Thailand Live Wednesday 10 Sep 2014

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Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 1,577.26, falls 5.92 points /MCOT

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Two men arrested in Samui for robbing tourists


Photo – Bangkok Post

KOH SAMUI: -- Police have arrested two of the men suspected of robbing Chinese tourists and are still on the lookout for two others thought to be part of the same criminal gang.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759202-two-men-arrested-in-samui-for-robbing-tourists/

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Three workers die going down waste treatment well to repair motor

BANGKOK: -- Three workers died inside the waste water treatment well they went down to repair at a food flour factory in Banglen district of Nakhon Pathom province last night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759205-nakhon-pathom-3-workers-die-going-down-waste-treatment-well-to-repair-motor/

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PHUKET: “No change” at International Hospital, say new owners


Phuket International Hospital, will be renamed Bangkok International Hospital Phuket from October 1.

PHUKET: -- The new owners of Bangkok Hospital Group (BHG) are assuring patients not to worry as no changes have been made.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759207-no-change-at-bangkok-international-hospital-phuket-say-new-owners/

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Southern region expects more rain and thunderstorms

BANGKOK, 10 September 2014 (NNT) – According to the Meteorological Department's daily weather forecast, areas in the northern part of the country are today likely to receive less rainfall while the southern and eastern parts of the country will experience thundershowers and scattered heavy rain.

The Meteorological Department says as the weak monsoon trough remains over Myanmar, Laos and upper Vietnam, widely to scattered rain is likely in upper part of the country. The rather strong southwest monsoon prevails across the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand with scattered to fairly widespread thundershowers over the South and the eastern region of the country, as well as isolated heavy rain especially in the provinces of Chanthaburi, Trat, Ranong, Phang-nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun. People should beware of the severe weather condition. Waves between 2 and 3 meters high are expected in the areas of the upper Andaman Sea and the Upper Gulf of Thailand. All ships should proceed with caution, and small boats in the upper Andaman Sea are advised to keep ashore.

In the northern region cloudy skies are expected with a 30% chance of scattered thundershowers especially in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet and Phetchabun. In the northeastern (Isan) region, cloudy skies are expected with a 40% chance of widely scattered thundershowers especially in the provinces of Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani.

People in the central region can expect a cloudy sky with a 40% chance of scattered thundershowers especially in Uthai Thani, Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ratchaburi and Kanchanaburi provinces. People in the eastern region can expect a cloudy sky with a 60% chance of scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain especially in Chanthaburi and Trat provinces.

The east coast of the southern region can expect a very cloudy sky with a 60% chance of scattered thundershowers especially in the provinces of Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Songkhla and a wave height of 1-2 meters can be expected at sea today.

Meanwhile, on the west coast of the southern region, a very cloudy sky is expected with a 80% chance of fairly widespread thundershowers and heavy rain especially in the provinces of Ranong, Phang-nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun. Wave heights of between 2 and 3 meters can be expected.

In the Bangkok metropolitan area, residents can expect cloudy skies with a 60% chance of scattered thundershowers.

Temperatures throughout the country will range between 23 and 34 degrees during the day.


-- NNT 2014-09-10

weather reports for all Thai provinces: http://weather.thaivisa.com

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Qatar-Phuket direct flights start next month
The Phuket News


A Qatar Airways Airbus A330, similar to the one to be used on the new direct service.

PHUKET: -- Qatar Airways is to introduce non-stop flights to Phuket from October 26.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759209-qatar-phuket-direct-flights-start-next-month/

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Is Thailand really losing Russian arrivals?
Anton Makhrov


Sunbathers on a Crimean beach. Photo Vyacheslav Argenberg

PHUKET: -- The news about the decrease in Russian arrivals to Thailand prompted an active discussion in social media last week with Thai nationals and foreign residents alike sharing their views of Russians as a tourists.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759212-is-thailand-really-losing-russian-arrivals/

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Exhibition on travelling photos taken by Princess Sirindhorn put up in Amphawa

SAMUT SONGKHRAM, 10 September 2014 (NNT) - An exhibition of photographs taken by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was launched on Tuesday (Sep 9) at the Thai Pavilion in the King Rama II Memorial Park in Amphawa District.

Presiding over the opening ceremony of the exhibition on ‘Travelling Photos, Sight-seeing Pictures’ were the Governor of Samut Songkhram, Mr. Chonchuen Boonyanusart (ชนม์ชื่น บุญญานุสาสน์), and Major General Chartchai Khansuwan (ชาติชาย ขันสุวรรณ), the Commanding General of the Ratchaburi Military District.

The exhibition is being organized by the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture and the Royal Photographic Society of Thailand, to publicize the Princess Maha Chakri's talents in photography. The organisers have been granted the royal permission to bring to the public eye 63 photographs that Her Royal Highness had personally taken while on her sightseeing trips in Thailand and abroad during 2012 to 2013.

The exhibition is running through September 23, this year.


