Thailand Live Wednesday 21 Jan 2015

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Indonesia plays down international fallout of execution



JAKARTA: -- Indonesia's Foreign Affairs Ministry on Tuesday stressed that the ambassadors of the Netherlands and Brazil were only called back for consultation, not withdrawal, The Jakarta Globe reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793598-indonesia-plays-down-international-fallout-of-execution/

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Why the Muslim 'No-Go-Zone' Myth Won't Die
There's no evidence of extremist takeover of areas in Europe or the United States. So why do the claims continue?
DAVID A. GRAHAM

Have you heard about the areas of Europe, or perhaps even of the United States, that are run by jihadists and which non-Muslims can't even enter?

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793600-why-the-muslim-no-go-zone-myth-wont-die/

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Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 1,536.85, gains 1.76 points /MCOT

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Bangkok: Tap water for sections of Sukhumvit and Ratchadaphisek roads will be cut as of late Jan. 22 late Thur. until 5 am. Jan. 23 Fri. /The Nation

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Egat asks Phuket gov to help fast-track new power cable
Nattha Thepbamrung


Phuket's power demands are constantly growing.

PHUKET: -- Senior officials from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) have met with Gov Nisit Jansomwong to try to get his help to speed up installation of a cable to keep Phuket’s power supply ahead of demand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793604-egat-asks-phuket-gov-to-help-fast-track-new-power-cable/

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Abbot arrest for illegal lumber trade



BANGKOK: -- A combined force of soldiers, police and forestry officials yesterday raided and seized lumber, which includes rosewood, valued at more than 50 million baht within the grounds of a monastery located in the Phu Sra Dok Bua National Park in Amnat Charoen province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793606-amnat-charoen-abbot-arrest-for-illegal-lumber-trade/

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Scaffolding collapse injures seven migrant workers



BANGKOK: -- Seven people, mostly migrant workers, were injured, three seriously, when a five-metre high scaffolding at a construction site for a Red Line's train route in Lak Si district collapsed on Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793609-seven-injured-in-bangkok-red-line-construction-scaffolding-collapse/

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Medical tourists from Middle East spend big in S. Korea
By Digital Content

SEOUL, Jan. 21 (Yonhap) -- Visitors from the Middle East spent the largest amount of money on medical treatment per person in South Korea last year, with those from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) topping the list, the state-run Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) said Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793610-medical-tourists-from-middle-east-spend-big-in-south-korea/

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Monk’s wealth to be scrutinised under the reform bill



BANGKOK: -- A reform committee of the National Reform Council is proposing to scrutinise monks' assets to ensure that they strictly abide by the Buddha teachings.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793612-monks-wealth-to-be-scrutinised-under-the-thai-reform-bill/

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UPDATE:

Bangkok police harass foreigner who writes about it in TIME
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Although anecdotal evidence suggests police harassment of foreigners has been on the decline, a Time magazine contributor isn’t convinced.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793555-tourists-are-reporting-a-dramatic-surge-in-harassment-by-thai-police/page-4?p=8964876#entry8964876

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UPDATE:

Yingluck to stand trial in Supreme Court



BANGKOK: -- Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will face criminal charges involving her rice-pledging scheme in the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) secretary-general Sansern Poljiak said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793452-public-prosecutors-agree-to-charge-yingluck-in-supreme-court-nacc-secretary-general/page-3#entry8964893

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PRD’s Music in the Garden tomorrow features Princess Ubolratana

BANGKOK, 21 Jan 2015 (NNT) – The Government Public Relations Department is inviting all to the 26th Music in the Garden tomorrow January 22nd. This time the event features special appearance by Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya.

The theme of the weekly event, which is designed to create unity among all Thais, is ‘Happy New Year’.

Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya heads the ‘To Be Number One’ Project, a campaign set to prevent the drugs issue in education institutions nationwide through cooperation with governmental units, organizations and members of the community. Throughout the past decade under the guidance of the Princess, the project has induced more than 31 members, proven itself to be one of the best anti-narcotic organizations in Thailand.

