Several governmental and private units to donate winter gear to cold struck locals

PHAYAO, 26 Dec 2014 (NNT) – The Phayao Provincial Administrative Organization, together with several local social clubs yesterday donated 700 blankets to students and senior citizens in the cold struck Phusang District of Phayao.

Aside from the winter clothes, the team also gave sports equipment and stationery to schools in the area, which is being hit by a cold spell due to its high hilly terrain.

Authorities said the temperature in Phayao continues to drop, with the minimum temperature at 10.4 degrees Celsius presently. All districts in the province are declared as cold disaster-hit areas.

According to the officials, more than 87,000 people in the province lack proper winter gear. However, government units and private organizations have joined hands in finding blankets and warm clothes for 50,000 people. The officials are inviting public donations, both in cash and kind, to help those still waiting for help.


-- NNT 2014-12-26

Water levels in Saiburi and Pattani Rivers rise further as heavy rains continue

YALA, 26 Dec 2014 (NNT) - Officials disclosed that the water levels in Saiburi River and Pattani River have recently risen by 1.5 meters.

The authorities credited the increasing water level to the heavy rains on the night of December 23rd which caused run-off in several areas of Yala Province, especially in Muang’s Tha Sab Sub-district. The run-off also cut off roads and inundated households located near the Pattani and Saiburi rivers.

Yala’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office has issued the mudslide warning to locals, while urging residents to closely monitor the flooding situation.

Bang Lang Dam’s water level yesterday was 114.05 meters high. Officials stated the dam could still handle an additional volume of 50 million cubic meters. They said the reservoir's integrity currently remains intact without the need of releasing water.


-- NNT 2014-12-26

Lottery committee approves law change to allow online lottery sale



BANGKOK: -- The Government Lottery Committee has approved in principle to amend the existing lottery law that will allow the lottery bureau to sell online lottery to solve the problem of overpricing of lottery tickets.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/786967-thai-govt-lottery-committee-approves-law-change-to-allow-online-lottery-sale/

Phuket Christmas woe for Brit driver
Eakkapop Thongtub


Clements' abandoned SUV.

PHUKET: -- A 74-year-old British man turned himself into police last night (December 25), an hour after he crashed his SUV into a power pole and two parked motorbikes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/786968-phuket-christmas-woe-for-brit-driver/

Magnificent volcanic cavern found in VN's Central Highlands



CHOAH: -- Vietnamese and Japanese scientists have discovered a volcanic cavern system in the Central Highlands that they say is as beautiful as the Manjanggul Lava cave, a UNESCO heritage site in Jeju island in South Korea.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/786971-magnificent-volcanic-cavern-found-in-vns-central-highlands/

UPDATE:

Highway police now have Line ID for motorists to check traffic before driving



BANGKOK: -- Motorists planning to drive out of the capital to begin New Year celebrations this weekend are advised to check their routes first as highways out of the capital are expected to jam as millions of people are leaving tonight, according to advice from the highway police.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/786962-thai-highway-police-sets-up-line-id-to-provide-information-to-highway-users/#entry8852766

UPDATE:

10th Andaman Tsunami anniversary remembrance today



BANGKOK: -- The 10th anniversary of the Andaman Sea tsunami that killed over 5,000 Thais and foreign tourists on December 26 , 2004 is remembered today with memorial services are to be held on the beaches of several Thai southern provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/786884-10-years-on-thaivisa-remembers-the-boxing-day-tsunami-in-thailand/page-2?p=8852814#entry8852814

FT electricity surcharge cut for January-April



BANGKOK: -- The Energy Regulatory Commission has decided to slash the FT surcharge for electricity for the months of January-April 2015 by 10.01 satang/unit due to the price reduction of natural gas and bunker oil which are used to fuel power generation.

