Thailand Live Tuesday 16 Sep 2014

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Their Majesties arrive at Klai Kangwon Palace for recuperation



BANGKOK: -- Their Majesties the King and Queen returned to Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin on Monday night for recuperation amid throngs of loyal subjects lining both sides of the street to greet the royal couple.

Their Majesties the King and Queen traveled from Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok to Klai Kangwon Palace in Prachuap Khiri Khan province late Monday afternoon.

Their Majesties have been receiving treatment at Siriraj Hospital for more than one month.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej was seen donning a yellow jacket, with Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on his side, as the royal couple was departing the hospital in the late afternoon for Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin.

Royal physicians and nurses as well as public members were present to see them off.

Their Majesties appeared refreshed and smiled and waved at the crowd, who chanted “Long Live the King and Queen” in unison until the royal motorcade set off.

The seaside town of Hua Hin also resounded with cries of “Long Live the King and Queen” at around 7 p.m. when the royal motorcade were seen making their way down Phetkasem Road towards Klai Kangwon Palace.

Crowds of people overwhelmed both sides of the road for as far as two kilometers leading to the palace.

Upon arrival, Their Majesties were welcomed by the governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, members of the Provincial Red Cross Chapter, the mayor of Hua Hin, civil servants, students and the general public.

On August 6 this year, His Majesty the King left Klai Kangwon Palace to receive physical examinations at Siriraj Hospital on an appointment with the royal doctors.

His Majesty was then admitted after inflammations were detected.

He had been recuperating at the hospital until he was discharged.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/majesties-arrive-klai-kangwon-palace-recuperation/

-- Thai PBS 2014-09-16

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BMA pushes ahead with campaign to provide cheap meals

BANGKOK, 16 September 2014 (NNT) - More restaurants in the capital have expressed their interest in joining the campaign to provide inexpensive meals and drinks to Bangkok residents.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760811-bangkok-administration-pushes-ahead-with-campaign-to-provide-cheap-meals/

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Chiang Rai police seize 200,000 amphetamine pills

CHIANG RAI, 16 September 2014 (NNT) - Chiang Rai police have arrested two Hmong villagers who belonged to a drug trafficking network within the area.

The authorities have seized a total of 240,000 amphetamine pills and a small amount of crystallized methamphetamine or “ya-ice” weighing about 0.7 kilograms.

30 year-old Ekkachai Saenhanchai and 46 year-old Suthi Boonnudi, both locals of Mae Sot district in Tak province, have been arrested by Chiang Rai police. The men were caught as they were driving a pick-up truck that was loaded with agricultural produce, which they have used to conceal the drugs beneath.

Meanwhile, Chiang Rai governor Pongsak Wongsamer along with other high-ranking police and Army officers spoke to the press that the amount of drug trafficking activities has been on the rise.

He also said that the two arrested suspects have been hired from another drug trafficking network in Suphanburi province.

-- NNT 2014-09-16

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Second blood tests on a Dutchman suspected of having Ebola have turned up negative, the Public Health Ministry says /Bangkok Post

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PHUKET: Fire breaks out in B20M mansion
Eakkapop Thongtub


Two fire trucks took 30 minutes to put out the fire in a B20M mansion on Sunday (September 14).

PHUKET: -- A fire broke out in a B20 million mansion in Cherng Talay on Sunday (September 14) resulting in over B1 million worth of damages.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760822-fire-breaks-out-in-b20m-mansion/

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UPDATE:

Thai police question three Myanmar men over murder of British pair
by Preeti JHA

BANGKOK, September 16, 2014 (AFP) - Thai police Tuesday questioned three Myanmar men over the murder of two British tourists on the southern resort island of Koh Tao, as their bodies were due to arrive in Bangkok for forensic tests.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760803-thai-police-hunt-killers-of-two-britons-found-beaten-to-death/#entry8392366

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Typhoon Kalmaegi to bring heavy rain to Thailand till Sep 18

BANGKOK, 16 September 2014 (NNT) – Many parts of Thailand are expected to be battered by heavy rains until Thursday as a consequence of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which is moving towards Vietnam.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760829-typhoon-kalmaegi-to-bring-heavy-rain-to-thailand-till-sep-18/

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Thai PM orders speeded up probe into British tourists’ murder
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Sept 16 -- Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-o-cha has ordered the Thai authorities to speed up their investigation into the murder of two British tourists on Koh Tao Island in the southern province of Surat Thani.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760803-thai-police-hunt-killers-of-two-britons-found-beaten-to-death/#entry8392664

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Major drug trafficking network busted



BANGKOK: -- Combined force of narcotic police , soldiers and anti money laundering officials conducted simultaneous raids on 72 locations nationwide in what is described the biggest crackdown on a major narcotic network operated by a crocodile farm operator in Ayutthaya province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760849-major-drug-trafficking-network-busted-in-thailand/

