Thailand Live Monday 28 Jul 2014

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Crown Prince’s birthday today



BANGKOK: -- Today is the 62nd birthday anniversary of Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The royal consort, Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasm, held religious functions yesterday to mark his birthday.

According to the National News Bureau of Thailand (NNT), the princess led lay Buddhists at a religious function held to celebrate the 62nd birthday anniversary of the Crown Prince at Sanam Luang ceremonial ground.

Upon her arrival at 15.08 hrs, Her Royal Highness paid homage to the Crown Prince’s portrait with traditional-stye floral offerings.

This was followed by a chapter of 10 high-ranking monks chanting holy stanzas to bless the Crown Prince.

The Princess then presented necessities to the monks at the conclusion of the ceremony.

The ceremony was jointly organized by the Ha-Thawa-Maharat Foundation, government and private sectors, as well as people from all walks of life, to express their royalty to the Crown Prince.

The religious chanting is being held for 3 consecutive days from July 26 to 28.

On July 28 which is the Crown Prince’s birthday, a number of activities will also be held in royal honor, starting with food offering to 162 monks in the early morning at the ceremonial ground of Sanam Luang.

Later in the evening at 19.19 hrs, a nationwide candle-lighting ceremony will be observed to offer blessings for the Crown Prince.

Later at 20.30 hrs, a 4-region music festival will be held at Sanam Luang. It will continue until 23.00 hrs, NNT said.

Meanwhile in Chiang Mai, thousands of cyclists joined the event entitled ‘Cycling with Love, Beloved Land’ from the Chiang Mai Zoo to the Rajapruck Royal Park in a celebration of the Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 62nd Birthday, July 28th.

Chiang Mai deputy governor Nawin Sinthusaard presided over the 12 km cycling event for the purpose of promoting physical health and energy saving. On Sunday evening the lighted candle procession and fireworks display were held at the Rajapruck Royal Park.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/crown-princes-birthday-today/


-- Thai PBS 2014-07-28

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Religious chanting of holy stanzas celebrating the 62nd anniversary of HRH the Crown Prince

BANGKOK, 28 July 2014 (NNT) - Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasm, the royal consort to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, yesterday (July 27) led lay Buddhists at a religious function held to celebrate the 62nd birthday anniversary of the Crown Prince at Sanam Luang ceremonial ground.

Upon her arrival at 15.08 hrs, Her Royal Highness paid homage to the Crown Prince’s portrait with traditional-stye floral offerings. This was followed by a chapter of 10 high-ranking monks chanting holy stanzas to bless the Crown Prince. The Princess then presented necessities to the monks at the conclusion of the ceremony.

The ceremony was jointly organized by the Ha-Thawa-Maharat Foundation, government and private sectors, as well as people from all walks of life, to express their royalty to the Crown Prince. The religious chanting is being held for 3 consecutive days from July 26 to 28.

On July 28 which is the Crown Prince’s birthday, a number of activities will also be held in royal honor, starting with food offering to 162 monks in the early morning at the ceremonial ground of Sanam Luang. Later in the evening at 19.19 hrs, a nationwide candle-lighting ceremony will be observed to offer blessings for the Crown Prince.

Later at 20.30 hrs, a 4-region music festival will be held at Sanam Luang. It will continue until 23.00 hrs.


-- NNT 2014-07-28

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RICE-PLEDGING SCHEME
Nationwide rice audit ordered by Junta nearly complete
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The nationwide rice audit ordered by the junta is drawing to a close this week as scheduled, raising hopes that the state's mounting rice stockpiles can start to be released and the nightmare is end soon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746657-nationwide-rice-audit-ordered-by-ncpo-nearly-complete/

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REPORT
Lottery ticket selling: tough but fruitful life
Boonchu Sritripop
The Nation
Loei


Auntie Mian, 63, recounts how difficult it was to earn a living as a small-scale lottery vendor in Bangkok. She says she used to walk a long distance every day to find customers and risked a loss if she could not sell all her tickets.

