Thailand Live Sunday 14 Sep 2014

[Lite Beer]

POLITICAL VIOLENCE
'Men in black sought millions to reveal name of mastermind'
The Sunday Nation

Police commandos provide security as five suspects accused of involvement in an armed attack during the 2010 political unrest are taken to the Criminal Court yesterday for permission for police to detain them during further investigation.

BANGKOK: -- Some of the "men in black" who launched attacks during the political unrest in 2010 offered to reveal the mastermind in exchange for millions of baht, Democrat Party politician Thaworn Senneam said yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760226-men-in-black-sought-millions-to-reveal-name-of-mastermind/

[Lite Beer]

TRANSNATIONAL GANGSTERS
Over 20 big foreign criminal gangs here
Piyanut Tamnukasetchai
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- 'Lack of ability to counter groups involved in ID fraud, hacking and thefts'

More than 20 major transnational gangs are plaguing Thailand - including Russian and Romanian credit card skimming gangs and Latin American thieves and bank robbers, a new study by the Thailand Institute of Justice has revealed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760228-over-20-big-foreign-criminal-gangs-here/

[Lite Beer]

Drought is greater worry than floods: Anupong
The Sunday Nation September 14, 2014 1:00 am

Anupong

BANGKOK: -- Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paochinda said yesterday he is more concerned about possible drought in the coming dry season than floods.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760229-drought-is-greater-worry-than-floods-anupong/

[Lite Beer]

NATIONAL BUDGET
NLA targets Bt17-billion reduction
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- Budget committee proposes biggest slash for central govt budget; transport, defence and tourism to also see cuts

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760230-nla-targets-bt17-billion-reduction/

[Lite Beer]

Queen's guards minding Prayuth's back
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- Despite the seemingly calm political situation, security has been heightened around General Prayuth Chan-ocha since he set foot in Government House on Tuesday to start serving as prime minister.

Tight security was provided on Friday for Prayuth, who is also head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), when he announced his government's policy statement before the National Legislative Assembly and later visited Sukhothai to inspect the flooding situation.

Most of the prime minister's bodyguards are soldiers from the Army's 21st Infantry Regiment of the Royal Guards in Chon Buri, which is known as "the Queen's guards". Prayuth was the regiment commander in the earlier days of his military career.

Prayuth's security details are not totally new - they also include many of his usual bodyguards. The team leader Lt-Colonel Ekdanai Julobon, commander of the regiment's Second Infantry Battalion, has provided security for him since he became the Army commander-in-chief in 2010. Ekdanai also was in the security detail of former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

The new PM's bodyguards are mostly from the regiment's Second Infantry Battalion. They are divided into two teams, with each one headed by an Army captain. The teams are supposed to work on alternate days, although they may have to work together on some days.

Each team includes 10 to 15 members of an advance unit who work with the security officers in areas that prime minister is due to visit. The advance unit is supposed to survey the destination about 30 minutes before the leader arrives.

In the PM's motorcade, there are military police on big bikes in addition to well-armed bodyguards riding motorcycles.

The security details from the 21st Infantry Regiment of the Royal Guards had to work hard during the political unrest in 2010 when then-PM Abhisit and deputy PM Suthep Thaugsuban became the targets of attacks from militant red shirts. Abhisit's motorcade was attacked by hardline protesters twice but he was lucky to escape unharmed.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan and Interior Minister General Anupong Paochinda are also guarded by security details from the 21st Infantry Regiment.

In addition to soldiers from the regiment, Prayuth is also guarded by 10 to 12 security officers from the Armed Forces Security Centre (AFSC), which is traditionally the main agency that provides security for Government House and the government leader.

In this government, the AFSC's security officers mainly focus their work on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn, who is also the armed forces supreme commander.

During the tenure of then-prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra in the previous administration, the security service of the AFSC was rarely used. Yingluck's government preferred security from the Royal Thai Police's Special Bureau and a Intharaj commando unit, as well as a company of women bodyguards for the country's first female prime minister.

The previous government seemed to have more trust in the police, while the current one prefers the military.

