UPDATE:

Tourism to recover fast with more returning during high season end of the year



BANGKOK: -- The tourism sector is now confident that foreign tourists will be returning during the high season later in the year with tourist numbers reaching 26.8 millions this year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745075-thailand-confident-tourist-arrivals-will-hit-2014-target/page-2?p=8140165#entry8140165

Loan sharking and debt: A vicious cycle in Thailand with no foreseeable solutions

BANGKOK, 23 July 2014 (NNT) - Household debt problems in Thailand are starting to have a serious impact on the economy, resulting in more and more people having to turn to loan sharks to make ends meet.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745247-loan-sharking-and-debt-a-vicious-cycle-in-thailand-with-no-foreseeable-solutions/

9,074 new positions opened by Public Health Ministry



BANGKOK, 23July 2014 (NNT) - Yesterday (22nd July 2014) at the National Council for Peace and Order's (NCPO) 7th weekly meeting, it was confirmed that the committee had agreed to the Public Health Ministry's request for 9,074 new positions for government officers in their sector, and will now start filling the positions from the 29th August 2014, placing major emphasis on positions in poor and distant rural areas and places with high workloads.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745264-9074-new-positions-opened-by-public-health-ministry/

PROVISIONAL CHARTER
Junta's legal team explains provisional constitution

BANGKOK: -- A legal team of the junta on Wednesday explained in a televised programme background and details of the provisional constitution that became effective yesterday.

Junta chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha yesterday received the constitution from HM the King during an audience at Hua Hin Palace.

The constitution empowers the junta chief and his National Council of Peace and Order to remain in power and work along with a National Legislative Assembly and a government that are to be set up.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Juntas-legal-team-explains-provisional-constitutio-30239234.html


-- The Nation 2014-07-23

Partial closure of Bangkok's Ratchadamri and Rama I roads is set from 11pm tonight to 4am on Saturday for the 'Thailand Happiness Street Festival' /Bangkok Post

NCPO to ask political factions to sign pact promising to proceed with the junta's reforms after the next general election /MCOT

Situation in haze-stricken Yala improves

YALA, 23 July 2014 (NNT)-The situation in haze-stricken areas continues to improve with no areas registering an unhealthy Air Pollutant Index.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745294-situation-in-haze-stricken-yala-improves/

NCPO advisor Wissanu Krea-ngam says it will continue until new Constitution is completed,NCPO won't have power to remove interim PM, cabinet /MCOT

Free Medical check ups and goods at special prices at NCPO's reconciliation event at Sanam Luang



BANGKOK, 23 July 2014 (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health in cooperation with public and private organizations has organized the reconciliation event at Sanam Luang, between 22nd-27th July 2014.

The event features massages, acupuncture, health check ups, the selling of medicine at special prices, along with commodities such as eggs and cooking oil at big discounts.

Government psychiatrist and Public Health Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Panpimol Wipulakorn said, the event was organized to help fulfill the NCPO's commitment to rebuilding happiness among the Thai people.

At the event the Ministry of Public Health has four tents, in which activities are provided free, such as a free health checkup which will include blood pressure testing and blood sugar levels, along with education on how to keep oneself healthy. Free vaccinations to prevent influenza, and herbal medicines will also be provided.

There will also be commodities at special prices offered by Blue Flag of the Department of Internal Trade, such as three bottles of cooking oil priced at 95 Baht, while 1 set of eggs (30 eggs) is being sold at 75 Baht.

The public is invited to come to the event from 10.00 a.m. until 8.00 p.m. at Sanam Luang, in front of Thammasat University Tha Pra Chan Campus, from now until Sunday 27th, July 2014.


-- NNT 2014-07-23

HM the King endorses Provisional Constitution
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, July 23 -- His Majesty the King bestowed the approved Interim Constitution on Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, chief of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), at the Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province at 4.52pm yesterday.

The 17-page Constitution containing 48 sections was published in the Royal Gazette yesterday at 7.40pm.

Interesting sections include Section 35 that bans those convicted or officially found of corruption and electoral fraud from holding a political position and prohibits populist policies.

There is also Section 44 authorizing the NCPO to issue necessary orders with legislative, executive and judicial effect, Section 6 requiring a national legislative assembly with up to 220 members whom His Majesty the King will appoint as the NCPO will propose, and Section 19 by which His Majesty the King will appoint a nominated prime minister.

At 10am today NCPO legal advisor Wissanu Krea-ngam, Gen Paibul Khumchaya, assistant army chief and NCPO head of legal and justice affairs, and ombudsman Pornpetch Wichitcholchai elaborated on the Interim Constitution on television.

