Thailand Live Monday 1 Dec 2014

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Narathiwat conducts ‘Tung Yang Daeng Model’ drill
By Digital Content



NARATHIWAT, Dec 1 -- Thailand’s violence-plagued southern province of Narathiwat yesterday held a drill organized using the ‘Tung Yang Daeng Model’, considered a first step of 4th Army Region commander Lt Gen Prakan Cholayuth's policy to keep deep south schools safe from insurgent attacks.

The drill was held at a local school in the provincial seat and was attended by a number of senior security officials.

In the exercise, a school was set ablaze by insurgents and security personnel protecting the school had to call for reinforcements to help put out the fire.

Police firefighting vehicles rushed in to douse the blaze while soldiers helped to see that the drill run according to plan.

'The ‘Tung Yang Daeng Model' was initiated recently by Army chief Gen Udomdej Sitabutr as a new safety model for schools in the deep south as many schools, teachers and students alike, have come under insurgent attack for nearly 11 years.

According to official statistics, insurgents burned 199 schools in the deep South since the renewed violence began in the region in early 2004.

A total of 178 teachers and school staff and 53 students died, while 372 persons, including 208 students, were wounded or otherwise injured. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-12-01

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PM's official visit to Malaysia

BANGKOK, 1 December 2014 (NNT)-Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has left for Malaysia on his official visit to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries this afternoon.

The Prime Minister's entourage include Defense Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan, Foreign Minister General Thanasak Patimaprakorn, Deputy Defense Minister General Undomdej Sitabutr, 4th Region Army Commander Major General Prakarn Cholayut, Secretary General to the National Security Anusit Kunakorn and other officials.

Malaysia will be the fifth country on General Prayut’s official ASEAN visit. The other four nations he has visited are Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. It is customary for leaders in ASEAN countries to introduce themselves to other regional leaders and develop stronger ties with each of them.

The Prime Minister is expected to boost partnership in various areas with Malaysia, particularly the area concerning the border. General Prayut will meet with Thai investors and people living in Malaysia before returning to Thailand at 18.30 hrs today. ]


-- NNT 2014-12-01

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Royal Celebration Concert: Jian Wang plays Dvorak



BANGKOK: -- Jian Wang, Chinese superstar cellist, is joined by famous Dutch conductor Hubert Soudant for the final classical concert of “Great Artists Concert Series 2014”. This concert is significantly arranged and has been held continuously for 7 years. This performance contributes to the liveliness and the variety of culture in Thailand.

In order to celebrate the special occasion of His Majesty the King of Thailand’s 87th Birthday Anniversary, in the opening of this Royal Celebration Concert, Love In Spring (Lom Naw: one of the musical composition of His Majesty the King) will be played at the beginning of the concert as the overture.

Dvorak’s Cello Concerto is the musical composition of the Romantic Period which is beautifully melodious and enchanting because of its maestoso musical structure that is full of emotion. The audience who have listened to this praise this musical piece as the best musical performance in both technique and musicianship.

The musical talent of Jian Wang was found when he was young by Isaac Stern who also supported him to further his study in the United States of America. His performance at Carnegie Hall was highly successful which made him become notable internationally including the Brahms Double Concerto with the Berliner Philharmoniker supported by Claudio Abbado, and Gil Shaham, the violist.

Moreover Bangkok Symphony Orchestra also proudly presents the most popular piece of Bizet, L’Arlesienne Suites Nos. 1 & 2 , under the direction of Hubert Soudant, a well-known experienced maestro of the opera house and concert hall. Throughout the past decades, his showcase is being a music director for Tokyo Symphony Orchestra.

The Royal Celebration Concert is on Sunday 7 December, 2014 at 8:00pm. The ticket prices are 400.- 800.- 1,200.- 1,600.- and 2,000.- Baht. The tickets are available at Thai Ticket Major 02-262-3456 or at www.thaiticketmajor.com and BSO Shop at Bangkok Art & Culture Centre 02-214-3757


-- NNT 2014-12-01

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Ministry of Labor develops job database to prevent unemployment

BANGKOK, 1 December 2014 (NNT)-The Ministry of Labor is conducting a survey to determine the labor demand in the next 5 years while also developing a plan to handle the unemployment.

