Special Report: ASEAN Day to be celebrated in Thailand

BANGKOK: -- Thailand is moving with its ASEAN partners toward an ASEAN Community. As ASEAN will celebrate its 47th anniversary on 8 August 2014, Thailand will organize various activities to commemorate this event.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749009-asean-day-to-be-celebrated-in-thailand/

Training launched to address issue of narcotics police engagements and weapons use

BANGKOK, 5 August 2014 (NNT) – The Royal Thai Police launched training for narcotics police officers on Monday to address the issue of engagements and weapons use in populated areas.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749013-training-launched-to-address-issue-of-narcotics-police-engagements-and-weapons-use/

Tarit's resort homes in Khao Yai demolished



BANGKOK: -- Two resort homes believed to be owned by former Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief Tarit Pengdit were quietly demolished to the ground, two days before forestry officials would begin demolishing them tomorrow (Wednesday).

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749014-tarits-resort-homes-in-khao-yai-demolished/

BMA to organize ‘International Youth for Future Peace Seminar 2014’

BANGKOK, 5 August 2014 (NNT)- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will host the International Youth Conference for Future Peace 2014, in which 37 young citizens from 37 countries will attend the conference.

A total of 66 young representatives from Thailand and representatives from 37 nations will exchange cultural awareness and tighten relationships betweem the global nations.

The BMA’s acting governor, Mrs. Pusadee Tamthai has presided the opening ceremony which will be going on from 4th to 8th August.

The conference intends to provide a space for the young generations to understand the differences between cultures of each countries.

The conference will feature presentations to motivate the young generation who can take proactive actions and use their initiative to try to achieve the prevention of war and promote world peace. The younger generations will be able to learn the impact of historical wars as well.

[nnt]2014-08-05[/nnt]

Bt15 million in pirated goods confiscated at Cambodian border
By Digital Content



SA KAEO, Aug 4 -- Thailand's Customs Department moved forward in its campaign to eradicate pirated and illegal products in eastern Sa Keao province near the Cambodian border, where it raided three warehouses in the famous Roang Klua Market selling illegal sportswear worth an estimated Bt10 million plus additional goods valued at Bt5 million.

Customs Investigation and Suppression Bureau 2 director Nimit Saengampai coordinated with the Burapa Military Task Force and police from Klong Luek Station Ayanyaprathet to inspect the suspected warehouses, 50 metres from the Roang Klua Market.

With 25 warehouses built side by side in the market compound, the owner has leased to business owners from Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia for goods storage.

The raid found three warehouses holding pirated sportswear products with no import tax licences.

The authorities seized the evidence.

According to Ayanprathet Customs chief Samphan Jarurattananon, the authorities confiscated about 1,000 products that violated the intellectual property rights in the area, including, sportswear, shoes, and jeans, bringing the total value of the confiscated evidence to almost Bt15 million, including from the last raid. (MCOT online news)

[tna]2014-08-05[/tna]

Activities to be held to mark HM the Queen’s birthday

BANGKOK, 5 August 2014 (NNT) - The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is organizing activities to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday anniversary from tomorrow until August 8.

The ministry is holding events to commemorate the royal birthday as well as the upcoming mother’s day, in order to express gratitude for Her Majesty’s dedication to improve the well-being of the nation.

Activities held will highlight the value of the institution of family and the bond between mothers and children. Exhibitions will be staged to display profiles of mothers who have contributed greatly to the kingdom and to showcase self-defense techniques. Concerts and musical performances will also be featured at the event.

Members of the public are urged to partake in the event starting tomorrow at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani.

Meanwhile, the organizing committee for Mother’s Day activities invited the public to display national flags along with flags bearing the initials of Her Majesty in front of their houses, to show gratitude to their beloved Monarch from now until the end of August.

[nnt]2014-08-05[/nnt]

Purple Line stretching northwest ahead of schedule
By Coconuts Bangkok
 


BANGKOK: -- While bigger transportation projects languish in uncertainty, Bangkok's network of blended rail systems continues to grow.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749018-bangkok-purple-line-stretching-northwest-ahead-of-schedule/

China investigates Canadian couple suspected of stealing state secrets
By Katie Hunt, CNN

Hong Kong (CNN) -- A Canadian couple living in a city close to China's border with North Korea are under investigation for the suspected theft of state secrets, state media said Tuesday.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749019-china-investigates-canadian-couple-suspected-of-stealing-state-secrets/

Israeli troops 'withdraw from Gaza'

JERUSALEM: -- Israel has announced the withdrawal of all of its troops to "defensive positions" outside the Gaza Strip.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749023-israeli-troops-withdraw-from-gaza/

First parliamentary session to begin this Friday

BANGKOK, 5 August 2014 (NNT) - Members of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) are set to convene their first parliamentary session on Friday, August 8th, to select its president and two vice-presidents.

Secretary-General of the Senate Norarat Pimsen, in her capacity as the acting NLA Secretary-General, has sent letters to members of the newly-appointed NLA, inviting them to an inaugural meeting on Friday during which an oath-taking ceremony will be performed.