LOEI: -- Regardless of the two-tier pricing structure of government lottery tickets following partial price-control intervention by the military rulers, residents of Wang Saphung district in Loei province are determined to continue their part-time work as lottery vendors - something many of them have been doing for more than 30 years.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746658-report-thai-lottery-ticket-selling-tough-but-fruitful-life/

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PRESS FREEDOM
Junta asked to explain what offended them in newspaper
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The National Press Council of Thailand (NCPO) has vowed to take action against ASTV Weekend if the junta's claim that the weekly newspaper violated media ethics proves to be true.

However, both the self-regulatory body and ASTV Weekend say the junta should first identify which parts of the weekly have committed the violations.

They spoke up yesterday after the ruling NCPO issued a reprimand against the newspaper on Saturday, criticising it for publishing false information that endangered the NCPO's credibility.

The NCPO has also ordered that the self-regulatory body, to which the ASTV Weekend is a member, to launch an ethics probe against those involved.

National Press Council of Thailand chairman Chakkrish Permpool said the council would not protect ASTV Weekend if it was found to have breached media ethics.

"But the NCPO will need to inform us in writing and produce clear evidence," Chakkrish said.

According to Chakkrish, the NPCT would convene a meeting tomorrow to discuss the NCPO order No 108/2557 that is related to the ASTV Weekend case.

ASTV to launch a probe

ASTV Weekend is a part of the ASTV Manager group. The group's top executive Jittanart Limthongkul said he would immediately launch an internal probe if the NCPO clarified which pieces of information were false.

He said the main stories in the July 26-August 1 edition also appeared in other media outlets.

Jittanart said his group intended to provide full cooperation to the NCPO. He said the group had been very cautious in reporting news and publishing articles.

Following the NCPO's latest move against the media, he vowed to convene an internal meeting to ensure that editorial staff show greater cautioun.

Jittanart said he would have no regrets if the NCPO found the weekly newspaper's content offensive and decided to shut it despite its best efforts to adhere to the junta's orders.

"In that case, I would just think I have already done my best," Jittanart said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Junta-asked-to-explain-what-offended-them-in-newsp-30239603.html


-- The Nation 2014-07-28

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TWO-MONTHS-AFTER-COUP REPORT
Improvement on many fronts after two months: NCPO
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) yesterday summarised its performance after two months, saying all tasks undertaken had resulted in positive trends - the political divide showed signs of reconciliation, the economy improved and foreign countries had got a better grasp of developments here.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746659-improvement-on-many-fronts-after-two-months-ncpo/

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SOUTH CRISIS
Body blow for Betong
The Nation


Masseuses at a traditional massage parlour wait for customers in Yala

Car bomb expected to ravage local tourism industry; town fears Bt100 million loss

BANGKOK: -- STATE AGENCIES and the public have begun a process to restore confidence in Betong, the town in the far South hit by a huge car bomb last Friday that killed two and wounded 42 others. But the drama is expected to put a Bt100 million-plus dent in the town's economy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746660-thai-south-body-blow-for-betong/

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SPECIAL REPORT
Army chief is hard-working, decisive, na ja?
The Nation


Prayuth

BANGKOK: -- Since the coup took place on May 22, General Prayuth Chan-ocha hasn't had a day off. And some days he works past midnight.

As the chief of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), the general must feel a heavy burden on his shoulders.

He has vowed to "return happiness" to Thais after the political turmoil they have endured and the heavy toll this has taken on the economy and society over nearly a decade. The mission is noble, but many believe it may be difficult to accomplish.

Yet as time goes on, his dedication has become very evident.

Prayuth is always there when key decisions need to be made. Although the NCPO's deputy chiefs are working hard to help run the country, they need to consult him occasionally.

During the past two months, the list of meetings he has had to attend is long.

