Thailand Live Monday 6 Oct 2014

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Malaysian tourists visiting Hat Yai spend less

HAT YAI: -- Malaysian tourists are now flocking to Hat Yai of Songkhla province to celebrate the Eid-al-Adha Festival but their spending is down, much less than in the previous years, probably due to the sluggish economy in their countries and others worldwide.

The festival, known as the 'Feast of the Sacrifice', is a major Muslim festival started yesterday and lasted for four days. Hat Yai has been shopping paradise for Thai and other nationals incluidng Malaysia.

Somchart Pimthanapoonporn, president of Hat Yai-Songkhla Hotel Association, said that 80 per cent of Hat Yai’s hotel rooms have been booked by tourists, down from the same period in past years.

"Malaysian tourists have become cautious in spending, probably due to the poor economy in countries worldwide." He expected Bt20-30 million would change hands here during the festival.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Malaysian-tourists-visiting-Hat-Yai-spend-less-30244834.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-06

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Morocco sentences gay tourist to four months in prison

MOROCCO: -- A 70-year-old British tourist is in jail in Morocco for being gay, news reports said Sunday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766018-morocco-sentences-70-year-old-british-tourist-in-jail-for-being-gay/

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Featured Download: Hua Hin Today, October edition

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/files/file/694-hua-hin-today-october-2014-edition-pdf-flip/

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Revered Thai king 'improving' after gall bladder surgery
Bangkok, Thailand | AFP |

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's revered 86-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej has had his gall bladder removed, the palace said Monday, two days after he was rushed to hospital sparking fears for his health in the politically turbulent nation.

The world's longest-serving monarch was driven from his coastal palace to Bangkok's Siriraj hospital with a fever on Friday evening.

Tests over the weekend found he had a swollen gall bladder, prompting the operation to remove the organ late Sunday, the Royal Household Bureau said in a statement.

Doctors were "satisfied" with the outcome of the surgery and the king's condition was "improving" early Monday, the statement added.

"His majesty's heartbeat has slowed down... his blood pressure is in the normal range and his temperature is lower," it said.

Bhumibol, who has suffered from numerous ailments in recent years, is treated as a near-deity in Thailand and his health is a subject of great public concern.

Surgery to remove the gall bladder is common and patients tend to recovery quickly from the operation.

Bhumibol, who is officially King Rama IX, left the Siriraj last month after a stay of almost six weeks for a check-up.

He lived in the same hospital for nearly four years after being admitted with respiratory problems in 2009 -- but there was no explanation from the palace over his prolonged stay.

Born on December 5, 1927 in the United States, Bhumibol came to the throne aged 18 in 1946.

After finishing his studies in Switzerland he was crowned in 1950.

The king has no official political role, but Thais see him as a unifying figure and a moral force during a reign that has been marked in recent years by political turmoil.

In August he formally endorsed the kingdom's new prime minister, Prayut Chan-O-Cha -- who seized power from the elected administration on May 22, shortly after Yingluck Shinawatra was booted out off office by a controversial court ruling.

Prayut visited the hospital early Monday to sign a book of support for the monarch.

Yingluck's billionaire brother Thaksin Shinawatra, who was toppled as premier in a 2006 coup, sits at the epicentre of the rupture in Thai politics and society.

He is adored by many among the rural poor in the northern part of the country, but loathed by the Bangkok-based establishment and its allies in the south.

Parties led by or aligned to Thaksin have won every election since 2001, and a desire among the royalist elite to erase his influence as the succession looms is seen by analysts as pivotal to understanding the crisis.

Thailand's king is protected by one of the world's toughest royal defamation laws -- anyone convicted of insulting the king, queen, heir or regent faces up to 15 years in prison on each count.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-10-06

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King is recovering from sickness



BANGKOK: -- The Bureau of the Royal Household issued the second announcement Monday morning stating that the condition of His Majesty the King is improving after doctors conducted an hour long surgery to remove his severe inflammatory gallbladder last night.

The announcement said that a 24-hour monitoring from the evening of October 4 to October 5 showed that the heart beating of His Majesty was sometimes irregularly faster, while blood pressure was normal.

The body temperatures of His Majesty were mostly at normal levels or below 37 degrees Celsius. But at certain period the temperature once went up 38.5 degrees Celsius, the statement said.

It said that on Sunday, doctors have advised the halt of food and water saline via blood vessels to conduct X-ray computed tomography with the application of the FDG PET CT through the blood vessels.

Through the approach, doctors found severe inflammatory gallbladder.

Doctors have given painkiller medicine at 9.45 p.m. Sunday night before conducting the surgery via the use of tiny camera in the belly to remove the inflammatory gallbladder.

The surgery took one hour and fifteen minutes, and was satisfactory.

The King was then advised to return to the hospital room for rest at 12.20 a.m. Monday, the statement said.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/king-recovering-sickness/


-- Thai PBS 2014-10-06

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PM leads NCPO to wish King good health



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha this morning led members of the National Council for Peace and Order to Siriraj hospital to wish His Majesty the King recover from sickness and have good health.

