Thailand Live Thursday 18 Sep 2014

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Pol Gen Somyot royally endorsed as Police Chief

BANGKOK, 18 September 2014 (NNT) – His Majesty the King has granted royal endorsement to Pol Gen Somyot Pumpanmuang as the new Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, effective from October 1, 2014.

A royal command has been issued to terminate Pol Gen Somyot’s role as Deputy National Police Chief and concurrently appoint him to the National Police Chief post, replacing Pol Gen Adul Saengsingkaew. The endorsement, which has been published in the Royal Gazette, is to take effect on October 1 after Pol Gen Adul retires at the end of this month.

On August 20, the Royal Thai Police Board meeting chaired by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha resolved to nominate Pol Gen Somyot as the new National Police Chief out of a total of five candidates. The Board considered him fit for the position due to his expertise in security affairs, outstanding achievements and seniority.

Three of the candidates were also holding the title of Deputy National Police Chief, namely Pol Gen Ek Angsananont, Pol Gen Pongsapat Pongcharoen and Pol Gen Worapong Chewpreecha, while the other candidate was Pol Gen Chalermkiat Sriworakhan, Inspector-General.


-- NNT 2014-09-18

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DNA tests do not match with those of suspects in British tourists’ murder



BANGKOK: -- Laboratory tests of the DNA found at the crime scene where two British tourists were battered to death on Koh Tao on Sunday do not match with the DNA of the suspects held in police custody, including a British national, according to well-informed sources from the National Police Office.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761314-koh-tao-dna-tests-do-not-match-with-those-of-suspects-in-british-tourists-murder/

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Police turn focus to friends of slain man
The Nation


Christopher Alan Ware

British duo stopped at airport and asked to remain in Thailand while DNA tests are conducted

BANGKOK: -- POLICE investigation into the murder of two British tourists on Koh Tao last Sunday has shifted from migrant workers to friends of the male victim, while autopsy results have provided revealing information about the gruesome crimes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761315-koh-tao-police-turn-focus-to-friends-of-slain-man/

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KOH TAO
Families mourn slain British backpackers
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE FAMILIES of David Miller, 24, and Hannah Witheridge, 23, have paid tribute to the backpackers who were found dead on Monday. The pair were killed on Koh Tao in Surat Thani province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761316-koh-tao-families-mourn-slain-british-backpackers/

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NEW GOVERNMENT
Six items top the agenda of interim military regime
Somluck Srimalee
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Tax reforms, energy reforms, public-debt management, restructuring of state enterprises, investment in infrastructure, and creation of value-added agricultural products are the six priority tasks on the government agenda to restructure the economy during its year-long stint.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761317-new-thai-govt-six-items-top-the-agenda-of-interim-military-regime/

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INUNDATION
Villagers face further flood threat
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department yesterday reported that rain-triggered floods that ravaged Ranong, Trat and Prachin Buri provinces since early this week have improved and the situation had returned to normal.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761318-villagers-in-thailand-face-further-flood-threat/

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Autopsy of Murdered Britons Shows Struggle, Drowning
By Khosod English


A memorial site near where 2 British tourists were murdered on Koh Tao island, 16 Sept 2014.

BANGKOK — Autopsies of the two British tourists who were brutally murdered on the popular island of Koh Tao this week suggest the male victim physically fought someone before he died from head injuries and drowning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761319-koh-tao-autopsy-of-murdered-britons-shows-struggle-drowning/

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REVENGE
Six students nabbed over three deaths
Phathinya Iamtan,
Khanathit Srihirundaj,
Chuleeporn Aramnet
The Nation



Youths shot dead in revenge killings

BANGKOK: -- SIX STUDENTS are facing the charge of premeditated murder for fatally shooting three students from a rival college to take "revenge for a female friend" who was killed last month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761320-six-thai-students-nabbed-over-three-deaths/

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Bangkok Hospital in Bt-6 bn expansion
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- BANGKOK HOSPITAL Group is expanding its medical facilities at a cost of Bt6 billion over the next two years in order to cope with rising healthcare demand from overseas markets.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761321-bangkok-hospital-in-bt-6-bn-expansion/

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'Bilateral deal on Dawei unchanged'
ONRAVEE TANGMEESANG
SPECIAL TO THE NATION
NAY PYI TAW

BANGKOK: -- THAILAND AND MYANMAR are keen to proceed with the joint development of Dawei Special Economic Zone, with updated proposals to be tabled during the Thai prime minister's visit next month, said a Myanmar official.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761322-bilateral-deal-on-dawei-unchanged/

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EDITORIAL
Airport Rail Link a model of failure
The Nation

Tomorrow's decision will affect 50,000 passengers and underlines problems plaguing Thailand's infrastructure projects

