Thailand Live Tuesday 2 Dec 2014

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UPDATE:

VAT maybe increased 1-2%

BANGKOK: -- Finance Minister Sommai Phasee indicated that value-added tax (VAT) might be raised by 1-2 percentage points next year to finance the government's 2015' fiscal budget.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780918-thai-vat-hike-will-give-more-room-for-budget-deficit-sommai/#entry8748640

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Twitter reacts to Tony Blair's terrifying Christmas card
Patrick Begley


Tony and Cherie Blair's 2014 Christmas card. Photo: Twitter: @ehdannyboy

MELBOURNE: -- The internet is demanding answers from Tony Blair that have nothing to do with the Iraq War.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780985-twitter-reacts-to-tony-blairs-terrifying-christmas-card/

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Palm oil factory in Samut Sakhon burnt down

SAMUT SAKHON: -- A massive fire burned down a palm oil plant in Samut Sakhon's Muang district at 3:45 am Tuesday, police said.

About ten fire engines took about three hours to control the blaze. When the fire started at the Kimkicharoen, about 10 workers were working inside but no one was injured.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Palm-oil-factory-in-Samut-Sakhon-burnt-down-30248989.html


-- The Nation 2014-12-02

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Growers meet officials to follow up on assistance measures

BANGKOK, 2 Dec 2014, (NNT) - Representatives of para rubber, sugarcane, and rice farmers met the Deputy Agriculture Minister in separate meetings to discuss the Government’s assistance measures for the sector.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780987-growers-meet-thai-officials-to-follow-up-on-assistance-measures/

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UPDATE:

Prayut gives Malaysia assurance



BANGKOK: -- The Thai government recognises Malaysia’s role as the facilitator for peace efforts in southern Thailand, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, as reported by The Star Online.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780761-southern-thai-peace-talks-on-agenda-as-pm-visits-malaysia/#entry8748756

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Huge fire at palm oil factory



SAMUT SAKHON: -- A huge fire broke out before dawn Tuesday at a palm oil factory in Samut Sakon province, causing damage to the entire building after two hours of raging.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780990-huge-fire-at-palm-oil-factory-in-samut-sakon/

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Security levels raised in Hat Yai

SONGKHLA, 2 December 2014 (NNT) - Hat Yai police and other security units are providing 24 hour patrol around the city to prevent insurgent attacks.

Songkhla Police Commander Police Major General Ampol Buarubporn presided over the police deployment ceremony that marked the beginning of crisis control.

A troop of soldiers and territorial defense volunteers are also joining the police in safeguarding the tourist town of Hat Yai. They will search vehicles and suspected individuals at checkpoints located at every entry to the city.

The patrol shifts will provide 24-hour police presence on both the main and minor roads to prevent any insurgents reaching the city center undetected.


-- NNT 2014-12-02

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UPDATE:

Barack Obama vows to address 'simmering distrust' between police, minorities after Ferguson unrest
Mark Landler

Washington: United States President Barack Obama, grappling with how to respond to the racial unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, and a wave of anger at law enforcement officials across the country

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780939-obama-asks-congress-to-fund-50000-police-body-cameras/#entry8748842

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Auto industry to recover next year with cheaper eco-cars in the car market



BANGKOK: -- Thailand's automotive industry will see recovery next year after car manufacturers begin second phase of the eco-car scheme, and the new excise tax that will make eco-car cheaper, takes effect, according to Industry Minister Chakramon Phasukvanich.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781005-thai-auto-industry-to-recover-2015-with-cheaper-eco-cars-in-the-car-market/

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AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd pleads not guilty to charges

(BBC) The drummer of hard rock band AC/DC has pleaded not guilty to charges of threatening to kill and possession of drugs.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781007-acdc-drummer-phil-rudd-pleads-not-guilty-to-charges/

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Phuket: No booze ban on December 5
Tanyaluk Sakoot



PHUKET: -- There will be no ban on alcohol on December 5 – HM the King’s birthday, it has been announced.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781012-phuket-no-booze-ban-on-december-5/

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Monkey runs into burning house to rescue his goose friend
By Coconuts Bangkok

