Thailand Live Sunday 31st Aug 2014

[Lite Beer]

Thousands of slot machines, circuit boards destroyed
The Sunday Nation

Backhoes are used to destroy gambling machines seized over the past two months, during a campaign against illegal gambling, at the 11th Infantry Regiment in Bangkok yesterday. Confiscated circuit boards for slot machines were also run over by steamrollers

BANGKOK: -- Almost 4,000 slot machines, plus 1,500 integrated-circuit boards for gambling machines were destroyed yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/756202-thousands-of-slot-machines-circuit-boards-destroyed/

[Lite Beer]

Most Myanmar migrants want to return home

Migrant workers from Myanmar work in an agricultural field in Chiang Mai.

SOME 83 per cent of migrant workers in Thailand plan to return and live permanently in Myanmar, according to a survey by Myanmar Study Centre.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/756205-most-myanmar-migrants-want-to-return-home/

[Lite Beer]

4,600 nominations for Reform Council, EC says
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- Almost 4,600 candidates have registered in the hope of being part of the National Reform Council. With 4,584 nominated so far, the Election Commission expects it get more than 5,000 names before its deadline on Tuesday, EC official Boonyakiat Rakchartcharoen said yesterday. The agency has hosted the registration of NRC candidates for the past 17 days.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/756206-4600-nominations-for-reform-council-ec-says/

[Lite Beer]

Corrections Dept chief rejects foul play in prisoner's death
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- Early autopsy finding: internal bleeding

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/756207-corrections-dept-chief-rejects-foul-play-in-prisoners-death/

[Lite Beer]

Copy China's graft crackdown: Veera
The Sunday Nation

Veera

BANGKOK: -- Activist says PM must wield absolute power to eliminate corruption here

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/756208-copy-chinas-graft-crackdown-veera/

[Lite Beer]

King's health improving
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- His Majesty the King's health is improving - with no inflammation of the body and his weight on the way up, the Royal Household Bureau said in a statement yesterday.

The monarch, 86, is at Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital for his annual medical check-up.

The bureau, in its third statement since the King was hospitalised, said that extra tests via a computerised X-ray machine found his stomach, intestines, liver and kidneys were functioning normally, while a recent follow-up blood test result showed no inflammation of any body system.

The royal physicians reported that the King's overall health had improved and he had gained weight, thus they had suspended a procedure to provide him intravenously with additional nutrients, the bureau said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Kings-health-improving-30242164.html

-- The Nation 2014-08-31

[Lite Beer]

Exception for Ch 3 opposed by digital TV operators
Watchiranont Thongtep
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- Some terrestrial-based digital TV operators will tomorrow hand over an open letter to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), opposing extension of the remedy period for Channel 3 to provide its analog TV programmes via cable and satellite TV operator after the current remedy period ends tomorrow.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/756209-exception-for-ch-3-opposed-by-digital-tv-operators/

[Lite Beer]

PM wants action against rogue jet-ski operators
Khampanart Khantrakul,
Supakorn Akkhanant,
Mattana Laddasiriphorn
The Sunday Nation

Tourists enjoy riding jet skis during their vacation in Thailand.

BANGKOK: -- While Thailand is attracting tourists because of its beautiful beaches and wide variety of water sports, the country's jet ski rental businesses have become notorious after it emerged some operators were extorting money from tourists.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/756210-pm-wants-action-against-rogue-jet-ski-operators/

[Lite Beer]

'Universal design' concept would help access for disabled, seminar told
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- Participants at a recent seminar proposed the concept of "universal design" in a move to narrow the disparities suffered by the disabled, the elderly and the underprivileged.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/756211-universal-design-concept-would-help-access-for-disabled-seminar-told/

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL
Move to axe 'smart classrooms' needs further debate
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Education is too important to be left in the hands of ministry officials, wider input would be welcome

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/756212-move-to-axe-smart-classrooms-needs-further-debate/

[Lite Beer]

24 provinces warned of heavy rains

BANGKOK: -- The Meteorological Department Sunday warned residents of 24 provinces in the North, Northeast and Central to brace themselves for heavy downpours during the day.

The rains could be unleashed by influence of a low pressure ridge over China Sea and the monsoon wind over the Andaman Sea.

