Thailand Live Saturday 25 Oct 2014

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Parents say their sons are innocent but beaten to confess

KOH SAMUI: -- Parents of the two Myanmar workers detained in Samui district prison on alleged murder of two British tourists said their sons did not kill the two British citizens but they were forced to confess for fear of being beaten up further by the police.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....ten-to-confess/

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Gen Paibul says teachers cannot shrug off responsibility in futsal scandal

BANGKOK: -- Teachers who affixed their signatures in documents pertaining to the bidding, construction and acceptance of the flawed futsal pitches will be held accountable unless they can prove otherwise.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....futsal-scandal/

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Govt to push for Suvarnabhumi airport's expansion: Prayut

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said Friday night that the government would try to push for a Suvarnabhumi Airport expansion project, comprising the construction of more terminals, an airport apron, parking buildings, and passenger lounges. The project is slated to commence next year.

Source: http://www.nationmul...P-30246235.html

-- The Nation 2014-10-24

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Phuket airport to be expanded: Prayut

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said Friday night that the Phuket International Airport will be expanded, including the construction of 15 additional aircraft pits, which are expected to be completed within the next year.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....xpanded-prayut/

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OBAMA-PRAYUT HANDSHAKE POSSIBLE
Cobra Gold to resume in 2015
Kris Bhromsuthi

US Ambassador Kristie Kenney, who will complete her term in Thailand next month

BANGKOK: -- Kenney: US did not downgrade ties after coup; Obama-Prayut handshake possible

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/771188-cobra-gold-to-resume-in-2015/

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UPDATE:

Koh Tao murder suspects meet their families
The Nation

KOH SAMUI: -- The two Myanmar workers, charged with killing two Britons on Koh Tao last month, met their parents and relatives in a two-hour visit yesterday at the prison on Koh Samui.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/771171-parents-say-their-sons-are-innocent-but-beaten-to-confess/page-3?p=8580255#entry8580255

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Some NRC members oppose idea of outsiders helping to draft charter
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Others favour bringing in different viewpoints for new constitution

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/771189-some-nrc-members-oppose-idea-of-outsiders-helping-to-draft-charter/

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'Black widow' confesses to role in Shimato's murder
Thirapon Khumsuk,
Montien Intaket
The Nation

Phornchanok Chaiyapa and taxi driver Somchai Kaewbangyang kneel down to ask for forgiveness from the soul of a 79-year-old Japanese teacher yesterday. They confessed to killing and dismembering the victim.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/771190-black-widow-confesses-to-role-in-shimatos-murder/

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UPDATE:

Another plastic surgery patient dies
The Nation

Dr Sompop Sansiri and his plastic-surgery clinic have run into serious legal trouble after a British woman died during hip surgery late on Thursday.

BANGKOK: -- Huai Khwang clinic closed after Briton's death, two doctors could face jail time

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770964-24-year-old-british-woman-dies-at-beauty-treatment-clinic-in-bangkok/page-8?p=8580282#entry8580282

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People with just one Thai parent can now join military
Panya Thiosangwan
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Under a new regulation approved by the Defence Council, a person can pursue a military career even if just one of his or her parents is Thai.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/771191-people-with-just-one-thai-parent-can-now-join-military/

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Pavilion for Milan Expo showcases Thailand's foundations
Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul
The Nation

This is one exhibit that will be displayed at the Thailand Pavilion at the Universal Exposition 2015 to be held in Milan, Italy, from May to October next year. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is holding an exhibition at Central Plaza Lat Phra

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/771192-pavilion-for-milan-expo-showcases-thailands-foundations/

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NACC reveals assets of five ex-NLA people
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The national anti-graft agency yesterday disclosed the assets and liabilities of five Cabinet members who left the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to take up ministerial posts in August.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/771193-nacc-reveals-assets-of-five-ex-nla-people/

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LIKE IT SHARE IT!
A good leader listens to advice
Kornchanok Raksaseri
@Aim_TH

BANGKOK: -- Every year, on October 23, Thais nationwide commemorate the passing of King Chulalongkorn and on Thursday many social-media users shared images and messages in memory of the great monarch.

Of King Chulalongkorn's many contributions to the country, the most-noted ones were the abolition of bonded labour and slavery, reform of government administration and education, as well as his moves to modernise the nation by introducing public facilities. He was also noted for his many trips to Europe.

