Thailand Live Friday 22 Aug 2014

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NEW PM
No surprises as NLA backs Army chief to become 29th premier
KRIS BHROMSUTHI
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- THE NATIONAL Legislative Assembly yesterday voted unanimously for junta chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha to be the 29th prime minister of Thailand. He was the sole candidate for the job. Prayuth was widely tipped to become the next prime minister after staging the coup in May.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753757-no-surprises-as-nla-backs-thai-army-chief-to-become-29th-premier/

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Foreign Ministry orders Thai envoys to move from war-torn Libya

BANGKOK, 22 August 2014 (NNT) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has ordered all Thai envoys and civil servants in Tripoli to move to Tunisia’s Djerba, as the civil war between Islamist forces and their opponents continues in Libya.

Sasiwat Wongsinsawas, the deputy director-general of the Department of South Asian, Middle Eastern and African Affairs, has revealed that the MOF considers the safety of all officials a priority while fighting between armed forces is occurring in many parts of the North African country.

In addition, Mr Sasiwat said that a decision to close the Thai Embassy in Tripoli depends on the growing violence and the effect on daily life.


-- NNT 2014-08-22

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NEW PREMIER
Quiet, determined pupil who studied hard, loved school
Kris Bhromsuthi,
Supinda Na Mahachai
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- General Prayuth Chan-ocha's childhood dream was to be a soldier.

He far exceeded that, becoming the top Army commander a few years ago and is now set to be installed as the next prime minister.

The National Legislative Assembly yesterday voted for him to become the 29th prime minister of the country, pending royal endorsement.

At age 15, Prayuth disclosed his passion to be a soldier. He told the now-defunct Chaiyapruk student-oriented magazine in 1969 that he was inspired by his father, who was an Army colonel.

As an outstanding student, he was interviewed by the magazine for its "Rian Dee" (Good Student) column.

Then secondary school student, Prayuth was described in the article as being mature beyond his years, and unlike most of his classmates spent most of his time reading and studying rather than playing outdoors.

The magazine reported that Prayuth had not got less than 80 per cent on an exam since primary school. He liked maths, English and science, saying his recipe for academic success was his love of studying.

The article's author said Prayuth had a bright future, and that the chance of him going off the rails was "very slim".

Prayuth went on to achieve his childhood dream, joining the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School. As a member of Class 12, he began nurturing his ties with Class 10 member Anupong Paochinda, who later became Army chief.

This relationship proved a significant factor in Prayuth's rise through the ranks. The two watched each other's back when they served in the elite 21st Infantry Regiment of the Queen's Guards in Chon Buri.

Prayuth was born in 1954 in Nakhon Ratchasima to Colonel Praput and Kempetch Chan-ocha. He has four siblings and one of his brothers, Lt-General Preecha Chan-ocha, is the Third Army Region chief.

He attended Nuannoradit School before joining the pre-cadet school and then the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy as a member of Class 23. He became Army commander-in-chief in 2010.

The PM-elect is known for his fiery temperament. On May 22, the day of the coup, he declared that he decided to seize power after arguing politicians failed to end their dispute during a meeting he had brokered.

Former sociology teacher, Thani Kumchana, 74, who taught Prayuth as a boy at Wat Nuannoradit School in Bangkok, said she was very happy to hear that her former student would become the 29th PM. She described him as a quiet student who worked hard. He was also very honest.

She said he loved school and had always supported and helped the school in any way he could since starting his career in the military.

School director Prasert Poodpong said, according to former classmates, Prayuth was rather quiet but a great student who loved to read and was very determined. He loved playing football and loved his school. He donated Bt200,000 to the school earlier this month. His classmates said Prayuth was also the best looking boy in the class.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Quiet-determined-pupil-who-studied-hard-loved-scho-30241513.html


-- The Nation 2014-08-22

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NEW PREMIER
'The economy must take priority'
THE NATION

Country is on the edge of recession and Asean competition intensifying: Business people and diplomats warn

BANGKOK: -- ECONOMIC ACHIEVEMENT and integration into the Asean community are the great challenges for the Prime Minister-elect General Prayuth Chan-ocha, as the country is on the edge of recession while the door to regional integration has already been opened, diplomatic and business figures have said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753759-new-thai-pm-the-economy-must-take-priority/

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NEW PRIME MINISTER
First family keeps low profile
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- PRIME MINISTER-ELECT General Prayuth Chan-ocha is known for wishing to maintain privacy for his family. So does his wife Naraporn, a former associate professor at Chulalongkorn University Language Institute.

