Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives scatters seeds to increase nationwide forests in honor of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen

BANGKOK, 4 August 2014 (NNT) –The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has scattered seeds to increase forest over the country, and designated the lower northern and central areas as prime regions for enhancement, in order to honor of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives presided over the ceremony at Nakhon Sawan airport, to introduce the seed scattering project. It is designed to increase dampness and new forest growth in much of the country in honor of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen.

The project will start in the lower northern and central areas including Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary, Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Mae Wong National Park, the drainage area for Vajiralongkorn Dam, Srinagarind Dam, Sai Ngam National Park, and Namnao National Park.

Seeds used for scattering project included soil improving vegetation, fodder vegetation, and tall standing timber.

[nnt]2014-08-04[/nnt]

Farang Pad Thai Vendor Charms Local Thais
By Khaosod English



ANG THONG - A Swiss citizen has charmed many residents in Ang Thong province with his take on the national staple dish, pad thai.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748646-farang-pad-thai-vendor-charms-local-thais/

WILDLIFE
Thailand the great hope in saving the tiger
THIRANAT SUCHARIKUL
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE PLANNING for a genetics regional database for wild cats in Thailand has begun in hopes of rescuing wild breeding tiger populations in the region - but serious law enforcement is still necessary to save the endangered animals, says the project's executive officer Panthera Alan Rabinowitz.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748647-thailand-the-great-hope-in-saving-the-tiger/

EXPORT
Exporters prepare for loss of GSP privileges
PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THAI enterprises in various industries are struggling to adjust their business models and investment plans in preparation for losing Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) privileges in the European Union next year.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748648-thai-exporters-prepare-for-loss-of-gsp-privileges/

SURROGATION
Don't be a surrogate for money, mother warns
Agencies



Thai left with unwell baby tells others to avoid her mistake, donations flood in

BANGKOK: -- A SURROGATE mother yesterday warned her fellow Thais not to get involved in commercial surrogacy for foreign customers - as she now faces financial, legal and ethical difficulties after poor Gammy, her six-month-old baby boy, was rejected by his Australian biological parents and could die.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748650-dont-be-a-surrogate-for-money-thai-mother-warns/

MILITARY JUNTA
NCPO rejects assault claim
THE NATION

 

BANGKOK: -- The military junta's spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvari, yesterday rebutted the allegation by a red-shirt activist that the NCPO had assaulted her during her detention.

Winthai said Kritsuda Khunasen had made the allegation to draw attention from human rights agencies and to discredit the NCPO.

He said Kritsuda was detained because she was related to a suspect "allegedly linked with several crimes". He suspected that Kritsuda made the allegation out of concern for her own safety after having leaked information on the damaged parties to officials.

He said during her detention, Kritsuda had cooperated with authorities and provided useful information. "She has been worried about her own safety and wants to live in oblivion. She asked for protection, which we have provided her," he said.

"Even though authorities have promised to protect her for helping make progress in several cases, as she played a supporting role in those cases, she may not be confident and probably fears that she may suffer legally from the consequences, or she fears her life may be in danger because of her statements that adversely affect the damaged parties," he said.

Winthai suspected that Kritsuda had changed her stance after consulting people close to her and some red-shirt members who had escaped abroad.

"We treat every detainee with proper principles and reasons and with respect for human rights. There is no reason we would do otherwise or do anything against the public's feeling during these delicate and sensitive times when we know everyone is closely watching us," he said.

In an effort to prove she was treated well during her detention, the Army aired a special TV programme with several minutes of footage that shows Kritsuda sitting at a table talking. Her boyfriend, who was also in detention, is shown with her.

"In the footage, you can see that she smiles naturally and her facial expression and sparkling eyes show that she was not forced as claimed," Winthai said.

The Cross Cultural Foundation yesterday issued a statement calling on the junta to clarify the allegation made by Krtisuda.

Kritsuda was detained by security forces on May 28 in Chon Buri province, east of Bangkok, and was released after almost a month in detention.

She then fled abroad and revealed in an interview on Saturday that she was tortured during |detention.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/NCPO-rejects-assault-claim-30240158.html

[thenation]2014-08-04[/thenation]

JUNTA
Prajin backs Prayuth to take over as prime minister
THE NATION 

Army chief capable of handling responsibility, rules himself out for job

BANGKOK: -- AIR FORCE chief ACM Prajin Juntong yesterday backed General Prayuth Chan-ocha as the new prime minister, saying the junta supremo had shown he could run the country competently since the coup two months ago.

