Thailand Live Tuesday 7 Oct 2014

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Nobel Prize winner John O'Keefe concerned over immigration policy
By James Gallagher

(BBC) Nobel Prize winner John O'Keefe has warned the UK government that polices on immigration and animal research are risking Britain's scientific standing.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766354-nobel-prize-winner-john-okeefe-concerned-over-uk-immigration-policy/

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North and South Korea ships exchange warning shots

SEOUL: -- North and South Korean ships exchanged warning shots after a North Korean patrol boat crossed a disputed maritime border, say officials from the south.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766355-north-and-south-korea-ships-exchange-warning-shots/

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US rebuff to gay marriage opponents

WASHINGTON: -- The US Supreme Court has rejected appeals against gay marriage in five states - Indiana, Utah, Oklahoma, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766357-us-rebuff-to-gay-marriage-opponents/

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Steam locomotive expected to boost tourism on King Rama 5th Memorial Day



AYUTTHAYA, 7 October 2014 (NNT)-The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will be launching a historical train trip to Ayutthaya province on October 23rd that also marks the passing of King Rama the fifth. The tourism campaign is expected to generate revenue for local businesses.

Each year, the TAT and other tourism organizations organize a train trip, which takes passengers through old towns between Bangkok and Ayutthaya. Interestingly, the train will be pulled by a steam locomotive, bringing back nostalgic memories to the tour.

The train will leave Bangkok for Ayutthaya at 8 am. and arrive at the destination around 10.20 am. Passengers will be able to choose between a Tuk-tuk and a tram as a means of transportation going around Ayutthaya. The train will depart for Bangkok at 17.25 pm and arrive at approximately at 19.20 pm.

A similar campaign is also held on Father’s Day and the State Railway Establishment Day, in December and March respectively. For more information please call TAT Ayutthaya’s Office at 0 3524 6076 - 7

-- NNT 2014-10-07

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Former house speaker Apiwan dies in Philippines at age of 65

BANGKOK: -- Former House speaker Apiwan Wiriyachai has died of lung infection in Philippines, red-shirt leader Shinawat Haboonpad posted on his Facebook page.

Shinawat said he was informed by former Pheu Thai MP at 10:30 pm Monday that Apiwan died wile receiving medical treatment in Philippines and his relatives are making preparations for bringing his body back to Thailand.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Former-house-speaker-Apiwan-dies-in-Philippines-at-30244919.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-07

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Plan to revive the National Savings fund likely to be scrapped as administrative costs are high, Fiscal Policy Office said. /The Nation

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Nepal bus crash kills 29 people and injures dozens

(BBC) An overloaded bus in western Nepal has fallen off a road and plunged into a gorge, killing 29 and injuring dozens.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766361-nepal-bus-crash-kills-29-people-and-injures-dozens/

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Thailand and Myanmar continue to search for missing rescue chopper

MAE HONG SON, 7 October 2014 (NNT) - Thailand’s army is cooperating with Myanmar’s Border Consortium in continuing the search for the missing rescue helicopter that lost contact with ground control late last month.

The Army Region 3 and Thailand’s and Myanmar’s Border Consortium (TBC) are speeding up the search for a helicopter from Thailand that disappeared during a search for two climbers who scaled Southeast Asia's highest peak a month ago.

The helicopter that lost contact with ground control on September 27 was carrying three people, including a Thai pilot. The chopper was on its way from Putao airport in Myanmar's northern Kachin state to drop food supply for a team searching for the two Myanmar climbers.

Last week, Myanmar authorities said the helicopter had crashed in the Kachin state. The army and regional police have been trying to access the crash site.


-- NNT 2014-10-07

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House secretariat to seek royally-sponsored cremation for Apiwan

BANGKOK: -- The House Secretariat will coordinate with the Royal Household Bureau to seek a royally-sponsored cremation for late former deputy House speaker Apiwan Wiriyachai, House Secretary General Jare Phanpruang said.

The House Secretariat will also give Bt100,000 to Apiwan's relatives for the cost of funeral services.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/House-secretariat-to-seek-royally-sponsored-cremat-30244920.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-07

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Prasat Phanom Rung temple miracle draws thousands to watch



BURIRAM: -- The three-day event when the sunset could be visible through all 15 gates of the ancient Khmer temple in Buriram province started yesterday with thousands arriving to watch this phenomenon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766388-prasat-phanom-rung-temple-miracle-draws-thousands-to-watch-in-buriram-province/

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Phuket: Former Mayor of Patong Pian Keesin found dead
The Phuket News

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766394-phuket-former-mayor-of-patong-pian-keesin-found-dead/

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Traffic cops offered cash to turn down bribes

By Coconuts Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- Pssst, hey officer, want to make some easy money? Just say “no” to that next bribe, and you could go home with a THB10,000 bonus from your superiors.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766396-traffic-cops-offered-cash-to-turn-down-bribes/

[Lite Beer]

Impeachment case reaches the hand of NLA now

BANGKOK: -- The National Anti-Corruption Committee's impeachment case against former Senate and former House speakers has been submitted to the National Legislative Assembly yesterday.

The case seeks the NLA’s hand to remove former Senate speaker Nikhom Wairachpanich, and former House speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont on malfeasance in office for their roles in passing a constitutional amendment related to the change in the composition of the Senate.

NLA second deputy speaker Peerasak Porjit confirmed that the impeachment case has been received by the NLA yesterday and now it is up to the NLA speaker when to put it in the agenda for debate.

But he said it was believed that the impeachment case would first be considered by the NLA whips next week before going to the full NLA meeting to debate.

After the NLA process, their cases will go to the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Postings to have final judgement of their guilts.