Full story: [/bhttp://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/786975-ft-electricity-surcharge-cut-for-january-april/

UPDATE:

PM threatens to shut down local Thai daily



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha lost his patience at a press conference yesterday, emotionally lambasting a Thai newspapers which criticised him daily with bias, and threatening to shut it down.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/786872-prayut-lambastes-paper-that-picks-on-him/page-4?p=8852915#entry8852915

Thaksin sends Christmas greetings on Line



BANGKOK: -- Ex-Premier Thaksin Shinawatra today gave Christmas blessings to some of his Pheu Thai party's leading members and close friends.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/786979-thaksin-sends-christmas-greetings-on-line/

Floods recede in the far South due to the temporarily declining northeast monsoon but weathermen forecast possible rain increase there from Dec 28 to 31. /Bangkok Post

Cat stabber turns himself in, pays small fine
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: Watchdog Thailand

BANGKOK: -- A man who put a knife through a cat's body as seen in a viral photo turned himself in to Tak police yesterday after an animal rights organization requested local police to prosecute him.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/786982-tak-cat-stabber-turns-himself-in-pays-small-fine/

Governor Of Bangkok Visits Nana Plaza Go-Go Bars
Published by Stickboy BKK



BANGKOK: -- The Governor of Bangkok, Sukhumbhand Paribatra, celebrated Christmas this year with an official visit to Nana Plaza that included a guided tour of a go-go bar.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/786984-bangkok-governor-visits-nana-plaza-go-go-bars/

Number of flood victims in Kelantan, Terengganu, Perak up
By Digital Content

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 26 (Bernama) -- The flood situation in Kelantan, Terengganu and Perak worsened tonight with 69,549 victims housed at the relief centres, compared to 68,117 reported this (Thursday) evening.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/786986-malaysia-number-of-flood-victims-in-kelantan-terengganu-perak-up/

SET slips below 1,500 at noon /Bangkok Post

SCB to provide True Move 'Tourist Inter Sim' Cards

BANGKOK: -- Siam Commercial Bank has joined hand with TrueMove H to provide True Move H "Tourist Inter Sim" card to tourists who exchange US$100 at SCB Exchange Booths at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/786994-scb-to-provide-true-move-tourist-inter-sim-cards/

Criminal Court acquits Kasit accused of defaming Thaksin

BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court today acquitted former foreign minister Kasit Piromya of defaming ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra in a public address made in November 2008.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/786995-criminal-court-acquits-kasit-accused-of-defaming-thaksin/

Over 100,000 sacks of rice missing from Government stockpiles

BANGKOK: -- The Office of Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) revealed Friday that more than 100,000 sacks of rice were missing from the government rice stockpiles kept at a private company in Pathum Thani province.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/786998-over-100000-sacks-of-rice-missing-from-government-stockpiles/

Prayut visits flood victims in Tak Bai

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha Friday visited and handed out relief items to flood victims in Narathiwat's Tak Bai district.

He flew on an Army plane to the southern province and 9:30 am. The province has been hit by floods since December 18, affecting some 50,000 families in 13 districts

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Prayut-visits-flood-victims-in-Tak-Bai-30250708.html

-- The Nation 2014-12-26

Transport Minister inaugurates new Chao Phraya River bridge

NONTHABURI, 26 Dec 2014 (NNT) – Transport Minister Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong has unofficially opened a new bridge across the Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi province today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/786999-transport-minister-inaugurates-new-chao-phraya-river-bridge/

On Christmas, Obama marks end of Afghan combat
JOSH LEDERMAN, Associated Press

KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (AP) — President Barack Obama marked the end of more than a decade of combat in Afghanistan by paying tribute to America's military, telling troops on Christmas Day that their sacrifices have allowed for a more peaceful, prosperous world to emerge out of the ashes of 9/11.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/787020-on-christmas-obama-marks-end-of-afghan-combat/

Defence minister says Thailand needs submarine to protect sea interests

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said Friday that Thailand needs at least a submarine to protect its interests in the sea, whose economic value is increasing.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/787021-defence-minister-says-thailand-needs-submarine-to-protect-sea-interests/

