-simultaneous-offerings/

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Door still open for Rungrawee
Kitinan Sanguansak
The Nation


Choi Young-seuk

Taekwondo coach Choi has no problem working with her

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's beleaguered taekwondo coach Choi Young-seuk yesterday stressed that he has no qualms about giving his "disciple", Rungrawee Khurasa, who accused him of physical assault at the recent Korea Open, another chance if she wanted to remain in the national team.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744889-thailands-taekwondo-coach-choi-door-still-open-for-rungrawee/

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A kindergarten kid dies in a locked school van

BANGKOK: -- A four-year old boy was left to die of suffocation in a locked school van parked under the sun in the compound of Cha-uad district police station in Nakhon Si Thammarat on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744890-four-year-old-thai-boy-dies-in-a-locked-school-van/

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Mystery over Phuket shooting death of grandmother
Darawan Naknakhon


Police look for clues in the dark street where the grandmother was shot dead.

PHUKET: -- Mystery surrounds the motives for the shooting death of a woman from Trang province who was hit by a bullet as she rode home on the back of her grandson’s motorbike after doing a bit of shopping in Phuket Town last night (July 20).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744891-mystery-over-phuket-shooting-death-of-grandmother/

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British Man Stabs Filipino Wife

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744736-british-man-stabs-filipino-wife/

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Phuket man, 20, dies after losing vicious duel
Darawan Naknakhon

PHUKET: -- A young man died bleeding on the roadside in Samkong in the early hours yesterday (July 20) when he lost a duel with an enemy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744892-phuket-man-20-dies-after-losing-vicious-duel/

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Suspected ringleader of Pattaya Money Lending Operation arrested



PATTAYA: -- Following on from the arrest of two Debt Collectors by Pattaya Police and the Navy early on Sunday Morning, the ringleader of the operation, who is based in Chanthaburi Province, has now been arrested.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744893-suspected-ringleader-of-pattaya-money-lending-operation-arrested/

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Miss Universe runner-up refuses to hand back her tiara
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Again the cultural event to find the finest examples of Thai beauty proves the most reliable source of scandal.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744894-miss-universe-thailand-runner-up-refuses-to-hand-back-her-tiara/

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BURNING ISSUE
Will Thaksin heed Prayuth's call for all sides to reconcile?
Budsarakham Sinlapalavan

BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) is taking another major step towards national reconciliation efforts with a series of events at Sanam Luang, beginning today until Sunday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744896-will-thaksin-heed-prayuths-call-for-all-sides-to-reconcile/

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Fight against encroachers continues
Thanapat Kitjakosol
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE CRACKDOWN on people who have encroached on state land in tourist destinations initiated by the military junta continues, after a number of illegally built food shops and hotels on two Phuket beaches were dismantled. Illegal land title deeds are being revoked and the land repossessed by authorities.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744897-fight-against-encroachers-continues-in-thailand/

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Education officials want politicians to stop interfering in their work
Supinda na Mahachai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE EDUCATION Ministry is trying to prevent political interference in its work by pushing for new legislation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744898-education-officials-want-thai-politicians-to-stop-interfering-in-their-work/

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Thais earn four gold medals at physics olympiad
The Nation


Photo Courtesy to Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology Thai students win four gold medals and one silver medal in the 45th International Physics Olympiad July 1321 in Kazakhstan.

BANGKOK: -- Thai students came away with four gold and a silver medal at the 45th International Physics Olympiad. It was held from July 13 to 21 in Kazakhstan.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744899-thais-earn-four-gold-medals-at-physics-olympiad/

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Cannibalism fetish nurse Dale Bolinger guilty of trying to meet girl

CANTERBURY: -- A nurse who fantasised about killing and eating a teenage girl has been convicted of sexual grooming.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744900-uk-cannibalism-fetish-nurse-dale-bolinger-guilty-of-trying-to-meet-girl/

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MH17 plane crash: Ukraine rebels hand over black boxes

DONETSK: -- Rebels in eastern Ukraine have handed over two flight-data recorders from the downed MH17 plane to Malaysian experts.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744902-mh17-plane-crash-ukraine-rebels-hand-over-black-boxes/

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HM to grant audience to Prayuth to receive interim charter

BANGKOK: -- His Majesty the King will grant an audience to junta chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha at the Krai Kungwon Palace at 5 pm Tuesday to hand down an interim constitution.

