Thailand Live Wednesday 5 Nov 2014

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UN chief rejects reports about his alleged interest in presidency
By Digital Content

NEW YORK, Nov 5 (Yonhap) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday disavowed recent news reports that he has indirectly expressed interest in running for president of South Korea.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774046-un-chief-rejects-reports-about-his-alleged-interest-in-presidency/

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DSI uses GPS to detect corruption in 1,000-baht subsidy distribution



UBON RATCHATHANI, 5 November 2014 (NNT) - Pol.Lt.Col. Phong-in Intharakhao, Director of the Bureau of Security Crime, Department of Special Investigation (DSI) had a meeting with village headmen and chiefs of sub-districts at the Khong Chiam District Office in Ubon Ratchathani province, during which he clarified the system used in the checking of rice farmers eligible for the 1,000 baht-per-rai assistance scheme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774048-dsi-uses-gps-to-detect-corruption-in-1000-baht-subsidy-distribution/

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Singapore-Thailand joint venture NokScoot cleared for take-off



BANGKOK: -- NokScoot – a joint venture between Thailand's Nok Air and Singapore's Scoot – has officially received its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) from the Department of Civil Aviation of Thailand, Singapore Airlines said in a stock market filing on Tuesday, according to Channel NewsAsia.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774051-singapore-thailand-joint-venture-nokscoot-cleared-for-take-off/

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Police to step up security on Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Tao for Loy Krathong Day

BANGKOK: -- Surat Thani acting police chief Pol Col Apichart Boonsriroj said Wednesday that police will be deployed to guard 33 tourist spots on Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao on the night of Loy Krathong Day Thursday to keep security for tourists.

Police would particularly guard Koh Pha Ngan where the famed full moon parties will be held.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Police-to-step-up-security-on-Koh-Samui-Koh-Pha-Ng-30247023.html


-- The Nation 2014-11-05

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18 navy boats to patrol Chao Phraya in Bangkok Loy Krathong night

BANGKOK: -- The Royal Thai Navy will dispatch 18 boats to join force with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Harbour Department to patrol the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok Thursday night to prevent untoward incidents during the celebration of Loy Krathong, Navy chief Adm Kraisorn Chansuwanit said Wednesday.

The Nay also set up 1669 hotline for the public to call if they need urgent help, he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/18-navy-boats-to-patrol-Chao-Phraya-in-Bangkok-Loy-30247024.html


-- The Nation 2014-11-05

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University student shot by insurgents succumbs to sustained injuries Wednesday

BANGKOK: -- A second-year student of Princess of Naradhiwas University, who was shot and seriously injured by Muslim insurgents in Narathiwat, succumbed to sustained injuries Wednesday morning.

The university announced that Suthida Tangchai, 20, died at the Narathiwat Hospital at 6 am.

She was attacked Sunday evening while riding motorcycles with three friends back to her boarding house.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/University-student-shot-by-insurgents-succumbs-to--30247025.html


-- The Nation 2014-11-05

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Gen Prayut defends his father’s land sale



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday defended his father's 600- million baht land sale to a company owned by the country's liquor and property conglomerate and asked reporters to stop criticising the sale.

He said the piece of land belonged to his father since he was a boy.

“What’s the problem? The buyer is not stupid enough to buy anything they can’t invest further. The land belonged to me since I was a child and lived with my father. So what’s the deal?”

Gen Prayut replied in an uncomfortable moods when asked about the land sale in a last question after the cabinet meeting yesterday at a press conference.

He said: “It’s the company’s business so go ask it. I’ve nothing to do with it.”

The land sale was exposed in a news media, Isara News Agency, which quoted official documents, and raised criticism on social media.

It said the buyer of the land, of which major shareholder had a British Virgin Islands address.

According to Isara News Agency, Col Prapat Chan-o-cha, Gen Prayut’s father, sold nine plots totalling 50 rai in Bangkok’s Bang Bon district to 69 Property on May 9, 2013, seven days after the company was registered.

The major shareholder of the company when the deal took place had a British Virgin Islands address, Isara News said, citing the Business Department’s data.

After a capital increase, the major shareholder now is the company linked to Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, a liquor and property billionaire.