When Prayuth was named Army chief in 2010, Naraporn decided to leave her job to work full-time as president of the Thai Army Wives Association.

Naraporn wants to keep her low profile. She plays an active role in the Army Wives Association, which looks after the welfare of low-ranking soldiers and their families. She also attends social and religious charity events.

Naraporn is also vice chairman of the Distance Learning Foundation and teaches English on the long-distance learning TV station.

The couple has twin daughters, Thanya and Nittha.

Early this year, Sudchai Boonchai, a leader of the Friends of Thaksin group, put a message on his Facebook page urging red shirts to take Prayuth's daughters hostage if he staged a coup. He later apologised to Prayuth.

Recently, a newspaper reporter was blasted by Prayuth for posting photos of the Army chief's daughters on Facebook following Sudchai's threat.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/First-family-keeps-low-profile-30241498.html


-- The Nation 2014-08-22

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SURROGACY
Big bucks in baby business
The Nation



Egg seller lifts the lid on commercial surrogacy

BANGKOK: -- A commercial surrogacy ring has "exported" more than 100 babies and earned more than Bt50 million each year, according to a young woman who claims to have sold her eggs to the ring.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753760-surrogacy-big-bucks-in-baby-business/

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NEW PM
Business lobbies hail rise of Prayuth
Business Reporters
The Nation


General Prayuth Chan-ocha

BANGKOK: -- Business representatives say they are confident that the new prime minister, General Prayuth Chan-ocha, will drive the country's economic growth.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753761-new-thai-pm-business-lobbies-hail-rise-of-prayuth/

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TCC
Two to develop Rama IV site
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE Crown Property Bureau (CPB) has awarded Univentures and TCC Assets (Thailand) Co, the property arm of beverage tycoon Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, the right to develop a multibillion-baht mixed-use complex on 90 rai (14.4 hectares) on Rama IV Road in Bangkok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753762-bangkok-two-to-develop-rama-iv-site/

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OVERDRIVE
Reform path still uncertain as Prayuth hops onto tiger's back
Thanong Khanthong

BANGKOK: -- Thailand finally has a new prime minister, after General Prayuth Chan-ocha was handpicked for the job by the National Legislative Assembly. General Prayuth will head both the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and the new government.

Ever since he led the military coup on May 22, it has been inevitable that he would have to grab the power of high office and proceed on with this treacherous course until the next election. But now Prayuth finds himself riding on the proverbial tiger's back.

Will he cling on with dignity till the end of his term? Before answering that question we must consider a few others. Is he doing all of this for himself, or for vested interests or for the country? If he staged the coup to grab power for himself and to serve vested interests, it's doubtful he will survive for too long. But if he intends to lead Thailand for the benefit of all Thais, then he will go down in history as a national hero. There is a fine line between a statesman and a tyrant. Prayuth is now at a crossroads. Which path will he choose?

Prayuth may be the nominal leader of Thailand, but it is no secret that General Prawit Wongsuwan, former army chief and defence minister, has been wielding power behind the scenes. Although General Anupong Paochinda is also a member of the NCPO and helped mastermind the coup, he has preferred to keep a low profile. Since Prayuth has a high regard for Prawit, he lets the latter run the show. Prawit has a free hand in fielding key persons for appointments at various state agencies and departments as well as the National Legislative Assembly. Hence, this has almost completely become a General Prawit show.