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Tough legal actions to be taken against importers of missing luxury cars



BANGKOK: -- The Customs Department will take tough legal actions against importers of luxury cars which have gone missing mysteriously from the bonded warehouses.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760852-tough-legal-actions-to-be-taken-against-importers-of-missing-luxury-cars-thailand/

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UPDATE:

Three Myanmar workers nabbed in connection with death of two British nationals
By Digital Content



SURAT THANI, Sept 16 -- Three Myanmar labourers were brought in by the Thai authorities for questioning, after witnesses said the three men were seen drinking alcoholic drinks near the crime scene.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760803-thai-police-hunt-killers-of-two-britons-found-beaten-to-death/#entry8392767

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Strong quake hits Japan

TOKYO - Buildings in Tokyo shook Tuesday as a strong quake hit Japan, AFP reporters in the city said, but there was no immediate risk of a tsunami and no damage was reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760855-strong-quake-hits-japan/

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George the goldfish has 'high risk' brain surgery

SYDNEY - A goldfish called George was on the mend in Australia Tuesday after undergoing "high risk" brain surgery in an operation the vet described as "fiddly".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760856-george-the-goldfish-has-high-risk-brain-surgery/

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Former Nazi guard charged over 300,000 Auschwitz murders

HANOVER: -- A 93-YEAR-OLD former member of the Nazi Waffen-SS has been charged with at least 300,000 counts of accessory to murder over his time at the Auschwitz death camp.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760882-germany-former-nazi-guard-charged-over-300000-auschwitz-murders/

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Prachinburi province slowly recovers from flooding situation

PRACHINBURI, 15 September 2014 (NNT) - Prachinburi province is slowly recovering from the flooding situation.

Prachinburi governor Jitra Phomchutima, Deputy governor Weerawut Putraserani, and the provincial public health and disaster prevention and mitigation officers brought along with them 40 relief packages and handed them over to residents in the province at the Tarn Lao temple, Noen Hom district after flash floods have devastated locals in the area.

The continuous rainfall has caused the water drainage process to run slowly and water is still almost remaining at the same level.

The governor visited locals and asked them to remain calm while the province is quickly finding measures to tackle the situation.

The amount of water in the area will decrease slowly if no rainfall occurs, but if it happens to rain again, the water level will continue to rise.


-- NNT 2014-09-16

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UPDATE:

Shock and Anger on Koh Tao Over Murder of Two Britons
By Khaosod English

BANGKOK — Locals on the normally-peaceful island of Koh Tao are stunned by the grisly murder of two British tourists yesterday, with other foreign travelers reportedly leaving the island in droves.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760803-thai-police-hunt-killers-of-two-britons-found-beaten-to-death/page-2#entry8393016

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Vietnam, US restart adoptions after six-year ban

HANOI, September 16, 2014 (AFP) - American parents will be allowed to adopt Vietnamese children again, authorities said Tuesday, ending a six-year ban imposed after allegations of baby-selling and fraud but with new restrictions.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760887-vietnam-us-restart-adoptions-after-six-year-ban/

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Residents want establishment of Bua Yai as the country’s 78th province



BANGKOK: -- About 1,000 of residents from eight districts of Nakhon Ratchasima province gathered at the Suranaree monument vowing support for the separation of Bua Yai district from Nakhon Ratchasima and establish it as the country's 78th province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760892-residents-want-establishment-of-bua-yai-as-the-countrys-78th-province/

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BKK governor not worried about working with new Bangkok Metropolitan Council members

BANGKOK, 16 September 2014 (NNT) – The Bangkok governor has expressed no worries in having to work with the Bangkok Metropolitan Council members.

Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra further mentioned that a request has already been sent to the premier for the appointment of a new BMA Permanent-Secretary.

Regarding the selection process in finding Bangkok Metropolitan Council members to fill the now 30 vacant seats, the governor believes all of the new members will be able to work with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's (BMA) management side in implementing developmental projects according to set policies as well as oversee the overall quality of life for Bangkokians.

As for the case of appointing a new permanent-secretary to the BMA to replace Ms. Ninnart Chalitanon, who will retire this September 30th 2014, the Bangkok governor has already sent the case to the Prime Minister and asks not to reveal the name he has suggested until the appointment has been completed.