According to the Ministry of Labor, a new center entitled ‘Smart Job Center’ has recently been set up to prevent unemployment and improve human resource skills.

The center will work with the Thailand Development Research Institute in developing a database that will match job vacancies and job seekers that could be both Thai and migrant workers.

Employers would be requested to provide information regarding the skill levels their employees have via the Social Security Office.

The local administration offices would also be tasked to explore the regional demand for labor in the next 5 years. The database is expected to be completed within 3 months.


-- NNT 2014-12-01

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Taxi drivers explain why they reject you
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Taxi drivers posted on their community Facebook page that they are being unfairly “oppressed” and condemned, at least according to them.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780736-thai-taxi-drivers-explain-why-they-reject-you/

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Tourists flock Doi Inthanon, Angkhang to watch flower frosts



CHIANG MAII: -- Thailand's two top mountain peak destinations, Doi Inthanon in Chomthong district and Doi Angkhang in Fang district of Chiang Mai were overcrowded with tourists at the weekend to experience the cold temperatures.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780737-tourists-flock-doi-inthanon-angkhang-to-watch-flower-frosts/

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Prayut leaves for Malaysia to introduce new peace chief negotiator

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha began his one-day visit to Malaysia Monday to hold talks on security at the border.

Leaving aboard a military aircraft along with the prime minister at 7 am included the new peace negotiator with southern insurgents, Gen Aksara Kerdpol, the chief advisor for the Supreme Command.

Gen Prayut will inform his Malaysian counterpart of the selection of Gen Aksara as the person in charge of holding peace dialogue so that the Malaysian government would in turn inform insurgent groups, secretary general of the National Security Council Anusit Kunakorn said.

Border areas development, and economic cooperation will also be discussed, he said.

The prime minister will return at 6.30 pm.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/prayut-leaves-malaysia-introduce-new-peace-chief-negotiator


-- Thai PBS 2014-12-01

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Yellow shirt sales boom in Nakhon Ratchasima

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, 1 December 2014 (NNT) - Sales of yellow shirts in Nakhon Ratchasima province are surging, as the month of celebrating His Majesty the King's birthday has arrived.

The lively atmosphere can be seen at Nakhon Ratchasima's local market where customers come out to select their favorite designs of yellow shirts for the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 87th birthday anniversary.

This year, vendors are offering the shirts in various designs and prices ranging from less than a hundred baht to almost 600 baht. According to the survey, the most popular designs are the ones with the commemorative emblem of His Majesty the King’s 87th birthday anniversary embroidered on the chest, the ones with the traditional Thai number 9, and the ones with the ASEAN Community logo.

The scene was particularly lively during this past weekend when parents brought their kids to shop for the shirts throughout the day. According to several vendors in the province, they can sell no less than 1,000 shirts every day, netting over 150,000 baht of income.

A teacher from Bua Yai District purchased 73 of the yellow shirts with the ASEAN Community logo for her students to wear throughout the month. She said the move is part of the school headmaster’s policy to encourage the students to express loyalty to their beloved King.


-- NNT 2014-12-01

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Rage of the rescuers: Potektueng staff shot at during fight with another rescue foundation
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Three rescue volunteers from Poh Teck Tung Foundation were allegedly shot while on duty by volunteers from Romsai Foundation last night, leaving one dead and two injured.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780742-bangkok-potektueng-staff-shot-at-during-fight-with-another-rescue-foundation/

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Police Stop & Searches On Sukhumvit On The Rise
by Stickboy BKK



BANGKOK: -- Over the past few days reporting on police doing random stop / searches on tourists and expats in and around the Sukhumvit / Asoke area have exploded. The latest trend, in what has been a long running problem, seems to have went into overdrive over the past week if all reports are accurate.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780754-police-stop-and-searches-on-sukhumvit-on-the-rise/

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Concerns arise over hiring private English teachers who may be on the run



