Prayuth urges businesses to do more to help poor
The Nation 
 

BANGKOK: -- Junta chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha Friday urged business sectors to help the poor, saying it was time for everyone to help the country surmount this time of crisis

Speaking on his weekly television programme, Prayuth said that cooperation was needed across a broad spectrum of industries including merchandising, exports, construction, and transportation.

He said leading figures in those industries needed to brainstorm in order to find a way out for the country in this time of global uncertainty.

"Everyone must lower sale prices, increase the purchasing power, and maintain appropriate profits," he said. "They have to think of those with low income.

"If you substantially lower the price of the products you buy from farmers, they will not be able to survive. The state cannot spend a lot of money or provide price support for everyone."

Prayuth called on business associations and groups as well as companies and individuals to register with the Damrongtham Centers in each province as a way of helping the country, adding that name lists would be forwarded to the National Council for Peace and Order and the government.

"The NCPO and those with low income will then be well aware of your kindness. I would like to thank you all in advance," he said.

He urged people to refrain from protesting and find a suitable solution to a problem by petitioning the Damrongtham Centre, which would the connect them with relevant agencies for redress.

The centre should be involved in solving issues and preventing protests in Bangkok, he said.

"There is no need to camp out on the streets," he said. "It is quite difficult without amenities available.

"There is incurred transport and living costs, which is not only a waste of money but also time. It is better to stay at home and convey messages through the Damrongtham Centre," he said.

 

Source: http://www.nationmul...r-30241061.html

 

-- The Nation 2014-08-15

Prayuth instructs officials to get tough with young street racers

BANGKOK: -- National Council for Peace and Order chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said Friday night that he had instructed police and relevant agencies to crack down on teenagers who raced on streets.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752161-prayuth-instructs-officials-to-get-tough-with-young-street-racers/

Prayuth calls on Thais not to share hate speech on social networks

BANGKOK: -- Junta chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha Friday urged Thais not to spread or share hate-speech and lese majeste comments on social networks.

"All Thai people should help get rid of this kind of speech," Prayuth said during his weekly TV programme.

 

"Information posted on websites, Facebook, and other online applications can be harmful to the younger generations. We have had conflicts in our society and false information has been frequently shared online. We should refrain from sharing unverified information to avoid incitement."

He said hate speech and false information on social networks could be harmful to the country.

 

"National security cannot be fostered and the society will be degraded. Tourism will be negatively impacted by this atmosphere of hatred," the junta chief explained.

 

Source: http://www.nationmul...n-30241071.html

 

-- The Nation 2014-08-15

UPDATE:

Phuket's Lotus restaurant ripped down

Eakkapop Thongtub

 

The excavator continues on its destructive way after flattening Lotus.

 

PHUKET: Lotus restaurant on Bang Tao Beach is no more

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....w/#entry8249129

Surrogacy 'law must be of world standard'
The Nation 

 

BANGKOK: -- Australia voices concern after couples prevented from leaving with children at airport

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752162-surrogacy-law-must-be-of-world-standard/

Two building officials set to surrender
The Nation 

 

BANGKOK: -- Boss of collapsed condo and foreman contact police, but one suspect 'elusive'

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752163-two-building-officials-set-to-surrender/

EC chief calls on legal entities to speed up NRC nominations
Chanikarn Phumhiran,
Prapasri Osathanon
The Nation 

 

BANGKOK: -- The secretary general of the Election Commission (EC) called yesterday for non-profit entities to quickly nominate candidates for the National Reform Council (NRC), so it can verify their qualifications within its deadline.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752164-ec-chief-calls-on-legal-entities-to-speed-up-nrc-nominations/

'Coup should not revive old woes'
The Nation 

 

BANGKOK: -- Anand warns junta to clear the decks, but insists he does not back seizure

Former prime minister Anand Panyarachun said that coup-makers should ensure that the problems that led to the coup in the first place do not return.

"We should not let problems such as corruption or complete control of power to return, otherwise people will ask what the coup has achieved. We should ensure this doesn't happen," he said.

Anand, who was appointed prime minister after the 1991 coup, said a military power seizure was not always a bad thing, though he did not support it.

"I insist, I don't want to see another military coup in Thailand. But, if there is a government that offers space for the people to take part in politics and the economy, and also returns power to the people, then the military will have no reason to stage a coup," he pointed out.