For Prayuth, when it comes to security, no other unit is more trustworthy than his former subordinates and usual bodyguards from the regiment of the Queen's guards.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Queens-guards-minding-Prayuths-back-30243220.html

-- The Nation 2014-09-14

[Lite Beer]

Train services to Sungai Kolok to resume tomorrow
The Sunday Nation

Security has been heightened at train stations in Narathiwat, pictured, and other restive southern border provinces following a sabotage attack that targeted railway tracks in Narathiwat recently.

NARATHIWAT: -- Southern train services to Narathiwat's Sungai Kolok district remained suspended yesterday as railway workers and volunteers - guarded by rangers - repaired a bombed section of track between Tanyongmas and Pa Phai stations in the deep South province's Rangae district.

The repair work would be completed this afternoon or tomorrow morning, after which 14 daily services to Sungai Kolok Station would resume, Tanyongmas railway maintenance supervisor Adul Tolaema said.

The blast on Friday morning bent a 20-metre-long section of track and shattered six ferro concrete sleepers. It is believed insurgents had targeted a patrolling ranger team but no one was hurt.

As a result of the blast, South-bound trains have only been able to reach Tanyongmas Station.

Meanwhile, the owner of a pickup truck used in Thursday's gun and bomb attack on the Tambon Tha Makrud Municipality Office in Pattani's Khok Pho district, which resulted in four deaths, was murdered. His body was found dumped in a canal in Songkhla's Thepha district on Friday afternoon.

Anan Kwanjun, 45, had blunt force trauma wounds to the head and face. Police suspect insurgents hijacked the truck and killed him before launching the attack.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Train-services-to-Sungai-Kolok-to-resume-tomorrow-30243222.html

-- The Nation 2014-09-14

[Lite Beer]

Rajata vows to boost primary care, more doctors
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- Public Health Minister Dr Rajata Rajatanavin has vowed to strengthen primary care services with more family physicians and develop all healthcare systems to be of harmony and unity in term of benefits, service access, funding and data systems.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760232-rajata-vows-to-boost-primary-care-more-doctors/

[Lite Beer]

Former monk dies in Chiang Mai
The Sunday Nation

Nikorn

CHIANG MAI: -- Former monk Nikorn died of haemorrhaging in the brain late on Thursday night at the age of 61 at Chiang Mai's Nakhon Ping Hospital.

The former monk, known as Thammarat Yoskhamju, suffered a stroke and was admitted to the hospital September 7.

He used to be the abbot of Sangpong Temple in Phrao 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/national/Former-monk-dies-in-Chiang-Mai-30243226.html

-- The Nation 2014-09-14

[Lite Beer]

Karen near Huay Kha Khaeng told to stop encroaching
The Sunday Nation

UTHAI THANI: -- Army and administrative officials yesterday negotiated with villagers who allegedly encroached on forestland bordering Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760233-karen-near-huay-kha-khaeng-told-to-stop-encroaching/

[Lite Beer]

NRC candidates nominated in more than one area of reform
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- Many candidates for the National Reform Council have been nominated in more than one area of reform, which is against the nomination rules, the spokesman for one of the 11 selection committees said yesterday.

Surapon Nitikraipot, spokesman for the selection committee on political affairs, said up to 20 candidates nominated for political reform were also nominated for local administrative affairs. A candidate can only apply for one sector. The panel also laid out the selection criteria, which they would deliberate on based on the candidate's profiles, including qualifications, profession, political party affiliation, political profile and political ideology.

Meanwhile, NLA president Pornpetch Wichitcholchai said the selection committee for judiciary and justice system reform would compile a 50-name shortlist before further examining the candidates.

"We should have people from different political stance, such as red shirt or yellow shirt," he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/NRC-candidates-nominated-in-more-than-one-area-of--30243224.html

-- The Nation 2014-09-14

[Lite Beer]

Buddha images discovered in Chumphon probably nine centuries old

BANGKOK, 13 September 2014 (NNT) – Local people in Chumphon have discovered four Buddha images thought to be around 900 years old, and have handed over their find to the Fine Arts Department.

