Thailand Live Tuesday 14 Oct 2014

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Transport ministry needs THB 8 billion more to fund Red Line electric train project

BANGKOK, 14 October 2014 (NNT) - Minister of Transport ACM Prachin Chantong will ask for more budget of over eight billion baht from the Cabinet to finance the Red Line electric train project and speed it up for completion in 2017.

ACM Prachin said on Monday that the eight-billion baht budget would cover the increasing construction costs of the Red Line electric train in keeping with the ministry’s plan to establish the Bang Sue Central Station as the hub of rail transportation.

The minister said he expected that the project would be completed in time, with the use of better construction technology. The Red Line train is set to operate in 2018 but it is now 13.34% behind schedule.


-- NNT 2014-10-14

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Britain summons Thai envoy over tourist murder probe
London, United Kingdom | AFP |

LONDON: -- The British government on Monday summoned Thailand's top diplomatic representative in London to lay out its "real concern" about the investigation into the murder of two British tourists on a holiday island, officials said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768134-britain-summons-thai-envoy-over-koh-tao-tourist-murder-probe/

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TOURISM
'Martial law killing arrivals'
Suchat Sritama
The Nation

Tourism industry bodies desperate for a boost amid weak bookings

BANGKOK: -- The tourism sector is reiterating its call for the government to lift martial law in the face of losses due to the continued drop in tourist arrivals.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768135-thai-tourism-industry-martial-law-killing-arrivals/

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SOUTH CRISIS
Alarms for all schools in South
The Nation


A teacher at Manangyong School in Pattani yesterday selects boxes of school milk not burnt after an arson attack at the school on Sunday. This was one of six schools targeted in the insurgency-wracked border province.

Army vows tighter security after Pattani attacks

BANGKOK: -- The torching of six schools in Pattani's Thung Yang Daeng district on Sunday will be studied so that better security, fire safety and warning measures can be implemented at all schools in the strife-torn deep South, a military spokesman said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768136-alarms-for-all-schools-in-thai-south/

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ROHINGYA
Some 10,000 Rohingya 'will arrive soon'
Boonleun Promprathankul
The Nation
Ranong

200 nabbed ahead of 'migrating season'

BANGKOK: -- THE authorities are stepping up measures to prevent the illegal inflow of Rohingya from neighbouring Myanmar.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768137-thailand-some-10000-rohingya-will-arrive-soon/

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DEATHS AT KOH TAO
Rakhine group urges Thai PM to reopen probe into murders
Myanmar Eleven

BANGKOK: -- The Rakhine National Network has said it will send an open letter to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha about the Myanmar men charged with murdering two British tourists on Koh Tao.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768138-rakhine-group-urges-thai-pm-to-reopen-probe-into-koh-tao-murders/

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BOOK EXPO THAILAND
Special offers by Nation Books
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand will be educating Thais on Siamese and Thai history at the 19th Book Expo Thailand when it opens at Queen Sirikit Convention Centre tomorrow.

The association hopes the move will help with the national reconciliation process.

To celebrate the 44th anniversary of The Nation, dozens of titles and a series of author talks and "edu-tain" activities will be launched.

There will be a look at the life story of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at 1pm tomorrow.

Nation Multimedia Group chairman Suthichai Yoon, Thepchai Yong, the Nation Group editor-in-chief, and Nation Weekend editor Bunthit Chantasrikum will discuss the best-selling Thai-language book "His Name is Tu: From the Queen's Guard Officer to the Parliament". The book tells the story of a professional soldier-turned-coup leader who became the 29th prime minister of Thailand.

The publisher will also launch the Thai version of Hillary Clinton's critically acclaimed book "Hard Choices" on October 22 at 2pm.

Translated by former Kom Chad Luek senior editor Boonrat Apichat-trisorn and her team, the bestseller is the memoir of the former US Secretary of State.

Suthichai, Thepchai and Assoc Prof Dr Kesara Thanyalakpak will discuss the book, in which she gives her account of her tenure from 2009 to 2013. Then at 7pm on the same day, Tourism and Sport Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul will preside over the launch of "Problem is Not the Big Deal: It's Just the New Thing We Have to Confront" by Theerasarn Sahassapas, who became a millionaire running a popular noodle shop in Phetchaburi.

Apailuck Tantrabandit, an experienced image consultant and professional trainer, will launch his new book "The New You: Change Your Look to the New You" on October 23 at 5pm.

And on October 25 at 10am, Nation TV anchor Kanok Rattanawongsakul will launch his new book "Line Kanok".

This year's event has been designed under the theme "Kor Uey Kor Kai: Learning the Past, Heading Towards the Future".

