Blue Line electric train project set to begin in 2016

BANGKOK, 15 September 2014 (NNT) - The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is expediting the “Blue Line” electric train project from Tha Phra – Phutthamonthon Sai 4. The project’s auctions are expected to begin in 2016.

MRTA Governor Yongsit Rotesrikul said the MRTA had allocated budget of around 40 million baht to study and design the 8-kilometers long Blue Line whose total investment value was 140 billion baht. The project would be submitted to the Cabinet within next year before auctions started in 2016, the governor said.

The Blue Line electric train extension project is under the strategy to develop the country’s transportation infrastructure for the years 2015-2022. The strategy has been approved by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).


-- NNT 2014-09-15

TEEN MOTHERS
Sa Kaew hospital campaign steeply reduces teen pregnancies
The Nation



SA KAEW'S Wang Nam Yen Hospital has successfully reduced the number of teenage pregnancies from 200 cases a year to only 75 through a project that uses a multi-disciplinary approach to the problem.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760433-sa-kaew-hospital-campaign-steeply-reduces-teen-pregnancies/

SOUTH CRISIS
Far South peace talks 'must include all groups'
PIMNARA PRADUBVIT,
NATHAPAT PROMKAEW,
PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK
THE NATION



Abhisit says all obstacles to dialogue for ending insurgency must be removed

BANGKOK: -- DEMOCRAT PARTY leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and a former Muslim MP have voiced their support for continued dialogue between security authorities and insurgents based in the far South after the military's seizure of power in May.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760434-abhisit-far-south-peace-talks-must-include-all-groups/

AUDIO CONTROVERSY
Govt warned of 'fishy' deals like microphones for the Cabinet
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- ALMOST HALF the local leaders from 600 communities surveyed by Master Poll wanted the government to cancel a plan to buy 89 high-tech microphones for the Cabinet room that cost about Bt100,000 each.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760435-thai-govt-warned-of-fishy-deals-like-microphones-for-the-cabinet/

MPC
MPC expected to hold interest rate until next year
Erich Parpart
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Monetary Policy Committee will hold its policy interest rate at 2 per cent until next year, as the economy is still in early stages of recovery, while fiscal policy will play the stimulus role and monetary policy will take care of price stability until the expected rate hike, according to experts.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760436-mpc-expected-to-hold-interest-rate-until-next-year/

DAMRONGDHARMA CENTER
Centers for resolution of smaller problems
KRIS BHROMSUTHI
THE NATION
BANG BUA THONG, NONTHABURI

BANGKOK: -- DAMRONGDHARMA centres have re-emerged since the junta came to power. Under a National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) order its mission has expanded far beyond its original intent to "bring happiness back to the people".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760438-damrongdharma-centers-for-resolution-of-smaller-problems/

Final farewell to a master
Phatarawadee Phataranawik
The Nation


His last drawing

Thousands pay their last respects to National Artist Thawan Duchanee

BANGKOK: -- THOUSANDS OF MOURNERS turned out to Wat Thepsirin last Wednesday evening for the royally sponsored cremation of National Artist Thawan Duchanee.

Presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the event saw both national artists and young students take turns in reading poetry while fellow artists staged live performances.

National Artists Naowarat Pongpaiboon read a mourning poem and flautist Thanis Srikliandee played sad tunes in a final goodbye to the artist who died on September 3 at the age of 74.

"As Thawan Duchanee passed away … leave his name and masterpieces in memory forever," Naowarat read.

Jumping out from behind the master's powerful painting, young artists dressed in black costumes danced at the ceremony in front of his red-and-gold glided coffin. Designed by the artist himself, the coffin was decorated with flamingo flowers, carnations and roses in deep red - one of the main huge in his artwork. Reproductions of his last drawing were also displayed.

Thawan created his final work "Horse" on July 21 from his hospital bed. Drawn in magic marker and ballpoint pens, the drawing depicts a red horse with its shadow upside down in a gold outline.

