Yellow book USA citizen

[Lite Beer]

Wife of Thailand's Crown Prince 'relinquishes' royal status

Bangkok: -- AFP. The wife of Thailand's Crown Prince has relinquished her royal title, the kingdom's palace said Saturday, the first official confirmation of her fall from grace after a string of her relatives were arrested in a police corruption scandal.


"The king has granted permission to announce that Princess Srirasmi, the wife of Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, has informed in a written document that she has resigned from her royal status," the palace said in a statement.


"Acknowledgement and permission has been granted by His Majesty the King," the statement added.


Princess Srirasmi married the Crown Prince in 2001. The couple have a son who is thought to be Vajiralongkorn's most likely heir.


Thailand has been awash with rumours of Srirasmi's fate for weeks after a slew of her relatives were caught up in a widening police corruption scandal that has sent shockwaves through country's elite.


Several high profile figures have been arrested including a host of senior policemen and military officers, while one of Thailand's richest men is on the run from police on charges relating to the probe.


But reportable facts on Srirasmi's status were scant.


The country's monarchy is protected by some of the world's strictest lese majeste laws. Both local and international media must heavily self-censor when covering the country's royal family.


The first indications that her royal status could be in doubt came earlier this month when the Crown Prince announced that members of her family had been forbidden from using the surname "Akkharapongpricha".


At least three relatives with that surname were arrested in the corruption scandal, and the name represents an honorific title given to some of Srirasmi's family following her marriage to the prince.


Many of the more than 20 detained have been charged for defaming the monarchy, with police saying they had made "false claims" about their relationship to a royal to justify committing crimes that allegedly ranged from running illegal casinos to oil smuggling, kidnapping and extortion.


In recent days there were increasing signals Srirasmi was no longer part of the royal family.


In an unusual break from tradition, there was no mention of her in the royal household news broadcasts on December 9, her birthday.


The next day she disappeared from the opening sequence of the nightly royal news broadcasts which features portraits of all the kingdom's senior royals.


The princess was last seen in public on December 6 when she presided over the 9th anniversary of her pet project, an organisation called "The Family Bond Project".


The report on the Ministry of Education website says the project "aims to promote and strengthen love and learning between all family members".

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-12-13

[Lite Beer]

Military To Promote Prayuth's Twelve Values Via Social Media

By Khaosod Eng.

BANGKOK — The Royal Thai Army has announced plans to use social media to promote the teachings of Thai junta leader and former army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....a-social-media/

[Lite Beer]

OAG wants to question more witnesses to clear doubts on G-to-G rice deals

BANGKOK: -- The Office of the Attorney-General wants to question more witnesses regarding the government-to-government rice deals made under the rice pledging scheme to clear some doubts about the deals, said Mr Surasak Srirattrakul, director-general of the Office of the OAG, today.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....o-g-rice-deals/

[Lite Beer]

DNP applies for land papers for Phuket’s Trisara, Pullman and Malaiwana to be cancelled

Nattha Thepbamrung

The Pullman Resort at the north end of Naithon Beach.

PHUKET: The Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has recommended cancellation of papers for 17 land parcels totalling around 100 rai – worth an estimated B5 billion and registered as owned by five companies in Phuket.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....o-be-cancelled/

[Lite Beer]

NHRC unfazed by protests as it awards rights advocates
The Nation

A representative of the Dao Din Group gets dragged off stage yesterday after he tries to deliver an unscheduled speech at an event where the National Human Rights Commission gave human rights awards to several prominent figures.

BANGKOK: -- Several prominent figures were honoured with Outstanding Human Rights awards from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/783718-nhrc-unfazed-by-protests-as-it-awards-rights-advocates/

[Lite Beer]

CHARTER WRITING
NLA panel wants PM directly elected
Kris Bhromsuthi
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Seeks clear separation of power between the executive and legislature

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/783719-nla-panel-wants-pm-directly-elected/

[Lite Beer]

Traders welcome 'Rubber Fund' as good step to push up prices
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Rubber traders yesterday welcomed the planned Bt420-million "Rubber Fund" as a good start to ensure a brighter outlook for their industry, hoping that it could help shore up prices of the commodity.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/783720-traders-welcome-rubber-fund-as-good-step-to-push-up-prices/

[Lite Beer]