BANGKOK: -- The Airport Rail Link has faced an identity crisis from the start. During the past four years the service has failed to fulfil its tasks of taking tourists to and from the airport and serving city commuters. Now accumulating maintenance problems have escalated to being beyond repair. The public was stunned to learn that the system could be shut for a year if management can't find another solution to get the trains running again.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761323-airport-rail-link-a-model-of-failure-thai-editorial/

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THAI TALK
Taxing the rich: It's tough. That's why it must be done
Suthichai Yoon
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- You can't say Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha isn't ambitious in his national agenda. As soon as he put down in writing that his government will tax the rich to create a more equitable society, cynics began to suggest that he had bitten off more than he could chew.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761324-taxing-the-rich-its-tough-thats-why-it-must-be-done/

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Message of Condolences on the Deaths of Two British Nationals on Koh Tao (17/09/2014)


Regarding the deaths of two British nationals on 15 September 2014 on Koh Tao in the southern province of Surat Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs General Tanasak Patimapragorn has conveyed message of condolences to British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, on behalf of the Government and people of Thailand.

Here is the message.

“Excellency,

I have learned with profound regret and sadness of the deaths of two British nationals, Ms. Hannah Victoria Witheridge and Mr. David William Miller, on Koh Tao on 15 September 2014. On behalf of the Royal Thai Government and the people of Thailand, I would like to extend to you and, through you, our sincere condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families for their irreparable losses.

I wish to reassure that the Royal Thai Government attaches highest priority to protecting safety of foreign nationals residing and visiting Thailand. On this particular case, General Prayut Chan-O-cha, Prime Minister of Thailand, has personally instructed the relevant Thai authorities to tighten security measures in the area. The instruction was also to conduct a transparent and thorough investigation into the causes and circumstances surrounding Mr. Witheridge and Mr. Miller’s unfortunate deaths, with a view to arresting and prosecuting the culprits in the most expeditious manner.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will work closely with the British Embassy in Bangkok and is ready to render assistance in any way.

Accept, Your Right Honourable, the assurances of my highest consideration.

General Tanasak Patimapragorn
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand”

Source: http://thailand.prd.go.th/view_news.php?id=7423&a=2

-- THE GOVERNMENT PUBLIC RELATION DEPARTMENT 2014-09-18

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Prayuth rules out forming a political party
Kris Bhromsuthi
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha has no intention of forming a political party because his only aim is to solve the country's problems, he said during his policy address to top government officials and governors yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761325-prayuth-rules-out-forming-a-political-party/

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BURNING ISSUE
Reform is fine, but don't ignore democratic principles
Attayuth Bootsripoom

BANGKOK: -- The National Defence College (NDC) has proposed that after a general election is held, the National Legislative Assembly should continue working as the Senate - an idea that comes hot on the heels of the soon-to-be-established National Reform Council (NRC).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761326-reform-is-fine-but-dont-ignore-democratic-principles-thai-politics/

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Manhunt for East Pattaya double dog murder suspect begins



PATTAYA: -- Police have named the man wanted in connection with Tuesday’s double dog murder which occurred in a car park behind an NGV Gas Station off Highway 36 in East Pattaya.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761327-manhunt-for-east-pattaya-double-dog-murder-suspect-begins/

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Two suspected attackers of Scottish Man in Central Pattaya report to Police



PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Wednesday the two men, wanted in connection with the attack on a Scottish Man in Soi LK Metro in Central Pattaya, gave themselves up to Police and denied reports by a selection of Thai media outlets that they stole items from the man following the attack.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761328-two-suspected-attackers-of-scottish-man-in-central-pattaya-report-to-police/

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Beer maker ThaiBev in trouble over Phuket Veg Fest flags
Darawan Naknakhon


The Chang logo is clear - but where does it actually say 'Beer'?

PHUKET: -- The Provincial Health Department (PHD) is to take legal action against ThaiBev, the brewer of Chang Beer, after the beer logo appeared on flags for the upcoming Vegetarian Festival all over Phuket Town. The Jui Tui shrine is also named in the PHD complaint.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761330-beer-maker-thaibev-in-trouble-over-phuket-veg-fest-flags/

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Poll shows most people feel Thai university graduates are unqualified



BANGKOK: -- Most of the people feel that Thai university graduates are unqualified with many of them uninterested in learning but just wanting the degrees whereas several universities are too commercialized, according to Nida Poll.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761332-poll-shows-most-people-feel-thai-university-graduates-are-unqualified/

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Texas executes Lisa Coleman, 38, for torture and starvation of her girlfriend’s nine-year-old son 10 years ago

HUNTSVILLE, TEX: -- A TEXAS woman convicted of the starvation and torture death of her girlfriend’s nine-year-old son a decade ago has been executed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761333-texas-carries-out-a-rare-occurrence-an-execution-of-a-woman/