The 12-day expo will feature plenty of new titles from over 400 publishers that will be displayed in over 900 booths in the 21,000 sqm centre.

In recognition of a century of Thai textbooks, this year's highlights include the "Remembering Nation in Textbook" exhibition. People can learn about the development of Thai textbooks, which were influenced by politics, economics and the Western colonial period from 1868, the King Rama V era to the present.

The beautiful and charming culture of Asean counties, which has been captured by famous photographers, will also be portrayed at an exhibition entitled "Asean Smiles". Organisers will also host plenty of activities from member states so people can learn more about Asean.

The expo runs until October 26.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Special-offers-by-Nation-Books-30245421.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-14

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Germany 'ready to share EU lessons as Asean integrates'
Erich Parpart
The Nation


Rolf Schulze, the German ambassador to Thailand, speaks at a press conference yesterday.

BANGKOK: -- The success of regional cooperation takes time while investment in renewable energy and education is the name of the game when comes to sustainable development, and Germany is preparing to share its experiences with these issues, Rolf Schulze, the German ambassador to Thailand, said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768139-germany-ready-to-share-eu-lessons-as-asean-integrates/

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What has Europe ever done for us?
Thepchai Yong
The Nation


A man waves a giant national flag at Democracy Monument a day after the Army seized power in May.

Anger in Thailand over 'punishment' for the coup ignores years of comprehensive cooperation that is playing a crucial role in Asia

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768140-thai-opinion-what-has-europe-ever-done-for-us/

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EDITORIAL
Unlocking Asean's doorway to global trade
The Nation

Myanmar and Thailand have injected much-needed life into the Dawei mega-project, but a keystone of its success will be how it affects the communities living in its shadow

BANGKOK: -- The good news is that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Myanmar's President Thein Sein have agreed to kick-start the stalled mega-project for Southeast Asia's largest industrial zone and port.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768141-unlocking-aseans-doorway-to-global-trade-thai-editorial/

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Wheels stripped from Honda at airport parking lot
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: MThai

Is this your Honda Accord? If so, we’re sorry – leaving your ride at the airport should have been a safe bet.

BANGKOK: -- All four wheels from a brand new Honda Accord were stolen yesterday from the parking lot of Don Mueang Airport, while the owner is presumed to be traveling and unaware of his/her fortune.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768142-wheels-stripped-from-honda-at-don-mueang-airport-parking-lot/

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Complaints of torn digital TV discount coupons are under investigation



BANGKOK: -- The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission has asked Thailand Post company to investigate complaints from several households that the discount coupons they received through mails were pampered with as a crucial part of the coupon which could be used to claim 690 baht discount went missing.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768145-complaints-of-torn-digital-tv-discount-coupons-are-under-investigation/

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Cops may still get rewards for charging people offering bribes
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Metropolitan Police chief Pol Maj-General Adul Narongsak yesterday denied reports that the project offering Bt10,000 in prizes to police officers who arrest people offering bribes had been scrapped.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768146-thai-cops-may-still-get-rewards-for-charging-people-offering-bribes/

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Under sanctions threat, ministry cracks down on ivory trade
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Commerce Ministry's Business Development Department has set up a specialised centre to provide advice on the ivory trade.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768147-under-sanctions-threat-thai-ministry-cracks-down-on-ivory-trade/

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Pharmacists and govt thrash out new bill on medicines
Poungchompoo Prasert
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A NEW VERSION of the drugs bill must be based on protecting and helping users - while keeping their safe access to medicine a priority, top drug officials and experts decided yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768148-pharmacists-and-thai-govt-thrash-out-new-bill-on-medicines/

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Arson attack on six schools baffles, stuns Pattani residents
The Nation
October

PATTANI: -- Local teachers have suggested that arson attacks on six Pattani schools on Sunday may not only stem from the insurgency - as the media and state officials quickly concluded - but may have been caused by other issues in this violence-gripped region.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768149-arson-attack-on-six-schools-baffles-stuns-pattani-residents/

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BURNING ISSUE
Govt yet to differentiate itself from elected regimes
Chularat Saengpassa

BANGKOK: -- Given that General Prayut Chan-o-cha's government was only formed in August, it is too soon to evaluate its performance. But it appears that policies that have been announced in this short period have failed to differentiate it from elected governments, no matter how much it yearns to be considered different.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768151-thai-govt-yet-to-differentiate-itself-from-elected-regimes/

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Kim Jong-un: North Korea leader 'appears in public'

(BBC) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has made his first public appearance since 3 September, the country's official news agency says.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768153-kim-jong-un-north-korea-leader-appears-in-public/

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MPs back Palestinian statehood alongside Israel

LONDON: -- MPs have voted in favour of recognising Palestine as a state alongside Israel.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768154-uk-mps-back-palestinian-statehood/

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Vatican family review signals shift on homosexuality

ROME: -- Senior clerics taking part in a review of Catholic teachings on the family have called on the Church to adopt a more positive stance on homosexuality.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768155-synod-signals-catholic-shift-on-gays/

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New waterfall discovered in Phitsanulok

BANGKOK: -- A new waterfall with nine layers of water falling has been discovered in Phitsanulok. The provincial administration and the Phitsanulok Tourism Association will inaugurate the Phai Si Thong (golden bamboo) waterfall next Tuesday.

