Thailand Live Friday 16 Jan 2015

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Public donations are invited for the construction of a big Buddha in Chanthaburi

BANGKOK, 16 January 2015 (NNT) - The Committee on the Construction of Phra Somdet Ong Pathom Phra Phutthametta (พระสมเด็จองค์ปฐม พระพุทธเมตตา) Buddha Image has agreed to hold a Pha Pa ceremony to raise additional funds for their project.

The construction of the Buddha image is a joint project between the public and private sectors to honor His Majesty the King on the auspicious occasion of his 84th birthday anniversary in 2011. The seated Buddha image will be crafted from black sapphire and will be installed at Thep Prathan Monastery in Soi Dao District, Chanthaburi Province. Once completed, it will be 45 meters high, having a width of 29 meters at its lap. Due to the grand size of the Buddha image, the construction in the first stage has been recently completed, comprising the installation of 585 foundation piles. The Buddha image needs a total budget of 309 million baht to be raised from public donations. However, one-third of the target has been reached so far, leaving a shortfall of 200 million baht.

The Committee on the construction of the Buddha image, at their meeting chaired by Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukbhasuk on Thursday agreed to raise additional public donations through a Pha Pa (ผ้าป่า) ceremony to be held on 17 May this year at Thep Prathan Monastery. It is hoped that the fund mobilization will help the construction to be completed in time for the celebration of His Majesty the King’s 90th birthday in 2017.

Those who wish to donate are invited to do so at any branch of Krung Thai Bank, Bangkok Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, the Royal Thai Embassies and consulates worldwide, the Government Public Relations Department and all 7-Eleven stores and shops with Counter Service symbols across the country.


-- NNT 2015-01-16

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IMPEACHMENT
'Impeachment good for reconciliation'
NITIPOL KIRAVANICH
THE NATION



As Somsak and Nikhom reject accusations, anti-graft body vows to do all it can to hold them accountable for violating 2007 Constitution

BANGKOK: -- THE ANTI-GRAFT agency yesterday insisted that impeachment of politicians perceived as "enemies of the country" would promote, rather than undermine, national reconciliation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792286-impeachment-good-for-reconciliation/

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Govt decides to go ahead with petroleum concessions
Watcharapong Thongrung
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The government will go ahead with the 21st petroleum exploration and production bidding round to preserve national dignity and maintain the trust of foreign investors, Energy Minister Narongchai Akrasanee said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792287-thai-govt-decides-to-go-ahead-with-petroleum-concessions/

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Abbot of Wat Saket removed from Sangha over budget irregularities
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- THE ACTING Supreme Patriarch yesterday issued an order to remove the abbot of Wat Saket (Temple of the Golden Mount) as a member of the Sangha Supreme Council after allegations of corruption, a senior government official said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792288-abbot-of-wat-saket-removed-from-sangha-over-budget-irregularities/

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NMG editorial team insists it is free from management pressure
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- THE NATION GROUP Editorial Team submitted an open letter to three media bodies yesterday to affirm that editorial staff are not being influenced by management and that the group is now facing a possible threat from a new shareholder and his affiliates that could compromise its editorial independence.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792289-nmg-editorial-team-insists-it-is-free-from-management-pressure/

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NEW CHARTER
CDC pushes 'candidate without party' agenda
KRIS BHROMSUTHI
THE NATION

Individuals will be allowed to stand under 'political groups'; new articles indicate drafters' interest in public engagement

BANGKOK: -- THE CONSTITUTION Drafting Committee (CDC) yesterday added a new article that gives citizens the right to form "political groups" so that their representatives can run for elections.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792290-new-thai-charter-cdc-pushes-candidate-without-party-agenda/

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ANALYSIS
The real reasons behind setting up Prawit's strategic taskforce
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- MANY PEOPLE have been wondering why Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha decided to set up a strategic taskforce led by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, when the premier himself and his government have assumed full authority since the May 22 coup.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792291-thai-analysis-the-real-reasons-behind-setting-up-prawits-strategic-taskforce/