Cold spell affects mountain students in Nan province
By Digital Content



NAN, Dec 26 -- Temperatures keep dropping in the northern province of Nan, where seven districts have been declared cold-stricken areas.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/787024-cold-spell-affects-mountain-students-in-nan-province/

Thaivisa.com signs republishing agreement with Associated Press (AP)

HONG KONG: -- Thaivisa.com has signed a republishing agreement with Associated Press (AP). The agreement allows Thaivisa.com to republish World News, SE-Asia news, technology news and Thailand related news on Thaivisa Forum and Thailand Tech.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/787023-thaivisacom-signs-republishing-agreement-with-associated-press-ap/?p=8853622

Koh Tao murders trial underway at Samui Provincial court



KOH SAMUI: -- The trial for the Koh Tao backpackers murders began today on Koh Samui against Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun who stand accused of seven charges, including the murders of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, and the rape of Witheridge.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/787025-koh-tao-murders-trial-underway-at-samui-provincial-court/

Australian man died while on Koh Phangan for 'Ibogaine' treatment, paper reports

By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- An Australian man died after traveling to Koh Phangan for a controversial treatment for drug addiction.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/787026-australian-man-died-while-on-koh-phangan-for-ibogaine-treatment-paper-reports/

13 killed in southern floods so far

BANGKOK: -- Thirteen people have been killed in flooding in eight southern provinces since December 14 while five others injured, Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department Director General Chatchai Promlert said Friday.

The eight provinces are Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Trang.

Deputy Interior Minister Suthi Makbun said the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department would speed up efforts to alleviate the flood victims.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/13-killed-in-southern-floods-so-far-30250711.html

-- The Nation 2014-12-26

Beyonce Rides Baby Elephant At Phuket Resort
Published by Stickboy BKK

PHUKET: -- Singing superstars Beyonce and Jay-Z look like they are enjoying their festive trip to Phuket as the celebrity couple were snapped on Christmas Day by staff at their luxury resort enjoying an afternoon of organised entertainment that included a Muay Thai demonstration and posing for pictures with an elephant.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/787038-beyonce-rides-baby-elephant-at-phuket-resort/

First Phuket casualty in Seven Days of Danger
Eakkapop Thongtub


The wreckage of Anucha's motorbike.

PHUKET: -- A man from Petchabun died just after midnight yesterday (December 25) when he crashed his motorbike into the central reservation of Thepkrasattree Rd in Sri Soonthon, becoming the first casualty in the Seven Days of Danger.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/787055-first-phuket-casualty-in-seven-days-of-danger/

Interior Minister urges rescue operations for winter

BANGKOK, 26 December 2014 (NNT) – The Minister of Interior has ordered 12 provinces to provide assistance to citizens affected by the weather in the winter disaster zones and to work on prevention measures.

The Minister of Interior Gen Anupong Paochinda has revealed that since November, there are 101 districts in 12 provinces, namely Mae Hong Son, Loei, Chiang Mai, Phetchabun, Nan, Uttaradit, Chiang Rai, Nakhon Phanom, Phayao, Sakhon Nakhon, Nong Bua Lam Phu, and Kalasin, that have been declared winter disaster zones.

He said that all affected provinces have been ordered to provide assistance operations to the affected people, to distribute winter clothing thoroughly, and to come up with prevention measures for common disasters that happen during winters such as fire, wildfire, fog, diseases, road accident due to low visibility, and accidents from tourism.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Chatchai Promlert said that the department has ordered all related provinces to set up the provincial operation centers for winter disaster watch as the main coordination agency in helping the affected people.

He said that officials are now closely monitoring the weather conditions. However, the public is advised to exercise more caution while dealing with fires as the dry and windy conditions of winter can cause the fire to spread quickly and uncontrollably.

Drivers should turn on their headlamps and fog lamps, avoid driving fast, and keep some distance from the vehicle ahead to reduce the risk of accidents under the current weather condition, said the DDPM Director-General.


-- NNT 2014-12-26