Every Friday, he also goes on TV to communicate and stay in touch with the public via his "Return Happiness to the People" show. The programme is very similar to programmes recent Thai prime ministers hosted during their time in office. Before she lost the top job, Yingluck Shinawatra talked to Thais via the "PM Yingluck Meets the People" programme.

By hosting a weekly programme, Prayuth is clearly deter?mined to pursue the goals set out by the NCPO. He has also proven his ability to tackle state affairs, not just military affairs.

He is still at the helm of the Royal Thai Army but to many observers, he looks set to become the new prime minister soon.

The general is known to be decisive and quick when analysing things. He has also been inspiring.

Given his sometimes loud voice, people who have no previous work experience with him may get a little shaken. But for military officers or reporters familiar with him, he is not without a sense of humour.

And he often concludes his speeches with: "I am going now, na ja." Or with this: "Go home safely, na ja."

"Na ja" reflects politeness and friendliness.

Military-beat reporters, therefore, often call him "Big Too Na Ja". Too is his nickname and big is often used to describe a general.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Army-chief-is-hard-working-decisive-na-ja-30239608.html


-- The Nation 2014-07-28

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Vouchers expected to give digital TV a big boost
Watchiranont Thongtep
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Nielsen (Thailand) and the Digital TV Club believe that helping households acquire terrestrial digital TV devices by giving them vouchers will promote sustainable growth of terrestrial digital TV and boost the audience ratings of digital operators.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746661-vouchers-expected-to-give-digital-tv-a-big-boost-thailand/

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EDITORIAL
Road ahead for the junta is set to get bumpier
The Nation

With the initial phase of its work done, the hard business of reform and rearranging the electoral system is set to begin

BANGKOK: -- If the "honeymoon" is not over already, it must be at the stage when the National Council for Peace and Order and the Thai people are taking their trip back home - to biting realities.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746662-thai-editorial-road-ahead-for-ncpo-is-set-to-get-bumpier/

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'Get to know the neighbours'
Chularat Saengpassa
The Nation


Thai ambassador to Myanmar Pissanu Suvanajata says greater understanding will make dealings much easier and better.

Thais advised to learn more about Asean countries

BANGKOK: -- Thais will need to "reset" their mindset and conduct constructive, well-focused research if they hope to prosper in the Asean community era.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746665-thais-advised-to-learn-more-about-asean-countries/

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ANALYSIS
Bringing peace to deep South: mission impossible?
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The car bomb that ripped through a busy street in Yala's Betong district last week killing two people and wounding 42 surprised security officials.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746667-thai-analysis-bringing-peace-to-deep-south-mission-impossible/

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Japan schoolgirl, 15, arrested for murdering, dismembering classmate

TOKYO (AFP) - 15-year-old Japanese schoolgirl has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a classmate and dismembering her body.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746669-japan-schoolgirl-15-arrested-for-murdering-dismembering-classmate/

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Scholars fearful, keeping their mouths shut
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The fear of prosecution and the junta's limitations on academics in giving out views to the media have resulted in some scholars imposing self-censorship.

Law lecturer Ekachai Chainuwati is a perfect example of what happened to academics' freedom to publicly discuss politics after the coup.

The deputy dean of Law at Siam University was once much sought after by the media, both local and international, prior to the May 22 coup. He has been self-censoring by rarely giving interviews for two months now. He gave an interview only twice over the period.

The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) bans academics from giving out views to the media that it deems divisive or likely to stir unrest. Some academics and those interviewed by The Nation agreed that the negative repercussions would be on people's right to know.

There're three types of Thais who oppose the coup, said Ekachai. First are those who live abroad and freely criticise the NCPO. The second live in Thailand - like activists and journalists - who fully criticise the NCPO and have ended up being detained, with some being charged. The third group, where Ekachai belongs, opposes the coup but has chosen not to criticise the coup- makers publicly.

"I have three kids, the oldest is eight and the youngest just two," said Ekachai, as the reason why he has chosen to belong to the third group. "If I were alone I would have gone the whole hog."

