Thailand Live Tuesday 2 Dec 2014

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs holds the exhibition of H.M. the King’s work in the foreign affairs area



BANGKOK, December 2, 2014 - In the celebrations of the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 87th Birthday on December 5, 2014, Ministry of Foreign Affairs invites citizens to visit the work exhibition of His Majesty the King in the aspect of foreign affairs at the booth of Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sanam Luang starting today until December 6, 2014 from 10.00 AM - 10.00 PM.

The exhibition includes His Majesty the King’s work in the foreign affairs area: welcoming royal guests and international visitors, honours and awards of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand given by the international organisations, and the application of Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy in other countries.

Moreover the photography with King Bhumibol Adulyadej Square which is imitated from the Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA is also available. It is created to be an honour to the city and the hospital where His Majesty the King’s was born. The visitors will get the souvenirs from Bua Kaew shop after the visiting the exhibition too.


-- NNT 2014-12-02

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An ex-politician in BBC scandal jailed 155 years

BANGKOK: -- A former member of the now disbanded “Goup of 16” political group was today sentenced to 155 years imprisonment, fined 31 million baht and ordered to pay 732 million baht in compensation for damages in connection with the Bangkok Bank of Commerce (BBC) fraud.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780881-an-ex-politician-in-bbc-scandal-jailed-155-years/

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'Period of non-violence must for peace' in South
The Nation


Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, right, and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak chat

Prayut, Najib agree on three principles to kickstart the process

BANGKOK: -- Thailand and Malaysia have agreed to base their peace efforts to end violence in the far South on three principles - a period without violence, representation of all concerned parties, and a conclusion with all parties united in their demands, Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780916-period-of-non-violence-must-for-peace-in-thai-south/

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Prosecutors set to arraign Myanmar men for Koh Tao killings
Suwannee Banditsak
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- PUBLIC PROSECUTORS are preparing to arraign two Myanmar suspects today on charges related to the murder of two British tourists on Koh Tao in September.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780917-prosecutors-set-to-arraign-myanmar-men-for-koh-tao-killings/

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Plan to tear down palace wall opposed
Chularat Saengpassa,
Panya Thiosangwan
The Nation



Fine Arts Dept chief says King Taksin's Palace is a protected site; to meet navy soon

BANGKOK: -- THE FINE Arts Department has registered the whole compound of King Taksin's palace, including its wall, as a historical site since 1929, ruling out any moves to have it dismantled.

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) said the wall was built during the reign of King Rama V, not King Taksin - a claim meant to support its plan to remove the wall.

King Taksin ruled Siam, now known as Thailand, between 1767 and 1782. King Rama V's reign, mean?while, lasted from 1868 and 1910.

Officials at RTN headquarters, which now includes the old palace's compound, have plans to improve its landscape. As part of the planned enhancement, the wall was to be taken down to facilitate the reception of important guests and military parades.

But Fine Arts Department's director-general Borvornvate Rungrujee said yesterday: "No one can remove it. Even an adjustment will need our consent." He said his department had already sent information to the RTN to identify the exact scope of King Taksin's palace.

The palace, also known as Phra Racha Wang Derm and the Thon Buri Palace, covers the throne hall, the royal villa of King Pinklao, the twin Chinese-style royal villas, the King Taksin Shrine, the Green House, the wall and arched gates.

"We sent the information to the RTN a few weeks ago," Borvornvate said. "Next week, I will have a meeting with the director-general of the RTN Naval Logistics Department".

RTN chief Admiral Kraisorn Chansuvanich said yesterday his officials would be ready to have a discussion with the Fine Arts Department.

"We will definitely conserve and maintain the country's historical structures well," he said.

However, he said the department must explain the wall's status clearly. According to Kraisorn, the RTN had made several adjustments to the wall before also.

The Admiral also dismissed widely reported claims the wall was built during King Taksin's rule.

"That's inaccurate," he insisted, "It was built in the reign of King Rama V."

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Plan-to-tear-down-palace-wall-opposed-30248980.html


-- The Nation 2014-12-02

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VAT hike will give more room for budget deficit: Sommai
Erich Parpart
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Finance Ministry is likely to increase the value-added tax (VAT) by at least 1 per cent at the end of next year, giving it room to widen the budget deficit by more than Bt300 billion in fiscal 2016, above the 12-13 per cent in the current (2015) budget.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780918-thai-vat-hike-will-give-more-room-for-budget-deficit-sommai/

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Reformers agree on several issues
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Prasarn Marukpitak, a National Reform Council (NRC) member, said yesterday that the NRC subcommittee on political reform had agreed on many issues, though opinion was still divided on whether they should continue to punish political parties by dissolving them, as past experience showed that this did not solve problems.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780920-thailand-reformers-agree-on-several-issues/