BANGKOK: -- Concerns are being aired about hiring private English teachers and how the decision to send your children to private language schools can put them in dangers since the arrest of Thomas Andrew Ericson, a US rape suspect who fled to Thailand where he worked as an English language instructor.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780757-concerns-arise-over-hiring-private-english-teachers-who-may-be-on-the-run-in-thailand/

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Accused in the Koh Tao murder case may be prosecuted at court hearing tomorrow

KOH SAMUI: -- Tomorrow, Tuesday 2nd of December the two suspects in the Koh Tao murder case Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo (Win) will attend the Koh Samui Provincial Court at 9am. It is unclear at this time whether the prosecutor will request a 6th bail detention extension or prosecute.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780759-accused-in-the-koh-tao-murder-case-may-be-prosecuted-at-court-hearing-tomorrow/

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Phuket beach umbrella row 'was all a misunderstanding'
Suthicha Sirirat


Gen Pachara: It won't happen again.

PHUKET: -- Police chief Maj Gen Pachara Boonyasit has confirmed that tourists may take their own umbrellas or umbrellas rented from businesses off the beach, and erect them on the sand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780760-phuket-beach-umbrella-row-was-all-a-misunderstanding/

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Southern Thai peace talks on agenda as PM visits Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | AFP |

KUALA LUMPUR: -- Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha held talks with his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak on Monday during which they were expected to discuss the deadly Muslim insurgency in southern Thailand along their shared border.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780761-southern-thai-peace-talks-on-agenda-as-pm-visits-malaysia/

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Tree falls and kills couple at national park
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: MThai

BANGKOK: -- A mother and father died in a tragic accident yesterday morning when a tree fell down and crushed the family’s tent at a Kampangpetch National Park.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780762-tree-falls-and-kills-couple-at-kampangpetch-national-park/

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New order on footpath trading and parking in Rattanakosin Island comes into effect



BANGKOK: -- The City Administration today started enforcing a new order on pedestrian’s footpath trading and parking on roads and bicycle lanes in the Rattanakosin Island.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780765-new-order-on-footpath-trading-and-parking-in-rattanakosin-island-comes-into-effect/

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Water drop lighting in Hua Hin to mark HM the King’s birthday



HUA HIN: -- Prachuab Khiri Khan highways officials have been busily decorating trees and archs along the Petchkasem road in front of Klai Kangwon palace in Hua Hin with water drop lighting in preparation for the celebration of His Majesty the King’s 87th birthday anniversary on December 5.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780768-water-drop-lighting-in-hua-hin-to-mark-hm-the-kings-birthday/

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Commerce Ministry aims to achieve export growth of 4% next year

BANGKOK, 1 December 2014 (NNT) - The Ministry of Commerce will promote Thai export by matching the businesses with foreign importers from around the world in hopes of boosting growth to 4% in 2015 as targeted.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780769-commerce-ministry-aims-to-achieve-export-growth-of-4-next-year/

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Extra buses to bring people to Sanam Luang on King’s birthday, 5 Dec

BANGKOK, 1 December 2014 (NNT) – The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), Ministry of Transport, has already added free buses to facilitate people who wish to participate in the celebrations on His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 87th Birthday Anniversary at Sanam Luang.

The extra buses, labeled as “Chapho Kit” or ad-hoc buses, will serve in four routes between Sanam Luang and four bus terminals at Sai Tai Mai, Hua Lamphong, Victory Monument, and Wong Wian Yai.

The buses run daily from 9 a.m. onwards until 7 December 2014.


-- NNT 2014-12-01

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NACC to probe Pongpat’s assets



BANGKOK: -- The National Anti-Corruption Commission has been looking into the assets of former Central Investigation Bureau commissioner Pol Lt-Gen Pongpat Chayapan before and after their mandatory declaration to determine whether he has intentionally concealed his assets.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780770-nacc-to-probe-pongpats-assets/

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First Army says Khon Kaen students were paid to raise three fingers



BANGKOK: -- First Army Region commander Lt-Gen Kampanat Ruddith said the five Khon Kaen university students who raised three fingers to protest the military junta were paid to do so.