The NACC is also expected to impeach 39 former senators for passing the amendment illegitimately.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/impeachment-case-reaches-hand-nla-now/

-- Thai PBS 2014-10-07

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PHUKET NEWS TV (Video): Pian Keesin (Ex-Mayor of Patong) Found Dead

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766394-phuket-former-mayor-of-patong-pian-keesin-found-dead/?p=8496483#entry8496483

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Retirement age to rise by as much as six months per year

The pensions minister, Steve Webb, says Britons must accept dramatically longer working lives to avoid a health care funding crisis
By Peter Dominiczak, Steven Swinford, Katie Morley and Dan Hyde

LONDON: -- Older people will be encouraged to work longer under a Government plan to increase the average retirement age by six months every year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766444-uk-retirement-age-to-rise-by-as-much-as-six-months-per-year/

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Redshirt 'Mascot' Removed From LINE Sticker Store
By Khaosod English


An announcement posted on the creator of the sticker's Facebook page.

BANGKOK — The popular messenger application LINE has withdrawn emoticons depicting a red buffalo, the unofficial mascot of the Redshirt movement.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766458-redshirt-mascot-removed-from-line-sticker-store/

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Hua Hin monitors flood situation

PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN, 7 October 2014 (NNT) – Hua Hin municipality is now monitoring the flood situation in the area, due to ongoing rain.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766460-hua-hin-monitors-flood-situation/

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Provinces across Thailand continue to be hit by natural disasters

BANGKOK, 7 October 2014 (NNT) - The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation made known that provinces across Thailand continue to experience a range of natural disasters including floods.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766462-provinces-across-thailand-continue-to-be-hit-by-natural-disasters/

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Bangkok ranks sixth among 10 most affordable five-star hotel prices for US travelers



BANGKOK: -- With Bangkok's average five-star hotel prices in the first half of this year facing big drop by 16% to US$186 a night, it is now ranked sixth among ten most affordable hotel destinations for US travelers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766464-bangkok-ranks-sixth-among-10-most-affordable-five-star-hotel-prices-for-us-travelers/

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UPDATE:

TAXI
New system for taxi fare to be discussed with drivers

BANGKOK: -- Transport Minister Prajin Juntong revealed Tuesday that the ministry will set the new taxi fare system by the end of this week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766347-taxi-fares-poised-to-be-raised-by-december-thailand/#entry8497795

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SET index closed 1,539.39, down 3.74; Bt/USD32.45; GBP52.11; AUD28.37; EUR40.86; CAD28.98; HKD4.17; SGD25.31; JPY29.77

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Govt to set up ‘agricultural zoning’
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Oct 7 -- The interim government of Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha will set up ‘agricultural zoning’ for growing rice, rubber and other agricultural products to persuade growers to use less land area and water but which offers higher yields.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766467-thai-govt-to-set-up-agricultural-zoning/

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Police send murder case to prosecutors
By Digital Content



SURAT THANI, Oct 7 -- Police early Tuesday sent the case on the murder of two British tourists on a beach in the Gulf of Thailand three weeks ago to the prosecutors for consideration.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766469-thai-police-send-koh-tao-murder-case-to-prosecutors/

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Complaint on futsal graft sent to justice minister
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Oct 7 -- Thailand's Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) is sending a letter to Justice Minister Gen Paiboon Kumchaya today complaining of irregularities in a several million baht project to construct futsal pitches at schools in several northeastern provinces, according to PACC Secretary-General Prayong Preeyachit.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766474-complaint-on-futsal-graft-sent-to-thai-justice-minister/

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'AEC+3 Summit & Expo 2014" set for November
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Oct 7 -- An ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) summit and expo will be held in Bangkok early next month, aimed at encouraging Thai businessmen to invest more in fellow ASEAN member countries and for Thailand to become an economic hub in the region.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766475-aec3-summit-expo-2014-set-for-november/

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Police chief reconfirms Myanmar migrant workers are real suspects



The national police chief Pol Gen Somyos Poompanmuang held a press conference this afternoon to reconfirm that the two Myanmar migrant workers arrested for allegedly killing two British tourists on Koh Tao in mid-September are real suspects and not scapegoats as widely speculated.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766476-koh-tao-murders-police-chief-reconfirms-myanmar-migrant-workers-are-real-suspects/

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Total lunar eclipse will be visible from Ubon Ratchathani

UBON RATCHATHANI, 7 October 2014 (NNT) — The last total lunar eclipse of the year will be visible this month in Ubon Ratchatani province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766482-total-lunar-eclipse-will-be-visible-from-ubon-ratchathani/

[Lite Beer]

Prayut says martial law to stay

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chanocha insisted Tuesday that the junta would maintain the martial law for the purpose of security in the long term but relaxation would be considered step by step when the situation was improved.

"I said many times that we would consider security and order in the long run. Don't rush, we would consider step by step," Prayut told reporters after a joint meeting between the cabinet and the National Council for Peace and Order, which he is the head.

Source:http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Prayut-says-martial-law-to-stay-30244957.html

-- The Nation 2014-10-07

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More than 70,000 traffic violators arrested in last three months

BANGKOK: -- More than 70,000 traffic violators have been arrested by metropolitan police in the past three months since the launch of a crackdown against six types of traffic violation.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/766526-more-than-70000-traffic-violators-arrested-in-last-three-months/

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King's health improves

BANGKOK: -- His Majesty the King is conscious and breathing easily after undergoing an operation, said the third statement, issued by the Royal Household Bureau Tuesday night.

His heartbeat is nearly back to normal rate, but he still gets fever periodically. He reported pain from a wound near his gall bladder, where a laparoscopy was performed. The King has been receiving

medications, saline and liquid food intravenously.

Monks, left, chanted Buddhist prayers at Siriraj Hospital yesterday to bless the King and wish him good health.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Kings-health-improves-30245002.html

-- The Nation 2014-10-07