Thailand Live Saturday 9 Aug 2014

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Gen.Prayuth presides over ceremony to mark HM Queen’s birthday

BANGKOK, 8 August 2014 (NNT) - Chief of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) Gen.Prayuth Chan-ocha and high-ranking civil servants on Friday attended a ceremony to mark the birthday anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen on 12 August 2014.

Gen.Prayuth presided over the ceremony at the headquarters of the Royal Thai Army on Ratchadamnoen Road. There was also an exhibition depicting HM the Queen’s royal duties and contributions to all Thais as well as a blood drive by a mobile medical unit of the Royal Thai Army Medical Department. The donated blood will be given to the blood bank of Phramongkutklao Hospital.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary for Defense Gen.Surasak Kanchanarat and executives of the Ministry of Defense took part in a ceremony to honor HM the Queen on the occasion of her 82th birthday. The permanent secretary said HM the Queen’s royally initiated projects were greatly beneficial to Thai people, especially the SUPPORT Arts and Crafts International Centers which generated income for villagers while conserving local arts and cultures.

 

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

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New NLA president Pornpetch may decide to drop '2nd job'
Kris Bhromsuthi
The Nation 

 

Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, centre, the newly elected president of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), is flanked by first vice president Surachai Liengboonlertchai, right, and second vice president Peerasak Phorjit 

 

BANGKOK: -- I am prepared to stand down as ombudsman if required, he says

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750142-new-nla-president-pornpetch-may-decide-to-drop-2nd-job/

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NCPO to seek extradition of lese majeste suspects
The Nation 
 

National Council for Peace and Order chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha and other high-ranking military officers extend birthday wishes to NCPO chief adviser General Prawit Wongsuwan yesterday.

 

BANGKOK: -- The ruling junta will seek the extradition of Thais living overseas for allegedly offending the monarchy, General Prayuth Chan-ocha said yesterday.

Prayuth, who heads the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), said the individuals targeted were Choopong Thithuan, Anek Chaichana, Saneh Thinsaen, Amnuay Kaewchompoo and Ong-art Thanakamolnan.

He said they were wanted for "insulting the monarchy" and had fled the country after their arrest warrants were issued.

"It may be tough to have them extradited back to Thailand, because the countries they live in now have no lese majeste law," Prayuth said.

The junta leader, who is also Army chief, was speaking during his weekly "Returning Happiness to People" television address, which kicked off at 5pm yesterday - four hours earlier than in previous weeks.

Prayuth also said people should not bring the monarchy into their political conflicts as this caused damage to the institution.

He said attempts were being made to create a division in the country, splitting society into peasants and the elite, even though slavery and the class system had been abolished in the country since King Rama V's reign.

"People who use these terms are looking down on Thai people. We are all equal as humans even though we might have differences in terms of birth, occupation, income or quality of life," Prayuth said.

He said these inequalities were caused by the fact that Thailand was a democracy with a free economy.

Prayuth said that to avoid conflicts in the future, the law should be respected and enforced fairly.

According to the junta chief, China had put in an order for 100,000 tonnes of Thai broken rice this month in addition to the 900,000 tonnes of rice it purchased earlier, which would be delivered between next month and September 2015.

Prayuth also reported on the NCPO's progress in other areas in his TV address.



Selection of National Reform Council members

The Election Commission reveals the timeline for the selection of NRC members before the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) kicks of an event promoting the council today:

August 13: NCPO sets up selection committees for 11 areas of reform;

August 14-September 2: NRC candidates are nominated by legal entities nationwide;

Five NRC candidates are nominated by each of the 77 provincial committees;

September 3-12: Election Commission checks the qualifications of all candidates;

September 13-22: Selection committees shortlist up to 50 candidates for each of the 11 areas of reform;

September 23- October 2: NCPO's selection of 77 provincial representatives and up to 173 others from the candidates.

_ Legal entities eligible to nominate two candidates for the NRC include 3,146 registered non-profit legal entities; 200,000 temples, universities and 73 registered political parties.

