Thailand Live Friday 24 Oct 2014

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HRH the Crown Prince receives different groups of people

BANGKOK, 24 October 2014 (NNT) - At Amphorn Satharn Villa, Dusit Palace, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn was yesterday evening (Oct 23) designated by His Majesty the King to receive in audience Mr. Denes Tomaj, the out-going Hungarian ambassador to Thailand. Mr. Denes Tomaj, accompanied by his wife Mrs. Mrs.Ildiko Tomaj, bid farewell to His Royal Highness upon the completion of his term of duty.

His Royal Highness later granted an audience to Minister of Tourism and Sports Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul who led the organizing committee of the 4th Asian Beach Games to receive the royal flame for the opening ceremony of the Games, to be held in Phuket during November 14-23, 2014.

His Royal Highness then received two other groups of people. One of them was the executive team of the Royal Automobile Association of Thailand under the royal patronage, who presented to HRH a monetary donation raised from the organization of a car rally in royal honor.

The other group was led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and comprised two Deputy Prime Ministers and the secretaries-general of the Prime Minister and of the Cabinet. The group presented monetary donations towards the Foundation of HRH the Crown Prince’s Scholarships for needy students.


-- NNT 2014-10-24

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Fake Army Captain Busted For Bluffing Traffic Police
By Khaosod English


Somkiat Ekkawipat (sitting), 37, was arrested for posing as an army captain to get out of a paying a traffic violation, 21 Oct 2014.

BANGKOK — Police say they have arrested a taxi driver who attempted to fool traffic police with his disguise as an army captain.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770849-fake-thai-army-captain-busted-for-bluffing-thai-traffic-police/

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ALLEGED KILLERS OF JAPANESE MAN
Plea to probe death of ex-husband
THE NATION



Daughter of woman's first Japanese husband suspects her role in 2003 death; charges pressed over murder of second partner

BANGKOK: -- THE DAUGHTER of a Thai woman's first Japanese husband urged police yesterday to reopen the case of her father's death, after 11 years.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770936-alleged-killers-of-japanese-man-plea-to-probe-death-of-ex-husband/

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Calls for conflicting sides to join charter drafting
Nitipol Kiravanich
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Reconciliation is one of the key things that the junta has vowed to achieve before general elections can be held by the end of 2015 at the soonest. However, people are left wondering if political divisions in this country will ever vanish.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770937-calls-for-conflicting-sides-to-join-thai-charter-drafting/

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Nobody will get special treatment: minister
The Nation


Probe into land-encroachment charges against ex-DSI chief Tarit to go ahead.

Investigation into land-encroachment allegations against ex-DSI chief continues

BANGKOK: -- There will be no preferential treatment for anyone found encroaching on forest reserves, General Daophong Rattanasuwan, the minister of natural resources and environment, said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770938-charges-against-tarit-nobody-will-get-special-treatment-minister/

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Energy activists urge delay on exploration concessions
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- A GROUP of activists campaigning for reform in Thailand's energy sector yesterday called on the government to delay the process of awarding new concessions for petroleum exploration and production.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770939-thailand-energy-activists-urge-delay-on-exploration-concessions/

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Clubs appeal after crackdown on hooliganism
Kitinan Sanguansak
The Nation


Muangthong United fans sit waiting to offer police help with their investigation into the violence that followed the match against Singhtarua at the weekend.

BANGKOK: -- Violent clashes between rival fans that marred Muangthong United's home league match against Singhtarua last weekend have spawned a landmark in the long-running battle against Thai football hooliganism.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770941-thai-football-clubs-appeal-after-crackdown-on-hooliganism/

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INCENTIVE
FBA 'needs to reduce protection'
Erich Parpart
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Foreign business lobbies believe that regulations regarding the protection of some Thai businesses need to be revised to encourage more foreign investment and support the much-needed transfer of technology to this country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770942-thailand-foreign-business-act-needs-to-reduce-protection/

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EDITORIAL
Ghosts of Tak Bai still haunt us 10 years on
The Nation

Prayut has chance to quell the fires of vengeance that continue to claim lives in the deep South

BANGKOK: -- Ten years ago, on the morning of October 25, 2004, Thai security forces surrounded a large group of unarmed demonstrators, ordering them to cease their protest and go home.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770943-ghosts-of-tak-bai-still-haunt-us-10-years-on/

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Phuket speedboat death crash skipper solely to blame – Marine Dept
Saran Mitrarat


Most of those aboard the speedboat were injured in the crash, some severely.

