Thailand Live Thursday 23 Oct 2014

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Chulalongkorn Memorial Day



BANGKOK, 23 October 2014: Thais will enjoy a public holiday, Thursday, to commemorate the passing of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V (1 October 1868 to 23 October 1910).

Known officially as King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day, this year is the 104th anniversary of his death.

The King is credited with saving Thailand (then known as Siam) from the grasp of British and French colonial rulers during the heyday of European imperialism in Southeast Asia.

inside no 5But Bangkok residents should also remember him as the king who introduced the first electric lights that aptly reflected his lifelong commitment to improve the lives of Thai citizens at the turn of the century.

On the wider tapestry of change, he introduced the first major reforms to government, modernising communications including building the country’s first railways.

He demonstrated shrewd diplomacy to keep foreign colonials at bay, although he had to concede territory, both to the east, west and south of the country to keep the country free from foreign aggression.

The country was surrounded by the colonies of Britain (Malaysia, Myanmar) in the west and south and those of France (Laos and Cambodia) to the east. Both the French and British grabbed huge swathes of Thailand’s territory in the Northeast and South Thailand through gunboat diplomacy and sabre rattling..

The title “Great” was bestowed on the king, but he was often described by historians as the “Father of Modern Thailand” for his role in introducing the first educational system for citizens, other than for nobles, leading the country towards the path of democracy and ending the practice of slavery without bloodshed or revolt. It was a time of fiscal reform and vast improvements and modernisation of the military, police and government institutions.

In remembrance of one of the most-revered kings in Thai history, Thai people from all walks of life gather at the Royal Plaza in Bangkok throughout the day and evening to pay homage to King Chulalongkorn the Great by laying flowers around his equestrian statue.

King Chulalongkorn’s full name was Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Chulalongkorn Phra Chunla Chom Klao Chao Yu Hua. King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day is celebrated nationwide.

Source: http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2014/10/chulalongkorn-memorial-day/

-- TRweekly 2014-10-23

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A nurse from Botswana honored with Princess Srinagarindra Award 2014

BANGKOK, 23 October 2014 (NNT) - Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on Wednesday (October 22) presided over the ceremony of presenting the Princess Srinagarindra Award 2014 to Prof. Dr. Shiela Dinotshe Tlou, at the Moon Satharn Borom Ard Throne Hall in the Grand Palace.

Prof. Dr. Shiela Dinotshe Tlou, a 61-year-old Botswana specialist in HIV/AIDS and women’s health, has been picked out from 29 nominees from 22 countries to be the winner of the Princess Srinagarindra Award 2014. She has been recognized for her leading roles in public health at both national and international levels. She used to serve as Health Minister and Member of Parliament of Botswana. She had provided leadership in the regional response to HIV/AIDS, successfully bringing Botswana and other African and world countries to the table to work on a support program on HIV prevention, treatment and care, which is still referred to as a model today.

Dr. Shiela Dinotshe Tlou is currently the Director of the UNAIDS Regional Support Team for Eastern and Southern Africa. She has also taken a leading role in promoting health and protecting rights of women and girls. She acts as a goodwill ambassador for the Study Project on Orphaned Girls of the International Nursing Council.

The Princess Srinagarindra Award was created by the Princess Srinagarindra Award Foundation which was established in commemoration of the Centenary Birthday Anniversary of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra Mahidol of Thailand on October 21st, 2000. It is granted each year to a registered nurse or registered midwife or group of registered nurses or midwives who have made a significant contribution for the development of the nursing and midwifery profession and/or quality of life and health of people at local and international levels.


-- NNT 2014-10-23

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Foreigners on Buffaloes Plow the Way to Restoring Thailand’s Public Image
By Khaosod English
(Isaan Record)

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770575-foreigners-on-buffaloes-plow-the-way-to-restoring-thailands-public-image/

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Boyfriend, wife of slain Japanese man face charges as mutilated body found
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- A WOMAN and her taxi-driver boyfriend are set be charged with killing her elderly Japanese husband, mutilating the body and hiding the body parts, after the boyfriend confessed to cutting up his body, the chief police investigator said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770650-boyfriend-wife-of-slain-japanese-man-face-charges-as-mutilated-body-found/

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UNHRC SEAT
Thai bid for UN rights seat fails
The Nation

Constructive role to continue; focus on campaign for place in UNSC

BANGKOK: -- Thailand respects the decision of UN members who voted to fill vacant seats in the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) after it failed to gain enough votes to win a seat.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770651-thai-bid-for-un-rights-seat-fails/