There would be no problem if Prayuth stays on as chief of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) while serving as the premier, said Prajin, a deputy NCPO chief.

"The provisional charter states that the interim government and the NCPO will work together. That should be a strong point because the NCPO can take care of security affairs and help the government function smoothly," he said. Prajin had emerged as a candidate for the top government post last week in case Prayuth decided to exclude himself, but Prajin said he was not suitable.

Prayuth has won support from public surveys, key NCPO leaders including deputy NCPO chief and assistant Army chief General Paiboon Kumchaya, and other members of the National Legislative Assembly, which will appoint the prime minister for His Majesty the King to endorse by this month.

However, some NCPO officials worry about pressure on the Army chief if he tries to juggle the two key roles - as head of the incoming government and the military regime - so Prajin is seen as an alternative.

NLA member Thiradet Meepien said all opinion polls supported Prayuth as the proper person for the PM post.

Prajin said there has been no move to find someone else to act as NCPO head honcho, but the NCPO's membership will increase from seven to 15 according to the interim Constitution of 2014.

"So far, there has not been any suggestion of appointing anyone else to replace General Prayuth as NCPO chief or promoting a deputy chief to take his place," Prajin said.

If the two largest political parties and the People's Democratic Reform Committee decide not to nominate any of their people for the junta-selected National Reform Council, that will not derail the national reform process because other Thais with ability and knowledge are ready to help out, he added.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Prajin-backs-Prayuth-to-take-over-as-prime-ministe-30240156.html

[thenation]2014-08-04[/thenation]

EDUCATION
Thai farmhands learn the lie of the land with vocational work in Japan
CHULARAT SAENGPASSA
THE NATION
IBARAKI, JAPAN



Thais and others aim to turn their experiences into success at home

BANGKOK: -- WICHAI KANA will be proud of becoming a farmer in Thailand. But for the past few years, he has been working on a farm in this Japanese prefecture. "I am a trainee here," the 23-year-old said.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748652-thai-farmhands-learn-the-lie-of-the-land-with-vocational-work-in-japan/

EDITORIAL
Thai economy needs more than a good image
The Nation

For lasting change, country needs an uncompromising social attitude against corruption

BANGKOK: -- At a recent major business seminar, everyone was speaking about the obvious. Thailand's economic outlook, the participants said, was all right for the short term but highly unpredictable in the long run.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748655-thai-economy-needs-more-than-a-good-image/

REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Hun Sen's charm offensive in Thailand
Kavi Chongkittavorn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- While staying behind in Phnom Pehn, Prime Minister Hun Sen was on a charm offensive in Thailand to hand an olive branch and show off his country's future leader. He dispatched all his top military brass, headed by Defence Minister Tea Banh, for a two-day visit.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748656-hun-sens-charm-offensive-in-thailand/

Imitation explosive device found at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- On Saturday afternoon a nurse, who was arriving for work, made an alarming discovery of an item which resembled a home-made explosive device on a footpath in front of the main tower at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748657-imitation-explosive-device-found-at-bangkok-hospital-pattaya/

Jellyfish Egg invasion on Jomtien Beach



PATTAYA: -- On a day which normally sees large amounts of Thai and foreign tourists enjoying the beach and all that it has to offer, it was empty on Sunday afternoon due to an invasion of Jellyfish Eggs.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748658-jellyfish-egg-invasion-on-jomtien-beach/

Municipal Officer alleges assault by food vendor at Pattaya Port



PATTAYA: -- On Saturday Night a Municipal Officer, who is responsible for monitoring and maintaining security and order at the Bali Hai Port in South Pattaya, was allegedly punched in the face by a food vendor who was told to move-on.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748660-municipal-officer-alleges-assault-by-food-vendor-at-pattaya-port/

EDU UPDATE
Japanese school for disaster teaches kids in Ayutthaya the art of survival
CATTLEYA CHAN
THE NATION


Students from Somthavil School together are trying to conserve the leaking water.