-- NNT 2014-09-10

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DDPM steps up Flood prevention measures in sub-basin areas

BANGKOK, 10 September 10, 2014(NNT)-Flood prevention is currently an urgent priority. The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department is now speeding up preparatory measures to prevent floodwater from the northern region badly affecting areas downstream. DDPM officials have been ordered to conduct a clearance of water plants and obstacles in the water, to help ease the drainage of flood water in the river basin.

Mr. Chatchai Promlert, Director General of the DDPM announced that Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-ocha, has assigned an urgent task to the agencies responsible, to prevent flood problems in areas of the Chao Phraya river basin. The main tasks are to eliminate any objects that could block the flow of water in the main stream. Provincial Administrations, District Administrations and Sub District Administrations will work cooperatively with the DDPM to remove all blockages by September 11th, 2014.

The flood action plans for the sub-basin, can be considered an interim step in preventing the effects of flood damage to the lives of people along the river bank and in river basin areas, during the rainy season.


-- NNT 2014-09-10

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Thai Foreign Minister to attend UN meeting this month

BANGKOK, 10 September 2014 (NNT) - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tanasak Patimaprakorn is due to attend the UN General Assembly meeting in New York later this month, which marks the first time a senior Thai official pays a visit to the West since the army took power in May.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759220-thai-foreign-minister-to-attend-un-meeting-this-month/

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Thailand remains on high alert against Ebola

BANGKOK, 10 September 2014 (NNT) - Thailand continues to remain on high alert against the spread of Ebola virus despite the fact that the country’s risk of exposure is still considered low.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759223-thailand-remains-on-high-alert-against-ebola/

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Police set up Security Industry Check Center

BANGKOK, 10 September 2014 (NNT)- The Royal Thai Police is setting up a Security Service Check Center to conduct background and profile checks on private security staff. The intention is to regulate the private security industry effectively, to reduce criminality within, raise standards and recognize quality service.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759224-thai-police-set-up-security-industry-check-center/

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Indonesian 6.2 magnitude quake has no impact on Thai coasts



BANGKOK: -- The Seismology Bureau said the 6.2-magnitude earthquake which struck off the central Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Wednesday has no impact on Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759225-indonesian-62-magnitude-quake-has-no-impact-on-thai-coasts/

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Japan's visa exemption for Thais woos low cost airline business



BANGKOK: -- Japan's visa exemption for Thai visitors has become a windfall for airline business in the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759226-japans-visa-exemption-for-thais-woos-low-cost-airline-business/

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HRW: Redshirt Activist 'Disappeared'
By Khaosod English

BANGKOK— An international human rights organization is calling upon the Thai government to disclose the whereabouts of a Redshirt activist who was reportedly arrested by soldiers five days ago and hasn’t been seen or heard from since.

According to the New York-based Human Rights Watch, Kittisak Soomsri, 47, was arrested by plain-clothed soldiers in Bangkok on 5 September.

Shortly after the arrest, Mr. Kittisak’s family was reportedly informed through an anonymous phone call that Mr. Kittisak had been taken into military custody for questioning and would be released without charges after seven days—the legal limit for arbitrary detention under martial law.

However, Thailand’s military authorities have denied that Mr. Kittisak was arrested or currently in their custody, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported in a press release today.

“The Thai government and military should immediately disclose Kittisak’s location,” said Brad Adams, Human Rights Watch’s Asia Director. “Kittisak Soomsri’s enforced disappearance shows the Thai military’s wanton disregard for basic rights under martial law.”

Mr. Kittisak was an active member of the Redshirt’s umbrella organization, The United United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), which supported the government toppled in the 22 May coup d’etat.

In 2010, Mr. Kittisak was accused of participating in a bomb attack and other violent incidents that occurred during confrontations between Redshirts and security forces under then-Prime Minsiter Abhisit Vejjajiva’s government. According to Human Rights Watch, Mr. Kittisak was never arrested or prosecuted for these allegations.

Since seizing power on 22 May, Thailand’s military junta, known as the National Council for Peace and Order, has used its powers under martial law to summon and detain more than 300 activists, politicians, journalists, and academics for “attitude adjustment.” Many of these people have been held incommunicado in military camps and are forced to sign forms promising not to participate in any political activities upon their release.

The majority of detainees have been released after seven days or less, but in late May a 26-year-old Redshirt activist was arrested and detained for 28 days. After fleeing to Europe on her release, Kritsuda Khunasen accused soldiers of beating and torturing her while she was in custody.

NCPO chairman and Prime Minister Gen. Prayuth has dismissed the torture allegations as “untrue” and ignored the UN’s calls for an investigation.

“As both junta leader and prime minister, General Prayuth has vowed to respect human rights, but hasn’t followed through his words with actions,” Human Rights Watch’s Mr. Adams said. “Prayuth could start by ordering an end to arbitrary arrests and secret detentions, releasing all those wrongfully held.”

