Thailand Live Friday 19 Sep 2014

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The Prime Minister attends outstanding entrepreneur honorary awards of 2014

BANGKOK, 19 September 2014 (NNT) - The Prime Minister has taken part in the presentation of the outstanding entrepreneur honorary awards of 2014.

General Prayuth Chan-ocha, the Prime Minister of Thailand and chief of the NCPO, was guest of honor at the Outstanding Entrepreneur Honorary Awards Ceremony of 2014 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. While insisting all Thai people should be involved in economic improvement, including product and brand development with new inventions, they should follow the “Sufficiency Economy” philosophy and encourage exporters to produce low-cost products for people with low incomes. For the Prime Minister it was his debut appearance with the private sector in such a ceremony. Twenty one exporter entrepreneurs were selected for awards from the corporate sector. To be a recipient is considered to be the most honorable award from Thai government and it is presented by the Prime Minister.

Nantawan Sakuntanaga, the DITP Director General, also mentioned that all the entrepreneurships awarded, must meet an international quality standard, and are accepted by the global market. All the award winning entrepreneurs are truly honored and proud of being an individual who is helping to build confidence among the partner countries.


-- NNT 2014-09-19

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Koh Tao ban Full Moon parties
AFP

Full moon parties on Koh Tao will be banned. Photo Eric Molina.

SURAT THANI: The governor of Surat Thani province -- which includes Koh Tao -- said today (September 18) that the island would no longer host spin-off parties of the 'full moon' beach raves which draw backpacking hordes to neighbouring Koh Phangan.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761540-koh-tao-ban-full-moon-parties/

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Energy Min to hike LPG, NGV prices this Oct

BANGKOK, 19 September 2014 (NNT) – The Ministry of Energy has decided to increase the prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as well as natural gas for vehicles (NGV) within next month while ensuring minimal impact on the public.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761602-thai-energy-min-to-hike-lpg-ngv-prices-this-oct/

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No change in Britons' travel plans after murders here
Suchat Sritama
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The number of air travellers from the United Kingdom to Thailand has not been affected by the murders of two British nationals at a resort island in the South of Thailand on Monday, airline officials said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761603-no-change-in-britons-travel-plans-after-murders-on-koh-tao/

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KOH TAO
'Killers will be caught'
The Nation,
Agence FrancePresse



Police general admits it's back to square one, but search to be expanded to nearby islands

BANGKOK: -- POLICE ARE confident that their investigation and the evidence obtained will help them catch the killers of the two British backpackers who were bludgeoned to death on Monday on the resort island of Koh Tao, the police general supervising the probe said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761604-koh-tao-killers-will-be-caught/

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NLA
Bill proposes death for causing airport closure
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The National Legislative Assembly yesterday passed the first reading of the new Aviation Safety Bill, which could result in the death penalty for anyone who causes the closure of an airport.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761605-thai-aviation-safety-bill-proposes-death-penalty-for-causing-airport-closure/

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UPDATE:

CONTROVERSY
Prayuth apologises for bikini remark after global outcry
The Nation, Agencies

Prayuth says it was not said as an insult, but more as a warning

BANGKOK: -- PRIME MINISTER Prayuth Chan-ocha yesterday apologised for his bikini remarks in the face of an international outcry. Britain raised concerns after the junta leader suggested tourists in bikinis could be more vulnerable to attack.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761499-thai-pm-sorry-for-bikini-remarks-after-brit-murder/page-4?p=8405589#entry8405589

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BOND
New type of bond may help extended rice subsidy debt payment
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula likes the idea of stretching out repayment of the Bt700-billion rice-pledging debt, possibly through issuing a revolutionary type of savings bond, to free up scarce funds for public infrastructure projects.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761607-new-type-of-bond-may-help-extended-thai-rice-subsidy-debt-payment/

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No political talk at Oct 6 ceremony
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation

Organisers choose not to take any chances even though junta mum on issue

BANGKOK: -- Organisers of the commemoration of the October 6, 1976 massacre at Thammasat University said yesterday they would not discuss politics this year, due to the state of affairs in the country after the May 22 coup.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761608-no-political-talk-at-oct-6-thammasat-university-ceremony/

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"HIS NAME IS 'TU"
Book tells story of Prayuth's meteoric rise
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- A BIOGRAPHY of Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha has quickly climbed up the best-seller list at Se-Ed bookstores after it hit the shelves on Wednesday.

