Thailand Live Friday 17 Oct 2014

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Corrupt 'government officials' selling public beachfront in Pattaya, top Chonburi official claims

PATTAYA: -- Politicians and other influential public figures are claiming ownership of large swaths of Pattaya-area beaches, selling or renting out 49-sq.-meter patches of sand to beach chair vendors, Chonburi officials said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769078-corrupt-government-officials-selling-public-beachfront-in-pattaya-top-chonburi-official-claims/

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Fire guts OTOP shop in Ubon Ratchathani airport

UBON RATCHATHANI: -- A night fire broke out at Ubon Ratchathani international airport on Friday causing damage to the airport's two-storey passenger terminal building.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769083-fire-guts-otop-shop-in-ubon-ratchathani-airport/

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Driver killed as bus plunged into ravine



CHIAG MAI -- A Chiang Mai-Udon Thani bus plunged into a 30-metre ravine in Long district of Phrae province late Thursday night, killing the driver and injuring 15 passengers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769084-one-dead-15-injured-in-passenger-bus-accident-in-phrae/

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Taxi drivers who reject passengers are susceptible to face legal action

BANGKOK, 17 October 2014 (NNT) - The Traffic Police Chief has declared that the police have come up with measures to arrest taxi drivers who refuse to accept passengers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769108-thai-taxi-drivers-who-reject-passengers-are-susceptible-to-face-legal-action/

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UPDATE:

Interprovincial tour bus falls off a cliff in Phrae province

PHRAE, 17 October 2014 (NNT) - A tour bus from Chiang Mai bound for Udon Thani has fallen off a cliff into a ravine 30 meters deep, leaving one person dead and 33 others injured.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769084-one-dead-15-injured-in-passenger-bus-accident-in-phrae/#entry8545462

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PM holds talks with Hun Sen at ASEM summit

MILAN, 17 October 2014 (NNT) - Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thursday held a bilateral meeting with his Cambodian counterpart on the sideline of the 10th Asia-Europe Summit.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769117-pm-prayut-holds-talks-with-hun-sen-at-asem-summit/

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Appeals Court drops Jatuporn's libel suit against former Democrat MP



BANGKOK: -- The Appeals Court today dropped the defamation suit filed by red shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan against former Democrat MP Watchara Phetthong for portraying him as a lackey of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769134-appeals-court-drops-jatuporns-libel-suit-against-former-democrat-mp/

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PHUKET: Missing Russian tourist found drowned in Phuket

Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: -- The body of a Russian tourist who allegedly drowned on Kalim Beach on October 15 was found this morning (October 17) floating in the sea just off Paradise Beach in Patong.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769137-missing-russian-tourist-found-drowned-in-phuket/

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PHUKET: Fire breaks in Thalang, B200,000 worth of damages
Eakkapop Thongtub



PHUKET: -- A fire broke out in a house in Thalang this morning (October 17) while no one was home, resulting in an estimated B200,000 worth of damages.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769138-phuket-fire-breaks-in-thalang-b200000-worth-of-damages/

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NLA holds closed-door session on impeachment cases
Nitipol Kiravanich
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) on Friday resolved to hold a closed-door meeting to discuss whether to accept an impeachment case against former Parliament president Somsak Kiatsuranon and former Parliament vice president Nikom Wairatpanich for deliberation.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is asking the NLA in its capacity as acting Senate to impeach Somsak and Nikom amidst a dispute as to whether the interim legislature has the authority to do so.

Instead of proceeding with the impeachment process according to normal practice, the NLA decided to debate whether the case should be accepted or not.

The NACC made the recommendation to the Senate to commence impeachment proceedings shortly before the Senate was dissolved after the May 22 coup.

The NLA gave the reasons for the closed-door meeting as discussion of confidential documents and the possibility that other politicians might be mentioned in relation to the impeachment case.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/NLA-holds-closed-door-session-on-impeachment-cases-30245659.html

-- The Nation 2014-10-17

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Manila dislodged as world's worst airport

Philippines Daily Inquirer/ANN - After topping the list of the world's worst airports for three consecutive years, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) has the dubious achievement of landing only fourth this year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769144-manila-dislodged-as-worlds-worst-airport/

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Fog blankets several areas of Chiang Rai province

CHIANG RAI, 17 October 2014 (NNT) - Chiang Rai provincial authorities have warned residents living in high altitude areas to brace for cold weather conditions and to drive carefully due to heavy blankets of fog during the morning.

In the downtown area of Chiang Rai, the morning fog reduced the visibility level to 60 meters. Drivers had to turn on their headlights and fog lights to prevent any possible accidents from happening.

Meanwhile, Chiang Rai Governor Pongsak Wongsamer has ordered the Disaster Mitigation Offices across the province to help residents deal with cold injuries.

Residents living in Wiang Pa Pao, Mae Fah Luang, Chiang Saen, and Wiang Kaen districts are advised to prepare for the chilly weather, as these districts are located on mountainous regions. They are also advised to refrain from consuming alcohol to help cope with the cold weather, as it is a common misunderstanding that could lead to dangerous health problems.


-- NNT 2014-10-17

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MOAC reveals certain measures to help farmers cope with drought

BANGKOK, 17 October 2014 (NNT) – The Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (MOAC) has been instructed to help farmers cope with the dry season, which is expected to exacerbate next year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769145-moac-reveals-certain-measures-to-help-farmers-cope-with-drought/

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Winter travel popular in North and North East

BANGKOK, 17 October 2014 (NNT)-People have been visiting tourist attractions in the North and North East of Thailand as winter has officially arrived.

At least 5,000 visitors have so far arrived at Doi Inthanon National Park, where the temperature has dropped to as low as 8 degrees Celsius. Their most favorite spot is Kew-Mae-Pan, a scenic point located on the mountain top, from where tourists can have a panoramic view of the sea of fog in the morning.