"I've already prepared for death," Thawan once told The Nation. "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."

Thawan's work has been selling fast since his death. Eighty-two of an edition of 100 printed reproductions and scarves are going for Bt35,000 and Bt4,999 respectively while the remaining 18 pieces will be going up for auction. Online sales through his website are also thriving with T-shirts selling Bt550 and models of Thawan in his various signature poses ranging from Bt950 to Bt1,450.

Among the mementoes at Wednesday's cremation were a black-covered notebook with Thawan's signature on the front and his poem "The Last Song of My Life" an excerpt from his 2004 work "Manut Tangdao" ("Alien"), and a sketch of Thawan by portraitist Suwit Jaipom reprinted alongside a poem composed by Naowarat. Mourners could also collect a coupon to complete to obtain a book about his life and work.

The Culture Ministry became involved too, producing 2,000 copies of DVD of the national artists' life and work to give away at the cremation. The Ministry is also updating the artist's life and work in its permanent exhibition at the Supreme Artist Hall in Pathum Thani's Klong 5.

We might have lost a great master but his masterpieces, inspiration and goodness will continue to benefit the Thai art world forever.

VIEW THE MASTERPIECES

Rarely-seen early drawings by Thawan can be admired in the "Thai Charisma" show at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre until November 16. Call (02) 214 66308 or visit www.BACC.or.th.

The Museum of Contemporary Art has four rooms of Thawan's work. Call (02) 953 10057 or visit www.MoCABangkok.com.

The Department of Cultural Promotion is updating its exhibition on Thawan, on display in Supreme Artist Hall in Pathum Thani's Klong 5. and open from 9.30 to 4 from Tuesday to Sunday. Call (02) 986 5020-4 or check Facebook.com/artist.hall.

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

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/life/Final-farewell-to-a-master-30243196.html


-- The Nation 2014-09-15

RANONG PORT
Ranong Port could be viable pathway to the West
Sasithorn Ongdee
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- As it is not in the same league as the pending mega-investment in the Dawei deep-sea port project in Myanmar, Ranong Port will have no chance to pursue its dream of becoming Asia's pathway to the West without strong commitment by the government in collaboration with the private sector.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760439-ranong-port-could-be-viable-pathway-to-the-west/

DIGITAL TV
BEC in talks to find solutions
Usanee Mongkolporn
The Nation


Pravit

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok Entertainment Co (BEC), which operates Channel 3 analog programmes, has submitted two options for the National Broadcasting and Telecommunica-tions Commission (NBTC) to consider in its proposal to air analog content on a digital TV channel.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760440-digital-tv-bec-in-talks-to-find-solutions/

EDITORIAL
Tarit is a sad reflection of Thai bureaucracy
The Nation

Victim or otherwise, the former DSI chief represents many flaws of our political and justice systems

BANGKOK: -- In a recent interview, controversial chameleon Tarit Pengdit described himself as a victim. The former chief of the Department of Special Investigation has been on his way down after the coup in May, facing investigation and court cases and receiving little sympathy from the public.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760441-tarit-is-a-sad-reflection-of-thai-bureaucracy/

REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE
The Prayuth government's strategic dilemmas
Kavi Chongkittavorn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Supreme Commander General Tanasak Patimapragorn is Thailand's 47th foreign minister. His arrival has created an unusually high expectation within the country. With his experience in security and diplomacy, it is hoped he will be able to understand and devise a foreign policy that protects the national interest and strengthens regional stability and prosperity.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760442-the-prayuth-governments-strategic-dilemmas-opinion/

Military helps woman get money back from 'friend'
KRIS BHROMSUTHI
THE NATION
BANG BUA THONG, NONTHABURI

BANGKOK: -- SWASVADEE SANGDUMPA, a resident in Bang Bua Thong district, told how the Damrongdharma centre helped her collect a debt from a former friend who still hadn't paid her after five years.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760443-military-helps-thai-woman-get-money-back-from-friend/