The prime minister was also accompanied by his wife vice rector Naraporn.

Also seen coming to the hospital Monday morning was former premier Yingluck Shinawatra.

People from all areas across the country are traveling to Siriraj hospital to wish His Majesty the King a good health. Thais abroad who have learned about HM the King’s hospitalization have gathered to pray for him.

At Siriraj hospital, the well-wishers, most of them donning yellow, pink and blue shirts, paid homage to the monument of His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol of Songkla, the King’s father, and the sculpture of Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother.

They also chanted Buddhist holy stanzas and meditated, transferring the merits for Their Majesties the King and Queen’s long lives.

The Bureau of the Royal Household has set up a place for people to sign a well-wishing book for Their Majesties the King and Queen at the Sala Siriraj Centenary Building. They are allowed to sign the book from 5 October onwards, from 8 AM – 6 PM.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/pm-leads-ncpo-wish-king-good-health/


-- Thai PBS 2014-10-06

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Asoke-area woman suffocates herself to death after row with boyfriend
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- A troubled woman committed suicide by suffocating herself with helium gas last night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766045-bangkok-asoke-area-woman-suffocates-herself-to-death-after-row-with-boyfriend/

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Police address criticisms over arrest of Myanmar suspects

SURAT THANI, 6 October 2014 (NNT) - Koh Pa-Ngan provincial police have addressed criticisms raised over alleged inconsistencies in the arrest of two Myanmar workers for the murder of two British tourists.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766048-police-address-criticisms-over-koh-tao-arrest-of-myanmar-suspects/

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His Majesty recovers from gallbladder removal surgery

BANGKOK, 6 October 2014 (NNT) - His Majesty the King is recuperating at Siriraj Hospital following a surgery to remove his gallbladder.

The Bureau of the Royal Household issued a statement saying His Majesty’s fever is lower this morning and his blood pressure is returning to normal. A team of doctors continue to administer antibiotics and an intravenous drip.

Last night, doctors found His Majesty’s gallbladder very swollen and decided to insert a camera into the stomach to remove the gallbladder. The operation was deemed satisfactory by the medical team.

His Majesty has been admitted to Siriraj Hospital on Friday night after developing a high fever.

Thais from all walks of life have been heading to Siriraj Hospital to convey their best wishes to His Majesty.


-- NNT 2014-10-06

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PHUKET: Central Festival Phuket intersection partly closed for 15 days
Saran Mitrarat


The intersection by Central Festival Phuket faces road closures. Photo Google Maps.

PHUKET: -- The northbound lane above the underpass by Central Festival Phuket will be closed for 15 days from today (October 6) so workers can resurface the road.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766050-central-festival-phuket-intersection-partly-closed-for-15-days/

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Next phase of underwater MH370 search begins
Agence France-Presse
SYDNEY

SYDNEY: -- The hunt for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 entered a new phase Monday with the resumption of the underwater search for the aircraft, officials said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766079-next-phase-of-underwater-mh370-search-begins/

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Thailand hits party scene to combat rising HIV among gay men
BY ALISA TANG

BANGKOK (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Bare-chested male models strutted through the glitzy ballroom in Bangkok to the beat of house music while dozens of young gay men waited anxiously, working up the nerve to have a blood test.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766080-thailand-hits-party-scene-to-combat-rising-hiv-among-gay-men/

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Wild elephant kills monk

TRAT: -- A Buddhist monk in Khao Saming district of Trat province was killed when he tried to chase away a wild elephant entering the temple looking for food.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766083-wild-elephant-kills-monk-in-khao-saming-district-of-trat-province/

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Lone bank robber escapes with 15,000 baht in cash



BANGKOK: -- A lone robber came into a Krung Thai bank branch inside Big C superstore in Lamphun and handed over a note to the bank employee saying he had gun and hand grenade.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766086-lone-bank-robber-escapes-with-15000-baht-in-cash-in-lamphun/

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World Bank cuts Thailand's 2014 GDP growth to 1.5% from earlier projected 3%; 3.5% growth projected for 2015 /MCOT

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Weather warning continues for cell phone operators
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Oct 6 -- Warnings for heavy rains over the weekend mostly in Central and Southern provinces, beginning two days ago, are continuing through tomorrow, according to Takorn Tantasith, secretary-general of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

He has asked cell phone operators and the Amateur Radio Association (ARA) to be prepared to maintain frequencies and signals.

Mr Takorn’s request to mobile phone operators and the ARA came after the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation issued warnings to governors of Central and Southern provinces about a series of storms.

