National Science and Technology Fair kicks off in Chiang Mai

CHIANG MAI, 13 August 2014 (NNT) – The National Science and Technology Fair 2014 has opened its curtain in the northern province of Chiang Mai, targeting to inspire the younger generation and raise their awareness of the importance of science and technology.

In cooperation with related organizations, the Ministry of Science and Technology is hosting the annual National Science and Technology Fair at the International Convention and Exhibition Center Commemorating His Majesty’s 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary in Mueang district, Chiang Mai province. Under this year’s theme “Science and Technology: Inspiring Creativity for Better Life”, the fair is aimed to promote the significance of science and technology and motivate visitors, especially young students, with a variety of innovative works.

The fair is also held in honor of King Mongkut or King Rama IV, who is hailed as the Father of Thai Science, and His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej as the Father of Thai Technology and Innovation.

The activities featured in the event include commemorative exhibitions for the two kings, showcases of scientific and technological innovations, various competitions and contests, sales of related products and many more.

It is expected that over one million visitors will turn up at the fair, which will go on until August 28. Everyone is invited and admission is free.

[nnt]2014-08-13[/nnt]

PATHUM THANI
Tragic end to building collapse in Pathum Thani
ANAN WICHITPRACHA
THE NATION



Buri Ram woman managed to talk to husband stuck in wreckage before he died

BANGKOK: -- A BURI RAM woman who made a desperate dash from the northeast to Pathum Thani in search of her husband - trapped in a building that collapsed late on Monday - was able to say just a few words to him, before he died early yesterday.

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751140-tragic-end-to-building-collapse-in-pathum-thani/

SURROGACY SCANDAL
DNA tests show 9 babies fathered by same man
The Nation

Japanese suspect still at large; care of found infants now top priority

BANGKOK: -- The nine infants discovered in a police raid last week at a Bangkok condominium in connection with unauthorised surrogacy were fathered by the same man.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751141-thai-surrogacy-scandal-dna-tests-show-9-babies-fathered-by-same-man/

THE ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING OFFICE
AMLO wants law on money smuggling made tougher
Piyanut Tumnukasetchai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) will propose stricter laws to allow any cash over the legal limit of US$20,000 (Bt642,000) that is brought into the country and not declared to be seized and forfeited to the state.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751142-thailands-amlo-wants-law-on-money-smuggling-made-tougher/

ASSETS
Top govt appointees urged to reveal assets
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Activists and academics yesterday called for members of the key organisations set up by the junta to disclose their assets to the public in the name of transparency.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751143-top-thai-govt-appointees-urged-to-reveal-assets/

THE JUNTA
Prayuth to give budget draft to NLA
Prapasri Osathanon
The Nation


Prayuth

BANGKOK: -- THE 2015 BUDGET BILL will be the priority law to be considered by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) and it must be proposed and passed by the end of September, Senate secretary general Norarut Pimsen said.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751144-prayuth-to-give-budget-draft-to-nla/

RICE
New institute for rice trade
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation


Chutima Bunyapraphasara

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's first Rice Trade Development Institute is set to be launched next year with the aim of fuelling industry growth and ensuring it is sustainable.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751145-new-thai-institute-for-rice-trade/

UPDATE:

 

VISA FEE
Visa fees waived, more Chinese visitors expected
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION 

 

BANGKOK: -- Tourism operators serving visitors from Taiwan and mainland China have been advised to prepare for an influx of arrivals during an upcoming 90-day visa-fee exemption.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750929-thailand-exempts-visa-fees-for-chinese-passport-holders-special-report/page-3?p=8235716#entry8235716

EDITORIAL
Civil servants and uncivil temptations
The Nation

Government officials have a crucial role to play in Thailand's reform process, as the NCPO is well aware

BANGKOK: -- Politicians come and go, as do military juntas. But civil servants stay in place regardless of political change. They keep the mechanisms of state functioning even as breakdowns occur elsewhere. So it comes as no surprise that the National Council for Peace and Order has turned its focus on government officials in an effort to gain their support. 

