Thailand Live Wednesday 20 Aug 2014

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Heavy rain-induced flash flood hit parts of Thailand

BANGKOK 19 August 2014 (NNT) - Flash flood caused by continued heavy rain has hit various parts of Thailand.

In southern Surat Thani province, more than 10 houses have been damaged by the latest flash flood while large swathes of orchards and palm oil plantations in the area have been inundated.

Surat Thani’s Wiang Sa District Chief Norb Kongpool has led related officials to assess the damage from the flood before coordinating with the Provincial Electricity Authority to inspect power lines and the Provincial Waterworks Authority to deliver clean water to those in need.

Mr. Norb said flood-hit residents have been warned to remain alert even after the water recedes.

Meanwhile, in northern Uttaradit province, flash flood, which was brought on by nearly five hours of heavy rain, hit Baan Wang Takhien in Phak Khuang Sub-district and Baan Wang Bane in Bo Thong Sub-district. Dozens of houses have been inundated as a result

At the same time, the Department of Rural Roads has initiated the building of barriers to prevent mudslides in Phang-Nga province’s Takua Thung District where continued heavy rain has been witnessed and led to fears of landslides.


-- NNT 2014-08-20

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NCPO chief Prayuth invited to take "the Ice Bucket Challenge"
Asina Pornwasin,
Kornchanok Raksaseri
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The "Ice Bucket Challenge" fund-raising activity has gone viral in social media, to the extent that even junta chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha has been challenged to take the plunge.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753097-gen-prayuth-nominated-for-ice-bucket-challenge/?p=8269536#entry8269536

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SPECIAL REPORT
Aek, Somyot in tight race for national police chief's job
Khwanhathai Malakan
The Nation


Aek

BANGKOK: -- Pol General Aek Angsananont and Pol General Somyot Poompanmoung, both deputy chiefs at the Royal Thai Police, appear to be running head to head for the top post - the winner of which will be announced today. An unnamed national police inspector-general is also in the running.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753194-aek-somyot-in-tight-race-for-national-thai-police-chiefs-job/

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SPECIAL REPORT
World 'won't accept' brass as foreign minister
Supalak Ganjanakhundee,
Kornchanok Raksaseri
The Nation

Officials hope NCPO avoids move as it could hurt nation's diplomatic clout

BANGKOK: -- The Foreign Ministry might find it difficult to fulfil its mission to put Thailand in a leading position in the international community if the new foreign minister to be picked soon carries a military rank, senior ministry officials said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753195-thai-report-world-wont-accept-brass-as-foreign-minister/

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SURROGACY
Surrogate mothers 'need protection'
The Nation

THEY FACE HEALTH, OTHER RISKS: EXPERTS

BANGKOK: -- THAI EXPERTS yesterday called for legislation that ensures protection of the rights of surrogate mothers and also covers the rights and duties of sperm/egg donors and newborns.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753196-thai-experts-surrogate-mothers-need-protection/

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BOARD OF INVESTMENT
BoI changes strategy
Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn
The Nation

New investment promotion measures to affect 80 businesses; bid to restructure the national economy

BANGKOK: -- The Board of Investment yesterday gave the nod in principle to the new investment promotion strategy for 2015-21, which focuses on industries that will lead to a change in the country's economic structure, the creation of value-added businesses and sustainable growth.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753197-thailands-boi-changes-strategy/

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UPDATE:

TOURISM
THAI steps up fight against Ebola
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION


THAI staffs demonstrate aircraft cleaning and vaccination against the Ebola outbreak in Africa.

Private and public organisations are putting more precautionary actions in place here against the Ebola outbreak in Africa to ensure safety.

BANGKOK: -- Thai Airways International (THAI) yesterday demonstrated aircraft cleaning and vaccination at Suvarnabhumi Airport to give confidence to passengers who will travel with the airline.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753110-thai-ready-to-cancel-flights-to-avoid-ebola-virus/#entry8269595

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WATER PROJECT
Better planning, more research needed before water project: academics
Erich Parpart
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Academics have stressed the importance of planning and research - possibly for another year - on the proposed government water-management programme, along with the setting up of a special body to oversee the projects.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753198-better-planning-more-research-needed-before-thai-water-project-academics/

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EDITORIAL
Assets declaration a foundation of reforms
The Nation

Without initial commitment to transparency, the process faces a shaky future

BANGKOK: -- They arrived at the scene of one of the country's worst-ever conflicts. They vowed to restore peace, order and harmony and launch much-needed political reforms. And the ride has, up to now, been rather smooth for the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). But the military junta is now facing growing public demand for members of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to disclose their personal assets.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753199-assets-declaration-a-foundation-of-reforms-thai-editorial/

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Norwegian Chiropractor arrested by Pattaya Immigration Police



PATTAYA: -- On Tuesday afternoon, Immigration Officers conducted an undercover operation at a Chiropractor Clinic in Jomtien which was allegedly being run by a Norwegian who was not licensed to practice in Thailand and had no permit to Work.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753200-norwegian-chiropractor-arrested-by-pattaya-immigration-police/

