Thailand Live Wednesday 3 Dec 2014

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Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 1,597.95, gains 3.95 points /MCOT

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North Korean editorial placed the blame for Ebola at the feet of the United States

SYDNEY: -- KIM Jong-un has a new conspiracy theory: Washington invented Ebola and is wielding it to restrain the developing world.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781262-kim-jong-un-has-a-new-conspiracy-theory-washington-invented-ebola/

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Chinese companies keen on Rio 2016 Games
By Digital Content

RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec 3 (Xinhua) -- Two of the world's largest scale and most multifaceted events - the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games -- are coming to Rio de Janeiro in less than two years.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781267-chinese-companies-keen-on-rio-2016-games/

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One dead after car crashes into Phuket canal
Eakkapop Thongtub


A policeman takes notes at the crash site.

PHUKET: -- Four people were injured on Monday evening (December 1) when a car crashed into a canal on Thepkrasattri Rd in Mai Khao. One of them died later in hospital.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781268-one-dead-after-car-crashes-into-phuket-canal/

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Search operation in Narathiwat's Chanae district finds gun robbed from military camp in 2004; teenager shot dead in Su-ngai Kolok /MCOT

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Tuesday Cabinet meeting approves several amendments to outdated laws



BANGKOK, 3 Dec 2014, (NNT) - The Cabinet yesterday agreed to amend the Anti-Human Trafficking Act, the Military Court Charter, and approve ministerial regulations on the development of five tourism zones.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781275-thai-cabinet-meeting-approves-several-amendments-to-outdated-laws/

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Thaivisa launches Thai Tech news site

BANGKOK:-- Thaivisa.com is pleased to announce the launch of our new tech portal, Thai Tech.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781263-thaivisa-launches-thai-tech-news-site/

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TTA urges Government to review new Tobacco Bill

BANGKOK, 3 Dec 2014 (NNT) - The Thai Tobacco Association (TTA) yesterday proposed that the Government review the new Tobacco Bill, saying the draft legislation went too far from the original purpose of protecting consumers’ health.

The call was made at a forum on the new Tobacco Bill after its content has recently been released through media outlets.

Chairperson of the TTA Warapon Namart stated that the bill stipulates too many restrictions, such as the clause that bans the selling of individual cigarette, another clause that defines the age of vendors and other clauses that add complications and financial burden to business management and production cost. She also said the clause requiring all cigarette packages to be in plain white would encourage counterfeit products.

Ms. Warapon suggested stricter enforcement of the existing law rather than imposing the new ones which the TTA deems would do more harm than good to 500,000 small-scale vendors nationwide.


-- NNT 2014-12-03

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19 Cambodian monks arrested, defrocked in Phuket


The Cambodian monks are examined by Phuket's head monk, Phra Khru Meita.

PHUKET: -- Nineteen Cambodian monks were defrocked and arrested yesterday (December 2) after police found them to be in Thailand illegally and soliciting donations in Wichit.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781306-19-cambodian-monks-arrested-defrocked-in-phuket/

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BANGKOK: -- Former Pheu Thai party MP for Sergeant Major Surin Chaisrisa was today sentenced to two years and six months in prison with no extension of jail term after he was found guilty of seriously insulting the monarchy while giving a speech at a redshirt protest rally at Imperial World Lardprao on May 7 this year.

He was escorted to prison immediately after the verdict was read.

The court also did not allow temporary release on bail.
Earlier the former MP announced he would not appeal the sentence and had pleaded guilty to the charge.
He already put behind bar for six months after being arrested by police and soldiers.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/75570


-- Thai PBS 2014-12-03

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Phang-nga to hold 10th Tsunami anniversary memorial events

PHUKET: -- As the catastrophic tsunami that hit Thailand western coast on 26 December 2004 will turn the 10th anniversary this month, hardest-hit Phan-nga province by the deadly tidal waves is prepared to hold memorial events to mark the anniversary, and tell the world how much improvements authorities have done on security and the devastated shores in the effort to attract tourists back to visit with confidence.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781309-phang-nga-to-hold-10th-tsunami-anniversary-memorial-events/

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Land Transport department gets tough with Uber cabbies



BANGKOK: -- The Land Transport Department has set a deadline for December 9 for all operators of the mobile application-based service called ‘Uber Taxis’ to report themselves or otherwise face legal consequences.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781314-thai-transport-gets-tough-with-uber-taxis/

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Former Surin MP sentenced two and a half years in prison on lese majeste



BANGKOK: -- Former Pheu Thai party MP for Surin Sergeant Major Prasit Chaisrisa was today sentenced to two years and six months in prison with no extension of jail term after he was found guilty of seriously insulting the monarchy while giving a speech at a redshirt protest rally at Imperial World Lardprao on May 7 this year.