Source: EC secretary-general Puchong Nutrawong

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/NCPO-to-seek-extradition-of-lese-majeste-suspects-30240608.html

 

[thenation]2014-08-09[/thenation]

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SURROGACY
Probe into Japanese 'dad' eyes baby trafficking intent
THE NATION 
 

Shigeta Mitsutoki

 

BANGKOK: -- POLICE ARE looking into whether the 13 babies purportedly linked to surrogacy services were meant to be trafficked, as evidence suggests a Japanese man fathered at least nine infants via surrogate mothers.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750144-probe-into-japanese-dad-eyes-baby-trafficking-intent/

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Asean talks over S China Sea code
Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation

 

Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar: --  Asean foreign ministers yesterday intensively discussed ways to reduce and prevent tension in disputed areas in the South China Sea.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750145-asean-talks-over-s-china-sea-code/

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Ministers to discuss wildlife and disaster pacts at EAS meet
Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation

 

Nay Pyi Taw: -- Ministers from 18 countries at the East Asia Summit (EAS) will today adopt a declaration on dealing with wildlife trafficking and another on disaster relief, Foreign Ministry's director general of Asean Affairs Arthayudh Srisamoot said.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750146-ministers-to-discuss-wildlife-and-disaster-pacts-at-eas-meet/

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Singha's bonanza offer to motor sports fans
Lerpong Amsa-ngiam
The Nation
 

Voravud Bhirombhakdi, Singha Corp

 

BANGKOK: -- Singha Corporation has launched a "World of Speed" campaign to grant motor sports enthusiasts a lifetime experience to witness world-class racing events, including Formula One in Singapore and MotoGP in Spain.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750147-singhas-bonanza-offer-to-motor-sports-fans/

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Lao woman with Bt30 million held at border
The Nation

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

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750148-lao-woman-with-bt30-million-held-at-border/

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True connectivity will help Asean move forward, develop further, Abhisit says
Kathryn Huang,
Jintana Panyaarvudh
The Nation
 

BANGKOK: -- Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday called on Asean to focus on the issue of connectivity, as he said it was important for the region's development.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750149-true-connectivity-will-help-asean-move-forward-develop-further-abhisit-says/

 

 

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Thammasat appraisal of interim charter goes ahead
Tanatpong Kongsai,
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation 
 

BANGKOK: -- A Thammasat University symposium that aimed to critically appraise the junta's provisional constitution went ahead at the last minute yesterday after police initially issued an order prohibiting it.

The order sparked controversy yesterday morning with one of the two lecturers who spoke at the event, Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, questioning via his Facebook page why King Prajadhipok Institute was allowed to hold a similar event.

Piyabutr, a member of Nitirat Group, said that the students who organised yesterday's symposium were given permission by the university to stage it before the police order was issued. An administrator at the university confirmed that.

The administrators said the students were told they would be liable if anything went wrong.

Due to confusion about the situation, some people did not make it to the symposium, which was held at the Faculty of Law. But about 200 people showed up.

Ekachai Chainuvati, deputy dean of Law at Siam University, was among the crowd. He said soldiers and Special Branch police were at the event.

"The atmosphere was a little bit more relaxed when the university administrators decided not to cancel the academic event," Ekachai told The Nation. "Some people were angry at the National Council for Peace and Order and angry over the coup, but we all tried to finish the event without interference from the authorities."

Ekachai said the crowd was told that drafting a good constitution required the involvement of as many people as possible in order to ensure that it was long lasting.

Concerns were also expressed that Article 35 of the provisional charter could mean the public would have little input in the permanent constitution.

A participant at the event, who asked not to be named, said: "Both speakers know their limitations and how not to violate the NCPO's laws and orders."

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Thammasat-appraisal-of-interim-charter-goes-ahead-30240606.html

 

[thenation]2014-08-09[/thenation]

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UPDATE:

Sondhi refused bail
The Nation 
 

BANGKOK: -- The Supreme Court has denied bail for media tycoon and former yellow shirt leader Sondhi Limthongkul after the Appeals Court confirmed his 20-year prison sentence for violating the Securities and Exchange Act.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750083-supreme-court-rejects-sondhis-bail-request/

[Lite Beer]

Time to switch tracks in deep South peace process
Don Pathan
Special to The Nation 
 

Members of a bomb squad inspect damaged vehicles after a car bomb exploded outside a hotel in Yala

 

BANGKOK: -- Direct talks between Thai security forces and the separatist leaders controlling combatant insurgents may be the only way to build trust

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750150-time-to-switch-tracks-in-deep-south-peace-process/

[Lite Beer]

Major drug dealer caught in Phuket
Suthicha Sirirat

 

Anupong and Nucharee with the drugs.

