Princess Srirasm visits nursing home for wounded soldiers at Bang Pu seaside resort

BANGKOK, 29 August 2014 (NNT) - Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasm, the Royal Consort to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, yesterday (Aug 28) continued her visit to another rehabilitation center for wounded soldiers under the jurisdiction of the Army’s Medical Department in Bang Pu area, Muang District, Samut Prakan Province. The Princess, a day earlier, visited Phra Mongkutklao military Hospital in Bangkok.

The Princess made the visits in her capacity as the Director of the Family Medicine Office of the Royal Thai Army’s Medical Department, with her intention to use the information gained to improve assistance for military personnel and their families.

At the Bang Pu Convalescent Home and Resort of the Royal Thai Army, Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasm observed a special project drawn up to boost physical health of soldiers crippled mostly in their fights with southern insurgents. Under the project, disabled soldiers are given training to make them familiar with universal-design equipment created to accommodate their living, both at home and in work office. The project helps ensure readiness of the amputated soldiers for their return and raise their superior’s confidence that they have the capacity to go back to work. Crippled soldiers are also given skill training in such fields as painting and electrical circuit board production, from which they can raise supplementary incomes for families.

The Princess also visited agricultural plantations developed by soldiers being treated at the center in accordance with the Sufficiency Economy concept of His Majesty the King. Produces from the plantations are sold to raise a revolving fund for the center. After the field visit, Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasm met with officers in charge of the center for an exchange of views and information. The Princess on this occasion urged the officers to expand the recuperation period for wounded soldiers and recruit more personnel to take care of them.


-- NNT 2014-08-29

WEATHER
Storm warning for capital
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- RESIDENTS in Greater Bangkok were warned yesterday to watch out for rainstorms throughout 80 per cent of the capital and its suburbs until tomorrow.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755716-storm-warning-for-bangkok/

ANIMAL PROTECTION
Shock and anger over increasing cases of animal cruelty
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- DOGS HAVE been victims of several shocking crimes recently, including strays living inside a police station compound getting poisoned and a cute Pomeranian being cruelly attacked at home.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755717-shock-and-anger-over-increasing-cases-of-animal-cruelty-in-thailand/

ECONOMY
Oil retail price cut, diesel up
Watcharapong Thongrung
The Nation

Electricity and LPG rates maintained; move part of policy to reflect actual cost

BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order has decided to cut retail oil prices under the oil-price restructuring plan while maintaining electricity prices.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755718-thai-economy-oil-retail-price-cut-diesel-up/

CAT & TOT
CAT, TOT given 3 months for due diligence of assets
Usanee Mongkolporn
The Nation

CAT Telecom and TOT have been given three months by their boards to complete due diligence of their assets.

BANGKOK: -- Natwut Amornvivat, spokesman for TOT's board, said yesterday that the board had set the time frame for due diligence and agreed to hire an adviser to appraise the agency's assets.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755719-cat-tot-given-3-months-for-due-diligence-of-assets/

BURNING ISSUE
Prayuth as PM bears huge burden of expectations
Samudcha Hoonsara

BANGKOK: -- The hope is that Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha's Cabinet, which is part of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)'s five mechanisms to fix the country's problems, will be a clean one that works for the benefit of each and every Thai citizen.

The names of the Cabinet members will be revealed next month. After taking an oath of allegiance to His Majesty the King, this new government will present its policies to Parliament before the ministers get to work.

Apparently, the job of finding key Cabinet members is far from over. Though some names have appeared in the press, the individuals concerned are neither denying nor admitting to being wooed for the job, but nobody is really committing to anything.

Realising that he faces a formidable task ahead, Prayuth has reportedly decided to upgrade his advisory team into a body similar to the central politburo of China's Communist Party. This advisory team, working alongside the NCPO, is expected to help the prime minister look into details of all government projects.

This begs the question: will this committee be as powerful as China's politburo?

Though the public did not seem very excited about the people who were appointed to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), members of the assembly are calling on the public to not jump the gun by slamming them before they even start working. The NLA is also part of the NCPO's five mechanisms.

