Tourists swarm border provinces in Northeast on long holiday weekend

BANGKOK, 11 August 2014 (NNT) – Scores of Thai and Lao tourists are visiting each other’s countries during this long holiday weekend in many northeastern provinces amid tight security from immigration officers.

Thai and Lao people as well as tourists from other countries on Sunday submitted their immigration document to immigration at a border crossing on the first Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in Nong Khai province. The travelers included families and tour groups who planned to spend the long holiday weekend in Thailand or Laos.

Immigration official Pol.Col.Phanlop Suriyakul said a large number of tourists were normal during every long holiday. Pol.Col.Phanlop also praised immigration officers at the first Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge for performing their duty well and giving a good impression to the tourists.

[nnt]2014-08-11[/nnt]

Actress Petitions Junta To Execute Rapists
By Khaosod English


The famous Thai actress Panadda Wongphudee submitted a petition to the military junta calling for punishing convicted rapists with the death penalty. Army Headquarters in Bangkok, Aug 8 2014.

BANGKOK — The famous Thai actress Panadda Wongphudee has submitted a petition to the military junta calling for punishing convicted rapists with the death penalty.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750585-thai-actress-petitions-ncpo-to-execute-rapists/

New Life - And New Name - For Abandoned Hill Tribe Boy
By Khaosod English


A four-year-old hill tribe boy from Chaing Rai has found a new life in a temple orphanage after spending more than a year begging for food on his own.

CHIANG RAI — A four-year-old hill tribe boy has found a new life in a temple orphanage after spending more than a year begging for food on his own.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750587-new-life-and-new-name-for-abandoned-hill-tribe-boy-from-chiang-rai/

Shop Offers 100,000 Baht For Rare 10 Baht Coin
By Khaosod Englisj


A rare ten baht coin minted in 1990.

RAYONG — An antique shop in Rayong province has ignited a craze on social media by offering 100,000 baht in cash for a rare circulation of ten baht coins.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750588-shop-offers-100000-baht-for-rare-10-baht-coin/

Australian couple in Thai baby scandal want boy back

PERTH, August 11, 2014 (AFP) - An Australian couple at the centre of a Thai surrogate scandal Sunday denied they deliberately abandoned their baby son because he had Down's syndrome and said they would fight to get him back.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750589-australian-couple-in-thai-baby-scandal-want-boy-back/

SURROGACY
Over 100 Thai surrogates may be carrying babies for Australian couples
Puangchompoo Prasert,
Kittipong Maneerit
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Health Service Support Department is investigating a Bangkok clinic that provided surrogacy services to more than 100 clients, including the Australian couple linked to the baby Gammy controversy and probably many other Australians.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750590-over-100-thai-surrogates-may-be-carrying-babies-for-australian-couples/

 NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

NLA vote on next PM set for August 21, 22
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The National Legislative Assembly will call a vote on the next prime minister on August 21 or 22, its deputy chairman said yesterday.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750591-nla-vote-on-next-thai-pm-set-for-august-21-22/

SPECIAL REPORT
Udomdej favoured to take over as the next Army chief
The Nation


Udomdej

Four officers in running to succeed Prayuth, who is due to retire shortly but tipped to be PM

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Army chief General Udomdej Sitabutr appears the front runner candidate to succeed General Prayuth Chan-ocha as the head of the Army.

Prayuth, who is in charge of the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), is due to retire

at the end of September.

It is not yet certain which military general Prayuth would appoint to manage the country's military if he decides against extending his time at the helm.

Four top military leaders who have one year left in office are qualified to succeed Prayuth.

Along with Prayuth’s deputy Udomdej and assistant Army chief Paiboon Koomchaya , the other front runners appear to be assistant Army chief General Chatchai Sarikalaya and Army chief of staff General Aksara Kerdpol.

The military's inner circle officials know there are actually two main candidates who are likely to get the powerful Army chief post - Paiboon and Udomdej. Both have played key roles for the NCPO.

Udomdej has been trusted to take up the role of NCPO secretary-general and chair the high-level committee to resolve the southern insurgency - while Paiboon heads the NCPO's legal and justice sector and handles political groups who refuse to accept the junta's power.

If either Paiboon or Udomdej miss the chance of getting the Army chief post, one or the other may be given the supreme commander's post, currently held by General Tanasak Patimaprakorn, or the Defence Ministry permanent-secretary post currently held by General Surasak Kanjanarat. Both generals holding the two posts are due to retire on September 30.

However, there is one obstacle as two other generals also eye the two top posts - General Sirichai Dittakul and General Worapong Sa-nganet, both of whom have close ties with NCPO chief adviser General Prawit Wongsuwan, an influential military figure.

The latest tentative military reshuffle showed that Sirichai may be appointed Defence Ministry permanent-secretary and Worapong made Supreme Commander, while General Sommai Kaodira could be appointed Chief of Staff or Deputy Supreme Commander.

