Waterfront construction probe takes off as Pattaya Watchdog is seeking military junta's hand to divulge mystery



PATTAYA: -- Combined teams of police, land and Pattaya City officials yesterday inspected the construction site of the 53-storey Waterfront luxury hotel and condominium project in South Pattaya as environmental and public outcry is growing over alleged mal practises by past central and local government authorities in granting construction permit to the project owner.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755804-waterfront-construction-probe-pattaya-watchdog-seeks-ncpos-hand-to-divulge-mystery/

Chiang Mai business strategy seminar on 'Long Stay Tourism in Chiang Mai'

CHIANG MAI, 29 August 2014 (NNT) – The Governor of Chiang Mai, has presided over the opening ceremony of the business strategy seminar in Chiang Mai since Long Stay Business in the province and its ASEAN neighbors should work in collaboration.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755807-chiang-mai-business-strategy-seminar-on-long-stay-tourism-in-chiang-mai/

Transport Ministry: No leniency for overweight trucks

BANGKOK, 29 August 2014 (NNT) - The Transport Ministry has resolved not to yield to a leniency request by operators of 24-wheel trucks to carry goods heavier than the 50.5-ton limit.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755808-thai-transport-ministry-no-leniency-for-overweight-trucks/

Court sentences former Democrat MP one year in prison



BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court on Friday sentenced former Kanchanaburi MP of the Democrat party one year in prison after finding him guilty of illegal occupation of more than 1,000 rai of state land in Dan Makamtia and Suan Pueng districts of Ratchaburi province for personal interest.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755833-court-sentences-former-democrat-mp-one-year-in-prison/

UPDATE:

Oil price cut helps boost economy
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Aug 29 -- The oil price cut effective today, will help spur Thailand's national economy due to increased public purchasing power, bankers and senior business managers said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755718-thai-economy-oil-retail-price-cut-diesel-up/#entry8313436

PM urges that TV soap operas added some historic and patriotic contents



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha today told his subordinates not to spend too much time watching TV soap operas saying they contain mostly jealousy and quarrels.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755845-pm-urges-that-thai-tv-soap-operas-add-some-historic-and-patriotic-contents/

Pirates steal oil from Thai tanker hijacked off Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, August 29, 2014 (AFP) - Armed pirates commandeered a Thai tanker off Malaysia's east coast and pumped out its cargo of oil, a maritime watchdog said Friday, adding to a series of hijackings that has raised fears of a growing Southeast Asian piracy menace.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755846-pirates-steal-oil-from-thai-tanker-hijacked-off-malaysia/

Phuket guides 'too greedy' say tour operators
The Phuket News


Santi Pawai says he will create a 'road map' for the tourism business in Phuket.

PHUKET: -- A battle is heating up between tour guides and tour operators after lawyers from the Ministry of Tourism & Sport held a conference at The Metropole hotel on Wednesday (August 27) to clarify laws relating to the tourism industry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755850-phuket-guides-too-greedy-say-tour-operators/

Schapelle Corby likely to stay free despite boyfriend's drug arrest
Michael Bachelard
Indonesia correspondent for Fairfax Media

JAKARTA: -- Schapelle Corby is likely to stay free on parole despite the recent arrest of her Indonesian boyfriend on drugs charges.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755853-schapelle-corby-likely-to-stay-free-despite-boyfriends-drug-arrest/

Former ambassador escapes flaming Mercedes
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- A former ambassador to Chile and Bhutan and his wife were almost roasted alive in their car yesterday after the LPG gas system malfunctioned.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755858-ayutthaya-former-ambassador-escapes-flaming-mercedes/

2010 Unrest Ruling: Victims' Families Request Appeal
By Khaosod English

Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (second from the left) at the Criminal Court on 28 August 2014.

BANGKOK — Families of victims killed in a military crackdown on protesters in 2010 have requested to appeal the court verdict that effectively ended all criminal proceedings against the government leaders who ordered the operation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755862-2010-unrest-ruling-victims-families-request-appeal/

Cleaner street food needed to draw tourists
By Coconuts Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- You don’t want people going home with memories of dysentery.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755865-thai-restaurant-association-cleaner-street-food-needed-to-draw-tourists/

Redshirt suspected gunman dies in prison

BANGKOK: -- Corrections department director-general Withaya Suriyawong said Surakrit Chaimongkol died at the prison hospital where he was rushed for treatment yesterday afternoon after complaining of exhaustion and breathing difficulty.