Another NCPO mechanism that needs to be put in place is the Constitution Drafting Committee, which will be tasked with writing the next charter for the country to follow.

The public's high hopes of Prayuth's Cabinet might prove to be a double-edged sword for the government, as it will have to go to great lengths to meet these expectations.

However, if Prayuth picks competent people and puts the right people in the right jobs, the government has a chance of achieving overall success.

Most people accept that Prayuth has honest intentions and does indeed want the country to move forward. The only problem is, he does not have the luxury of time.

His administration's main job is to build a strong and sustainable foundation for the country so everybody can live together peacefully and happily. However, it may have to leave the finishing touches up to the next elected government.

Though Prayuth's job is to pick Cabinet members who boost people's faith and trust in his administration, he should also realise that no matter who he chooses, "the buck" will eventually stop with him.

Also, as a supreme leader of sorts - prime minister, NCPO boss and Army chief - Prayuth should realise that everything he does and every decision he makes has to be done with "a good conscience, wisdom, compassion and justice".

After all, like they say, with "great power comes great responsibility".

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Prayuth-as-PM-bears-huge-burden-of-expectations-30242019.html


-- The Nation 2014-08-29

CONFIDENCE
US companies in Asean sense opportunities, set to expand
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- US businesses in Asean are looking forward to expansion of investment, workforce growth and profit increase next year, according to the Asean Business Outlook Survey.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755720-us-companies-in-asean-sense-opportunities-set-to-expand/

OVERDRIVE
With Thai economy flat-lining, it's time to look inward for answers
Thanong Khanthong

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's economic growth this year looks set to level off at around 1.50-2.0 per cent. Most of the engines of growth are sputtering. In the first half of this year, exports began to go downhill, contracting by 0.1 per cent.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755722-with-thai-economy-flat-lining-its-time-to-look-inward-for-answers/

Corpse of man found 300 meters from Police Station on Pattaya outskirts

PATTAYA: -- On Thursday Night the decomposed body of a man, handcuffed and shot in the head, was found in undergrowth just 300 meters from Huay Yai Police station on the outskirts of Pattaya.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755723-corpse-of-man-found-300-meters-from-police-station-on-pattaya-outskirts/

Two bodies found near abandoned Catamaran close to Pattaya Island



PATTAYA: -- The badly decomposed bodies of a male and female were found in waters off the coast of Larn Island on Thursday. Close-by was an abandoned Catamaran which is thought to be connected with the couple. For now Police are unsure if the couple were murdered or committed suicide.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755724-two-bodies-found-near-abandoned-catamaran-close-to-pattaya-island/

Pridiyathorn resigns as Bangkok Post board director



BANGKOK: -- Former Bank of Thailand governor Pridiyathorn Devakula has resigned as a Post Publishing director.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755725-pridiyathorn-resigns-as-bangkok-post-board-director/

Uproar as Narong's name linked to Public Health ministership
The Nation


National Legislative Assembly members vote in support of five draft laws yesterday, which included Customs Bill and amendments to the Customs Tariff Bill.

President of Rural Doctors' Society warns the man would give rise to chaos and protests through mismanagement

BANGKOK: -- As Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha considers names for his Cabinet, many doctors are voicing discontent over reports that Public Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr Narong Sahametapat might be made the minister.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755726-uproar-as-narongs-name-linked-to-thai-public-health-ministership/

UPDATE:

Two held for e-mail fraud
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- A Nigerian man and his alleged Thai accomplice were held for e-mail fraud, accused of duping a Taiwanese firm into wiring Bt4.6 million.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755627-nigerian-man-thai-woman-arrested-for-online-fraud/#entry8311653

Teachers told to ease back on homework
SUPINDA NA MAHACHAI
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- THE OFFICE of the Basic Education Commission (Obec) ordered schools not to give a lot of homework assignments, and said they should also not be too difficult and should focus on group work.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755728-obec-orders-teachers-to-ease-back-on-homework/

Slot machines destroyed
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok City Police will burn 2,750 slot machines, seized in gambling and vice crackdown operations, this morning, to ensure transparency.

Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner Pol Maj-General Chanthawit Ramasut said he had instructed the Metropolitan Police Area 2 and Bang Khen Police Station superintendent to work with the Army in preparing the place for the machines' demolition, while the Royal Thai Police would cover the event's expenses.

Chanthawit said he had also told police to get tough on all crimes from September 1, especially robberies and thefts at banks, gold shops and convenience stores, while checkpoints would be set up at nine risky spots to crack down on street racers from 10pm-midnight and 1.30am-3.30am.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Slot-machines-destroyed-30242027.html


-- The Nation 2014-08-29

Commerce to expand low-priced food outlets across the country



BANGKOK: -- The Commerce Ministry will expand low-price fast-food outlets to cover every province next year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755729-thai-commerce-to-expand-low-priced-food-outlets-across-the-country/

Doctor in surrogacy services scandal faces arrest if he does not show up to see police



BANGKOK: -- Lumpini police have given an ultimatum to a doctor who provided surrogacy services to several Thai women and a Japanese biological father to turn himself in until September 6 or he will face arrest.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755730-thai-surrogacy-scandal-doctor-faces-arrest-if-he-does-not-show-up-to-see-police/

UTTARADIT
Workers find 500-year-old laterite stairs
BOONPIM BAIYA
THE NATION



UTTARADIT: -- A 426-STEP laterite staircase leading to pagoda and vihara ruins in a two-rai compound on top of a hill was discovered earlier this week in Uttaradit's Pichai district. Archaeologists believe it's more than 500 years old.

Tambon Na-in Administrative Organisation president Ramian Chandam reported the staircase discovery at Khao Khitone in Ban Fak Beung. He said his office staff, along with some villagers, had cleared the area, in preparation to developing the site into a new tourist destination.

The staircase leads to the ancient compound with a beautiful view of Pichai district.

Ramian said his office had obtained funds to build a road linking villages and project workers had discovered the stairs while using a heavy machine to dig up bamboo covering up the staircase entrance.

Archaeologist Rattiya Chaiwong, who led the Fine Arts Department's Archaeology Office 6 in Sukhothai team to inspect the hilltop, said the Buddhist site and its laterite staircase were of the same era. They were possibly the home of monks connected to communities in Pichai district area.

The discovery of ceramics produced by Sing Buri's Mae Nam Noi kilns and Sangkhalok glazed pottery of Sukhothai's Si Satchanalai kilns also confirmed the site's origin as of the 20th-21st century of the Buddhist era (BE 1901-2100), she said. A broken sandstone inscription from the Sukhothai era, found at the site, had been sent to the National Library in Bangkok, she added.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Workers-find-500-year-old-laterite-stairs-30242029.html


-- The Nation 2014-08-29

Thailand's new cigarette warnings more macabre and bizarre than ever
By Coconuts Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- New cigarette warning labels have hit Thailand’s stores, and they've really outdone themselves this time.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755731-thailands-new-cigarette-warnings-more-macabre-and-bizarre-than-ever/

Teen killed after fight over karaoke song
By Coconuts



BANGKOK: -- A dispute over who got to sing a karaoke song first left a teen boy dead last night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755732-thai-teen-killed-after-fight-over-karaoke-song/

GMS countries' stock exchanges implement 'first concrete collaboration'

BANGKOK, 29 August 2014 (NNT) – The various stock exchanges in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) have come together in launching an information center for all the regional bourses, as part of the group's preparation for the integration into ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).

According to Kesara Manchusree, president of The Stock Exchange of Thailand, the exchanges in the GMS have worked closely since their first meeting. The launch of the GMS exchanges' website, which came about after their second meeting, was a milestone for the group's collaborations. The information hub for GMS exchanges can be found on the Stock Exchange of Thailand's website.

At its second meeting, the group also agreed to improve on the accounting practices of listed companies, the publication of information about the equity market and financial products, and the improvement of investors', finance professionals' and regulators' knowledge.