Udomdej is likely to succeed Prayuth as Army chief, with Paiboon is likely to be made deputy Army chief, and Chatchai appointed Army chief adviser. Like Prayuth, Udomdej is from the so-called "Eastern Tigers" (Burapha Payak) clique. There is a high possibility that Prayuth will handpick Udomdej to succeed him.

Paiboon has also played a high-profile role since the military coup on May 22 and if he misses the Army chief post, he may be given the post of Deputy Defence Minister as consolation.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Udomdej-favoured-to-take-over-as-the-next-Army-chi-30240687.html

[thenation]2014-08-11[/thenation]

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
AirAsia chief Fernandes unfazed by competition
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION


Tony Fernandes, right, group chief executive officer of AirAsia revealed its Asia connectivity strategies and success in an exclusive talk with Suthichai Yoon, chairman of Nation Multimedia Group.

Says group focusing on strategies for the Asean community

BANGKOK: -- After experiencing ups and downs - literally and figuratively - since its birth 13 years ago, AirAsia Group is strengthening its regional-connectivity strategies to deal with ever-tougher competition in many countries, including Thailand.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750592-airasia-chief-fernandes-unfazed-by-competition-thai-interview/

EDITORIAL
Justice, cultural respect: ideas to help lift the far South
The Nation

Country's new leaders don't need to reinvent the wheel, Anand and others have pointed out paths to heal strife-torn region

BANGKOK: -- Late last week a group of politicians from various parties came together in Pattani to brainstorm about what needs to be done to tackle the conflict in the Muslim-majority southernmost provinces.
 
Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750593-justice-cultural-respect-ideas-to-help-lift-the-far-south-thai-editorial/

British Bike Driver injured in Pattaya Beach Road crash



PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Sunday a road crash involving a pedestrian and two motorbikes occurred on Pattaya Beach Road in front of Central Festival Pattaya Beach.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750595-british-bike-driver-injured-in-pattaya-beach-road-crash/

Ghanaian drowns off Pattaya Beach



PATTAYA: -- The body of a 33 year old Ghanaian was washed-up on Pattaya Beach just before 10pm on Sunday Night following a search by Sea Rescue Units after he had disappeared earlier on Sunday afternoon.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750596-ghanaian-drowns-off-pattaya-beach/

Foreign bike-rider killed in Sriracha Forest area close to Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- On Sunday afternoon Police and medics were called to a forest in the Bang Phra area of Sriracha District to deal with a fatal road accident which saw a foreigner killed.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750597-foreign-bike-rider-killed-in-sriracha-forest-area-close-to-pattaya/

Russian Killed in single-vehicle road crash in South Pattaya

PATTAYA: -- An 18 year old Russian was killed in the early hours of Sunday after his motorbike appeared to collide with a street pylon close to the entrance of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort in South Pattaya.
 
Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750598-russian-killed-in-single-vehicle-road-crash-in-south-pattaya/

Stabbing Victim escapes to Pattaya Police Station



PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Sunday a 21 year old Thai man ran into Pattaya Police station and them collapsed due to stab-wound injuries sustained in an altercation at the car park of Central Festival Pattaya Beach, situated next to the station.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750599-stabbing-victim-escapes-to-pattaya-police-station/

Financial markets in Thailand are closed on Monday for a public holiday /AFP

Yingluck returns Sunday night: report

BANGKOK: -- Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra arrived at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport Sunday night, Jor Sor 100 radio's website reported.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750600-yingluck-has-returned-to-bangkok-sunday-night-report/

Iraqi Kurdish leader Barzani seeks weapons to fight IS

(BBC) The political leader of Iraq's Kurds, Massoud Barzani, has appealed for international military aid to help defeat Islamist militants.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750601-iraqi-kurds-ask-for-arms-to-fight-is/

Recep Tayyip Erdogan wins Turkish presidential election

ANKARA: -- Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has won his country's first direct presidential election.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750603-erdogan-wins-turkey-presidency/

Ex-hurricane Bertha brings high winds and rain across UK

LONDON: -- Storms and heavy rain have caused disruption across Britain as the remnants of what was Hurricane Bertha sweep across the country.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750607-ex-hurricane-bertha-brings-high-winds-and-rain-across-uk/

UPDATE:

 

Yingluck returns on private plane at Don Mueang



BANGKOK: -- Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her son returned to Thailand late Sunday night.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750600-yingluck-has-returned-to-bangkok-sunday-night-report/page-3#entry8227302

Special Report: EC to seek suitable candidates for Reform Council

BANGKOK: -- The Election Commission of Thailand (EC) is preparing for the selection of members of the National Reform Council as applications for membership will be opened on 14 August 2014.

Election Commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said that the Election Commission, which serves as the secretary of the Selection Committee, would verify the candidates' qualifications in the 11 areas of national reform.

