Thailand Live Monday 8 Dec 2014

[webfact]

Eight Chinese rubber processors keen to invest in Thailand
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Dec 8 -- Eight Chinese rubber processing entrepreneurs are interested in investing in Thailand, said Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Amnuay Patise.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782408-eight-chinese-rubber-processors-keen-to-invest-in-thailand/

[webfact]

Human Rights as a Foundation for Equity, Fairness and Resilience in Thailand
United Nations Country Team in Thailand on the Occasion of Human Rights Day 2014

Every year on December 10, people around the world celebrate Human Rights Day. It is a day where we reflect together on the achievements made and the challenges remaining to ensure everyone is entitled to their inherent human rights regardless of their social status, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782413-human-rights-as-a-foundation-for-equity-fairness-and-resilience-in-thailand/

[webfact]

Poll reveals Thais want a long-lasting constitution

BANGKOK, 8 December 2014 (NNT)-Suan Dusit Poll has revealed that most Thais prefer a constitution that responds to the need of the current society, promotes morality and lasts for a long time.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782412-poll-reveals-thais-want-a-long-lasting-constitution/

[webfact]

V Air, Taiwan's new budget airline, will inaugurate its daily flights to Thailand w/ maiden flights to Bangkok Dec.17; 1 flight to Chiang Mai Jan 7. /The Nation

[webfact]

Switzerland to support Thailand’s national reform

BASEL, 8 December 2014 (NNT) – The President of Switzerland has stated that Switzerland will support Thailand’s national reform in a meeting with the Thai Foreign Minister.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782430-switzerland-to-support-thailands-national-reform/

[webfact]

'You dead yet?' reckless van driver asks upset passenger (VIDEO)
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- While most people sit silently and accept their fates aboard safety-challenged public transport, one woman stood up for endangered passengers everywhere in a video which went viral during the holiday weekend.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782437-you-dead-yet-reckless-bangkok-van-driver-asks-upset-passenger-video/

[webfact]

Army chief reacts coolly to Gen Chavalit’s counter coup remark



BANGKOK: -- Army commander-in-chief Gen Udomdej Sitabutr brushed aside former Prime Minister and Army chief Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyuth's warning that the military installed government might face counter coup if it continues its aggressive political reforms.

In an exclusive to Daily News which was released Monday, Gen Chavalit voiced concern of the drafting of the new constitution which has strong possibility that the prime minister and the cabinet ministers will come from direct election.

Gen Chavalit said this change could lead to even wider divisions and more protests in the country.

He viewed that if the prime minister comes from election or elected by the people, then it might breach the power of the king as past appointments came from royal commands.

He asked whether it was appropriate to lower the supreme power of the King.

He cautioned that making charter changes under the reform plans could lead to more disunity and conflicts and counter coup.

He said “staging a coup could receive flowers in the beginning, but later it could receive bricks.”

He said if the prime minster really wants to see democracy in the country, he just simply steps down.

However Army chief Gen Udomdej responded calmly to the former Army chief’s remark, saying it was merely a personal opinion which the government was willing to listen to.

In fact, he said the government was doing its best to achieve the reforms.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/army-chief-reacts-coolly-gen-chavalits-counter-coup-remark

-- Thai PBS 2014-12-08

[webfact]

Concerns growing for a little girl and her father in Koh Samui



KOH SAMUI: -- Today the Samui Times have received a letter from a concerned member of the Koh Samui community who told us “A few days ago my house keeper took in this guy and his daughter unfortunately, it sounded like he was being unkind to her. When our housekeeper expressed her concern and then the man suddenly left.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782439-concerns-growing-for-a-little-girl-and-her-father-in-koh-samui/

[webfact]

Australian disability campaigner Stella Young dies

(BBC) Tributes have been paid to Stella Young, the Australian comedian, broadcaster and prominent disability activist who has died at the age of 32.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782468-australian-disability-campaigner-stella-young-dies/

[webfact]

BREAKING: Phuket authorities, Navy destroy beach club
Nattha Thepbamrung


End of standoff: the excavator goes to work.