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Russian reports theft from car at Pattaya Gym car park



PATTAYA: -- Late on Tuesday night a 24 year old Russian reported the theft of money and her IPhone after her car was broken into as she worked-out at a Gymnasium located in Jomtien.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753201-russian-reports-theft-from-car-at-pattaya-gym-car-park/

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Man stabbed with broken bottle in South Pattaya drunken brawl



PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Wednesday a 24 year old man was taken to Hospital following an attack on him by his drinking partner who was subjected to insulting comments about his family and decided to retaliate with a broken bottle which he used to stab the victim with.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753202-man-stabbed-with-broken-bottle-in-south-pattaya-drunken-brawl/

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Murder-kidnap suspect arrested in Phuket, 8 years on
Eakkapop Thongtub


Somkiet in custody last night, with his captors.

PHUKET: -- A man wanted for kidnapping a young girl eight years ago in Nakhon Sri Thammarat and for having a hand in murdering someone else was arrested yesterday evening (August 18) in Patong.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753203-murder-kidnap-suspect-arrested-in-phuket-8-years-on/

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Suspected thief arrested in Ubon Ratchathani-Bangkok sleeper train

BANGKOK: -- A man was arrested by railway officials after he sneaked into a Bangkok-bound northeastern sleeper train in an attempt to steal valuables from sleeping passengers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753204-suspected-thief-arrested-in-ubon-ratchathani-bangkok-sleeper-train/

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BMC president faces three serious charges for extorting vendors



BANGKOK: -- Metropolitan police Tuesday imposed three charges against Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) president Phipat Larbpratthana after he was arrested by soldiers and police following complaints by sidewalk vendors of demanding protection fee.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753205-bangkok-metropolitan-council-president-faces-three-serious-charges-for-extorting-vendors/

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Crackdown on illegal motorcycle racers
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Over the past three years, up to 200,000 people have been arrested for the offence of illegal motorcycle racing, assistant national police chief Pol Lt-General Ruangsak Jaritake said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753206-crackdown-on-illegal-motorcycle-racers-bangkok/

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BURNING ISSUE
Rubber-stamp NLA could be waste of time and money
Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Nobody expects the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to be anymore than a rubber stamp in endorsing junta-guided laws and directives. However, it's time for the lawmakers to show that they have enough courage to lay the foundation for the country's future.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753207-rubber-stamp-nla-could-be-waste-of-time-and-money-thai-politics/

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Budget panel tells officials to be prudent
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE CHAIRMAN of the National Legislative Assembly's budget scrutiny panel, General Chatchai Sarikulya, has asked for reduced expenditures on seminars, training, public relations and overseas trips, a source said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753208-budget-panel-tells-thai-officials-to-be-prudent/

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Nine arrested in Phuket on meth possession charges
Darawan Naknakhon


No smiles. Group photo for the nine people arrested.

PHUKET: -- Nine people were arrested last night (August 18) when police made a sweep through three Kathu communities looking for drugs.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753209-nine-arrested-in-phuket-on-meth-possession-charges/

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More cables in Phuket Town going underground
Darawan Naknakhon


That's better: Dibuk Rd after cables were buried.

PHUKET: -- Phuket City Municipality has launched a new campaign to put power and phone cables underground, this time on Trang Rd, Narison Rd and Montri Rd.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753210-more-cables-in-phuket-town-going-underground/

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Islamist militants 'kill reporter James Foley on video'

(BBC) The Islamic State militant group has released a video online purporting to show the beheading of a US journalist.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753212-islamist-militants-kill-us-reporter-james-foley-on-video/

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Gaza conflict: Truce ends amid fresh fighting

(BBC) A truce between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza has ended amid fresh air strikes which Israel says were countering rocket fire.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753213-gaza-conflict-truce-ends-amid-fresh-fighting/

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NCPO orders to fell down 20,000 rubber trees illegally planted on 329-rai of land in Mu Koh Phi Phi-Nopparathara National Park in Krabi. /Bangkok Poast

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Thailand, Malaysia agree to jointly strengthen border security

BANGKOK, 20 August 2014 (NNT) – An agreement was reached during the 30th Thailand-Malaysia High-Level Committee (HLC) Meeting to maintain tight security measures along the common border and further promote development in border areas of both nations.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thai and Malaysian delegates recently came together for their 30th HLC Meeting held in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. The event was co-chaired by Thai Supreme Commander Gen Thanasak Patimapragorn and his Malaysian counterpart Gen Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Zulkifeli bin Mohd Zin.

At the discussion, the Chief of Malaysian Armed Forces reportedly stated his understanding of the reasons behind the military takeover in Thailand. He expressed confidence in the National Council for Peace and Order’s ability to drive the country forward in accordance with its road map.

The meeting was also briefed on the progress made in the military and security cooperation along the Thai-Malaysian border. The discussion focused on measures to step up border security as well as economic and social development measures being implemented in communities on both sides of the border.

