Thailand Live Saturday 22 Nov 2014

[Lite Beer]

Dokset Testimony: I did not intend to kill her

PHUKET: Norwegian prisoner in Phuket, Stein Havard Dokset – prime suspect in the infamous “Body in the bin” case – gave official testimony in court today, reiterating that he did not intend to kill his late partner, Rungnapa “June” Ratchasombut.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....nd-to-kill-her/

[Lite Beer]

HUNGER GAME SALUTE
I'm not a dictator, says angry Prayut
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Warns that 'unfounded antagonism towards the government' will destabilise country

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778436-im-not-a-dictator-says-angry-prayut/

[Lite Beer]

Many areas in the South hit by severe flooding
The Nation

Several children make their way through a flooded road in Phatthalung

BANGKOK: -- Several provinces in the South were hit by severe flooding yesterday, affecting the lives of many locals and ravaging vast areas of farmland.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778437-many-areas-in-the-south-hit-by-severe-flooding/

[Lite Beer]

Junta flayed over crackdown on rebellious 'Hunger Games' salute
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Thai expats, international media join UN in condemning govt for violating rights

The junta's move to suppress freedom of expression by arresting students who raise their arm in a "Hunger Games"-inspired three-finger salute has drawn the attention of international media and agencies, as well as Thais living overseas, with many slamming the authorities for violating people's basic rights.

The Southeast Asia branch of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) yesterday criticised the military authorities for a recent spate of instances where people were led away for questioning after making the three-fingered protest salute, Agence France-Presse reported.

"This case is the latest illustration of a worrying pattern of human-rights violations, which has the effect of suppressing critical and independent voices," local OHCHR representative Matilda Bogner said.

Thai expatriates in Seattle, meanwhile, gathered at the AMC Pacific Place 11 cinema to protest against the junta's moves and later posted comments on Facebook condemning it for arresting people for making symbolic anti-coup gestures. They also voiced concern about the ongoing martial law.

"I think the ruthless arrest of Thais who protest against the government reflects not only the clear authoritarian nature of the current government, but also its squeamishness and weakness," a comment read.

"Symbolic protests such as eating a sandwich or the three-finger gesture [are] by no means a powerful act. Yet the paranoia of the military-imposed government has made these symbols increasingly meaningful."

On Wednesday, five student activists flashed the three-finger salute in front of coup leader and appointed Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, who was delivering a speech in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen.

The junta has banned this gesture because in the "Hunger Games" film series it signifies resistance against a totalitarian regime. Spooked by the ban, a couple of Bangkok cinemas also pulled the latest "Hunger Games" film off their listing.

This move and the arrest of the five students in Khon Kaen prompted another group of students in Bangkok to gather outside Bangkok cinemas and hold up their arms in the three-finger salute - acts that drew significant interest from international media.

The New York Times described it as "resistance to an authoritarian government", while Time magazine said it "opposed Thailand's dictatorial regime".

The picture of student Nachada Kongudom flashing the "Hunger Games" salute at Paragon Cineplex was carried on the front page of The Wall Street Journal under the headline "Hunger Games film strikes a nerve in Thailand".

Other key international agencies such as the British Broadcasting Corp, The Independent, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp, the Daily Mail and The Guardian have also covered the issue.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Junta-flayed-over-crackdown-on-rebellious-Hunger-G-30248320.html

-- The Nation 2014-11-22

[Lite Beer]

Riverside temples touted for World Heritage status
Sucheera Pinijparakarn,
Suchat Sritama
The Nation

Kobkarn

BANGKOK: -- In a bid to rebrand Thailand's tourism sector, Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangul has decided to propose some temples along the Chao Phraya River to Unesco's World Heritage Committee and promote its World Heritage river cruise plan.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778438-riverside-temples-touted-for-world-heritage-status/

[Lite Beer]

INTERNATIONAL COMPUTER AND INFORMATION LITERACY STUDY
Thai students close to bottom of 14-country IT skills ranking
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The information-technology skills of Thai eighth-graders are near the bottom of a new list ranking 14 countries.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778439-thai-students-close-to-bottom-of-14-country-it-skills-ranking/

[Lite Beer]

Petition to claim rights violated over Salween dams
The Nation,

BANGKOK: -- In letter to NHRC, Myanmar army to be accused of abuses at Egat-backed sites

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778440-petition-to-claim-rights-violated-over-salween-dams/

[Lite Beer]

LIKE IT SHARE IT!
Media in the firing line of social media
Kornchanok Raksaseri
@Aim_TH

BANGKOK: -- The media, particularly the news media, has again been the talk of the town over the past few weeks.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778441-media-in-the-firing-line-of-social-media/

[Lite Beer]

Police on a manhunt for 'dangerous' drug dealer
The Nation

A picture of himself that the drug dealer posted on Facebook along with a threatening message.

