Thailand Live Friday 25 Jul 2014

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Indonesian forest fire smoke causing poor vision for drivers and sailors

NARATHIWAT, 24 July 2014 (NNT) - Smoke caused by forest fires in Indonesia is now affecting people’s vision while driving and sailing. The air quality has diminished to 62 micrograms.

The Director of Narathiwat Meteorological Office Manee Uttarak has revealed that the smoke from forest fires in Sumatra, Indonesia has covered many Southern provinces of Thailand including Narathiwat. The air quality measured today is 62 microgram per cubic meter which is lower than three days earlier but is still at a moderate level. It has no negative impact on public health but causes poor vision at a 200 – 300 meter distance for drivers and sailors. Those who drive or sail, therefore, are advised to be cautious while traveling at this time.

Currently, south-west monsoon conditions and south-east winds are entering Narathiwat province, bringing thicker smoke into the air. However, rainfall is expected to increase by 40 – 60%, which could clear the smoke away.


-- NNT 2014-07-25

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Arrest Warrants Filed For Alleged Murderers of Red Poet
By Khaosod English


Police inspect the car that Redshirt activist Kamol Duangphasuk was shot and killed in on 23 April, 2014.

BANGKOK — Police say they have filed arrest warrants for two men suspected of murdering a prominent Redshirt activist in April.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745870-bangkok-arrest-warrants-filed-for-alleged-murderers-of-red-shirt-poet/

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Ex-Deputy House Speaker yet to surrender after arrest warrant issued
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, July 25 -- Thailand's former Deputy House speaker Col Apiwan Wiriyachai has not surrendered in response to a warrant for his arrest for lese majeste.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745872-ex-deputy-house-speaker-yet-to-surrender-after-thai-arrest-warrant-issued/

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STEM Education introduced in Thai schools
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, July 25 -- Thailand has implemented the STEM Education to improve Science and Mathematics teaching in schools across the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745873-stem-education-introduced-in-thai-schools/

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TAT ready to kick off “Thailand Happiness Street Festival”

BANGKOK, 25 July 2014 (NNT) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is gearing up for the “Thailand Happiness Street Festival” to be organized in the heart of Bangkok this July 25-26, hoping to welcome over 200,000 visitors.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745875-tat-ready-to-kick-off-thailand-happiness-street-festival/

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Results from rice inspections to be concluded in Aug

BANGKOK, 25 July 2014 (NNT) – Permanent Secretary for the Prime Minister’s Office ML Panadda Diskul expects to come up with a conclusive report on all findings from his rice inspection trips early next month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745876-results-from-thai-rice-inspections-to-be-concluded-in-august/

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APP
Army Sticker: New app that supports junta
Asina Pornwasin
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- A new gimmick application for decorative photos called "Army Sticker" has been launched on iOS App Store and Google Play Store, with the aim of supporting the National Council for Peace and Order and the idea of giving happiness to Thais and the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745877-army-sticker-new-app-that-supports-ncpo/

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SAVING
Thais slow in saving for their retirement
THIRANAT SUCHARIKUL,
TANPISIT LERDBAMRUNGCHAI
THE NATION

Study finds people only investing in pension plans after age 42, which leaves them under-funded

BANGKOK: -- THOUGH MANY people in Thailand know it is important to start saving for their retirement, many begin putting away money quite late in life, which leaves many of them poor beyond the age of 60, a study showed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745878-thais-slow-in-saving-for-their-retirement/

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REHAB PLAN
THAI maps up 3-yr rehab plan
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- Thai Airways International is prepared to move its Thai Smile Air subsidiary to Don Mueang International Airport and to offer early retirement to 900 staff members as part of a three-year revival plan. The national carrier expects to return to profit by 2017.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745879-thai-maps-up-3-year-rehab-plan/

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AFTER COUP
Explanation met positive response from EU ministers: Sihasak
Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation
Brussels

BANGKOK: -- The European Union now appears to have a better understanding of the political situation in Thailand, but its member countries are still concerned and want a speedy return to democracy with credible elections.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745880-explanation-met-positive-response-from-eu-ministers-sihasak/

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EDITORIAL
Fences around schools in South won't guarantee security
The Nation

Instead of armed protection, focus must be on creating non-militarised zones to put the onus on the militants

