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....-sakhon-nakhon/

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....-as-protectors/

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....ach-101-people/

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....ach-demolished/

HM the King’s condition is improving steadily

BANGKOK: -- Doctors at Siriraj hospital have stopped providing medicine intravenously to His Majesty the King two days ago and stopped providing food supplements intravenously yesterday as his condition has improved satisfactorily, according to the announcement of the Bureau of the Royal Household.

Announcement No 7 said that HM the King’s temperature, heartbeat, pulse and blood pressure are back to normal and he can sleep well.

However, the King’s digestion is not back to normal yet and easily digestible food is still needed for a certain period, said the announcement.

Source: http://englishnews.t...oving-steadily/

-- Thai PBS 2014-10-17

Mon Bridge is ready to open Saturday with grand and memorable events

KANCHANABURI: -- Thousands of visitors are now flocking to Sangkhla Buri district of Kanchanaburi to witness the official opening of the longest wooden bridge, the Uttamanusorn or Mon Bridge, of which the repair has been just completed.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....morable-events/

Thailand agrees to British police help over murders

London, Royaume-Uni | AFP | Friday 10/17/2014

BANGKOK: -- Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha has agreed to allow British police to help with the investigation into the murder of two young Britons on the holiday island of Koh Tao, diplomatic sources said Friday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769317-thailand-agrees-to-british-police-help-over-murders/

Divided NLA postpones impeachment
Jintana Panyaarvudh,
Khanittha Thepphajorn,
Nitipol Kiravanich
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Delay raises suspicion NCPO may want to avoid renewed conflict

The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) yesterday postponed its decision on whether to consider impeachment cases against the former Parliament president and his then deputy, after NLA members failed to reach agreement on this contentious issue.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769319-divided-nla-postpones-impeachment/

'STOLEN' NAMES
Women caught in fake marriage registration scam
Pornpan Seekapha,
Piyanut Tumnukasetchai
The Nation

KHON KAEN: -- Hundreds of false marriages between Thai women and foreign men were registered by a corrupt official in Khon Kaen province between 2011 and 2013, it was revealed yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769320-women-caught-in-fake-marriage-registration-scam/

Police monitoring 3,000 loan sharks
Thanatpong Kongsai,
Kittipong Maneerit,
Pantipa Jittrawuttiporn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Debtor's fiery action spurs moves to prevent more tragedies

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769322-police-monitoring-3000-loan-sharks/

Woman to be questioned over missing husband
KITTIPONG MANEERIT
The Nation

Police examine a Bangkok apartment rented by Yoshinori Tetsuo, inset, who has disappeared. They are trying to determine if the 79-year-old met with foul play at the hands of his Thai wife.

BANGKOK: -- Police will summon a Thai woman for further questioning over the alleged disappearance of her elderly Japanese husband, after learning that her previous husband, also Japanese, died from a fall down the staircase 12 years ago.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769323-woman-to-be-questioned-over-missing-husband/

Prayut calls for increased cooperation with Europe
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has called for increased cooperation between Asia and Europe so that their partnership can be expanded and more linkages created.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769324-prayut-calls-for-increased-cooperation-with-europe/

Reform Council members get together for informal talks
Nitipol Kiravanich,
Khanittha Thepphajorn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Around 30 members of the National Reform Council held an unofficial meeting yesterday to set up panels that will carry out its work.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769325-reform-council-members-get-together-for-informal-talks/

Bangkok to get school for fire-fighters, BMA says
The Nation October

BANGKOK: -- A school will be established soon to train fire-fighters under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, deputy Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang said yesterday.

A plan is being studied by Thammasat University within six months, and the BMA would seek a budget from the government to build the school, which would be used as a standard institute to teach people fire and rescue skills, he said.

Speaking yesterday at the BMA's Fire and Rescue Department, Aswin instructed the department to stay alert, as there were likely to be frequent fires over the cold season, as well as possible fires during the Songkran break when people regularly play with fireworks and release floating lanterns.

The meeting reported the progress of a plan to relocate Bang Rak fire station, whose land plot has been expropriated by the Treasury Department, which will develop it as per a Cabinet decision.