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KOH TAO SUSPECTS
Medical exam to check torture claim
THE NATION,
MYANMAR ELEVEN

Koh Tao suspects sent to hospital for examination to see if they were indeed tortured into confessing

BANGKOK: -- IN RESPONSE to reports that the two Myanmar suspects detained over the Koh Tao murders had been tortured into confessing, police yesterday sent them to Koh Samui hospital for detailed physical examinations.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770653-koh-tao-murders-medical-exam-to-check-suspects-torture-claim/

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NRC chief backs NACC decision against asset declaration
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Elected National Reform Council (NRC) chairman Thienchay Kiranandana said yesterday that he supported the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC)'s decision that NRC members will not be required to declare their assets and liabilities.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770654-thailands-nrc-chief-backs-nacc-decision-against-asset-declaration/

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Image and quality to the fore in Kobkarn's one-year tourism reform plan
Suchat Sritama
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul has announced a one-year plan to reform the tourism sector, aiming to give it a more positive image and promoting the country as a quality destination.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770655-image-and-quality-to-the-fore-in-kobkarns-one-year-thai-tourism-reform-plan/

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Hillary's 'choices' in Thai
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Nation Multimedia Group chairman Suthichai Yoon and Sena Development Plc's executive director Dr Kessara Thanyalakpark launch the Thai edition of "Hard Choices" by Hillary Rodham Clinton at the Book Expo Thailand 2014 yesterday.

Suthichai, who interviewed Clinton during her visit to Thailand, described the book as a "must-buy", pointing out that in the book Clinton describes her feelings about Aung San Suu Kyi among other things. NMG is the publisher of the Thai edition of "Hard Choices", which was translated by Boonrat Apichattrisorn et al. This book is available at the Nation Books booth at the fair, which runs until Sunday at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. Visit facebook.com/NationBooksFanPage for more information.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Hillarys-choices-in-Thai-30246079.html

-- The Nation 2014-10-23

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EDITORIAL
Thailand a happy hunting ground for loan sharks
The Nation

A toxic mix of inequality and lax financial discipline has left too many citizens prey to illegal lenders

BANGKOK: -- The problem of illegal money-lending is in the spotlight again after a middle-aged woman from Lop Buri set herself ablaze while filing a plea for help at Government House over a debt of about Bt1.5 million she owed to a loan shark. She suffered severe burns and is still recovering.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770656-thailand-a-happy-hunting-ground-for-loan-sharks/

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THAI TALK
Reform agenda: Separate politics from state enterprises
Suthichai Yoon
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- We have yet to hear from the "superboard" what measures will be taken to overhaul the country's state enterprises. But if the State Enterprise Policy Commission, as the board is officially known, fails to "depoliticise" all the government agencies vital to national development, the mission will be a non-starter.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770657-thai-talk-reform-agenda-separate-politics-from-state-enterprises/

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Colonel Sommai: Tarit's land in Pak Chong district was illegally acquired

BANGKOK: -- Former Department of Special Investigation chief Tarit Pengdit’s land in Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasimawas illegally acquired and he also allegedly encroached on another 30 rai on the adjoining land, Colonel Sommai Busaba, a legal affairs officer of the Second Army Region, told an investigating panel of the National Legislative Assembly, today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770659-colonel-sommai-tarits-land-in-pak-chong-district-was-illegally-acquired/

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Russian wanted for extortion arrested in Phuket
Tanyaluk Sakoot


Konstantin Zaretskiy is arrested at Plus Condominium in Kathu. Photo Phuket Immigration

PHUKET: A Russian man wanted for extortion in his home country was arrested in Kathu last Wednesday (October 15).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770660-russian-wanted-for-extortion-arrested-in-phuket/

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Phuket Tiger Kingdom may close temporarily after tourist bitten
Saran Mitrarat


We want to boost staff confidence – Tiger Kingdom GM Kachane Jakkapark (right, with District Chief Sayan Chaichanawong.

PHUKET: -- Tiger Kingdom is considering closing for one or two days after an Australian tourist was badly bitten by one of the tigers at the facility yesterday (October 21).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770662-phuket-tiger-kingdom-may-close-temporarily-after-tourist-bitten/

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Police nab drug lord in South
MONTHIEN INTHAKET
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- Police finally caught up with Nipon Chamroen, an alleged drug lord and hired gun in the South after tailing him for several years.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770663-thai-police-nab-drug-lord-in-south/

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Police to check on foreigners involved in marriage scam
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Khon Kaen Immigration Police yesterday asked for information from lawyer Worapan Benjaworakul about an alleged scam involving fake marriage registrations in Nong Bua Lamphu's Non Sang district in which some 600 Thai women's names were sold to foreign men for immigration purposes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770664-thai-police-to-check-on-foreigners-involved-in-marriage-scam/

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Tech-savvy courts order more electronic bracelets
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Authorities plan to use 7,000 electronic ankle bracelets on petty-crime convicts in 27 jurisdictions nationwide.