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745882-thai-editorial-fences-around-schools-in-south-wont-guarantee-security/

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Cheaters and corrupt politicians may be banned from politics for life



BANGKOK: -- Election cheaters and corrupt politicians risk being banned from politics for life under a provision in the Provisional Constitution, warned Professor Bovornsak Uwanno, secretary-general of King Prajadhipok’s Institute, at a seminar on Thailand’s reform held on Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745883-cheaters-and-corrupt-politicians-may-be-banned-from-thai-politics-for-life/

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RS demands 308 million baht from NBTC for World Cup live broadcasts



BANGKOK: -- RS Plc is demanding 308 million baht in outstanding payments from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission for the free live broadcasts all the matches of the World Cup soccer tournament in Brazil.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745885-rs-demands-308-million-baht-from-nbtc-for-world-cup-live-broadcasts/

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Sex-selection reports trigger investigation of fertility clinics
POUNGCHOMPOO PRASERT
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- AFTER news that Chinese people have been coming to Thailand for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedures that allow specific selection of a baby's sex, police are checking up on 12 "targeted" private clinics nationwide that reportedly provide illegal fertility services.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745886-sex-selection-reports-trigger-investigation-of-fertility-clinics-in-thailand/

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Rich landowners need to be taxed more to close income gap, forum told
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- AN improved land-tax system and fairer budget allocation are key to eradicating inequalities in society, a public forum was told.

Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Happy-siblings-reunite-in-Paris-30239426.html

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Happy siblings reunite in Paris
Anapat Deechuay
The Nation


Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra is seen hugging his sister Yingluck at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. These photos were posted on Instagram by Thaksin

Thaksin's children post pics of their father hugging Yingluck at airport

BANGKOK: -- Former PM Yingluck Shinawatra has publicly reunited with her brother former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who is in self-imposed exile from Thailand, for the first time in almost six years.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745889-happy-siblings-reunite-in-paris/

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Ex-police chief reinstated
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order has issued an order to reinstate former national police chief Pol General Patcharawat Wongsuwan.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745890-former-national-police-chief-pol-general-patcharawat-wongsuwan-reinstated/

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BURNING ISSUE
Second stage of 'roadmap' may end junta's easy ride
Supon Thanukid
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The honeymoon with the Thai public has already lasted two months but the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) is set to face many more challenges while trying to make the honeymoon long-lasting.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745891-second-stage-of-roadmap-may-end-ncpos-easy-ride/

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Long fight to prevent Route 304 expansion ends in loss

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Route 304 - which cuts through two World Heritage national parks in Nakhon Ratchasima and Prachin Buri provinces - will be expanded under the supervision of the junta, the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745892-long-fight-to-prevent-route-304-expansion-ends-in-loss-thailand/

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UPDATE:

Algeria passenger plane wreckage found in Mali

(BBC) The wreck of a plane that disappeared with 116 people on board on a flight from Burkina Faso to Algiers has been found in Mali, officials say.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745735-contact-lost-with-algerian-jet-over-africa/?p=8148981#entry8148981

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Thailand Travel Shield insurance may be purchased by tourists starting today

BANGKOK, 25 July 2014 (NNT) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand signed a memorandum of understanding with the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) on Thursday, to create low-cost insurance schemes for foreign tourists that start at just 650 baht per person.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745912-thailand-travel-shield-insurance-may-be-purchased-by-tourists-starting-today-jul-25/

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Dengue vaccine for children to be available in two years

BANGKOK, 25 July 2014 (NNT) – A dengue fever vaccine for children will become available in no more than two years, according to the National Vaccine Institute.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745916-dengue-vaccine-for-children-to-be-available-in-thailand-in-two-years/

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Several areas in Ubon Ratchathani flooded after three days of heavy rain

UBON RATCHATHANI, 25 July 2014 (NNT) – Ubon Ratchathani has been hit with many instances of forest runoffs, and many parts of the province have become flooded on Thursday.

Districts that were experiencing floods included Warinchamrap, Samrong, Thung Si Udom, Det Udom, Nayia and Phibun Mungsahan. The flooding was caused by heavy raining over the past three days, brought on by a monsoon trough that was covering the upper part of the Northeastern region.