The Bang Rak fire station would operate ad-hoc on a plot under a Srirat expressway section near Silom Road, while fire vessels would be docked temporarily under Krungthep Bridge on the Phra Nakhon side. The new location would also need areas where firemen can live, the meeting was told.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Bangkok-to-get-school-for-fire-fighters-BMA-says-30245732.html

-- The Nation 2014-10-18

Schools in Pattani 'will be ready for new semester'
The Nation


Deputy Education Minister Lt-General Surachet Chaiwong visits one of the six schools in Pattani

PATTANI: -- Temporary buildings to accommodate students whose schools were torched by insurgents in Pattani province last weekend will be completed by Army engineers before the new semester begins on November 3, Deputy Education Minister Lt-General Surachet Chaiwong said yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769327-schools-in-pattani-will-be-ready-for-new-semester/

EC's Somchai says polls likely in Jan 2016
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The next general election could 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 Commission member Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769330-ecs-somchai-says-polls-likely-in-jan-2016/

EDITORIAL
Media freedom now has extended meaning
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- In this era, state control may be the lesser problem

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769332-media-freedom-now-has-extended-meaning/

SRT to buy 118 new airconditioned sleeper cars

BANGKOK: -- The State Railway of Thailand has recently signed a contract with BBC Joint Venture to procure 115 airconditioned sleeper cars at a total cost of 4.6 billion baht to improve its services.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769337-srt-to-buy-118-new-airconditioned-sleeper-cars/

Soldiers Accused Of Appropriating Drug Suspect's Car, Amulet

By Khaosod Eng.

SURAT THANI — A group of soldiers on Koh Samui island have been accused of torturing a man into confessing to trafficking marijuana and then seizing his belongings for their personal use.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769338-soldiers-accused-of-appropriating-drug-suspects-car-amulet/

PM: Tighter security now provided for locals in Deep South

BANGKOK, 17 October 2014 (NNT) – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has affirmed that the security level in the southernmost region of Thailand has been raised following recent incidents while urging all units to work collaboratively to tackle the insurgency problem.

In his weekly address to the Thai people on television, Gen Prayut cited the southern unrest as a persistent problem that had caused substantial damage on the national economy, especially in the tourism, investment and industrial sectors. Despite much improvement, he insisted that the government had ordered officials to apply more stringency in all areas, ranging from security operations to development work and the creation of understanding.

The Ministry of Interior and all security agencies have been instructed by the premier to work together in an integrated manner in line with the government’s strategy. Meanwhile, the Army Commander-in-Chief and the Internal Security Operations Command have earlier introduced the “Thung Yang Daeng Model” which is expected to be an effective tool in providing better protection for schools in the Deep South.

Moreover, the Prime Minister noted that a special committee had been established to serve as the coordinator for the security personnel on duty in the restive region. He then asked the media to present news in a way that would help promote confidence in the government’s ability to solve this problem.

-- NNT 2014-10-17

PM urges Thais not to let down guard against Ebola

BANGKOK, 18 October 2014 (NNT) – Even though no Ebola infections have been found in Thailand, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has encouraged all to carry on with preemptive measures, insisting that the situation is not to be underestimated.

In his statement on television, Gen Prayut spoke of the Ebola outbreak that had claimed many lives around the world, saying all concerned units in Thailand had been well prepared to prevent and contain the spread of the deadly disease in the Kingdom should an infection be detected. He confirmed that no infected persons had been reported so far in the country and the authorities would continue to be watchful for travelers with suspicious symptoms at airports.

As a preparation, the Prime Minister revealed that about 5,000 sets of protective gear and apparatus had been acquired and distributed to health professionals in various parts of the country while over 29,000 more sets were in the procurement process. He said it was vital to have all equipment as well as personnel, strategy and knowledge base ready in case an outbreak occurred.

In terms of humanitarian aid for Ebola-affected countries in West Africa, Gen Prayut admitted Thailand was not yet ready to send its medical staff to the region. Nonetheless, he called on the Thai people to contribute to the relief effort by donating money or necessities.

-- NNT 2014-10-18

Prayut meets with Lao PM at ASEM 10

BANGKOK, 17 October 2014 (NNT) – On the sideline of the 10th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit in Italy, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha attended a bilateral meeting with his Lao counterpart to discuss the two countries’ relationship and cooperation.

During his discussion with Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Gen Prayut lauded the two neighbors’ relations which had remained close at all levels for ages. He voiced belief that the strong friendship and cooperation would continue to blossom and bring prosperity to both Thai and Lao peoples.

Gen Prayut stated that Thailand was looking to foster economic partnerships with every nation, especially those located just across the border, as a way to prepare itself for the emergence of the ASEAN Community next year. With Laos, he said Thailand was keen on establishing more cooperation in border areas and opening markets for processed agricultural products.