Gen Prayut got his share of the land sale of 146.5 million baht, including interest.

However, he gave his daughters 198.5 million baht and still had assets worth 128 million baht remaining. This means even without the land sale, he already had assets worth 180 million baht.

A property developer expert said the land was not overpriced as it is the market price bought by developer at this part of Bangkok which is still undeveloped as most are orchards and plantations.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/gen-prayut-defends-fathers-land-sale/


-- Thai PBS 2014-11-05

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Security tightened in Yala prior to Loy Kratong

YALA, 5 November 2014 (NNT)- Soldiers have set up security checkpoints in Yala to safeguard Loy Kratong revelers against any dangers during the festival.

Security has been tightened in Yupoh district prior to the Loy Kratong day, which falls on November 6th. Soldiers have been checking every vehicle passing through the area. The 4th Region Army Commander has instructed all units in the area to be vigilant as schools have resumed and Loy Kratong is just around the corner.

Commuters will be asked to show their ID cards at the checkpoint. This is to prevent any vehicles from being used as an explosive carrier. More security measures have also been in place along the road to assure the highest safety possible for residents.


-- NNT 2014-11-05

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North Korea leader Kim Jong-un walking without stick

(BBC) North Korean media have published photos of leader Kim Jong-un walking without a stick at an army meeting, following speculation about his health.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774067-north-korea-leader-kim-jong-un-walking-without-stick/

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Arsenal seized in raid on Phuket ‘drug room’
Darawan Naknakhon


Col Arayapan (red shirt) with arresting officers and the seized items.

PHUKET: Kathu police last night arrested four men for possession of an arsenal of illegal weapons in Patong.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774069-arsenal-seized-in-raid-on-phuket-drug-room/

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US mid-terms: Republicans win control of the Senate

WASHINGTON: -- The Republican Party has taken control of the Senate in the US mid-term elections, increasing their power in the final years of President Barack Obama's presidency.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774070-us-mid-terms-republicans-win-control-of-the-senate/

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American tourist plunges to his death from 27th floor of Pattaya condo

PATTAYA: -- A 52-year-old American plunged to his death from the27th floor of View Thalay Condominium at the Central Pattaya at 7:30 am while police were trying to persuade him to change his mind.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774073-american-tourist-plunges-to-his-death-from-27th-floor-of-pattaya-condo/

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UPDATE:

Police warn against floating sky lanterns near airports



BANGKOK: -- The Royal Thai Police today gave a serious warning to the public that anybody found to float sky lanterns or aim laser beams into the sky near airports during the Loy Krathong Festival could face maximum penalty by laws.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774028-releasing-floating-lanterns-near-thai-airports-may-be-punishable-by-death/page-2?p=8630676#entry8630676

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More CCTV cameras to be installed across Phi Phi Island

KRABI, 5 November 2014 (NNT) - Krabi provincial authorities are quickly finishing up the process of installing CCTV cameras across Phi Phi Islands for the safety of tourists.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774076-more-cctv-cameras-to-be-installed-across-phi-phi-island/

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Bangkok Marathon to return Nov. 16
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Bangkok’s annual marathon returns later this month, for an unspecified reason.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774099-bangkok-marathon-to-return-nov-16/

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Phuket marine chief threatens jet-ski ban
Saran Mitrarat


A jet-ski operator narrowly misses a surfer at Surin Beach. Photo: Saran Mitrarat

PHUKET: -- The head of the Marine Office has threatened to ban jet-ski operators from beaches after being shown photographs of dangerous riding taken by a Phuiket News reader at Surin Beach.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774101-phuket-marine-chief-threatens-jet-ski-ban/

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Military To Send More Guns, Volunteers To Restive South

By Khaosod Eng.

BANGKOK — Thailand's military is seeking to increase the number of guns and armed volunteers in the southern border provinces, where Islamic insurgents have been waging a bloody separatist campaign for the past decade.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/773570-army-arms-civil-volunteers-in-south-with-2700-service-pistols/page-4#entry8630984

[Lite Beer]

TDRI says Yingluck’s rice pledging scheme causes almost a trillion baht loss

BANGKOK: -- Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) says the rice-pledging scheme implemented by the Yingluck government during 2011-2014 has so far caused 660 billion baht loss to the state.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774120-tdri-says-yinglucks-rice-pledging-scheme-causes-almost-a-trillion-baht-loss/

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Phuket teacher held for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl
Darawan Naknakhon


The teacher is trotted out in front of the press.