The provinces are Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Lamphun, Lampang, Prae, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Loei, Nong Bua Lampu, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Si Sa ket, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Chanthaburi, and Trat.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/24-provinces-warned-of-heavy-rains-30242175.html

-- The Nation 2014-08-31

[Lite Beer]

British activist braces for Thai libel trial

BANGKOK, August 31, 2014 (AFP) - A British activist will go on trial in Thailand Tuesday for defamation, facing a possible jail term after his investigation into alleged labour abuses in the kingdom’s food industry.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/756236-british-activist-braces-for-thai-libel-trial/

[Lite Beer]

Heavy rains cause landslides in Nan

BANGKOK, 31 August 2014 (NNT) - Bo Kluea district in Nan province has been by affected by landslides and mudslides after heavy rains fell for many consecutive days. Eight households risk being buried by landslides.

The district evacuated the affected villagers for their safety and dredged water courses to prevent the land from collapsing. Supplies and food were handed out to them.

Nan disaster prevention and mitigation chief Nithiwat Nithinanthan declared three flood-hit districts—Pua, Chiang Klang and Thung Chang—disaster zones. Supply kits and drinking water were given to the affected people. As for the damaged houses, they are being surveyed and assessed by infrastructure officers.

-- NNT 2014-08-31

[Lite Beer]

Fearing military, Pattaya rushes to eradicate sin

PATTAYA: Officials are racing to clean up Pattaya’s beaches and vice spots to try to shake off the “sin city” tag and prevent the military stepping in as they have done in Phuket and Hua Hin.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/756258-fearing-military-pattaya-rushes-to-eradicate-sin/

[Lite Beer]

Phuket: Edgy calm as Ukraine port town waits for Russian-backed onslaught

The hospital in Novoazovsk was destroyed by shelling on Wednesday. Photo AFP

MARIUPOL, UKRAINE: With pro-Russian rebels threatening at the gates, fighters loyal to Kiev in Mariupol are having to face a hard truth: they will be unable to save this vital port city alone.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/756259-phuket-edgy-calm-as-ukraine-port-town-waits-for-russian-backed-onslaught/

[Lite Beer]

RT @RichardBarrow: Some soldiers just stopped me at a checkpoint. They wanted to see my passport but they were satisfied with my Thai drivers license #Thailand

[Lite Beer]

RT @sunaibkk: Police arrested families of 2010 political violence victims after they distributed leaflets demanding justice & accountability. #Thailand

[Lite Beer]

Thailand Red Cross calls for more blood donation

BANGKOK, 31 August 2014 (NNT) - The Thai Red Cross Society is urging the public to donate blood in an annual campaign that will be launched throughout the month of September.

Dr. Sroi-saang Pikulsod, director of the blood donation centre at the Thai Red Cross Society, said that the campaign “Pun Lohit Hai Nong” (sharing blood for the young ones), which is in its seventh year this year, will be launched throughout September to encourage members of the public to donate more blood.

Dr. Sroi-saang said that more blood donation is needed to help patients with blood conditions, particularly Thalassemia which can currently be found in around one percent of Thailand’s population or about 600,000 people while the number looks set to be rising every year.

She added that there are at least 12,000 newborns who have been diagnosed with Thalassemia as well. These young patients will need to be treated with blood transfusions for the rest of their lives.

The director of the blood donation centre said that blood supply for some groups could be in shortage from time to time and the situation has forced the centre to launch a campaign to call for more blood donation every three months to ensure sufficient supply.

-- NNT 2014-08-31

[Lite Beer]

Thailand’s Hajj pilgrims asked to strictly observe Saudi Arabian laws and regulations

BANGKOK, 31 August 2014 (NNT) - Thai Muslims have been asked to strictly observe all rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia while on the Hajj pilgrimage.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/756276-thailands-hajj-pilgrims-asked-to-strictly-observe-saudi-arabian-laws-and-regulations/

[Lite Beer]

EC: NRC nomination will not continue beyond deadline

BANGKOK, 31 August 2014 (NNT) - The Election Commission (EC) will not extend the nomination of the National Reform Council (NRC) from its closing date 2 September. 4,684 people have been nominated so far.

EC Secretary-General Phuchong Nutrawong said the EC would deploy more staff to accommodate NRC nominees expected to show up more as the nomination approached its end. The nomination would not be extended since it had to adhere to the time frame the EC earlier submitted to the National Council for Peace and Order, Mr Phuchong said. He added that the nomination had so far proceeded smoothly.

On 4 September, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha will meet with central and provincial screening committees to make suggestions on the NRC member selection at the Army Club.