Sek Wannamethee, director-general of the Department of Information and spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the Provisional Constitution proved to the international community that Thailand is implementing its roadmap and keeping to the timetable of the plan. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-07-23

Flight MH17 possibly shot by mistake

WASHINGTON - Malaysian flight MH17 may have been shot down by "mistake" by ill-trained pro-Russian separatists, US intelligence officials said Tuesday, while dismissing Moscow's accounts of the incident.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745326-flight-mh17-possibly-shot-by-mistake/

Security tightened in Thai South ahead of Hari Raya
By Digital Content



SONGKHLA, July 23 -- Thailand’s southern province of Songkhla has tightened security measures in preparation for the Hari Raya celebration.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745331-security-tightened-in-thai-south-ahead-of-hari-raya/

Thailand faces flooding in many areas
By Digital Content



SI SA KET, July 23 - Various provinces in several Thai regions, especially here in the northeast, have been hit by natural disaster, with some underwater.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745333-thailand-faces-flooding-in-many-areas/

Crackdown on Migrants at Thai-Myanmar Border

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745332-crackdown-on-migrants-at-thai-myanmar-border/

Hi-tech smuggler flies drone into supermax prison
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Back when we were kids, smuggling contraband into prison involved plastic wrap, a blowdryer and a tub of K-Y Jelly. These days, kids just send their flying robot helpers to do their dirty work.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745337-hi-tech-smuggler-flies-drone-into-thai-supermax-prison/

Gen. Prayuth Could Be PM Under New Constitution
By Khaosod English


Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha meeting the Commander of the Singaporean Military Ng Chee Meng, 23 July 2014.

BANGKOK — A top official has confirmed that the leader of Thailand’s military junta leader could become Prime Minister under the Kingdom’s new temporary constitution.

"This Constitution does not bar the NCPO leader from being Prime Minister," said deputy chief of the Royal Thai Army Gen. Paiboon Koomchaya, referring to the chairman of the National Council of Peace and Order, Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha.

According to Article 19 of the new constitution, which was unveiled last night following a royal endorsement by His Majesty the King, an appointed National Legislative Assembly will choose a new Prime Minister to govern the country until the next election, which is set for the end of 2015 at the earliest.

Article 20 states that the new Prime Minister must be Thai, older than 40 years of age, and not a member of any political party in the past three years. The article also bars judges, attorneys-general, Election Commissioners, state treasury auditors, and National Human Rights Commissioners from taking the premiership.

In effect, the article prohibits many prominent and active political figures from taking the top job without placing any restrictions on military officers and bureaucrats, who were barred from office in Thailand’s previous constitution.

The 2007 Constitution was dissolved by the NCPO after it seized power in the 22 May coup d’etat.

However, even if Gen. Prayuth does not take the office, Article 44 of the provisional constitution grants the NCPO chairman sweeping power to "order, suspend, or take action regardless of its effect on the legislative, executive, or the judiciary."

Gen. Prayuth has refused to address speculation that he will be Prime Minister.

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1406094883

-- Khaosod English 2014-07-23

NCPO pardoned for coup by provisional charter

BANGKOK: -- The provisional constitution has granted full amnesty to the National Council for Peace and Order.

The charter states that the NCPO chief and other members would not be taken legal actions against for their deeds related to the power seizure before and after May 22.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/NCPO-pardoned-for-coup-by-provisional-charter-30239244.html


-- The Nation 2014-07-23

Scattered rains set to hit Thailand during next few days

BANGKOK, 23 July 2014 (NNT) - The Meteorological Department revealed that 60 percent of Thailand is set to face scattered rains. Meanwhile, two subdistricts in Si Sa Ket province have already been battered by floods.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745333-thailand-faces-flooding-in-many-areas/#entry8141394

Auto industry sales rate increases in June

BANGKOK, 23 July 2014 (NNT) – An auto industry group has revealed that the automotive industry domestic export rate in June 2014 has grew more than in the early months of the year.

The vice president and spokesman of automotive industry of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) revealed there were 160,452 cars been produced in June, which was higher than May by 8.41 percent although it was 26.1 percent less compared to the same time last year due to the cancellation of First Car Project.

There were 73,799 cars sold domestically in June 2014, a reduction compared to last month by 30.4 percent, while 103,946 cars were exported, an increase from June last year by 6.57 percent and a 9.66 percent increase compared to May 2014. Exports to European and North American has increased as well.