He was speaking at an interview entitled "Ask Khun Anand about Today's Issues" conducted by media personality Pinyo Trisuriyatamma at the Montien Hotel on Thursday night.

After much pushing, Anand finally said he was not afraid to voice his thoughts about the latest coup, but his answer would not change what had happened, adding that there was no point in discussing the power seizure.

"I was not a democratically elected prime minister, but what did I do that was not right while in government?" he asked.

"I don't think democracy is just about elections. Democracy entails several other things such as democratic values, organisations set up to ensure checks and balances, transparency, a fair judicial system, the right to express opinions.

"An election gives us our representatives. But once elected, these representatives try to make personal gains while claiming they are honorary representatives. This is worrying, as people get tired of democracy. People become sick of politicians even though there are many good politicians."

Yet, the former PM appeared to be optimistic about post-coup politics.

"What I desire to see is not just democracy, but good governance under a democratic framework. Can this be achieved after a military coup? Why not? Provided you have good intentions and forget your personal gains," he said.

However, the subject of the interview changed less than 30 minutes into the session after some officers of the ruling National Council for Peace and Order present in the audience signalled the interviewer.

Anand was then asked about his tenure as a post-coup prime minister.

"The situation then was very worrying. The junta did not know which direction it should take the country, so they invited a civilian like me. Initially, some people did not accept me as PM, but eventually they were fine.

"The question as to where I came from and whether I was justified to take over became less important. The real question is when you're in power, what can you do for the country?

"I don't think the military is having fun, as it realises that there are many risks," he said.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Coup-should-not-revive-old-woes-30241044.html

 

[thenation]2014-08-16[/thenation]

Thai volleyball wonders pull off upset win over world No 8 Dominican Republic
Preechachan Wiriyanupappong
The Nation 

 

Thailand

 

BANGKOK: -- Determined Thailand thrilled home fans with a gutsy performance and excellent teamwork to pull off a hard-fought four-set 25-17 25-23 20-25 25-23 victory against in-form Dominican Republic in their opening FIVB World Grand Prix Pool G clash at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium yesterday.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752166-thai-volleyball-wonders-pull-off-upset-win-over-world-no-8-dominican-republic/

City council president, foundation official held for demanding bribes
Kampanart La-ong
The Nation 

 

BANGKOK: -- The president of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council and the head of a foundation for the poor have been detained for allegedly extorting money from vendors.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752167-city-council-president-foundation-official-held-for-demanding-bribes/

Surrogate mum would be charged double if baby imperfect

BANGKOK: -- As part of the surrogacy scandal involving a Japanese man, a young woman from Udon Thani province agreed to bear a child in order to help her parents escape the clutches of loan sharks.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752168-surrogate-mum-would-be-charged-double-if-baby-imperfect/

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Social media can be a good friend or your enemy
Asina Pornwasin
The Nation 

 

BANGKOK: -- Be careful what you write on social media, because once it's out there, you can't take it back.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752169-social-media-can-be-a-good-friend-or-your-enemy/

Escapee will be arrested soon: police
The Nation 
 

 

BANGKOK: -- A criminal who escaped on Thursday from medical custody at Police General Hospital should be recaptured soon, a senior police officer said yesterday.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752171-escapee-will-be-arrested-soon-police/

Two killed and three injured in attacks in South
The Nation 
 

A military transport truck damaged by a roadside bomb in Narathiwat is inspected by police Explosives Ordnance Disposal personnel.

YALA: -- Two security personnel were killed and three others wounded in two separate roadside bomb attacks in Yala and Narathiwat yesterday.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752170-two-killed-and-three-injured-in-attacks-in-south/

Call for law to control govt ads
The Nation 
 

BANGKOK: -- Media organisations, a think tank and an anti-corruption group are calling for a law to control advertisements by government agencies - to ensure they are not used for political or personal benefit.

A letter was handed to Defence permanent-secretary General Surasak Kanjanarat yesterday detailing the changes needed in the law covering state agencies' advertising.

It was signed by the Thai Journalists Association, Thai Broadcast Journalists Association, the National Press Council and the News Broadcasting Council, along with the Thailand Development Research Institute and the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand.