Many LINE users shared messages of how King Rama V taught his children to be careful with money and make contributions to the country.

An article by Nation columnist Pornpimol Kanchanalak was also widely shared on Facebook. In her column on Thursday, she took the opportunity to write an open letter to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, in which she gave examples of what happened during King Chulalongkorn's reign and how he had guided the country past internal and external turbulence. She noted that instead of giving handouts to people, the wise king gave his people dignity and pulled them out of slavery. He also began building a modern education system in response to calls for Western-style democracy. Pornpimol also pointed out that this great King had appointed and worked with advisers, adding that she hoped Prayut would learn from this and make changes to his administrative style.

"Freedom of expression - as long as it's accompanied by responsibility, accountability and verity - will serve as your immunity booster. You will hear from honest naysayers and critics, not just yes-men," Pornpimol wrote.

Coincidentally, historian and thinker Sulak Sivaraksa has also published a new book, "Love Letters to Dictators", which is currently being promoted at Book Expo 2014.

On Facebook, the renowned writer posted two excerpts from his book - both referring to lessons that can be learned from paying heed to advisers. In the first excerpt, Sulak relates the history of democracy, which dates back to Roman times. In the second excerpt, he talks about how former PM Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn's refusal to listen to the warnings of Puay Ungphakorn had resulted in the PM's tragic exile. He wraps up the post saying he hoped Prayut would be more willing to listen to others.

Sulak also advised the premier to carefully consider every industrial project and the irreversible impact they may have on the environment. He also asked him to consider alternative economic development.

Pornpimol and Sulak's advice that the premier listen to others does not come out of thin air.

Over the past week, the media has been buzzing about the little war of words Prayut had with veteran reporter Yuwadee Tunyasiri over how far the press was going with its questions.

Yuwadee's subsequent criticism of Prayut's refusal to listen to others and advice on how leaders should deal with media was later posted on a website. Mainstream media began quoting her and a video clip began doing the rounds before it was eventually pulled off the Net.

Later, Yuwadee said she had only said these things in a private chat with fellow reporters.

On Facebook, political reporter Jeerapong Prasertpolkrung warned other social-media users to be careful about what they say because their comments may end up getting shared without their consent.

Fellow journalist Sumeth Somkane pointed out that this would not have happened if the media was professional and responsible, while another reporter Attapol Lertlum said: "What has happened should prove to be a lesson for all - the government, the media, society, people and activists. We have a long, long way to go."

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/A-good-leader-listens-to-advice-30246227.html

-- The Nation 2014-10-25

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EDITORIAL
Reform ideas need air to breathe
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The prime minister should not be overly cautious about publicising matters under consideration

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/771194-reform-ideas-need-air-to-breathe/

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-- The Nation 2014-10-24

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Mortgage scheme offered to rice farmers to delay supply to market

BANGKOK, 24 October 2014 (NNT) – The Rice Policy and Management Committee is launching a short-term mortgage program for rice farmers in some areas in an effort to reduce the amount of paddies entering the market and prevent the price from falling.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/771195-mortgage-scheme-offered-to-rice-farmers-to-delay-supply-to-market/

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Police Now Reopen Mystery Death Case of Second Japanese Old Man

The metropolitan police on Friday reconstruct possible fall to his death of a Japanese man at a four-story apartment room and commercial complex to compare with the autopsy report if he did fall by himself or anything else.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/771196-police-now-reopen-mystery-death-case-of-second-japanese-old-man/

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PM defends the need to call bid for petroleum concessions

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha said today (Friday) that it was necessary for the government to call bid for oil exploration and production because the existing gas and oil reserves in the offshore and onshore wells will run out in the next four years.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/771197-pm-defends-the-need-to-call-bid-for-petroleum-concessions/

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Cameron: UK won't pay £1.7bn EU bill

LONDON: -- David Cameron has angrily insisted the UK will not pay £1.7bn being demanded by the European Union.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/771200-cameron-uk-wont-pay-l17bn-eu-bill/

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One killed in Washington state school shooting

WASHINGTON: -- One person was shot dead and four students wounded in a school cafeteria by a student who then took his own life, police in the US state of Washington have said.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/771201-one-killed-in-washington-state-school-shooting/

[Lite Beer]

