Thailand Live Thursday 6 Nov 2014

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PM Prayut urges Loy Krathong celebrants to observe safety rules



BANGKOK: -- As Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha urged the public to cooperate in observing safety regulations concerned with flying lanterns and fireworks during the Loy Krathong festival, Metropolitan Police Bureau said more than 2,000 police personnel will be deployed in Bangkok's 136 venues where the celebrations are to be held tonight to ensure safety for celebrants.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774354-pm-prayut-urges-loy-krathong-celebrants-to-observe-safety-rules/

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Thai VietJet Air, Thai offshoot of Vietnam's no-frills carrier VietJet Air, to take off next month,18 months after its establishment. /The Nation

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Food vendors warned of raising food prices



BANGKOK: -- The Internal Trade Department has warned food vendors of raising food prices by citing the cooking gas price increase as a reason.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774366-thailand-food-vendors-warned-of-raising-food-prices/

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300 policemen dispatched to keep security for full moon party on Koh Pha Ngan

BANGKOK: -- Surat Thani Govenor Chatpog Chatphum joined the Surat Thani police head office to dispatch over 300 policemen to keep security on Koh Pha Ngan Thursday morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774368-300-policemen-dispatched-to-keep-security-for-full-moon-party-on-koh-pha-ngan/

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Group of porters arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport for smuggling turtles

BANGKOK, 6 November 2014 (NNT) - Suvarnabhumi International Airport authorities have arrested three men who were responsible for smuggling turtles for a wildlife trafficking gang.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774369-group-of-porters-arrested-at-suvarnabhumi-airport-for-smuggling-turtles/

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Police on guard against crimes, accidents on Loy Krathong

BANGKOK, 6 November 2014 (NNT) – The Royal Thai Police is dispatching tens of thousands of police officers and volunteers to festive venues to provide safety for people celebrating the Loy Krathong Festival today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774370-police-on-guard-against-crimes-accidents-on-loy-krathong/

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Public health ministry to make the country sustainable medical hub in the region



BANGKOK: -- The Public Health Ministry says it will push ahead with its plan to make Thailand a regional hub for medical services.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774372-public-health-ministry-to-make-thailand-sustainable-medical-hub-in-the-region/

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Chiang Rai hit by 2.4 aftershock this morning



CHIANG RAI: -- An aftershock of 2.4 magnitude hit Phan district of Chiang Rai province Thursday morning, the Seismology Bureau said today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774376-chiang-rai-hit-by-24-aftershock/

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Three troops killed, five other injured in Pattani following dispute while drinking

PATTANI: -- An Army private opened fire at more senior officers following a dispute while drinking in Pattani's Nong Chick district Wednesday night, killing three and injuring four others.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774378-three-troops-killed-five-other-injured-in-pattani-following-dispute-while-drinking/

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Canadian man seeks ‘Elizabeth Gallagher’ for Bangkok holiday
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- 28-year-old Jordan Axani is ready to offer a lucky lady free flights around the world.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774381-canadian-man-seeks-elizabeth-gallagher-for-bangkok-holiday/

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ML Ritthithep Devakula selected as new ombudsman

BANGKOK: -- The ombudsman selection committee Thursday selected ML Ritthithep Devakula as a new ombudsman, replacing Phanit Nitithanprapas who completed her term on October 12.

Ritthithep's nomination will be sent to the National Legislative Assembly for endorsement soon.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/ML-Ritthithep-Devakula-selected-as-new-ombudsman-30247109.html


-- The Nation 2014-11-06

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More rains in central and northern regions



BANGKOK: -- More rains are expected in the central and northern regions of Thailand during the weekend after the low pressure system blanketing the Bengal Bay intensifies to a depression.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774387-more-rains-in-thailands-central-and-northern-regions/

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230,000 Baht Water Bill Declared Error
By Khaosod English


Thailand’s Provincial Waterworks Authority mistakenly billed a man from Ayutthaya province more than 233,000 baht for a monthly water bill.

AYUTTHAYA — Thailand’s Provincial Waterworks Authority has admitted to mistakenly billing a man from Ayutthaya province more than 233,000 baht for a monthly water bill.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774391-230000-baht-ayutthaya-water-bill-declared-error/

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Taxi driver returns THB2 million to Indonesian tourists
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- A Bangkok taxi driver found USD60,000 under the back seat of his car and promptly returned it to police yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774393-bangkok-taxi-driver-returns-thb2-million-to-indonesian-tourists/

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M.L. Ritthithep chosen as chief ombudsman

BANGKOK: -- The six-member ombudsman selection committee today selected M.L. Ritthithep Devakula to be the chief ombudsman succeeding Mrs Panit Nitithanprapas who has retired.

M.L. Ritthithep is among 16 candidates applying for the chief ombudsman job.

The selection committee voted 5-1 to appoint him to the post.

His name will be forwarded to the National Legislative Assembly for endorsement.

M.L. Ritthithep is a senior judge in the Supreme Court.

M.L. Ritthithep was the only judge in the Supreme Court’s panel of nine judges who earlier in 2010 ruled that ex-Premier Thaksin Shinawatra was not guilty in the controversial Shin Corp share sale to Temasek Holding.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/m-l-ritthithep-chosen-chief-ombudsman/

-- Thai PBS 2014-11-06

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Tanker truck leaks LPG gas after tyre explodes

BANGKOK: -- A LPG gas tanker truck leaked its highly inflammable gas while running on Lard Krabang road in Bangkok's eastern outskirt, but caused no damages to property and lives.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774403-bangkok-tanker-truck-leaks-lpg-gas-after-tyre-explodes/

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UPDATE:

Southern Unrest: 'Drunk' Private Kills 3 Soldiers
By Khaosod English


Soldiers guard a school in Narathiwat province on 6 Nov 2014.