Also joining the princess is a prolific singer, Chomphu Fruity, best known for the song ‘Khon Khang Khieng’ or ‘The one beside me’.

The event will be held in the conference hall of the Public Relations Department in Soi Areesamphan on Rama VI Road, Bangkok. All are welcome to join free of charge.


-- NNT 2015-01-21

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US Assistant Secretary of State to visit Thailand



BANGKOK, 21 January 2015 (NNT) – The United States Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs is scheduled to visit Thailand next Monday to meet with important national figures.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793618-us-assistant-secretary-of-state-to-visit-thailand/

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Cement truck rams into Phuket food shops
Eakkapop Thongtub


The truck and the mangled front of one of the food shops.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793620-cement-truck-rams-into-phuket-food-shops/

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Seminar for Muslim leaders held to promote peace in Deep South

PATTANI, 21 January 2015 (NNT)-300 Muslim religious leaders in Southern provinces are attending a seminar in Pattani that is aimed at restoring unity and peace.

3 provinces, including Pattani, Narathiwat and Songklha, are jointly hosting the seminar at C.S. Pattani Hotel today. The religious leaders joining the event are those who previously attended a religious leader potential development program held eralier.

The Religious Affairs is trying to promote unity through religious means by encouraging religious leaders to apply the 12 core values in their daily interactions with local people.

The seminar also serves as a platform for them to exchange ideas and suggestions. According to Deputy Pattani Governor Luechai Jaroensap, religions have the power to unite the society and bring back peace.

As those religious leaders are widely respected by the public in the region, their roles are vital to creating a peaceful society, concluded the deputy governor.


-- NNT 2015-01-21

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Baby survives falling onto highway from truck (VIDEO)
By Coconuts Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- This week’s candidates for worst parents ever would be a Petchabun couple who let their baby sit in the bed of their truck without adult supervision.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793623-baby-survives-falling-onto-thai-highway-from-truck-video/

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NLA begins final impeachment hearing before voting January 23



BANGKOK: -- The National Legislative Assembly began the last day of its impeachment process today by allowing both the accuser and the accused to make final statements in words.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793624-nla-begins-final-impeachment-hearing-before-voting-january-23/

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Construction of the 2nd Thai-Myanmar friendship bridge in Mae Sot district of Tak province started. Costing B3.6bn, the bridge will be finished in 3-5 years. /Bangkok Post

Transport Ministry is considering airport most suitable for developing an aviation industrial estate from 4 possible sites. /The Nation

Gen Udomdej Sitabutr, deputy defence minister and army chief, left for Cambodia on Thursday morning for a 2-day visit. /Bangkok Pos

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Thailand Tourism Festival 2015 attracted over 600,000 visitors

BANGKOK: -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) new “2015 Discover Thainess” campaign’s grand opening celebrations recently coincided with the 35th Thailand Tourism Festival were held with great fanfare and were attended by thousands of locals and tourists. The TAT’s Thainess parades brought crowds onto the streets while the five-day tourism fair attracted over 600,000 Thai and foreign visitors and generated some 230 million Baht in revenue.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793627-thailand-tourism-festival-2015-attracted-over-600000-visitors/

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Thai Army chief visits Cambodia on bilateral military, border cooperation
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 21 -- Thai Army chief/Deputy Defence Minister Gen Udomdej Sitabutr and his delegation are visiting Cambodia today and tomorrow to boost bilateral cooperation along the border but they will not discuss any border demarcation issue.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793633-thai-army-chief-visits-cambodia-on-bilateral-military-border-cooperation/

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Phuket land owner slams eight-year wait for land paper
Nattha Thepbamrung


Despite heavy commercial activity in the area, Rassada still has mangrove forests – though much eroded. Photo Google Street View

PHUKET: -- Vice-Governor Somkiet Sangkhaosutthirak yesterday (January 20) visited a piece of land in the Klong Bangcheelao-Kong Thajeen forest mangrove preserve in Rassada after a complaint from a landowner that it had taken eight years for a decision on whether a land deed he holds can be upgraded to full Chanote status.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793634-phuket-land-owner-slams-eight-year-wait-for-land-paper/

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'Karaoke Dispute' Leaves One Dead in Chonburi
By Khaosod English


Rescue workers come to the aid of a man injured in a brawl at a karaoke bar in Chonburi province on 21 Jan 2015.