In Thung Si Udom district, the water level has already receded, only to reveal the extent of damage to farmlands and roads. Some locals in two sub-districts of Phibun Mangsahan were evacuated on Thursday. In Warinchamrap, many roads have become inundated after a large amount of water flowed into the area from Sisaket province.

The water level of Mun River reportedly rose by 85 centimeters from Wednesday. The water height was 1.25 meters from overflowing the riverbanks.


-- NNT 2014-07-25

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Labor Ministry: Unemployment declines after political conflicts defused

BANGKOK, 25 July 2014, (NNT) - The nation's unemployment rate has dropped as the political conflicts have been defused, says the Labor Ministry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745919-thai-labor-ministry-unemployment-declines-after-political-conflicts-defused/

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BMA to establish a learning center on garbage disposal

BANGKOK, 25 July 2014, (NNT) – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is preparing to establish a public learning center on garbage disposal.

The plan is revealed by a Bangkok City Councilor for Huay Khwang District Pradermchai Boonchuayluea during his inspection of the On Nut garbage disposal facility in Pravet District, in his capacity as secretary general of the 2015 Budget scrutinizing committee.

The On Nut disposal center is located on an area of 580 rai and has to deal with about 10,000 tons of trash being sent in from 20 districts daily. Currently the center divides the garbage into 2 portions, one for fertilizer production and the other for recycling.

The On Nut garbage disposal unit is also responsible for maintaining the environment by treating wastewater, campaigning for more green areas and minimizing the impact of garbage on the public. The learning center is also part of the unit’s efforts in cleaning up the capital.


-- NNT 2014-07-25

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Thai stock index opens on Friday at 1,546.51, gains 2.59 points /MCOT

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GSB sets aside 30 billion baht as loans for SME and OTOP operators

BANGKOK, 25 July 2014 (NNT) - The Government Savings Bank (GSB) revealed that during the latter half of this year it would emphasize more on lending to SME operators.

The bank has set aside 20 billion baht for its Sukjai Credit scheme and another 10 billion baht for a microfinancing program for OTOP and SME operators.

The two financial packages will be extended to SME operators with no more than 50 million baht in financial outlays.

The GSB and the Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation will early next week sign a memorandum of understanding to help SME business operators secure retail loans easier.

The GSB had extended more than 90 billion baht in loans during the first half of this year, against the target of 75 billion baht. About 10% of the loan recipients are government units and large-scale entrepreneurs. The remaining 90% are SME operators.

The figures strongly suggest the bank should adjust its policies to favor smaller clients, the GSB pointed out.


-- NNT 2014-07-25

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Police arrest Thai human trafficking gang after sexual assault is exposed



BANGKOK: -- Sa Kaeo police yesterday arrested three members of a human trafficking gang after they kidnapped four Cambodian migrant workers at gunpoint and raped them in hotel in Sa Kaeo province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745941-police-arrest-thai-human-trafficking-gang-after-sexual-assault-is-exposed/

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Lottery vendors block traffic to protest overpriced lottery



BANGKOK: -- More than 300 lottery vendors gathered in front of the Government Lottery Office at Sanambin Nam in Nonthaburi blocking the rush hour traffic Friday morning to protest overcharging of lottery price by the lottery agents.

They were dissatisfied after lottery agents raised the wholesale price of lottery tickets from 73 baht to 83 baht with no advance notification.

They said that in the last lottery draw, they got 73 baht for a pair of lottery tickets for sales from agents but yesterday they were charged 10 baht higher, which made them impossible to continue selling at the controlled price of 80 baht as they would have no profit left but loss.

Police were called in as the protest and traffic blockade has worsened the traffic as vehicles were stranded and could hardly move during the morning rush hours.

After negotiation with regard to the trouble of the people who have to travel to work and students who have to go to schools, the vendors agreed to open a lane on each side of the road to pass.
However traffic remained chaotic and jammed.

The vendors also asked the military to receive their complaint and also to investigate why the agents have to raise their wholesale price from 73 baht to 83 baht.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/lottery-vendors-block-traffic-protest-overpriced-lottery/


-- Thai PBS 2014-07-25

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Special Report: NCPO pushes ahead with plans to reorganize beachfront areas and return public land



BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) is proceeding to re-organize commercial beachside areas in coastal provinces and to return public land to its people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/745944-ncpo-pushes-ahead-with-plans-to-reorganize-thai-beachfront-areas/