Thailand Live Saturday 1 Nov 2014

[Lite Beer]

Prosecutor demand more evidence from the police handling Koh Tao case

Koh Samui public prosecutor has returned the police case file on Koh Tao murder back to the police with a demand for additional interrogation of the Rohinya interpreter employed by the police.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....g-koh-tao-case/

[Lite Beer]

Most public complaints resolved satisfactorily: Prayut
The Nation

BANGKOK; -- More than 90 per cent of complaints filed by members of the public after the coup in May have been sorted out satisfactorily, the prime minister said Friday.

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

[Lite Beer]

Safety fences may be installed at some railway crossings

BANGKOK: -- Interior Minister General Anupong Paochinda will consult with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) after recent train crashes with cars at rail crossings.

A possible solution - setting up safety fences at the crossings - should come with officials to man them around the clock to effectively prevent accidents, he said, he was gathering information and would soon consult with the SRT about implementing a solution and what agency would fund it.

Source: http://www.nationmul...o-30246701.html

-- The Nation 2014-10-31

[Lite Beer]

Future water projects to be monitored
Wasu Vipoosanapat
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Civil society groups will continue to "doggedly monitor" state water projects and take action against any government that causes problems to the public, an environmental activist who sued the previous premier warned.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/773015-future-water-projects-to-be-monitored/

[Lite Beer]

TDRI calls for public and private sectors to prepare for ageing society
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- In order to prepare for Thailand's ageing society, the public and private sectors should push for policies that promote saving and motivate people to work beyond retirement age, an expert at Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/773016-tdri-calls-for-public-and-private-sectors-to-prepare-for-ageing-society/

[Lite Beer]

LIKE IT SHARE IT!
Brand and sexuality are two completely different things
Asina Pornwasin
@lekasina

BANGKOK: -- Social media began buzzing immediately after Apple CEO Tim Cook publicly announced that he was "proud to be gay".

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/773019-brand-and-sexuality-are-two-completely-different-things/

[Lite Beer]

Parents urge NHRC to probe inquiry into Lao girl's fatal fall
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Parents of the 18-year-old Laotian girl, who fell to her death from an eight-storey apartment in Bangkok on July 27, urged for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to probe the police inquiry to ensure transparency and progress, as the girl's relatives suspect she was murdered.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/773020-parents-urge-nhrc-to-probe-inquiry-into-lao-girls-fatal-fall/

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Son of Koh Tao headman 'cleared by DNA test'
Khanathit Srihirundaj
The Nation

KOH TAO: -- A DNA test result from the Police General Hospital's Institute of Forensic Medicine has cleared a 22-year-old man, watched closely by many Thai social-media users, in the murder of two British tourists on Koh Tao.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/772890-initial-dna-test-clears-koh-tao-village-headmans-son-of-murder/page-13?p=8612494#entry8612494

[Lite Beer]

Defamation cases a total violation of rights, OHCHR says
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The United Nations Human Rights Office for Southeast Asia (OHCHR) yesterday expressed grave concerns over the use of criminal defamation lawsuits as a means to pressure human-rights defenders.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/773021-defamation-cases-a-total-violation-of-rights-ohchr-says/

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

NACC unveils Cabinet members' assets
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) yesterday announced the assets and liabilities of 33 Cabinet members who were endorsed on September 4.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/772798-pridiyathorn-is-the-richest-in-prayut-cabinet/page-3#entry8612508

[Lite Beer]

Thaworn threatens to take impeachment cases to charter court
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Thaworn Senneam, a co-leader of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), yesterday threatened to forward the impeachment cases of two former senior politicians to the Constitutional Court if the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) chooses not to take action on the issue.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/773022-thaworn-threatens-to-take-impeachment-cases-to-charter-court/

[Lite Beer]

Some cheer for the homeless nationwide
Chularat Saengpassa
The Nation

With thousands of people currently living on the streets in Bangkok, the Issarachon Foundation and relevant authorities held various activities yesterday to mark Day for the Homeless.

BANGKOK: -- Law set to be passed soon should cut barriers to helping nation's most needy

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/773024-some-cheer-for-the-homeless-nationwide/

[Lite Beer]

Bombs hit Pattani
The Nation

Bombs hit four karaoke bars simultaneously in Pattani's Muang district yesterday evening, killing a Laotian waitress and injuring two others.

The first explosion took place at 7pm in Sairung bar, behind Prince of Songkla University, killing a waitress identified only as Muey.