Independent political scientist Sirote Klampaiboon, popular on television and some print media, has chosen to censor himself to a certain level by reducing his media exposure.

"I have to be careful also when giving interviews," he said, adding that the negative impact of censorship is on society at large. "The mass media have turned into PR machines for the junta. There's no differing opinion left and the public are now being led by one group of people," Sirote said, adding it would make critical appraisal of the NCPO almost impossible. Sirote added that political division would continue to exist no matter whether the mainstream mass media and scholars censored themselves or not.

At Thammasat University, one noted law lecturer said on condition of anonymity that he would only stick to criticising the provisional constitution and make no comment about other issues, including that of self-censorship. Political scientist Trakoon Meechai of Chulalongkorn University criticises the ban, saying it is indiscriminate.

He said he continues to give out interviews however as he believes he takes no sides and what he says is factually correct.

"If you ask whether I am afraid or not, I am not, as long as what I say is correct. Trying to shut our mouths will cause problems," he warned, adding that during dictator Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat's time, censorship led to an explosion of anger - while now the NCPO has no means to shut all the noise on social media.

"Can you really control them?" Trakoon asked.

Ekachai too said it would be better if criticism were allowed. However, he consoled himself by saying: "Eventually no one can hold on to power forever."

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Scholars-fearful-keeping-their-mouths-shut-30239607.html


-- The Nation 2014-07-28

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SPECIAL REPORT
Party-list seen as a tool for reform
Kris Bhromsuthi
The Nation

Robust system would have helped Democrats more: Academics

BANGKOK: -- THREE PROMINENT Bangkok academics have proposed a reformed Parliament based in part on increasing the number of party-list members.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746671-party-list-seen-as-a-tool-for-reform-thai-report/

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Junta considering amalgamation plan for TOT, CAT
Usanee Mongkolporn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The junta is seeking ways to help the two struggling state telecom enterprises, TOT and CAT Telecom, overcome the competition and one of the ideas being considered is to amalgamate them.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746673-ncpo-considering-amalgamation-plan-for-tot-cat/

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BOT says it is keeping a close eye on rate moves in the US, EU
Erich Parpart
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Bank of Thailand is keeping a close eye on the the spill-over effects from unconventional monetary policies in advanced economies on emerging markets, while the European Central Bank is still pursuing aggressive monetary easing to defeat uncomfortably low inflation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746674-bot-says-it-is-keeping-a-close-eye-on-rate-moves-in-the-us-eu/

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MH17 crash: Dutch PM rules out military mission to secure site

(BBC) - Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte says sending out an international military force to secure the site of the downed Malaysian Airlines plane in eastern Ukraine is "unrealistic".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746677-mh17-crash-dutch-pm-rules-out-military-mission-to-secure-site/

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Hamas-declared ceasefire in Gaza stalls as conflict continues

GAZA: -- A 24-hour ceasefire announced by Hamas in Gaza appears to be stalling, with both Palestinian militants and Israel continuing their offensives.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746678-hamas-declared-ceasefire-in-gaza-stalls-as-conflict-continues/

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PHUKET OPINION: Dolphin shows are a thing of the past
Nicholas Walker


Inside the dolphinarium.

PHUKET: -- The furore brewing over the possibility of a dolphin show being set up in Chalong’s Soi Parlai is growing. While the details are still murky at present, if suspicions about the almost-completed structure are spot-on, the parties behind the project will only see objections and protests escalate.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746697-dolphin-shows-are-a-thing-of-the-past-phuket-opinion/

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Thailand's household debt rises fastest in Asia
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, July 28 -- Skyrocketing household debt in Thailand now has the highest expansion rate among Asian countries and investors are advised to monitor it closely, warned Sutapa Amornvivat, chief economist and executive vice president of Siam Commercial Bank, Thailand's oldest private bank.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746703-thailands-household-debt-rises-fastest-in-asia/

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Officials, academics, students brainstorm for education reform
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, July 28 -- As concerns are growing over the poor quality of education in Thailand, while implementation of the ASEAN Community (AC) is approaching fast, representatives of related state agencies, academics and students on Sunday attended a brainstorming session on how to reform the education system.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746704-officials-academics-students-brainstorm-for-education-reform/

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Officials warned of more run-offs and floods in North

BANGKOK, 28 July 2014, (NNT) - The National Disaster Warning Center has warned people in the North to brace for more run-offs, flash floods and mudslides, as rains will likely continue to buffet the region in the next couple of days.

