Thailand Live Friday 21 Nov 2014

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Russian FM: Putin ready for summit with N.K. leader
By Digital Content

MOSCOW, Nov 21 (Yonhap) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to hold a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Moscow's top diplomat said Thursday after holding talks with Kim's special envoy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778157-russian-fm-putin-ready-for-summit-with-north-korean-leader/

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Thai stock index opens on Friday at 1,568.57, falls 0.11 points /MCOT

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Alibaba to help small enterprises worldwide: Jack Ma
By Digital Content

HANGZHOU, Nov 21 (Xinhua) -- Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba group, described on Thursday how the company is exploring ways to help small businesses not only in China, but all around the world.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778158-alibaba-to-help-small-enterprises-worldwide-jack-ma/

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Fake Phuket monks used donations for partying and drugs
Eakkapop Thongtub


Manit and Sod after their arrest.

PHUKET: -- Two phony monks were arrested on Wednesday (November 19) in Patong while soliciting donations.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778162-fake-phuket-monks-used-donations-for-partying-and-drugs/

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Phuket elephant camps told not to use elephants in breeding season
Nattha Thepbamrung


One telltale that an elephant is in musth: an oily secretion from a gland between the eye and ear. Photo Masteraah

PHUKET: -- The Phuket Livestock Office Chief has issued a stern warning to elephant camps to be careful about using elephants during breeding season when bull elephants are in musth, a highly excitable hormonal state in which the animals become unpredictable and dangerous.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778164-phuket-elephant-camps-told-not-to-use-elephants-in-breeding-season/

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PTT sues former finance minister for defamation



BANGKOK: -- PTT Plc, the national oil and gas conglomerate, has filed a lawsuit against former finance minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala in the Civil Court for allegedly using social media to defame the compay on its gas pipeline networks.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778165-ptt-sues-former-thai-finance-minister-thirachai-for-defamation/

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Auto theft prevention campaign kicks off in Yala

YALA, 21 November 2014 (NNT)- Police have been distributing pamphlets about auto theft prevention in Yala. The effort is meant to prevent vehicles being used in instigating violence in the Deep South.

More than 5,000 pamphlets have been handed out to Yala residents in Muang district, reminding them not to leave the car keys in the car’s door or leave the engine running while they are not in the car.

They should also double check if the car is locked, or lock the steering wheel before leaving. People should also look out for one another.

As many vehicles have been reported missing in Yala, Yala Police Chief Police Colonel Prayong Kotesaka said he hoped the move would preempt attempts by thieves to steal unattended cars, many of which have reportedly been used in insurgent attacks or sold to a third person in the restive South.

-- NNT 2014-11-21

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UPDATE:

Prajin okays three airports’ improvements

BANGKOK: -- Airports of Thailand (AoT) plan to spend almost 100 billion baht to improve three airports to cope up with increasing passenger traffic has won primary approval from the Transport Minister ACM Prajin Juntong.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778156-aot-invests-bt93-billion-upgrading-suvarnabhumi-don-mueang-and-phuket-airports/#entry8700840

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25 years on, SorPorKor land still problematic in Phuket
Nattha Thepbamrung


SorPorKor land is 'degraded forest' earmarked for farming only by poor people.

PHUKET: -- An ad hoc committee met on Tuesday (November 18) to resolve problems about overlapping land between Royal Forestry Department (RFD) or National Park and land carrying SorPorKor (SPK) papers issued 25 years ago.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778182-25-years-on-sorporkor-land-still-problematic-in-phuket/

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Laos to send its officials to identify workers in Thailand in December

BANGKOK, 21 November 2014 (NNT)-The Department of Employment has revealed that Laotian officials will in December visit Thailand to verify the nationality of their citizens.

According to Director of the Foreign Workers Administration Pichit Nilthongkham, there are currently more than 200,000 Laotian nationals who have declared their nationality since the registration process began. Around 9,000 others have been identified as their family members.

Laos has informed the Thai labor authority that it will send two teams of officials to Thailand in December to identify their citizens. The Department would also propose that a national identification center be set up and a mobile unit be assembled in Samutprakarn, said Mr. Pichit.

Over one million migrant workers registered themselves at the registration offices between June 26th to October 31st, around 610,000 of whom were from Myanmar, 690,000 from Cambodia, and 213,000 from Laos.

Bangkok has the highest number of migrant workers, followed by Chonburi and Samutsakorn. The majority of them are working in the construction industry, farming, and the service sector, respectively.


-- NNT 2014-11-21

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Pink dolphin washed up dead on Si Chon District

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, 21 November 2014 (NNT) - Residents living in Si Chon District of Nakhon Si Thammarat province have discovered the carcass of a female pink dolphin on Kho Khao beach within the district.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778186-nakhon-si-thammarat-pink-dolphin-washed-up-dead-on-si-chon-district/

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Khon Kean and Kalasin residents appreciate PM’s visit

KHON KEAN, 21 Nov 2014, (NNT) - Locals of Khon Kean and Kalasin provinces have expressed their appreciation toward Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha’s recent visits to their hometowns.