The NLA meeting will take this opportunity to select its president and two vice-presidents.

The list of NLA members comprises 105 active and retired senior military officers, 10 high ranking police officers, and 85 academics and businesspersons.

There are three potential candidates for president and vice-presidents, which include Legal Advisor to the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, former Senate Speaker Surachai Liengboonlertchai, and another former Senate Speaker, Mr. Teeradej Meepien.

According to Ms Norarat, the upcoming meeting is scheduled to commence at 9.30 am.

[nnt]2014-08-05[/nnt]

Gammy's parents reveal their side of the story
Shanelle Miller

MELBOURNE: -- The West Australian couple at the centre of the baby Gammy controversy says his Thai surrogate mother has misled the world over the situation, and they were told when he was born that the boy had only a day to live.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749034-australian-parents-reveal-their-side-of-the-surrogate-baby-story-thailand/

Thai Airways takes precautions against Ebola outbreak

BANGKOK, 5 August 2014 (NNT) - Thai Airways International has launched prevention measures against Ebola outbreak and implemented further health precautions for its passengers travelling in and out of Bangkok.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749043-thai-airways-takes-precautions-against-ebola-outbreak/

Buddha Isara sees M.L. Panadda more suitable to be PM than Gen Prayuth



BANGKOK: -- Luang Poo Buddha Isara, the active abbot of Wat Or-noi in Nakhon Pathom voiced opposition to any proposal to make the military junta chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha the next prime minister.

But he saw M.L. Panadda Diskul a better choice at this crucial transitional period.

Posted on his Facebook, the abbot Buddha Isara said all voices cheered and voted for Gen Prayuth as the next prime minister, but he disagreed.

He said he felt it was a disgrace instead if he accepts the proposal as he always said he does not want to have power but merely to come in to assist the country.

Buddha Isara said he felt at ease if the general should follow the instruction of His Majesty, and should act like “pasting gold leaves at the back of the Buddha image”.

He said many would feel good and comfortable if Gen Prayuth sits on the PM position because he would have absolute power to drive all unfinished jobs during the reform process to achievements with speed.

But this would lack grace and could be looked down upon by political opponents and some foreign countries

The abbot said that if Gen Prayuth wanted to make sure that the national reform process would not be obstructed but achieve success, staying as defence minister or the NCPO chief is enough as he still has power in hands to drive all reforms without having to mass up with this position.

He said a person qualified for the prime minister post must be clean, clever and prudent, and who knows profoundly everything about the state officials.

He pointed his finger to M.L. Panadda Diskul, the permanent secretary to the PM’s Office, saying he is the most qualified person to sit on the job during the transitional period.

M.L. Panadda has the personal image of being a man with compromise, and therefore could receive better cooperation from all sides, and the reconciliation atmosphere which the junta chief wished to see could become a reality.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/buddha-isara-sees-m-l-panadda-suitable-pm-gen-prayuth/

[thaipbs]2014-08-05[/thaipbs]

Nakhon Phanom battered by floods; NDWC warns 9 provinces of possible mudslides

NAKHON PHANOM, 5 August 2014 (NNT) - Nakhon Phanom province was lashed by heavy rains all night long yesterday, causing many communities in the area to become flooded.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749045-nakhon-phanom-battered-by-floods;-ndwc-warns-9-provinces-of-possible-mudslides/

Senior staff officer and four accomplices in Patpong extortion face three charges



BANGKOK: -- Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police pressed three charges against Maj Gen Jennarong Dechawan, alias Seh James, an officer attached to the office of the permanent secretary for defence, and four other civilian accomplices in connection with the Patpong extortion case.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749047-patpong-extortion-senior-staff-officer-and-four-accomplices-face-three-charges/

UPDATE:

 

Australian couple say Thai surrogate mother misled the world 
 
PERTH, August 5, 2014 (AFP) - An Australian couple accused of abandoning their Down's syndrome baby born to a Thai surrogate mother on Tuesday said she has misled the world over what happened, according to a friend of the family.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749034-australian-parents-reveal-their-side-of-the-surrogate-baby-story-thailand/?p=8201436#entry8201436

 

 

Bangchak ready to buy state's rotten rice
By Digital Content
 

 
BANGKOK, Aug 5 -- Bangchak Petroleum Plc will buy rotten rice from Thailand's state rice programme on the condition that the government stops the sale of 95-octane petrol to increase the demand for ethanol.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749066-bangchak-ready-to-buy-states-rotten-rice/

UPDATE:

 

Graft buster officially charges Yingluck



BANGKOK: -- The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) submitted its criminal case file against former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra regarding the rice pledging scheme to the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) on Tuesday.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748958-nacc-to-file-case-against-ms-yingluck-to-the-prosecution-on-tuesday/page-3#entry8201538

No Thais hurt in Yunnan quake
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Aug 5 -- The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has affirmed that no Thais were reported injured in Sunday's 6.5 magnitude earthquake in Yunnan.