BANGKOK: -- The authorities have extended their hunt for a much-wanted drug dealer along the Thai-Myanmar border, where he has reportedly been hiding under the protection of armed minority groups. The man is armed and deemed to be dangerous.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778442-police-on-a-manhunt-for-dangerous-drug-dealer/

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Copter wreckage removed for tests
The Nation

Officials load the wreckage of an Army UH-1 helicopter onto a truck at the crash site in Phayao province. The helicopter remains will be taken to the Army's Aviation Centre in Lop Buri province for examination to determine the cause of the crash.

BANGKOK: -- The wreckage of an Army UH-1 helicopter was removed from its crash site in Phayao province yesterday and taken to the Army's Aviation Centre in Lop Buri province for examination to determine the cause of the Tuesday incident in which all nine people on board were killed.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778226-thai-us-aviation-experts-inspect-bell-212-helicopter-crash-site/?p=8704277#entry8704277

[Lite Beer]

Students told not to do anything 'they may regret later'
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- National Police chief Pol General Somyot Poompanmueng yesterday warned student activists to think carefully before taking part in political movements because they might regret it later.

"I would like to warn people, especially young student activists, to think carefully before making any political moves, because they and their families might regret it later when they are prosecuted, as it will mark them for the rest of their lives," the police chief said. "So I would like to ask them to consider their actions closely rather than making reckless decisions for the sake of a thrill."

The police chief, who is also a member of the ruling National Council for Peace and Order, said the police were closely monitoring the moves of those against the junta.

He said a soft approach, such as "attitude adjustment", was being be employed to deal with political opposition in order to avoid conflict. However, he warned that if opposition escalated, it would be necessary to take legal action against political dissenters.

This week, police detained three university students at Scala and Siam Paragon cinemas for protesting against the coup with the "Hunger Games"-inspired three-finger salute. And in the Northeast, five Khon Kaen University students made their way to the top of the stage while Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha was delivering a speech at the Provincial Hall on Wednesday to make the same gesture. The students were later released without being charged after they underwent "attitude adjustment" with Army and police personnel.

Likit Amatayakong, vice chancellor for student development at Khon Kaen University, said the institution had not taken any action against the five students.

"We have talked about the issue and the students have maintained that their cause is related to public interest. Nevertheless, such behaviour is too radical and students should be more careful," he said, adding that students had been reminded that "everybody must have respect for the rule of law".

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Students-told-not-to-do-anything-they-may-regret-l-30248321.html

-- The Nation 2014-11-22

[Lite Beer]

Regional cooperation urged in geo-informatics
Wasu Vipoosanapat
The Nation November

BANGKOK: -- Asean countries should team up and share information gathered from satellite imagery for better and more efficient development in the field of information science infrastructure, the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) board said recently.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778443-regional-cooperation-urged-in-geo-informatics/

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL
Three-way strife may be likely now
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prayut must not let things deteriorate

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778444-three-way-strife-may-be-likely-now/

[Lite Beer]

CDC Chairman: New charter to cover women’s rights

BANGKOK, 21 November 2014 (NNT) – Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) Bowornsak Uwanno has accepted suggestions from women’s rights networks regarding the new constitution, affirming their voices will be heeded.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778445-cdc-chairman-new-charter-to-cover-womens-rights/

[Lite Beer]

King puts off audience for new ministers

BANGKOK: -- The Bureau of the Royal Household issued Announcement No 10 Friday night stating that the team of doctors has advised that His Majesty the King put off an audiencece for Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to bring two newly appointed ministers to swear in before taking office today.

The announcement stated the team of doctors have reasoned that His Majesty the King is still not ready to grant audience and that it be postponed.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/king-puts-audience-new-ministers

-- Thai PBS 2014-11-22

[Lite Beer]

Bill to tighten up control of ivory trading passes the NLA

BANGKOK: -- The National Legislative Assembly overwhelmingly voted to pass into law the ivory trade bill which seeks to tighten control over trade in and ownership of ivory tusks.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778446-bill-to-tighten-up-control-of-ivory-trading-passes-the-nla/

[Lite Beer]

Airport Express Coach involved in South Pattaya crash

PATTAYA: -- Police reported that no one was injured in a crash on the Tepprasit Road on Friday Afternoon involving a Bangkok Airport Express Coach and two pick-up trucks.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778447-airport-express-coach-involved-in-south-pattaya-crash/

[Lite Beer]

Drinks with Friends leads to stabbing on Pattaya Beach

PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Friday a 35 year old man sustained multiple stab wounds to his back following a drink-fuelled fight with a friend on Pattaya Beach.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778448-drinks-with-friends-leads-to-stabbing-on-pattaya-beach/

[Lite Beer]

Briton & Thai Mother Reunited After 54 Year Separation

By Khaosod Eng.