According to residents of the 2 provinces, they are happy to learn that the Government is placing emphasis on both the agricultural and the education sectors, two of the most important elements for the people of Thailand.

The majority of them are pleased with the authority’ drought handling measures, compensation schemes for rice farmers and rubber planters, and the drought-period employment program.

Meanwhile, students and youths in the areas view that the Government has proven itself through its efforts to address various social and education issues. They are particularly glad that the government has made the nation’s education system one of its top priorities.


-- NNT 2014-11-21

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Agriculture steps up measures in preparation for Ebola disease

BANGKOK, 21 November 2014 (NNT) -- The Ministry of Agriculture has stepped up its measures to prevent Ebola virus from reaching Thailand through imported wild animals.

According to Chavalit Chukhajorn, Permanent Secretary of Agriculture, the ministry will ask the Cabinet to include Ebola into the Animal contagious Disease Act, so as to empower ministry officials to control the import of live animals and carcasses into the country.

The Livestock department has been ordered to suspend the import of animals and carcasses from African countries, with an exception of South Africa; it is also to be on the lookout for the smuggling of those items into the nation, especially through border checkpoints nationwide.


-- NNT 2014-11-21

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3 students wounded, gunman killed in Florida campus shooting
English.news.cn

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Police confirmed on Thursday that three students were wounded and the gunman was killed in a shooting at Florida State University (FSU) library in the United States early morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778187-3-students-wounded-gunman-killed-in-florida-campus-shooting/

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Hospital Apologises For Human Leg At Landfill
By Khaosod English

Source: File Photo

AMNAT CHAROEN — A hospital has confirmed that the human leg found by a garbage collector in Amnat Charoen province was amputated from one of its diabetic patients during a recent surgery.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778189-amnat-charoen-hospital-apologises-for-human-leg-at-landfill/

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Venezuelan Tourist Narrowly Escapes Sexual Assault By Ex-Soldier
By Khaosod English

PRACHUAP KIRI KHAN — A former solder has been arrested for allegedly attempting to rape a Venezuelan tourist on a beach in the popular resort town of Hua Hin last night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778190-hua-hin-venezuelan-tourist-narrowly-escapes-sexual-assault-by-ex-soldier/

[Lite Beer]

The Appeals Court today upheld two-month jail sentence on former Democrat party MP Watchara

BANGKOK: -- Phetthong for defaming redshirt leader Jatuporn Prompan in 2009, and fined him 20,000 baht for the offence.

However his jail term was eased with a one year extension instead when he had no criminal records in the past and the extension will allow him to behave as a good citizen.

The court also ordered that he published the verdict in brief on two daily newspapers for seven days.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/73668

-- Thai PBS 2014-11-21

[Lite Beer]

Suspects in the Koh Tao murder case detained for twelve more days ask the UK for help

KOH SAMUI: -- Yesterday in the Koh Samui Provincial Court the court judge approved the prosecutor’s request for the continued detention of Zaw Lin and Wei Phyo (Win) until December 2nd. The prosecutor said that he needed more time to allow the police to complete a more detailed investigation to ensure ‘justice’ is done on all sides.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778216-suspects-in-the-koh-tao-murder-case-detained-for-twelve-more-days-ask-the-uk-for-help/

[Lite Beer]

Thai US aviation experts inspect Bell 212 helicopter crash site

BANGKOK: -- The US Bell Helicopter and the Thai army aviation experts returned to the crash site of a Bell 212 helicopter which crashed on the rubber tree field in Phayao province Monday killing all nine officers on board.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778226-thai-us-aviation-experts-inspect-bell-212-helicopter-crash-site/

[Lite Beer]

SET rose 7.31 to 1,575.99 at noon /Bangkok Post

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Thai junta chief brushes off 'Hunger Games' salutes
Bangkok, Thailand | AFP |

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's military ruler Friday said he was unfazed by people using a three-fingered protest salute inspired by the blockbuster Hollywood franchise "The Hunger Games" to express opposition to the country's junta.

But General Prayut Chan-O-Cha warned that those who adopted the gesture in public risked jeopardising their futures.

The salute has become the unofficial symbol of resistance against the army's May coup with scores detained for raising three fingers in the air in an act of defiance. The same gesture is used in the fictional movies by rebels fighting against a dictatorial regime.

"I'm not concerned by the three-finger protest," Prayut told reporters Friday.

But the prime minister also suggested those detained for using the salute could face further problems.

"I don't know whether it is illegal or not but it could jeopardise their futures," he said.

His comments came a day after a female university student was detained by plainclothes officers outside a high-end mall in Bangkok for flashing the salute in front of a large publicity poster for the film.

