Thailand Live Tuesday 21 Oct 2014

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Thai female companion of missing Japanese teacher and Thai husband detained under martial law



BANGKOK: -- The Thai female companion of the 79-year-old Japanese teacher Mr Yoshinori Shimata and her taxi driver husband were detained under martial law for questioning after they denied any knowledge of the disappearance of the Japanese teacher since September 21.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770135-two-thais-detained-under-martial-law-in-missing-japanese-teacher-case/

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UPDATE:

Man ejected from AirAsia flight offers his side of story, still looks like jerk
By Coconuts Bangkok


ABOVE: The bag that launched a thousand finger-wags.

BANGKOK: -- AirAsia is standing by the decision of its cabin crew to eject a passenger during boarding Sunday who wouldn’t take no for an answer.

Full story: UPDATE: Man ejected from AirAsia flight offers his side of story, still looks like jerk

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Search resumes for two missing in speedboat crash
Saran Mitrarat


Marine Police scour the sea with binoculars. Photo Marine Dept

PHUKET: -- Searchers continue today (October 21) to look for two Korean tourists missing after Sunday’s speedboat crash (October 19).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770140-speedboat-crash-search-resumes-for-two-missing-korean-tourists/

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Thailand's junta-picked council starts work on reforms
Bangkok, Thailand | AFP |

BANGKOK: -- A council selected by Thailand's ruling junta Tuesday started work on reforms to close the nation's festering political divide, a task critics dismiss as aimed at diluting the influence of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha, who led a military coup in May, has said reforms to rid the kingdom of corruption are necessary before new elections can take place.

The first meeting of the 250-strong National Reform Council (NRC), tasked with recommending initiatives including a new constitution, began with members taking an oath in parliament.

NRC member Paiboon Nititawan, a former senator and frontman of a group that staged months-long protests preceding the coup, said the new body would help restore power to voters.

"We have to decrease the power of parties and increase the power of people... People should have the power to monitor MPs," he told AFP ahead of the meeting.

But critics say the new council is stacked with anti-Thaksin figures and designed to rid the kingdom of his influence.

The new constitution is expected to include clauses preventing those convicted of corruption from entering politics, a move which appears to target Thaksin who fled Thailand in 2008 to avoid jail for a graft conviction.

Prayut seized power from an elected government in a bloodless coup on May 22, shortly after Yingluck Shinawatra was dismissed as prime minister in a controversial court ruling.

It was the latest crisis in a country which has been riven by political divisions since Yingluck's elder brother Thaksin was toppled as prime minister in an earlier military takeover in 2006.

Thaksin, whose parties have won every election since 2001, is reviled by much of Thailand's Bangkok-based royalist elite but draws deep loyalty from the poorer northern portion of the country.

Analysts expect the new constitution to target Thaksin’s political network as well as his enduring electoral popularity in the north by either redrawing constitutional boundaries, culling the number of lawmakers in parliament or part-appointing the lower house.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-10-21

[Lite Beer]

RT @RichardBarrow: Mounted horse patrol around Grand Palace to protect tourists. Every day 10am-3pm (Pic @duangtip_TPBS) #Thailand #ttot http://t.co/TbCpZzE7qj

[Lite Beer]

Appeals court upholds one-year term against red-shirt leader

BANGKOK: -- The Appeals Court Tuesday upheld one-year jail term against former Pheu Thai district councillor and red-shirt leader Somchai Paiboon for having incited red-shirt people to defy the state of emergency to protest in April 2010.

