Thailand Live Saturday 13 Sep 2014

[Lite Beer]

Channel 3 submits new demand

BANGKOK: -- Channel 3 TV this afternoon submitted a three-point demand to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission in a renewed attempt to resolve the conflict with the broadcasting committee.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....its-new-demand/

[Lite Beer]

Two Pathumwan engineering students shot dead in broad daylight

BANGKOK: -- Two vocational students were shot dead by a gunman as they were riding on a motorcycle in front of a petrol station in Bangsue district, late Friday afternoon.

The victims who were not identified yet were students of Pathumwan engineering college as shown by the uniforms and insignias they were.

Witnesses reportedly told the police that the gunman whose identity was unknown, riding on the pillion on a motorcycle approached the victims from behind without their notice and fired 4-5 shots into their heads and escaped.

The brazen shooting took place in broad daylight and on the road which was busy with traffic and only a short distance to the Bangsue railway and underground train terminals.

Source: http://englishnews.t...broad-daylight/

-- Thai PBS 2014-09-12

[Lite Beer]

POLICY ADDRESS
Land, inheritance taxes this year: PM
Kris Bhromsuthi
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prayuth vows to make taxation fair; NLA welcomes policy moves

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759995-land-inheritance-taxes-this-year-pm/

[Lite Beer]

Prayuth's first visit will be to Myanmar
Nuntida Puangthong
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Myanmar is set to become the first foreign country that General Prayuth Chan-ocha will visit after becoming prime minister, deputy Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said yesterday

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759996-prayuths-first-visit-will-be-to-myanmar/

[Lite Beer]

PM promises investigation into the cost of Cabinet audio system
Nathapat Promkaew,
Anapat Deechuay
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha has said there will be a probe into the purchase of an alleged overpriced audio system for the Cabinet's meeting room.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759997-pm-promises-investigation-into-the-cost-of-cabinet-audio-system/

[Lite Beer]

New DSI investigation team to take over 'men in black' case
The Nation

Senior policemen yesterday watch a suspect re-enact his role as one of the alleged Men in black

BANGKOK: -- Fresh officials to probe deadly clash in April 2010 at Bang Lamphu

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759998-new-dsi-investigation-team-to-take-over-men-in-black-case/

[Lite Beer]

Govt urged to raise tobacco taxes to cut health costs
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- An anti-smoking network is calling on the government to raise tobacco taxes and impose a special tax on cigarettes. Tax hikes should effectively lower tobacco consumption, network chairman Somsri Paosawat said last week.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759999-govt-urged-to-raise-tobacco-taxes-to-cut-health-costs/

[Lite Beer]

Abbot's case to be discussed
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The National Office of Buddhism may refer the case of Luang Pu Phim, the abbot of Chaiyaphum's Wat Weluwan, who allegedly claimed to be able to predict his own death and was taken out of a coffin where he slept, to the Sangha Supreme Council.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760000-abbots-case-to-be-discussed/

[Lite Beer]

Dutch man back from Nigeria has influenza - not Ebola
Puangchompoo Prasert
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A 52-year-old Dutch national who had been under examination to see if he had the deadly Ebola virus has been given the all-clear, after blood tests revealed he just has the flu.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760001-dutch-man-back-from-nigeria-has-influenza-not-ebola/

[Lite Beer]

DSI to help tackle land disputes involving sea gypsies on Koh Lipe
Chidchanok Mahappala,
Kanitta Sitong
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The DEPARTMENT of Special Investigation (DSI) will help the Prime Minister's Office team to tackle land conflicts in Satun province, after Moken sea gypsies accused a business group of illegitimately taking their land on Koh Lipe, where they have lived for generations.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760002-dsi-to-help-tackle-land-disputes-involving-sea-gypsies-on-koh-lipe/

[Lite Beer]

Four provinces in the lower North remain inundated
The Nation


Army bomb-disposal personnel check boats docked by a pier in Sukhothai province. Prime Minister

Prayuth Chan-ocha later used one of the boats to inspect flooding and hand out relief supplies.

