MFA: Evacuation of Thais from Libya ongoing

BANGKOK, 8 August 2014 (NNT) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is continuously cooperating with related agencies to relocate all Thai nationals out of war-torn Libya. A total of 560 people have safely evacuated from the country to date.

Officials from the Foreign Ministry recently met with 105 Thai citizens in Tunis, Tunisia, after they had been moved out of Libya, in order to hand out their plane tickets home and transport them to the airport. The group is scheduled to gradually arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport throughout today, with some of them expected to land just after midnight.

Another batch of 65 people, who had crossed the border into Tunisia on August 6, will also board their flight back to Thailand today.

According to the Foreign Ministry, 560 Thais have left Libya since July 29. More evacuations are being coordinated, both by the ministry and the employers of Thai workers there.

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

Domestic spending to rise over 23 billion baht in coming long holidays



BANGKOK: -- National Mother’s Day celebration and Chinese hungry ghost festival will boost people's spending up to over 23 billion baht during the four-day period beginning today, according to the forecast of the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749904-domestic-spending-to-rise-over-23-billion-baht-in-coming-long-holidays/

Obama authorises US air strikes on Iraq Islamic extremists

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama said Thursday he had authorised US air strikes on Iraq and humanitarian supply drops to prevent a "genocide" by Islamist extremists against minorities.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.enca.com/obama-authorizes-us-air-strikes-iraq

60-million luxury wooden home inside national forest reserve seized in Loei

BANGKOK: -- Forestry officials, soldiers and police searched a 60-million baht house, built in the traditional Thai-style in Chiang Karn district of Loei province, after it was suspected of encroaching into the national forest.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749911-60-million-baht-luxury-wooden-home-inside-natl-forest-reserve-seized-in-loei/

Russian Tourists Down 30% In Pattaya

 

 

PATTAYA: -- Mr. Sinchai Watthanasartsathorn (President of Buinessman Association and Tourism of Pattaya City, Chonburi province) revealed the amount of Russian tourists coming to Pattaya during the low season has fallen by 30%. 

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749909-russian-tourists-down-30-in-pattaya/

Crown Prince urges NLA members to bring stability and happiness back to the nation



BANGKOK: -- His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has called on members of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to perform their duties and accomplish their task in order to bring stability to the country and happiness to the people.

Representing His Majesty the King at the state ceremony of opening the NLA at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hallways Thursday afternoon, HRH the Crown Prince said the opening of the NLA was regarded a sign of propitious beginning as its members would meet to draft the constitution and issue laws that would allow the country to proceed in a democratic manner.

His Royal Highness urged all the 197 NLA members to pool their forces and work to the best of their ability to ensure all the affairs were to be carried out straightforwardly in a righteous manner and in line with the rule of law.

The inauguration function was also attended by members of the National Council for Peace and Order and foreign diplomats.

The NLA scheduled meeting Friday to elect its speaker and two deputy speakers.

The legal advisor of the National Council for Peace and Order Mr Pornpetchara Vichitcholachai is expected to be elected the Speaker as now he remains the only candidate to the post.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/crown-prince-urges-nla-members-bring-stability-happiness-back-nation/

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

Phuket hillside excavation under investigation
The Phuket News


Officials toil their way up the steep site with its views of Patong Bay.

PHUKET: -- Officials yesterday (August 7) visited a large plot of seaview land on the hill next to 50 Pi Rd in Patong which, it was claimed, had been excavated without permits. Some of the land is also over the 80-metre limit.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749920-phuket-hillside-excavation-under-investigation/

Phuket: Phuket tech start-ups get chance to shine – and find investors
Alasdair Forbes


Delegate at this years Echelon event.

PHUKET: -- The organisers of Echelon Thailand 2014, which showcases start-up tech businesses with the aim of putting them together with investors and corporates, are looking for entrants from Phuket.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749921-phuket-tech-start-ups-get-chance-to-shine-and-find-investors/

NLA speaker and deputy speakers named

BANGKOK, 8 August 2014 (NNT) – The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) has completed the selection of its speaker and two deputy speakers during its first meeting.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749922-nla-speaker-and-deputy-speakers-named/

Malaysia Airlines plan to delist from bourse; will undergo restructuring following two major disasters of MH370 and MH17 /The Nation

Surin reclaims forest land from encroachers

SURIN, 8 August 2014 (NNT) - Surin provincial authorities have launched an operation to reclaim forest land by removing plantations that encroach on national park reserve areas.

The operation, in line with the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)’s policy, involves over 500 forest rangers, students and locals in the effort to destroy eucalyptus, pararubber and cassava plantations that illegally encroach on around 17,000 rai of forest land.