The court ruled that Somchai was strongly implicated for inciting the protesters to violate the law. Somchai vowed to appeal against the ruling with the Supreme Court.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Appeals-court-upholds-one-year-term-against-red-sh-30245927.html

-- The Nation 2014-10-21

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20 million baht budget allocated to repair Ubon Ratchathani International Airport

UBON RATCHATHANI, 21 October 2014 (NNT) - The Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) has allotted a total of 20 million baht to repair the Ubon Ratchathani International Airport after it caught fire on October 17th. However, the airport has resumed its normal operations.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770157-20-million-baht-budget-allocated-to-repair-ubon-ratchathani-international-airport/

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Crocodile spotted in Bung Boraphet swamp

BANGKOK: -- Local authorities today placed signboards banning swimming in Bung Boraphet, the country's largest freshwater lake, after a 2.5 metre-long crocodile was spotted sitting on the edge of the water at a grassy swamp Nakhon Sawan province.

Authorities said the crocodile sat near Hat Saitiem swamp and appeared unshaken by curious crowd coming close to see and throw food to it.

However authorities warned people not to go close or avoid swimming in the lake as it might not be safe.

They said the crocodile came close to the edge because of the rising water in the lake.

It might be the same crocodile which was spotted in January this year.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/crocodile-spotted-bung-boraphet-swamp/


-- Thai PBS 2014-10-21

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Do not breathe: Dangerous, toxic gas found at Siam Square One
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Have you smelled rotten eggs while wandering around Siam Square One?

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770165-bangkok-dangerous-toxic-gas-found-at-siam-square-one/

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Japan wants clarification on Thailand's planned railways, satellite projects
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Oct 21 -- Japan wonders if Thailand will contract it or China to build Thai railways and satellite projects, according to Thai Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Yuthavong.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770167-japan-wants-clarification-on-thailands-planned-railways-satellite-projects/

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Bryde's whales spotted off Phetburi coast



PHETBURI: -- A pod of more than 10 Bryde’s whales were spotted Monday off Phetburi coast in the Gulf of Thailand, forcing local fishing boats to stop fishing and turn into tour boats to ferry tourists to have close encounter of the sea mammals.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770199-brydes-whales-spotted-off-phetburi-coast/

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Public Health Ministry warns of health risks from second-hand winter clothes

BANGKOK, 21 October 2014 (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health is warning recipients of second-hand winter clothes and sweaters to watch out for three possible risks of illnesses.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770201-public-health-ministry-warns-of-health-risks-from-second-hand-winter-clothes/

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New Supreme Commander says armed forces supportive of government

BANGKOK, 21 October 2014 (NNT)-Supreme Commander General Worapong Sanganet has said all the armed forces have been working in unity and support of the government.

General Worapong has attended a meeting of the armed forces following his new role as a supreme commander. He reiterated to the officers at the meeting to follow Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha’s policy.

According to him, the armed forces should see significant progress in 3-9 months' time according to stage 2 of the Roadmap, which he said would lead the country to transparent and corruption-free elections.

General Worapong added that the reform for the armed forces will be in line with the 11 areas set by General Prayut, and that they will continue to throw their weight behind the government.

-- NNT 2014-10-21

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Villagers below Phuket Big Buddha still living in fear


An alms bowl lying among debris makes it quite clear where the slides originate.

PHUKET: -- A year since they first complained of landslides, people in homes below the Big Buddha still live in fear that they may be buried in mud and rocks any day.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770203-villagers-below-phuket-big-buddha-still-living-in-fear/

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Redshirt core member sentenced one year in prison

BANGKOK: -- The Appeals Court today upheld the one year imprisonment sentence ruled by the Criminal Court on a redshirt core member after rejecting his appeal.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770206-redshirt-core-member-sentenced-one-year-in-prison/

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Body of murdered Australian Robert Kelvin Ellis found in Bali rice field, with throat cut, hands and feet tied

SYDNEY: -- AN Australian Robert Kelvin Ellis has been found murdered execution style in Bali, with his throat cut, his body wrapped in plastic and hands and feet tied.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770208-australian-man-murdered-execution-style-in-bali/

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China 'executed 2,400' last year: rights group
Agence France-Presse
Beijing

BANGKOK: -- The world's top executioner China put 2,400 people to death last year, a US-based rights group said Tuesday, shedding rare light on a statistic Beijing considers a state secret.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770211-china-executed-2400-last-year-rights-group/