Two male students who did not use the gesture were also taken away for questioning outside a nearby cinema the same day.


On Wednesday five students were briefly held by the military for flashing the three-finger sign during a speech by Prayut in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen.

All have since been released.

"I don't want to punish them (the students) so they were merely reprimanded, released and told not to do it again because it's of no benefit to anyone," Prayut said.

Some cinemas in Thailand have cancelled screenings of the film, which stars Jennifer Lawrence playing the survivor of a bloody reality TV contest in a dystopian future who goes on to become a rebel leader that topples a totalitarian state.

But Thailand's premier denied ordering cinemas to stop showing the film.

"I am not involved in that," he said.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-11-21

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Yingluck’s lawyer submits more documents for NLA to ponder



BANGKOK: -- The lawyer of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra today submitted more documents to the National Legislative Assembly to consider before impeaching her for alleged negligence of duties.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778254-yinglucks-lawyer-submits-more-documents-for-nla-to-ponder/

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Weng says govt makes mistake in students' arrest

BANGKOK: -- Former Pheu Thai MP and red-shirt leader Weng Tojirakarn said Friday that the government made a fuss about nothing by arresting five students who flashed the Hunger Game salute during Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's visit to Khon Kaen.

Weng said the arrest made student activists' campaign at a Bangkok movie theatre more interesting.

He said the government should have learned a lesson from the arrest and should learn not to use excessive power.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Weng-says-govt-makes-mistake-in-students-arrest-30248277.html


-- The Nation 2014-11-21

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No lifting of martial law



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha affirmed his stance that martial law is still necessary and won't be lifted.

His affirmation was repeated as a group of about 100 academics, university lecturers, students and activists issued a statement calling on the prime minister in his capacity as chairman of the National Council for Peace and Order to lift martial law reasoning that it was breached to arrest people protesting for their land rights, expressing of thoughts and demonstrating their peaceful opposition to military coup.

After presenting awards to winners in Thailand Energy Awards 2014 at Government House, Gen Prayut ordered the state-run Public Relation Department to present such constructive news to the people not just running only anything about raising the three fingers news.

He made clear his government has no conflict with any side, but just wanted to work for the interest of the country and the people.

He said he has no worry about by the raising of three fingers which is becoming a growing symbolic gesture of protest against his government.

But he said he admired the courage of the five students who showed off their opposition in front of him.

He was not angry with the students or be enemy with anyone and was read to listen to them, but would like to request that they refrain from obstructing government’s work.

He said it was still untimely now to demand democracy or election.

As to critics commenting that the country is still not returning to 100% democracy, he would also like to ask them how much pain the 100% Democracy had hurt the country.

He said it was not time to lift martial law, adding it would be lifted when the right time comes.

Gen Prayut said he would continue his inspection tour of the provinces while asking the media to explain to the people of government works.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/lifting-martial-law


-- Thai PBS 2014-11-21

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Drunk farang assaults flight attendant on Bangkok Airways, staff claims
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- A foreigner jumped at a flight attendant on a Bangkok Airways plane yesterday and ripped her shirt off, according to an account by a purported witness.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778257-drunk-farang-assaults-flight-attendant-on-bangkok-airways-staff-claims/

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German tourist arrested for allegedly stealing Bt280 from Chiang Mai temple

CHIANG MAI: -- A German tourist was arrested Friday morning for allegedly stealing donation money of Bt280 from the Phan Tao Temple in Chaing Mai's Muang district.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778259-german-tourist-arrested-for-allegedly-stealing-bt280-from-chiang-mai-temple/

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How to: Double-box your stuff if you want it to arrive undamaged, Thai Post suggests, seriously
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: Thailand Post

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778262-how-to-double-box-your-stuff-if-you-want-it-to-arrive-undamaged-thai-post-suggests-seriously/

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Prayut rules out forming military party to perpetuate power

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha Friday ruled out forming a political party of the military to perpetuate the National Council for Peace and Order's power in the next election.

He said he has never said or thought about forming such a political party so there should be no more discussions about the issue.

Prayut said reporters should find out from the persons who wrote about it from whom they had heard about the plan.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Prayut-rules-out-forming-military-party-to-perpetu-30248285.html


-- The Nation 2014-11-21

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Phuket ‘making good progress against drugs’ – police chief


Gen Patchara: The street price of meth is going up, which means police are winning.

PHUKET: -- The island’s police chief says is confident that serious headway is being made against the illegal drug trade in Phuket, and that more progress will be seen soon with arrests of more key suppliers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778268-phuket-making-good-progress-against-drugs-police-chief/

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Mother elephant dies from attack by deadly giant hornets

LAMPANG: -- A 22-year-old elephant died and her two-year-old baby escaped but injured when they were attacked by hundreds of the deadly giant hornets.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778295-mother-elephant-dies-from-attack-by-deadly-giant-hornets-lampang/