Thailand Live Saturday 15 Nov 2014

[Lite Beer]

Surapong to petition PM seeking justice for Ms Yingluck

BANGKOK: -- Former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said he would petition Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha at Government House Monday to seek justice for former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra regarding the rice-pledging scheme which she is facing impeachment for negligence of duties that resulted in rampant corruption.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....or-ms-yingluck/

[Lite Beer]

Policeman seen kicking a suspect transferred

BANGKOK: -- A Nakhon Sawan policeman who was seen in a video clip landing a kick on the face of a suspect sitting on the ground has been ordered transferred to an inactive post pending an investigation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....ct-transferred/

[Lite Beer]

'Defrauded' Briton Found Dead In Chiang Mai Guesthouse

By Khaosod Eng.

BANGKOK — A British man who reportedly lost 10 million baht in a fraud scheme was found dead in his guesthouse room in Chiang Mai province today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....mai-guesthouse/

[Lite Beer]

Bonds to be issued to pay off rice losses
Somluck Srimalee,
Natthapat Phromkaew
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- First tranche set for early next year: Finance Minister Sommai

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/776606-bonds-to-be-issued-to-pay-off-rice-losses/

[Lite Beer]

Thai PBS replaces programme host Nattaya after NCPO's tough stance
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thai PBS has replaced the anchor of a programme on reforms following dissatisfaction expressed by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) about her style.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/776607-thai-pbs-replaces-programme-host-nattaya-after-ncpos-tough-stance/

[Lite Beer]

Only one more meeting on Yingluck case, NACC warns
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Anti-corruption agency vows to go ahead despite prosecutors' reluctance

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/776608-only-one-more-meeting-on-yingluck-case-nacc-warns/

[Lite Beer]

Two RKK leaders shot dead in South
The Nation

The bodies of two insurgents are collected from a house in Pattani

PATTANI: -- Men wanted for many attacks; 5 others also arrested in Pattani shootout

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/776609-two-rkk-leaders-shot-dead-in-south/

[Lite Beer]

Good Samaritan pays big fine to free popular garbage collector from jail
Panor Chomphusri,
Jessada Jantararak,
Tanatpong Kongsai
The Nation

Garbage collector Surat Maneenop-paratsuda is freed after a brief spell in prison thanks to a good Samaritan who paid the Bt133,400 fine on his behalf. Surat was ordered to pay the hefty fine for selling CDs that he had collected from trash.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/776610-good-samaritan-pays-big-fine-to-free-popular-garbage-collector-from-jail/

[Lite Beer]

Three targeted NLA, NRC members not to be suspended
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Three members of the National Legislative Assembly and National Reform Council being targeted by the national anti-graft agency for impeachment do not have to be suspended from duty, a member of the National Anti-Corruption Commission said yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/776611-three-targeted-nla-nrc-members-not-to-be-suspended/

[Lite Beer]

Pheu Thai says it's ready to offer ideas for new charter
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Pheu Thai Party yesterday advised the chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee of its willingness to meet with the CDC and provide input on the new charter.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/776612-pheu-thai-says-its-ready-to-offer-ideas-for-new-charter/

[Lite Beer]

NRC president worried about NCPO's tough stance toward Thai PBS show
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thienchay Kiranandana, president of the National Reform Council, yesterday voiced concerns about the National Council for Peace and Order ordering that a Thai PBS show be pulled off air, adding that the NRC would set up a forum to listen to people's ideas on national reform.

"I believe shows like this will be suspended again because of martial law and also because the NRC is not patient enough to allow people to express their ideas and encourage them to participate in national reform," Thienchay said.

"The government is clear on martial law - that it is still active, and I cannot ask the NCPO to lift martial law."

He said the reform process would be pursued in another form, with the NRC setting up a centre where people can lodge suggestions and file complaints. The centre, which will be operational on Monday, will also provide policies to relevant agencies, he said.

The suspension of the Thai PBS show "People's Voices Must Be Heard before Reform" has resulted in much criticism. It followed a meeting of the military with Thai PBS executives.

It came after Nattaya Wawweerakup hosted the programme in Songkhla, with villagers and activists criticising the coup in response to provocative questions.

The military officers who met with the executives also called on the programme to shift its focus and broadcast general news and remove Nattaya as host.

Thai PBS executives said the station had complied with those requests.

An NCPO source said Nattaya was removed because the junta did not like her questions, which centred on whether southerners were comfortable under the NCPO and the government.

The source said that after high-ranking military officers heard about the show, the junta ordered three of it members to meet with Thai PBS chief Somchai Suwanban to ask for his cooperation regarding the matter and to come up with a resolution involving the presenting of news.

