Thailand Live Tuesday 19 Aug 2014

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NCPO spokesperson: PTT’s new pipeline subsidiary to provide fair gas transmission

BANGKOK, 19 August 2014 (NNT) - According to the National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) resolution, PTT Plc. has to spin off its natural-gas-transmission business and set up a subsidiary to run its pipelines in order to provide fair gas transmission.

NCPO spokesman Col Winthai Suvaree has clarified that the action aims to reduce dominance and determine a fair service fee. It is believed that it will provide utmost benefits for nation and the gas-pipeline subsidiary would not be privatized.

Initially PTT will own 100 per cent of the subsidiary before the Finance Ministry acquires 25 percent later.


-- NNT 2014-08-19

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Junta Considers New Taxes Aimed At Wealthy
By Khaosod English


Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, chairman of the NCPO. [DPA]

BANGKOK — Thailand's military junta is considering new inheritance and property taxes to address the country's wealthy disparity, sources say.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752940-ncpo-considers-new-taxes-aimed-at-wealthy/

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Officials To Regulate Damoen Saduak Floating Market
By Khaosod English


Monks receive alms at Damoen Saduak floating market on 21 November 2010 (Photo by Matichon)

RATCHABURI — Local authorities in Ratchaburi province will begin enforcing a cheaper, fixed price for boat rides along Thailand's famous floating market in Damoen Saduak district.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752941-thai-officials-to-regulate-damoen-saduak-floating-market/

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Chiang Mai Anti-Drug Police Chief Arrested For Drug Delivery
By Khaosod English


Pol.Lt.Col. Chamnarn Phoomphaichit © was arrested at a checkpoint near the Thai-Myanmar border in Chiang Rai province after officers searched his vehicle and found large amounts of narcotics hidden in two bags, 18 August 2014.

CHIANG RAI — A drug smuggler arrested with more than 800,000 tablets of methamphetamine this afternoon was discovered to be a high-ranking police officer tasked with cracking down on illegal drugs.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752942-chiang-mai-anti-drug-police-chief-arrested-in-chiang-rai-for-drug-delivery/

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Bike police patrols launched in Chiang Mai

CHIANG MAI, 19 August 2014 (NNT) - To build an impression on Chiang Mai, a hub of tourism in the northern region of Thailand, the bicycle police patrols are being implemented in various tourist areas including Pra Singh Temple, Chedi Luang Temple and within Chiang Mai’s moat to provide security for and to help facilitate foreign tourists.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752943-bike-police-patrols-launched-in-chiang-mai/

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UPDATE:

JAPAN
Tokyo embassy probes fatal car crash involving three Thai citizens
The Nation


A still taken from a Japanese news programme shows the car and bicycle involved in the fatal accident.

BANGKOK: -- The Thai Embassy in Tokyo is looking into a car accident involving three Thais arrested for drunk driving that killed a young woman and seriously injured a man.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752752-three-thais-arrested-in-japan-for-reckless-driving/page-5?p=8264547#entry8264547

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SURROGACY SCANDAL
Clinic's services suspended amid surrogacy probe
Jessada Chantharak,
Monthien Inthaket
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- POLICE yesterday raided and suspended obstetrics and gynaecology services at a Lat Phrao clinic for 60 days pending investigation into reports that it provided surrogacy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752945-bangkok-clinics-services-suspended-amid-surrogacy-probe/

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AMNESTY
NCPO won't mess with amnesty: Paiboon
The Nation

Says he was misquoted in relation to absolution of cases tied to politics

BANGKOK: -- General Paiboon Koomchaya, the junta's chief of judicial affairs, denied yesterday that the military rulers planned to conduct a public opinion survey on amnesty for political cases.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752946-ncpo-wont-mess-with-amnesty-paiboon/

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NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
NLA session ran like well-oiled Army machine
Praphan Jindalertudomdee
The Nation


Junta chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha, standing, reads a statement at yesterday

BANGKOK: -- Yesterday was an unusually quiet day at Parliament despite the National Legislative Assembly deliberating the 2015 budget bill.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752947-nla-session-ran-like-well-oiled-army-machine/

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Hotel association believes junta's beach crackdown will lure tourists back
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION


Soldiers carry away canvas beach recliners as part of the process of restoring order at Hua Hin beach.

BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) is encouraged to continue improving the public image of attractions across the country in a bid to draw more tourists in the coming high season.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752948-thai-hotel-association-believes-juntas-beach-crackdown-will-lure-tourists-back/

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2015 BUDGET BILL
NCPO aims to avoid debt
Prapasri Osathanont
The Nation


Junta chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha gestures while addressing yesterday

Prayuth vows 2015 budget won't burden country, will boost economy

BANGKOK: -- Junta chief Prayuth Chan-ocha told the National Legislative Assembly yesterday the proposed budget would not leave problems or debt for the country in the long run - as he would only be in power for one year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752949-2015-thai-budget-bill-ncpo-aims-to-avoid-debt/

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EDITORIAL
Don't be fooled by 'Thai-style democracy'
The Nation

The rights of the individual must be respected in every society, whether in Asia or the West

BANGKOK: -- Contrary to opinions being voiced in Thailand, democracy has not been patented by the West. Our intellectual elite should stop spreading the false idea that "Western-style democracy" does not fit Thai society.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752950-editorial-dont-be-fooled-by-thai-style-democracy/

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STREETWISE
Fear and greed: The personal story behind national economic woe
Achara Deboonme

BANGKOK: -- When you turn 50, one question begins ringing repetitively in your head: "Will I have enough money to get by until the day I depart this world?"