-- NNT 2014-07-23

APPEAL COURT
Court dismisses Thaksin suit against Kaewsan

BANGKOK: -- The Appeal Court on Wednesday dismissed a defamation suit filed by expremier Thaksin Shinawatra against former asset examination committee member Kaewsan Athipothi.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745372-court-dismisses-thaksin-suit-against-kaewsan/

Chiang Mai Botanical Garden allowing free entry to students in August

CHIANG MAI, 23 July 2014 (NNT) – The Botanical Garden Organization will allow students from institutions nationwide to visit the botanical gardens for free in honor of the occasion of the Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on 12 August 2014.

The Botanical Garden Organization is inviting all educational institutes to take their students to visit the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden in Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai, for free throughout August. More information is available at the Information and Publicity of Botanical Garden Organization, call 053-841234 and www.qsbg.org.


-- NNT 2014-07-23

UPDATE:

Thailand post unveils six items that are prohibited to be sent by mail



BANGKOK, 23 July 2014 (NNT) - Thailand Post has announced that it will take stern action against online vendors posting items that are prohibited for shipment in the post after there has been a case where a live squirrel was found dead upon delivery.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745066-thailand-post-warns-against-posting-prohibited-items-online-for-shipping/#entry8141677

Pheu Thai 'To Boycott Reform Council'
By Khaosod English


Pheu Thai party members at the Army's Happiness Festival in Bangkok on 22 July 2014.

BANGKOK — The ruling party of the former government will not send any members to join the "National Reform Council" outlined in Thailand’s new interim constitution, sources inside the Pheu Thai Party say.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745380-pheu-thai-to-boycott-reform-council/

UPDATE:

Indonesian forest fire smog affects shipping and airline businesses in Narathiwat

NARATHIWAT, 23 July 2014 (NNT) - Smog resulting from a forest fire off the Sumatra Island in Indonesia has blanketed certain areas in Narathiwat province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/744742-indonesia-fires-spark-close-monitoring-of-smog-in-southern-thailand/#entry8141884

Get down and give me 20: Tough punishment for schoolboy traffic violators

BANGKOK:-- Following the news of the crackdown on traffic violators in Thailand, it seems the authorities really do mean business.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745383-get-down-and-give-me-20-tough-punishment-for-schoolboy-traffic-violators/

SET index closed 1,541.56, up 20.75; Bt/USD31.67; GBP53.94; AUD29.72; EUR42.51; CAD29.39; HKD4.07; SGD25.44; JPY31.09

Thai rice growers may receive pensions
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, July 23 -- Thailand's Rice Department is gathering opinions on how to improve its rice and rice grower development fund bill that includes a plan to offer pensions to the farmers themselves.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745388-thai-rice-growers-may-receive-pensions/

NCPO: Interim charter does not give NCPO power over Cabinet



BANGKOK, 23 July 2014 (NNT) – The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) says the royally-endorsed provisional constitution does not give the military government power over the Cabinet, but allows the NCPO to work with a National Legislative Assembly and a government which will be established in the near future.

The NCPO, led by Assistant Army Chief Gen. Paiboon Khumchaya, gave a press conference at the Government House, announcing that the NCPO’s three-stage roadmap has now entered its second phase, which is to introduce an interim constitution. The interim charter outlined by the NCPO’s legal team was on July 22 endorsed by H.M. the King after NCPO Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha had been granted an audience with His Majesty.

According to Gen. Paiboon, the royally-endorsed charter is the 19th constitution of the kingdom and will be in effect for approximately one year before the country enters the third phase of the roadmap where a general election will be organized.

The provisional constitution is comprised 48 articles and states that there will be a National Legislative Council, which will consist of no more than 220 members.

Meanwhile, an NCPO Advisor Wissanu Krua-ngam who was also present during the press conference said Section 44 of the temporary Constitution gives the NCPO power to restore peace and work in collaboration with the interim government, but does not grant the NCPO power over the interim prime minister and members of the Cabinet.

He asserted that the council would always adhere to legal principles and put the nation’s interest as its priority, while asking members of the public for more time and opportunity to bring true democracy back to Thailand.


-- NNT 2014-07-23

Teacher Accused of 'Sawing' Student's Ear
By Khaosod English

MAE HONG SON — A school in Mae Hong Son province is investigating a teacher who allegedly attempted to saw off the ear of one of her 4-year-old students.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745413-teacher-accused-of-trying-to-saw-off-students-ear-thailand/

Ex-PM Yingluck leave BKK at midnight on European trip; expected to attend ex-PM Thaksin's birthday celebration, returning to BKK Aug 10 /MCOT