Probation Department chief Kannikar Saengthong and Bangkok's Don Muang Court chief judge, Dusit Phadungsak, yesterday signed an agreement for IT-system development so court orders could be submitted in electronic files to speed up the process. Kannikar said this tech-savvy model would later expand to other courts and related agencies.
She said her department had also ordered Bt70-million worth of ankle bracelets to be used by year's end.

So far, 257 convicts are on probation nationwide after being ordered to wear electronic ankle bracelets, including 162 drunk-driving offenders.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Tech-savvy-courts-order-more-electronic-bracelets-30246078.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-23

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Speedboat driver faces new charge after South Korean tourists' bodies discovered
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Police have filed an additional charge of reckless action leading to deaths against the driver of a speedboat that crashed into a fishing boat on Sunday off Koh Phi Phi in Krabi province, injuring several people and killing two tourists.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770666-speedboat-driver-faces-new-charge-after-south-korean-tourists-bodies-discovered/

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Should the US Move Its Cobra Gold War Games Out of Thailand?
Joshua Kurlantzick

THAILAND: -- Despite the fact that Thai junta leader–turned prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha recently let slip that the current Thai regime might not hold elections until 2016 or later, U.S. policy toward the kingdom remains largely the same as before the coup.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770668-should-the-us-move-its-cobra-gold-war-games-out-of-thailand/

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Thailand's Troubled Tourism Industry Struggles to Recover
Ron Corben

BANGKOK: -- Visitor arrivals in Thailand's multi-billion dollar tourism industry have fallen by 19 percent this year. That’s a significant drop for an industry that outside groups estimate accounts for more than a fifth of the country’s economic output.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770669-thailands-troubled-tourism-industry-struggles-to-recover/

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Ottawa shootings: Soldier killed and city on lockdown

(BBC) A gunman shot and killed a soldier at a war memorial in Ottawa, before police engaged in a gun battle inside the parliament building.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770670-canada-shootings-soldier-killed-and-ottawa-on-lockdown/

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Iraq Blackwater: US jury convicts four of 2007 killings

(BBC) A US federal jury has found four Blackwater security guards guilty of killing 14 Iraqis in a square in Baghdad in 2007.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770671-iraq-blackwater-us-jury-convicts-four-of-2007-killings/

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Ebola: Obama 'optimistic' on virus situation in US

WASHINGTON: -- President Barack Obama has expressed cautious optimism about the Ebola situation in the US, as new screening rules were introduced in the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770674-obama-optimistic-over-ebola-in-us/

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Forest run-off submerged hundreds of households in Lampang, flooding communities in the North for 2nd time this year. /The Nation

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A 37-year-old Japanese man identified as Shinji Watanabe of Yokohama burnt himself and plunged to death at Thaniya Plaza, Bangkok, late Wednesday night. /Bangkok Post

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Public prosecutors unfazed by retraction of confession in British tourists’ killing

BANGKOK, 23 October 2014 (NNT) - Public prosecutors are not worried that the suspects accused of killing two British tourists have retracted their earlier confession to the crime.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770695-koh-tao-prosecutors-unfazed-by-retraction-of-confession-in-british-tourists-killing/

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Microsoft ditching the Nokia name on smartphones

(BBC) Microsoft is ditching the Nokia brand name from new devices, less than a year after acquiring the Finnish mobile firm.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770697-microsoft-ditching-the-nokia-name-on-smartphones/

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Jerusalem car 'attack' kills baby at rail station

JERUSALEM: -- A three-month-old girl was killed and eight other people were injured when a car hit them at a Jerusalem tram stop.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770699-jerusalem-car-attack-kills-baby/

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Special Report: property development in Thailand looks bright next year

BANGKOK: -- Thailand leading property developer AP is confident that the overall outlook of the property development looks promising this year and the next.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770716-property-development-in-thailand-looks-bright-next-year-special-report/

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Japanese burns self in suicide bid



BANGKOK: -- A 37-year-old Japanese national from Yokohama torched himself ablaze with bottles of gasoline and jumped to his death from the balcony of Taniya shopping plaza in Patpong area.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770727-japanese-man-sets-himself-on-fire-plunges-to-his-death-at-thaniya-plaza-in-bangkok/