Somchai said he understood the situation and he would solve the problem, but Nattaya still went to Nakhon Pathom to report on a similar topic, resulting in another meeting between the junta and the Thai PBS chief.

The source said that had resulted in Thai PBS being told it would need the junta's permission to air the show.

Somchai suggested solving the problem by suspending Nattaya for two weeks.

Criticism has been directed not just at the junta but also Thai PBS, which is seen as an independent television organisation.

The military also intervened to shut down a public forum that was due to be held at Alliance Francaise in Bangkok tomorrow under the topic "Thailand and Inequality". It feared that the gathering would affect the political situation or result in criticism being directed at the government, given that social critic Sulak Sivaraksa was to appear.

However, the organiser of the event said it was to have been a mere "talk show" to entertain people, and Sulak was to have spoken on history.

The organiser said the military wanted certain speakers removed, but they were all qualified to be part of the event. However, it was hopeful the junta would give it permission today for the event to proceed.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/NRC-president-worried-about-NCPOs-tough-stance-tow-30247837.html

-- The Nation 2014-11-15

[Lite Beer]

Mothers call on Prayut to get their boys back
Jeerapong Prasertpolkrung
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The mothers of two teenage boys reportedly lured to work on an Indonesian fishing trawler called on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha yesterday to bring their sons back.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/776613-mothers-call-on-prayut-to-get-their-boys-back/

[Lite Beer]

Visas for men in marriage scam to be revoked
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Immigration Police are set to revoke visas issued to 193 foreign men based in the Northeast accused of involvement in a scam - registering as being married to Thai women to earn residency rights, a senior Immigration Police commander said yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/776614-visas-for-men-in-marriage-scam-to-be-revoked/

[Lite Beer]

Bt100m ransom sought for Cambodian businessman
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Royal Thai Police spokesman Pol Lt-General Prawut Thawornsiri confirmed yesterday that a Chinese-Cambodian businessman was abducted after entering Thailand on Monday - with his captors reportedly demanding a Bt100-million ransom. Police have set up an investigation team to look into the case.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/776615-bt100m-ransom-sought-for-cambodian-businessman/

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL
Govt must be wary of UWSA bid for border deal
The Nation

Caution is advised while making any decision on opening up a checkpoint in Chiang Mai

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/776616-govt-must-be-wary-of-uwsa-bid-for-border-deal/

[Lite Beer]

Three police teams to probe Khao Wong TAO chairman’s murder

SARABURI: -- Three police teams have been set up to investigate the murder Thursday night of the chairman of Khao Wong tambon administration organization in Saraburi province.

Pol Col Cherdchai Sornsilp, deputy superintendent of Saraburi provincial police, said today (Friday) that he also sought support from the First Region Provincial Police Bureau on top of the three police teams formed to probe the case.

Mr Suthon Onsri, 66, chairman of Khao Wong TAO and a former kamnan, was gunned down by gunmen riding on a saloon.

Phra Phutthabat police today questioned the victim’s wife and relatives. They were also shown sketches of suspected gunmen active in the province.

Mr Suthon’s murder has become a subject of widespread interest in Saraburi as there were several murder cases involving local leaders in the last couple of years.

In June 2011 Mrs Chongkon, former Khao Wong TAO chairwoman was gunned down. About two weeks ago, Mr Sa-ngaKaewtumka, a former candidate for the Khao Wong TAO chairman’s election, was shot dead by unknown gunmen. He lost to Mr Suthon by a margin of 16 votes.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/three-police-teams-probe-khao-wong-tao-chairmans-murder/

-- Thai PBS 2014-11-15

[Lite Beer]

PM appeals to all Thais to bury the hatchet

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha appealed to all Thais of different political shades to bury their hatchet and cooperate with one another to move the country forward.

“My brothers and sisters, from my recent overseas trips, I do not want to see conflicts again and would like to appeal to you all. The fithe centre of economic connections, it should benefit the most from Asean.

“But we have mired in conflicts for a long time. I would like to see Thais being sacrificial, end their conflicts and stop fighting with one another. Please understand that politics is politics; it must be right, honest, fair and to be democratic,” said the prime minister during his weekly “Returning Happiness to the Thai People” address Friday night.

He said that several government leaders whom he met with had understood the situation in Thailand and the need of a non-elected government and, therefore, he would like to see an end of conflicts among Thais.

He insisted that the deals that were made with government leaders during his recent visits abroad were based on mutual benefits and mutual trust and there would be no corruption.

The prime minister also called on all Thais to pay tribute to His Majesty the King on the occasion of the Father of Artificial Rain Making Day on Friday.