GMS exchanges include the bourses of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos.


-- NNT 2014-08-29

Ukraine crisis: Obama blames Russia for violence

WASHINGTON: -- US President Barack Obama has accused Russia of being responsible for the violence in eastern Ukraine.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755749-obama-russia-causing-ukraine-crisis/

UPDATE:

No charges in accidental gun range shooting

(BBC) Officials say there will be no charges for a nine-year-old girl who killed her shooting instructor by accident.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755400-arizona-shooting-girl-nine-kills-gun-instructor/page-4?p=8312251#entry8312251

Islamic State militants 'behead Kurdish man' in Iraq

(BBC) Islamic State (IS) has released a video appearing to show the beheading of a Kurdish man as a warning to forces fighting the group in northern Iraq.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755750-is-militants-behead-kurdish-man/

Scottish Cabinet Out Of Touch With Local Views On Independence - Official

ORKNEY (Scotland), August 29 (RIA Novosti), Mark Hirst - The MPs and the British cabinet should have no place in the negotiating team that will lead talks with the British Government if residents back Scotland's independence in three weeks, a local community representative living in the constituency of the Secretary of State for Scotland told RIA Novosti.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755756-scottish-cabinet-out-of-touch-with-local-views-on-independence-official/

'I'll surrender on Monday', Phuket fugitive posts on Facebook
The Phuket News

PHUKET: -- The wanted son of Patong ex-mayor Pian Keesin will turn himself in to police on Monday (September 1).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755757-ill-surrender-on-monday-phuket-fugitive-posts-on-facebook/

Public Health Ministry keeps close watch on Ebola danger

BANGKOK, 29 August 2014 (NNT)- The Public Health Ministry is putting more precautionary measures in place in Thailand against the risk of Ebola, even though no travelers arriving in Thailand have been found to be infected with the virus.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755759-thai-public-health-ministry-keeps-close-watch-on-ebola-danger/

Thai stock index opens on Friday at 1,555.33, falls 3.72 points /MCOT

Excise Dept. to merge seven current excise laws into one bill

BANGKOK, 29 August 2014 (NNT) – The Excise Department is looking to merge seven current laws concerning excise tax into one bill, for the purpose of improving transparency and to meet the global standard.

Somchai Phunsawat, director-general of the Excise Department, said on Thursday that under the new bill, excise would be calculated from the suggested retail prices instead of prices at the factory. The draft of the bill is expected to be completed in September; it will then be sent to the Cabinet for consideration, and then forwarded to the National Legislative Assembly.

The new bill will cover excise taxes on liquor, tobacco and playing cards. It will also supersede current bills on excise tax, excise rates, excise revenue distribution and liquor tax revenue distribution. Drafters of the bill are currently taking comments on the bill from the private sector and related agencies, in order to clearly set the boundaries of the bill, to ensure that excise taxes better reflect item prices, and to ensure fairness for importers and producers of the items.


-- NNT 2014-08-29

Thammasat University's ASEAN Studies Institute organizes TU-ASEAN Forum in Chiang Rai

CHIANG RAI, 28 August 2014 (NNT) – Thammasat University's ASEAN Studies Institute has organized a local TU-ASEAN Forum in Chiang Rai to help expand knowledge of ASEAN to every sector and to prepare for Thailand's AEC integration.

Dr. Prapassorn Thepchatri, the Director of the ASEAN Studies Institute at Thammasat University, presided over the TU-ASEAN Forum in Chiang Rai. The theme of the Forum was "Thailand and its Major Role in the ASEAN Economic Community." The ASEAN Economic Community has stimulated and boosted the Thai economy, and Thailand is centrally placed in the ASEAN region.

In this forum, there were many interesting topics, such as automobile industry, food, health services, logistics, and tourism. There were over 400 participants, including government officials, business owners, students and scholars, news reporters, and the general public. The forum was the result of cooperation between Thammasat University's ASEAN Studies Institute, and Mae Fah Luang University.


-- NNT 2014-08-29