BANGKOK: -- Over 19,000 people affected; Prayuth wants to find a long-term solution

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760004-four-provinces-in-the-lower-north-remain-inundated/

[Lite Beer]

Bomb destroys part of rail line in Narathiwat
Narong Nuansakul
The Nation

Security officials guard the section of railway in Narathiwat

SONGKHLA: -- Local train services had to be suspended in the deep South after a bomb destroyed a section of the track in Narathiwat's Rangae district yesterday morning.

Trains from Bangkok to Hat Yai in Songkhla continued operating yesterday, but could only go as far as Tanyongmas Station.

Workers are expected to start repairing the tracks today so trains can resume plying the route as soon as possible.

After receiving a report of the blast at 6.30am in tambon Tanyonglimo, security officials scouted the area in a helicopter and brought sniffer dogs to check for more explosives. Later, security officials and the bomb squad inspected the site of the bomb, located between Pa Pai and Tanyongmas stations.

The explosion damaged 20 metres of track, shattering three iron-concrete sleepers and creating a crater three metres wide and a metre deep.

Fragments indicated that a home-made bomb was placed inside a 25-kilogram gas cylinder and detonated via a communication radio.

Insurgents hiding in a nearby wooded area detonated the bomb when Sergeant Dusadee Khongpat was leading a six-member patrol team and three civilians along the railway line. Nobody was hurt.

Department of Army Rangers 45 commander, Colonel Rungroj Ananto, said his men were helping Rangae police search suspects' homes in tambon Tanyonglimo, while another team joined villagers to clear the area and look for suspicious objects to ensure the safety of repairmen.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Bomb-destroys-part-of-rail-line-in-Narathiwat-30243191.html

-- The Nation 2014-09-13

[Lite Beer]

Reform council selection process 80% complete
Chanikarn Phumhiran
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- About 80 per cent of the member selection process for the National Reform Council has been completed, Election Commission secretary-general Puchong Nutrawong said yesterday.

Puchong said the selection committees, which met yesterday in Bangkok, had not come up with a shortlist of names yet as there were still many things to scrutinise.

He said some 30 applicants might have had their electoral rights suspended by a court, and if that were the case they would be ineligible to be a candidate.

Puchong urged all provincial selection committees to maintain secrecy regarding the names of shortlisted candidates in order to spare their province negative attention.

At yesterday's meeting, which took place at the First Army Infantry, the selection committees of the nine reform sectors were briefed on the names of all the applicants after two selection committees had earlier been informed.

Puchong said one or two more meetings would be required to consider the qualifications of each applicant before selections could be made.

He added that the make-up of the council could be revised until October 2 as stipulated by the National Council for Peace and Order.

Puchong stressed that the provincial selection committees must ensure the confidentiality of the chosen candidates and the provincial election directors must hand over their final list in a sealed envelope to the Election Committee in Bangkok in person.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Reform-council-selection-process-80-complete-30243200.html

-- The Nation 2014-09-13

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL
Protecting tourism demands commitment
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Hauling off one beach thug shouldn't be regarded as a lasting solution

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760007-protecting-tourism-demands-commitment/

[Lite Beer]

Court president faces revolt over law amendment move
Kesinee Taengkhiao
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The president of the Supreme Administrative Court, Hasawut Withiwiriyakul, is facing a fierce challenge from fellow judges with 101 of them petitioning the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to reject a proposed amendment of an Administrative Court law.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760005-court-president-faces-revolt-over-law-amendment-move/

[Lite Beer]

Fuel price changes 'needed'
Watcharapong Thongrung
The Nation

Narongchai: focusing on real cost

BANGKOK: -- Wasteful 'populism' a thing of the past, Narongchai warns

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760009-fuel-price-changes-needed/

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

NBTC board to decide next week on Ch 3 petition
Watchiranont Thongtep
The Nation

NBTC secretary-general Takorn Tantasit, left, receives a written petition from Pravit Maleenont, executive director of BEC World, requesting a revision of the recent order by the broadcasting committee that Channel 3, which does not use the new digital format.