PHUKET: -- After a standoff of several hours, an excavator is now knocking down the Beach Club at Nai Yang Beach.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782471-phuket-authorities-navy-destroy-beach-club/

[webfact]

Real Madrid's Fabio Cannavaro tattooed in Thailand
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: Ajarn Noo Kanpai

PATHUM THANI: -- A 41-year-old Italian footballer joined the ranks of famous people tattooed by Ajarn Noo Kanpai on Saturday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782475-real-madrids-fabio-cannavaro-tattooed-in-thailand/

[webfact]

Southern Unrest: Military Denies 'Locking' Women in Mosque
By Khaosod English


Police, soldiers, and armed volunteers after a clash with suspected insurgents in Saba Yoi district, Songkhla province, 4 Dec 2014.

SONGKHLA — A military spokesperson has dismissed rumours that security officers locked a group of women and children inside a mosque while they searching for potential insurgents in the southern province of Songkhla last week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782477-southern-unrest-military-denies-locking-women-in-mosque/

[webfact]

10,000-plus govt forces to provide security in South
By Digital



BANGKOK, Dec 8 -- More than 10,000 combined government personnel will be assigned to provide security in deep southern Thailand during the upcoming New Year’s celebrations, said Lt Gen Prakarn Cholayuth, commander of the Fourth Army Region.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782479-10000-plus-govt-forces-to-provide-security-in-in-deep-southern-thailand/

[george]

Apple may launch new 4-inch iPhone 6

Apple is rumoured to launch a smaller 4-inch iPhone 6 next year according to news sources coming out of Asia last week.

Full story: http://tech.thaivisa.com/4-inch-iphone-6-rumour/

[webfact]

Taxis to be quality approved before new fare could be enforced

BANGKOK, 8 December 2014 (NNT)-The Department of Land Transport has said the new cab fare rate is expected to be in effect at the end of this month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782480-thai-taxis-to-be-quality-approved-before-new-fare-could-be-enforced/

[webfact]

Thailand reclaims its place as the world's largest rice exporter



BANGKOK, 8 December 2014 (NNT) - Thailand has finally managed to become the world’s largest rice exporter once again, exporting more than 10 million tons so far this year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782483-thailand-reclaims-its-place-as-the-worlds-largest-rice-exporter/

[webfact]

ISOC condemns recent attack in Deep South

PATTANI, 8 December 2014 (NNT)-The Fourth-Region office of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) is moving ahead with its solutions to bring peace to the Deep South by integrating participation of all sectors.

4th Region ISOC Spokesperson Colonel Pramote Phrom-in said the office continues to utilize resources available locally in solving violence problems in the restive South. The work of ISOC is to respond to the need of local people and raise the standard of living in the areas.

In its operation to apprehend perpetrators of violence, ISOC adheres to international practice of human rights and laws. Weapons are being used only in self-defense.

The spokesperson added that peace talks are still worked out under the government’s directions. He also condemned the recent attack in the Deep South and urged people to condemn insurgency.


-- NNT 2014-12-08

[webfact]

Myanmar men plead not guilty to murder of British tourists

(Reuters) - Two Myanmar workers have pleaded not guilty to charges including murder over the killing of two British tourists in Thailand, their lawyer said on Monday, in a case that has hit tourism and attracted widespread criticism.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782501-myanmar-men-plead-not-guilty-to-murder-of-british-tourists-on-koh-tao/

[webfact]

Reports emerging of police drug testing scam in Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- Reports are emerging that the police in Bangkok have been harassing tourists on what is claimed to be a crackdown on illegal drug use.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782505-reports-emerging-of-police-drug-testing-scam-in-bangkok/

[webfact]

Prayut vows to improve corruption ranking



BANGKOK: -- Prayut vows to improve corruption rankingPrime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha voiced satisfaction for the country's improved ranking of corruption perception index to third place among ASEAN countries, pledging he would make better ranking next year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782506-prayut-vows-to-improve-corruption-ranking/

[webfact]

Hagupit affects 1 million people

Manila, Philippines (Philippine Daily Inquirer) -- The Philippines' National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said on Monday that Typhoon Hagupit, known locally as "Ruby", has affected over 1 million people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782508-philippines-hagupit-affects-1-million-people/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Flying a drone in Thailand: Could you be breaking the law?

