Ratchaburi invites people to join ‘Five precepts village project’

RATCHABURI, 15 August 2014 (NNT) – The governor of Ratchaburi Province said that monks and district headman have invited all Buddhists to apply to be a part of the ‘Five precepts village project’ to remember the Buddha's principles during everyday life.

The precepts in both traditions are essentially identical and are commitments to abstain from harming living beings, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying and intoxication.

Any village that follow the precepts will be expected to live happily, peacefully and kindly.

[nnt]2014-08-15[/nnt]

Measures prepared to cut accidents
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Aug 15 -- Thailand's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has joined forces with relevant agencies in working out measures to prevent or reduce the number of road accidents during the upcoming end of Buddhist Lent and the Loy Kratong festival.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751796-thailands-dept-of-disaster-prevention-prepares-measures-to-cut-road-accidents/

Hua Hin Authorities Fix Food Stall Prices
By Khaosod English


Officials dismantle a food stall on Hua Hin beach that was encroaching on public land, 13 August 2014.

PRACHUAP KIRI KHAN — Officials and beach vendors in the resort town of Hua Hin have agreed to fix the price of food sold from stalls along the popular beach, following a wave of complaints from tourists about the vendors' "extortionate" prices.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751797-hua-hin-authorities-fix-food-stall-prices/

SURROGACY SCANDAL
Ministry seeks action against fertility clinic
KITTIPONG MANEERIT
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- THE PUBLIC HEALTH MINISTRY yesterday sought police action against a Bangkok fertility clinic at the centre of the surrogacy scandal.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751798-ministry-seeks-action-against-a-bangkok-fertility-clinic/

UPDATE:

 

NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
Lawmakers must declare assets to NACC
The Nation

Deadline for declaration set for Sept 7; NLA members can retain shareholdings

BANGKOK: -- All National Legislative Assembly (NLA) members must submit their asset declarations to comply with the provisional charter, National Anti-Corruption Commis-sion (NACC) secretary-general Sansern Poljiak said yesterday.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751694-nacc-all-nla-members-must-declare-assets/#entry8245130

THAI
THAI bid to stave off cash-flow crisis
SUCHAT SRITAMA,
Sasithorn Ongdee
THE NATION 


National Council for Peace and Order deputy chief Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong

BANGKOK: -- Thai Airways International's board yesterday approved an urgent financial plan to seek more funds and sell aircraft and property in a bid to stave off a cash-flow issue.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751799-thai-bid-to-stave-off-cash-flow-crisis/

STATE ENTERPRISE
Prayuth unveils strategy as state enterprises come under scrutiny
Sucheera Pinijparakarn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- General Prayuth Chan-ocha, chief of the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), said yesterday that state enterprises would be grouped to allow those making profits to lend more support to other tasks while those with low income or suffering losses will be able to depend on themselves.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751800-prayuth-unveils-strategy-as-state-enterprises-come-under-scrutiny/

NATIONAL REFORM COUNCIL
After heated debate, TJA nominates candidates to help media reform
Attayuth Bootsripoom,
Kornchanok Raksaseri
The Nation


Leena Jangjanja, right, registers in her bid to become a member of the National Reform Council as a representative of the Maha Prachachon Party. The registration period began yesterday and runs until September 2.

BANGKOK: -- Members of the Thai Journalists Association (TJA) had a heated debate yesterday on who exactly should be nominated to join the National Reform Council (NRC). They also debated which name should represent which agency.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751802-after-heated-debate-tja-nominates-candidates-to-help-media-reform/

Police distribute anti-kidnapping posters to schools



BANGKOK: -- The Royal Thai Police has distributed posters giving instruction to parents on how to teach their children to protect themselves against kidnappings.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751803-thai-police-distribute-anti-kidnapping-posters-to-schools/

BURNING ISSUE
Failures of past coups hold lessons for NCPO chief
Samudcha Hoonsara
The Nation 

 

BANGKOK: -- It's a sure bet that National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha will become the country's 29th prime minister.

Not only has Prayuth received strong public backing, the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) key figures have also thrown their weight behind the Army chief.

Some members of the NLA, tasked with calling a vote on the PM, have even voiced opposition against other candidates challenging Prayuth's nomination, reasoning that the general is the most suitable and most qualified at this political juncture.

"The good intention behind the power seizure must not be wasted," say Prayuth supporters, in encouraging the NCPO chief to double as PM and take absolute control in running the country.

Does this sound justifiable?

Evidence gleaned from the records of two previous coups show coupmakers were strongly condemned by democracy enthusiasts for "tearing up the charter" and were unable to accomplish the mission as they envisaged.

