Thailand Live Thursday 4 Sep 2014

[webfact]

Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation calls a meeting on Ebola prevention

BANGKOK, 4 September 2014 (NNT) -The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has called a meeting about measures to prevent the occurrence of Ebola.

The Deputy Director of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Mr. Anusorn Kaewkangwan, has called a meeting to prepare for the isolation of an Ebola infected patient arriving from a foreign country, and the prevention of an epidemic.

Many representatives from related departments are attending, working on appropriate ways of preventing an epidemic of the Ebola virus should the virus take hold here, and how to take care of people who have come into contact with infected patients, according to the act of prevention and mitigation 2550 (2007) and a plan of prevention and mitigation 2553-2557 (2010-2014).

As for the Ebola virus situation in Africa, the WHO has declared an international public health emergency. While the 3,069 infected people, and 1,552 deaths, mean it is the biggest outbreak of the Ebola virus yet seen. Even though there hasn't been any sign of infection in Thailand so far, there might be some risk from Thai people traveling to the countries affected, or infected people entering Thailand.

The Deputy Director of the Department of Disease Control, Mr. Opas Karnkawinpong, said that methods of handling an epidemic of Ebola virus can be separated into three levels, starting with the “green level” in the event of finding any suspect person coming from an area of risk, the “yellow level” in the event of finding any infection already in Thailand, and the “red level” if there should be an outbreak of the Ebola virus, resulting from others coming into contact with an infected person. The red level requires the strictest observation and isolation in order to prevent the viral disease becoming widespread.


-- NNT 2014-09-04

[webfact]

Yingluck’s lawyer cries foul of the Democrats’ book launch

BANGKOK: -- Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s lawyer cried foul against the launch today of a book about the rice pledging scheme controversy by former Democrat MP Warong Detkitvigrom.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757272-yinglucks-lawyer-cries-foul-of-the-democrats-book-launch/

[webfact]

ANALOG CONTROVERSY
Ch 3 gets ultimatum
Wachiranont Thongtep
The Nation

NBTC wants in 15 days roadmap on simulcast of analog broadcast on digital platform

BANGKOK: -- THE NATIONAL broadcasting regulator yesterday gave Channel 3 no more than 15 days to map out a strategy for simulcasting its analog programmes on the digital platform, or it will be barred from broadcasting via satellite and cable, according to an official.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757330-thai-channel-3-gets-ultimatum-analog-controversy/

[webfact]

UPDATE:

MARTIAL LAW
Junta urged to consider lifting martial law in tourist areas

BANGKOK: -- THE National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) may be asked to consider on Friday lifting martial law in some tourism-oriented districts and provinces where the curfew had been lifted earlier.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757185-proposal-to-lift-martial-law-in-tourist-destinations/page-2?p=8338093#entry8338093

[webfact]

OBITUARY
A farewell to greatness
Khetsirin Pholdhampalit
The Nation


Thawan Duchanee demonstrates the brute power of his brushstrokes at last year's exhibition at Siam Paragon making his 74th birthday. Nation/Kunlaphun Sirimamporn

Thawan Duchanee, the bearded sage of Baan Dam, long ago prepared for death, but he knew his art will live on

BANGKOK: -- The death yesterday morning of Thawan Duchanee, one of Thailand's most esteemed artists - and one of its best known overseas - set off ever-widening ripples of grief through the art world, along with fond recollections of a man as extraordinary in his creativity as he was in his appearance and speech.

Thawan, who called Chiang Rai home, was instantly recognisable for his bushy white beard and northern-style clothes - invariably black and adorned with animal bones and claws. His voice was loud and commanding, often given to satirical, absurdist humour.

He died of kidney failure following three months of treatment. He would have turned 75 on September 27.

Named a National Artist in 2001, the same year he won the Fukuoka Asian Culture prize, Thawan was renowned for the painstaking weeks-long efforts that went into his drawings and paintings, all elaborate lines and delicate patterns. In contrast, he could, with a flourish of brushwork, capture in seconds the swift motions of horses and eagles, tigers and lions.

"Although I paint neither the starvation nor the poverty of man, my painting is powerful," Thawan told The Nation in 2004 when his exhibition "Trinity" was at the Queen's Gallery in Bangkok.

"Many collectors say, when they see my bold brushstrokes, that they feel the power and the spiritual satisfaction. I believe a good artist should direct people to look at the sparkling light of the Milky Way rather than their waiting graves."

The astounding "Trinity" show drew the sort of spectators who rarely frequent art galleries. It was his first retrospective in Thailand - and turned out to be his last. Thawan earned his doctorate at Amsterdam's Rijks Academic Van Beeletende Kunster in 1968 and took a long time sharing his work with compatriots.