National Parks in Buriram are also among the most visited places in winter given its abundant forests.

Despite the beauty of winter fog, residents of Nan and Loei provinces have been warned of poor visibility, and to be extra careful when driving on mountainous and winding roads.


-- NNT 2014-10-17

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UPDATE:

Flights resume normally at Ubon Ratchathani airport after fire
By Digital Content



UBON RATCHATHANI, Oct 17 -- Commercial flights at Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani airport in the northeast resumed normally early today after a fire broke out at souvenir shops inside the facility overnight, injuring two airport workers who inhaling smoke, officials said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769083-fire-guts-otop-shop-in-ubon-ratchathani-airport/#entry8546152

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Actor playing soldier part arrested for wearing military uniform
By Coconuts Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- A television actor turned himself in to police after learning he was wanted for impersonating an officer by wearing a military uniform for a role.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769150-thai-actor-playing-soldier-part-arrested-for-wearing-military-uniform/

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PM proposes expanding Asia-Europe cooperation at ASEM
By Digital Content



MILAN, Oct 17 -- Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-ocha has called for increasing cooperation between Asian and European countries and for Europe to participate more in mobilising funds for investment in basic infrastructure projects in the Asian region.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769151-pm-prayut-proposes-expanding-asia-europe-cooperation-at-asem/

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PHUKET: B9 million in meth just the tip of the iceberg for drug ring
Saran Mitrarat


Police seized over B9 million worth of methamphetamine and arrested four people in connection with a drug distribution ring.

PHUKET: -- Police seized over B9 million worth of methamphetamine and arrested four people in connection with a drug distribution ring that provided substances to tourists and bar staffs on Patong's Bangla Road, among other places.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769153-phuket-b9-million-in-meth-just-the-tip-of-the-iceberg-for-drug-ring/

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Illegal dog meat factory raided, one arrested

BANGKOK: -- Police, troops, livestock officials and Interior Ministry officials raided a house in Sakhon Nakhon'' Muang district early Friday and found an illegal dog meat factory.

The House owner, Somboon Thongkroob, was arrested on charge of illegally trading dog meat. Police found 84 bodies of dogs and 95 dog skins as well as 1,170 kilogrammes of dog meat.

The man claimed he bought dead dogs for butchering.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Illegal-dog-meat-factory-raided-one-arrested-30245665.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-17

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Thais spend more time reading



BANGKOK: -- The National Statistical Office said Thai people spent 37 minutes on reading in one day.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769156-thais-spend-more-time-reading/

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Slain Japanese tourist remembered at historical park



BANGKOK: -- Japanese diplomat and staff today laid flower at the scene where a Japanese female tourist was murdered seven years ago but the case remained a mystery.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769159-slain-japanese-tourist-remembered-at-sukhothai-historical-park/

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DSI urged to act against foreign scammers who prey on Thai women

BANGKOK: -- Three women Friday officially called on the Department of Special Investigation to take action against predators who prey on Thai women via social media.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769164-dsi-urged-to-act-against-foreign-scammers-who-prey-on-thai-women/

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EC predicts polls will be held in Jan 2016

BANGKOK: -- The next general elections could likely take place in January 2016, though it could be deferred by two or three months if there is a referendum on the new Constitution, Election Commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said Friday.

Somchai made this prediction in Pattaya, where the Election Commission (EC) held its first annual seminar with all provincial electoral officials.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/EC-predicts-polls-will-be-held-in-Jan-2016-30245676.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-17

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SET index closed 1,528.71, up 2.56; Bt/USD32.31; GBP51.69; AUD28.10; EUR41.20; CAD28.59; HKD4.15; SGD25.23; JPY30.28

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Man murders ex-wife due to jealousy in Pattaya

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769196-man-murders-ex-wife-due-to-jealousy-in-pattaya/

[Lite Beer]

PTT, Bangchak lower all gasohol prices by 30 satang Saturday

BANGKOK: -- All gasohol oil prices of PTT and Bangchak will go down by 30 satang tomorrow.
But diesel oil price remains unchanged.

The new price will be Gasohol95 36.30 baht/litre, Gasohol91 34.28 baht/litre, E20 32.48 baht/litre, E85 22.80 baht/litre.
Diesel remains at 29.39 baht/litre.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/ptt-bangchak-lower-gasohol-prices-30-satang-saturday/

-- Thai PBS 2014-10-17

[Lite Beer]

Tonne of dog meat seized in Sakhon Nakhon

BANGKOK: -- A joint Army-police force Friday raided a Sakhon Nakhon slaughterhouse, which sells dogs meat and organs without permission, and seized a tonne of dog meat.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769248-tonne-of-dog-meat-seized-in-sakhon-nakhon/

[Lite Beer]

Prayut urges police to perform duty as protectors

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha Friday evening urged police to perform their duty as "protectors of civilians' well-being".

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769250-prayut-urges-police-to-perform-duty-as-protectors/

[Lite Beer]

Rawai Sea Gypsy land suits reach 101 people
Nattha Thepbamrung

PHUKET: The number of Sea Gypsy villagers getting sued by a group of businessmen looking to kick them off the land has reached 101 people, most of whom live in 11 to 12 households, according to the villagers' attorney.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769252-rawai-sea-gypsy-land-suits-reach-101-people/

[Lite Beer]

Buildings on Nai Yang beach demolished

Nattha Thepbamrung

PHUKET: More changes were carried out this morning (October 17) when the Sakoo Or Bor Tor and the Royal Thai Navy officer region 3 demolished a building that was constructed illegally on Nai Yang Beach.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769253-buildings-on-nai-yang-beach-demolished/