Atchima Nukhong, head of the national museum in Chumphon, said the discovery was made while locals were digging an artesian well in a durian plantation in Phato district. The find consists of two similar Buddha images that are made out of bronze and have a height of 28 centimeters each. The third Buddha image is 33 centimeters high and the fourth is 40 centimeters high; both are also made of bronze. All four images are in good condition, although they are well-rusted.

Ms. Atchima believes the images were made in accordance with the Baphuon(บาปวน) art form that was widespread about 900 years ago.

-- NNT 2014-09-14

[Lite Beer]

Bangkok’s 16th International Festival of Dance & Music

BANGKOK, 13 September 2014 (NNT) - Bangkok’s 16th International Festival of Dance & Music is taking place from now till October 26th, at the Thailand Cultural Center.

Performing arts enthusiasts can enjoy 16 performances of great diversity, for example, opera, ballet, symphony orchestra, acrobatics and contemporary dance.

The opening show is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Don Giovanni opera performed by the Teatro Lirico Italiano of Rome.

Other highlights include the ABBA Show, Arrival from Sweden, TAJ EXPRESS, The Magic Flute : Bashkir State Opera and Ballet Theatre, ONEGIN, Stuttgart Ballet, Germany. This highly successful annual event involves over 1,000 performers.

-- NNT 2014-09-13

[Lite Beer]

Baan Chiang Ngam Scholars Learning Center invites people to study sustainable economy

KALASIN, 13 September 2014 (NNT) –The Kalasin Baan Chiang Ngam Scholars Learning Center, established in 1980, invites people to learn specialized activities in the Center such as organizing land for a pond, growing herbs, perennial plants and fruit trees and raising pigs, fish and frogs.

Moreover, those interested can learn how to make manure, biogas, understand food processing, and appreciate basketwork. The training courses are available twice a year but the Center invites visitors to call into the Center any day. Those interested are invited to contact 086-1642002.

-- NNT 2014-09-14

[Lite Beer]

Former Kata-karon beach operators clean beach
Saran Mitrarat

PHUKET: Disgusted with all all the litter piling at their former work place, 200 former operators of jetskis, umbrella chairs, and massage stations at Kata and Karon beaches decided to make use of their idle time and clean the beach up today.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760234-former-kata-karon-beach-operators-clean-beach/

[Lite Beer]

David Haines's 'evil murder' condemned by PM

LONDON: -- The murder of David Haines was an "act of pure evil", David Cameron has said after the release of a video purporting to show the UK hostage's beheading.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760238-david-hainess-evil-murder-condemned-by-pm-cameron/

[Lite Beer]

Kathu orchard watchman shot in cold blood, police suspect land access dispute
Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: At about 9pm last night, Phuket police's 191 emergency hotline received a call to report a shooting murder at an orchard near Bang Wad Dam in Kathu, and promptly dispatched a team to investigate.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760244-kathu-orchard-watchman-shot-in-cold-blood-police-suspect-land-access-dispute/

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Islamic State claims beheading of British hostage

WASHINGTON - The Islamic State jihadist group claimed Saturday it beheaded British aid worker David Haines, in what would be the third such execution in recent weeks, after two US journalists were shown murdered.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760238-david-hainess-evil-murder-condemned-by-pm-cameron/#entry8383673

[Lite Beer]

Chained Phuket 'village crazy man', 37, sent to psychiatric ward

Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: Kusoldham rescue workers yesterday responded to a distress call from a man at rubber farm in Thalang, seeking assistance for his mentally-disturbed sibling.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760253-chained-phuket-village-crazy-man-37-sent-to-psychiatric-ward/

[Lite Beer]

THAI bans external battery packs on board

BANGKOK, 14 September 2014 (NNT) - Thai Airways International has put a ban on external battery packs on all of its aircraft for safety reason.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760260-thai-bans-external-battery-packs-on-board/

[Lite Beer]

Analysts hopeful SET index will hit 1,600-point mark next week

BANGKOK, 14 September 2014 (NNT) - Securities analysts are hoping the Stock Exchange of Thailand composite index will rise further next week.