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751146-thai-editorial-civil-servants-and-uncivil-temptations/

STOPPAGE TIME
General Prayuth should learn from America
Tulsathit Taptim

BANGKOK: -- Say whatever you like about George Soros, but his preferred analogy on the near-collapse of the US economy is spot on. It compares the US economic system prior to the late 2000s meltdown to an oil tanker. The big ship once had watertight compartments to prevent oil sloshing around and sinking the entire vessel, until someone decided to do away with the safety measure.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751148-thai-opinion-general-prayuth-should-learn-from-america/

A slow-burning global emergency
Jim Pollard
The Nation


A Cambodian boy is tested for malaria at a clinic along the Thai-Cambodian border.

Thailand is playing a key role in countering a major threat to public health - growing resistance to the most effective drug to counter malaria

BANGKOK: -- News that resistance to the anti-malaria drug artemisinin has spread across mainland Southeast Asia is a slow-burning global emergency, according to Bangkok-based malaria expert Nick White.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751149-malaria-a-slow-burning-global-emergency/

Hotel Security Guard killed in Jomtien Road crash



PATTAYA: -- A 38 year old Hotel Security Guard, who was driving home after completing a 12 hour shift at a nearby Hotel was killed in a single-vehicle high-speed road crash on Jomtien Second Road on Tuesday morning.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751150-hotel-security-guard-killed-in-jomtien-road-crash/

Man shot in the back following encounter with gang of youths in South Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- A 23 year old man is currently described as being in a stable but serious condition in Hospital after he was shot in the back as he sat with friends at a café behind a South Pattaya Shopping Mall in the early hours of Tuesday.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751151-man-shot-in-the-back-following-encounter-with-gang-of-youths-in-south-pattaya/

Suction Pipe injures 3 year old Russian at East Pattaya Housing Estate



PATTAYA: -- On Tuesday afternoon, Police and medics were called to an East Pattaya Village to assist a 3 year old Russian Girl who had caught her hand inside a Suction Pipe in the Children’s Swimming Pool.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751152-suction-pipe-injures-3-year-old-russian-at-east-pattaya-housing-estate/

BURNING ISSUE
What makes 'Thai-style democracy' globally palatable?
Pravit Rojanaphruk

BANGKOK: -- JUNTA CHIEF General Prayuth Chan-ocha mentioned at least twice during his hour-long speech to launch the national reform process on Saturday that what the country needs is "Thai-style democracy".

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751153-what-makes-thai-style-democracy-globally-palatable/

Revamp for Ratchaprasong
Thanapat Kitjakosol
The Nation


An artist

BANGKOK: -- The Ratchaprasong shopping district will become a model of public space development offering convenient access to all people, especially seniors and the handicapped.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751154-revamp-for-bangkoks-ratchaprasong/

UPDATE:

Robin Williams death: Police confirm suicide

(BBC) US actor and comedian Robin Williams took his own life at his California home, police have confirmed.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/750881-us-actor-robin-williams-found-dead/page-6?p=8235806#entry8235806

US actress Lauren Bacall 'dies at 89'

(BBC) American actress Lauren Bacall has died at the age of 89, according to reports.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751158-us-actress-lauren-bacall-dies-at-89/

US sends more military advisors to Iraq

WASHINGTON: -- The US has sent 130 more military advisors to the Kurdish region of northern Iraq, Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel says.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751160-us-sends-more-military-advisors-to-iraq/

LA Clippers sold to ex-Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer

LOS ANGELES: -- Former Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer has purchased the Los Angeles Clippers for $2bn (1.2bn) after a court cleared the way for the sale.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751165-la-clippers-sold-to-ex-microsoft-boss-steve-ballmer/

Michael Brown shooting: Obama calls for calm

WASHINGTON: -- US President Barack Obama has appealed for calm in Ferguson, Missouri, after the shooting of a black teenager by police sparked two nights of violence.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751166-michael-brown-shooting-obama-calls-for-calm/