The letter explained that proposed changes were aimed at preventing the misuse of public funds on ads that may end up benefiting someone personally or politically. For instance, it said, an ad taken out by a government agency should not carry a photo or name of a politician or government official. It also said ads should clearly state that public funds were used to publicise a particular agency.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Call-for-law-to-control-govt-ads-30241054.html

 

[thenation]2014-08-16[/thenation]

EDITORIAL
Now, may the fight be clean and fair
The Nation 
 
BANGKOK: -- Yingluck's return paves the way for historic graft trial

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752172-now-may-the-fight-be-clean-and-fair/

UPDATE:

Hua Hin beach foods now more reasonable after cleanup operations

 

Hua Hin beach foods now more reasonable after cleanup operationsHua Hin beach foods now more reasonable after cleanup operations

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/751797-hua-hin-authorities-fix-food-stall-prices/

Japanese man wants to have 100-1,000 children from surrogacy services
 

 

BANGKOK: -- The Japanese businessman who fathered 13 children with the help of surrogacy services in Thailand has a plan to father 100 up to 1,000 children, according to Japan Times.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752173-japanese-man-wants-to-have-100-1000-children-from-surrogacy-services/

NACC to launch publicity campaign on corruption problem

 

BANGKOK: -- The National Anti-Corruption Commission will hold an exhibition on Monday at its head office on Phitsanuloke road to educate members of the public about the various tricks of corruption and the history of anti-corruption efforts and organistions established to deal with this social scourge.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752175-nacc-to-launch-publicity-campaign-on-corruption-problem/

What Israel must do now
Gershon Baskin
Slate
Gaza 
 

A man drives his cart beneath the minaret of a mosque hit by an Israeli air strike in the west of Gaza City. A fresh five-day ceasefire between Israel and Gaza

 

The Gaza War is a dead end; here's how Israel can make something out of it

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752179-what-israel-must-do-now/

RT @MandalaySamui: Koh Samui Weather Forecast 16th Aug: Isolated t-storms during the morning, then skies turning partly cloudy during the afternoon. High 30C.

American beaten by Ladyboy in Central Pattaya

 

 

PATTAYA:--Late on Thursday Night a 36 year old American was attacked by a Ladyboy in front of a Ladyboy Bar in Soi Buakhao after he angrily refused to enter the Bar following an approach by the attacker on the street.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752188-american-beaten-by-ladyboy-in-central-pattaya/

Police nab five in Patong drug sting
Eakkapop Thongtub

 

 

PHUKET: Kathu police officers last night arrested five Thais and charged them all with possesion of category 1 drugs, with two of the suspects also charged with intent to sale.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752206-police-nab-five-in-patong-drug-sting/

Chief investigator says mastermind abroad financed violence against PDRC protests

 

BANGKOK: -- Deputy commissioner of the Royal Thai Police said that all violent attacks ding the past several months on anti-government protesters led by the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) were manipulated by a mastermind living abroad.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752211-chief-investigator-says-mastermind-abroad-financed-violence-against-pdrc-protests/

From dolphins to tigers, Thailand's animal shows taking their toll

BANGKOK: Pattaya Dolphin World has been giving tourists in the Thai resort town the chance to swim with dolphins, and outraging animal welfare activists, since it opened in 2011.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752213-from-dolphins-to-tigers-thailands-animal-shows-taking-their-toll/

NEPC orders PTT to spin off gas pipeline arm to new subsidiary
The Nation 
 

 

BANGKOK: -- Energy giant will divest some shares in SPRC, reduce dominance

The National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) yesterday passed a resolution calling for PTT to spin off its natural-gas-transmission business and set up a subsidiary to run its pipelines, according to Energy Ministry permanent secretary Areepong Bhoocha-oom.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752225-nepc-orders-ptt-to-spin-off-gas-pipeline-arm-to-new-subsidiary/

NCPO sets up committee to form strategy for 4 agricultural products, chaired by Gen Chatchai Sarikalaya, NCPO Economic Affairs Deputy Chief /MCOT

Prayuth asks farmers to forget rallies ahead of planting

BANGKOK: Prayuth Chan-ocha appealed on Friday for no protests by farmers, saying the military regime is trying to solve sagging farm prices.