He was escorted to prison immediately after the verdict was read.

The court did not allow temporary release on bail.

Earlier the former MP announced he would not appeal the sentence and had pleaded guilty to the charge.
He already put behind bar for six months after being arrested by police and soldiers.

He was charged with lese majeste under Section 112 of the Criminal Code for a speech made at a United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) stage at Imperial World in Lardorao on May 7. The content of his speech was deemed insulting to the monarchy.

At today’s hearing of the judgement, the judge at first sentenced him to give years in prison for seriously insulting the monarchy.

But after considering his confession was useful for the trial, the judge agreed to commute the sentence by half to two years and six months.

The judge also reasoned that extension of jail sentence was not permitted because the convicted prisoner had been elected twice as Surin MP.

Therefore he should have more discretion than ordinary people.

Besides, the former MP had committed similar offence once in the past but still committed even more serious offence.
Therefore the judge disallowed him extended jail sentence.

(Photo : Thai PBS File)

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/former-surin-mp-sentenced-two-half-years-prison-lese-majeste

-- Thai PBS 2014-12-03

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Democracy awareness to be promoted in Thai education

BANGKOK, 3 December 2014 (NNT)- The Political Development Council (PDC) has introduced 12 democratic principles to Thai education to promote a better understanding of democracy among students.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781322-democracy-awareness-to-be-promoted-in-thai-education/

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Army chief: martial law will continue; arrangements prepared for peace dialogue /MCOT

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SET up 1.01 to 1,595.01 at noon /Bangkok Post

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Bill Cosby sued for alleged underage sexual abuse

Bill Cosby is being sued for sexual assault by a woman who says the US comedian molested her when she was 15.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781329-bill-cosby-sued-for-alleged-underage-sexual-abuse/

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Police hunt one of Thailand's richest men in police graft scandal
Bangkok, Thailand | AFP |

BANGKOK: -- Thai police on Wednesday said they are hunting one of the kingdom's richest men as part of a sprawling graft probe that has rocked the country's elite.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781334-police-hunt-one-of-thailands-richest-men-in-police-graft-scandal/

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Bangkok BASE jump from Baiyoke Tower goes wrong (VIDEO)
By Coconuts Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- In case you missed it late last year, and if further proof was needed that man is not meant to fly, this video of a failed BASE jump from Baiyoke Tower is getting a lot of attention today after it was reshared online.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781337-bangkok-base-jump-from-baiyoke-tower-goes-wrong-video/

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SPECIAL EDUCATION FAIR
Stephen Hawking invited to lecture in Thailand

BANGKOK: -- The Office of the Basic Education Commission has invited worldrenowned scientist Stephen Hawking who has researched and written on the universe and time to speak to an Asean special education fair in late July 2015.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781338-stephen-hawking-invited-to-lecture-in-thailand/

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Phuket bypass traffic hell about to get even worse
Tanyaluk Sakoot


The cross-hatched area is the site of the excavation for the underpass. North-soutth traffic will be unaffected but anything else (red lines) will be a trial.

PHUKET: -- If you thought the traffic at the Samkong intersection on the bypass road was bad, wait till Saturday (December 6). It’s about to get a lot worse.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781342-phuket-bypass-traffic-hell-about-to-get-even-worse/

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Appeals Court dismisses Rossana’s defamation suit against Jatuporn



BANGKOK: -- The Appeals Court today dismissed the defamation suit of former Bangkok senator Rossana Tositrakul against red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan after finding him not guilty but just an expression of thoughts.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781343-appeals-court-dismisses-rossanas-defamation-suit-against-jatuporn/

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Thai government officials take oaths on King's birthday

​By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Dec 3 -- Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-o-cha led government officials to take an oath to be good officials on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's birthday on this Friday, December 5.