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Scottish independence: Voters answer referendum question

(BBC) People in Scotland will vote later on whether the country should stay in the UK or become an independent nation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761334-scottish-independence-decision-day/

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Australia launches anti-terror raids in Sydney and Brisbane

(BBC) Australian police have made arrests in Sydney and Brisbane, in what they say is the nation's biggest counter-terrorism operation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761335-australia-launches-anti-terror-raids/

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Islamic State crisis: US House approves Obama Syria plan

(BBC) The US House of Representatives has approved President Barack Obama's plan to train and arm the moderate Syrian opposition taking on Islamic State.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761336-us-house-approves-obama-syria-plan/

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Durex's Sexually Inappropriate Ad Sparks Outrage In Thailand
Jon SpringerJon Springer

THAILAND: -- “Twenty-eight percent of women that fought ended up consenting,” is the translation offered by multiple local observers of a now pulled Durex ad on the company’s Facebook page in Thailand earlier this week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761348-durexs-sexually-inappropriate-ad-sparks-outrage-in-thailand/

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Heavy downpour in Chanthaburi causes landslide killing villager; heavy rain in Chiang Rai: Sai river overflows to flood border market in Mae Sai district /MCOT

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PM’s Office Minister invites Thais to join special celebration for HM the King

BANGKOK, 18 September 2014 (NNT) - The Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office is inviting members of the public to join in a special celebration for HM the King, scheduled in early October.

PM’s Office Minister M.L. Panadda Diskul said a series of special activities, ranging from mass prayer to meditation and circumambulation, have been scheduled to take place on October 8.

M.L. Panadda said all activities are designed to celebrate HM the King’s 87th birthday anniversary on December 5, 2014.

To kick off the event, a caravan carrying the statue of Phra Mae Thorani or the Earth Goddess will begin on September 30 in Ratchaburi province and travel to northern Nan province.

The PM’s Office Minister said that the statue will remain in Nan for members of the public to pay respect and worship until October 4.

Then, the statue will be moved to Phra That Chae Haeng where a religious ceremony that also involves mass prayer and circumambulation takes place on October 8.


-- NNT 2014-09-18

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UPDATE:

Brits' murder: DNA from crime scene do not match that of captured suspects

BANGKOK, 18 September 2014 (NNT) – Police revealed the DNA collected from the body of the two British tourists murdered on Koh Tao in Suratthani and from nearby evidence do not match those of suspects in custody.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761314-koh-tao-dna-tests-do-not-match-with-those-of-suspects-in-british-tourists-murder/page-3?p=8401176#entry8401176

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Thailand women’s football team thrash Maldives 10-0

INCHEON, 18 September 2014 (NNT) - Thailand women’s national football team defeated Maldives, with 10 to nothing on the scoreboard at the 17th Asian Games on Wednesday.

The Thai team, led by Pitsamai Sornsai who netted four goals including two beautiful headers, humiliated Maldives in the group stage of the 17th Asian Games, which is currently held at Incheon, South Korea.

Pitsamai’s partner striker, Nisa Romyen, also did not let down the Thai people after scoring a hat-trick. Maldives did not look like they could pose any threat to the Thai women and the final score was 10-nil.

After the game, the Thai national team received 500,000 baht reward from the Football Association of Thailand.

Thailand will face India next; it is a must-win game for the Thai side if they want to qualify for the knock-out round.


-- NNT 2014-09-18

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Industrial confidence index drops slightly

BANGKOK, 18 September 2014 (NNT) – The industrial sector confidence index has declined for the first time in four months due to slowing consumption and floods.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761354-thai-industrial-confidence-index-drops-slightly/

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Tourism Business Association expect over 80,000 tourists at "99 Years Narathiwat Fair"

NARATHIWAT, 17 September 2014 (NNT) -- Mr. Niwat Jirawit, the President of the Tourism Business Association of Narathiwat, has advised residents and visitors that the 99 Years Narathiwat Fair is taking place from September the 18th to 27th, 2014, at Chaaloem Phrakiat Park in the Narathiwat Government Complex.

The fair features a ninety-nine year historical timeline of the province, a showcase of local products, and cultural shows and activities to promote local history. The fair is expected to create a positive image of the province, and draw tourists into the area. At present most accommodation is booked out during the period of September 18th to 27th. Some tourists have chosen to book rooms in Sungai Kolok District.

It is expected that during the period of the fair, more than 80,000 tourists will be in the area, and the average outlay per person is likely to be about 5,000 baht. Security personnel and responsible offices are to be on safety alert and facilitate the access of tourists to the fair. They will arrange shuttle buses and give out special promotions as well.

-- NNT 2014-09-18