The two leaders also touched on the topic of regional connectivity, focusing on future projects to construct transport links which would help facilitate trade and tourism between the two countries.

As Thailand is set to play host to the 5th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit this December 19 and 20, Gen Prayut extended his invitation to Mr Thongsing to join the event as well.

-- NNT 2014-10-17

Nigeria and Boko Haram 'agree ceasefire and girls' release'

Nigeria's military says it has agreed a ceasefire with Islamist militants Boko Haram - and that the schoolgirls the group has abducted will be released.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769339-nigeria-and-boko-haram-agree-ceasefire-and-girls-release/

Many dead in collapse at South Korea 4Minute concert

At least 16 people have been killed and 11 injured in an accident at a pop concert in Seongnam, south of Seoul in South Korea, officials say.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769340-many-dead-in-collapse-at-south-korea-4minute-concert/

Oscar Pistorius trial: Athlete 'has no money', his lawyer says

The sentencing hearing of Oscar Pistorius has heard that the South African athlete has no money left, as both sides' final arguments were made.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769342-oscar-pistorius-trial-athlete-has-no-money-his-lawyer-says/

RT @RichardBarrow: Alms round on the Mon wooden bridge this morning in Sangkhlaburi - RT @pimolnut: สะพานมอญ สังขละบุรี http://t.co/L5JW4QtrYl #Thailand #ttot

Locals, officials in North & Northeast bracing for upcoming drought period

SUKHOTHAI, 18 October 2014 (NNT) – Locals and officials in some northern and northeastern provinces are already bracing for the upcoming drought period that is expected to be more severe than usual.

In Sukhothai's Si Samrong district, rice plants have been seen withering from the dry weather and lack of rainfall. Some of the rice growers have tried digging water wells, which offered little help as water in the wells dried up quickly.

In Chainat, the greatly reduced water level in irrigation canals acted as confirmation to farmers that the Irrigation Department has, in fact, stopped discharging water into the irrigation system; in line with the government's earlier announcements. Some rice growers opt to cease off-season rice growing activities; others are trying to pump water into their paddies, although each paddy's size has been reduced.

In Yasothon, officials at the rainmaking center for the Northeastern Region are conducting aerial surveys in preparation for the upcoming drought. Meanwhile, authorities are asking farmers to reduce the size of their plantations in anticipation of water shortage in the irrigation system.

-- NNT 2014-10-18

UPDATE:

Provincial governors told to look closer into problem of people's debts

BANGKOK, 18 October 2014 (NNT) – Provincial governors have been told to look closer into the plights of people in their provinces, especially into the problem of debts incurred from non-formal loans, after a woman set herself on fire this week upon learning that officials at a government-run help center for the public were unable to help her clear debts worth 1.5 million baht.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769322-police-monitoring-3000-loan-sharks/#entry8549591

Industries ready to heed government's request to boost rubber products output

BANGKOK, 18 October 2014 (NNT) – The private sector has voiced readiness to heed the government's drive to promote increased use of rubber in industries.

General Chatchai Sarikulya, the minister of commerce, met with rubber producers on Friday to discuss ways to promote more rubber export and an increased use of rubber domestically, in order to mend the problem of low rubber prices. The minister is slated to hold talks with individual industry groups that include car tyre manufacturers, rubber gloves makers and rubberwood processors next week; each of the industry groups uses para rubber in different ways. The minister revealed he has received affirmation from the private sector about the latter having the capacity to increase rubber usage. For exportation, however, regulations must be adjusted and incentives provided for the industries so the latter would increase export output.

Chen Namchaisiri, Federation of Thai Industries vice chairman, affirmed on Friday the rubber-related businesses are ready to cooperate in raising output. He also expressed the belief that rubber usage within the industry sector can be raised by 100,000 tons if there is a serious drive to make it happen.

Meanwhile, Nanthawan Sakuntanak, director-general of the Department of International Trade Promotion, expressed her belief on Friday that the rubber price in the world market will not lower than what it is at present. She explained that the price had abnormally soared over the previous years because of stockpiling that was triggered by worries of an increased demand for rubber. The price has since become lower and more stable. However, she said demand for rubber will definitely increase in the future.

-- NNT 2014-10-18

Thai/Cambodian Motorbike Theft Gang arrested by Police in Pattaya

PATTAYA:--On Friday afternoon, Banglamung Police announced the arrest of 6 people in connection with a motorbike theft gang who would steal to-order and then send the bikes over to Cambodia.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769358-thaicambodian-motorbike-theft-gang-arrested-by-police-in-pattaya/