PHUKET - A Thai-born Briton is finally reunited with her mother after 54 years of separation in Phuket province today.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778449-briton-thai-mother-reunited-after-54-year-separation/

[Lite Beer]

Falkland Islands are Argentine signs 'regrettable'

Argentina's decision to display signs expressing the country's claim over the Falklands is "regrettable", a diplomatic source has said.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778451-falkland-islands-are-argentine-signs-regrettable/

[Lite Beer]

RT @RichardBarrow: Farmer’s Market this weekend at Jim Thompson’s House. Nearest Skytrain is BTS National Stadium #Bangkok http://t.co/dnk9obuiCi

[Lite Beer]

RT @RichardBarrow: Times of the first & last trains for every station on the BTS Skytrain network in #Bangkok http://t.co/u3wTayso4a

[Lite Beer]

Govt Approves 210 Km Three-Airports Rail Link

By Khaosod Eng.

BANGKOK - The Thai military government has approved the construction of a 210 kilometre rail link that would connect Bangkok's two airports with another airport in Rayong province.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778476-govt-approves-210-km-three-airports-rail-link/

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Ivory trade bill passes final reading with harsher punishments

BANGKOK, 21 November 2014 (NNT) – The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) has granted final approval to the ivory trade bill, which has been equipped with heavier punishments for effective enforcement.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778446-bill-to-tighten-up-control-of-ivory-trading-passes-the-nla/#entry8705114

[Lite Beer]

Mikhail Gorbachev says Vladimir Putin views himself as 'second only to God

Former Soviet leader warns Russian president not to be a 'bighead' because 'that is what ruined me'
ormer Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778488-mikhail-gorbachev-says-vladimir-putin-views-himself-as-second-only-to-god/

[Lite Beer]

Israel: 'Hamas plot to kill FM Lieberman foiled'

Four Palestinians have been arrested by Israeli security forces over an alleged plot to kill Israel's foreign minister with a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG).

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778489-israel-hamas-plot-to-kill-fm-lieberman-foiled/

[Lite Beer]

Govt. urged to raise raw milk price

BANGKOK, 22 Nov 2014, (NNT) - The Dairy Co-operative Federation of Thailand has urged the government to give a green light to raw milk price hike before year’s end.

According to the federation, the Milk Board has earlier agreed to adjust up the price of raw milk by 2.23 baht per liter. However, the Board’s motion needs an approval from the Cabinet before it can be implemented. The federation thus asked for the approval before the end of this year, as New Year's gifta for the nation 's over 18,000 dairy farmers.

The Milk Board suggested the Government come up with an assistance scheme that pays dairy farmers 1,000 baht per cow, with a limit of 15,000 baht each. The board also urged the government to promote milk consumption among Thais, pushing it up from 13 liters to 26 liters per person per year, as a way to promote dairy farming in the long run.

-- NNT 2014-11-22

[Lite Beer]

PM presents prizes on energy conservation
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Nov 22 -- Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o cha has presented prizes to corporations with outstanding works on energy conservation and development of alternative energy which could help lower Thailand’s reliance on imported oil.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778496-pm-presents-prizes-on-energy-conservation/

[Lite Beer]

MPB and BMA reorganize public space on Maharat Road

BANGKOK, 22 Nov 2014, (NNT) -The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) have dispatched 225 officials to clear out public space on Maharat Road near the Tha Tien and Tha Chang Pier areas, after officials earlier gave some 400 vendors 2 months notice to move out of the zone.

The BMA, has advised that the area is now completely off-limits to vendors who previously set up stalls, and used the public space unfairly. The office says that the vendors are being encouraged to continue their operations in Ratchaburana, Teewarat, Ratchadapisek, and Samanluang 2 markets.

The BMA says violators are subject to punishment in accordance with the law, while adding that on Sunday the office would debut its campaign to close Silom Road for a weekend market from 9am to 6pm. The campaign would soon also be implemented on Yaowarat, Ladya, and Wongwien Yai roads as well.

The BMA is planning to reorganize the next public area on December 15th at Major Cineplex Ratchayothi

-- NNT 2014-11-22

[Lite Beer]

New Constitution draft to be ready next April
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Nov 22 -- National Legislative Assembly (NLA) Vice President Surachai Liangboonlertchai said Saturday the draft of a new Constitution will be completed by the middle of next April.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/778502-new-constitution-draft-to-be-ready-next-april/