PHUKET: -- A teacher was arrested yesterday (November 4) for the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl student at a Phuket school in August. He denies assaulting the child.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774128-phuket-teacher-held-for-sexually-assaulting-a-12-year-old-girl/

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Chinese student found dead in Thonglor apartment

By Coconuts Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- A Chinese student at Bangkok University was found dead in her Thonglor-area apartment on Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774126-chinese-student-found-dead-in-bangkoks-thonglor-area-apartment/

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A tremor of 2.5 on the Richter scale in Kanchanaburi province last night had no impacts on two local hydroelectric dams named Vajiralongkorn and Srinagarind. /Bangkok Pot

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Chiang Mai launches diverse Loy Krathong activities
By Digital Content



CHIANG MAI, Nov 5 -- Thailand's northern city of Chiang Mai is seeing a lively and active Loy Krathong atmosphere, while local police have beefed up safety measures against overlarge fireworks and floating lanterns during the Yee Pen festival, which kicks off today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774134-chiang-mai-launches-diverse-loy-krathong-activities/

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Swedish police await Pirate Bay co-founder in Thai capital
Bangkok, Thailand | AFP |

BANGKOK: -- The Swedish co-founder of the Pirate Bay website is due to be hauled to Bangkok Wednesday following his arrest in northeast Thailand, with police from Stockholm waiting to press for his deportation to serve a jail term for copyright infringement.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774155-swedish-police-await-pirate-bay-co-founder-in-thai-capital-bangkok/

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TG aircraft recovered from Khon Kaen runway

KHON KAEN, 5 November 2014 (NNT) – Technicians from Thai Airways successfully relocated the aircraft that skidded off the runway at Khon Kaen airport, resuming airport’s operation to normal today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774162-tg-aircraft-recovered-from-khon-kaen-runway/

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TDRI suggests Thai govt donate up to half of the remaining rice of the previous govt's rice subsidy scheme to U.N.'s World Food Programme to cut storage costs. /The Nation

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UPDATE:

Yingluck’s lawyers petition NLA speaker



BANGKOK: -- A team of lawyers of former premier Yingluck Shinawatra today submitted a petition to the speaker of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) seeking his role to halt the deliberation of a request to remove her from premiership status, over her negligence to prevent the rice pledging scheme from incurring more damages to the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/773996-last-push-to-save-yingluck-from-legal-action/page-4#entry8631641

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FTI believes Thailand remains ASEAN industrial leader
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Nov 5 -- The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) believes that investment in infrastructure and special economic zones along the border will maintain Thailand's status as the largest production base of ASEAN.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774178-fti-believes-thailand-remains-asean-industrial-leader/

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Bank of Thailand's Monetary Policy Committee today decided to retain the policy interest rate at 2 percent to support Thai economic recovery. /The Nation

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Navy officers work to clean up the Chao Phraya River

BANGKOK, 5 November 2014 (NNT) - Navy officers are working alongside other agencies to remove waste from the Chao Phraya River in support of the United Nation’s “Clean up the World” environmental campaign.

Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Kraisorn Chansuwanit have gathered Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) officials, along with personnel from the Harbor Department and the “Magic Eyes” Association as well as members of the public to dispose garbage at the Chao Phraya River starting from the Rama I Bridge until the Pinklao Bridge.

The program is aimed towards conserving the environment by refraining from dumping waste into the river to engrain good morals into the Thai public and to comply with H.M. the Queen Sirikit’s wishes to protect the rivers and canals throughout the country. Lastly, the move was done to express support to the United Nation’s “Clean up the World” environmental campaign.


-- NNT 2014-11-05

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Bangkok Airways adjusts flight timetable to avoid lantern floating

BANGKOK, 4 November 2014 (NNT) - Bangkok Airways has announced adjustments and cancellations of its flights to some provinces in the North where lantern floating is scheduled during 5-7 November 2014.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774182-bangkok-airways-adjusts-flight-timetable-to-avoid-lantern-floating/