29 provinces warned of flash floods this week

BANGKOK, 26 August 2014 (NNT) – Twenty-nine provinces are being warned of flash floods that may occur during August 26-30, according to the Meteorological Department.

The department claims that the monsoon troughs lies across upper Thailand while the southwest monsoon remains over the Andaman, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand.

During 27-29 Aug, an easterly wave will move to the upper Gulf of Thailand while the monsoon troughs lies across upper Thailand will stronger. Increasing rain is expected to be scattered and very heavy rain may be possibly widespread over Thailand.

The affected provinces in the North, Northeast and East, include, among others, Tak, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Ubol Ratchathani, Udon Thain, and Loei. Warning teams in each province are assigned to monitor the situation and will be prepared to help victims. People who affected by the floods may contact 1784 of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) round-the-clock.


-- NNT 2014-08-26

NEW PM
PM vows devotion to job
The Nation


Army commander and National Council for Peace and Order chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha yesterday undergoes a royal endorsement ceremony to officially install him as the 29th prime minister of Thailand.

General pledges himself to 'pay back motherland' after getting royal command to be premier

BANGKOK: -- The new prime minister yesterday promised to be devoted to his job and remain honest for the benefit of the country and its people, in order to "pay back to the motherland".

In a ceremony held at the Army headquarters, General Prayuth Chan-ocha said he would focus on creating unity among different groups in society, following years of damaging conflicts.

"I promise to bring back happiness and peace to my compatriots, and aim to strengthen the country's stability while bringing about love and unity among different groups and sides," the premier said.

He was addressing the nation for the first time after formally receiving the royal command appointing him as Thailand’s 29th prime minister.

In a brief but elaborate ceremony, Prayuth - wearing a white official uniform - paid respect in front of a large portrait of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Prayuth said he was grateful for the royal endorsement.

"His Majesty the King has appointed me prime minister. I am extremely grateful ... this is a great honour for me and my family," he said after the ceremony. "I will work honestly and for the benefit of people and the nation."

The ceremony was televised nationally through the Television Pool of Thailand.

The top general, who was endorsed as prime minister on Sunday but officially given the royal command a day later, said he was grateful to those who would co-operate with the new government and the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) in their future work. Prayuth will also retain his seat as NCPO chief.

The 60-year-old Army chief said he would form his Cabinet as soon as possible, saying the job could be completed as soon as the end of October. However, NCPO spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvaree clarified later that he had confirmed with Prayuth that the new Cabinet would be submitted for His Majesty's approval next month.

Prayuth, who is scheduled to retire as Army chief at the end of September, is the first active military officer to take the prime minister's post since coup leader General Suchinda Kraprayoon in 1992.

In his speech, Prayuth admitted that the road ahead was not easy for him and his administration.

"Our country has accumulated problems in several areas for a long time and those need to be sorted out," he said. "We will solve the problems as soon as possible without creating new ones in the future."

Prayuth also urged people not to worry about who is appointed to the Cabinet, saying he would press on with creating strong systems and stable security.

"I will work on economic and social issues, judiciary systems and all other issues to prepare the country for national reform and push the country to prosperity," he said.

Prayuth was also active on Facebook yesterday, posting comments about him formally receiving the royal command. His Facebook page was created on June 20, 2013.

Meanwhile, Government House yesterday posted Prayuth's photographs, biography and his speech on its official website, www.thaigov.go.th.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/PM-vows-devotion-to-job-30241786.html


-- The Nation 2014-08-26

Uni teacher blackmailed teens into sex, police say
By Coconuts Bangkok


BANGKOK: -- A Chinese-language teacher at a university in Payao province was arrested for luring teens into sexual encounters through popular chat app “Beetalk.”

