Thailand Live Monday 26 Jan 2015

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Mahasarakham holds international storytelling fair, preparing for AEC

MAHASARAKHAM, 26 Jan 2015, (NNT) - Mahasarakham University yesterday held an international storytelling fair ‘ASEAN Folktales and Storytelling for ASEAN Readiness’, showcasing the diversity of cultures in ASEAN region.

The fair was well received by the university students and various international storytelling organizations. Top storytellers from 15 countries joined the event, which included Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos PDR, Indonesia, Singapore, India, the United States, Australia, South Korea, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Romania, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand.

Participants told their famous respective local folklore, entertaining the audience by incorporating body language into their tales. Aside from the folklore, the event also held a bedtime storytelling contest and a drawing competition, Mahasarakham University, the event organizer, said.

According to the university, the purpose of the event is to develop the potential of its students and education staff ,both Thai and foreign, while informing the audience and the public of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) through local folklore of each participating country.

The organizer hopes the event will create an understanding and spark public interests in the AEC, as well as tightening bonds among higher education institutes in the region.


-- NNT 2015-01-26

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“Inside Isan 2015” to be held to promote northeastern region

KHON KAEN, 25 January 2015 (NNT) – The Public Relations Department (PRD) Region 1 Khon Kaen will organize the “Inside Isan 2015” activity from 27-30 January 2015 to promote the upper northeastern region of Thailand or “Isan” in Thai.

The activity will demonstrate the identity, way of life, art and culture and wisdoms of the local Isan people. It will bring 44 foreign university students from Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, China and Japan to famous tourist attractions throughout the region including Phimai Historical Park, Dan Kwian Ceramics and Pottery Center, Chokchai Farm in Nakhon Ratchasima, Baan Paeng OTOP Center in Mahasarakham, “Phu Kum Khao” Dinosaur Research Center in Kalasin, the Sufficiency Economy Learning Center of Uncle Intra and Queen Sirikit Sericulture Center in Khon Kaen.

The opening ceremony of the event will take place at Public Relations Office Region 1 Khon Kaen, near Kaennakorn Lake on 27 February 27 at 9 a.m.

-- NNT 2015-01-26

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,602.13, gains 3.80 points /MCOT

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Phuket tourist drowns on trip to Racha Island


Mr He Hua Si Chuan, 38, was on a island tour with his wife and friends.

Phuket: -- Phuket̕s marine tourism came into the spotlight for the wrong reasons again yesterday (January 25) following the death of a Chinese tourist whilst on a tour to Racha island.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794895-phuket-tourist-drowns-on-trip-to-racha-island/

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In 2014,budget airlines hauled 39.97mn passengers to/from 6 Thai airports, up 23.42% from 2013, accounting for 44% of overall passengers throughput,39.7% for entire aircraft movements. /The Nation

Euro fell to 11-yr low, stock prices down today as Greece's Syriza party vows to roll back austerity measures after snap election win; raising concern among int'l lenders /The Nation

Japan's trade deficit rose to new high at U$109 bn in 2014; weighed down by post-Fukushima energy bills. /The Nation

Finance Ministry to launch Bt150-bn investment budget for fast-track projects to boost sluggish Thai economy, create jobs in provinces during dry season. /The Nation

Govt to crack down on aerial spy drones, or those which fly at excess heights due to air traffic safety and national security concerns /The Nation

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Army chief Udomdej Sitabutr warned Panthongtae Shinawatra, only son of ousted prime minister Thaksin, not to make any problematic comment deemed as incitement. /Bangkok Post

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SURVEY: In the past 10 years, has Thailand become better or worse?

Have your say here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/793614-survey-thailand-better-or-worse/

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Police rescue woman locked up and tortured by boyfriend
By Coconuts Bangkok



ANG THONG: -- Police rescued a woman from her home where she had been held and assaulted by her boyfriend in Ang Thong province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794906-thai-police-rescue-woman-locked-up-and-tortured-by-boyfriend/

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'Good Samaritans' rob Phuket bike crash victim
Eakkapop Thongtub


Thalang Police officers finally arrive to take the victim's statement.

PHUKET: -- Two men who stopped, supposedly to help a third who had crashed his motorike last night (January 25), had larceny more than assistance in mind.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794933-good-samaritans-rob-phuket-bike-crash-victim/

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75-Thousand kg of rice handed to flood victims in Pattalung

PATTALUNG, 26 Jan 2015, (NNT) - The Government has handed out 75-thousand kg of rice to the victims of floods in the Southern Province of Pattalung.