He said that the tireless efforts of the King in the research and implementation of artificial rain-making project has saved the country from droughts.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/pm-appeals-thais-bury-hatchet/

-- Thai PBS 2014-11-15

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Police suspect international gang kidnap Cambodian-Chinese businessman

BANGKOK: -- Metropolitan police said they suspected international kidnapping gang is responsible for the missing of a Cambodian real estate tycoon of Chinese origin after he was seen taken away in a van in front of Baiyoke Tower in Pratunam area on November 11.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/776615-bt100m-ransom-sought-for-cambodian-businessman/#entry8672598

[Lite Beer]

PM orders authorities to prepare for drought

BANGKOK, 14 November 2014 (NNT) – The Prime Minister is concerned with the drought situation in Thailand, while urging related agencies to handle the situation and prohibiting off-season farming.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson Capt. Yongyut Maiyalap, the Prime Minister is worried about the drought situation and has ordered related ministries to set up counter measures to solve the situation and prevent any crises, especially providing assistance to farmers and careful irrigation management.

The agencies responsible to the handling of this situation are the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

The Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Chatchai Promlert said that the government has issued counter measures to cope with the current drought situation.

According to the DDPM Director-General, approximately 9,535 villages are expected to be affected by the drought due to lower precipitation, a decreased water reserve in the reservoirs, and the lack of water supply in some areas.

He said that about 300,000 agricultural households would be affected from the drought. Therefore, the department proposed several counter measures including providing employment in other areas for the farmers living in affected areas, promoting the vocational training and the support of plants and livestocks, and the planting of soil-conditioning plants.

The department will be holding vocational training for farmers, starting on 21 November 2014 in Suphan Buri and Ayutthaya province.

Meanwhile, the delegate of the Ministry of Defence Khongchai Tanwanich has said that the ministry had called upon all related agencies to assist by providing personnel and equipment support.

He said that the Ministry of Defence had already planned for drought preventing measures, including forest planting, canal excavation, reservoir creation, substitute tap water production, the elimination of Water Hyacinths, and the construction of new water storages in many areas.

-- NNT 2014-11-14

[Lite Beer]

Russia plans 'alternative Wikipedia'

Russia is planning an alternative version of the Wikipedia, the country's presidential library has said.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/776618-russia-plans-alternative-wikipedia/

[Lite Beer]

Comet lander: Philae sends data from surface
By Jonathan Amos

The Philae lander on the distant comet 67P has re-established radio contact with its orbiting Rosetta satellite and is sending data from the surface.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/776619-comet-lander-philae-sends-data-from-surface/

[Lite Beer]

Elvis Presley's first recording to be sold

The first record Elvis Presley ever made is to be sold at auction.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/776620-elvis-presleys-first-recording-to-be-sold/

[Lite Beer]

UN says Islamic State imposing rule of terror in Syria

The militant group Islamic State is committing war crimes and imposing a "rule of terror" in areas it controls in Syria, a UN report says.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/776622-un-says-islamic-state-imposing-rule-of-terror-in-syria/

[Lite Beer]

RT @RichardBarrow: Immigration boss says next year fingerprints will be collected from people entering #Thailand, making it easier to identify & track tourists

[Lite Beer]

RT @RichardBarrow: I’ve never seen Patong Beach so clean & safe. No jet skis or parasailing allowed due to Asian Beach Games #Thailand http://t.co/3cOpwhkram

[Lite Beer]

RT @mpoppel: BREAKING NEWS -- BNO News: Large quake off North Sulawesi, Indonesia

[Lite Beer]

Biggest elephant show kicks off in Surin

Surin began its biggest elephant show yesterday with thousands of both local and foreign visitors witnessing the opening ceremony of the 2014 Elephant welcome party and buffet.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/776689-biggest-elephant-show-kicks-off-in-surin/

[Lite Beer]

Phuket residents beat up man after trespassing into home to rape girl
Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: A Burmese man was beaten up by residents after he broke into their home with the intention to rape a 12-year-old girl in a Cherng Talay.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/776691-phuket-residents-beat-up-man-after-trespassing-into-home-to-assault-girl/

[Lite Beer]

New northern bus terminal to replace Morchit 2

BANGKOK: -- The Transport Company will decide next month the new location of its bus terminal to replace its existing Morchit 2 terminal to handle rising number of passengers travelling to northern and northeastern provinces.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/776694-new-northern-bus-terminal-to-replace-morchit-2/

[Lite Beer]

MRT to change Orange Line route

BANGKOK: -- The Mass Rapid Transit Authority has agreed to change the route of the Orange Line from Taling Chan to Min Buri which will spare about 150 residential households from relocation and help save about 500 million baht for land expropriation costs.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/776697-mrt-to-change-orange-line-route/