AYUTTHAYA: -- Students arrived at Somthavil School last Monday all prepared for a disaster. But they weren't afraid or unhappy - this unusual camp was meant to be enjoyed, even though they were training to escape injury or death.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748661-japanese-school-for-disaster-teaches-kids-in-ayutthaya-the-art-of-survival/

French and German leaders mark WW1 anniversary

PARIS: -- The French and German presidents have commemorated the 100th anniversary of Germany's declaration of war on France on 3 August 1914.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748662-french-and-german-leaders-mark-ww1-anniversary/

Ebola outbreak: US experts to head to West Africa

WASHINGTON: -- The US has announced plans to send at least 50 public health experts to West Africa to help fight the worst-ever outbreak of Ebola.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748663-us-to-send-50-experts-to-w-africa-to-fight-ebola/

Gaza crisis: Rafah school strike 'criminal' - UN chief

NEW YORK: -- An attack that killed 10 people at a UN-run Gaza school was a "moral outrage and a criminal act", UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has said.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748665-gaza-school-strike-criminal-un/

Police purge Motorbike mafia

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748623-police-purge-motorbike-mafia/

Heavy downpours devastate northeastern Thailand
By Digital Content



UBON RATCHATHANI, Aug 4 -- Several northeastern provinces in Thailand are encountering flash floods, affecting tens of thousands of people. The Meteorological Department has warned that heavy rains would continue in the region as well as along the Cambodian border.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748689-heavy-downpours-devastate-isaan/

Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,506.14, gains 5.94 points /MCOT

Foreign Ministry focuses on moving Thais out of Libya
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Aug 4 -- Efforts are being made with the Thai embassy in Trpoli, the Libyan capital of Tripoli, and Thailand's honourary consul in Tunis, the Tunisian capital, to evacuate Thais remaining in Libya, said Thongchai Chasawath, director-general of Foreign Affairs Ministry’s Consular Affairs Department.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748691-foreign-ministry-focuses-on-moving-thais-out-of-libya/

Securities & Exchange Commission to ask Finance Ministry to amend law to allow SEC to bring civil fraud charges against those suspected of unfair trading practices. /The Nation

NCPO to auction 160,000 tonnes of rice

BANGKOK, 4 August 2014 (NNT)- The National Council to maintain Peace and Order’s economic chief, has announced that the NCPO will auction off 160,000 tonnes of rice by next week, while the new rice deal with China will allow a two phase delivery of rice to China by this September.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748694-thailands-ncpo-to-auction-160000-tonnes-of-rice/

Israel declares seven-hour Gaza truce

JERUSALEM - Israel will hold its fire in most of the Gaza Strip for a seven-hour "humanitarian window" on Monday, the military said, four weeks into its bloody conflict with Hamas.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748695-israel-declares-seven-hour-gaza-truce/

Twelve provinces warned of flash floods



BANGKOK: -- The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation today warned 12 provinces in the East and the South against possible flash floods as more heavy rains are expected from today.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748696-twelve-thai-provinces-warned-of-flash-floods/

UPDATE:

 

LIBYA
Some evacuees may have to return home by sea via Egypt

BANGKOK: -- The border crossing in Djerba is chaotic due to massive evacuation from Libya while the Tunisian government prioritises Libyan evacuees, Thongchai Yasawat, director general of Consular Affairs department said.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748691-foreign-ministry-focuses-on-moving-thais-out-of-libya/#entry8195477

SRT: Three months for railway service and infrastructure reform

BANGKOK, 4 August 2014 (NNT)- The Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has laid down a deadline for railway reform, when assessing the pilot program of Women Only Train Carriages following the recent rape and murder tragedy aboard an overnight train.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748700-srt-three-months-for-railway-service-and-infrastructure-reform/

Thai Defence Forces Chief denies report that embassy in Libya is bombed; officials are evacuating Thais during daytime to avoid attack /MCOT

UPDATE:

 

Unidentified shiny objects washed ashore on Jomtien Beach

CHONBURI, 4 August 2014 (NNT) - Pattaya authorities have gone down to inspect the famous Jomtien Beach area after sightings of mysterious shiny objects have been reported.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748658-jellyfish-egg-invasion-on-jomtien-beach/#entry8195646

World's highest rail track reaches Everest gateway Shigatse
By Daojun Wu, for CNN

(CNN) -- The world's highest railway rolls even closer to Mount Everest this month when China inaugurates a stretch of track connecting the Tibetan cities of Lhasa and Shigatse.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748727-worlds-highest-rail-track-reaches-everest-gateway-shigatse/