According to the province’s Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, a large number of Pattalung’s residents have suffered from the recent deluge and runoffs triggered by days of continuous heavy rain. It said the province distributed bagged rice to relieve some of the burden being borne by the many people affected.

On Sunday, an additional rice supply of 75-thousand kg or 15-thousand bags was sent to the area by the Government.

The Disaster Prevention Office said the Provincial Administration immediately began to hand out the rice as it arrived, saying 5,000 bags had been delivered to the victims in Srinakarin District, 3,500 bags to Pahbon District, 4,100 bags to affected locals in Pakpayoon District, while Bang Keaw and Pahphatom Districts received 2,300 bags and a hundred bags respectively.

-- NNT 2015-01-26

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Ground Water Resources Department ready to handle drought crisis

BANGKOK, 26 January 2015 (NNT)-The Department of Ground Water Resources (DGR) has urged people to use water wisely as many provinces across Thailand could be at risks of water shortages.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794936-thai-water-resources-dept-ready-to-handle-drought-crisis/

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Property sector to rebound 10% this year
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Jan 26 -- Thailand’s property sector which experienced a bleak performance last year due to domestic political turbulence is expected to rebound and grow approximately 10 per cent this year, according toThongma Vijitpongpun, CEO of Pruksa Real Estate.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794939-thai-property-sector-to-rebound-10-this-year/

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AirAsia abolishes fuel surcharge on all its airlines
Business Desk
The Straits Times

SINGAPORE: -- Malaysia-based airline AirAsia, in a posting on Facebook, has said that it will be abolishing is fuel surcharge from Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794941-airasia-abolishes-fuel-surcharge-on-all-its-airlines/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Drones fitted with cameras to be banned in Thailand

BANGKOK:– The flying of drones in Thailand is set to be banned as part of a new government crackdown.

According to the Transport Ministry, the new regulations will come into effect next month and will prohibit members of the public flying drones fitted with cameras.

The regulations will be used to govern the use of aerial drones which are capable of flying at high altitude, and are considered a threat national security and which also can be violation of the privacy of others, reports Thai PBS.

Under the new regulations, the use of drones will be divided into two categories.

The first, relates to drones used for education, sport and research purposes or on occasions which will help to aid the development of the country.

Drones used in these instances will have permission and a pre-agreed flight path.

The second relates to flying drones for personal use and it is this which needs to be more strictly controlled said Transport Minister Prajin.

Under the new regulations, which are currently being drafted by the Civil Aviation Department, drones carrying cameras will only be permitted for use by the mass media or film making industry.

The flying of drones fitted with cameras will not be allowed by members of the general public.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/drones-fitted-cameras-banned-thailand/3290/

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New Phuket firms over B5m capital must now show the money
Tanyaluk Sakoot


Show us the money: The Phuiket Business Development Office. Photo Google Street View

PHUKET: -- The national Department of Business Development has amended regulations on company and partnership registration, and on increasing company capital.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794942-new-phuket-firms-over-bt5m-capital-must-now-show-the-money/

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Army chief cautions Panthongtae



BANGKOK: -- Army commander-in-chief Gen Udomdej Seetabutr cautioned former premier Thaksin Shinawatra's son to write comments appropriately on his Facebook if he wished to see peace and order in the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794943-thai-army-chief-cautions-panthongtae-shinawatra/

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Koh Tao Mayor Blasts UK Media's 'Negative Reporting'
By Khaosod English


The body of Christina Annesley on the ferry from Koh Tao to the mainland, 24 January 2015

SURAT THANI — The mayor of Koh Tao island, where a 23-year-old British tourist was found dead last week, has accused British media of damaging the island's reputation with spurious and negative news coverage.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794971-koh-tao-mayor-blasts-uk-medias-negative-reporting/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Lonely Planet Traveller awards best destinations in Thailand

Visitors to Thailand seeking to experience the Best Tourism Destinations and Services as rated by the readers of Lonely Planet Traveller Thailand now have a list of 13 award-winning places to start.

In a gala ceremony on 18 November, 2014, the “Lonely Planet Traveller Destination Awards 2014” were conferred on the following Thailand attractions and services.

The Awards were organised by Media Expertise International (Thailand) Co., Ltd., publisher of the Lonely Planet Traveller Thailand magazine. They also included a number of awards for Best International Travel Destinations.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794972-lonely-planet-traveller-awards-best-destinations-in-thailand/

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Cops Investigating Boy Scout's Death in Songkhla Military Camp
By Khaosod English


The wall that a 15-year-old student was climbing over when an overhanging pole fell on his head and caused a fatal injury. Songkhla province, 24 Jan 2015.