"His name is 'Tu'" or "Khao Cheu Tu" is published by Nation Books, a subsidiary of Nation Multimedia Group. The book is in Thai and costs Bt160.

The Nation's sister magazine Nation Weekend has traced Prayuth's path from the coup in 2006 to the putsch in 2014.

Among the 20 chapters in the book are the childhood years of Prayuth (also known by his nickname, "Tu"), his decisive day of staging the coup, how the coup was prepared, his knowledge of the art of war as well as his unique sense of humour.

Here is the preface of the book:

More than four decades ago, in a column by a high-achieving student published by Chaiyapruk Magazine, a Mattayom 3 (middle high school) student by the name of Prayuth Chan-ocha from Wat Nuannoradit School was asked where he would want to further his education after finishing the school year. The student answered with confidence that he would further his education at the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School and hoped to one day become an army officer.

This son of a rural army officer followed his dream, from being a student at a temple school on the banks of Bang Luang Canal to becoming a student at the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School and eventually a student at the prestigious Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, eventually becoming an Army officer.

Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy moulded and taught him to love the country, religion and monarchy, to love his peers and to be ready to sacrifice for the country as reflected in the pledge: "Better to die than to abandon one's duty".

During the Cold War crisis, civil wars broke out in neighbouring countries and affected Thailand's border areas.

The 21st Infantry became his first home as a career soldier and Prayuth had the chance to play a part in protecting the sovereignty of the country.

This first home was the beginning of a brotherly relationship among three Army officers who were later involved with two major political changes.

Tu, a member of the Class of 23 at Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, shared similarities with another alumnus from the same institution, General Suchinda Kraprayoon, and they both were moulded into soldiers who adhered to military ideology but were also politically savvy.

This big soldier by the name of Tu is brought to life through accounts by close aides, who shed light on all the nooks and crannies of his life - from tales about his childhood, his love for his peers, his family warmth and his generosity. They offer a vivid depiction of the person behind the notoriously strict image.

The path towards becoming a visionary Army chief, the truth behind the coup and the path towards becoming the 29th prime minister could not have been a matter of luck alone.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Book-tells-story-of-Prayuths-meteoric-rise-30243635.html


-- The Nation 2014-09-19

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EDITORIAL
US and Iran have chance to strike grand bargain
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- United in their need to combat the rise of ISIS, the old enemies have an opportunity to reach a comprehensive deal over Syria's future, nuclear weapons and other pending issues

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761609-us-and-iran-have-chance-to-strike-grand-bargain/

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OVERDRIVE
Scots who voted for independence showed us the way to go
Thanong Khanthong

BANGKOK: -- By the time this column goes to print, the outcome of the referendum on Scottish independence will likely be known. Still, it's worthwhile discussing the implications and the benefits for Scotland if voters now, or at some time in the future, say "yes" to becoming a sovereign state.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761610-scots-who-voted-for-independence-showed-us-the-way-to-go/

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Belgian Falls through roof and dies at Jomtien Guesthouse



A 64 year old Belgian died after he fell through the roof of his friends Guesthouse located in Na-Jomtien on Thursday morning.

PATTAYA: -- The incident occurred at the Royal Court Guesthouse in the Na-Jomtien area, which is owned by an Italian, Mr. Bell aged 62. Soon after the accident, the victim’s Thai wife, Khun Wanida aged 23, arrived and it was revealed that Mr. John Hoemlund had gone to the Guesthouse to help his friend who reported a problem with his roof.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761611-belgian-falls-through-roof-and-dies-at-jomtien-guesthouse/

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German commits suicide at Central Pattaya Apartment



PATTAYA: -- The body of a 70 year old German man was discovered by a cleaner at a Central Pattaya Apartment complex on Thursday afternoon and Police are confident that the man took his own life, based on evidence found at the scene.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761612-german-commits-suicide-at-central-pattaya-apartment/

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East Pattaya Double Dog Death suspect gives himself up to Police