The second blast took place inside the Krua Songkhla bar, the third at Maruey bar, injuring two people, and the fourth at Fan Ja bar.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Bombs-hit-Pattani-30246760.html

-- The Nation 2014-11-01

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL
On elections, 'when?' isn't the ultimate question
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The notion that we could go to the polls soon must be weighed against Thailand's standing in Asean

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/773025-on-elections-when-isnt-the-ultimate-question/

[Lite Beer]

PM urges public to watch out for corruption and to report to government

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha urged members of the public to keep watch on corruption and to report the malpractices to the government.

BANGKOK: -- Addressing the nation in his weekly Return Happiness to the People on Friday night, the prime minister said he didn’t understand why there are still people looking for an opportunity to acquire ill-gotten gains or to get involved in corruption.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/773027-pm-urges-public-to-watch-out-for-corruption-and-to-report-to-government/

[Lite Beer]

PM invites Thais to join celebrations of HM the King’s birthday

BANGKOK, 31 October 2014 (NNT) – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has encouraged all Thai citizens to display their loyalty to His Majesty the King by partaking in various activities to be held to commemorate His Majesty’s 87th birthday anniversary this year.

Speaking on his weekly TV show “Returning Happiness to the People”, Gen Prayut announced that the government is cooperating with all sectors in organizing commemorative events on the auspicious occasion of the 87th birthday anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej this December 5. Scheduled from November 30 to December 6, the events will take place in every province of the country.

In Bangkok, the main venues will consist of Sanam Luang ceremonial ground and Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue. As part of the celebrations, visitors will be able to observe exhibitions on His Majesty the King’s royal activities, talents and achievements as well as royally-initiated projects stemming from His Majesty’s sufficiency economy philosophy. There will also be cultural performances and sales of outstanding products from all 77 provinces.

Meanwhile, Gen Prayuth expressed admiration towards Mr Sa-ing Harnprakhone, a 63-year-old man who recently walked from his home province of Phrae to Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok where His Majesty the King was staying. The 500-kilometer journey, which took the man 11 days to complete, was only to show his dedication to his beloved king.

-- NNT 2014-11-01

[Lite Beer]

EGAT pushes for construction of 19 new power plants

BANGKOK, 31 October 2014 (NNT) -The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has set plans to increase the electricity generating capacity for national energy security by establishing seven more coal power plants and 12 more alternative energy power plants by the year 2022.

Deputy governor of the EGAT Rattanachai Namwong said the nation’s electricity demand had been continuously increasing. Thailand now needed 52,000 megawatts and it was likely that the country would need 70,000 megawatts by 2030. The EGAT therefore had to plan an increase in its power production capacity by building more power plants, said Ms. Rattanachai.

From 2019-2022, the EGAT will construct seven more coal power plants with the combined capacity of over 6,000 megawatts in Krabi and Songkhla provinces. By 2020, 12 alternative energy power plants with the combined capacity of 14,000 megawatts will be set up. All of the new power plants will use technology and guidelines for community engagement from Germany so that they will be accepted by surrounding communities.

-- NNT 2014-10-31

[Lite Beer]

BoT: Q3 growth lower than expected

BANGKOK, 31 October 2014 (NNT) - The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has reported that the Thai economic growth in the third quarter 2014 was lower than expected but the tourism sector started showing signs of gradual recovery after Asian tourists returned to visit Thailand.

Executive of the BoT Rung Malikamas on Friday announced the economic situation in September and the third quarter, saying the economy grew slower than the central bank previously forecast with a modest growth of 0.5% in the private sector’s consumption. The factors which affected such growth included high household debt, low-priced agricultural products and the government’s spending which had also been lower than expected, said Ms. Rung.

The third quarter’s investment was still negative at -1.7%, lower than -0.1% in the previous quarter in part due to low demand for products. However, the government’s budget disbursement for investment in the third quarter was better than the second quarter with the recovery of the tourism sector.

The central bank could not say for now whether the third quarter’s economic growth would make the economy of the whole year expand less than 1.5%, said the BoT executive. She added that the Monetary Policy Committee would consider the matter on 5 November.

-- NNT 2014-10-31

[Lite Beer]

Rolf Harris loses first conviction appeal bid

LONDON: Rolf Harris has lost the first round of a legal challenge against his conviction for indecent assaults.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/773028-rolf-harris-loses-first-conviction-appeal-bid/

[Lite Beer]

Virgin Galactic spacecraft crash kills one

LOS ANGELES: -- At least one person is dead and another injured after Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo space tourism craft crashed in the California desert.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/773029-virgin-galactic-spacecraft-crash-kills-one/

[Lite Beer]

Jerusalem holy site is reopened amid tension

Israeli police have reopened a key Jerusalem holy site after its closure amid tensions following the shooting of a prominent right-wing Jewish activist.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/773030-jerusalem-holy-site-is-reopened-amid-tension/

[Lite Beer]

RT @RichardBarrow: The Phra Pathom Chedi temple fair in Nakhon Pathom #Thailand is from 3-11 November #ttot http://t.co/tNguU8sKwF

[Lite Beer]

RT @RichardBarrow: Vendors have now been cleared from the pavement on Silom Rd. Only allowed back between 7pm-2am (@ArmUpdate) http://t.co/4gwppQbou4

[Lite Beer]

Fees for Motorways No.7 & No.9 to be waived during New Year

BANGKOK, 01 Nov 2014, (NNT) -The Ministry of Transport has announced a plan to waive tolls for travelers using Motorway No. 7 and Motorway No. 9 between December 26, 2014 and January 4, 2015 as a New Year gift for holiday makers.

