Woman self-immolates over loan

BANGKOK: -- A 52-year-old woman set herself on fire on Wednesday at a government complaint centre opposite the Government House.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768495-thai-woman-self-immolates-over-loan/

PM to leave Bangkok for ASEM meeting on Oct 16-17

BANGKOK, 15 October 2014 (NNT) -- Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-O-cha will leave Bangkok for the 10th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) to be held in the Italian city of Milan on October 16-17.

The theme of the 10th ASEM Summit is “Responsible Partnership for Sustainable Growth and Security”. It will give Thailand an opportunity to show her readiness in cooperating with the international community in many aspects ranging from politics, economics, and social, cultural and educational development.

He will make a speech on Thailand's vision towards sustainable growth, the country's stability, economic stimulus package and also the road map to the general election under a full form of democracy.

Gen. Prayut has expressed his belief that attending the summit would help create confidence of the international community in Thailand's priorities in expanding ties and cooperating with others and also promoting peace and unity among nations.

He will also lead Thai delegates and representatives from the business sector in bilateral meetings with other leaders to discuss such issues as trade and investment cooperation.

ASEM was launched in 1996 as a forum for dialogue and cooperation between Europe and Asia. Of the 51 members, 27 countries are from the European Union, two members from outside the EU, 20 countries from ASEAN nations and the rest of Asia.


-- NNT 2014-10-15

UPDATE:

Pattaya to become world-class sports Tourism destination



BANGKOK: -- The government plans to upgrade and promote Pattaya, a popular beach resort, as a world-class sports destination instead of just nightlife, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768338-pattaya-to-be-rebranded-as-world-sport-destination/page-5?p=8535637#entry8535637

Two Koreas 'hold high-level military talks'

SEOUL: -- Senior military officials from the two Koreas are holding talks for the first time in seven years, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reports.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768496-two-koreas-hold-high-level-military-talks/

Police to resolve 50% of all remaining lese majeste cases by end of 2014

BANGKOK, 15 Oct (NNT) - With nearly 100 lese majeste cases still unresolved since 2008, the Royal Thai Police have set a target to halve that number by the end of this year.

Acting Deputy National Police Chief in charge of national security, Police Lieutenant General Jakthip Chaijinda chaired a meeting yesterday (Oct 14) to hand down policies from the national police chief, emphasizing the importance of protecting the royal institution and promoting national unity.

Police Lieutenant General Jakthip said after the meeting that one of the main policies was to expedite cases involving lese majeste charges. He noted that since 2008, there are still 93 unresolved cases. The acting deputy police chief said the meeting had set a target to reduce the number of cases by half by the end of this year.

He said all cases will be considered, whether lese majeste comments were made on protest stages or on social media websites. The acting deputy national police chief disclosed that a center will be set up and specifically tasked with monitoring social media websites for lese majeste violations.


-- NNT 2014-10-15

Deputy PM confident new Constitution will be drafted in 1 year's time

BANGKOK, 15 Oct (NNT) - The deputy prime minister in charge of legal affairs has expressed confidence that Thailand would have a new Constitution by next year, adding that general elections may have to be on hold until 2016.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768518-deputy-pm-confident-new-thai-constitution-will-be-drafted-in-1-years-time/

Common car in supercar parking beginning of downward spiral?
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: Pantip

BANGKOK: -- The issue of reserved parking for drivers with special needs is finally getting the attention it deserves. All too often owners of Supercars are finding their special, fancy parking spaces occupied by unworthy vehicles.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768520-bangkok-common-car-in-supercar-parking-beginning-of-downward-spiral/

UPDATE:

Maize farmer burns self in Bangkok complaint office after saying landlord cheats her



BANGKOK: -- A 52-year-old maize farmer from Lopburi province set fire to herself inside the office of the government’s complaint centre opposite the Government House after submitting complaint to Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha via complaint and assistance officials.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768495-thai-woman-self-immolates-over-loan/#entry8535950

Police Thwart Redshirts' Democracy Monument 'Picnic'
By Khaosod English


Police cars and plain-clothed officers stationed near the Redshirt dinner party by Democracy Monument on 14 Oct 2014.

BANGKOK — Dozens of police officers surrounded Democracy Monument last night to prevent a group of Redshirt supporters from picnicking on the monument's steps.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768529-bangkok-police-thwart-redshirts-democracy-monument-picnic/

ASIA-EUROPE MEETING
Thailand to focus on trade barriers at Asem in Italy

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha left for Milan, Italy to attend Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem) and intended to discuss solutions to trade barriers during the meeting.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768531-thailand-to-focus-on-trade-barriers-at-asem-in-italy/

DDPM prepared for cold season in upper Thailand

BANGKOK, 15 October 2014 (NNT) – The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) is prepared to deal with the upcoming cold season in 48 provinces and floods in 14 others, as Thailand is moving towards the end of 2014.

According to the DDPM, the upper part of Thailand will experience a drop in temperature due to high pressure conditions. 15 provinces in the North, 20 others in the Northeast and the remaining 9 in the central region, and the remaining 4 in the East will experience chilly weather.

The department has surveyed the need for winter clothes and compiled a list according to areas and the number of affected people. People will be given general information on how they can keep themselves warm and avoid any health problems in winter.

In the South of Thailand, heavy rains and gusty winds have been forecast in 14 provinces. Residents are told to brace for flash floods, especially those living in the vicinity of the mountains and the sea.