Under the interim administration led by the National Peace Keeping Council (NPKC) led by General Sunthorn Kongsompong and General Suchinda Kraprayoon who staged a coup against the General Chatichai Choonhavan government, respectable technocrat Anand Panyarachun was appointed PM.

NPKC members reportedly were not pleased with the role carried out by "the Rattanakosin elite" for some time but they could not act against Anand because Suchinda had handpicked him for the post.

At the Council for National Security helm, General Sonthi Boonyaratglin who staged a coup against the Thaksin Shinawatra government, was reportedly not happy at times with the administration of the Surayud Chulanont government.

Sonthi could not do much, as he had great consideration for Surayud, his former boss.

Taking previous lessons into account, the NCPO and Prayuth must be decisive. They must have supreme control.

Nevertheless, full-throttle acceleration without taking circumstantial factors into consideration may wreck the engine.

Transparency is the key to prevent the realisation of the saying that "absolute power corrupts absolutely".

It is a good sign that Prayuth has affirmed there will be no interference in the justice system. Political rivals should be allowed to prove their innocence in court battles. Lies, distortion of information, systematic propaganda and underhanded tactics must not be used.

The NCPO chief should learn from the lessons of history and refrain from repeating those mistakes. He must act to normalise the country's situation, bridge the gap and heal the rift for sustainable happiness of all Thais.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Failures-of-past-coups-hold-lessons-for-NCPO-chief-30240989.html

[thenation]2014-08-15[/thenation]

PATHUM THANI
Death toll in condo collapse rises to 11
ANAN WICHITPRACHA,
PONGSATAT RUJIPUTTANYAPAT
THE NATION



Eight more bodies pulled out of rubble, three workers still unaccounted for

PATHUM THAN: -- THE NUMBER of deaths caused by the building collapse in Pathum Thani province on Monday has risen to 11, with eight more bodies being retrieved from the rubble yesterday.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751804-death-toll-in-pathum-thani-condo-collapse-rises-to-11/

Cutting corners can cost lives, survivor says
THANAPAT KITJAKOSOL
THE NATION



PATHUM THANI: -- GIVING FIRST-HAND accounts about how the U Place condominium in Pathum Thani collapsed on Monday, a survivor said it began with a sling suspended between two top storeys breaking during cement-filling work, which resulted in the entire six-storey structure caving in, killing at least 11 workers.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751805-cutting-corners-can-cost-lives-survivor-says-pathum-thani-condo-collapse/

Acceptance of Muslims in South 'will cut violent attacks'
PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK
THE NATION 

 

BANGKOK: -- THE VIOLENCE in the deep South could reduce by half if the authorities and Thais in general accepted and respected Thai-Malay Muslims' distinct identity, Muslim scholar Somchai Phaejit said.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751806-acceptance-of-muslims-in-thai-south-will-cut-violent-attacks/

SPECIAL REPORT
Chorus builds for national referendum on next constitution
Kris Bhromsuthi
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Politicians and academics are calling for a public referendum to gauge whether voters support the new constitution once it is drafted.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751808-chorus-builds-for-national-referendum-on-next-thai-constitution/

Two Australian couples stopped from leaving Thailand with surrogate babies
By South East Asia correspondent Samantha Hawley

BANGKOK: -- Immigration officials at Bangkok's international airport have stopped two Australian couples from leaving the country with their surrogate babies.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751809-two-australian-couples-stopped-from-leaving-thailand-with-surrogate-babies/

Michael Brown killing: State police to take charge

(BBC) State police have taken charge of security in Ferguson after nights of violence, said the Missouri governor.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751812-michael-brown-killing-state-police-take-over-riot-hit-us-town/

Robin Williams 'had Parkinson's' when he died

SAN FRANCISCO: -- Robin Williams was suffering from the early stages of Parkinson's disease at the time of his death, his wife has said.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751815-robin-williams-had-parkinsons-at-death/

Airports of Thailand has sought a further upgrade of Don Mueang and Phuket airports to be carried out existing expansion work to cope with the soaring traffic. /Bangkok Post

UPDATE:

 

Two Australian couples with surrogate babies stopped at Bangkok Airport
By Lindsay Murdoch, Larissa Nicholson

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751809-two-australian-couples-stopped-from-leaving-thailand-with-surrogate-babies/#entry8245710

 

 

 

 

First of the new Bangkok buses expected to come into service in January

BANGKOK, 15 August 2014 (NNT) – The first of the thousands of new buses for commuters in Bangkok are expected to be put into service in January next year, according to the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA).