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Oscar Pistorius jailed for five years

(BBC) South African athlete Oscar Pistorius has been jailed for five years for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770215-oscar-pistorius-jailed-for-five-years/

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ThaiPost leaves indie director’s pride in pieces
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- The achievement of an independent filmmaker’s life was left shattered in pieces Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770220-thaipost-leaves-indie-directors-pride-in-pieces/

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Park Officials Alarmed By 'Henchmen's Campsite'
By Khaosod English


A top official at Lam Nam Nan National Park says heavily-armed henchmen and drug dealers have been camping in the park's forest. 21 Oct 2014.

UTTARADIT — A top official at Lam Nam Nan National Park has urged Thai authorities to drive away the heavily-armed henchmen and drug dealers who are camping in the park.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770225-thai-park-officials-alarmed-by-henchmens-campsite/

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Koh Tao case influences tourist mood
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thirty nine per cent of European tourists who are planning trips to Thailand in the next six to 24 months have been closely following the Kingdom's investigation into the grisly murder on the southern island of Koh Tao, according to a survey by Envirosell.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770226-koh-tao-case-influences-tourist-mood/

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SET index closed 1,526.14, down 0.53; Bt/USD32.02; GBP51.83; AUD28.16; EUR40.93; CAD28.36; HKD4.13; SGD25.19; JPY30.02

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Phuket Sea Gypsy cultural centre threatened with demolition
Nattha Thepbamrung


Rassada Municipality officials and village leaders discuss the fate of the abandoned Sea Gypsy Cultural Centre in a meeting at Rassada Municipality offices on Monday (Oct 20).

PHUKET: -- Sea gypsy village heads met with Deputy Rassada Mayor Pawat Suppasuwan at the municipality offices yesterday (Oct 20) to discuss what to do with the abandoned Sea Gypsy Cultural Centre at Baan Laem Tukkae village, Koh Siray, which has fallen into disrepair since it was handed over to the municipality two years ago.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770227-phuket-sea-gypsy-cultural-centre-threatened-with-demolition/

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UPDATE:

Body of Phuket speedboat crash passenger found - one still missing
Saran Mitrarat


The search continues for Mr Go Min Woo. Photo Marine Police

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770140-speedboat-crash-search-resumes-for-two-missing-korean-tourists/#entry8564429

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BREAKING: Fire in Phiket drapery store
Eakkapop Thongtub


Black smoke rises from the store.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770230-fire-in-phuket-drapery-store/

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NBTC warns against unlawful hoarding of digital TV coupons

BANGKOK, 21 October 2014 (NNT) – The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has requested police assistance in preventing corruption during the distribution of the digital TV coupons.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770256-nbtc-warns-against-unlawful-hoarding-of-digital-tv-coupons/

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PM worried about underground anti-government movements
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Oct 21 -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha admits he is concerned about underground anti-government movements.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770260-pm-prayut-worried-about-underground-anti-government-movements/

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PM relaunches efforts to regulate public transportation vehicles

BANGKOK, 21 October 2014 (NNT) – Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed relevant state agencies to reorganize public van, taxi, and motorcycle taxi services as well as beach front areas after recurring problems have occurred in many areas.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770261-pm-relaunches-efforts-to-regulate-public-transportation-vehicles/

[Lite Beer]

200 kgs of dog meat seized in Sakhon Nakhon

SAKHON NAKHON: -- Police and the army seized about 200 kilogrammes of dog meat at a house in TambonTha Rae, Pone Na Kaew district of Sakhon Nakhon province today.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770297-200-kgs-of-dog-meat-seized-in-sakhon-nakhon/

[Lite Beer]

Australian teenager threatens Abbott in IS video

An Australian teenager who joined IS militants in Iraq and Syria has emerged in a video addressing PM Tony Abbott and US president Barack Obama.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770301-australian-teenager-threatens-abbott-in-is-video/