Thailand Live Monday 26 Jan 2015

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Rainmaking dept. ready to combat severe drought with artificial rains

BANGKOK, 26 January 2015 (NNT) - The Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation has prepared to conduct artificial rains in many provinces after meteorological institutions forecast that rainfall will be lower than average in Thailand this dry season.

Director-General of the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Warawut Khantiyanan said the drought situation was expected to be more severe, especially from February to May, than last year due to El Ni?o. Low precipitation and forest burning both in Thailand and neighboring countries would cause accumulation of smog and reduce chances of rain, making the drought situation worsen, said the official.

The department therefore instructed its royal rainmaking operation centers in five regions to be on standby ready to conduct artificial rains and closely monitor the weather conditions.


-- NNT 2015-01-26

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Beware Of Fake 1000 Baht Notes
Published by Stickboy BKK



BANGKOK: -- Beware of fake 1000 baht notes circulating in Bangkok after several were spotted today by phone retailers at the MBK shopping mall.

Full story http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794728-bangkok-beware-of-fake-1000-baht-notes/

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Serial rapist blamed for new attack on elderly woman
Aritach Porn-Asavayothin
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- A MAN WHO broke into a house in Nakhon Pathom early yesterday raped an elderly woman and stole valuables - crimes that police believe are linked to nine other rapes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794817-serial-rapist-blamed-for-new-attack-on-elderly-woman-in-nakhon-pathom/

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Yingluck will be arrested if she tries to flee: NACC
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Former PM faces IndIctment from attorney general over rIce scheme, while EC probes her spending on trip prior to election last year

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794818-yingluck-will-be-arrested-if-she-tries-to-flee-nacc/

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Jump in land transfers: owners 'spooked by inheritance tax'
Wiraj Sripong
Somluck Srimalee
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- THE PROSPECT of an inheritance tax has led to an unusually big jump in land transfers over recent months.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794819-jump-in-land-transfers-owners-spooked-by-thai-inheritance-tax/

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NRC to debate a raft of new ideas, changes
Khanittha Theppajorn
The Nation

Focus on reform of police, fighting graft

BANGKOK: [[ The NATIonal Reform Council is pushing forward with potential recommendations that include dissolving unnecessary state enterprises, promoting reconciliation in sports and structural change in the police department.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794820-thai-nrc-to-debate-a-raft-of-new-ideas-changes/

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'Nan Model' to boost farmers' self-reliance, income
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE ROYAL INITIATIVE Discovery Foundation is developing the so-called "Nan Model", which seeks to build farmers' self-reliance and boost their income in the hope it will inspire the government to embrace the initiative.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794821-nan-model-to-boost-thai-farmers-self-reliance-income/

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Cheap oil alone will not turn THAI around
ACHARA DEBOONME,
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Last year, Thai Airways International showed a mind-boggling net loss of Bt9.2 billion. Will it return to profitability this year as the jet fuel price nosedives more than half from a year ago?

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794822-cheap-oil-alone-will-not-turn-thai-around/

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NBTC 'must have power to allocate frequencies'
USANEE MONGKOLPORN
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE state subcommittee reforming the broadcasting and telecom industries wants the regulator to retain its independence and authority to allocate frequencies.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794823-nbtc-must-have-power-to-allocate-frequencies/

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PTTEP in the buying zone
PICHAYA CHANGSORN
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) is now tilting its investment plan towards purchases of petroleum fields and mergers and acquisitions after oil prices sank to a six-year slump. "Our priority is buying producing assets in Thailand and in the region. If they don't sell their assets, we can buy the companies. There are opportunities," Tevin Vongvanich, chief executive officer of the country's largest petroleum explorer, said in a pre-recorded television programme that aired yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794824-pttep-in-the-buying-zone/

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REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE
The Significance of PM Prayut's visit to Japan
Kavi Chongkittavorn

BANGKOK: -- The decision to invite Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to Tokyo on February 7-9 was made at the highest level in September. The proposed trip would have taken place long before, if not for the tight schedules of Prayut and his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe, over the past five months. The two ended up meeting each other on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders Meeting in Beijing and Asean summit in Nay Pyi Taw.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794826-the-significance-of-pm-prayuts-visit-to-japan/

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Norwegian arrested for criminal damage of ATM in Jomtien