However the head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and the ministry expressed their deepest condolences to China for the loss of life and damages in the southwestern Chinese province, saying that Thailand is prepared to make donations to help the earthquake victims.

Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Acting Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeao said the 6.5 magnitude-tremour that rocked China's eastern Yunnan province on Sunday was a grave natural disaster, as the quake has killed over 300 people.

Mr Sihasak said that Chief of the NCPO, Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, along with himself have conveyed the heartfelt condolence messages to the Chinese government on behalf of Thailand, as both countries have always enjoyed strong friendships.

Thailand is ready to provide assistance needed by China and would allocate a budget to the Chinese government to provide assistance to earthquake victims.

In the meantime, the foreign affairs chief said the Thai Consul General in Kunming has reported that most Thais in Yunnan are students and that all live in the city area.

The consul gacve assurances that no Thais have been injured, stressing it has advised Thai students living in Yunnan to avoid quake prone areas.

There are currently 600 Thai students studying in Kunming, which is far from the earthquake site.

The China Earthquake Networks Center reported that the strong quake struck at 4:30pm Sunday at a depth of 12 km, with its epicenter Longtoushan township. (MCOT online news)

[tna]2014-08-05[/tna]

UPDATE:

 

Tropico 5 computer game banned in Thailand
 


BANGKOK: -- The Ministry of Culture has banned "Tropico 5" computer game after this video game is considered a threat to national security because it could incite public unrest.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749006-tropico-5-city-building-game-considered-a-threat-to-national-security/#entry8201658

Sea Tran ferry passengers stuck at Donsak due to fisherman dispute

KOH SAMUI: -- The Sea Tran ferry has recently had to re-dredge parts of the channel they use from Koh Samui to Donsak as the water is not deep enough for the ferries to pass.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749078-sea-tran-ferry-passengers-stuck-at-donsak-due-to-fisherman-dispute/

UPDATE:

 

Traffic Police: The 5 common violations and No texting while driving measures goes well on first day

BANGKOK, 5 August 2014 (NNT)- Traffic police today reported smoother traffic flow at most intersections in the capital as thousands of police were deployed to implement strict measures concerning five common violations. Police are particularly enforcing the law against texting while driving.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/748982-thai-police-to-crack-down-on-drivers-using-smartphone-functions-today/#entry8201777

Farang spotted selling Isaan sausage in Bangkok to help his girlfriend
By Coconuts Bangkok
 

 
BANGKOK: -- While Ang Thong province may have its 54-year-old Swiss dude and his pad thai, Bangkok can brag about this Isaan-sausage slinging farang.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749087-farang-spotted-selling-isaan-sausage-in-bangkok-to-help-his-girlfriend/

111 Thais have been evacuated from Libya so far



BANGKOK, 5 August 2014 (NNT) - The Foreign Affairs Ministry has reported that about 92 Thai workers were successfully evacuated out of the Libyan capital of Tripoli on the night of August 4th, bringing the total number of Thai evacuees from the war-torn nation to 111.

Forty-four more workers and three more students, meanwhile, are waiting to be evacuated from the area but have not been moved out yet due to security reasons.

Kittipong Na Ranong, the Thai Ambassador to Libya, has declared that there would be 69 more Thais who would be evacuated from Libya today and 183 more tomorrow, August 6th.

Regarding a bomb attack that happened close to the Thai embassy in Libya, Mr. Kittipong said he is well-aware of the incident and would take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of all Thais.

 

[nnt]2014-08-05[/nnt]

UPDATE:

 

Australian in Thai surrogate case has child sex convictions: report

 

PERTH, August 5, 2014 (AFP) - An Australian father accused of abandoning his Down's syndrome baby has convictions for child sex offences, reports said Tuesday, as the surrogate mother said she was willing to take back the boy's twin sister if the allegations were true.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749034-australian-parents-reveal-their-side-of-the-surrogate-baby-story-thailand/page-3?p=8201912#entry8201912

NCPO concerned about issuing license for foreign teachers

BANGKOK, 5 August 2014 (NNT) –The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has voiced concerns about the granting of licenses to foreign teachers.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749092-ncpo-concerned-about-issuing-license-for-foreign-teachers/

Taxi forced to use a meters now adding fare surcharges in Samui



KOH SAMUI: -- With the strong arm of the Juntra reaching out, things in Koh Samui are set to change.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749114-taxi-forced-to-use-a-meters-now-adding-fare-surcharges-in-samui/

Entire car of train passengers drugged, police suspect
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Just one car away from the state railway’s new rape-free compartment, someone is suspected of drugging about 30 passengers on the state railway this morning and stealing their belongings.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749116-entire-car-of-train-passengers-drugged-thai-police-suspect/

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Record-breaking skyscraper threatened by sinkholes
By Euan McKirdy, CNN

(CNN) -- The construction of what would be Seoul's tallest building has hit a snag following the appearance of a number of mysterious sinkholes in and around the neighborhood where it is being built.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749120-seoul-record-breaking-skyscraper-threatened-by-sinkholes/