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November inflation dips to five-year low of 1.26%
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation

CPI drops 0.12percent from October in sixth decline in a row; deflation ruled out

BANGKOK: -- The Consumer Price Index rose 1.26 per cent in November, the smallest expansion in five years, according to official figures revealed by the Commerce Ministry yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780921-november-inflation-in-thailand-dips-to-five-year-low-of-126-perent/

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EDITORIAL
Myanmar must avoid temptation of Thai-style reform
The Nation

The military should loosen its grip and allow society to build on the foundations for democracy laid over the past four years

BANGKOK: -- Although the two neighbours enjoy a close relationship and their political systems are similar in being dominated by the military, Myanmar need no longer look for guidance from Thailand when it comes to reform toward democracy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780922-myanmar-must-avoid-temptation-of-thai-style-reform/

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Bailed Murder suspect stabs wife and Mother-in-Law at North Pattaya family home



PATTAYA: -- A 31 year old man, currently on-bail relating to a Murder case, is accused of stabbing his Wife and Mother-in-Law at their family home in the early hours of Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780923-bailed-murder-suspect-stabs-wife-and-mother-in-law-at-north-pattaya-family-home/

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Elephant Foundation Scammers caught in North Pattaya Bars



PATTAYA: -- Three people, suspected of collecting donations for a bogus Elephant Foundation, were caught taking money from foreign patrons at Bars in North Pattaya in the early hours of Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780924-elephant-foundation-scammers-caught-in-north-pattaya-bars/

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DJ from Popular Thai Pub in Pattaya accused of producing and selling drugs



PATTAYA: -- On Monday morning a press conference was held at Chonburi Police Headquarters to announce the arrest of a well-known Thai DJ who works at a popular Thai Pub in Pattaya. He is accused of running a drug production operation on behalf of a prison inmate, who controls the distribution of drugs around Pattaya from behind bars.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780926-dj-from-popular-thai-pub-in-pattaya-accused-of-producing-and-selling-drugs/

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10 Russians, 2 Thai’s injured in Jomtien Road Crash



PATTAYA: -- Late on Monday Night a crash occurred at the Soi Chayapreuk intersection on the Sukhumvit Road involving a Baht Bus, a pick-up and two motorbikes, resulting in 12 people sustaining injuries, two Russians are described as seriously hurt.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780927-10-russians-2-thais-injured-in-jomtien-road-crash/

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One million baht bounty offered for fugitive smuggling kingpin



BANGKOK: -- The Royal Thai Police has offered a million baht reward for anyone who can give information on the whereabouts of the smuggling kingpin, Sia Jo, wanted for giving bribes to the police to avoid his illicit business in the South.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780929-one-million-baht-bounty-offered-for-fugitive-smuggling-kingpin/

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CDC to discuss proposals for an amnesty, plus other ideas
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Constitution drafter Anek Laothamatas said yesterday that he proposed that the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) consider the amnesty proposal to try to free opposing political parties and achieve national reconciliation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780930-thai-cdc-to-discuss-proposals-for-an-amnesty-plus-other-ideas/

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BURNING ISSUE
Direct election of Cabinet may solve a lot of problems
KRIS BHROMSUTHI

BANGKOK: -- Members of the Constitutional Drafting Committee (CDC) and National Reform Council (NRC) are now faced with one major dilemma - how to create a political environment that allows for a stable government and an effective checks-and-balances system.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780931-direct-election-of-thai-cabinet-may-solve-a-lot-of-problems/

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Anti-mine protest leader shot dead
Krisana Tiwatsirikul
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The leader of protests against a barite mining operation was shot dead in Nakhon Si Thammarat's Nopphitam district on Sunday night, police said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780932-anti-mine-protest-leader-shot-dead-in-nakhon-si-thammarat/

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Gem store planned near Phuket Heroines slammed by locals
Nattha Thepbamrung


The gem store will be built on the southeast corner of the intersection, behind the billboards seen to the left of this picture. Image Google Street View

PHUKET: -- People living near to the Heroines Monument have filed a complaint to Provincial Hall about the height of a proposed large jewelry shop to be built on the southeast corner of the roundabout.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780933-gem-store-planned-near-phuket-heroines-slammed-by-locals/

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Phuket ombudsman to bring transparency to land paper processes
Nattha Thepbamrung


Mr Prapan (standing, right) listens in as a couple discuss a problem with officialdom with one of his officers.