With the increase in popularity of the use of drones for both commercial and private use around the world, ThaiTech looks at the laws with regards to flying a drone in Thailand.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/flying-drone-thailand-breaking-law/

-- Tech News by Thaivisa 2014-12-08

[webfact]

Sathorn Unique Tower owner told to seal off building

BANGKOK: -- The Sathorn district office will ask the owner of the abandoned Sathorn Unique Tower to seal off the building and prevent people from going inside, Chaowarit Songnawarat, assistant director of the district office said Monday.

The district office decided to make the move after a body of a Swedish was found hang in the building last week.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Sathorn-Unique-Tower-owner-told-to-seal-off-buildi-30249355.html


-- The Nation 2014-12-08

[webfact]

Anupong rules out countercoup

BANGKOK: -- Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paochinda Monday ruled out a countercoup as warned by former prime minister Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh.

Anupong said he knew the situation well and the people still strongly supported the National Council for Peace and Order.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Anupong-rules-out-countercoup-30249357.html


-- The Nation 2014-12-08

[webfact]

UPDATE

Men accused of Koh Tao murders plead not guilty

KOH SAMUI: -- Koh Tao murder defendants Zaw Lin/Wai Phyo (Win) have plead not guilty to all charges against them including conspiracy to commit murder, rape and illegal entry to Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782501-myanmar-men-plead-not-guilty-to-murder-of-british-tourists-on-koh-tao/?p=8775135#entry8775135

[webfact]

Stray Dog Takes Up Job As Garbage Collector
By Khaosod English


Taan, a stray dog in Nakhon Ratchasima, routinely collects garbage from a temple pond in Muang district.

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — A stray dog in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima has impressed locals by regularly collecting garbage from a temple pond.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782523-korat-stray-dog-takes-up-job-as-garbage-collector/

[webfact]

UPDATE:

Myanmar migrant workers deny murdering Brits at Thai resort
Bangkok, Thailand | AFP |

KOH SAMUI: -- Two Myanmar migrant workers on Monday pleaded not guilty to murdering a pair of British holidaymakers at a Thai diving resort, their lawyer told AFP.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782501-myanmar-men-plead-not-guilty-to-murder-of-british-tourists-on-koh-tao/?p=8775199#entry8775199

[webfact]

UPDATE:

Myanmar men accused of killing British tourists deny charges
By Digital Content

SURAT THANI, Dec 8 -- Both suspects in the case of the murdered British tourists on Ko Tao deny charges in court here today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782501-myanmar-men-plead-not-guilty-to-murder-of-british-tourists-on-koh-tao/?p=8775287#entry8775287

[webfact]

Phuket mayor slams 'frightening' police raid on brother's home
Saran Mitrarat


Mayor Worawut (left) and his sister Hathairat explain their complaint to Gov Nisit.

PHUKET: -- Srisoonthorn Mayor Worawut Songyos, accompanied by more than 200 residents this morning (December 8) delivered complaint letters to officials after police tried to smash their way into the home of his brother on Wednesday (December 3), in order to arrest him.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782549-phuket-mayor-slams-frightening-police-raid-on-brothers-home/

[webfact]

Opium production falls by a quarter in Myanmar: UN

Bangkok, Thailand | AFP |

BANGKOK: -- Opium production in Myanmar fell by nearly a quarter this year, the UN said Monday, but the world's second largest poppy grower still faces a growing battle against drug use.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/782551-opium-production-falls-by-a-quarter-in-myanmar-un/