Thailand Live Wednesday 23 Jul 2014

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King grants interim constitution

PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN, 23 July 2014 (NNT) - His Majesty the King on July 22nd granted an audience to General Prayuth Chan-ocha, Head of the National Council for Peace and Order, to grant him the Provisional Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2557.

General Prayuth was accompanied on this occasion at Klai Kangwon Palace by Mr. Ampon Kitti-ampon, the Cabinet Secretary-General, and Colonel Natthawut Pasuwanitchayapong of the joint military command.

The provisional constitution, after being signed by His Majesty the King, was published in the Royal Gazette this evening (July 22), making it effective immediately.

The 17-page interim constitution contains 48 sections. Section 6 stipulates the formation of the National Legislative Assembly which will have 220 members. Section 19 stipulates that the Prime Minister and a ministerial council of no more than 35 members will be appointed by the King at the recommendations of the National Legislative Assembly. A National Reform Council will also be set up under Section 28, having no more than 250 members.

Section 42 designates the NCPO to maintain its power and duties as stipulated by the constitution.


-- NNT 2014-07-23

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UPDATE:

KOH SAMET
Six businesses file Bt350m lawsuit against PTTGC
Achara Wisetsri
The Nation



KOH SAMET: -- Tourism operators filed a lawsuit at the Rayong Provincial Court yesterday demanding Bt350 million in compensation from PTT Global Chemical PCL (PTTGC) for the July 27, 2013, oil spill off the coast of Rayong that affected Koh Samet's Ao Phrao beach.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745072-koh-samet-state-petroleum-enterprise-sued-for-resort-island-oil-spill/#entry8139304

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PROVISIONAL CHARTER
NCPO chief gets full control of security
The Nation


His Majesty the King yesterday grants an audience to National Council for Peace and Order chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha at Klai Kangwon Palace in Prachuap Khiri Khan after endorsing the 2014 provisional constitution.

BANGKOK: -- The provisional charter that was endorsed by His Majesty the King puts the chief of National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) in charge of national security, allowing him to suppress any action both inside and outside the Kingdom that could be considered a threat to national peace, security, economy or the monarchy.

Article 44 of the provisional Constitution stipulates that all orders from the junta chief, with the endorsement of the NCPO, on those matters are final.

The 2014 provisional Constitution, comprised of 48 Articles, stipulates that the NCPO will continue in its current status. Moreover, the junta chief or the PM can call a meeting with the NCPO and Cabinet to discuss issues related to national security. Article 48 of the provisional charter also gives the NCPO amnesty for its coup.

The charter stipulates that the National Legislative Assembly (NLA)'s 220 members would be selected by the NCPO and appointed by His Majesty.

The government would comprised of a prime minister and a 35-member Cabinet, who will be nominated by the NLA and then appointed by His Majesty.

The National Reform Council's 250 members will be nominated by the NCPO and then appointed by His Majesty. The members will be representatives from each province and different civic groups.

The Constitution drafting committee will be comprised of 36 members appointed by the chairman of the National Reform Council, while the drafting committee's chairman will be named by the NCPO. The rest of the committee will comprise of 20 members nominated by the National Reform Council; five by the NLA; five by the Cabinet and five by the NCPO.

Once the charter is ready, the National Reform Council and the charter drafting committee must continue to collaborate on organic laws.

Members of the NLA, the National Reform Council, the Cabinet and the Constitution drafting committee must not be political party members or political office holders over the past three years.

Meanwhile, NCPO chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha was granted an audience with His Majesty at Klai Kangwon Palace in Prachuap Khiri Khan at 5pm. He was handed the royally endorsed provisional Constitution.

This the first time that the junta chief was granted an audience with His Majesty since the military seized power two months ago.

This provisional charter is meant to kick-start the second phase of the junta's roadmap for national reforms and reconciliation.

According to the junta's road map, a general election would be held by October next year. The military took power on May 22 to restore order in the country after months of turmoil and political protests aimed at bringing down the elected government of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Deputy NCPO chief General Paiboon Koomchaya, in charge of legal issues, and NCPO legal adviser Wissanu Krea-ngam will hold a press conference on the provisional charter this morning.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamathee said the provisional charter would help convince the international community that the ruling junta would pursue its road map and complete it on schedule.

He said it was good that currently the governments of European Union countries, the United States, and Australia had shown a better understanding of the situation in Thailand.

They are now focusing on the details and the process of the road map instead of condemning the coup, he claimed.

"They [foreign communities] will keep their eyes on the NCPO's role and power after the charter comes into effect; who will be appointed as prime minister and the composition of the cabinet," he said.

It is the ministry's duty to assure them that Thailand would follow the road map back to democracy, he said.