He said investigations by authorities revealed that the five students who raised their hands with the three fingers symbolic gesture in front of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha while delivering a speech at a drought relief operation in Khon Kaen were paid 50,000 baht by a local politician.

They wanted to grab room in the media from the prime minister if their protest caught media attention, he said.

He said the father of one of the students is a lawyer, but this would not be a problem.

He said that the National Council for Peace and Order has approached deans and rectors of educational institutions to seek their help in explaining to their students of the need to maintain martial law in the country and the military junta is not a dictator as students claimed.

He said the country is not in a normal situation and therefore there is need for the law to stay.

He also said there are only small groups of students who oppose the military junta but authorities would continue to explain them so they would understand the military good intention.
He said martial law would not harm good citizen and it would be executed only in case of urgency when normal judiciary process might not be taken in time.

(Photo : Thai PBS File)

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/first-army-says-khon-kaen-students-paid-raise-three-fingers


-- Thai PBS 2014-12-01

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Ebola crisis: Huge risk of spread - UN's Tony Banbury
By Mark Doyle
BBC international development correspondent, in Freetown

(BBC) The head of the UN Ebola response mission in West Africa has told the BBC there is still a "huge risk" the deadly disease could spread to other parts of the world.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780774-huge-risk-of-ebola-spread-warns-un/

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India: Women beat up men in viral video

(BBC) A video of two sisters beating up three men, who were allegedly sexually harassing them on a moving bus in India, has gone viral on social media.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780776-india-women-beat-up-men-in-viral-video/

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Rebranding plan to develop five sites as quality tourist destinations
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION

Phra That Chae Haeng Temple is a landmark in Nan, which was selected by the Tourism Ministry as one of five destinations to be rebranded. Nan will be repositioned as a destination for biking and ageing-tourism.

BANGKOK: -- Five sites have been pinpointed by the Tourism Ministry to be developed as quality destinations as part of a rebranding plan aimed at boosting high-spending tourists.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780778-thailand-to-develop-five-sites-as-quality-tourist-destinations/

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SEC aims to keep Thailand as ASEAN’s capital-raising centre
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Dec 1 -- Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will implement strategies next year to maintain the Thai equity market as ASEAN’s capital-raising centre.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780779-sec-aims-to-keep-thailand-as-aseans-capital-raising-centre/

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UPDATE:

Ex-CIB chief's safes will be opened; more suspects will surrender
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Dec 1 -- Thai authorities are searching for more evidence connected with Pol Lt Gen Pongpat Chayapan's cartel.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780770-nacc-to-probe-pongpats-assets/#entry8745332

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Taxi price remains at same rate today

BANGKOK, 1 December 2014 (NNT) – The Bangkok Taxi fares will not be increased this month, while the new rate hike will be officially announced in the government gazette, said an official.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780803-bangkok-taxi-fares-will-not-be-increased-this-month/

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Chiang Mai tightens road safety measures

CHIANG MAI, 1 December 2014 (NNT) – Chiang Mai province tightens road accident prevention measures, stressing that all traffic law violations will lead to legal penalty, said the governor.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780827-chiang-mai-tightens-road-safety-measures/

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Law to be amended to empower officials to seize properties of human traffickers

BANGKOK: -- The Social Development and Human Security Ministry will propose to the Cabinet tomorrow (Tuesday) a an amendment draft to seek increased penalties against human traffickers and to increase the powers of authorities to deal with the traffickers.

Deputy Prime Minister for social affairs Dr Yongyuth Yutthapong said today that under the proposed amendments, authorities would be empowered to search premises suspected of involvement in human trafficking, to close down the premiers and to ban the use of vehicles for temporary basis if it can be verified that the premises are involved in human trafficking.

However, he said that the proposed amendments would not be in such a way to enable authorities to abuse their powers or the authorities are given excessive powers.

Besides increased jailterm and fine, Dr Yongyuth said that the proposed amendments would empower officials to seize the properties of the offenders and to compensate the victims of human trafficking.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/law-amended-empower-officials-seize-properties-human-traffickers


-- Thai PBS 2014-12-01

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