 

PHUKET: A series of undercover operations led Pol Lt Col Jaran Bangprasert of the narcotics suppression police and his team to arrest Uten Wantong last night at 7.30pm on charges of possession of methamphetamine.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750151-major-drug-dealer-caught-in-phuket/

[Lite Beer]

NCPO chief asks people to make merit on Mother’s Day

BANGKOK, 8 August 2014 (NNT) – The Chief of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) is asking people to be of good will and to make merit on the occasion of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s birthday anniversary.

Prayuth Chan-ocha, said in a National broadcast prior to the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on 12th August, that the general public is asked to do good things for the country to dedicate merit to the Queen on the occasion of Her Majesty's birthday.

On this occasion, many buildings all over the country are decorated with lights, decorations, and portraits of the Queen for the royal celebration.

 

[nnt]2014-08-09[/nnt]

[Lite Beer]

NCPO chief orders close monitoring and preparations for Ebola epidemic

BANGKOK, 8 August 2014 (NNT) – Prayuth Chan-ocha, Chief of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has ordered the Ministry of Public Health and relevant institutions to monitor visitor health closely and prepare for a possible Ebola epidemic.

The Ministry of Transport has been ordered to maintain a strict inspection of all passengers arriving in Thailand.

Moreover, Prayuth also instructed the institutions involved to draw up construction plans for waste disposal plants in both local and central areas.

 

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

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Seminar on stabilizing prices of agricultural products held in Phetchaburi

PHETCHABURI, 8 August 2014 (NNT) – 150 people including officials and rice farmers in Muang Phetchaburi District and Tha Yang District have attended a seminar on promoting a policy of price stabilization for agricultural products and the solving of problems in the agricultural field. The seminar at Witthayaphirom 1 Meeting Room, Phetchaburi Rajabhat University, was held to hear opinions and find answers to the problems that face rice farmers.

They were introduced to ways of reducing costs, variable factors in farming, improved knowledge of rice production and changes that will occur in the future.

 

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

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Couples gather for weddings on the auspicious date August 8th

SONGKHLA, 8 August 2014 (NNT) – Friday, August 8th, is believed to be an auspicious date for Thai people. Many couples gathered for weddings at many places in Sonkhla, but especially in the Hat Yai District.

Many important hotels were reserved for wedding parties throughout the day.

One hotel manager revealed his hotel was reserved for three couples of new spouses in the morning, noon, and evening as were many other hotels in Hat Yai, on August 8th..

 

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

[Lite Beer]

EC sets up panel to screen candidates for reform
Chanikarn Phumhiran

BANGKOK: -- The Election Commission has assigned senior staff to be in charge of secretarial work for the committees screening candidates for the National Reform Council (NRC).

Secretary-general Puchong Nutrawong said yesterday that the EC has also ordered its provincial offices to help governors prepare for the selection of provincial representatives.

Up to 250 NRC members would come from 77 provinces and the people hand-picked by the National Council for Peace and Order from those shortlisted by legal entities nationwide.

Governors will chair the selection committees for provincial representatives.

The other NRC members would be nominated for at least 11 groups working on various spheres of national reform.

Before candidate registration opens on Thursday, the EC would conduct a rehearsal of the system on Wednesday.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/EC-sets-up-panel-to-screen-candidates-for-reform-30240515.html

 

[thenation]2014-08-09[/thenation]

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RT @MandalaySamui: Koh Samui Weather Forecast 9th Aug: Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. High around 29C, feels like 32C.