Among the areas to be reformed are anti-corruption efforts, politics, state administration, justice system, energy, and transport infrastructure.

Mr. Somchai said that the reform process should be included as national agenda and provide opportunities for all groups of people to participate by offering useful suggestions and recommendations. Moreover, an atmosphere conducive to the reform should be created, so that all the various groups would share the idea that the reform is the way forward for the country.

Commenting on the refusal of two major political parties to nominate any candidates to the National Reform Council, Mr. Somchai said that, like other sectors to be reformed, political parties should propose the names of suitable persons. He believed that politicians would be helpful in reforming Thailand, as they have experiences in their field, and that members of the National Reform Council come from many professional groups.

Chairman of the Election Commission Supachai Somcharoen explained that the royal decree governing the selection of the NRC members, stipulates that the NRC shall be represented by people from all sectors.

The National Reform Council consists of 250 members, who will be appointed by His Majesty the King, upon the advice of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). The King appoints one member of the National Reform Council as its President and no more than two as its Vice Presidents, upon the resolution of the National Reform Council.

Members of the Reform Council are responsible for giving suggestions and guidelines for national reform in various areas to the National Legislative Assembly, the Cabinet, the NCPO, the Constitution Drafting Committee, and other relevant agencies. They will also approve the new permanent constitution, which includes an election system with effective mechanisms to prevent fraud and corruption.

The Election Commission has urged members of the media to help publicize the selection process of the National Reform Council and encourage people in all sectors to take part in proposing suitable persons.

The selection comes after the National Legislative Assembly was officially convened on August 7th by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, on behalf of His Majesty the King. On the following day, Mr. Pornpetch Wichitcholchai was elected President of the National Legislative Assembly.

[nnt]2014-08-11[/nnt]

Thai travel agents have teamed up with Japanese tour operators to bring at least six charter flights from Japan to Thailand to boost tourism for both countries. /Bangkok Post

Last suspect in Chakkrit murder arrested



BANGKOK: -- The last suspect wanted by metropolitan police on the shooting of former national marksman Chakkrit Panitchpatikam in October last year was arrested Sunday in Chana district of Songkhla province.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750664-last-suspect-in-chakkrit-murder-arrested/

Tourists flock two Khmer ruins in Buriram

BURIRAM, 11 August 2014 (NNT) - Some ten thousand tourists both local and foreign have visited two Khmer ruins in the northeastern province of Buriram during the Mother's day vacation.

Phanom Rung and Muang Tam stone castles have been the most popular tourist attractions in Buriram during this four day long national holiday. More than 10,000 tourists were seen visiting the two sites on Saturday, compared with only 2 to 3000 on regular weekends.

Souvenir vendors, restaurants and hotels in those areas were able to generate much more income from the greatly increased number of tourists. A local authority hopes there are tens of millions of baht being circulated in the historic area over the Mother's Day vacation period.

[nnt]2014-08-11[/nnt]

400 Thai evacuees from Libya arrive in Bangkok
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Aug 11 - Three more groups of Thai workers arrived in Thailand from strife-torn Libya Sunday, bringing the total number of Thai evacuees from the North African nation to 399, according to the Thai Labour Ministry.

Singhadet Chu-amnat, Inspector General of the Ministry’s Department of Employment said a group of 108 workers arrived at Bangkok's Suvanabhumi International Airport at 1am yesterday, followed by two other groups of 21 and 24 workers at 8am and 12.45pm. respectively.

Mr Singhadet said some 405 other Thai workers were awaiting flights back to Thailand in Tunisia after going there from Libya.

The Thai workers can apply for financial assistance of 15,000 baht each from the Fund for Assistance to Thai Workers Overseas, he said. (MCOT online news)

[tna]2014-08-11[/tna]

Thailand sees 9.1% rise in exports to Cambodia in 2014 H1
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Aug 11 - Bilateral trade between Thailand and neighboring Cambodia improved in the first six months of this year, according to a Thai commercial officer.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750666-thailand-sees-91-rise-in-exports-to-cambodia-in-2014-h1/

Thai rice exports in 2014 could exceed 9 million tonnes target
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Aug 11 - The Thai Rice Exporters Association expects Thailand’s rice exports this year to exceed the target of nine million tonnes, thanks to high demand from overseas.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750667-thai-rice-exports-in-2014-could-exceed-9-million-tonnes-target/

ASEAN, China seek to boost trade through FTA
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Aug 11 – Foreign ministers of the 10 member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China have agreed to boost bilateral trade values through the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area and to speed up establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to help promote connectivity within the South East Asian region.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750669-asean-china-seek-to-boost-trade-through-fta/

Italian dies in Phuket big bike smash
Darawan Naknakhon

PHUKET: -- An Italian tourist died after he crashed his rented big bike at a bent on the Patong-Karon road around 5:30 am on Saturday (August 9).

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750673-italian-dies-in-phuket-big-bike-smash/