BANGKOK: -- The 10 board members of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) will decide next week whether to revise the recent order by its broadcasting committee banning Channel 3 from cable and satellite TV networks after the analog channel's operator lodged a written petition against the edict.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759933-channel-3-submits-new-demand/

[Lite Beer]

Owner of truck used by militants found dead in klong

PATTANI: -- Police have found the body of the owner of a pickup truck used by southern militants in the deadly attack of Tambon Makrood municipal in Khok Pho district of Pattani on Thursday which left four people dead and six injured.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760010-owner-of-truck-used-by-militants-found-dead-in-klong/

[Lite Beer]

Foreign Ministry hits back at Amnesty International

BANGKOK: -- The Foreign Ministry on Friday issued a statement countering Amnesty International’s scathing appraisal of 100 days rule under the National Council for Peace and Order.

“The military had created a “climate of fear” since seizing power on May 22, with hundreds of arbitrary detentions, alleged abuse in military custody and sweeping restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly,” Amnesty International said in its report on Thursday.

The Foreign Ministry said that the AI’s report was prepared without referring to the situation before the coup on May 22 which was characterized with continuing violence and unrest, especially the lack of stability and public safety which affected the basic rights of the Thai people.

The Foreign Ministry also hit back at the AI’s report saying that it did not reflect the opinion of the majority Thais who feel that they were more secured during the past 100 days since the coup.

The report, said the ministry, has failed to mentioned the fact that radio and television stations have been allowed to resume normal operations and the lifting of curfew. The remaining restrictions are temporary and will be lifted once the situation has returned to normal, the ministry added.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/foreign-ministry-hits-back-amnesty-international/

-- Thai PBS 2014-09-12

[Lite Beer]

Defrocked monk Nikorn dies of brain haemorrhaging

BANGKOK: -- Former monk Nikorn died of haemorrhaging in the brain late Thursday night, Daily News reported. He was 61 years old.

The former monk or Thammarat Yoskhamju suffered a stroke and was admitted to the Nakhon Ping Hospital on September 7.

He used to be the abbot of Sangpong Temple in Chiang Mai's Prao district and he was a very popular preacher. Later, he was found guilty by the Sangha Supreme Council of having sexual relationship with a woman follower so he was defrocked.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Defrocked-monk-Nikorn-dies-of-brain-haemorrhaging-30243210.html

-- The Nation 2014-09-12

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Oscar Pistorius verdict: Steenkamp family protest

The parents of Reeva Steenkamp say "justice was not served" after South African athlete Oscar Pistorius was acquitted of murdering their daughter.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/759892-oscar-pistorius-found-guilty-of-culpable-homicide/#entry8379742

[Lite Beer]

Ian Paisley: Politicians and religious leaders react to death

Political and religious leaders have been reacting to the death of former Democratic Unionist Party leader and first minister Ian Paisley.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760014-ian-paisley-politicians-and-religious-leaders-react-to-death/

[Lite Beer]

Special Report: PRD holds its 15th weekly Music in the Garden concert

BANGKOK: -- The Government Public Relations Department (PRD) held its 15th weekly ‘Music in the Garden’ event this past Thursday with continued hope of fostering unity and harmony in the kingdom.

During the 15th weekly ‘Music in the Garden’ event this week, the concert was held under the theme of “Farangs Love Luk Thung Music” , showcased by a number of famous contemporary performers. Renowned luk thung artists Christy Gibson and Jonas Anderson were invited to perform at the event amid loud applause from the audience.

Mr Anderson said he is honored to be part of the campaign that brings happiness to Thai people through music. Both Mr Anderson and Ms Gibson performed a number of their own musical numbers, classical luk thung songs and compositions by His Majesty the King.

The ‘Music in the Garden’ concerts are held at the PRD auditorium in Soi Ari from 4:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays under various themes on a weekly basis.

The weekly event which demonstrates the PRD’s effort in supporting the National Council for Peace and Order's (NCPO) commitment to rebuilding happiness has received a great reception from the public. The free concerts attracted a massive number of people and the PRD has been urged to keep the project running for longer terms.

Various types of music are played by the PRD's live bands, including Thai contemporary music, Traditional Thai Songs, Royal melodies composed by His Majesty the King, Modern Thai Songs and a selection of international songs.