Thai Airways flight from Sydney to Bangkok makes emergency landing due to cracked window

SYDNEY: -- A Thai Airways flight from Sydney to Bangkok was forced to make an emergency landing when a cracked window was found in the cockpit.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751178-thai-airways-flight-from-sydney-to-bangkok-makes-emergency-landing-due-to-cracked-window/

Rescue operation searching for survivors at Pathum Thani building site collapse resumed at 8am; death toll 7; 3 still missing /MCOT

Thai English teachers visit Brunei



BANGKOK: -- A delegation of 126 Thai teachers are in Brunei this week, visiting local schools and other sites of cultural interest to view its teaching methodology in schools as well as to experience the local culture of its ASEAN partner as the 2015 deadline for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) approaches, The Brunei Times reported.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751187-thai-english-teachers-visit-brunei/

Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 1,531.30, gains 10.99 points /MCOT

Several initiatives to boost safety of female passengers launched on Mother's Day

BANGKOK, 13 August 2014 (NNT) – The Ministry of Transport has taken the occasion of Mother's Day, August 12, to launch several measures aimed at boosting the safety of female and child passengers on all modes of travel.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751213-thai-transport-ministry-launches-initiatives-to-boost-safety-of-female-passengers/

Thai Airways Int'l to cut executives' transport allowances to cut losses, restore profitability /The Nation

Special Report: NCPO to put an end to social divide

BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) is taking steps to put an end to divisions at every level in Thai society – from members of administrative bodies to the general public.

Head of the NCPO General Prayuth Chan-ocha denied that the NCPO was employing populist measures, saying it only wanted to solve the country’s urgent problems, in response to the complaints and the needs of the people.

General Prayuth cited the reform of people as most important, as people could be divided into different groups, sides, religions, and levels of quality of life. Each person and each group has different values and attitudes. If education cannot produce well-informed people with integrity, the people coming out of schools will not be able to handle threats, either traditional or non-traditional, or keep up with global changes.

He said that conflicts brought about by selfishness, dishonesty, and divisions would make Thailand a backward country. So everyone should put a lot of thoughts into this matter, rather than thinking of their personal interests.

General Prayuth said that everyone has his or her good side and bad side. The question is how to bring out the good side. In this connection, good laws are needed, and sometimes people must help warn each other and not support or cooperate with what is known to create conflicts and divisions. And if laws are enforced without discrimination, with officials operating efficiently and the judicial process functioning with clarity and without divisions and prejudice, everyone will be better off. People need a reliable system accepted by everybody. This is what the NPCO wants people to aim for – be they members of the general public or those agencies involved in the judicial system.

He called on the people to join forces in seeking appropriate measures, as Thailand needs to be democratic in its own way, with the use of the people’s wisdom to solve these problems and prevent them from repeating the same mistakes in the future.

General Prayuth pointed out that he wanted everyone to distinguish the faults of a person, or group of persons, who are to be dealt with as normal through the judicial system. As for the nation, it needs to continue to move forward. He said he did not mean to help any particular side, or to solve problems for the advantage of any specific individual.

[nnt]2014-08-13[/nnt]

US couple sought in murder of American woman at Bali resort



BANGKOK: -- Police in Bali are on the hunt for a young American couple in connection with the alleged murder of the girl’s mother at an upscale beach resort on Tuesday, the Jakarta Globe reported.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751221-us-couple-sought-in-murder-of-american-woman-at-bali-resort/

Roadside bomb explosion kills two rangers

YALA: -- A group of rangers was on a routine foot patrol to provide protection to teachers a village school in Ban Kato village of Pa Tae sub-district of Yaha district at about 4.30 p.m.

A10-kilo bomb was detonated by southern insurgents killing two rangers, and seriously wounded another.

The wounded ranger was sent to Crown Prince Yaha Hospital and later referred to Yala Hospital.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/roadside-bomb-explosion-kills-two-rangers/

[thaipbs]2014-08-13[/thaipbs]