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Huge haul of illegal timber found in the resort of Charupong Ruangsuwan’s son

 

BANGKOK: -- About 300 golden teak planks wrapped in plastic sheets were found buried in the resort in Mae Hong son province owned by the son of former PheuThai party leader and interior minister Charupong Ruangsuwan.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750155-huge-haul-of-illegal-timber-found-in-the-resort-of-charupong-ruangsuwans-son/

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Four senior judges fired for gross disciplinary violations
 

 
BANGKOK: -- Four senior judges have been dismissed for gross disciplinary violations by the juridical committee.
 
Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750156-four-senior-judges-fired-for-gross-disciplinary-violations/

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TAT arranging Mothers Day events and tour programs to boost domestic tourism in Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is joining forces with local authorities and tourism-related organizations to arrange special holiday events and tour programs nationwide under the “where to go during this long weekend” theme, all aimed at helping people celebrate this year’s Mother’s Day holiday.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750159-tat-arranging-mothers-day-events-and-tour-programs-to-boost-domestic-tourism-in-thailand/

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Yahoo News advertise ten great reasons to visit Thailand

 

BANGKOK: -- A report in Yahoo News offers readers an insight into why Thailand, despite its recent troubles, is still a great place to visit.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750162-yahoo-news-advertise-ten-great-reasons-to-visit-thailand/

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RT @Aim_NT: Supreme Commander arrives at the Army Club to attend the event promoting National Reform Council. http://t.co/TZsh4iYNHC

 

RT @Aim_NT: Leena Jangjanya said she came to the event as a party leader.

 

RT @Aim_NT: ML Panadda Diskul and the Navy chief have also arrived.

 

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US police to investigate James Brady death as homicide

The death of President Ronald Reagan's aide James Brady has been ruled a homicide, 33 years after he was wounded in an assassination attempt, police in Washington have said.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750178-us-police-to-investigate-james-brady-death-as-homicide/

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Thai Lion Air charts rapid growth path

 

BANGKOK: -- According to a report today in the Bankgok Post No-frills carrier Thai Lion Air (TLA) has resumed its aggressive growth plan with the launch of new routes and the addition of two jetliners. TLA, part of Indonesia’s Lion Air group, will at the end of next month start five domestic routes, four of them from its Don Mueang base to Udon Thani, Krabi, Phuket and Surat Thani and one from Hat Yai to Udon Thani.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750177-thai-lion-air-charts-rapid-growth-path/

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Four army rangers wounded in bomb ambush in Yala while headed to training; one suspected insurgent wounded in subsequent gunfight /MCOT

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RT @Aim_NT: Gen Prayuth speaking now.

 

"Today is historic. We've never had such a national reform like this since we changed to democratic system" Gen Prayuth

 

"First of all, my apologies for having to stand here." Prayuth said adding that the plaguing problems led to the need of the coup.

 

If we can't solve the problems, Thailand cannot join in Asean (Community) and Asean cannot have negotiating power to the world: Prayuth.

 

Prayuth said this month (HM the Queen's birthday) is a good occasion for such a historic day.

 

There have been many attempts to reform the country. Why those didn't work? U have to ask urself: Prayuth.

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RT @Aim_NT: Look ahead first, self later: Gen Prayuth. I am not any more capable than u, but i have the conscience.

 

I know u also have such the conscience. Actually i respect all of you- Gen Prayuth.

 

Over the 37 years as Army official, I had never violated regulation. Soldiers must have discipline- Prayuth

 

Everything is interrelated. Violence existed already in 2004. But don't blame each other now: Prayuth.

 

When there was a fight, there would be revenge. Fight n have civil war. Do we need that? Ifu do, i will step aside and watch the border only

 

So please stop anything (fighting) now- Gen Prayuth.

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RT @Aim_NT: We will reduce the pressure now. People talk about social problems, we will discuss that from now on- Gen Prayuth.

 

Our problems, we solve them domestically - Gen Prayuth.

 

Thailand has constitutional Monarchy.HM the King has nothing to do with politics. He has no choice but to endorse the constitutions-Prayuth.

 

HM the King has handed the administrative power to the governments, so he endorses every law submitted. Don't drag him down again.- Prayuth.

 

Right or wrong, I am responsible: Gen Prayuth.