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754731-uni-teacher-blackmailed-teens-into-sex-police-say/

SURROGACY SCANDAL
Surrogate mums admit lying in court over Shigeta's babies
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- TWO THAI surrogate mothers told police yesterday they were instructed to lie to the courts during adoption hearings - to say that their babies were conceived during affairs with the Japanese man at the heart of a surrogacy scandal.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754780-thai-surrogate-mums-admit-lying-in-court-over-shigetas-babies/

AFTER COUP
Satellite TV stations agree to end politicised reporting of news
Kris Bhromsuthi
Pravit Rojanaphruk
Usanee Mongkolporn
THE NATION

Many will also change their name to end memories of conflict, division

BANGKOK: -- TWELVE satellite TV channels have been allowed by the junta to start broadcasting again next week - after signing agreements to de-politicise their content. The channels have been off the air since the May 22 coup.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754781-satellite-thai-tv-stations-agree-to-end-politicised-reporting-of-news/

PICHIT
Blood tests conducted on villagers near Phichit mine
Sayan Chucham
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A MEDICAL team yesterday carried out a blood test at Ban Khiri Thep Nimit School in Phichit's Tab Khlor district for villagers who live near a gold mine run by Akara Resources.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754782-blood-tests-conducted-on-villagers-near-phichit-gold-mine/

THAI-SAUDI RELATIONS
Thailand respects Saudi Arabia envoy's recall: Sihasak
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thailand respects and understands Saudi Arabia's decision to recall its head of mission over a controversial court verdict concerning the abduction of a Saudi businessman, Thailand's acting foreign minister Sihasak Phuangket-keow said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754784-thailand-respects-saudi-arabia-envoys-recall-sihasak/

Many irked by Panadda's comment on PAO officials
The Nation


Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Administrative Organisation

BANGKOK: -- PM's Office permanent secretary ML Panadda Diskul yesterday defended his Facebook comment about local leaders living in the lap of luxury, saying he said this because he wanted to see local and central governments provide checks and balances for each other.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754785-many-irked-by-panaddas-comment-on-pao-officials/

EDITORIAL
Path to democracy already constricted
The Nation

A tightly controlled Reform Council will fail to bring changes that reflect opinions from all political sides

BANGKOK: -- By its very definition, reform to strengthen democracy must be inclusive. Otherwise democracy will never have the chance to take deep root in society. And by "inclusive" we mean that all voices and all demands - whatever their means of peaceful expression - must be tolerated by the powers-that-be.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754786-thai-editorial-path-to-democracy-already-constricted/

STREETWISE
We consumers have the power to destroy the world
Achara Deboonme

BANGKOK: -- In light of natural disasters driven by climate change, consumers across the world are increasingly trying to cut their impact on the environment. Some use less fuel, while others recycle or opt for eco-friendly products that promise lower carbon emissions.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754787-we-consumers-have-the-power-to-destroy-the-world-thai-opinion/

UPDATE:

Yellowshirt Leader Released On Bail After Two Weeks In Jail
By Khaosod English


Sondhi Limthongkul was found guilty of fraud and falsifying loan documents by Thailand’s Court of Appeals on 7 August 2014 and taken to prison on the same day to await a Supreme Court deliberation on his bail release.

BANGKOK — The Supreme Court has agreed to release the founder of the "Yellowshirt" political movement from prison on bail today, two weeks after he was convicted of fraud.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754671-sondhi-freed-on-bail-posts-bt12-million-assets-as-guarantee/page-2?p=8297587#entry8297587

ATM skimmers nabbed in Chiang Mai
The Nation



CHIANG MAI: -- POLICE HAVE arrested two ATM skimmer suspects - a Swedish man and a Filipino - in Chiang Mai's Muang district along with 500 fake electronic cards.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754788-swede-filipino-arrested-in-chiang-mai-with-500-fake-atm-cards/

'Popcorn gunman' denies weapons charges
The Nation


Wiwat

BANGKOK: -- The so-called "Popcorn gunman" who had earlier confessed to firing at Lak Si intersection on the eve of the February 2 general election denied the charges in court yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754789-bangkok-popcorn-gunman-denies-weapons-charges/

'Smart classrooms' not for all schools
Supinda na Mahachai
The Nation

NCPO will only provide extra equipment after assessing each school's needs

BANGKOK: -- THE NATIONAL Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has already decided not to install "smart classrooms" at all schools, citing the need to save costs and cater to the different context of each school.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754792-smart-classrooms-not-for-all-schools-thailand/

Ukraine crisis: President calls snap vote amid fighting

(BBC) Ukraine's president has dissolved parliament and called snap elections, as government forces continue to fight pro-Russian rebel forces in the east.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754793-ukraine-president-calls-snap-vote/