Workers injured in Rayong building collapse
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- A COMMERCIAL building under construction in Rayong province partially collapsed yesterday, injuring four workers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760444-workers-injured-in-rayong-building-collapse/

Reform may lead to new ad hoc court for drug cases
The Nation



Bid to address lengthy proceedings with more than 20,000 cases clogging the system

BANGKOK: -- UNDER THE anticipated judicial reform, appeals against drug-related convictions would be handled by a new ad-hoc court in a bid to ease the workload and address very lengthy court proceedings.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760445-reform-may-lead-to-new-ad-hoc-thai-court-for-drug-cases/

Apec meet lays emphasis on primary healthcare
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The importance of primary healthcare was highlighted at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meeting in Beijing last month as the gateway to the health security system.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760447-apec-meet-lays-emphasis-on-primary-healthcare/

Sweden election: Social Democrats rule out far-right pact

STOCKHOLM: -- The leader of Sweden's Social Democrats says he will try to form a government after their election win, but will not work with the far right.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760452-sweden-election-social-democrats-rule-out-far-right-pact/

Arab states 'offer help with air strikes' against Islamic State

(BBC) Several Arab countries have offered to take part in air strikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq, US officials say.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760453-arab-states-offer-help-with-air-strikes-against-islamic-state/

HM the King and Queen to be discharged from hospital today

BANGKOK, 15 September 2014 (NNT) - Their Majesties the King and Queen are scheduled to leave Siriraj Hospital and return to Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, this evening.

The Royal Household Bureau said Their Majesties will leave Siriraj Hospital by car at 5 p.m. and return to Klai Kangwon Palace for recuperation. The royal couple has been staying up in the hospital since August 6, 2014 for physical examinations on the advice of the royal physicians.

From Siriraj Hospital, the royal motorcade will pass by Arun Amarin Bridge and Borommaratchachonnani Elevated Highway before taking Kanchanaphisek Road and continuing the trip on Rama II Road towards Klai Kangwon Palace. All citizens are invited to greet the royal motorcade along the route to show their loyalty.


-- NNT 2014-09-15

James Herard dares judge to give him death sentence over Dunkin’ Donuts murders

FORT LAUDERDALE: -- MOST people would plea for their life if faced with death.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760470-us-man-dares-judge-to-give-him-death-sentence-over-dunkin-donuts-murders/

Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,576.18, falls 5.18 points /MCOT

Loyal subjects gather at Siriraj Hospital to catch glimpse of HM the King, scheduled to return to Klai Kangwon Palace, today /MCOT

Thailand Weather Forecast: More rain on the way

BANGKOK, 15 September 2014 (NNT) – According to the Meteorological Department's daily weather forecast, more rain, stronger winds and higher waves on both the Andaman Sea and in the upper Gulf of Thailand are today expected.

Today, at 04.00 a.m., typhoon “Kalmaegi” centered off the western Philippines about 1,000 kilometers east of Hainan, or latitude 18.4 Degree North, longitude 119.6 degree east, with a maximum sustained wind speed of 120 km/hr was moving west with a northwest wind speed of 30 Km/hr was expected to come close to Hainan province, China by Tuesday September 16th.

The Meteorological Department added that along with the rather strong southwest monsoon which prevails across the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand, scattered to fairly widespread thundershowers are expected all over the country, as well as isolated heavy to very heavy rain in the East and on the South west coast. People should beware of the risk of severe weather conditions.

In the Northern region cloudy skies are expected today with a 60% chance of scattered thundershowers especially in the provinces of Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Tak and Phetchabun. In the Northeast (Isan) region, cloudy skies are expected with a 60% chance of scattered thundershowers especially in the provinces of Loei, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Surin, Buri Ram and Ubon Ratchathani.

People in the Central region can expect a cloudy sky with a 60% chance of scattered thundershowers especially in Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Sawan, Chai Nat, Lop Buri, Saraburi and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya provinces. People in the Eastern region can expect cloudy skies with a 70% chance of fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy to very heavy rain especially in Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chon Buri, Chanthaburi and Trat provinces.