-- NNT 2014-10-15

New toy library for underprivileged kids
The Phuket News

PHUKET: -- The Phuket Commu- nity Foundation (PCF) is setting up a new toy library at the Rassada Credit Union Bank and the opening is scheduled for November 7. The new toy library, the sixth on the island by PCF, will open at the facility located in the Kaeha Rasada housing project, Phuket Credit Union, 68/901 Srisutat Rd.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768534-phuket-new-toy-library-for-underprivileged-kids/

Tourism tax approved to stimulate domestic tourism



BANGKOK: -- Domestic tourism is expected to boom after the government approved tourism tax that will allow the people and businesses to deduct tourism expenses from their annual tax payment.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768537-tourism-tax-approved-to-stimulate-domestic-tourism/

More CCTV proposed for Phuket tourist spots
Suthicha Sirirat

PHUKET: -- Public and private sector groups have agreed to help fund the installation of more CCTV cameras for Phuket's main tourist spots following discussions between OrBorTor heads and local hoteliers, Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong revealed Monday (Oct 13).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768539-more-cctv-proposed-for-phuket-tourist-spots/

Phuket Old Town water supplies shut off tomorrow
Tanyaluk Sakoot


Phuket gets so much rain, that there is really no need to stress about utilities being shut off. Photo: Gilbert Garcia

PHUKET: -- City water utilities throughout Phuket city’s Old Town district will be shut off from 1-6pm tomorrow (October 16) as part of electrical inspections of the municipalities pumping systems.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768543-phuket-old-town-water-supplies-shut-off-tomorrow-october-16/

Former Pheu Thai MPs petition junta chief Prayut over impeachment



BANGKOK: -- Four former MPs of the Pheu Thai party today petitioned Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-ocha questioning the power of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to impeach the two former parliament speakers indicted by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768545-former-pheu-thai-mps-petition-pm-prayut-over-impeachment/

Patong drug ring busted
Saran Mitrarat


Drugs and paraphernalia seized by police from six suspected drug users and pushers

PHUKET: -- Kathu Police busted a ring of drug dealers and users in Patong this morning (Oct 15), seizing more than 100 grams of crystal meth (ya ice) and 200 methamphetamine (ya ba) pills.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768546-patong-drug-ring-busted/

Yingluck impeachment case file reaches NLA



BANGKOK: -- The impeachment case file indicting former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra for alleged dereliction that incurred tremendous damages to the country from her rice-pledging scheme has reached the hands of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768547-yingluck-impeachment-case-file-reaches-nla/

Malaysian police arrest 13 over IS 'links': report

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - Malaysian police have arrested 13 people believed to have "links" with the Islamic State, a report said Wednesday, as concern grows over the extremist group's appeal in the moderate Muslim country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768551-malaysian-police-arrest-13-over-is-links-report/

BREAKING: Chalong Bay Marina 'shut for a year', all vessels evicted
Saran Mitrarat



PHUKET: -- The Phuket Marine Office has ordered all marine vessels at the Chalong Bay Marina to relocate and steer clear of the marina beyond a radius of 200 metres, due to construction.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768555-chalong-bay-marina-shut-for-a-year-all-vessels-evicted/

Thailand plans one of world's tallest skyscrapers
Reported by: UNB

Bangkok, Oct 15 (AP/UNB) — A Thai property developer has announced plans to build one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world in Bangkok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768557-thailand-plans-one-of-worlds-tallest-skyscrapers/

UPDATE:

Thai woman sets herself on fire over debts: officials
Bangkok, Thailand | AFP |

BANGKOK: -- A Thai woman set herself on fire inside a Bangkok government building Wednesday after she was unable to pay off loans of $46,000, officials said, as household debt in Thailand rises to a record high.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768495-thai-woman-self-immolates-over-loan/#entry8536924

Second Texas healthcare worker tests positive for Ebola, officials say /BBC

Post-Coup Election May Be Delayed To 2016

By Khaosod English

BANGKOK The chairman of Thailands military junta and his deputy have suggested that the date of the next national election may be postponed from October 2015 to early 2016.

After staging a coup on 22 May, Thailand's junta - known as the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) - said it would cede power to an elected government in October 2015 after pursuing a wide range of national reforms.

But NCPO chairman Prayuth Chan-ocha, who is also now Prime Minister of the interim government, said today that the militarys roadmap to democracy may need to be extended.

"It depends on when the new constitution and reforms will be finished," Gen. Prayuth told reporters before boarding a plane to an international summit in Italy this morning. "It takes time to prepare for an election. It's not like we can organise an election tomorrow just because we have scheduled the poll. Elections take time."

Gen. Prayuth's comments came after his deputy, Visanu Krue-ngam, said yesterday that the public should not be "surprised" if the next election is organized several months after the promised date.

"It wouldnt be surprising if the [election] took place in 2016," Visanu said. "Because the new permanent constitution will only be ready by September 2015. There will be many laws about the election that need to be passed, too. It may take two months for parliament to approve each law."

Source: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1413363632

-- Khaosod English 2014-10-15

Ebola outbreak: Second Texas health worker 'tests positive'

(BBC) A second health worker in the US state of Texas has tested positive for Ebola, health officials say.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768570-ebola-outbreak-second-texas-health-worker-tests-positive/

Similan Islands reopens to the public

PHANG NGA, 15 October 2014 (NNT) – The Similan Islands National Park is now open to the public after being closed off for six months.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768572-similan-islands-reopens-to-the-public/

Phone store employee accused of choking customer in store
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: MCOT

BANGKOK: -- A woman filed a police complaint yesterday claiming she was assaulted by an employee inside a mobile service provider’s store.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768574-thai-phone-store-employee-accused-of-choking-customer-in-store/

Saudi Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr 'sentenced to death'

RIYADH: -- A court in Saudi Arabia has sentenced a prominent Shia cleric to death, his brother has said on Twitter.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768577-saudi-shia-cleric-sentenced-to-death/

Toyota said Wednesday it is recalling 1.75 million vehicles globally over brake problems and other glitches that posed a fire risk. /Bangkok Post

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