CHONBURI — A 31-year-old man was stabbed to death in a brawl at a karaoke bar in Chonburi province early this morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793649-karaoke-dispute-leaves-one-dead-in-chonburi/

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Brit On Bangkok Murder Charge Acquitted
Published by Stickboy BKK



BANGKOK: -- A 23-year-old British man has been acquitted of murdering a fellow Liverpudlian who died after falling from a 5th floor balcony at his Bangkok apartment in June 2013.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793650-brit-on-bangkok-murder-charge-acquitted/

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Ex-MP Keng Karoon given 16 months jailterm for defamation



BANGKOK: -- Former Pheu Thai MP Karoon Hosakul was today sentenced to 16 months imprisonment without suspension after he was found guilty of defaming former Democrat MP Taenkhun Chit-isara by the Criminal Court.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793651-ex-mp-keng-karoon-given-16-months-prison-term-for-defamation/

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TV actor claims he legally bought Lamborghini



BANGKOK: -- Television heartthrob Pakorn “Boy” Chatborirak reported himself to the Anti-Money Laundering Office this morning to defend himself over his purchase of a luxurious super car from a key suspect in the King Mongkut Institute of Technology Lad Krabang’s embezzlement case.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793653-thai-tv-actor-claims-he-legally-bought-lamborghini/

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Racist taxi driver doesn't accept Japanese passengers
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: Drama Addict

BANGKOK: -- After a Japanese man was featured in every media outlet for calling the taxi queue at Suvarnabhumi Airport "the disgrace of Thailand," one Bangkok driver is protesting by openly discriminating against an entire nation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793656-racist-bangkok-taxi-driver-doesnt-accept-japanese-passengers/

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UPDATE:

Briton accused of murder in Thailand walks free


Victim Darren

BANGKOK: -- James Durnan, 34, the man accused of killing Darren Taylor in Bangkok on June 2013 has walked free leaving the deceased family devastated.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793650-brit-on-bangkok-murder-charge-acquitted/#entry8965724

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UPDATE:

Taxi Association Condemns 'No Japanese Passengers' Sign
By Khaosod English


A photo widely shared on social media this morning shows a sign posted on a taxi window that says in English, Japanese, and Thai: "No picking up of Japanese passengers."

BANGKOK — A taxi association at Bangkok's international airport has condemned a cabbie who is reportedly refusing to take Japanese passengers, one day after a Japanese man made headlines with his rant against a driver who refused to turn on his meter at the airport.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793656-racist-bangkok-taxi-driver-doesnt-accept-japanese-passengers/#entry8965777

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Thai workers' rights abused on Israel farms: HRW

AFP

JERUSALEM: -- Thai labourers employed on Israeli farms suffer from low pay, dangerous working conditions and very long hours, Human Rights Watch said in a report published on Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793660-thai-workers-rights-abused-on-israel-farms-hrw/

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Israeli police: Palestinian stabs passengers on Tel Aviv bus
By IAN DEITCH

JERUSALEM (AP) — A Palestinian man stabbed nine people, wounding some of them seriously, on a bus in central Tel Aviv before he was chased down, shot and arrested, Israeli police said Wednesday, describing the assault as a "terror attack." The Islamic militant Hamas group praised the stabbing.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793662-israeli-police-palestinian-stabs-nine-passengers-on-tel-aviv-bus/