Syria will help US fight terrorism, says Walid Muallem

Syria's foreign minister has offered to help the US fight the Islamic State (IS) militant group, which has seized swathes of land in Iraq and Syria.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754797-syria-we-will-help-us-fight-terrorism/

American held in Syria for almost two years is released
By Dana Ford and Steve Almasy, CNN

(CNN) -- An American journalist held in Syria by Islamist rebels for close to two years was released Sunday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754799-american-held-in-syria-for-almost-two-years-is-released/

Tourists visiting Ko Phangan in Surat Thani box must be alert for box jellyfish after a 5-yr old French boy died while swimming at a beach w/ his parents. /The Nation

UPDATE:

Chiang Rai quakes add to locals' worries and damage at historical site

CHIANG RAI, 26 August 2014 (NNT) – Three earthquakes of magnitudes between 2.5 and 4.8 took place early on Monday in Chiang Rai, causing further damage to at least one historical site that was already damaged from the magnitude 6.3 quake in May.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754578-chiang-rai-hit-by-moderate-earthquake-this-morning/#entry8298007

Australian airlines approve phone use on flights

(BBC) Travellers on Qantas and Virgin Australia will be able to use their mobile phones and other electronic devices during flights from today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754816-australian-airlines-approve-phone-use-on-flights/

Wyoming woman, 75, sentenced to life in prison for killing husband 40 years ago

A JUDGE in Wyoming has sentenced a 75-year-old Missouri woman to life in prison for killing her husband with a rifle in the mid-1970s and throwing his body down the shaft of an abandoned gold mine, where it remained for nearly 40 years.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754819-us-woman-75-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-killing-husband-40-years-ago/

Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,566.72, gains 3.59 points /MCOT

NESDB found more Thai children with obesity and lower IQ

BANGKOK, 26 August 2014 (NNT) – The latest social study by the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) has found an alarming increase in the number of young Thais with the obesity problem while the quality of middle-school education fell to the bottom place in Asia.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754852-nesdb-found-more-thai-children-with-obesity-and-lower-iq/

Six students of Suranaree University of Technology were finally rescued from thick Thap Lan forest in Nakhon Ratchasima last night after hours of getting lost. /Bangkok Post

PM Prayuth asked Energy Ministry and PTT Plc to end dispute with activists about gas pipeline network ownership. /The Nation

China's Xi hails Mugabe as renowned leader

Beijing - China's president Xi Jinping on Monday hailed Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe - a pariah in the West - as a renowned African liberation leader and an "old friend" of the Chinese people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754857-china-welcomes-old-friend-robert-mugabe-with-a-21-gun-salute/

UPDATE:

Million of jellyfishes at Samet Island bring joys to curious visitors, but concern to industries



BANGKOK: -- Million of jellyfishes at Samet Island bring joys to curious visitors, but concern to industriesMillion of jellyfishes at Samet Island bring joys to curious visitors, but concern to industries

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754409-hundreds-of-tourists-flock-to-see-colourful-jelly-fish/#entry8298422

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ready to seek peace pact on his own
Jodi Rudoren

JERUSALEM: -- With no clear resolution in sight to the battle between Israel and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority, who has been largely sidelined as his popularity sank during the conflict, is making a new play to reassert his role and cast himself as the leader of all Palestinians.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754858-palestinian-president-abbas-ready-to-seek-peace-pact-on-his-own/

Three new parking spots assigned for interprovincial vans

BANGKOK, 26 August 2014 (NNT) - Interprovincial van operators will be assigned to pick up passengers only at the three main bus terminals in the capital, starting September 1st.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754869-bangkok-three-new-parking-spots-assigned-for-interprovincial-vans/

Latest reveal of assets by graft buster of Yingluck cabinet shows Pongthep is the richest



BANGKOK: -- The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) today revealed the assets of 13 former ministers of the Yingluck cabinet showing Mr Pongthep Thepkanchana is the richest with over three billion baht.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754872-latest-reveal-of-assets-by-graft-buster-of-yingluck-cabinet-shows-pongthep-is-the-richest/