PHUKET: -- The Marine Depart has come to a preliminary conclusion that the blame for the deadly boat crash on Sunday in Phang Nga Bay lies with the boat’s captain alone, clearing the boat’s owners and crew of any responsibility.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770944-phuket-speedboat-death-crash-skipper-solely-to-blame-marine-dept/

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Hotels association wants control of tourist arrivals in Phuket



PHUKET: -- The Southern Hotels Association has suggested that the number of tourists visiting Phuket in the future should be kept at an appropriate level to match with the capacity of accommodation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770945-hotels-association-wants-control-of-tourist-arrivals-in-phuket/

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BURNING ISSUE
Bicycle lanes welcome, but misuse must be prevented
Supon Thanukid

BANGKOK: -- In recent years, bicycling has become a popular mode of exercise for many health-conscious people in Thailand. More and more people, young and old from all walks of life, ride in Bangkok and the provinces.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770946-bicycle-lanes-welcome-but-misuse-must-be-prevented-thai-politics/

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UK police arrive to observe murder probe
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- BRITISH POLICE have arrived in Bangkok to observe their Thai counterparts' investigation into the widely publicised murders of two young British backpackers, which led to the arrests of two Myanmar men.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770947-british-police-arrive-in-thailand-to-observe-koh-tao-murder-probe/

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Probe launched into old-age allowance scam
JAKKAPONG RAWIWAN
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- THE NAMES of elderly people entitled to the old-age allowance were found to have been repeated in several villages in Kalasin's Muang district, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into withdrawals made over the past six months.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770949-kalasin-probe-launched-into-old-age-allowance-scam/

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19-year-old killed in brawl at rock concert
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- A 19-year-old man was killed and four others hurt in a brawl at a rock concert in Pathum Thani's Klong Luang district yesterday, police said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770950-19-year-old-killed-in-brawl-at-rock-concert-in-thailand/

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Woman held for online designer bag scam
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Crime Suppression Police have arrested a Khon Kaen woman for allegedly advertising the sale of brand-name bags via an online shop and then duping customers out of some Bt20 million after failing to deliver the goods.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770952-thai-woman-held-for-online-designer-bag-scam/

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Botswana doctor wins princess award
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- HER ROYAL Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on Wednesday presented the Princess Srinagarindra Award 2014 to Prof Dr Sheila Dinotshe Tlou at the Moon Satharn Borom Ard Throne Hall in the Grand Palace.

The 61-year-old Botswanan specialist in HIV/Aids and women's health was selected to receive the award from 29 nominees from 22 countries. She was recognised for her role in public health at both national and international level.

Tlou previously served as Botswana's heath minister. She has provided leadership in the regional response to Aids and HIV, bringing Botswana and other countries to the table to work on a support programme on prevention, treatment and care.

Tlou is currently director of the UNAids Regional Support Team for Eastern and Southern Africa, and is a goodwill ambassador for the International Nursing Council's study project on orphaned girls.

The Princess Srinagarindra Award is granted each year to either an individual registered nurse or registered midwife or a group of registered nurses or midwives.