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SET
SET Index unlikely to repeat last year's jump
Erich Parpart

BANGKOK: -- After last year's 15.32-per-cent jump, the Thai stock index has little chance of another 20-per-cent increase this year, an executive of the Stock Exchange of Thailand said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792292-set-index-unlikely-to-repeat-last-years-jump/

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SMES
Thai mission for Japanese SMEs
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation
Tokyo


Industry Minister Chakramon Phasukavanich, second left, and his Japanese counterpart, Yoichi Miyazawa, third right, meet in Tokyo on Wednesday to discuss investment and economic cooperation between Thailand and Japan to facilitate growth in both nations.

TOKYO: -- Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises in various manufacturing and service sectors are looking at using Thailand as a base for expansion into other Asean markets.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792293-thai-mission-for-japanese-smes/

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EDITORIAL
Providing more teachers isn't the answer in the South
The Nation

Students in our Malay-speaking provinces need bilingual education that respects their distinct cultural identity

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Education Minister General Surachet Chaiwong has launched an interesting project to send teachers to provide extra tuition to students in the violence-afflicted southernmost provinces.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792294-thai-editorial-providing-more-teachers-isnt-the-answer-in-the-south/

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OVERDRIVE
Trouble in the pipeline if Russia cuts Europe off
Thanong Khanthong

BANGKOK: -- The temperature is particularly cold in Europe at this time of the year. So Russian President Vladimir Putin has timed it perfectly to strike back.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792295-trouble-in-the-pipeline-if-russia-cuts-europe-off/

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Taiwanese Oil Refinery Fire in Pattaya outskirts



PATTAYA: -- 3 Fire Engines were called to a fire at an Oil Refinery based in the Huay Yai area on Thursday afternoon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792296-taiwanese-oil-refinery-fire-in-pattaya-outskirts/

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Windows & Doors Factory Worker killed in East Pattaya Road Crash



PATTAYA: -- Early on Thursday Morning the body of a local factory worker was found next to his damaged motorbike and it was determined he had crashed his bike and died before daybreak.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792297-windows-doors-factory-worker-killed-in-east-pattaya-road-crash/

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Bangkok to have five more walking streets soon



BANGKOK: -- Bangkok has fixed five more locations covering North Bangkok, East Bangkok, Central Bangkok, and South Bangkok (Thonburi side) to turn them to walking streets under the policy of the prime minister to stimulate economy and increase earning for low-income people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792298-bangkok-to-have-five-more-walking-streets-soon/

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Govt wants Phuket to be marine hub for Asean
Nattha Thepbamrung


Phuket Deep Sea Port, as seen from the deck of a cruise ship. Photo Giancanu

PHUKET: -- Governor Nisit Jansomwong, yesterday (January 14) expressed his confidence in a plan laid out by the government, which could see Phuket become the marina hub for yachts and cruise ships in the Asean region.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792300-govt-wants-phuket-to-be-marine-hub-for-asean/

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CCTV catches pickpocket gang at work in Phuket store: VIDEO
Tanyaluk Sakoot

In video: The victim often goes to SuperCheap, on this occasion to buy some stationery.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792301-cctv-catches-pickpocket-gang-at-work-in-phuket-store-video/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Xiaomi announces new high end iPhone clone

Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi has just unveiled two new high end flagship smartphones for 2015, the Mi Note and Mi Note Pro, which promise unrivalled performance and top of the range specs.

Launched at a press event in Beijing, Xiaomi’s new flagship devices will go head to head with the iPhone 6 Plus, Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Google Nexus 6.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/xiaomi-announces-new-high-end-mi-note-mi-note-pro-smartphones/2772/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

France sees 19,000 cyberattacks since terror rampage

PARIS (AP) — Hackers have targeted about 19,000 French websites since a rampage by Islamic extremists left 20 dead last week, a top French cyberdefense official said Thursday as the president tried to calm the nation’s inflamed religious tensions.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/france-sees-19000-cyberattacks-since-terror-rampage/2788/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Google halts sales of Google Glass