As he died of unnatural cause in the prison custody, an autopsy had to be conducted to find the actual cause of his death.

Witnessing the autopsy would include doctor, state attorney and police.

Result of the autopsy will be forwarded to the court to issue announcement of the cause of his death, he said.

The corrections chief said Surakrit was rushed to the prison hospital after complaining of exhaustion, and breathing difficulty.

He was arrested on July 9 at his home in Phra Pradaeng district of Samut Prakarn province.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/redshirt-suspected-gunman-dies-prison/

-- Thai PBS 2014-08-29

Assembly able to carry out duties despite resignations
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Aug 29 -- There are still 192 members remaining in the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) after five resigned, but the body can still perform their duties normally because the current provisional charter specifies only that NLA membership must not exceed 220 persons, according to NLA vice president Surachai Liengboonlertchai.

Mr Surachai said the resignation of five NLA members would neither affect NLA operations nor overhead because none received payment for attending meetings held earlier.

Mr Surachai said he believed the National Council for Peace and Order would appoint more NLA members later, replacing those who have resigned but the total number would not exceed 220 persons as specified in the provisional Constitution.

It is expected that those who resigned would probably assume ministerial posts, due to be announced soon, he added. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-08-29

Abhisit: Democrat party will not field Alongkorn Polabutr in the next election



BANGKOK: -- Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva indicated today that the party would not field deputy party leader Mr Alongkorn Polabutr in the next election following the latter’s decision to apply for a seat in the National Reform Council.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755875-abhisit-democrat-party-will-not-field-alongkorn-polabutr-in-the-next-election/

Rubber Farmer Self-Immolates As Crop Price Plunges
By Khaosod English

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT — A rubber farmer in Nakhon Si Thammarat province committed suicide yesterday as the price of raw rubber, a staple crop for many farmers is southern Thailand, continues to plunge.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755878-nakhon-si-thammarat-rubber-farmer-self-immolates-as-crop-price-plunges/

Iceland raised its aviation alert over the nation's largest volcano to red on Friday, after the Bardarbunga peak began erupting overnight. /Bangkok Post

Northern provinces hit by heavy rains
By Digital Content



CHIANG MAI, Aug 29 -- Heavy downpours continue in the northern region while concerned authorities have been instructed to closely monitor for possible water runoff in the northern city of Chiang Mai which could affect tourists who are visiting national parks, officials said Friday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755880-northern-provinces-hit-by-heavy-rains/

Songkhla Disease Prevention and Control Office taking Ebola Virus Disease prevention measures

SONGKHLA, 29 August 2014 (NNT) – The director of the Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 12, Songkhla has reiterated that the subordinated institutes should carry on Ebola Virus disease prevention measures.

The Ebola virus spreads to people by contact with the skin or bodily fluids of an infected animal. It spreads from human to human through the touching of blood, lymphs, mucus, or saliva of the infected patient.

60-90 percent of the infected patients die since there is no ebola virus-specific treatment that exists.
Thais who want to travel to Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria are still allowed to but they are being strongly advised not to be in contact with infected patients, infectious excretion, patient’s wares or a dead body.

Those who have just departed from the above mentioned countries are suggested to pay close attention for possible symptoms and should see the doctor immediately within 21 days after finding abnormalities such as a fever, stomach muscle pain, vomiting or hematoma defecating.


-- NNT 2014-08-29

Special Report: Martial law remains in place after Prayuth made PM



The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) recently made known that the martial law is likely to remain in effect after General Prayuth Chan-ocha becomes prime minister.

NCPO spokesman Sirichan Ngathong insisted that without the law, which has been enforced nationwide since May 19, the military would be left without the legal tools to do a proper job in keeping order. The body added that underground activities would likely increase or intensify if the martial law is lifted.

The NCPO hoped that the law would help the country remain peaceful and having it imposed was unlikely to obstruct the new government in running the country. Military members have commented that the law has not affected the people's everyday life.