PHUKET: -- The Damrongtham Centre – the provincial ombudsman – has announced that it will attempt to break the logjam in the Land Office that has resulted in people having to wait years to get land papers or upgrades issued.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780934-phuket-ombudsman-to-bring-transparency-to-land-paper-processes/

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Jack's plight for justice in Samui after an attack leaves him with mounting medical bills

KOH SAMUI: -- Jack is n Australian man who has lived in Thailand for the last 15 years. After his graduation in Bangkok he came to Koh Samui with some friends to celebrate. During his trip he was attacked by two Chinese/USA men while dancing in the Green Mango night club on ht 9th of June. The attackers fled the scene but were later arrested. Jack was giving emergency surgery at a local hospital for extensive injuries to his mouth.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780935-jacks-plight-for-justice-in-samui-after-an-attack-leaves-him-with-mounting-medical-bills/

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Obama asks Congress to fund 50,000 police body cameras

WASHINGTON: -- US President Barack Obama has requested $263m (£167m) to improve police training, pay for body cameras and restore trust in policing.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780939-obama-asks-congress-to-fund-50000-police-body-cameras/

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Nazi war criminal Alois Brunner 'died in Syria'

(BBC)The chief investigator pursuing Alois Brunner, one of the world's most wanted German Nazi war criminals, has told the BBC that he is "99% sure" that he died four years ago in Syria.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780940-nazi-war-criminal-alois-brunner-died-in-syria/

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Paul Rosolie survives being eaten alive by an anaconda

NEW YORK: -- IN his nearly 10 years studying anacondas in the Amazon, researcher and conservationist Paul Rosolie, 27, has faced his share of danger.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780953-anaconda-man-paul-rosolie-speaks-why-i-wanted-to-be-eaten-alive/

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Satellites, rovers, space suits and g-force ride await visitors at NASA exhibition

BANGKOK, 2 December 2014 (NNT) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is co-hosting an exhibition of inventions employed by the United States' National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at Central Latphrao's Bangkok Convention Center, the largest of its kind that has ever been held in Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780956-satellites-rovers-space-suits-and-g-force-ride-await-visitors-at-nasa-exhibition/

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Why are Bhopal survivors still fighting for compensation?
By Alys Francis
Delhi

(BBC) On the night of 2 December 1984, Lakshmi Thakur was putting her children to bed when her eyes started stinging.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780960-why-are-bhopal-survivors-still-fighting-for-compensation/

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Yellow shirt sales on the rise in all areas as December 5 draws near

BANGKOK, 2 December 2014 (NNT) – Yellow shirt sales are on the rise in all areas of the country as members of the public switch to wearing yellow as December 5 draws near.

In Krabi, clothes retailers in the city area are seeing improved sales on all kinds of yellow shirts. Yellow shirts available include the t-shirt type and the polo type. Both types are available with and without screenings of the commemorative emblem or messages about His Majesty the King. Most customers are buying at least two shirts, which cost 150-200 baht each.

In Narathiwat, people are also shopping for yellow shirts. Civil servants and other employees at state agencies were seen wearing yellow shirts to work on Monday. The public sector workers said they would wear yellow shirts throughout December.

In Bung Kan, provincial governor Phongsak Prichawit led representatives from the provincial offices of various state agencies in singing the national anthem at the city hall, after which the representatives signed their names in the well-wishing book for His Majesty the King.

In Phitsanulok, several merchants at a market in Mueang district have reportedly switched to selling yellow shirts instead of their usual merchandise because of the heightened demand from buyers. Some of the shops are selling more than 100 shirts each day.


-- NNT 2014-12-02

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UPDATE:

NRC's political reform council is yet to conclude on political party dissolution

BANGKOK, 2 December 2014 (NNT) - The National Reform Council’s committee in charge of political reform is yet to draw any conclusion on how to dissolve political parties under the new charter.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780920-thailand-reformers-agree-on-several-issues/#entry8748495

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Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,598.02, gains 4.20 points /MCOT

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US soldier's remains return home



BANGKOK: -- In 1967, US Staff Sergeant James Lee Van Bendegom went missing after his patrol was ambushed along the Cambodia-Vietnam border. Last month, 47 years after he had been taken captive, the teenage soldier’s remains were finally returned to his family, the US Embassy said on Friday, The Phnom Penh Post reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780961-us-soldiers-remains-return-home/

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Suspect in 4 killings in West Virginia dead
By Mariano Castillo, CNN

(CNN) -- Jody Lee Hunt, the suspect in the fatal shootings of four people in West Virginia's Monongalia County on Monday, has been located and is dead, the county's Homeland Security Emergency Management Agency and state police said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780982-us-suspect-in-4-killings-in-west-virginia-dead/