-- NNT 2014-09-16

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Junta Tells Police To Hasten Investigation of Koh Tao Murder
By Khaosod English

BANGKOK — Chairman of the Thailand’s military junta and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has ordered authorities to urgently speed up the investigation into the recent murder of two British tourists in southern Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760803-thai-police-hunt-killers-of-two-britons-found-beaten-to-death/page-3#entry8393217

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UPDATE:

Thai woman perishes after leap into crocodile pond: police

BANGKOK, September 16, 2014 (AFP) - A 65-year-old Thai woman has committed suicide by leaping into a pond of crocodiles at a farm popular with tourists on Bangkok's outskirts, police told AFP Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760681-woman-jumps-into-crocodile-farm-in-suicide-bid/page-3?p=8393247#entry8393247

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Heavy rains paralyse Sukhumvit highway in Trat



BANGKOK: -- Heavy rains pounded Thailand\'s eastern provinces early this morning, causing several sections of the Sukhumvit highway under 20-80 centimetres deep of water.

Trat municipal area was also flooded by the heavy rains which struck the eastern coast province since 4 a.m. today,

Several roads in the municipal area such as Thesaban 5, Wiwatana which
the residence of the provincial governor is located are 20-50 centimetres under water.

Traffic on Sukhumvit highway to the eastern provinces was reported paralysed as several sections were flooded, making it impassable for small vehicles.

Meanwhile heavy rains in Klong Yai district caused flooding on Sukhumvit highway and paddy fields in Mairoot sub-district.

The disaster prevention and mitigation office in Trat warned people in low-lying areas and near mountains to prepare for possible flash floods, runoff and landslides.

The warning applied particularly to residents in Koh Chang and Koh Kut districts from Sept 15 to 18, when heavy rains are expected to blanket the province.

Fishermen with small boats were also advised to stay ashore because of high waves in the Gulf during the period.

(Photo : innnews.co.th)

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/heavy-rains-paralyse-sukhumvit-highway-trat/


-- Thai PBS 2014-09-16

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Loved and Hated, Former Premier of Thailand Is Erased From Textbook
By THOMAS FULLER

BANGKOK — His legacy is inseparable from the past decade of political tumult in Thailand, but high school students will not find the name Thaksin Shinawatra in the history textbooks that the country’s military junta recently ordered schools to use.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760915-loved-and-hated-former-pm-thaksin-is-erased-from-textbook/

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PM orders suspension of conference A/V system installations
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Tuesday ordered the suspension and removal of all the high-end audio visual systems installed at Government House and set up a committee to investigate whether it is appropriate.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760917-pm-prayuth-orders-suspension-of-conference-av-system-installations/

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Emergency Decree extended for 3 months more in far South

BANGKOK, 16 September 2014 (NNT) - The Cabinet on Tuesday agreed to extend the Emergency Decree in southern border provinces for another three months and urged all sectors to help ensure security after two foreign tourists were murdered on Ko Tao island.

Deputy spokesman of the PM’s Office Col.Sansern Kaeokamnerd said the three-month of the Emergency Decree in the deep South was what most government units, private organizations and people in the region wanted. The law was scheduled to take effect from 29 September – 19 December 2019.

Regarding the murder of two Britons on Ko Tao island, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said during the meeting that all Thais should help dealing with this issue. He also instructed all government units to pay attention to the incident and warn tourists to be careful when staying in dangerous places.


-- NNT 2014-09-16

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PM orders removal of controversial microphone system in Government House conference room; martial law to continue /MCOT

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SET index closed 1,565.41, down 13.71; Bt/USD32.15; GBP51.94; AUD28.76; EUR41.44; CAD28.92; HKD4.14; SGD25.32; JPY29.84

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DITP to push for more exports
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Sept 16 -- Thailand's Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) admitted that it would be hard work to increase exports to 3-3.5 per cent as targeted for the year, is rising to the challenge just the same.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760934-ditp-to-push-for-more-thai-exports/

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Government continues martial law
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Sept 16 -- Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-o-cha said his government would maintain martial law for as long as it helped Thai people feel safe.

Speaking to reporters after today's cabinet meeting, Gen Prayuth said his government might consider partially lifting the martial law in some provinces.

Although the situation appeared calm on the surface, there are still underground movements against his government.

Gen Prayuth, who is heads the National Council for Peace and Order, stressed that although martial law is still intact, not all of its 10 sections are being enforced.

Martial law was imposed nationwide May 20 by the NCPO, which seized adminstrative power on May 22.

Gen Prayuth admitted that the imposition of martial law has affected the country’s image but said he has continued to explain to foreign countries the real situation in Thailand and they tend to understand.

He also cited an opinion survey of Thai people on martial law, saying that 80 per cent of the respondents said they were not affected by the law and felt more secure with it.

Lifting martial law needs cautious consideration and needs to take into account national benefits. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-09-16

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Two thieves arrested after leaving phone in car they robbed
By Coconuts Bangkok

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760962-two-thieves-arrested-after-leaving-phone-in-car-they-robbed/