Google's Alan Eustace beats Baumgartner's skydiving record

A senior Google vice president, Alan Eustace, has broken the world altitude record for a parachute jump set in 2012 by Austrian Felix Baumgartner.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/771202-googles-alan-eustace-beats-baumgartners-skydiving-record/

[Lite Beer]

Pattaya Police Arrest Thai-Laotian lady boy Pickpocketing Gang

Pattaya police have arrested suspicious looking Thai-Laotian lady boys that might part of a pickpocket gang that target tourists on Pattaya beach road.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/771212-pattaya-police-arrest-thai-laotian-lady-boy-pickpocketing-gang/

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Pirate Fuel Station Caught Red Handed In Pattaya

A man who had illegally traded pirated fuel in Pattaya was arrested by police and soldiers. He confessed to police that he would only steal diesel which he sold for 22 baht a litre.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/771211-pirate-fuel-station-raided-and-illegal-fuel-trader-caught-red-handed/

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UPDATE:

Suspect Confesses to Japanese Murders: Police

By Khaosod Eng.

SAMUT PRAKAN – Police say a taxi driver has confessed to murdering the 79-year-old Japanese teacher whose remains were found in a canal this week, as well as the Japanese man his girlfriend was previously living with in 2003.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/771190-black-widow-confesses-to-role-in-shimatos-murder/page-2#entry8580921

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RT @RichardBarrow: Bangkok Farmers’ Market this weekend at K Village on Sukhumwit 26. On Sunday Spring Epicurean Market on Sukhumwit 49 #Bangkok #Thailand

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Koh Tao murders: ‘Thai police threatened to burn my son alive’

KOH Samui: -- The father of one of the detained suspects in the Koh Tao murder case has told DVB that at their family reunion this afternoon, his son told him that he and his friend confessed to rape and murder only after Thai interrogators threatened to kill them, and that they did not commit the alleged crimes.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/771171-parents-say-their-sons-are-innocent-but-beaten-to-confess/page-4?p=8580965#entry8580965

[Lite Beer]

Justice Ministry's local centers to provide better access to justice process

BANGKOK, 25 October 2014 (NNT) – The Ministry of Justice has indicated it will set up local centers in each and every sub-district in the country to facilitate the reduction of disparities.

Justice Minister Paiboon Koomchaya met with representatives from the Ministry of Interior on Friday to discuss inter-ministry collaboration in reducing disparities and facilitating justice for members of the public, in addition the the narcotics issue. He said after the meeting that the Justice Ministry will set up community justice centers that will help locals gain better access to the justice system. Each center will work collaboratively with the government's Damrong Tham center and village committee in its locality.

According to Gen. Paiboon, the Ministry of Justice aims to have all community justice centers up and running within 2017. Currently, there are about 80 of such centers.

-- NNT 2014-10-25

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Irrigation Dept. to cease water release for several irrigation networks on Oct. 31

BANGKOK, 25 October 2014 (NNT) – The Irrigation Department has indicated it will soon stop discharging water for agriculture through many of its irrigation canals, in accordance with the government policy which requests that farmers refrain from growing off-season rice.

In Buriram, the water quantity at several reservoirs is at critical level; the reservoirs have seen little rainfall recently. Lam Nang Rong Dam, the province's largest reservoir, is holding just 76 million cubic meters or just 63 percent of its capacity. Because there will likely not be enough water to feed the local irrigation system, officials from Lam Nang Rong Dam have asked farmers to reduce the cultivation area for off-season rice to 10,000 rai, from the previous season's 24,000 rai.

The Irrigation Department has announced it will cease irrigation water discharge on October 31 for many of its irrigation networks, such as the Nam Un irrigation project in Sakon Nakhon and the Mano Rom irrigation project in Chainat.

-- NNT 2014-10-25

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RT @RichardBarrow: Long Boat Racing festival this weekend in Nan, 24-26 October (Via @go2Thailand) http://t.co/ReJ1TSkskz #Thailand #Travel #ttot

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Education Ministry denied rumours of state policy to cut Muslim scholarships

BANGKOK, 25 October 2014 - The inspector-general of the Education Ministry has brushed aside rumours that the government is planning to cut Muslim scholarships, which have been circling on social media.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/771249-education-ministry-denied-rumours-of-state-policy-to-cut-muslim-scholarships/