The recipient must have made a significant contribution to the development of nursing or midwifery and/or the quality of life and health of people at a local or international level.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Botswana-doctor-wins-princess-award-30246157.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-24

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Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen pledges US$100 million to fight Ebola
Maria L. La Ganga

SEATTLE: -- Paul Allen, billionaire owner of sports teams and mega-yachts, on Thursday pledged at least $US100 million ($114 million) to fight Ebola in what is believed to be the largest private foundation donation so far to combat the deadly disease and support healthcare workers in West Africa.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770954-microsoft-co-founder-paul-allen-pledges-us100-million-to-fight-ebola/

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British woman dies at beauty treatment clinic in Lardprao

BANGKOK: -- A 24-year-old British woman died at a beauty treatment clinic on Soi Lardprao 41/1 at 11 pm Thursday after she received anaesthetic.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770964-24-year-old-british-woman-dies-at-beauty-treatment-clinic-in-bangkok/

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Asian female peace leaders honoured
THE NATION

UNDP to hold ceremony in Bangkok; winners come from six countries

BANGKOK: -- THE United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will honour female peace advocates from six Asian countries today at the N-Peace (Engage for Peace, Equality, Access, Community and Empowerment) Awards 2014.

These female leaders and peace champions will be celebrated for their achievements at a marquee event in Bangkok, which will also highlight Asian men who strive alongside women for gender equality.

The celebration marks the conclusion of an annual regional campaign that received more than 100 nominations from six participating countries - Indonesia, the Philippines, Afghanistan, Nepal, and first-time participants Myanmar and Pakistan.

"It is so important that we highlight the stories of women who are doing such inspiring work resolving and preventing conflict throughout Asia," said Nicholas Rosellini, UNDP's deputy regional director for Asia and the Pacific and director of the Bangkok Regional Hub.

"So often the only stories we hear about women in conflict-affected areas involves them as victims, as passively accepting their fate. In reality, in communities everywhere, women are the ones bringing different groups together to talk, encouraging reconciliation and negotiation. UNDP is honoured to be celebrating the tireless efforts of these women and their male allies," he said.

At the award ceremony at 7pm at VIE Hotel, Judy Cheng-Hopkins, special adviser to the secretary-general of the University for Peace, will present the "Untold Stories - Women Transforming their Communities" awards to the five winners - selected by more than 8,000 members of the public in an online poll.

They are: Bimala Kadayat from Nepal, who works to reintegrate socially and reconcile children and youth who were embroiled in that country's armed conflicts; Hasina Jalal from Afghanistan, an advocate fighting for the rights of rural women in remote areas of Afghanistan; Mi Kun Chan Non from Myanmar, a devoted women's rights activist working for Mon women to fight their marginalisation; Mona Parkash from Pakistan, a grass-roots education activist who promotes diversity and tolerance in the school she established when she was still a teenager; and Syarifah Aliyyah Shihab from Indonesia, who works with her country's vulnerable youth to empower them and help them access a range of opportunities.

The 2014 special-categories winners were chosen by an international selection panel of celebrated peace advocates. The winners include Miriam Coronel Ferrer from the Philippines and Hajji Khalil from Afghanistan in the category "Campaigning for Action - Women and Men Mobilising for Peace".

Ferrer played a key role in the comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro, which ended 30 years of conflict in the southern Philippines.

Khalil, a former fighter, now heads the Badghis Provincial Peace Council and works for inclusive peace that empowers women.

Rabiah Jamal Beg from Pakistan will be presented the "Breaking Stereotypes - Women and Media" award as she was the first female crime reporter in her country and reported from some of the worst conflict zones.

Wai Wai Nu from Myanmar and Shah Zaman from Pakistan will be honoured in the category "Peace Generation - Young Women and Men Building Peace".

Wai Wai Nu is a former political prisoner who has founded two non-governmental organisations with the aim of reducing hatred and discrimination, especially discrimination faced by her Rohingya people. Shah Zaman founded the Milky Way Youth Movement, an organisation that supports young people to pursue education and become more involved in their communities in Pakistan.

The Democracy and Peace Women Network (Myanmar) will be the first organisation to win an N-Peace award in the category "Thinking outside the Box - Bringing New Solutions to Persistent Problems". The women behind this organisation work to empower those in Myanmar society facing persistent issues of discrimination and injustice.