PRD Director-General Mr. Apinan Chantarangsri also visited the event and expressed his immense support for the weekly concert, saying the event was part of the NCPO’s policy to dissolve political factions and to promote unity among the citizens through music, essentially paving the way for a sustainable peace and reconciliation.

For those who are unable to attend, NBT occasionally plays a rerun of the concert on its main television channel. The concert, which kicked off in June, is not scheduled to be finished anytime soon.

-- NNT 2014-09-12

[Lite Beer]

TAT’s Turn Back Time trip to Ayutthaya

PHRANAKHONSRIAYUTTHAYA, 13 September 2014 (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand's Ayutthaya Office has organized a “Turn Back Time, trip to Ayutthaya" in the hope of boosting tourism to the countryside.

Classical Tourism enthusiasts in Thailand will have the opportunity to take in sightseeing and visit the historic landscape of the former capital of Thailand. The event has drawn attention from dedicated Thai and foreign tourists. The outing features many interesting activities such as, a Mini Sound and Light, and a Floating Market festival as well as stage performances.

The event takes place today, Saturday, September 13th, according to Mr. Pramote Subyen, Director of the Ayutthaya TAT office. The journey will also include trips to new tourist attractions in Ayutthaya.

-- NNT 2014-09-12

[Lite Beer]

Shots fired during armed robbery at East Pattaya Herbal Shop

PATTAYA:--Three women were lucky to escape with their lives on Friday Evening following an armed robbery at a Herbal Shop in East Pattaya after shots were fired by one of the assailants in their direction.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760026-shots-fired-during-armed-robbery-at-east-pattaya-herbal-shop/

[Lite Beer]

Body of man found on Pattaya Beach close to Walking Street

PATTAYA:--On Friday Morning Police were called to Pattaya Beach close to the entrance of Walking Street to investigate reports of a body which was floating face-down in the water, close to the old pier.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760027-body-of-man-found-on-pattaya-beach-close-to-walking-street/

[Lite Beer]

PM Prayuth’s first visit to flood-hit Sukhothai impresses locals

Newly appointed Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha today went on his first official trip to Sukhothai province to visit flood victims in the area to the joy and tribulation of local residents.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760031-pm-prayuths-first-visit-to-flood-hit-sukhothai-impresses-locals/

[Lite Beer]

Pattaya To Enlarge Beach After Erosion Has Caused It To Disappear

PATTAYA – September 11, 2014 [Pattaya Daily News]; Mr.Somchai Sumanaskajornkul-deputy director of the marine department-had discussed about enlarging Pattaya beach. The project will involve officers from Chulalongkorn university and Pattaya officers. Its aim is to solve the beach erosion problem and to extend the beach back to its original size.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760029-pattaya-to-enlarge-beach-after-erosion-has-caused-it-to-disappear/

[Lite Beer]

Commerce to promote jasmine rice in China

BANGKOK: -- The deputy minister of Commerce is to go to China to promote fragrant Thai jasmine rice to the China market.

According to Mrs Duangporn Roadpayard, director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade, the deputy minister of Commerce will be leading a delegation to attend the China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, China, a food expo to exhibit fragrant Thai jasmine rice to the Chinese market.

She said China is the leading importer of rice in the world with annual purchases averaging at 2.95 tons per year however Thai rice has only been able to grab 10% of this high volume market.

Thai rice used to dominate the Chinese market as recently as two years ago however of late the country turned to purchasing rice from Vietnam, she said.

Vietnamese rice now constitutes 66% of the Chinese market, followed by Pakistan which takes up 22%, she said.

The result of this change was the rise in prices of Thai rice which to date is 10% – 30% more expensive than the average market price. What’s worse is the rampant sale of adulterated fragrant Thai rice in China itself, she saud.

The Department of Foreign Trade hopes that this effort will help put Thai rice back to its original glory in China, she added.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/commerce-promote-jasmine-rice-china/

-- Thai PBS 2014-09-13

[Lite Beer]

No taxi fare rise now, says ACM Prajin



BANGKOK: -- The minister of Transport has made it clear Friday that his ministry has no plan to approve new fare structures after a Thai taxi network demanded fare rise with reason that there had been no adjustment in the past ten years.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760033-no-taxi-fare-rise-now-says-acm-prajin/