The association plans to organise home stay services to draw tourists to visit the waterfall.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/New-waterfall-discovered-in-Phitsanulok-30245433.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-14

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Chinese court sentences cult members to death over McDonald's killing

(CNN) -- Two members of a banned Chinese doomsday cult were sentenced to death Saturday for the brutal murder of a woman in a McDonald's restaurant in May, Chinese state media reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768191-chinese-court-sentences-cult-members-to-death-over-mcdonalds-killing/

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Body of a Thai woman found at a river in Scotland

PAISLEY, SCOTLAND, 14 October 2014 (NNT) - Police in Scotland have discovered the body of a Thai woman at a river after she had been missing for two weeks.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768198-body-of-a-thai-woman-found-at-a-river-in-scotland/

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Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,545.62, gains 3.27 points /MCOT

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Australia faces asylum court challenges

(BBC) The Australian government is facing two challenges in court on Tuesday over its policies towards asylum seekers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768199-australia-in-court-over-asylum-cases/

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UPDATE:

UK summons Thai envoy to raise concern of backpacker murders



BANGKOK: -- Britain has summoned the Thai charge d'affaires in London to raise concerns over the police investigation into the murder of two British backpackers in Thailand, the Foreign Office said on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768134-britain-summons-thai-envoy-over-koh-tao-tourist-murder-probe/page-7?p=8529973#entry8529973

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Giant firecracker bomb found near NACC office



BANGKOK: -- A giant firecracker bomb was found laid near the head-office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) but was quickly removed by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) police.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768202-giant-firecracker-bomb-found-near-thailands-nacc-office/

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Statements on health conditions of HM the King and HRH Princess Chulabhorn

BANGKOK, 13 October 2014 (NNT) - His Majesty the King developed a high fever before the weekend but his temperature cooled down after new antibiotics was administered.

The sixth announcement concerning the royal stay at Siriraj Hospital issued by the Bureau of the Royal Household said the team of doctors tending His Majesty the King decided to change the antibiotics administered to him intravenously after he developed a higher fever on Friday afternoon. The result of new antibiotics was satisfactory as His Majesty’s temperature returned to normal on Friday night.

The doctors also expressed satisfaction over His Majesty’s recovery from an operation to remove an infected gallbladder on October 5. They said His Majesty no longer felt abdominal pain when he moved his body.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of the Royal Household also issued the sixth announcement concerning Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn’s condition after being treated for stomach inflammation and pancreatitis related to the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at Vichaiyuth Hospital on Sep 4.

The statement said the doctors on Saturday declared Her Royal Highness safe after a period of treatment and allowed her to leave the hospital for recuperation. The Princess on October 11 left for Pimanmas Palace in the Sattahip naval base, in Chonburi Province.

The statement also said that during her stay at the hospital, Her Royal Highness had learned with appreciations the concerns expressed for her by ambassadors, officials, monks and people from all walks of life, and would like to thank all those well wishers through this announcement.


-- NNT 2014-10-14

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PM Gen. Prayut to adopt Sufficiency Economy in lifting standard of living for 19,000 villages

BANGKOK, 13 October 2014 (NNT) - The Prime Minister is planning to adopt the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy in helping lift the standard of living in tens of thousands of villages across the country.

Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha on Monday chaired a meeting with his Cabinet to discuss the implementation of various projects under the guidance of HM the King’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy.

According to Gen. Prayut, the government will launch a pilot project to improve the living condition of people of nearly 19,000 villages nationwide, with a focus on the promotion of sufficiency and rationality as well as ethics.

He added that this is a 4-year project which will be implemented during 2014 and 2017.


-- NNT 2014-10-14

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Tony Abbott slammed as ‘rude, insolent, unpleasant’ on Russian news site Pravda

SYDNEY: -- RUSSIAN media is less than impressed by Tony Abbott and his aggressive talk towards their president, Vladimir Putin.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768211-russian-media-hits-back-on-australias-abbot-rude-unpleasant/