The ceremony took place at Government House at 7.50am, Thailand time this morning, conducted by the Office of Civil Service Commission (OCSC) and was joined by the Cabinet and high ranking officials from all agencies, the civil service, military, police, and state enterprises.

Also on the occasion, the premier delivered felicitations to His Majesty the King for good health and longevity, before leading the attending government officials in taking an oath to be good officials, who would work to the best of their abilities with integrity to assist the people and further develop the country to achieve prosperity.

The officials also swore to follow the teachings of the Buddha and to forever adhere to His Majesty's royal guidance.

Meanwhile, Secretary General of the House of Representatives, who acts as Secretary General of the National Reform Council (NRC), Charae Panpruang, led officials from the Office of the Secretariat of the House of Representatives to pay respect to the King's portrait and also took the oath to be good officials and properly exercise the power of the nation on the occasion of the King's birthday celebrations.

MCOT Public Company Limited President Siwaporn Chomsuwan, at the same time, led the state broadcast organisation's executives and employees to take the oath to be good officials and properly exercise the authority of the nation. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-12-03

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Civic society organizations say no to online lottery



BANGKOK: -- About 30 civic society organisations today (Wednesday) issued a statement opposing the Government Lottery Office’s plan to introduce online lottery and other lottery products claiming that this new approach will more people to indulge in gambling.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781363-thai-civic-society-organizations-say-no-to-online-lottery/

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One officer killed and three injured in an armoured car accident

PATTANI: -- An army officer was killed and his three crews were seriously injured when an armoured car In which they were travelling punctured a tyre and turned upside down.

The unexpected incident took place on the highway 42 between Pattani and Narathiwat when an armounred car on routine patrol suddenly punctured one of the tyres, prompting the driver to lose control and turn upside down.

Captain Saksin Chumthong, commander of a ranger unit, was riding in the vehicle with three other crews namely Tinnapat Srilarp, Chamnan Rodthong and Manarusee Ngolae.

All the four men were later rushed to the Pattani provincial hospital where Captain Saksin was pronounced dead with multiple injuries. The rest were listed as seriously injured.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/one-officer-killed-three-injured-armoured-car-accident


-- Thai PBS 2014-12-03

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Two injured in Panasonic manufacturing plant in Khon Kaen

KHON KAEN: -- Two workers were injured when a fire broke out at the Panasonic Manufacturing (Thailand) factor in Khon Kaen's Nampong district at 11:20 am.

Fifteen fire engines rushed to the scene to control the blaze and evacuate workers. Workers said they heard explosion sound before the fire started.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Two-injured-in-Panasonic-manufacturing-plant-in-Kh-30249070.html


-- The Nation 2014-12-03

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Bangkok traffic police affected by numerous diseases
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Dec 3 -- Thailand's Metropolitan Police Bureau ordered special physical health examinations for traffic police officers serving in the metro area and found that most are affected by varied diseases, leading to a bureau decision to launch a "Traffic Police Clinic" project to provide its personnel with medical treatment.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781364-bangkok-traffic-police-affected-by-numerous-diseases/

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PHUKET: Supercheap construction under scrutiny
Saran Mitrarat


Muang Mai resident Rittiwong Pongchumpiset finally managed to persuade officials to investigate construction of a new Supercheap store next to his home after lodging complaints more than two months ago.

PHUKET: -- A newly constructed Supercheap store near Phuket Airport may be torn down if it is found the building violates building regulations following complaints by a local resident.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781371-phuket-supercheap-construction-under-scrutiny/

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Phuket Old Town buildings risk collapse
Saran Mitrarat


Concerns over Old Phuket Town architecture after construction work causes damage to several buildigs on Yawarat Road.

PHUKET: -- Aged buildings along Yaowarat Road in Old Phuket Town are at risk of collapse after rennovation work on one of the historical houses caused cracks to appear in the walls of neighbouring buildings.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/781374-phuket-old-town-buildings-risk-collapse/

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Silom road to be closed for walking street activity on Dec 21

BANGKOK: -- A section of Silom Road will be closed to traffic from 12 pm on December 21 to midnight for walking-street activities, Wallop Suwandee, chief advisor of the Bangkok governor, said Wednesday.

The road will be closed to traffic from Dusit Thani Hotel to the Narathiwat Ratchanakharin Intersection.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Silom-road-to-be-closed-for-walking-street-activit-30249074.html


-- The Nation 2014-12-03