-- NNT 2014-08-31

[Lite Beer]

All eyes are kept on the revelation of Cabinet ministers

BANGKOK, 31 August 2014 (NNT) - Thailand is keeping a close eye on the revelation of the Cabinet ministers under the leadership of newly-appointed Prime Minister Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Following reports on the submission of a list of Cabinet ministers for the royal endorsement, all eyes are being kept on the identities of ministerial post that will be filled by Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, the leader of the National Council for Peace and Order, who showed up at the Royal Thai Army headquarters to work as normal on Saturday.

At the same time, various short lists of senior military officers and technocrats have come out and speculations on who have been appointed which posts have been publicly discussed in the media.

Former army chief Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan is tipped to become a deputy prime minister and the Defence Minister, while Supreme Commander Gen. Thanasak Patimaprakorn is speculated to also take up the deputy prime minister’s post as well as the post of the foreign minister.

Another former army chief, Gen. Anupong Paochinda, is rumoured to be appointed to the Interior Ministry while national police chief Pol. Gen. Adul Sangsingkeo will likely become the Minister of Social Development and Human Security.

In addition, former foreign trade director general Apiradee Tantraporn is said to be chosen as a deputy minister to the Commerce Ministry, while Mr. Apinun Posayanon, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, will become the Culture Minister.

-- NNT 2014-08-31

[Lite Beer]

RT @191Thailand: RT @SuthareeW: Police said families of 2010 violence victims will face criminal defamation charges, now detained at Bangsue Police station

[Lite Beer]

Japan porn queens raise thousands of dollars from 'Boob Aid'

TOKYO: -- A group of Japanese porn actresses raised tens of thousands of dollars at the weekend by having their breasts squeezed by fans at a "Boob Aid" charity event for Aids prevention.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/756307-japan-porn-queens-raise-thousands-of-dollars-from-boob-aid/

[Lite Beer]

Phayao, Nattapat arrested for distributing leaflets criciticising Criminal Court's ruling

Payao Akhad and her son, Nattapat Akhad were arrested Sunday after they distributed leaflets criticising the criminal court ruling that rejected the murder case against former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and former deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/756312-phayao-nattapat-arrested-for-distributing-leaflets-criciticising-criminal-courts-ruling/

[Lite Beer]

Nok Air makes emergency landing in Surat Thani

Nok Air's Flight DD 7809 made an emergency landing at the Surat Thani airport at 10:55 am Sunday after a bird hit and damaged its engine.

The plane took off from the Nakhon Si Thammarat airport. All 139 passengers were shifted to another plane and flown to Bangkok safe and sound.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Nok-Air-makes-emergency-landing-in-Surat-Thani-30242182.html

-- The Nation 2014-08-31

[Lite Beer]

North Korean Dictator Kim Jong-Un is a Manchester United fan
By Andrew Stuart

Kim Jong-Un is a Manchester United fan

Manchester United have another famous fan they can add to their books.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/756321-north-korean-dictator-kim-jong-un-is-a-manchester-united-fan/

[Lite Beer]

Pheu Thai leading members wish Somchai happy birthday

BANGKOK: -- Leading members flocked to the house of former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat to wish him a happy birthday on his 67th birthday anniversary.

He held the celebration at his Beverly Hill house on Chaeng Wattana Road and gave alms to nine monks. Those visiting him included Ponthep Thepkanchana, Pracha Promnok, Udomdet Ratanasathien, Wicharn Minchai, Viroj Pao-in, and Noppadol Pattama.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Pheu-Thai-leading-members-wish-Somchai-happy-birth-30242185.html

-- The Nation 2014-08-31

[Lite Beer]

Most Thais want temples to declare assets: survey

BANGKOK: -- Up to 87.24 per cent of Thai Buddhists see that Buddhist temples should declare their assets, an opinion survey by the National Institute of Development Administration found.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/756327-most-thais-want-temples-to-declare-assets-survey/

[Lite Beer]

16-Year-Old Student Dies During Hazing

By Khaosod Eng.

PRACHUAP KIRI KHAN — A 16-year-old student diagnosed with leukemia died yesterday following a night of hazing by his senior classmates.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/756329-16-year-old-student-dies-during-hazing/

[Lite Beer]

Nok Air flight makes emergency landing in Surat Thani after plane hit birds

SURAT: -- A Bangkok-bound Nok Air flight made an emergency landing at Surat Thani airport this morning after the plane hit some birds shortly after it left Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/756332-nok-air-flight-makes-emergency-landing-in-surat-thani-after-plane-hit-birds/