Govt readies New Year 'presents' for citizens
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Transparency in state operations, bicycle lanes, no ATM fees among planned gifts

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/783721-govt-readies-new-year-presents-for-citizens/

[Lite Beer]

Court order on Klity Creek 'ignored'
Tanpisit Lerdbamrungchai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- PCD 'doing little to rehabilitate area'; expert says creek prone to lead contamination, urges locals to relocate

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/783722-court-order-on-klity-creek-ignored/

[Lite Beer]

Time out in the forest
Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul
The Nation

The tractors make their way through a stream

NONG KHAI: -- A village in the Northeast province of Nong Khai introduces an eco-adventure tour that includes a meal in the jungle

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/783725-time-out-in-the-forest/

[Lite Beer]

Prawit dismisses rumours on South peace talks
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, who is also defence minister, yesterday dismissed reports that the new chief negotiator in the South peace dialogue had held an unauthorised meeting with the former chief of Malaysia's intelligence service.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/783726-prawit-dismisses-rumours-on-south-peace-talks/

-- The Nation 2014-12-13

[Lite Beer]

Freak explosion at power plant kills two
The Nation

Two workers were killed after an air compressor at a power station in Nakhon Si Thammarat's Khanom district exploded on Thursday, district police chief Pol Colonel Kasemsuk Nakornwilai said yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/783727-freak-explosion-at-power-plant-kills-two/

[Lite Beer]

Seven more people linked to catering deal
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Seven more people have been found linked to a catering deal, which involves a woman who was also part of the alleged debt-collecting and intimidation racket run by former crime-buster Lt-General Pongpat Chayaphan, a senior police commander said yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/783728-seven-more-people-linked-to-catering-deal/

[Lite Beer]

Pheu Thai against granting amnesty to those accused of lese majeste
Khanittha Theppajorn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Members of the Pheu Thai Party agreed that amnesty should exclude those facing lese majeste charges, the party's legal expert Bhokin Bhalakula said yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/783729-pheu-thai-against-granting-amnesty-to-those-accused-of-lese-majeste/

[Lite Beer]

Yingluck graft probe 'will not be completed' this year
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Office of the Attorney-General said yesterday that it would not be able to complete its graft investigation into former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra by the end of the year.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/783730-yingluck-graft-probe-will-not-be-completed-this-year/

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Nuttawut urges Prayut to pardon ordinary protesters
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Red-shirt leader Nuttawut Saikuar yesterday called on Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha to use his power under Article 44 of the provisional constitution to grant amnesty to protesters from all sides who have been charged or are in jail for politically related crimes since 2005.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/783583-red-shirt-leader-nuttawut-calls-on-prayut-to-invoke-charter-to-grant-amnesty/page-3#entry8795790

[Lite Beer]

Surprise policy rate cut expected
Sucheera Pinijparakarn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Kasikorn Research Centre says the Bank of Thailand needs to slash its policy interest rate by 25 basis points when it meets on December 17 to give the sluggish economy a boost.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/783733-surprise-policy-rate-cut-expected/

[Lite Beer]

Countdown scheduled for seven tourist destinations
Suchat Sritama
Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn
The Nation

The new Santa decoration at Central Court area in CentralWorld shopping centre set to celebrate Christmas.

BANGKOK: -- TAT and private sector plan spectacular events around the Kingdom, on top of the usual Bangkok extravaganza

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/783736-countdown-scheduled-for-seven-tourist-destinations/

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL
Ageing society: How prepared are we?
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE POPULATIONS OF THAILAND AND SINGAPORE ARE GETTING OLDER FAST, YET ONLY SINGAPORE IS MAKING PLANS

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/783737-ageing-society-how-prepared-are-we/

[Lite Beer]

Owners of three houses by Srinagarind dam jailed six years

BANGKOK: -- The Supreme Court has sentenced three people to six years and eight months imprisonment each for encroachment on Srinagarind national park by building three houses on the bank of Srinagarind dam.

The court’s verdict was read out by the Kanchanaburi provincial court on June 23 putting an end to a courtroom battle which lasted 15 years. But the park chief, MrThitiSompee, only learned about it in November.

Sentenced to imprisonment are Ms Pajaree Vessabutr, Mrs Chuthamas Vesabutr and Mr Thawat Sirakornvilai.