CHONBURI: -- Showing true courage and his heart bursting with love for his feathered friend, a monkey chained to a tree in Chonburi broke free from his shackles and ran into a burning house to try and rescue his goose friend.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781014-monkey-runs-into-burning-house-in-chonburi-province-to-rescue-his-goose-friend/

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Lufthansa cancels nearly half of flights due to pilots strike
English.news.cn

BERLIN, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- German airline Lufthansa said on Monday that it had canceled nearly half of its scheduled flights on Monday and Tuesday due to a strike of its pilots.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781016-lufthansa-cancels-nearly-half-of-flights-due-to-pilots-strike/

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China launches crackdown on road violations
By Digital Content

BEIJING, Dec 2 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Public Security will kick off a nationwide campaign on Tuesday to deter road traffic violations following an accident that killed 11 kindergarten children.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781019-china-launches-crackdown-on-road-violations/

[Lite Beer]

Phuket police parade successes against criminals

Tanyaluk Sakoot

Gen Patchara takes one of the seized knives and hacks the kratom tree grown by Aphisit Srinakkanat.

PHUKET: The province’s police chief, Maj Gen Patchara Boonyasit, yesterday (December 1) gave the island’s police force eight out of 10 for the anti-crime activities, at a press conference when he laid out their achievements of recent days.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781023-phuket-police-parade-successes-against-criminals/

[Lite Beer]

Army chief sees opposition to southern peace negotiation
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Dec 2 -- Deputy Defence Minister and Army chief Udomdej Sitabutr pointed out that there is less violence now in Thailand's southern border provinces but some insurgent groups are attempting to create incidents to oppose southern peace negotiations.

He said that 4th Army Region Commander Prakan Cholayuth was intensifying security measures to put the regional under closer control.

"I do not think that local opposition is a big issue," Gen Udomdej said, "I believe that there are attempts to show off their [insurgent] potential."

Asked if violence would increase as Thailand prepares for further southern peace negotiations, Gen Udomdej said that violent incidents usually followed a turning point in the restoration of peace in the south, but actually the overall situation greatly improved in all dimensions in October compared with the same period last year.

"Preparation for peace negotiations will not take a long time but some internal operations must be adjusted to ensure progress. We are also waiting for policies from the prime minister," Gen Udomdej said.

He also said that the far South would enjoy better development as government organizations implement development projects that suit local contexts and demands.

Gen Udomdej said that violent incidents have decreased compared with the same period of last year.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha met with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in Malaysia yesterday.

They agreed to resume southern peace negotiations with Malaysia as facilitator. Gen Prayut said that peace negotiations would take time and if insurgent movements wanted to solve problems soon, they should enter into negotiations with the government. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-12-02

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Army investigates soldiers alleged attack on ladyboy outside Bangkok pub
By Coconuts Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- The Royal Thai Army said it will investigate the alleged attack on a transgender woman by a group of soldiers outside a pub in Bangkok.

The victim, only identified as "Tan", said the men, who were wearing jackets with the emblem "11th Mil. Cir.", teased her and sexually assaulted her outside a pub in Bangkok in the early hours of Sunday morning for "being a ladyboy."

They then beat her after Tan said she'd go to the police.

"A group of 7-8 men approached me and grabbed my breasts outside a pub," Tan said in a Youtube video. "They cracked my head with a liquor bottle, and someone smashed my back with the bottle. Then they beat me before escaping in a taxi."

Full story: http://bangkok.coconuts.co//2014/12/02/army-investigates-soldiers-alleged-attack-ladyboy-outside-bangkok-pub


-- Coconuts Bangkok 2014-12-02

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Dad turns snatch robbery into a Phuket family business
Darawan Naknakhon


Narongchai and his son, pictured on CCTV, make good their escape after the snatch.

PHUKET: -- A father from Surat Thani and his 15-year-old son were arrested yesterday evening (December 1) after they snatched a handbag containing B3,000 from a local woman.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781034-dad-turns-snatch-robbery-into-a-phuket-family-business/

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Residents in 37 provinces in for chilly weather

BANGKOK, 2 December 2014 (NNT)-Interior Minister General Anupong Paojinda has coordinated help for people in the North and Northeast as the temperature is expected to plunge further at the end of this week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781041-residents-in-37-thai-provinces-in-for-chilly-weather/

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IKEA Launches 'Soft Toys For Education' Charity Campaign