PATTAYA: -- On Saturday a 46 year old Norwegian was arrested on Jomtien Beach, accused of criminal damage to an ATM.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794827-norwegian-arrested-for-criminal-damage-of-atm-in-jomtien/

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Woman accused of stealing IPhone from Iranian at Pattaya Pub



PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Sunday, Pattaya Police were called to a Pub located on Walking Street which caters for Middle-Eastern customers after a patron claimed one of the service staff stole his IPhone 5.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794828-woman-accused-of-stealing-iphone-from-iranian-at-pattaya-pub/

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Thai-British Man injured as bullet comes through roof of his Central Pattaya home



PATTAYA: -- On Sunday, a 24 year old man with Thai and British nationality was injured after a stray bullet came through the roof of his house as he slept with his wife and 2 month old child.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794829-thai-british-man-injured-as-bullet-comes-through-roof-of-his-central-pattaya-home/

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Ladyboy Show Performer killed in South Pattaya Road crash



PATTAYA: -- A Ladyboy Show performer, who was driving home with his friend after finishing work at a well-known Ladyboy Show Theatre, was killed as his bike was rear-ended by a high powered bike being driven at-speed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794830-ladyboy-show-performer-killed-in-south-pattaya-road-crash/

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Pattaya Street Robbery Gang arrested by Banglamung Police



PATTAYA: -- A group of 4 young men, thought to be responsible for a spate of street robberies which have occurred in the Pattaya and Banglamung areas, were arrested by Police over the weekend, who also seized guns and motorbikes belonging to the gang members.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794831-pattaya-street-robbery-gang-arrested-by-banglamung-police/

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Drug laws set for major revamp, ministry says
Kamolchanok Theekhakul
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- TO COUNTER the persistent problem of prisons overcrowded with petty drug convicts, an amendment will be made o various laws under a joint agreement of state agencies to rehabilitate abusers or petty pushers while going after big-time dealers or smugglers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794832-drug-laws-set-for-major-revamp-thai-ministry-says/

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Govt orders tough stance on floating lanterns
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- THE INTERIOR MINISTRY has instructed all governors around the country to strictly control the popular but |dangerous practice of releasing floating lanterns and firing traditional rockets into the sky in their provinces.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794833-thai-govt-orders-tough-stance-on-floating-lanterns/

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UPDATE:

Autopsy fails to find any traces of assault on British backpacker

BANGKOK: -- The police forensic science institute has confirmed that there were no traces of assault or semen in the body of British political activist Christina Annesley who died on Koh Tao resort island on January 19.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794722-autopsy-detects-no-sign-of-an-attack-on-british-koh-tao-backpacker/page-2?p=8986513#entry8986513

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Work on 2nd bridge in Mae Sot to start in Sept
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Construction of a second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Mae Sot is expected to start in September, Transport Minister ACM Prajin Juntong has said.

During a visit to Tak province, Prajin said the second bridge - which will be located in Ban Wang Takhian, Mae Sot district - was necessary in order to reduce freight congestion at the first bridge in Ban Rim Moei.

"The construction period is expected to take one year. Roads and checkpoints will also be constructed simultaneously," the minister said.

The project is expected to cost about Bt3.9 billion. Tak Chamber of Commerce said previously that the second bridge would help double Thai-Myanmar border trade to Bt60 billion a year.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Work-on-2nd-bridge-in-Mae-Sot-to-start-in-Sept-30252658.html


-- The Nation 2015-01-26

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Greek radical left wins election, threatening market turmoil
By ELENA BECATOROS, NICHOLAS PAPHITIS and DEMETRIS NELLAS

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — A radical left-wing party vowing to end Greece's painful austerity program won a historic victory in Sunday's parliamentary elections, setting the stage for a showdown with the country's international creditors that could shake the eurozone.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794834-greek-radical-left-wins-election-threatening-market-turmoil/

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Boko Haram attacks northeastern Nigerian city, scores killed
HARUNA UMAR, Associated Press

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AP) — In fierce fighting Sunday that killed more than 200 combatants, Nigerian troops clashed with Islamic extremists who attacked Maiduguri, the biggest city in northeastern Nigeria, from three fronts.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794835-boko-haram-attacks-northeastern-nigerian-city-scores-killed/