And yet "Trinity" was not a retrospective, he insisted. "If it were, the organisers would have had to travel around the world to borrow my work from all the museums, and the insurance alone would cost more than Bt1 billion."

As it was, the exhibition required five 10-wheel trucks to deliver 300 pieces from his sprawling home in Chiang Rai. Ten technicians toiled for four days to mount them on all three floors, and this was just work from the previous couple of years.

There were his sketches on white paper and red canvas - 20-second assaults in oil or black ink that uncannily caught the lunge of a jungle beast.

"It shouldn't take any longer or any less time," Thawan said. "I once painted an eagle in flight in six seconds, but it wasn't completely perfect. I got the power of its wings, but not the beak and claws."

These weren't whimsical impressions, either. "I went to a desert in Arizona to observe a snake that's capable of hopping short distances," he said. "I spent three months in the Philippines observing the behaviour of the eagle that eats monkey brains. Its movement is so fast that the monkey isn't even aware of its existence."

The animals of the real world took on supernatural form in his art. "If you're going to use the animal's anatomy symbolically, you need a room of anatomy in your mind," Thawan said. "For example, you should first be good at the form of a snake before trying to paint the naga. Otherwise your naga might look like pipe snake, or your lion might look like a dog."

As to the symbolism, however, Thawan bristled if anyone asked about meaning. "We never ask a star for whom it flickers, or ask a bird for whom it sings. I want people to feel something, not try to interpret its meaning. Feeling is what distinguishes humans from other animals."

Collectors both local and foreign have always been ready to pay generous prices for Thawan's art, among them prominent businessmen like Boonchai Bencharongkul and the Sophonpanich family. Boonchai has more than 100 of his paintings on view at his Museum of Contemporary Art on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road.

"Thawan inspired me to become a patron of the arts 20 years ago, when he said I could be 'a drop of water for parched soil'," Boonchai recalled in 2012. "He's a great representative of the artists from the East."

Thawan's personal empire in Chiang Rai is called Baan Dam - the Black House - an acute though coincidental contrast to nearby Wat Rong Khun, the ornate white temple his artist-friend Chalermchai Kosipitpat is building.

Baan Dam has more than 30 structures scattered across hundreds of rai, varying in size and style. Some are associated with "the diabolical", perhaps thanks to their inky tones, but they do house his collection of animal skins, bones, horns and claws and the chairs and beds he fashioned from the bits of creatures. Some of the structures reflect the Lanna style while others resemble temple stupas.

About 10 years ago I cheekily asked Thawan how much he was worth. It wasn't the sort of question he was ever going to answer directly.

"I've never counted, but I don't know what poverty is!" he said. "Ever since I was 33 I've had enough money to live for 100 years. So I can devote the rest of my life to painting without worrying about expenses. But I'm like a candle that's lit at both ends. I might produce more light, but I burn out quicker.

"I've already prepared for death," he continued. "When I was 37 I built my own coffin, delicately crafted in wood, and I'm now planning my funeral. I've erected the buildings and a chapel to house my work and my collections. I might die - but my art has to remain."

TRIBUTES TO THE MASTER

Religious rites continue at Wat Thepsirinthawas through next Wednesday. The royally sponsored cremation takes place there next Thursday at 5pm.

The Museum of Contemporary Art has four rooms of Thawan's work. It's on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, next to the Benchachinda Building, and open daily except Monday from 10 to 6. Call (02) 953 1005-7 or visit www.MoCABangkok.com.

Duchanee's work is featured in the "Thai Charisma" exhibition at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre until November 16, open 9.30am to 9pm daily except Monday. Call (02) 214 6630-8 or visit www.BACC.or.th.

Baan Dam is in Chiang Rai's Nang Lae district and open daily from 9 to 5. Call (053) 776 333 or visit www.ThawanDuchanee.com.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/life/A-farewell-to-greatness-30242493.html


-- The Nation 2014-09-04

[webfact]

RICE SCHEME
Attorney-general's decision on Yingluck due
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL'S OFFICE will decide today whether to prosecute ex-premier Yingluck Shinawatra on charges of dereliction of duty for neglecting to act on corruption in the rice-pledging scheme and inflicting damage of Bt500 billion on the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757332-rice-scheme-attorney-generals-decision-on-yingluck-due/

[webfact]

BAN CHIANG
'Return artefacts to original site'
Seksanti Kanlayanawisut,
Sittichai Sikhawat
The Nation

Ban Chiang items still under identification; locals worried they will be kept elsewhere