It's for this reason that we have not seen representatives from different factions of Thai society willing to join Prayuth in running the country during this transition period. Those who have assumed power largely belong to an old boys' network of familiar faces. This goes against the spirit of reform that the Thai public has been fighting for over the past decade, culminating in the mass protest led by Suthep Thaugsuban. General Prayuth has claimed that the military staged the coup to end the polarisation within Thai politics, restore order, return happiness to the Thai people and, finally, create an atmosphere of reconciliation. The public should thank him for assuming this responsibility given all the risks involved in staging a coup. But many people now are feeling uneasy with the people that Prayuth and Prawit have handpicked for the various agencies, departments and National Legislative Assembly.

What seems lacking so far in Prayuth's moves is a strong reform agenda, particularly for the energy sector. Even worse, the military yesterday nabbed some 10 activists in Songkhla Province for organising a campaign to reform the energy sector, charging them with violating martial law. This does not bode well for Prayuth ahead of his next move to form a Cabinet. The reform agenda could end up being declared dead on arrival.

It will be interesting to see who makes it into the Prayuth Cabinet. The Suthep-led group, the yellow shirts, the multi-coloured shirts and even the red shirts are feeling uneasy with developments. It appears that the military has taken all matters into its own hands without listening to other sectors of society. There is a danger of a we-know-best mentality. But the military might hand down a blanket-amnesty bill to keep all parties happy and on the sidelines so that there is no opposition to military rule.

It is never too late to do good. Prayuth has shown courage in leading a coup to end the political deadlock and to prevent further bloodshed. But seizing power was the easy part; managing the aftermath is more difficult. If Prayuth sets his sights on running his administration for the benefits of the country, he will dismount the tiger's back elegantly. If not, Thailand could face another round political turmoil, which does not bode well for the country.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Reform-path-still-uncertain-as-Prayuth-hops-onto-t-30241493.html


-- The Nation 2014-08-22

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Thai Nominee Shareholding Crackdown in Pattaya announced by DSI



PATTAYA: -- On Friday at Nong Nooch Gardens in Jomtien, a meeting led by the Department of Special Investigations (DSI) was held to discuss plans to begin a crackdown on foreign business people who use Thai Nominee Shareholders to effectively control Thai companies.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753763-thai-nominee-shareholding-crackdown-in-pattaya-announced-by-dsi/

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Bank Robbery Simulation organized by Pattaya Police



PATTAYA: -- In an attempt to sharpen Police skills in relation to dealing with armed bank robberies, Pattaya Police Officers took part in a simulated case of armed robbery at a Bank in Jomtien on Friday afternoon and it was no surprise that both pretend robbers were arrested and the stolen money was recovered.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753764-bank-robbery-simulation-organized-by-pattaya-police/

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Land 'owner' on Phuket's Raet Island ordered to remove illegal structures
The Phuket News


Land 'owner' on Phuket's Raet Island ordered to remove illegal structures

PHUKET: -- Construction on eight rai of land valued at B40 million on Koh Raet, off the Ao Por Grand Marina, was ordered to a halt this morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753765-land-owner-on-phukets-raet-island-ordered-to-remove-illegal-structures/

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Foreign Ministry denies Saudi downgrades relations with Thailand



BANGKOK: -- The Thai Foreign Ministry has denied a speculation that Saudi Arabia has downgraded its relations with Thailand by recalling its charge d’affairs back home.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753766-foreign-ministry-denies-saudi-downgrades-relations-with-thailand/

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Inheritance tax bill for NCPO's scrutiny



BANGKOK: -- The Revenue Department is to propose to the National Council for Peace and Order that a 10 percent tax should be imposed on inheritance which is worth more than 50 million baht.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753767-inheritance-tax-bill-for-ncpos-scrutiny/

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Woman places under observation after her return from Ebola-affected areas



BANGKOK: -- A Thai woman who returned to Bangkok on Wednesday frome one of those African countries where there have been an outbreak of Ebola virus has been placed under close watch at Bamrasnaradoon institute.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753771-thai-woman-placed-under-observation-after-her-return-from-ebola-affected-areas/

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'Seek opinions from NGOs, experts on govt projects'
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- NON-GOVERNMENT organisations (NGOs) are jointly calling on the new government to engage the people's sector when reviewing government projects.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753773-seek-opinions-from-ngos-experts-on-thai-govt-projects/