Mr Thiti said he would notice the three houseowners to demolish the three houses first now that the court case was over. But if not, he said he would order their demolition and then sought compensation from the house owners.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/owners-three-houses-srinagarind-dam-jailed-six-years

-- Thai PBS 2014-12-13

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Land Transport says taxis can increase fare only their distance meters are checked and certified

BANGKOK: -- Although taxis in Bangkok are allowed by law to increase fares tomorrow, but Land Transport Department says it will take 40 days before all taxis can adjust the fares as they need to receive certification of their taxi meters.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/783545-thai-transport-ministry-announces-new-cab-fare-rates/page-2#entry8795834

[Lite Beer]

BMA organizing Bangkok Street Show to promote happiness

BANGKOK, 12 December 2014 (NNT) – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has kicked off the Bangkok Street Show 2014 at Lumpini Park in an effort to bring smiles to the public and stimulate tourism.

Deputy Bangkok Governor Amorn Kitchawengkul today presided over the opening ceremony for the annual Bangkok Street Show co-hosted by the BMA, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and private agencies. Taking place until Sunday, the event is aimed at promoting an exchange of arts and culture while bringing entertainment to Thai people and foreign tourists alike ahead of the New Year Festival. It also goes in line with the Governor’s policy to develop Bangkok into the Metropolis of Happiness.

Within the event, visitors can enjoy a wide range of street shows by international performers from 18 countries. Featured activities include unique t-shirt design by “Adam Scissor Hands” from the United States and juggling performances by a Japanese world champion, along with acrobatics, musical shows, dances and pantomime.

There are 12 stages set up for the activities throughout Lumpini Park. The three-day event is open from 3-9 pm daily and is admission-free.

-- NNT 2014-12-12

[Lite Beer]

Thailand celebrates Human Rights Day

BANGKOK, 12 December 2014 (NNT) - Thailand has joined the worldwide celebrations of Human Rights Day by organizing an event under the theme “Reform Thailand: Understand Human Rights.”

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/783739-thailand-celebrates-human-rights-day/

[Lite Beer]

Robert Kronberg puts Piro Consulting on hold
BY GREGERS MØLLER

Robert Kronberg, a high-profile Danish resident in Thailand since June 2002, has decided to put his current business in Thailand on hold and move to Denmark at least for the coming three months with his wife Ploypailin and son Frederik.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/783744-robert-kronberg-puts-piro-consulting-on-hold/

[Lite Beer]

Russian Association launch translation service for Police Stations in Pattaya

Despite a significant fall in Russian Tourists visiting Pattaya, thought to be due to a 40% drop in value of the Rubel, a Russian Association based in Pattaya has decided to initiate a 24 hour translation service for local Police stations who encounter a language barrier when dealing with Russians.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/783748-russian-association-launch-translation-service-for-police-stations-in-pattaya/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Facebook Year in Review: Here’s what has been popular in 2014

Facebook Year in Review looks back on what have been the most talked about topics on the social media site in 2014.

Read more here: http://tech.thaivisa.com/facebook-year-review-heres-popular-2014/

[Lite Beer]

US Senate backs anti-IS spending

The US Senate has approved a new annual defence bill expanding the military campaign against Islamic State (IS).

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/783749-us-senate-backs-anti-is-spending/

[Lite Beer]

RT @RichardBarrow: Early morning photo from on top of Doi Ang Khang (ดอยอ่างขาง) in Fang District, Chiang Mai (Pic @ikongggggg) http://twitter.com/ikongggggg/status/543555163617652736/photo/1

[Lite Beer]

Danish tour operator halts 11 out of 17 elephant tours
BY LASSE HENRIKSENAT

Photo: BrokenSphere @ WikiCommons

BANGKOK: -- Danish tour operator Apollo stops 11 out of 17 elephant tours in Thailand and India with immediate effect. The sudden halt is the result of Apollo’s cooperation with two animal welfare NGO’s.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/783754-danish-tour-operator-halts-11-out-of-17-elephant-tours/

[Lite Beer]

RT @RichardBarrow: The Bangkok Street Show is this weekend in Lumpini Park from 3pm-9pm. Free entry #Bangkok #Thailand #ttot http://twitter.com/RichardBarrow/status/543580478180032512/photo/1