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752953-fear-and-greed-the-personal-story-behind-national-economic-woe/

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Honest Pattaya Baht Bus Driver reunites missing valuables with Burmese owner



PATTAYA: -- On Monday afternoon, a Pattaya Baht Bus Driver was made aware of a bag containing gold, money and other valuable items, which had been left on a seat on the Bus and thanks to the Baht Bus Cooperative, the valuables were later re-united with their Burmese owner.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752954-honest-pattaya-baht-bus-driver-reunites-missing-valuables-with-burmese-owner/

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Phuket sidecar owner has disturbing way with words
The Phuket News


Ms Somjai's saleng and its disturbing prayer.

PHUKET: -- A photo of “saleng” motorbike with sidecar with a disturbing placard attached to the back of it today (August 18) triggered a hunt for the owner.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752955-phuket-sidecar-owner-has-disturbing-way-with-words/

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Young Phuket man slashed over loan for booze
Eakkapop Thongtub


Boonphak i strapped to a stretcher before being taken to hospital.

PHUKET: -- A young man was rushed to Thalang hospital earl today (August 18) after his belly was slashed open in an argument about money for booze.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752956-young-phuket-man-slashed-over-loan-for-booze/

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First day of wheel clamping campaign nets 80 offenders

BANGKOK: -- In the first day of the wheel clamping D-Day on Monday more than 80 vehicles were wheel-clamped for illegal parking in a single day.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752957-bangkok-first-day-of-wheel-clamping-campaign-nets-80-offenders/

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Kingdom at crossroads, foreign experts warn
Pravit Rojanaphruk,
Kris Bhromsuthi
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Respected foreign voices invited to speak about Thailand's political footing have warned that the country faces an uncertain future.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752958-thailand-at-crossroads-foreign-experts-warn/

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NCPO members to declare assets 'on voluntary basis'
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Members of the junta may submit asset declarations if they want to show their sincerity in working for the country, National Anti-Corruption Commission secretary-general Sansern Poljiak said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752959-ncpo-members-to-declare-assets-on-voluntary-basis/

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Ferguson unrest: White House steps up involvement

WASHINGTON: -- The US attorney general is to travel to the riot-hit town of Ferguson, as the federal authorities step up efforts to restore calm after the fatal police shooting of an unarmed black teenager.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752963-ferguson-unrest-white-house-steps-up-involvement/

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Jackie Chan's son detained in Beijing for marijuana possession
Cao Yin
China Daily

Another actor, Kai Ko of Taiwan, also detained for suspected drug use

BEIJING: -- Jaycee Chan, the 32-year-old son of kung <deleted> superstar Jackie Chan, has been detained by police in Beijing after being caught with 100 grams of marijuana, according to media reports.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752983-jackie-chans-son-detained-in-beijing-for-marijuana-possession/

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Language schools suffering

PATTAYA: -- It has become evident that the present official campaign to stamp out visa abuse, as perceived by the authorities, is serious and likely to be sustained.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752990-language-schools-suffering-thailand/

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Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,550.87, gains 8.51 points /MCOT

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NESDB revises Thai GDP growth forecast to 1.5-2 per cent this year
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Aug 18 -- The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) revises its forecast of Thai economic growth this year to 1.5-2 per cent due to the economic recession in the first half of this year, recognizing that export growth is lower than expected.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752992-nesdb-revises-thai-gdp-growth-forecast-to-15-2-percent-this-year/

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Public hearings planned on water management
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Aug 18 -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives through its water development and management sub-committee will hold public hearings in the North, the Central Plain and the East to gather information to write a new water management plan that emphasizes public participation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752996-public-hearings-planned-on-thailands-water-management/

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Songkhla to boost local tourism with upgrades for ASEAN Community
By Digital Content



SONGKHLA, Aug 18 -- This southern Thai province will seek new market targets and promote new local tourist destinations, inlans ahead of the ASEAN Community (AC) in 2015.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752999-songkhla-to-boost-local-tourism-with-upgrades-for-asean-community/

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Giant saltwater crocodile kills Australia fisherman

ADELAIDE: -- A man has been killed by a giant saltwater crocodile as he was fishing with his wife in northern Australia.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753001-giant-saltwater-crocodile-kills-australia-fisherman/

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Thailand expects 4.3 million Chinese visitors this year
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Aug 18 -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand expects that the number of Chinese tourists visiting the country this year will reach 4.3 million as Thailand has waived visa fees for Chinese and Taiwanese tourists for the first three months.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753002-thailand-expects-43-million-chinese-visitors-this-year/

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Multiple causes for Pathum Thani building collapse
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Aug 18 -- The Thai Council of Engineers said today there are various causes to the collapse of a residential in Klong Hok area of Pathum Thani province, while pointing out obvious signs that inform that a building could be at risk of collapsing.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753007-multiple-causes-for-pathum-thani-building-collapse/

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Short deadline for Phuket's Nai Yang Beach businesses
The Phuket News


One of the three excavator waits.

PHUKET: -- Some 45 businesses -- massage shops, restaurant, bars and shops -- lining the beach at Naiyang have been given until 10:30 this morning (August 19) to show authorities paperwork justifying their existence, or have their premises ripped down.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753010-short-deadline-for-phukets-nai-yang-beach-businesses/