The East Coast of the Southern region can expect a cloudy sky with a 60% chance of scattered thundershowers in the provinces of Phetchaburi, 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, expect a very cloudy sky with a 70% chance of fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy to very heavy rain especially in the provinces of Ranong, Phang-nga, Phuket, Trang, Satun and Krabi. At sea, wave heights of between 2 and 3 meters are 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 24-34 degrees during Monday.


-- NNT 2014-09-15

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

Commerce Minister to consider plans to reduce cost of living

BANGKOK, 15 September 2014 (NNT) - Today is the first day in office of several ministers including Commerce Minister Chatchai Sarikalya.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760480-thai-commerce-minister-to-consider-plans-to-reduce-cost-of-living/

ASEM invited to invest in Thai infrastructure projects
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Sept 15 -- ASEM member countries have been urged to consider joint investment in developing basic infrastructure in Thailand and elsewhere in Asia, aimed at supporting trade and investment connectivity, Finance Minister Sommai Phasi said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760492-asem-invited-to-invest-in-thai-infrastructure-projects/

Samsung seeks prosecution probe on LG executive on suspected vandalism
By Digital Content

SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yohap) -- Samsung Electronics said Sunday it has asked the prosecution to investigate senior officials of its home rival, LG Electronics, on suspicion of intentionally damaging its products at a shopping mall in Germany.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760497-samsung-seeks-prosecution-probe-on-lg-executive-on-suspected-vandalism/

Typhoon Kalmaegi approaching South China Sea
By Digital Content

BEIJING, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- China's top observatory on Sunday evening issued a yellow alert for tropical storm as Typhoon Kalmaegi was approaching the South China Sea.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760498-typhoon-kalmaegi-approaching-south-china-sea/

Thailand providing health training to Bhutan
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Sept 15 -- The Praboromarajchanok Institute for Health Workforce Development under the Public Health Ministry plans to send health experts to provide maternity and child health training to nurses in Bhutan next year, according institute director Dr Apichart Rodsom.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760500-thailand-providing-health-training-to-bhutan/

Bodies of two foreigners, man and woman, both unclothed, found dead at Surat Thani's Hat Sai Ri Beach /MCOT

Provincial Red Cross Chapter of Songkhla invites public to donate blood



SONGKHLA, 15 September 2014 (NNT) - The Provincial Red Cross Chapter of Songkhla together with Songkhla hospital, Hat Yai Hospital, and Songklanakarin Hospital is inviting the public to donate blood as current blood supply is not enough for the demand.

Despite receiving blood donations on a monthly basis, because there has been a growing number of patients, the blood supply has run low.

The Red Cross is inviting the public to donate their blood this coming Wednesday 17th September between 9.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. at either Kiang Huat Sea Gull Trading Frozen Food Plc office at Namom district in Songkhla province and also in the Hat Yai Municipality office area every day during working hours. For those who would like to donate organs call 0-7432-3760 for more details.


-- NNT 2014-09-15

Police General Adul visits flood victims in Phichit province

PHICHIT, 15 September 2014 (NNT) - The Social Development and Human Security Minister has ordered related agencies to follow up on the flood situation in Phichit province.

Police General Adul Saengsingkaew, the Social Development and Human Security Minister and his entourage have gone down to Phichit province in order to provide assistance to the flood victims. The team boarded on flat-bottomed boats to distribute necessities to locals as well as cash to the amount of 2,000 baht to each of the 20 affected households in the area.

According to Phichit Governor Surachai Khan-asa, the Rang-Nok subdistrict of the province, which is prone to repeated flooding, has been affected by runoffs from neighboring Kamphaengphet province.

The flooding has so far inundated 8 villages and residents have to rely on boats to travel around the area. Pol. Gen. Adul has thus ordered related agencies to quickly assist the flood victims.


-- NNT 2014-09-15