BANGKOK: -- BAN CHIANG locals are hoping that artefacts smuggled to the United States will finally be returned to the Ban Chiang Archaeological Site in Udon Thani's Nong Han district, which has been given World Heritage status.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757334-return-artefacts-to-original-site-ban-chiang/

[webfact]

BOI proposing 10 projects worth Bt50 bn
WATCHARA PUSSAYANAWIN
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE BOARD OF INVESTMENT will propose for its directors' consideration next Tuesday 10 projects with combined value of more than Bt50 billion, including three under Phase 2 of the eco-car programme, the agriculture industry, and services.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757336-boi-proposing-10-projects-worth-bt50-bn/

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
Dual-pricing is scaring tourists away
The Nation

The widespread practice of overcharging foreign visitors must be curbed if Thai tourism is to prosper again

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's tourism industry has been adversely affected by years of street protests, political violence and, recently, martial law imposed by the coup-makers. But the widespread practice of overcharging and double-pricing is also playing a major role in scaring visitors away from Thai shores.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757339-dual-pricing-is-scaring-tourists-away-thai-editorial/

[webfact]

Wanted bomber plans new attack, Hat Yai security sources say
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Insurgent suspect Faisal Hayeesama-ae, wanted for the 2004 bomb attack at Songkhla's Hat Yai Airport, may be in the Hat Yai area to make a bomb or provide training to fellow insurgents in preparation for attacks, said a security source.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757341-wanted-bomber-plans-new-attack-hat-yai-security-sources-say/

[webfact]

Kingdom warned to brace for more as floodwaters recede
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- As Thailand's seven provinces suffered from flooding that has killed eight persons so far, the weather bureau yesterday urged people in the North, the Northeast, the East and the South West Coast to brace for more heavy rains up to September 9.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757343-thailand-warned-to-brace-for-more-as-floodwaters-recede/

[webfact]

Two top cops among land encroachment suspects
Prasit Tangprasert
Wasu Vipoosanapat
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- TWO high-level police officers are among suspects involved in alleged land encroachment in Nakhon Ratchasima's Pak Chong district, a senior Army officer said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757344-two-thai-top-cops-among-land-encroachment-suspects/

[webfact]

Keeping people updated
The Nation

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757346-keeping-people-updated-billboards/

[webfact]

Manhunt launched for thieves who stole King-donated cattle

BANGKOK: -- Police have launched a manhunt for a group of thieves who stole several heads of cattle donated to the livestock office in Prachin Buri’s Nadee district by the Palace under the Royally-sponsored cattle bank project.

Police alleged that the gang had also beaten to death a two-month pregnant cow which was found by the roadside of Ban Srakhu-Saphan Hin road in Nadee district. Four other heads of cattle have escaped into the woods, police added.

The cattle caretaker, Mr Narongrith Thip-osot, was invited by the police for questioning but no charges have been lodged against him yet.

Pol Lt Yutthapoom Damrongtham, the enquiry officer of Nadee district, vowed to arrest the thieves for punishment as well as the mastermind who might have ordered the thievery of the royally-donated cattle which were meant to be given to the poor in the district.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/manhunt-launched-thieves-stole-king-donated-cattle/


-- Thai PBS 2014-09-04

[webfact]

Phuket park successfully reclaims ‘billions of baht’ of land
Darawan Naknakhon


Park chief Kitipat: Any structures will be demolished.

PHUKET: -- Sirinart Marine National Park is ready to take back a total of 445 rai of encroached land – potentially worth billions of baht – after the Land Department halted upgrades from SorKor 1 to Chanote on the land involved.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757347-phuket-park-successfully-reclaims-billions-of-baht-of-land/

[webfact]

Political TV hosts take up apolitical roles in new scenario
KRIS BHROMSUTHI
THE NATION

Channels back on air after signing pact with junta depoliticise their content

BANGKOK: -- PARTISAN TV celebrities from colour-coded political channels have returned to screens but their main content will focus more on constructive opinion on reform and perhaps even a cooking or music-for-life programme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757349-political-tv-hosts-take-up-apolitical-roles-in-new-scenario/

[webfact]

Govt to revise down export target
PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- AFTER MANY agencies issued low export expansion forecasts, the Commerce Ministry was finally convinced that it needs to downgrade its target for this year's shipments soon. "The target of 3.5 per cent will be revised down, as many negative factors have disturbed trading expansion.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757351-thai-govt-to-revise-down-export-target/

[webfact]

Ukraine crisis: France halts warship delivery to Russia

PARIS (BBC) -- France has said conditions are "not right" for delivery of the first of two Mistral navy assault ships to Russia.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757351-thai-govt-to-revise-down-export-target/

[webfact]

UK paying experts to build Islamic State war crimes case

(BBC) -- A team of international investigators funded by the British government is compiling evidence against Islamic State fighters carrying out atrocities in Iraq and Syria, the BBC has learned.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757354-uk-paying-experts-to-build-islamic-state-war-crimes-case/

[webfact]

Ebola death toll passes 1,900, says WHO

(BBC) The World Health Organisation (WHO) says more than 1,900 people have now died in West Africa's Ebola outbreak.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757355-ebola-death-toll-exceeds-1900/

[webfact]

Airport Rail Link suspends express train services Thursday

BANGKOK: -- The Airport Rail Link announced through its Twitter page that its express train services will be suspended throughout the day Thursday.