According to the center, the affected provinces include Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Nan, Phayao, Krabi, and Suratthani. It has advised residents in those areas to exercise extreme caution, while closely monitoring official weather reports.

Bueng Kan authorities have deployed water pumps to quickly drain out the water from the flooded areas, they also used backhoes to unclog sewers in their attempt to accelerate the draining process.

Meanwhile, Lampang officials have been dispatched to the province’s flood-hit areas, including farmlands, residential zones, roads, and reservoirs to assess the damage caused by the rains.


-- NNT 2014-07-28

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,545.52, gains 1.67 points /MCOT

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Lively atmosphere on the final day of reconciliation festival iat Sanam Luang

BANGKOK, 27 July 2014, (NNT) - Lively atmosphere has been observed at Sanam Luang ceremonial ground on the final day of the reconciliation festival.

People flocked to Sanam Luang yesterday to attend the event marking the end of the ‘activity’ phase of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)'s reconciliation plan. The Council revealed that it would now emphasize on talks among conflicting parties.

Most of those attending the event enjoyed shopping at a number of stalls for goods and services offered at discounted prices. Officials sealed off roads around the venue, providing more room for vendors to set up their booths.

Event-goers expressed their satisfaction with the event jointly organized by the government and the private sector. They were also strongly convinced that such an event as this one would mobilize support for the NCPO’s attempt to return happiness to Thai citizens, leading to the next phase of the Council's plan for national reform.


-- NNT 2014-07-28

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Sihasak leaves for Mekong River CLMV meeting in Seoul
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, July 28 -- Thailand's Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Sihasak Puangketkeow left Bangkok on Sunday for Seoul to attend a two-day meeting with ministers of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV) plus South Korea on ways to increase cooperation in economic development along the Mekong River.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746713-sihasak-leaves-for-mekong-river-clmv-meeting-in-seoul/

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New York Times Editorial Board Calls For Legalization Of Marijuana
By Andrew Hart
The Huffington Post

NEW YORK: -- The most authoritative paper in the United States has put its weight behind the federal legalization of marijuana, a momentous endorsement in the prolonged fight to end to the criminalization of marijuana that has been in place since 1937.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746717-new-york-times-calls-for-legalization-of-marijuana-across-us/

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Girl dies, six injured in Saiburi bomb attack



BANGKOK: -- A 10-year-old girl was killed and six others who included two small girls, when Muslim terrorists detonated a roadside bomb while a patrol car with army rangers on board was passing a masjid in Saiburi district of Pattani Sunday night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746719-10-year-old-girl-killed-six-injured-in-saiburi-pattani-bomb-attack/

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2010 POLITICAL VIOLENCE
Criminal Court postpones trial against Abhisit and Phra Suthep


Photo : Kunlaphun Sirimamporn

BANGKOK: -- Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva greets Phra Suthep Thaugsuban who arrived at the Criminal Court to defend in a trial involving the crackdown on the redshirts protests in 2010.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746722-criminal-court-postpones-trial-against-abhisit-and-phra-suthep/

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Kan Air adds Hua Hin and Ubon Ratchathani services

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746724-kan-air-adds-hua-hin-and-ubon-ratchathani-services/?p=8161437

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Ancient artillery shell dug up in Phuket Town
Darawan Naknakhon


The old shell found by the workers.

PHUKET: -- Workers digging for the foundations of a new dormitory building in Phuket Town made an alarming discovery on Friday (July 25).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/746747-ancient-artillery-shell-dug-up-in-phuket-town/