Source: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1410325945


-- Khaosod English 2014-09-10

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Dean covers head with box to protest rector holding dual posts



BANGKOK: -- Public health minister Dr Rajata Rajatanavin drew a protest from a dean of Mahidol university wearing a metal box on his head as the minister chaired a meeting of deans Wednesday morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759237-dean-of-mahidol-uni-covers-head-with-box-to-protest-rector-holding-dual-posts/

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UPDATE:

Drunken argument shooter found and arrested in Phuket
Eakkapop Thongtub


Ongart Meetab, responsible for shooting Samingdam Polwong, was found and arrested last night (September 9).

PHUKET: -- Thalang police found and arrested the gunman who shot a man with a homemade shotgun pistol near a rubber plantation near Wat Tha Reua yesterday morning (September 9).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/758999-man-shoots-friend-dead-after-drunken-row-in-phuket/?p=8367945#entry8367945

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Fatigued elephant collapses on street (VIDEO)
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- A small elephant collapsed in the street at Krathumban Market west of Bangkok after the owner reportedly forced it to walk through the market as he collected money for people to feed it.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759245-fatigued-elephant-collapses-on-street-in-thailand-video/

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Bank of Thailand to remove 600,000 debtors from blacklist

BANGKOK: -- The records of 600,000 debtors who have defaulted on payments for more 90 days and who have been on the National Credit Bureau's database for eight years or longer will be removed from the data base.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759248-bank-of-thailand-to-remove-600000-debtors-from-blacklist/

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New Zealander charged with sex assaults on drugged backpackers

WELLINGTON - A New Zealand hotelier allegedly videotaped himself indecently assaulting at least 16 foreign male tourists after drugging them while they stayed at his backpacker lodge, police said Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759250-new-zealander-charged-with-sex-assaults-on-drugged-backpackers/

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Sad face: Thailand made to wait for iPhone 6
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Despite the popularity of Apple products in the kingdom, Thailand was overlooked for the first wave of launches for the latest iPhone models.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759251-sad-face-thailand-made-to-wait-for-iphone-6/

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Koh Samui bids a fond farewell to Larry Snyder of The Shack



KOH SAMUI: -- Today more than two hundred residents of Koh Samui turned out to wish a fond farewell to what has to be one of the islands most popular ex-pat residents. Those in Samui mourned their loss today with Larry’s friends and family around the world who could not attend his funeral.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759253-koh-samui-bids-a-fond-farewell-to-larry-snyder-of-the-shack/

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Water resources board confirms no terrible flood in Bangkok or surroundings

BANGKOK, 10 September 2014 (NNT) –The Board of Water Resources Administration and the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) have given assurances that the flood situation in Bangkok and general area won't deteriorate as in 2011.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759257-water-resources-board-confirms-no-terrible-flood-in-bangkok-or-surroundings/

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Man just pulls it out and works it on BTS

By Coconuts Bangkok

Photo : MThai

BANGKOK: -- A BTS commuter was shocked and frightened when another passenger decided to do a very different kind of selfie.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759262-man-just-pulls-it-out-and-works-it-on-bts/

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Power Explosion Sets German Chemical Plant Ablaze, Damages Nearby Houses

MOSCOW, September 10 (RIA Novosti) - At least one person has reportedly been injured and thousands more have been warned to prepare for evacuation and instructed to remain inside after a powerful explosion rocked a chemical part near the German city of Bremen on Tuesday night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759265-power-explosion-sets-german-chemical-plant-ablaze-damages-nearby-houses/

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Thailand's suicide cases jump almost 4,000 last year



BANGKOK: -- One Thai people takes own life in every two hours last year, the Ministry of Public Health’s study of suicide statistics in Thailand revealed today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759267-thailands-suicide-cases-jump-almost-4000-last-year/

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NBTC confirms public of free TV broadcast for 17th Asian games

BANGKOK, 10 September 2014 (NNT) – The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has confirmed that the 17th Asian games will be broadcasted through free TV channels.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759290-nbtc-confirms-public-of-free-tv-broadcast-for-17th-asian-games/

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THAI won't borrow from Government Bank to strengthen liquidity
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Sept 10 -- National flag carrier Thai Airways International (THAI) will not ask the Government Savings Bank (GSB) for a loan to increase its liquidity, according to a senior THAI executive.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759291-thai-wont-borrow-from-government-bank-to-strengthen-liquidity/

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Floods recede in many provinces
By Digital Content



NAKHON SAWAN, Sept 10 --Floods in two Nakhon Sawan district have receded slightly as of this morning, while the province is trying its best to inspect damage and provide assistance to flood victims.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759294-floods-recede-in-many-thai-provinces/

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Revenue officials crack major tax invoice forgery gang



BANGKOK: -- The Revenue department says it has cracked a major tax invoice forgery gang after almost a year long tracking.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759297-thai-revenue-officials-crack-major-tax-invoice-forgery-gang/