Its City Line trains will run every 15 minutes.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Airport-Rail-Link-suspends-express-train-services--30242499.html


-- The Nation 2014-09-04

[webfact]

NCPO to meet Friday to discuss partial lifting of martial law



BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order will hold a special meeting on Friday to consider lifting martial law in certain areas in 22 provinces.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757373-ncpo-to-meet-friday-to-discuss-partial-lifting-of-martial-law/

[webfact]

Princess Soamsawali visits flood affected people in Nan

NAN, 4 September 2014 (NNT) - Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali on Wednesday (Sep 3) visited people affected by floods in Chaloem Phra Kiat District, in her capacity as the honorary chairperson of the Friends in Need (of “Pa”) Volunteers Foundation, Thai Red Cross Society.

On this occasion, Her Royal Highness distributed relief packages as well as blankets, clothes and milk to monks and villagers. The Princess also gave organic berry cereal to pregnant women as the rice strain has proved very useful to the development of infants in fetus.

Nan province has experienced several incidents of flood and mudslide since May this year with the worst scenario occurring during August 26-30. The most affected districts are Pua, Thung Chang, Tha Wang Pha, Chiang Klang and Chaloem Phra Kiat. About 9,800 people are living in hardship while over 2,600 rai of agricultural land has been submerged in the floodwaters.

Accompanying Princess Soamsawali on this visit was a team of mobile medical unit which provided both check-ups and treatment to villagers free of charge. Most of the people seeking medical services suffered from chronic respiratory diseases, skin disease and myositis or muscle inflammation. Her Royal Highness also instructed establishment of a field kitchen to cook clean and nutritional food for flood affected people.

After Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Her Royal Highness visited flood-affected people in two other districts in this province.


-- NNT 2014-09-04

[webfact]

Australia Post to shakeup letter delivery costs
Alana Schetzer

MELBOURNE: -- Australia Post managing director Ahmed Fahour said the changes meant the business represents a shift from "a letters business to a parcel business".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757379-australia-post-to-shakeup-letter-delivery-costs/

[webfact]

Industries welcome WEF's competitiveness adjustment



BANGKOK: -- The World Economic Forum (WEF) adjustment of Thailand’s Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) for the period 2014 – 2015 from a ranking of 37 up to 31 on a total of 144 countries comes as a welcome news to businesses in the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757382-thai-industries-welcome-wefs-competitiveness-adjustment/

[webfact]

Thai stock index opens on Thursday at 1,585.51, gains 2.24 points /MCOT

[webfact]

Related bodies meet on prevention of Bangkok floods

file photo

BANGKOK, 4 September 2014 (NNT) – The water management policy committee has convened a meeting to step up preventive measures against flooding in Bangkok after the Prime Minister’s call for close attention to the problem this rainy season.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757408-related-bodies-meet-on-prevention-of-bangkok-floods/

[webfact]

LIBYA
Jihadists steal commercial jets, raise 9/11 fears : reports
Agencies

BANGKOK: -- Jihadists have stolen several commercial jetliners in Libya, raising concerns with intelligence officials about 9/11-style terror strikes as the 13th anniversary approaches.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757410-jihadists-steal-commercial-jets-raise-911-fears-reports/

[webfact]

Thai Lion Air to launch Phuket-Bangkok with B515 fare
Saran Mitrarat


Thai Lion Air will use Boeing 737-900 ER aircraft for the Phuket-Bangkok Route. Photo Alec Wilson

PHUKET: -- New low cost carrier Thai Lion Air is to launch five destinations in its domestic network this month, including Phuket-Bangkok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757417-thai-lion-air-to-launch-phuket-bangkok-with-b515-fare/

[webfact]

A Mariah comes along to Bangkok
By Coconuts Bangkok,



BANGKOK: -- Mariah Carey abruptly confirmed on Twitter yesterday she will perform in Bangkok next month and tickets will quickly go on sale tomorrow.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/757421-a-mariah-comes-along-to-bangkok/