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Google will stop selling its Internet-connected eyewear to consumers until the company can develop a more polished and affordable version that’s less likely to be viewed as a freakish device.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/google-halts-sales-google-glass/2795/

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British tourist who contracted a rare disease in Thailand is back in the UK

KOH SAMUI: -- Whilst on holiday in Thailand Craig Lindley came down with some kind of illness. Craig, who is 35 and from Hoyle Mill Barnsley was celebrating his friend’s wedding in Koh Samui.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792304-british-tourist-who-contracted-a-rare-disease-in-thailand-is-back-in-the-uk/

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BURNING ISSUE
NRC spanner in the works a new headache for Prayut
SASITHORN ONGDEE
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- WHY DID the National Reform Council (NRC), at its meeting on Tuesday night, vote against its energy-reform committee's backing for the Energy Ministry to proceed with the 21st petroleum-concession bids?

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792307-nrc-spanner-in-the-works-a-new-headache-for-prayut/

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Conditional permission for public assembly
KHANITTHA THEPPHAJORN
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE RIGHT to freedom of assembly could be restricted under seven conditions in the new charter, the Constitution Drafting Committee concluded late on Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792308-thai-charter-conditional-permission-for-public-assembly/

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Open letter to PM Prayut on recruiting prisoners for the fishing industry
Special to The Nation

Dear Prime Minister,

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792309-open-letter-to-pm-prayut-on-recruiting-prisoners-for-the-fishing-industry/

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Thailand at heart of anti-Aids push
Wiraj Sripong
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A NEW REGIONAL initiative to curb HIV/Aids is in operation, with Thailand being positioned as its hub.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792310-thailand-at-heart-of-anti-aids-push/

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Police promise to arrest KMITL suspects
Supachai Petchthewee
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- POLICE HAVE VOWED to arrest two suspects in the alleged embezzlement of Bt1.5 billion from King Mongkut's Institute for Technology Lat Krabang (KMITL) if they fail to surrender.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792311-thai-police-promise-to-arrest-kmitl-suspects/

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Govt urged to stop putting inmates on fishing boats
Reuters

Rights groups say this does not address problems, threatens prisoners' rights

BANGKOK: -- MORE THAN a dozen rights groups urged Thailand yesterday to end a project to recruit prisoners to work on fishing boats, saying it would not address problems in the fishing industry and posed a serious threat to prisoners' rights.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792312-thai-govt-urged-to-stop-putting-inmates-on-fishing-boats/

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Belgian police kill 2 in anti-terror raid during shootout
RAF CASERT, Associated Press
LORNE COOK, Associated Press

VERVIERS, Belgium (AP) — With Europe dreading more terror, Belgian authorities moved swiftly to pre-empt what they called a major attack by as little as hours Thursday, killing two suspects in a firefight and arresting a third in a vast anti-terrorism sweep that stretched into the night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792314-belgian-police-kill-2-in-anti-terror-raid-during-shootout/

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Condoleezza Rice says she was stunned CIA mission was leaked
By MATTHEW BARAKAT

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — Former national security adviser Condoleezza Rice told jurors Thursday she was stunned to learn that a classified mission to thwart Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions — now at the heart of a criminal leak trial — had been disclosed to a reporter.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792316-condoleezza-rice-says-she-was-stunned-cia-mission-was-leaked/

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Moving swiftly, US eases travel and trade rules on Cuba
BRADLEY KLAPPER, Associated Press
MICHAEL WEISSENSTEIN, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Swiftly expanding trade ties with Cuba, the Obama administration opened the door to easier travel and a wide range of new export opportunities with the communist island starting Friday, punching the biggest hole to date in America's half-century-old embargo.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792317-us-loosens-cuba-travel-restrictions/

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European court rejects Stalin grandson's complaint

MOSCOW (AP) — The European Court of Human Rights has rejected a complaint by the grandson of Josef Stalin over a Russian newspaper article that called the Soviet dictator a "bloodthirsty cannibal."

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/792318-european-court-rejects-stalin-grandsons-complaint/