PATTAYA: -- On Thursday afternoon, the man wanted in connection with the hanging of a pregnant dog and her puppy, gave himself up to Banglamung Police.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761613-east-pattaya-double-dog-death-suspect-gives-himself-up-to-police/

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Police conduct early-morning checks on Pattaya Remand Prison



PATTAYA: -- Just before 5am on Thursday, Banglamung Police assisted Prison Guards at the Pattaya Remand Prison to conduct checks for contraband items in each of the 6 cell blocks.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761614-police-conduct-early-morning-checks-on-pattaya-remand-prison/

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Abhisit will lead team to defend the Democrat party in party’s dissolution case



BANGKOK: -- Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva will lead the party’s legal advisors to defend before the Election Commission Friday against the accusations of core leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship that the party consented its members and executives to join the anti-government protests of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761615-abhisit-will-lead-team-to-defend-the-democrat-party-in-partys-dissolution-case/

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Huge drug seizure at a road checkpoint in Lampang

BANGKOK: -- Police in Lampang seized 172,000 methamphitamine tablets and one kilogramme of ice worth about 51 million baht from the fuel tank of a sedan which was stopped at a checkpoint in Mae Prik district.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761616-huge-drug-seizure-at-a-road-checkpoint-in-lampang/

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Phuket: Patong one-way system to change?
Tanyaluk Sakoot


If the plan is approved, Traffic on the beach road (Thaweewong Rd) will flow in the opposite direction.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761617-phuket-patong-one-way-system-to-change/

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Colleges may face closure if students involved in brawls
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- AUTHORITIES have decided to adopt Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha's idea of closing down educational institutes whose students engage in violent brawls.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761618-thai-colleges-may-face-closure-if-students-involved-in-brawls/

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New command centre set up to control traffic nationwide
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Command for Traffic/Accident Solutions will officially spring into action late next month. "The structure of this command will be concluded by early next month," Pol Maj-General Adul Narongsak, deputy Metropolitan Police chief for traffic affairs, said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761619-bangkok-new-command-centre-set-up-to-control-traffic-nationwide/

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Draft water-management plan targets three priorities
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The draft water-management roadmap efficiently addresses three major problems. It is on track to be completed by the middle of next month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761620-draft-water-management-plan-targets-three-priorities-thailand/

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BURNING ISSUE
Battle waged in cyberspace a sign of the times
Sasithorn Ongdee

BANGKOK: -- A BATTLE between BEC World vice president Chatchai Thiamtong and National Broadcasting Telecommunications commissioner Supinya Klangnarong has been waged on Twitter over the past few days, with each slamming the other over Channel 3 analog's pending removal from satellite networks on September 28.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761621-thai-politics-battle-waged-in-cyberspace-a-sign-of-the-times/

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Scottish independence: Counting begins in referendum

(BBC) The polls have closed and counting is under way in the referendum to decide whether Scotland should stay in the UK or become an independent country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761622-counts-start-in-scottish-referendum/

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Video of British hostage John Cantlie released

(BBC) A new video has been released showing a British man believed to be held hostage by Islamic State (IS) militants.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761623-video-of-british-hostage-john-cantlie-released/

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Oracle's Larry Ellison steps down and two CEOs named

(BBC) Long-serving Oracle boss Larry Ellison is stepping down after 37 years, the technology giant announced on Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761624-oracle-boss-larry-ellison-steps-down/

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Ukraine crisis: President Poroshenko in key US visit

WASHINGTON: -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has urged the US to provide military assistance to his country to counter pro-Russian eastern separatists.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761625-ukraine-president-urges-us-support/

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Ebola 'threat to world security'- UN Security Council

NEW YORK: -- The UN Security Council has declared the outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa a "threat to international peace and security".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761626-ebola-threat-to-world-security-un-security-council/

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Florida shooting claims eight lives in Bell, Gilchrist County

SIX children and two adults have reportedly been shot dead at a home in a Florida city in another mass shooting in the United States.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/761636-eight-dead-after-florida-shooting/

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The AoT board has reaffirmed its decision to put on hold the 2nd-phase development of Suvarnabhumi airport but a new passenger terminal will be built. /Bangkok Post