PATTANI — Three soldiers were killed and two others seriously injured in the tumultuous southern province of Pattani after a private opened fire during a heated argument this morning, officials said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774378-three-troops-killed-five-other-injured-in-pattani-following-dispute-while-drinking/#entry8635759

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Safety and Security in Phuket: What readers think
Steven Layne


How the numbers in the poll stacked up (excludes foreign visitors). Phuket News Graphic

PHUKET: -- Almost two thirds of expatriates responding (61 per cent) to the latest Phuket News Poll think that the best way to improve security and safety on the island would be to strengthen the police force and respective law enforcement.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774410-safety-and-security-in-phuket-what-readers-think/

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Crane collapses (again) over Emporium expansion on Sukhumvit Road
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Workers this afternoon sought to secure a crane which collapsed at the site of new shopping mall on Sukhumvit Road, the second such accident there in three months.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774416-crane-collapses-again-over-emporium-expansion-on-sukhumvit-road/

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October Consumer Confidence Index improves from last month

BANGKOK, 6 November 2014 (NNT) - The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) has revealed that the nation’s consumer confidence index has touched 80.1 points, which is higher than September’s figure of 79.2 points.

UTCC’s Economic and Business Forecasting Center Deputy Director Mr. Vachira Koonthaweethep stated that although the CCI has risen, it is still lower than 100 points.

According to him, this indicates that the Thai economy has not fully recovered yet despite the country’s increased political stability. Consumer spending is also facing a slow recovery mode, as reflected in the CCI, he said.

Regarding the government’s policy to pull out 40 billion baht to assist farmers in coping with drought and its decision to withdraw another 320 billion baht for spending on creating employment opportunities and economic stimulus measures, Mr. Wachin said those factors would be key to increased consumer spending during the 4th quarter.


-- NNT 2014-11-06

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No fireworks or drunk passenger allowed on ARL

BANGKOK, 6 November 2014 (NNT) – The Airport Rail Link service is prohibiting passengers to bring flammable objects or fireworks on board and will decline services to intoxicated passengers, while also assigning a team to watch out for floating lanterns and to maintain safety in its operations.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774418-no-fireworks-or-drunk-passenger-allowed-on-airport-rail-link/

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More than 20,000 bus trips provided for Loy Krathong travelers today

BANGKOK, 6 November 2014 (NNT)-Bus trips have been increased in various spots around Bangkok to cater for Loy Krathong revelers today.

The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) has reportedly increased more than 22,000 bus trips to accommodate people who are expected to join the annual festival this evening. Loy Krathong events will be held in 29 parks that include Chatuchak, Lumpini, Rotfai and Phranakhon just to name a few.

Bus routes have been planned for revelers throughout the day with around 2,700 buses in the morning, around 1,300 in the afternoon and 107 during the wee hours. More bus staff will be assigned to work in frequent shifts to allow for more trips until midnight.

Bus drivers as well as conductors will be checked for alcohol level and validated licenses. They have also been told to drive within the speed limit and strictly comply with driving etiquettes such as opening doors only after buses are properly parked and close them before the buses move.


-- NNT 2014-11-06

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Singaporeans aid Vietnam tourist victim of phone scam

SINGAPORE (AFP) - Singaporeans outraged by an electronics shop that left a Vietnamese tourist in tears after a phone-sale scam have raised thousands of dollars to compensate him, a crowdfunding site showed Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774420-singaporeans-aid-vietnam-tourist-victim-of-phone-scam/

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NLA resolves to proceed with impeachment case against Somsak, Nikom
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The National Legislative Assembly voted 87 to 75 to accept an impeachment case against former Parliament president Somsak Kiatsuranon and his deputy Nikom Wairatpanich over alleged constitutional offences.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774424-nla-resolves-to-proceed-with-impeachment-case-against-somsak-nikom/

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Govt finding real problems to human trafficking in fishery industry

BANGKOK, 6 November 2014 (NNT) – The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is now trying to find a solution to human trafficking in the fishery industry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774450-thai-govt-finding-real-problems-to-human-trafficking-in-fishery-industry/

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UPDATE:

LPG gas truck leaks following accident
Kittipong Maneerit
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Liquefied petroleum gas leaked from a ten-wheeler gas truck on a Bangkok road Thursday morning after it collided with a trailer truck.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774403-bangkok-tanker-truck-leaks-lpg-gas-after-tyre-explodes/#entry8636245

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Danish tax fraud suspect arrested in Thailand


Photo: Glen MacLarty @ WikiCommons

PHUKET: -- Phuket Immigration Police arrested a 48 year old Dane on Thursday the 6th November.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774456-danish-tax-fraud-suspect-arrested-in-phuket/

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Authorities Scramble, In Vain, To Curb Loy Krathong Sky Lanterns
By Khaosod English


Loy Krathong celebrations in Chonburi province, 5 Nov 2014.

BANGKOK – Thais across the country are launching lanterns into the sky to celebrate Loy Krathong despite pleas from authorities who say the lanterns are hazardous.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774459-authorities-scramble-in-vain-to-curb-loy-krathong-sky-lanterns/

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SET index closed 1,580.77, up 3.37; Bt/USD32.68; GBP52.13; AUD28.00; EUR40.75; CAD28.57; HKD4.20; SGD25.18; JPY28.45

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'I needed the money for a prostitute' – Phuket 7-Eleven robber: VIDEO

PHUKET: A slaughterhouse worker who was arrested for robbing a 7-Eleven store early yesterday morning (November 5) promptly admitted it, explaining that he stole the money to pay for a prostitute’s services.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/774460-i-needed-the-money-for-a-prostitute-phuket-7-eleven-robber-video/