Kasikorn Securities and Kasikorn Research Center have predicted that the SET main index may rise to hit the 1,600-mark level during September 15 and 19, if the upcoming U.S. Federal Market Open Committee (FOMC) does not signal any rise in its policy interest rate anytime soon.

Analysts from K-Securities and K-Research agreed that the market will keep an eye on the FOMC meeting as its decision will inevitably affect movements both on the local and overseas market next week.

They added that other economic indicators from the U.S. that will soon come out will also be under spotlight while the Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting on September 17 will be another key element to move the market.

K-Securities has set the next resistance at between 1,592 and 1,610 points, with support at between 1,569 and 1,556 points next week.

-- NNT 2014-09-14

[Lite Beer]

Thailand, Phuket braces for more wet weather as Typhoon Kalmaegi eyes mainland
The Phuket News

PHUKET: Sustained downpours are expected throughout Thailand in the coming week, especially in the North and Northeast as Typhoon Kalmaegi gets ready to clash with the Philippines tonight, before making landfall with China by Wednesday (Sep 17).

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760264-thailand-phuket-braces-for-more-wet-weather-as-typhoon-kalmaegi-eyes-mainland/#entry8384062

[Lite Beer]

Community leaders divided over controversial conference audio system

BANGKOK: -- An opinion survey by the Master Poll of the Thai Researchers in Community Happiness Association found that community leaders were divided over the issue of expensive conference audio systems for Government House meeting rooms.

The survey found that 50.8 per cent found the procurement suspicious while the remaining 49.2 per cent did not think so. The survey was carried out among leaders of 600 communities nationwide from Thursday to Saturday.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Community-leaders-divided-over-controversial-confe-30243234.html

-- The Nation 2014-09-14

[Lite Beer]

Most people happy with reconciliation efforts so far: survey

BANGKOK: -- An opinion survey by Rajabhat Suan Dusit University found that up to 81.3 per cent of the people are happy with the efforts of the National Council for Peace and Order to create reconciliation in the country.

The remaining 18.7 per cent said they were not happy. The survey was conducted among 1,534 people nationwide from Monday to Saturday.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Most-people-happy-with-reconciliation-efforts-so-f-30243233.html

-- The Nation 2014-09-14

[Lite Beer]

Condition of corpse recovered from sea near Sarasin bridge suggests execution
Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: Rescue workers this morning recovered a body from the sea, near the Sarasin Bridge, which connects Phuket with the mainland.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760265-condition-of-corpse-recovered-from-sea-near-sarasin-bridge-suggests-execution/

[Lite Beer]

RT @AP: BREAKING: Trial has been held in North Korea for detained US citizen Matthew Miller.

[Lite Beer]

Phu Hin Rong Kla sees more tourists as weather gets cooler

PETCHABUN, 14 September 2014 (NNT) - Tourists have been flocking to Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park as the weather became cooler.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760268-phu-hin-rong-kla-sees-more-tourists-as-weather-gets-cooler/

[Lite Beer]

NLA supports enactment of inheritance tax law

BANGKOK, 14 September 2014 (NNT) - The National Legislative Assembly is expressing its support to the Prime Minister’s push for the passing of an inheritance law.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760270-nla-supports-enactment-of-inheritance-tax-law/

[Lite Beer]

Islamic State crisis: Australia to send 600 troops to UAE

Australia says it is sending 600 troops to the Middle East ahead of possible combat operations against Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760272-islamic-state-crisis-australia-to-send-600-troops-to-uae/

[Lite Beer]

Drought-affected Yala in need of artificial rains

BANGKOK, 14 September 2014 (NNT) - The southern border province of Yala will ask the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to conduct artificial rains during this period after it was hit by drought for more than six months.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760276-drought-affected-yala-in-need-of-artificial-rains/

[Lite Beer]

Airbus establishes flight operations documentation centre in Bangkok



Subsidiary to produce standard manuals and customisation services
10 SEPTEMBER 2014 PRESS RELEASE

Airbus has established a new subsidiary in Thailand for the production of flight operations data for use by airlines worldwide.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760279-airbus-establishes-flight-operations-documentation-centre-in-bangkok/