Thailand Live Friday 30 Jan 2015

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Successful business matching of Thai and Myanmar teams in Mae Sot

TAK, 30 January 2015 (NNT) - Business Matching between Thai and Myanmar entrepreneurs held in Mae Sot District, Tak today was successful with over US$ 2 million in trade revenues, equal to THB 66 million, Director of Tak Commercial Affairs Office Panu Kankaew has revealed.

There was a total of 182 companies attending the business matching: 112 Thai and 70 Burmese. Over thirty companies have gained the Myanmar traders' attention, leading to the signing of MoUs.

The business matching today was part of the Tak Border Trade Fair 2015 being held at Mae Sot Central Stadium until Sunday Feb 1.

Commerce Minister Chatchai Sarikulya said that the business matching is one of strategies to double border trade revenue between Thailand and Myanmar by 2016. Meanwhile, the Mae Sot model will facilitate better logistics, connectivity, labor movement and sister- city links between Mae Sot and Myawaddy.


-- NNT 2015-01-30

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Now, NLA panel to summon US envoy
The Nation


Bilaibhan Sampatisiri, centre, chairperson of the National Legislative Assembly

Bilateral spat continues with Washington's reiteration

BANGKOK: -- The spat between Thailand and the United States looks set to continue with the National Legislative Assembly's foreign affairs committee planning to summon the US charge d'affaires to explain the recent criticism by a senior American official, which is perceived as interference in Thailand's internal affairs.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796031-now-nla-panel-to-summon-us-envoy/

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Govt unfazed for now by looming 'currency wars'
Pichaya Changsorn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- While Siam Commercial Bank's chief economist seems sure the world is entering a currency war, but Energy Minister Narongchai Akrasanee sees no reasons for concerns, saying the government is confident the Thai economy will do better this year, regardless of the movements in oil prices and exchange rates.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796032-thai-govt-unfazed-for-now-by-looming-currency-wars/

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Pheu Thai gets a dose of 'attitude adjustment'
The Nation

Ex-ministers Surapong, Chaturon among those summoned

BANGKOK: -- A group of Pheu Thai politicians was yesterday summoned for "attitude adjustment" after the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) believed their recent political comments may widen the political rift and cause damage to the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796033-pheu-thai-gets-a-dose-of-attitude-adjustment/

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NHSO and health ministry clash now hits registrar service
CHULARAT SAENGPASSA
THE NATION

Agency says it will take over job as state body decides to drop it

BANGKOK: -- THE NATIONAL Health Security Office (NHSO) has shrugged off the Public Health Ministry's decision to stop providing registrar services for the universal healthcare scheme from April 30. "We are ready to take over the task," the NHSO deputy secretary-general, Dr Peerapol Sutiwisesak, said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796034-nhso-and-thai-health-ministry-clash-now-hits-registrar-service/

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'US sleeping as China courts Thailand'
WIRAJ SRIPONG
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The relationship between Thailand and the United States is about to turn to a new chapter in light of the military coup, academics said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796035-us-sleeping-as-china-courts-thailand/

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UPDATE:

Govt told to focus on R&D, cut down on graft to boost competitiveness
ERICH PARPART
PICHAYA CHANGSORN
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- THE JOINT Foreign Chambers of Commerce and top executives yesterday called on the government to focus on the promotion of research and development, improvement of human resources, reduction of corruption and liberalisation of the service sector to lift the country's competitiveness.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/795915-thai-govt-serious-about-economic-reform-for-sustainable-development/#entry9005029

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EDITORIAL
New report puts Israel firmly in the dock
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The killing of civilians in Gaza was 'a matter of policy', claims an Israeli rights organisation, as the Palestinians head to the International Court

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796036-new-report-puts-israel-firmly-in-the-dock/

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OVERDRIVE
The Ugly American is alive and kicking
Thanong Khanthong

BANGKOK: -- Many Thais have reacted with fury to what is being widely seen as a case of the US meddling in Thai politics. The incident brings to mind "The Ugly American", a film made more than 50 years ago during the cold war. It portrayed America's arrogant behaviour towards a third-world country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796037-thai-opinion-the-ugly-american-is-alive-and-kicking/