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Images of shot Egypt protester revive criticism of police
SARAH EL DEEB, Associated Press

CAIRO (AP) — Images of a mortally wounded protester, blood running down her face and hair as she was lifted from the pavement by a comrade, have touched off powerful criticism of Egypt's government on the anniversary of a revolution initially sparked by police brutality.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794836-images-of-shot-egypt-protester-revive-criticism-of-police/

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'Death-qualified' juror search slows marathon, theater cases
By DENISE LAVOIE

BOSTON (AP) — One prospective juror was brutally frank when asked whether he could consider a sentence of life in prison for the man accused of bombing the Boston Marathon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794837-us-death-qualified-juror-search-slows-boston-marathon-theater-cases/

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French arrests raise question: Is free speech for all?
By JILL LAWLESS

LONDON (AP) — When cartoonists at a French publication that had poked fun at the Prophet Muhammad were shot dead, millions around the world felt it as an attack on freedom of speech.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794838-french-arrests-raise-question-is-free-speech-for-all/

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Obama, Modi declare era of 'new trust' in US-India relations
By JULIE PACE

NEW DELHI (AP) — President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday declared an era of "new trust" in the often fraught relationship between their nations as the U.S. leader opened a three-day visit to New Delhi.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794840-obama-modi-declare-era-of-new-trust-in-us-india-relations/

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Republican White House maybes court evangelicals toward 2016
By BILL BARROW

ATLANTA (AP) — Jeb Bush and Mitt Romney have gotten much of the attention in these early days of the Republican race for president, but as they court the party's elite donors in private phone calls and meetings, a group of likely candidates to their right are just as eagerly chasing support among Christian evangelicals and social conservatives.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794843-republican-white-house-maybes-court-evangelicals-toward-2016/

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DAE extends application period for mini agricultural loans

SURAT THANI, Jan 26 2015, The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has extended the application period for loans for agricultural purposes of no more than 100-thousand baht per household.

According to the province’s Agricultural and Cooperatives office, the loan campaign is one of the Government’s many projects designed to give assistance to agricultural operators. Other campaigns include assistance funds for both rice farmers and rubber planters, and the ongoing project to seek ways to use more rubber domestically.

The office revealed that the number of agricultural operators applying for a loan is rather low and it has therefore decided to extend the application period to the end of this month.

It encouraged all interested para rubber planters looking to make a sideline income, to apply for the loan, saying the application form is available at district level agricultural offices.

Eligible applicants must be a member of the household that is registered with the office. A household is entitled to receive a loan only once.


-- NNT 2015-01-26

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Ubonratchathani hosts 1st meeting of Region 7 Red Cross

UBONRATCHATHANI, 26 Jan 2015, (NNT) - Ubonratcha thani yesterday held the first meeting of Region 7 Red Cross at Sunee Grand Hotel, setting the organization’s operating directions for 2015.

Ubonrachathani Governor Serm Chainarong chaired the meeting, which was attended by Red Cross operation chiefs from the provinces of Ubonratchathani, Kalasin, Roi Et, Yasothorn, Nakhon Phanom, and Mukdahan.

The meeting aimed at reporting the previous year's works and operating results each Red Cross in the area, while setting the operation this year's directions for member offices.

It also offered a chance for the members to meet and mingle, exchanging their experiences and tightening bonds among them.


-- NNT 2015-01-26

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Yala DDPM showcases remote controlled fire extinguishing drones

YALA, 26 Jan 2015, (NNT) - Yala Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation yesterday showcased new fire trucks and remote controlled fire extinguishing drones, drawing attention from a large number of the members of the public.

The office disclosed that the vehicles and the drones cost 23.3 million baht. The demonstration of the new technology in fighting fire is part of the Province’s annual Mawlid festival, currently underway until February 2nd.

According to the Office, the vehicles have been delivered to the area since last month and are being tested before being deployed in the actual mission. The Office remarked that the drones would be especially useful in putting out fires in places considered too risky for firefighters.

The drone sports a hose capable of delivering 2,400 liters of water per minute and a tank containing 4,000 liters of water and 500 liters of foam.

Although the drones need to be refilled often due to its limited storage capacity, they are extremely useful when dealing with terrorism-related incidents.

The Office also displayed its new fleet of wind-powered flat bottom boats at the fair.


-- NNT 2015-01-26