The charter reportedly has 48 articles.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/HM-to-grant-audience-to-Prayuth-to-receive-interim-30239124.html


-- The Nation 2014-07-22

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South Korea ferry boss Yoo Byung-eun found dead

SEOUL: -- SOUTH Korean police say they have found a body of a fugitive billionaire businessman sought over April’s ferry disaster that left more than 300 people dead or missing.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744929-south-korea-ferry-boss-yoo-byung-eun-found-dead/

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Morchit 2 bus terminal to be moved



BANGKOK: -- Morchit 2 provincial bus terminal at Chatuchak and city bus terminal at Morchit 1 will be relocated to pave the way for the construction of the Red Line electric project.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744930-bangkok-morchit-2-bus-terminal-to-be-moved/

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Thai Airways – a parallel with Malaysia Airlines
BY JAMES LEE

BANGKOK, Thailand - While the Malaysian government seems now ready to step in to save Malaysia national carrier Malaysia Airlines, which survival is at stake, a similar –but more discreet scenario- is happening at another sick airline in Southeast Asia, Thai Airways International.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744932-thai-airways-a-parallel-with-malaysia-airlines/

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NCPO tones down criticism gag order

BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) on Monday night has amended some points in its Announcement No. 97 on media control.

Instead of banning criticism totally, the NCPO now says it bans criticism made with ill intention to discredit the NCPO using false information.

Instead of banning distribution, sales or broadcast of the media immediately, the NCPO says it would allow professional media agencies to investigate the media that spread the false information.

The changes came after a meeting between the permanent-secretary of defence and representatives from professional media organisations earlier in the afternoon.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/NCPO-tones-down-criticism-gag-order-30239126.html


-- The Nation 2014-07-22

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3 police officers wounded in roadside bomb attack in Pattani's provincial seat /MCOT

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Thai ICT Ministry to expand Cyber Scout project
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, July 22 --The Thai Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (MICT) is urgently expanding its Cyber Scout network, to collaborate in eradicating unsuitable disrespectful websites.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744935-thai-ict-ministry-to-expand-cyber-scout-project/

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Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck of Bhutan on a 4-day visit to Thailand

BANGKOK, 22 July 2014 (NNT) - Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck of Bhutan, sister of the King of Bhutan, is paying an official visit to Thailand from July 20 to 24, 2014 as guest of the Court of Law of Thailand.

In her capacity as the President of the Bhutan National Legal Institute, Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck yesterday (July 21) visited the Supreme Court of Thailand located in the Government Center in Chaeng Watthana area, to observe the system of searching for court decisions and rulings and other legal services.

Later in the afternoon, Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck observed the activities of the Legal Training Institute of the Thai Bar Association in Taling Chan area, which currently has over 24,000 registered students. In the 2013 academic year, 1,227 students successfully passed the bar examination.

Upon the royal visit, the Thai Bar Association humbly bestowed on the Princess honorary membership in recognition for her talents and knowledge in political science and law and her contributions in the fields to the people of Bhutan. The Princess is the fifth person to receive the honor from the Thai Bar.


-- NNT 2014-07-22

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NCPO holds reconciliation event at Sanam Luang from today through Sunday /MCOT

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Thai food giant plans aggressive Australia expansion

SYDNEY, July 22, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's Charoen Pokphand Foods is planning to roll out up to 500 quick-service Thai restaurants in Australia, a market it sees as ripe for a fast-food explosion, reports said Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744944-thai-food-giant-plans-aggressive-australia-expansion/

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Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,543.56, gains 5.01 points /MCOT