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Frenchman caught up in South Pattaya attempted necklace snatch



PATTAYA: -- A 28 year old Frenchman was lucky not to lose his gold necklace following an attempt at stealing the item by two Thai men, in front of a South Pattaya Hotel on Thursday Morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796038-frenchman-caught-up-in-south-pattaya-attempted-necklace-snatch/

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Armed Robbery at entrance to North Pattaya Condominium



PATTAYA: -- A Security Guard was ordered at gunpoint to hand over his cigarettes and two-way radio late on Thursday Night in front of a North Pattaya Condominium, where he works.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796039-armed-robbery-at-entrance-to-north-pattaya-condominium/

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Angry friends try to storm Phuket shooting reenactment
Nattapat Tuarob


Police officers, one with an automatic pistol and one with a pen gun, play the parts of the shooters. Photo courtesy Provincial PR Office

PHUKET: -- Police this afternoon staged a reenactment of the deadly shooting in Saphan Hin earlier in the day.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796040-angry-friends-try-to-storm-phuket-shooting-reenactment/

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Ministry considers increasing airport taxi surcharge
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Transport Ministry is considering boosting the surcharge for taxis queued at Suvaranabhumi Airport.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796041-ministry-considers-increasing-suvaranabhumi-airport-taxi-surcharge/

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Hunt on for Saraburi killer
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Saraburi police are trying to find out who killed a woman and divided her body parts in five bags that were found at an elevated junction in Kaeng Khoi district.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796042-hunt-on-for-saraburi-killer/

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Police study shorts found in rape victim's home
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Police are examining a pair of shorts and the contents of its pockets to identify a rapist who allegedly assaulted 10 elderly women in the provinces of Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon and Nakhon Pathom.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796044-thai-police-study-shorts-found-in-rape-victims-home/

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Social media traffic star dies from accident injuries
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Bangkok traffic policeman Pol Lieutenant Santiparp On-la-or, 55, who became famous after a video clip of him directing traffic in heavy rain went viral on Thai social media, has succumbed to fatal injuries he sustained from a road accident.

Santiparp was pronounced dead at 10pm on Wednesday, and his royally sponsored cremation will be held on February 2 at Wat Tri Thotsathep.

Expressway 2 Police Station deputy superintendent Pol Lt-Colonel Thanathon Sirinthawat said he would ask the supervisors to provide Santiparp's family with welfare and assistance, while Pol Lt-Colonel Phadungkiat Pansilpa said investigators of the accident case were still awaiting forensic results, which should be out in a week.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Social-media-traffic-star-dies-from-accident-injur-30252947.html


-- The Nation 2015-01-30

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Two more arrested for noodle vendor's death
The Nation



NAKHON PATHOM: -- Police have arrested two more youngsters for allegedly having a hand in the murder of noodle vendor Kornnat Purensopa in Nakhon Pathom's Nakhon Chaisri district last week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796045-two-more-arrested-for-thai-noodle-vendors-death/

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One-stop service centres in shopping malls
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Six state agencies have joined hands with Central Pattana to open 13 "one-stop service" centres at its malls nationwide, starting with Bangkok's CentralWorld on February 14. A memorandum of understanding for the project was signed yesterday at Government House.

The services the centres will offer include civil registration, issuing Thai ID cards, car tax payment, issuing drivers' licence, registering job seekers and providing consultation as well as social-security services.

Deputy PM Visanu Kruea-ngarm said the project would be assessed on a monthly basis and the result reported to the Cabinet every six months. The location will be free, but the government will have to cover the electricity bills.