To recognise and showcase the achievements of this year's 11 awardees, the UNDP will also host an exhibition titled "Unseen. Unheard. Untold" to highlight the forgotten stories of Asian conflicts through the photographs of renowned photojournalists Philip Blenkinsop, Nic Dunlop and Tim Page. The exhibit at Siam Paragon's Hall of Mirrors is open to the public from October 24-26 today until Sunday.

A film screening of short documentaries telling the personal stories of each awardee will be available for the public to view from Monday on the N-Peace YouTube channel: YouTube.com/N-Peace Network.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Asian-female-peace-leaders-honoured-30246151.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-24

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Mining industry to see more streamlined approvals process with new mining bill

BANGKOK, 24 October 2014 (NNT) – The mining industry is expected to see a more streamlined approvals and authorization process by state agencies in quarter two of next year, after the Cabinet endorsed the draft of a master law for mining affairs this week.

Industry Minister Chakramon Phasukvanich said on Thursday that ten existing laws relating to mining were merged into the single bill endorsed, in principle, by the Cabinet. The bill contains regulations that would ensure that mines are appropriately sized in relation to the local communities. The new law would also empower the provincial governor to authorize mining activities in his/her respective province without an approval from the Ministry of Industry, provided that the mine's size does not exceed 100 rai. The law would also allow local administrations and communities to have a greater share in managing the mines. In addition, the bill contains the import and export criteria for ores, which will result in better control of the quality and types of ores.

The new law is expected to be put to use in the second quarter of 2015.


-- NNT 2014-10-24

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Thailand view pollution as greatest threat to world

BANGKOK, 24 October 2014 (NNT) - According to the latest survey, the majority of Thais are most concerned over the growing pollution and other threats to the environment.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770988-thais-view-pollution-as-greatest-threat-to-world/

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IS earns tens of millions of dollars per month: U.S. official
English.news.cn

WASHINGTON, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic State (IS) group is amassing wealth at an "unprecedented" pace, generating tens of millions of dollars per month, a U.S. official said on Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770990-is-earns-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-per-month-us-official/

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BMA continues effort to reorganize street vendors

BANGKOK, 24 October 2014 (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is pushing ahead with plans to re-organize street vendors in the capital.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770991-bangkok-administration-continues-effort-to-reorganize-street-vendors/

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Mosul Eye blog details chilling reality of life under the Islamic State in Mosul

MOSUL: -- A CITY in darkness with water available only two hours a day. Where unemployment is rife, education is banned and farmers are forced to hand over 10 per cent of their income to militants as young as 15 at military checkpoints.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770994-chilling-reality-of-life-under-is/

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Thai stock index opens on Friday at 1,537.99, gains 5.27 points /MCOT

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ASEAN's automotive production falls due to economic slowdown
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Oct 24 -- Southeast Asia's automotive production is likely to drop next year due to economic slowdowns, according to ASEAN Automotive Federation (AAF) President Piengjai Keawsuwan.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770998-aseans-automotive-production-falls-due-to-economic-slowdown/

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Tourism Authority of Thailand is launching 3 promotional campaigns to boost domestic tourism to generate Bt800 bn in revenue /The Nation

Airports of Thailand Plc expects 12% rise in passenger volume at Thailand's 6 main airports in the next 6 months. /The Nation

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The Seismology Bureau today reported a 3.6 magnitude aftershock in Dok Kamtai district of Phayao province at 08.27 am with epicentre seven kilometres deep underground.

But there was no report of damages to properties or injuries to lives in the areas.

-- Thai PBS 2014-10-24

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Less public enthusiasm expected for the year's second vegetarian period

BANGKOK, 24 October 2014 (NNT) – Not as many people are expected to partake in the second period of vegetarian festival that will kick off today, compared to the first period that began last month, according to food vendors.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/771002-less-public-enthusiasm-expected-for-the-years-second-vegetarian-period/