SONGKHLA — Police say they are investigating the death of a 15-year-old student who died during boy scout training at a military camp in the southern province of Songkhla.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794974-cops-investigating-boy-scouts-death-in-songkhla-military-camp/

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Ex-PM Yingluck must seek permission to travel overseas
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 26 -- Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra must seek permission ahead of time from the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) if she wants to travel overseas, according to NCPO spokesman Col Winthai Suvaree. However the general situation in Thailand remains normal after the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) impeached her on Friday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794975-ex-pm-yingluck-must-seek-permission-to-travel-overseas/

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Burmese concert in Phuket ‘may be cancelled’. VIDEO
Nattha Thepbamrung

PHUKET: -- A concert featuring major Burmese stars, scheduled for next Saturday (January 31), appears to be in doubt after provincial authorities expressed security concerns.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794976-burmese-concert-in-phuket-may-be-cancelled-video/

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Senior US official visiting Thailand
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 26 -- A high-ranking US government official will visit Thailand officially today for the first time since the May 22 military takeover which toppled the elected government of prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, according to a Thai government advisor.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794977-senior-us-official-visiting-thailand/

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Poll shows most people admit they don’t earn enough to cover expenses



BANGKOK: -- Over half of the people polled recently admitted that their incomes were not enough to cover their expenses.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794979-poll-shows-most-thai-people-admit-they-dont-earn-enough-to-cover-expenses/

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Noted sculptor Saiyart Semangern dies of heart disease

BANGKOK: -- Renowned wood sculptor Saiyart Semangern died early morning after 13-year suffering from heart disease. He was 70.

Known for his unique wooden sculptures and custom furniture, Saiyart was named the 2008 Silpathorn Award by the Culture Ministry's Office of Contemporary Art and Culture.

One of his trademarks is the use of age-old technique of joining sections of wood without nails by using old wood reclaimed from buffalo carts, plows and rice barges to become lively outdoor furniture and tabletop figures. His funeral will be held at Wat Bumpen Tai in Bangkok's Minburi district.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Noted-sculptor-Saiyart-Semangern-dies-of-heart-dis-30252674.html


-- The Nation 2015-01-26

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Last year's projects applying for BoI's privileges highest in 50 years in term of value



BANGKOK: -- Over 2,000 investment projects worth 1.4 trillion baht applied for promotional privileges from the Board of Investment in last December alone, said Mrs Hirunya Sujinai, acting secretary-general of the BoI, on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794984-last-years-projects-applying-for-bois-privileges-highest-in-50-years-in-term-of-value/

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Obama takes in India's grand Republic Day parade
JULIE PACE, Associated Press
MUNEEZA NAQVI, Associated Press

NEW DELHI (AP) — President Barack Obama on Monday took in a grand display of Indian military hardware, marching bands and elaborately dressed camels, becoming the first American leader to be honored as chief guest at India's annual Republic Day festivities.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794985-obama-takes-in-indias-grand-republic-day-parade/

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AP Interview: Iraq 'sleeper cells' fight Islamic State group
By SAMEER N. YACOUB

BAGHDAD (AP) — "Sleeper cells" made up of former Iraqi police officers and soldiers are tipping off authorities to Islamic State group positions in the northern city of Mosul, a prominent lawmaker has told The Associated Press.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794986-iraq-sleeper-cells-fight-islamic-state-group/

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PM: THAI Airways solvent

BANGKOK, 26 January 2015 (NNT)-Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has insisted that Thai Airways is not going bankrupt as rumored.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794988-pm-prayut-thai-airways-solvent/

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ASEAN promoting collaborative, sustainable tourism
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 26 -- ASEAN has announced joint tourism promotional campaigns to also emphasise sustainability. Nearly 100 million tourists visited the region last year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794990-asean-promoting-collaborative-sustainable-tourism/

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FEATURE: Overview of Yingluck impeachment case in NLA

BANGKOK: -- On January 23, 2015, the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) voted to impeach former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatr a for her failure to halt or rectify the costly and corrupt rice-pledging scheme, effectively banning her from political activity for 5 years. She now faces a criminal charge in the Supreme Court for Political Office Holders.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/794991-overview-of-yingluck-impeachment-case-in-nla/