General Prayuth earlier said during his daily program that efforts were still being made by old powers and influential groups to bring the nation back to its old dysfunctional state. Without martial law in place, Thailand will likely have much to suffer in the future.

The NCPO has promised that Thais would have a chance in voting for their own representatives and see their democratic rights returned by October 2015 through the process of a general election. The designation of a cabinet, which is expected to be finished next week, is part of the Army's road map to democracy.

Gen. Prayuth maintained that martial law, which bans public gatherings on political demonstrations, was done to prevent armed attacks. It was also necessary to reduce clashes between people who upheld different political ideologies.

The Martial Law Act of 1914 grants the military full power to summon officials and individuals for investigation, search and seize individuals or items, order compulsory military service, prohibit assemblies, media coverage, advertising, public transport, and build army barracks at any given location.


-- NNT 2014-08-29

SET index closed 1,561.63, up 2.58; Bt/USD31.79; GBP52.67; AUD29.59; EUR41.74; CAD29.17; HKD4.09; SGD25.35; JPY30.49

Taxi driver returns THB78,000 to Chinese tour guide
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- A kindly Bangkok taxi driver returned THB78,000 cash to his Chinese passenger yesterday after he left his wallet in the vehicle.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755891-bangkok-taxi-driver-returns-thb78000-to-chinese-tour-guide/

Phuket tourism industry crackdown postponed to September
The Phuket News


Protests by tour guides will no longer be supported, said Santi Pawai.

PHUKET: -- At a one-day conference for tourism businesses organised on Wednesday (August 27) it was announced that a planned crackdown on illegal tour guides and tour companies skating around the law, scheduled to begin yesterday (August 28) has been postponed until early next month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755893-phuket-tourism-industry-crackdown-postponed-to-september/

NLA passes the first reading of Debt Collection Bill

BANGKOK: -- The National Legislative Assembly today passed the first reading of the Debt Collection Bill which will give better protection to the debtors against the use of force, intimidation or other improper means to demand debt repayment by the creditors or their nominees.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755951-nla-passes-the-first-reading-of-debt-collection-bill/

Abhisit ponders lawsuit against Tarit Pengdit

BANGKOK: -- Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is considering appealing against the Criminal Court’s verdict rejecting his malfeasance lawsuit against former head of the Department of Special Investigation Tarit Pengdit for charging him and his former deputy, Suthep Thuagsuban, of murder in connection with the crackdown on red-shirt protesters in April-May 2010.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755952-abhisit-ponders-lawsuit-against-tarit-pengdit/

80pc of people hit by Phuket beach clean-up apply for help

The Phuket News

The destruction of illegal beach businesses has left hundreds jobless.

PHUKET: About 80 per cent of the people in Kathu District who have lost their livelihoods because of Phuket’s massive military-backed beach clearance have registered at the District Office for help in getting their lives restarted.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755955-80pc-of-people-hit-by-phuket-beach-clean-up-apply-for-help/

Hua Hin to see more tourists from China

BANGKOK, 29 August 2014 (NNT) - Chinese tourists reportedly have a higher tendency to travel the seaside resort of Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The provincial governor therefore encourages Thai people to provide them with a warm welcome.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755956-hua-hin-to-see-more-tourists-from-china/

PM Prayuth thanks NLA, Thais for having confidence in him

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha Friday night thanked the National Legislative Assembly for selecting him as the PM and thanked Thais for having confidence in him.

During his weekly TV programme when he spoke the first time as the PM, Prayuth said he wished to express his deep gratitude for His Majesty for appointing him as the prime minsiter.

"This has been the highest honour of my life - and not only for myself, but for my entire family," Prayuth said.

"I am happy to bear the responsibility in moving the country towards a sustainable future. From now on, I will be responsible for moving the country and the people forward and working together in national development for the benefit of all."

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/PM-Prayuth-thanks-NLA-Thais-for-having-confidence--30242117.html

-- The Nation 2014-08-29

Surrogacy law expected to be promulgated end of the year

BANGKOK: -- The legislation concerning surrogacy should become effective by the end of the year, according to the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT).

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/755967-surrogacy-law-expected-to-be-promulgated-end-of-the-year/

to continue:

Thailand Live Saturday 30 Aug 2014

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/756002-thailand-live-saturday-30-aug-2014/