BANGKOK: -- IKEA is launching its biggest “Soft Toys for Education” CSR campaign in Thailand to reach out and support more children than ever before.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781042-ikea-launches-soft-toys-for-education-charity-campaign-in-thailand/

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Fewer violent incidents in Deep South reported in October

BANGKOK, 2 December 2014 (NNT)- The situation the Deep South has improved although the security units must remain vigilant, says Deputy Defense Minister General Udomdej Sitabutr.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781044-fewer-violent-incidents-in-thailands-deep-south-reported-in-october/

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Army chief sees opposition to southern peace negotiation
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Dec 2 -- Deputy Defence Minister and Army chief Udomdej Sitabutr pointed out that there is less violence now in Thailand's southern border provinces but some insurgent groups are attempting to create incidents to oppose southern peace negotiations.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781048-thai-army-chief-sees-opposition-to-southern-peace-negotiation/

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Gold price rises Bt400, makes new high in five weeks
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Dec 2 -- The Gold Traders Association announced that the gold price this morning increased by Bt400 from yesterday's closing price.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781050-gold-price-rises-bt400-makes-new-high-in-five-weeks/

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PRD gears up on campaign for Thailand

BANGKOK, 2 December 2014 (NNT) – The Department of Public Relations (PRD) is gearing up on the positive image boosting campaign to create positive attitude for foreigners towards Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781054-prd-gears-up-campaign-to-create-positive-image-for-thailand-with-foreigners/

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Yala religious leader backs PM’s peace talk

YALA, 2 December 2014 (NNT) – The religious leader in Yala province supports the peace talks campaign of the Prime Minister, suggested a field observation to experience the problems first hand.

Regarding the official visit of the Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to Malaysia, the former Deputy Chairman of the Yala Provincial Islamic Committee Nimu Makaje said that this is a positive gesture from the government to solve the unrest in the southern-border provinces.

He said it is a right decision to continue the peace talks with all sector regardless of how long this government will hold the position.

He has also suggested to the Prime Minister that the authority should conduct a field observation to see the perspective from the people in the area in every occasion and religion and use that information to solve the problem.

The issue in the southern-border provinces can be solved only through dialogues and negotiations, said the former Deputy Chairman of the Yala Provincial Islamic Committee.

The Prime Minister of Thailand has met with the Prime Minister of Malaysia Najib Razak in his official visit to Malaysia with the main agenda to solve the ongoing issue in the southern-border provinces of Thailand.


-- NNT 2014-12-02

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Research shows rice planting subsidy pushes up fertiliser, pesticide prices



BANGKOK: -- The Centre for Applied Economics Research of Kasetsart University says the government's rice planting subsidy of 1,000 baht per rai for farmers could stimulate spending but in turn could also push up prices of fertilisers and farming pesticides.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781059-thai-research-shows-rice-planting-subsidy-pushes-up-fertiliser-pesticide-prices/

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UPDATE:

Indictment of Koh Tao Murder Suspects Postponed Again
By Khaosod English


Police arrested Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo, both 21-year-old Burmese migrants, on 3 October and accused them of murdering British tourists David Miller, 24, and Hannah Witheridge, 23, on the popular resort island of Koh Tao.

BANGKOK – A court on Koh Samui island has approved a prosecutor’s request to extend the detention of two Burmese men accused of murdering British tourists in southern Thailand in September.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/780917-prosecutors-set-to-arraign-myanmar-men-for-koh-tao-killings/page-9?p=8750108#entry8750108

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SET index closed 1,594.00, up 0.18; Bt/USD32.71; GBP51.25; AUD27.63; EUR40.58; CAD28.71; HKD4.21; SGD24.90; JPY27.42

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New technique to turn decaying rice to safe and quality rice discovered

PICHIT: -- A rice miller in Phichit province has successfully turned decaying rice grains back to freshness with no smell but safe for consuming.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781100-pichit-new-technique-to-turn-decaying-rice-to-safe-and-quality-rice-discovered/

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Cabinet adds African elephants, Malayan snail-eating turtles as protected species

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet Tuesday approved a draft directive of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry to add African elephants and Malayan snail-eating turtles as protected species in line with the resolution of the CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Cabinet-adds-African-elephants-Malayan-snail-eatin-30249007.html


-- The Nation 2014-12-02