The agencies involved will be the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Social Security Office, the Land Transport Department, the Employment Department and the Electronic Government Agency.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/One-stop-service-centres-in-shopping-malls-30252949.html


-- The Nation 2015-01-30

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KMITL sets up panel to fill operational loopholes
PANYA THIOSANGWAN,
SUPACHAI PETCHTHEWEE
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- KING MONGKUT'S Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) has set up a committee to fill loopholes in regulations related to finances, Privy Councillor General Surayud Chulanont, who is also chancellor of KMITL's Council, said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796047-kmitl-sets-up-panel-to-fill-operational-loopholes/

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SSO director stands by scholarships
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- THE inspector-general of the Social Security Office (SSO) has defended a scholarship programme that enables medical and nursing students to study overseas amid criticism from a group of SSO beneficiaries who want the scheme scrapped.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796048-sso-director-stands-by-scholarships/

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TAT keeps its focus on Asean market amid uncertainty of Western economies
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION
NAY PYI TAW

BANGKOK: -- THE Tourism Authority of Thailand will continue focusing on Asean markets out of fear of the continuing economic instability in Western economies.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796049-tat-keeps-its-focus-on-asean-market-amid-uncertainty-of-western-economies/

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BURNING ISSUE
Thai Airways faces uphill task to revive its fortunes
Sasithorn Ongdee

BANGKOK: -- Can national carrier Thai Airways International (THAI), one of the state enterprises reportedly in the twilight zone after being exploited by many groups of people for decades, survive until 2017 even as its rehabilitation plan was approved by the "Superboard" on Monday?

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796050-thai-airways-faces-uphill-task-to-revive-its-fortunes/

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CONSTITUTION WATCH
New charter provision to curb spending on populist schemes
KRIS BHROMSUTHI
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The members of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) yesterday wrote an article into the charter providing strict regulations governing the national budget and finances, aimed at preventing excessive populist spending by future governments.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796051-new-thai-charter-provision-to-curb-spending-on-populist-schemes/

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NCPO urged to reconsider decision on media forum
The Nation,
Agence France-Presse

BANGKOK: -- The Thai Journalists Association (TJA) yesterday called on the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to reconsider its order postponing a symposium on media freedom scheduled for today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796053-ncpo-urged-to-reconsider-decision-on-media-forum/

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UPDATE:

PM vows intensified martial law
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 30 -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the government would strictly enforce martial law measures, ban overseas trips and check the financial transactions of inciters unless they stopped their movement.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/795969-martial-law-to-be-strictly-enforced/page-4#entry9005215

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Simultaneous attacks in Egypt's Sinai kill 26
ASHRAF SWEILAM, Associated Press

EL-ARISH, Egypt (AP) — Militants struck more than a dozen army and police targets in the restive Sinai Peninsula with simultaneous attacks involving a car bomb and mortar rounds on Thursday, killing at least 26 security officers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796054-simultaneous-attacks-in-egypts-sinai-kill-26/

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Indonesian investigators: Crashed AirAsia flown by co-pilot
By NINIEK KARMINI

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesian investigators announced Thursday the co-pilot of the crashed AirAsia jet was in control when he struggled to recover the aircraft as stall warnings sounded.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796055-indonesian-investigators-crashed-airasia-flown-by-co-pilot/

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Senate passes bill approving Keystone XL oil pipeline
By DINA CAPPIELLO

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Republican-controlled Senate on Thursday approved a bipartisan bill to construct the Keystone XL oil pipeline, defying a presidential veto threat and setting up the first of many battles with the White House over energy and the environment.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796057-us-senate-passes-bill-approving-keystone-xl-oil-pipeline/

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EU to extend existing Russia sanctions over Ukraine
RAF CASERT, Associated Press
LORNE COOK, Associated Press

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union extended by six months an existing set of sanctions against Russian and pro-Russia separatist officials because of the continued fighting in eastern Ukraine and was planning further action, officials said Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796058-eu-to-extend-existing-russia-sanctions-over-ukraine/

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Frenchman linked to attackers charged, incarcerated
DAVID KEYTON, Associated Press

PARIS (AP) — French authorities filed preliminary terrorism charges Thursday against a Frenchman extradited from Bulgaria and linked to gunmen behind deadly attacks in Paris, a judicial official said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796059-frenchman-linked-to-charlie-hebdo-attackers-charged-incarcerated/