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Student loan ceiling to be reduced
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The student loan ceiling for educational institutes is likely to be reduced soon as more than half of the loans granted so far have not been repaid, the Education Ministry said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753776-student-loan-ceiling-to-be-reduced-thai-education-ministry/

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GLO looks set to claim back 43 million lottery tickets



BANGKOK: -- It was widely speculated that the Government Lottery Office might reclaim the quota of 43 million lottery tickets from a handful of major lottery traders after GLO officials and employees were told to pump a message “controlled lottery” on the lottery tickets.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753778-glo-looks-set-to-claim-back-43-million-thai-lottery-tickets/

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James Foley killers 'wanted $132m ransom'

(BBC) Jihadists holding US journalist James Foley wanted a $132m (£80m) ransom for his release, his employer has said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753779-james-foley-killers-wanted-us132m-ransom/

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NSA and GCHQ agents 'leak Tor bugs' alleges developer

(BBC) Some US and UK cyberspies are deliberately undermining their workmates' "dark web" surveillance efforts, according to the leading developer of software used to access hidden parts of the internet.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753780-nsa-and-gchq-agents-leak-tor-bugs-alleges-developer/

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US Ebola patient Kent Brantly 'thrilled to be alive'

(BBC) One of the US aid workers who recovered from an Ebola infection is "thrilled to be alive" as he and another patient are discharged from hospital.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753781-us-ebola-patient-dr-kent-brantly-thrilled-to-be-alive/

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New US airstrikes in Iraq despite jihadists' threat

Cairo/Washington - US warplanes Thursday bombarded militant Islamist State targets in northern Iraq despite the terrorist group's threat to kill a captured American journalist.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753788-new-us-airstrikes-in-iraq-despite-jihadists-threat/

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Two American Ebola Patients Discharged from Emory University Hospital
By Emory Healthcare


Kent Brantly

ATLANTA: -- In an effort to keep our community informed on the status of the Ebola patients being treated at Emory University Hospital, today we confirm that as of this afternoon, both Ebola patients have been discharged from our Infectious Disease Unit at the hospital.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753781-us-ebola-patient-dr-kent-brantly-thrilled-to-be-alive/#entry8280417

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Celebrities, 1,000 participants in joint Ice Bucket Challenge at CentralWorld fundraiser for charity, including ALS fund in Thailand, Thai Red Cross Society /MCOT

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Turkish Man Attacked By Street Vendor In Pattaya

PATTAYA – August 21- [Pattaya Daily News]; at 01.20 am MR.DINCER CETIN a 32 year old from Turkey complained to Pattaya tourism police near Walking Street because a fruit vendor had attacked him with a knife.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753818-turkish-man-attacked-by-street-vendor-in-pattaya/

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Abhisits accepts Ice Bucket challenge

BANGKOK: -- Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has accepted the Ice Bucket challenge from Krunsri Consumer Co Ltd.

Abhisit will pour iced water onto himself at the Thai Red Cross Society at 2 pm Friday and Krungsri Consumer will return donate Bt500,000 to the Thai Red Cross Society.

Abhisit said he would challenge three former Democrat MPs after he completes the challenge. The three will be Thepthai Senpong, Sirichoke Sopha and Chavanond Intarakomalyasut.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Abhisits-accepts-Ice-Bucket-challenge-30241516.html


-- The Nation 2014-08-22

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Large water park to open in Phuket next year
Tanyaluk Sakoot


Some of the rides are now being erected on the 40-rai site.

PHUKET: -- By early next year the island will have a major new attraction for tourists and locals: Phuket Aquapark, a 40-rai water park near Bangwad Dam in Kathu.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753821-large-water-park-to-open-in-phuket-next-year/

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Thai stock index opens on Friday at 1,555.81, gains 4.40 points /MCOT

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US diplomats are banned from participating in the Ice Bucket Challenge, a charity stunt to support Lou Gehrig's disease research. /The Nation

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Thieves smash Phuket ATM but fail to get the money
Darawan Naknakhon


An investigator examines the machine.

PHUKET: -- Thieves smashed their way into an ATM last night but failed to get the money.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/753822-thieves-smash-phuket-atm-but-fail-to-get-the-money/