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751847-first-of-the-new-bangkok-buses-expected-to-come-into-service-in-january/

UPDATE:

 

Search halted after the last victim plugged from U-Place condo collapse site
 


PATHUM THANI: -- Search and rescue workers comprising charity foundation workers, soldiers, police, and district officials was called off today after the last two bodies trapped under the concrete rubbles were plugged out early Friday morning.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751804-death-toll-in-pathum-thani-condo-collapse-rises-to-11/#entry8245889

Thai stock index opens on Friday at 1,543.42, gains 1.45 points /MCOT

Princess Maha Chakri observes royal projects in Loei

BANGKOK, 15 August 2014 (NNT) - Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is paying a 2-day visit to the northeastern province of Loei to observe the progress of royally initiated projects at various Border Patrol Police schools in the province.

The Princess began her trip yesterday morning (Aug 14) by visiting a BPP school in Ban Huai Pao Village, Pak Chom District, where she presided over the opening of a new school building. The 3-storey building was built with public donations, comprising 12 classrooms. The school currently has about 200 students in the primary level and has 8 BPP members as teachers.

The Princess Maha Chakri found all the royal projects at the school to progress well. Students have sufficient food following the royal initiative to promote vegetable cultivation, fish rearing and chicken raising in the school compound. Children are also given vocational training in such fields as hair-cutting, production of herbal products and welding. The Technical College of Loei has supported the training by sending its students to teach vocational skills to children who also earn some money from their products.

Her Royal Highness later visited an exhibition on Sufficiency Economy Village Project, which has been launched in four northeastern provinces namely Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Chaiyaphum and Khon Kaen. The Princess has encouraged rural villages to apply the Sufficiency Economy concept of His Majesty the King to their ways of life and also supported them with vegetable seeds and agricultural advice so that villagers can earn extra income.

In the afternoon Her Royal Highness visited the BPP School of Ban Nong Khaen Village in Na Duang District, Loei. The school was established in 1989, having 44 pupils at present. It is the first BPP school to win a top prize from the Ministry of Public Health for its promotion of children’s health. The school has provided students with nutrient food and promoted the habit of exercising and keeping themselves clean. Children are also taught on savings and preparing cooperative accounts at school.

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, thereafter, proceeded to Phu Rua National Park in Phu Rua District, where she planted a Khasya pine tree which is the provincial tree, and observed a rare orchid conservation center. The national park has adopted several royally initiated projects such as the soil and water conservation project using the techniques of 3 Forests, 4 Benefits initiated by His Majesty the King.

[nnt]2014-08-15[/nnt]

Roadmap for education reform finalized; 9 key points for improving education

BANGKOK, 15 August 2014 (NNT) – The Ministry of Education has finalized its roadmap for the reform of the nation's education system, which will be driven by adjustments in nine aspects.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751855-roadmap-for-thai-education-reform-finalized;-9-key-points-for-improving-education/

U.S. movie 'The Interview' to undergo editing after N.K. protests: reports
By Digital Content

WASHINGTON, Aug 15 (Yonhap) -- A U.S. comedy film about a plot to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is expected to undergo some editing and its release will be pushed back after strong protests from the communist nation, according to local media reports.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751877-us-movie-the-interview-to-undergo-editing-after-n-kora-protests-reports/

Chinese rumormonger stands trial
By Digital Content

BEIJING, Aug 15 (Xinhua) -- A man stood trial on Thursday for masterminding a number of online rumors and making profits by deception, a Beijing court said.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751878-chinese-rumormonger-stands-trial/

UPDATE:

 

DIT tightens inspections of food prices at restaurants in tourist spots

 

BANGKOK, 15 August 2014 (NNT) - The Department of Internal Trade (DIT), Ministry of Commerce, has stepped up inspection of food prices at restaurants and food shops in tourist spots. 

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751665-dept-of-internal-trade-tells-provincial-trade-offices-to-check-on-overpriced-meals/#entry8246357

 

Abandoned buildings, bill boards are highly unsafe during rainy season

BANGKOK: -- The Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT) says abandoned buildings and huge bill boards pose danger to adjacent properties and residents especially during the rainy season.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751882-abandoned-buildings-billboards-are-highly-unsafe-during-rainy-season-eit/

One dead, two badly hurt in meth-fueled Phuket rampage
Eakkapop Thongtub


Niwat, in handcuffs, is stretchered out of the house.

PHUKET: -- One man is dead and two of his friends are in hospital severely injured after one of them, in a jealous rage fueled by methamphetamine, wreaked havoc with a meat cleaver.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751885-one-dead-two-badly-hurt-in-meth-fueled-phuket-rampage/

Surin warns locals of climate change

BANGKOK, 15 August 2014 (NNT) - Surin Deputy Governor has warned locals to brace for moderate to heavy rain as the Meteorological Department has forecast that it is going to rain in up to 60% of the northeastern region.

 

[b]Full story: [/b]http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751901-surin-warns-locals-of-climate-change/