Officials used GPS trackers to pinpoint the exact perimeter of forest reserves. 10,000 rai of additional forest land converted to agriculture have also been found.

The NCPO recently unveiled a master plan to cut deforestation by 40% in the next decade. It hoped that most, if not all, of the illegally encroached land in national forest reserves or national parks would be reclaimed from the encroachers in the first year of the plan.

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

Junta head wishes former Army chief on his birthday



BANGKOK: -- Head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha lead senior commanding military officers to wish the former defence minister Gen Pravit Wongsuwan on his 69th birthday anniversary on Friday morning.

His birthday falls on August 11.

Former Army chief Gen Anupong Paochinda, and former Army deputy chief Gen Daopong Rattanasuwa, who were tipped to be among ministers to join in the cabinet lineup were also seen among the well-wishers.

In the well-wishing address, Gen Prayuth admired the former army chief of being a good elder brother of all younger brothers and nephews who had taken good care of all his subordinates fairly, and was a senior who had performed his duties with sacrifices and patience.

He said Gen Pravit had been acting on appropriate role that won the heart and respect of all subordinates who had with him for several decades and see him as a role model.

In a return blessing speech, Gen Pravit thanked the junta chief to spare his busy time to come with their best wishes.

He praised Gen Prayuth for making the courageous decision otherwise happiness would never return to the nation today.

He said whatever others would think about such decision, he said if it was made to uphold the monarchy with good intention, faith, and transparency, and for the prosperity and stability of the country, they shouldn’t hesitate but just go ahead.

He said that although there would be some opponents , but just a handful, but he thought the NCPO remains a good government that wins support from the majority of the people.

Gen Pravit said Gen Prayuth and the Armed Forces should be proud of what they have done has proven to be purely for the interest of the people and of the nation with no regard of any rewards.

(Photo : twitter @js100)

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/junta-head-wishes-former-army-chief-birthday/

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

Thai Immigration issues new police order 327/2557 effective August 29, 2014

 

A New Police Order For Extensions is Effective August 29th

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749918-thai-immigration-issues-new-police-order-3272557-effective-august-29-2014/

Arrested for theft, Mr. 'Makelifebetter' fails at his own name
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: Sanook

Normally a petty criminal’s name wouldn’t make the headline, but this time the story is the name.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749930-arrested-for-theft-in-surin-mr-makelifebetter-fails-at-his-own-name/

Courts acquits Tarit of power abuse charge



BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court Friday acquitted former chief of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) of power abuse charge which was brought against him by former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, and former deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749935-bangkok-criminal-court-acquits-tarit-of-power-abuse-charge/

Ayutthaya traffic police prepares to handle with upcoming traffic during 9-12 August

PHRA NAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA, 8 August 2014 (NNT), Over 100 Ayutthaya traffic police officers have prepared measures to handle the volume of traffic expected during the Mother’s Day holiday, from 9th to 12th August. It is expected that many mothers and children will undertake the 9 temples tour.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749937-ayutthaya-traffic-police-prepares-to-handle-with-upcoming-traffic-during-9-12-august/

RESTRUCTURING
Malaysia Airlines to be delisted
The Star/Asia News Network 

KUALA LUMPUR: -- Malaysia Airlines' (MAS) largest shareholder, Khazanah Nasional Bhd plans to de-list the ailing national carrier under its restructuring plan which will see it paying out a total of RM1.38bil.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749938-malaysia-airlines-to-be-delisted/

UPDATE:

NCPO announce that all taxis in Koh Samui must use meters

 

For many years, Koh Samui has had many disputes concerning Taxi Meters. Taxi drivers refuse to switch on their meters for various reasons. Numerous meetings and negotiations have taken place with both private and public sectors but no compromise has been reached for the past years. 

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749114-taxi-forced-to-use-a-meters-now-adding-fare-surcharges-in-samui/page-4?p=8215714#entry8215714

UPDATE:

Pornphet elected NLA president
The Nation 
 

BANGKOK: -- Supreme Court Judge Pornphet Wichitchonchai was unanimously elected president of the National Legislative Assembly on Friday.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749815-pornpetch-tipped-to-be-nla-president/page-2?p=8215701#entry8215701

Lao woman arrested at Mukdahan check-point carrying Bt30 million cash en route to Lao PDR /MCOT

Snap search upholds Phuket prison ‘white’ status
Darawan Naknakhon


Prison officers with the contraband items confiscated from inmates this morning.