According to Transports Minister Air Chief Marshal Prachin Chantong, the plan is expected to solve traffic congestion on inbound and outbound roads in the capital city. The Minister added that when the traffic was smooth, fuel consumption should be lower as a result.

Starting from 4 p.m. December 26, 2014, drivers traveling on Motorway No. 7 (Bangkok-Chonburi) and Motorway No. 9 (Bang Pli-Bang Pa-In) will be exempted from paying tolls until midnight of January 4, 2015.

While Motorway No. 7 and Motorway No. 9 travelers can enjoy a free gift from the government, those using Don Muang Tollway will have to pay more for their trips. Don Muang Tollway Co., Ltd. has decided to add THB15 to its fees for the section of Din Daeng - Anusornsathan by THB15.

Starting from December 22, 2014, the toll fee for cars will be adjusted from THB 85 to THB 100. Truck drivers will have to pay THB140 instead of the THB125 they have been paying. The toll adjustment is in compliance with the concession contract made in 2007.

-- NNT 2014-11-01

[Lite Beer]

Special Report: PM’s official visit to Cambodia

BANGKOK: -- Thai and Cambodian leaders have emphasized cooperation in border area development and the promotion of people-to-people contact. The issue was raised and discussed during the official visit of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to Cambodia on 30-31 October 2014.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/773064-special-report-pms-official-visit-to-cambodia/

[Lite Beer]

NRC invites all to submit suggestions for 11 aspects of reforms

BANGKOK, 1 November 2014, (NNT) - The National Reform Council is inviting all sectors to submit their suggestions for the 11 aspects of reforms to be carried out.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/773065-nrc-invites-all-to-submit-suggestions-for-11-aspects-of-reforms/

[Lite Beer]

NLA to take no more than 45 days to decide on impeachment motion

BANGKOK, 1 November 2014, (NNT) - National Legislative Assembly member Wanlop Tankhananurak expects that the NLA will require 45 days at most to reach a verdict on the impeachment motion on Nikhom Wairatphanit and Somsak Kiatsuranon.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/773068-nla-to-take-no-more-than-45-days-to-decide-on-impeachment-motion/

[Lite Beer]

Industries face production drop

BANGKOK, 1 December 2014 (NNT) – The Office of Industrial Economics has reported a drop in the Industrial Production Index (IPI) mainly due to the slowdown of electronics and automobile industries.

According to the Office of Industrial Economics, the Industrial Production Index in September dropped by 3.9 percent from the same period last year, while production capacity rose to 61.1 percent from 60.38 percent year-on-year.

The drop in automobile, hard disk drive, petroleum, jewelry and tobacco production is to blame for the Industrial Production Index fall. Vehicles production in September dropped by 27.46 percent and automobile export to markets in Oceania, the Middle East, Central America, and South America fell by 17.49 percent.

The production of electronic appliances shrank by 3.49 percent and that of electronic devices decreased by 4.54 percent. The manufacturing of hard disk drives also dropped by 9 percent, due to the sluggish markets in the US, Japan and the European Union. Food production meanwhile decreased by 17 percent.

However, the production of electrical appliances, particularly electric fans, air conditioners, and electric kettles enjoyed a rise of 1.59 percent. Textile and garment industries also saw a jump in production thanks to increasing demand from foreign markets. The steel industry also rose by 11.71 percent.

-- NNT 2014-11-01

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

PM hails Cambodia visit a success

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha hailed his official visit to Cambodia a great success with both leaders agreeing to cooperation in many areas, as well as setting aside previous conflict and starting to work together to stabilise not only the two countries but the whole ASEAN when it turns ASEAN Economic Community next year.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/773064-special-report-pms-official-visit-to-cambodia/#entry8613534

[Lite Beer]

BMA to tackle violation of five bike lanes in the capital

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will enforce law with violators of five bike lanes in the capital as a new year gift for Bangkok people, Mr Jumpol Sampaopol, deputy governor of Bangkok said.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/773070-bma-to-tackle-violation-of-five-bike-lanes-in-the-capital/