Thailand is joining Myanmar for their second HLC meeting from tomorrow until August 22 in Bagan, Myanmar while the 8th Thailand-Indonesia HLC Meeting is due to follow on August 28-29 in Bandung, Indonesia.


-- NNT 2014-08-20

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UPDATE:

Accused drug buster officer involved with major drug trafficking ring



BANGKOK: -- Royal Thai Police deputy commissioner Pol Gen Pongsapat Pongcharoen said that the police officer of Chiang Mai who was earlier arrested on drug charge had been engaged in drug trafficking network operated by Col Yi Ze.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/752942-chiang-mai-anti-drug-police-chief-arrested-in-chiang-rai-for-drug-delivery/page-3#entry8270304

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Weather Forecast For Thailand 20 August 2014
More rain is expected throughout the country

BANGKOK, 20 August 2014 (NNT) - According to the Meteorological Department daily weather forecast, areas throughout the country are today likely to receive rain with scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy falls.

The Meteorological Department says a monsoon trough lies across upper Thailand, Laos and Vietnam along with a southwest monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand. Southeasterly winds prevailing across the Gulf of Thailand will result in an increase in precipitation with scattered thundershowers covering 40-70% of the country.

In some parts of the Northern and upper Northeastern region, heavy rain and strong winds are expected. People living in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Prae, Payao, Tak, Nong Khai, Nongbualamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom and Roi Et province should be on high alert for possible flash floods.

People in the Central and Eastern regions, can expect a cloudy day with scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain throughout the day especially in the provinces of Nakhon Sawan, Kanchanaburi and Suphan Buri.

In the southern region both the East Coast and West Coast can expect a cloudy sky with scattered thundershowers especially in the provinces of Phatthalung, Songkhla, Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, Phang-nga, Phuket, Krabi and Trang. Wave heights of between 1 and 2 meters are expected in thunderstorm areas.

In the Bangkok metropolitan area, residents can expect cloudy skies with fairly widespread thundershowers.

Temperatures throughout the country will range between 24-34 degrees during the day.


-- NNT 2014-08-20

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Thailand seeks to attract more Bruneian tourists



BANGKOK: -- Thailand will be looking to top the number of Bruneian tourists for 2014 after experiencing a major increase in the previous year, the country’s ambassador to Brunei said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753242-thailand-seeks-to-attract-more-tourists-from-brunei/

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Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 1,548.15, gains 5.30 points /MCOT

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Pattaya view-blocking condo project paused
By Coconuts Bangkok


The present photo shows Pattaya’s ocean view is hidden behind a massive erection. Photo: We Love Pattaya Checkpoint

PATTAYA: -- Officials have ordered a halt to the construction of a new, view-spoiling luxury condo in Pattaya, but not because of the controversy over its size.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753244-pattaya-view-blocking-condo-project-paused/

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UN decries 'harsh' Thai sentences for royal slurs

BANGKOK, August 20, 2014 (AFP) - The United Nation's human rights office has voiced alarm at recent arrests and jail sentences for insulting Thailand's monarchy, warning of "chilling effects" on freedom of expression under the junta.

Since the army seized power from an elected government in May, at least 13 new royal defamation cases have been opened for investigation and other allegations have been revived, spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said.

"We are seriously concerned about the prosecution and harsh sentencing of individuals in Thailand under the country's lese majeste law," she said in a statement issued in Geneva on Tuesday.

"Such measures are adding to the larger pattern of increasing restrictions on freedom of expression in Thailand."

Last week two activists were charged with breaching the strict royal insult laws during a university play in October 2013 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of a student-led uprising.

The UN said the play depicted a fictional monarch who was manipulated by his adviser.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 86, is revered by many Thais and protected by tough defamation laws that carry a maximum jail sentence of 15 years for each conviction.

A 28-year-old musician was recently sentenced to 15 years in jail after he was found guilty of posting insulting messages about the monarchy on Facebook.

Earlier this month, a taxi driver was jailed for two years and six months for a conversation he had with a passenger that was deemed offensive to the monarchy, the UN noted.

"The threat of the use of the lese majeste laws adds to the chilling effects on freedom of expression observed in Thailand after the coup, and risks curbing critical debate on issues of public interest," Shamdasani said.

Critics say the royal slur legislation has been politicised, noting that many of those charged in recent years were linked to the "Red Shirts" protest movement, which is broadly supportive of fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Thaksin clashed with the royalist establishment before his overthrow in a coup in 2006.

His younger sister Yingluck Shinawatra was ousted as prime minister in a controversial court decision in May this year, shortly before the army chief seized power in a bloodless coup.

The junta has moved to suppress any public protests against the military takeover.

New York-based Human Rights Watch said the arrests of the two activists, 10 months after the play was staged, suggested that the Thai junta was sending a "political message".

"The heavy-handed enforcement of lese majeste laws has a devastating impact on freedom of expression in Thailand," said HRW Asia director Brad Adams.

"A broad-based discussion is urgently needed to amend the laws to ensure that they conform with Thailand's international human rights obligations."

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-08-20