PHUKET: -- Phuket Provincial Prison officers and Health Department officials conducted a snap search of all cells this morning (August 8), consicating a number of contraband items and finding one inmate who tested positive for drugs.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749984-snap-search-upholds-phuket-prison-white-status/

WHO: Ebola 'an international emergency'

(BBC) The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the spread of Ebola in West Africa an international health emergency.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749987-who-declares-ebola-epidemic-a-global-emergency/

 Health officials surprise Phuket supermarkets

Darawan Naknakhon


V/Gov Somkiet checks out some ribs at Makro.

PHUKET: -- Three supermarkets received surprise visits on Wednesday (August 6) as provincial officials toured the island inspecting the quality of frozen meat on sale.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749989-health-officials-surprise-phuket-supermarkets/

MUKDAHAN
Lao woman with Bt30 million arrested at border

MUKDAHAN: -- A 42-year-old Laotian was detained in border province of Mukdahan on Friday for allegedly trying to smuggle Bt30 million in cash out of the country.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749995-lao-woman-arrested-at-mukdahan-border-check-point-carrying-bt30-million-cash/

Water level in Mekong River on the rise in Mukdahan province

MUKDAHAN, 8 August 2014 (NNT) – The water level of the Mekong River is continuously increasing in Mukdahan province.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749998-water-level-in-mekong-river-on-the-rise-in-mukdahan-province/

Foreign Affairs Ministry celebrates ASEAN Day

BANGKOK, 8 August 2014 (NNT) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is organizing an ASEAN Day to celebrate the 47th anniversary of the ASEAN establishment as well as to promote awareness and understanding of the ASEAN community, especially at the youth level.

ASEAN Day is marked on August 8th of every year since it was first established in 1967. In commemoration of its 47th anniversary, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is celebrating the occasion to reflect on its past success over the recent years. It also aims to acknowledge the importance of young people in building the ASEAN Community.

The celebration starts off with a hearty rendition of the ASEAN anthem, which is also joined by teachers and students from over 100 schools nationwide.

Activities in the event include ASEAN mini games, ASEAN food stalls, work display from the ASEAN Association of Thailand, and an exhibition honoring Dr. Thanat Khoman, who is one of the five ASEAN founders.

Middle school students are invited to join in ASEAN quiz competition, and the winner is awarded for their efforts.

 

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

105 more Thai workers to arrive in Thailand from Libya during next two days

BANGKOK, 8 August 2014 (NNT) – Around 105 more Thai workers are set to be evacuated out of Libya and to arrive in Thailand both today and tomorrow.

Today, 49 Thai workers have arrived at Suvarnabhumi International Airport at midday, and 56 more of them will arrive via Emirates Airlines flights.

So far, each worker who has returned to the kingdom also received 15,000 baht in aid from the Labor Ministry fund to help Thai workers abroad.

The ministry is also preparing jobs for over 2,800 skilled laborers working in Libya, in case the violence over there prolongs for more than a month.

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

Much progress made in Govt House facelift



BANGKOK, 8 August 2014 (NNT) – Permanent Secretary for the Prime Minister’s Office ML Panadda Diskul has affirmed that the renovation work at Government House is progressing quickly and completion is expected in early September.

ML Panadda today convened with the committee overseeing the renovation of the Government House compound in a bid to follow up on the progress of the operation. After the meeting, the Permanent Secretary announced that the project had moved ahead very swiftly.

Next week, teams of electricians and plumbers will carry out their tasks while the improvement of fences and entrance gates around the premises will also be underway.

Thus far, Thai Khu Fah and Santi Maitree Buildings have been completed by 20 and 30 percent on the exterior respectively and 60 and 80 percent on the interior. The works on Naree Samosorn Building, meanwhile, might lag behind due to an extensive degree of deterioration.

ML Panadda voiced belief the renovation project would be fully finished and ready to accommodate the new administration in the first week of September as scheduled.

 

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

UPDATE:

 

Lao woman arrested for smuggling Thai currency
By Digital Content



MUKDAHAN, Aug 8 -- Thai officials early Friday arrested a Lao woman and charged her with smuggling Thai currency amounting to Bt30 million out of the country, customs officials said.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749995-lao-woman-arrested-at-mukdahan-border-check-point-carrying-bt30-million-cash/#entry8216490

Low cost Thai Smile airline inaugurates first flight at Don Mueang
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Aug 8 -- The low cost airline, Thai Smile, a subsidiary of Thailand's national flag carrier, Thai Airways International (THAI) officially launched its first flight and services earlier today.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750011-low-cost-thai-smile-airline-inaugurates-first-flight-at-don-mueang/