Mobile phone owners encountering difficulties could file complaints to the NBTC at Tel. number 1200, he added. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-10-06

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Rising numbers of non-communicable diseases in Thailand's working population
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Oct 6 -- Ninety thousand Thais are suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) annually, with 37 per cent of working age or younger than age 60, Deputy Health Minister Dr Somsak Chunharas said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766087-rising-numbers-of-non-communicable-diseases-in-thailands-working-population/

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No evidence of human trafficking found in Trat's fishing industry

TRAT, 6 October 2014 (NNT)- The Department of Employment’s Trat Office has claimed there is no human trafficking activity in the fishing industry. It said migrant workers only spent a few days at sea before returning ashore.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766092-no-evidence-of-human-trafficking-found-in-trats-fishing-industry/

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Joe Biden apologises to UAE for Syria extremist comments

WASHINGTON: -- US Vice-President Joe Biden has apologised to the United Arab Emirates after suggesting it had fuelled the rise of extremist groups in Syria.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/765970-thailand-live-monday-6-oct-2014/page-2#entry8491946

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Public transportation fare adjustments expected at the end of October

BANGKOK, 7 October 2014 (NNT) – The Deputy Transport Minister expects adjustments to the public transportation fares to be concluded at the end of this month.

Deputy Transport Minister Mr. Teerapong Rodprasert revealed that the Department of Land Transport (DLT) is swiftly examining the policy details proposed by Transport Minister Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong to make adjustments to public transportation fares.

This week, Mr. Teerapong will invite representatives of taxi operators to discuss viewpoints and will gradually welcome representatives of other types of public transportation vehicles to give their input. Once all the information is gathered, the DLT will forward them to the Transport Ministry in hopes of reaching a conclusion on fare adjustments by the end of this month.

-- NNT 2014-10-06

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Baht bus operators implore government to help reduce their losses

BANGKOK, 6 October 2014 (NNT) - Chatchai Phu-aree, the chairman of the association of private bus operators, is set to meet with Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong, this week to submit a letter calling for measures to help baht bus operators, known in Thai as Rot Song Taew.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766120-baht-bus-operators-implore-government-to-help-reduce-their-losses/

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NRC appointed by royal command
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- His Majesty the King has signed a royal command to appoint the 250-member National Reform Council. The royal command was signed on Thursday and the list of the 250 NRC members was published in the Royal Gazette on Monday.

The NRC will approve the new constitution and will plan how to reform various issues seen as holding back the country.

Among the members are three leading academics, Bowornsak Uwanno, Chai-Anan Samudavanija and Thienchai Kiranan.

The NRC also includes several former senators, including Rosana Tositrakul, Chirmsak Pinthong and Direk Thuenfung.

Some former MPs were also appointed, such as former MP Chai Chidchob and Alongkorn Pollabutr.

Several former military officers were appointed to the NRC, including Gen Thawatchai Samutsakhon, and Adm Pajun Tamprateep.

The list also includes several persons known to be opposed to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. They include Khamnoon Sitthisamarn and Sombat Thamrongthanyawong.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/NRC-appointed-by-royal-command-30244844.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-06

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New destination signs help motorists driving safer in capital



BANGKOK: -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is now installing new destination signs on Bangkok streets to facilitate motorists as they have more information and have more time to make decision, thus easing accidents from instant lane shifting.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766131-new-destination-signs-help-motorists-driving-safer-in-bangkok/

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Dad of Japan 'decapitation killer' teen hangs self: reports

TOKYO (AFP) - The father of a 16-year-old Japanese schoolgirl who confessed to decapitating a classmate earlier this year has killed himself, news reports said Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766132-dad-of-japan-decapitation-killer-teen-hangs-self-reports/

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Newborn drowns after distraught mother jumps into Bangkok canal
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- A newborn baby died after her mother jumped into a canal in northeastern Bangkok yesterday following a fight with her husband.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766136-newborn-drowns-after-distraught-mother-jumps-into-bangkok-canal/

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World Bank lowers Thai growth projection
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Oct 6 -- The World Bank lowered it's economic growth rate projection for Thailand this year at 1.5 per cent lower than its earlier 3 per cent forecast despite the economic recovery registered in the second half of this year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766137-world-bank-lowers-thai-growth-projection/

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Pakistani man arrested with 950 grammes of heroin in stomach

BANGKOK: -- Customs officials arrested a 21-year-old Pakistani man at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport Sunday morning after an x-ray showed suspicious items in his stomach.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766146-suvarnabhumi-customs-arrest-pakistani-man-with-950g-of-heroin-in-stomach/

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PHUKET: Karon police crack down on illegal taxis
Darawan Naknakhon


Karon set up security check points on Karon-Patong Rd.

PHUKET: -- Karon police are cracking down on illegal taxis (black plate taxis) and have made four arrests since Wednesday (October 1). Karon police followed the order from the NCPO and Police Region 8.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766147-phuket-karon-police-crack-down-on-illegal-taxis/

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Ex-beach operators make plans for possible return
Nattha Thepbamrung


Ex-beach operators make plans for possible return

PHUKET: -- Over one hundred seaside business operators gathered in Rawai last Friday (October 3) in order to “meet in the middle” with local government officials following the clearing of Phuket's beaches earlier this year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766149-ex-beach-operators-in-rawai-make-plans-for-possible-return/

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China kicks out 160,000 fake government staff: report

BEIJING (AFP) - China has taken 160,000 "phantom" government staff off its official payroll who were receiving salaries despite not doing any work, state-media reported on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766150-china-kicks-out-160000-fake-government-staff-report/