"I'm not afraid [of protests] but I don't want to see a waste [of your time]," he said in his weekly Returning Happiness to the People TV programme.

"The country is moving forward. Traffic on the roads is flowing. Protests mean you have to sleep under a net on the streets. I know you're suffering and we're putting all our efforts into helping you."

The plea by the leader of the May 22 coup came as the new crop season was beginning. Rice farmers last rallied shortly after the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) seized power, demanding overdue payments for rice pledged under the flagship policy of the ousted government. The military responded promptly by finding some 90 billion baht.

Rice farmers are not the only ones unhappy with their financial situation. Rubber farmers are reaping the consequences of the planting spree they undertook a decade ago when the world rubber market was booming. Those trees have now matured and supply has outstripped demand, pushing rubber prices to a five-year low.

Gen Prayuth suggested farmers air their grievances in other ways including sending complaints to local officials and to the Damrongtham Centre set up by the Interior Ministry to handle all of the problems people experience.

He said the populist rice-pledging policy, which paid farmers 40-50% more than market rates, had to come to an end as it had caused long-term financial damage to the country. Other measures instead were needed to help farmers, such as cutting production costs, adding more value to farm products, and ensuring fairer treatment of farmers by middlemen.

"Fair deals are the most important. Middlemen should not think only about reaping more profits. You should have a heart for the poor," he said in the pre-recorded statement which came with a warning:

"Don't let us force you [to treat farmers fairly]. The middlemen and related businesses should sacrifice for the country."

The army chief also called for patience as the administration sets out to improve the performance of loss-making state enterprises, saying the attempt would have to continue into the term of the new government to be formed after an election next year.

"I think this is a transitional period which could take three to six months to fine-tune their future direction," he said. "It does not mean the problems will be resolved within three, six, nine or 12 months. We have to set the direction for them to go after 12 months, or into 2015 when we have a new election."

Plans to move state enterprises out of the red include the possibility of opening up some troubled agencies to private-sector partners.

"Some [operations] could be given to the private sector to partially handle. But it has to take into account security and services provided to the people," said Gen Prayuth, who chairs the State Enterprise Policy Commission, better known as the superboard.

Gen Prayuth moved his weekly programme on Friday to 8.15pm from 5pm to allow Channel 7 to broadcast live the volleyball match between Thailand and the Dominican Republic. The Thai women won the match 3-1.

 

[pn]2014-08-16[/pn]

Former Daily News director Prasit dies

 

BANGKOK: -- Advisory chairman and director of the mass circulation Daily News newspapers and former senator Prasit Hetrakul died Saturday at Bangkok Hospital of old age.
He was 84 years old.

Dr Annop Lekakul of Bangkok Hospital said Mr Prasit passed away peacefully at 02.39 a.m.

A royal bathing rite will be held at Sala Chaochom Somboon pavilion on Saturday in Wat That Tong temple at 4.30 p.m.

Mr Prasit was appointed director of Daily News newspaper since 1978 by the founder and former director Mr Saeng Hetrakul. It was until 2007 when he was appointed advisory chairman of Siphaya Printing, owner of the newspaper.

He was also appointed senator during the government of former Prime Minister Gen Prem Tinsulanonda.

He received the highest Direkkunaporn royal decoration from the King in 2010, and is chairman of the Saeng-Chaikee Hetrakul Foundation.

(Photo : Dailynews Online)

 

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/former-daily-news-director-prasit-dies/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=former-daily-news-director-prasit-dies

 

[thaipbs]2014-08-16[/thaipbs]

Two die in van crash

SURAT: -- A van driver and a member of the Central Islamic Committee of Thailand were killed in a highway crash in Phun Phin district of Surat Thani province on Saturday.
The van belongs to the Sheikhul Islam Office.

Police said the accident happened on Highway 41 near Kilometre Marker 177 in Tambon Rongchang of Phun Phin district.

The van was badly damaged and two persons were found dead inside.

Five others were also injured.

The driver was later identified as Somwang Jamsai, and another was Rasamee Damchawai, 55, a member of the Islamic central committee.

All the injured were admitted to Surat Than I hospital.

The cause of the accident is still unknown but police suspected that the van might skid off the road and ram at roadside tree.

 

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/two-die-van-crash/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=two-die-van-crash

 

[thaipbs]2014-08-16[/thaipbs]