Moreover, the ministry will ensure that after national reforms, Thailand will maintain diplomatic relations with other countries and try to enhance the Kingdom's role in cooperation with international communities.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/NCPO-chief-gets-full-control-of-security-30239219.html


-- The Nation 2014-07-23

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MEDIA
NCPO eases controls on media, urges self-regulation
Kornchanok Raksaseri
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- MEDIA ORGANISATIONS need to prove that representative bodies can regulate news outlets effectively and that they deserve self-regulation, National Press Council of Thailand chairman Chakkrish Permpool said.

He made the comment after the junta decided to tone down an order banning critical reports.

The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) amended some points in its announcement - No 97 - on media control after being told it was harsh.

Instead of banning criticism totally, the NCPO said, on Monday night, the ban applies to criticism made with ill intention or to discredit the NCPO by using false information.

Instead of an immediate ban on distribution, sales or broadcast by the media for violating the prohibition, the NCPO says it would allow professional media agencies to investigate the outlet or outlets 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 day.

Chakkrish said the media organisations were due to meet tomorrow (Thurs) to discuss the guidelines and measures. Thai Journalists Association president Pradit Ruangdit said media groups originally proposed that the NCPO revoke the announcement controlling the media as there are normal laws and codes of conduct to regulate the media. The real problem was law enforcement. But the NCPO decided to change the announcement, showing that the junta is quick to respond to the media and people's reactions.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/NCPO-eases-controls-on-media-urges-self-regulation-30239206.html


-- The Nation 2014-07-23

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WEDDING
Pop star Tata ties knot with long-time sweetheart
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Amita Tata Young, a much-loved Thai-American pop star, wed Chatadul "Mor" Seenapongpipit in a private ceremony on the beach in Phuket yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745187-pop-star-tata-ties-knot-with-long-time-sweetheart/

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Sub Sri Thai acquires Greyhound
The Nation



Takeover of fashion/cafe firm for boost in foreign markets

BANGKOK: -- Listed company Sub Sri Thai (SST) has invested Bt1.8 billion to acquire Greyhound Group, a leading fashion and cafe company, to strengthen its business in overseas markets.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745188-sub-sri-thai-acquires-greyhound/

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TAEKWONDO
Star hoping to 'clear the air' with national coach
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Troubled taekwondo exponent Rungrawee Khurasa is hoping to talk and "clear the air" with Korean coach Choi Young-seok, who she accused of striking her, as she wants to return to the national team.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745189-thai-taekwondo-star-hoping-to-clear-the-air-with-national-coach/

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EDITORIAL
Stakes are huge if Yingluck goes to trial
The Nation

Prosecutors must show fairness as well as undeniable evidence if we're to avoid further anguish in the streets

BANGKOK: -- The scandal over the Yingluck Shinawatra government's rice-pledging programme has reached another crucial stage with the National Anti-corruption Commission urging her prosecution on charges of corruption and dereliction of duty. The case has been forwarded to the Office of the Attorney-General.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745190-stakes-are-huge-if-yingluck-goes-to-trial/

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Thailand must embark on Mandela's road to democracy



Demonstrators hold up a portrait of late South African President, Nobel laureate and global icon Nelson Mandela, with a quote reading

BANGKOK: -- Former prime minister Anand Panyarachun speaks about the "Long Walk to Democratic Governance" at Chulalongkorn University to commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day on July 18. Here's the concluding part of his speech.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745191-thailand-must-embark-on-mandelas-road-to-democracy/

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Phuket drug courier caught with B2.3m of crystal meth
Anthika Muangrod


Contemplating a bleak future: Daeng with the gold tea package containing the crystal meth.

PHUKET: -- In an indication of the size of Phuket’s meth consumption, a drug courier was caught in Rawai yesterday (July 21) in possession of a kilo of crystal methamphetamine (ya ice) with a street value of about B2.3 million.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745192-phuket-drug-courier-caught-with-b23m-of-crystal-meth/

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Autopsy shows Sutthi shot at close range, suicide suggested
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Post-mortem examination showed that Sutthi Atchasai's right temple had gunpowder residue suggesting that the shot was fired at close range and that though the deceased was naturally left-handed, he was also ambidextrous, Central Institute of Forensic Science (CIFS) forensic expert Dr Suranarong Srisuwan said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745193-autopsy-shows-sutthi-shot-at-close-range-suicide-suggested/

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Talk of 'good deeds passports' spurs doubt, cool response
Supinda na Mahachai
The Nation

THE EDUCATION Ministry has sought to downplay concern among students that "good deeds passports" may determine their chance to go to their favoured university.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745194-talk-of-good-deeds-passports-spurs-doubt-cool-response-thailand/

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STATE BUDGET
Co-payment scheme for medical visits?
Chularat Saengpassa
The Nation

With state hospitals teetering under high costs, experts discuss new system and vow to protect the poor

BANGKOK: -- THERE HAS been talk for a while now that the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) is planning to scrap the universal healthcare system - which offers free medical services to most Thais - in favour of a co-payment scheme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745195-thailand-co-payment-scheme-for-medical-visits/

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UPDATE:

BMA seeks NCPO approval for flood-prevention projects
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will seek approval in principle from the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) for 17 flood-prevention projects worth Bt23.97 billion.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745089-bangkok-administration-to-propose-long-term-flood-control-plans-to-ncpo/#entry8139395

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Two police badly hurt by roadside bomb in Pattani
The Nation



PATTANI: -- FOUR BORDER patrol police officers were injured - two seriously - when a 20kg bomb went off on the side of number 42 highway in Pattani's Muang district yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745196-two-police-badly-hurt-by-roadside-bomb-in-pattani/

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'Thailand Is Back' theme for landmark conference
The Nation


Kan Trakulhoon

BANGKOK: -- "Thailand Is Back" is the theme of a breakthrough international conference spearheaded by the Federation of Thai Industries with 500 business leaders next Tuesday at the Dusit Thani Hotel.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745199-thailand-is-back-theme-for-landmark-conference/

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Reconciliation events kick off
Panya Thiosangwan,
Kris Bhromsuthi
The Nation


Permanent-secretary of Defence General Surasak Kanjanarat, far right, co-presides over the merit-making ceremony held in Sanam Luang, as part of the NCPO-sponsored event held yesterday morning.

Opposing sides brought together as junta works on 'bringing happiness'

BANGKOK: -- Reconciliation fairs organised by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) kicked off nationwide yesterday in a bid to promote greater national unity and reconciliation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745204-reconciliation-events-kick-off-in-thailand/

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Govt targets hotels over SSO payments, not hiring
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION

The Social Security Office has sued 10 hotels, accusing them of not paying social-security levies.

BANGKOK: -- Meanwhile, the National Office for Empowerment of Persons with Disability (NEP) has accused some hotels of failing to hire handicapped people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745206-thai-govt-targets-hotels-over-sso-payments-not-hiring/

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Rice strategies for five years drawn up
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Commerce Ministry and relevant state agencies, as well as stakeholders in the rice industry, yesterday finished chalking out five development strategies, and six marketing strategies for implementation from 2015-2020.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745209-thai-rice-strategies-for-five-years-drawn-up/

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UPDATE:

Derry man Matthew Boyle feared missing in Bangkok found safe and well

(BBC) A Londonderry man who was feared missing in Bangkok has been found safe and well.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744593-appeal-for-irishman-matthew-boyle-missing-in-bangkok/page-4?p=8139486#entry8139486

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Rice Harvest in Thailand Seen Dropping on Drought, Subsidy Lapse
By Supunnabul Suwannakij

BANGKOK: -- Rice production in Thailand will probably shrink to a five-year low as drought hurts yields and farmers curb planting after the end of a subsidy program, according to the Thai Rice Packers Association.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745211-rice-harvest-in-thailand-seen-dropping-on-drought-subsidy-lapse/

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US courts issue conflicting rulings on Obamacare

WASHINGTON: -- Two US appeals courts have given conflicting rulings regarding a federal regulation implementing key subsidies of President Barack Obama's signature healthcare law.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745212-us-courts-conflict-on-obamacare-law/

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US and European airlines halt Israel flights

LONDON: -- US and European airlines suspended flights to Israel's Ben Gurion airport after a rocket landed one mile (1.6km) away.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745220-us-and-european-airlines-halt-israel-flights/

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Jakarta Gov. Joko Widodo won Indonesia's presidential election with 53% of the vote w/ his common man image. /The Nation

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Guns, Gold and Drug Users feature in Pattaya Police crime crackdown

PATTAYA:--Following on from a recent necklace snatch involving a French Tourist in Jomtien, Pattaya Police arrested 14 people on Larn Island, off the coast of Pattaya, on Tuesday afternoon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745233-guns-gold-and-drug-users-feature-in-pattaya-police-crime-crackdown/

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Further Pattaya Money Lending Business shut-down by officials

PATTAYA:--Following orders from the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), Banglamung District Officials, the Navy and Police, continue to shutdown illegal money lending businesses operating in the Pattaya area.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745232-further-pattaya-money-lending-business-shut-down-by-officials/

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Former Pattaya Pub Security Guard found with M16 Ammunition and Police Uniform

PATTAYA:--In the early hours of Tuesday a 19 year old former Pub Security Guard was stopped in his pick-up after he was found in Jomtien playing loud music which was causing a disturbance to others.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745234-former-pattaya-pub-security-guard-found-with-m16-ammunition-and-police-uniform/

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Container Truck theft suspect arrested by Police in Pattaya

PATTAYA:--On Tuesday, Huay Yai Police arrested a 35 year old man accused of stealing a 40ft container and the truck it was being transported on.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745235-container-truck-theft-suspect-arrested-by-police-in-pattaya/

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New van service regulations are well-received by majority of operators

ANG THONG, 23 July 2014 (NNT) - Most of the van service providers in the provinces have expressed their agreement with the new regulations, while a number of operators request an extension of the registration period.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745238-new-passenger-van-regulations-are-well-received-by-majority-of-thai-operators/

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Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 1,527.35, gains 6.54 points /MCOT