Thailand Live Monday 2 Feb 2015

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UPDATE:

Two homemade bombs explode in front of Siam Paragon

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Two homemade bombs exploded in front of the Siam Paragon shopping mall Sunday night, police said. No one was injured.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796822-two-homemade-bombs-explode-in-front-of-siam-paragon/

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Thaivisa survey

What is the main reason visitors come to Thailand?

Vote here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796527-survey-what-is-the-main-reason-visitors-come-to-thailand/

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Move to merge rights agency stirs concern
WIRAJ SRIPONG
THE NATION

CHARTER DRAFTERS' PLAN TO COMBINE THE NHRC AND OMBUDSMAN COULD 'HURT COUNTRY'S IMAGE ON RIGHTS'

BANGKOK: -- THE DECISION by the charter drafters to merge the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Ombudsman has sparked concerns over what its means for the human rights situation in Thailand and the country's image abroad.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796872-thailand-move-to-merge-rights-agency-stirs-concern/

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Calls to hold cyber bills until democracy is restored
PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE 10 cyber-security bills should be halted and reconsidered after a democratically-elected Parliament has returned, said cyber activists who met yesterday to discuss the negative repercussions of the bills, which included, they argued, compromised Internet privacy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796873-calls-to-hold-thai-cyber-bills-until-democracy-is-restored/

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Showdown over health funding
CHULARAT SAENGPASSA
THE NATION



NHSO's Winai fighting health ministry and public hospitals

BANGKOK: -- DR WINAI SAWASDIVORN, secretary-general of the National Health Security Office (NHSO), is standing defiant in the face of pressure from the Public Health Ministry and state hospitals, which are jointly pushing for crucial changes to NHSO's universal healthcare scheme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796874-showdown-over-thai-health-funding/

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
A passion for teaching
Chularat Saengpassa
The Nation

Prof Vicharn Panich is driven to help boost Thai teaching standards

BANGKOK: -- Though trained as a doctor, Prof Dr Vicharn Panich has spent his retirement years reading education-related theories, writing commen?taries about how to boost educa?tional quality and making real efforts to change Thailand's education for the better.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796875-thai-interview-a-passion-for-teaching/

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Nan conservation ride
The Nation



NAN: -- MORE THAN 1,000 people yesterday joined the third Nation Bike Thailand event in the northern province of Nan to promote cycling for good health and environmental conservation.

The "Pan Rak Pa Nan" event - "pedalling to conserve Nan forests" - kicked off at Nan Museum. It was jointly led by Kasikornbank chairman and CEO Banthoon Lamsam, Nation Multimedia Group chairman Suthichai Yoon and Nan Governor Ukrit Puengsopha.

Noted news anchors from the Nation Group such as Kanok Ratwongsakul, Theera Thanpaiboon also led the cyclists to plant trees on side streets.

Ukrit said the bike event helped promote cycling and development of bike lanes in Nan. Furthermore, the activity also responded to the province's policy to grow trees. "We have continued to develop the province to become river sources and uphold our legend as the city of mountain ranges and a living old city," he said.

Banthoon said Nation Bike Thailand had materialised through cooperation between the public and private sector. "The event promotes bicycle pedalling but also environmental conservation and not only Nan but people across the country," he said.

Suthichai said Nan was a lovely province to live in because it is rich in natural resources, and has a long history, plus many beautiful temples.

"Nan is unique because it has been able preserve its local culture and traditions. If every sector in the province can maintain this uniqueness and conservation sense among its people, Nan will become a model for other provinces," he said.

Kritwat Wongwijariyanit, a 14-year-old boy who took part in the event, said he had been cycling more than a year and felt healthier. "Cycling helps me find new friends who are like-minded. People in Nan have shown more interest in cycling but the problem is that there are not enough bike lanes and existing roads have many holes," he said.

Satarassami Kitti, 17, another participant hailed the event for boosting cycling that helps improve health and environmental conservation. She said cycling benefits both body and mind. "Students can relieve stress from study by cycling, which also helps them become healthier," she said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Nan-conservation-ride-30253167.html


-- The Nation 2015-02-02

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REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Quick actions needed to repair Thai-US friction
Kavi Chongkittavorn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's outrage over the comments last week by Daniel Russel, Assistant State Secretary for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, and subsequent responses from the US, showed that the 182-year-old relationship was in deep trouble and must be fixed as soon as possible.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796878-quick-actions-needed-to-repair-thai-us-friction/

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UPDATE:

Brit and Australian in Stun Gun Fight outside Central Pattaya Guesthouse



PATTAYA: -- On Saturday Pattaya Police were made aware of an alleged assault which occurred in Soi Honey Inn in Central Pattaya where a Stun Gun was used and a British National sustained minor injuries.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796764-aussie-uses-a-stun-gun-in-pattaya-punch-up/#entry9017110

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Two Ladyboy's arrested following theft of money from Indians in Central Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Sunday, Pattaya Police arrested two Ladyboy’s accused of stealing 4,000 Baht from an Indian Tourist.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796880-two-ladyboys-arrested-following-theft-of-money-from-indians-in-central-pattaya/

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Human Trafficking Bar Raids in Pattaya and Banglamung



PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Sunday officers from Pattaya and Banglamung Police Stations were busy conducting raids of Bars suspected of employing Thai and foreign nationals for the purposes of prostitution.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796881-human-trafficking-bar-raids-in-pattaya-and-banglamung/

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1 year old boy rescued from locked pick-up in East Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- Over the weekend a 1 year old boy was locked inside a pick-up belonging to his parents for almost one hour after he was left inside the vehicle as his Father opened his shop.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796882-1-year-old-boy-rescued-from-locked-pick-up-in-east-pattaya/

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UPDATE:

Two bomb explosions rock in front of Siam Paragon



BANGKOK: -- Two explosions rocked Siam Paragon sopping centre near the BTS's Siam Square station sending night shoppers to run in panic, and forcing the BTS to suspend service at the station.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796822-two-homemade-bombs-explode-in-front-of-siam-paragon/page-3?p=9017138#entry9017138

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Phuket police nab Taiwanese for buying multiple bank accounts
Eakkapop Thongtub


Chen, seated at Kathu Police Station, with some of his collection of bank books and cards.

PHUKET: -- Kathu police have arrested a Taiwanese man who attempted to hire 12 Thai people to open accounts with ATM cards for “financial transactions”.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796885-phuket-police-nab-taiwanese-for-buying-multiple-bank-accounts/

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US envoys call off trip
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- US DIPLOMATS in Thailand have called off their plan to meet political groups in the northeastern region following reports that the Prayut government is uneasy about the move, Pheu Thai Party sources said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796889-us-envoys-call-off-trip-to-isaan/

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No red shirts to upstage Prayut today
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The red shirts have no plans to upstage Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha when he pays an official visit to their heartland in Nakhon Ratchasima today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796890-no-red-shirts-to-upstage-prayut-today/

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'Public mistrust stems from secret drafting of bills'
ASINA PORNWASIN
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE DRAFTING of the digital economy bills has caused public mistrust because it has not been an open process, a forum has heard.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796891-thai-politics-public-mistrust-stems-from-secret-drafting-of-bills/

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Investigation into school's 'help' for students in O-NET
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- AN INTERNAL inquiry by the National Institute of Educational Testing Service is underway into allegations that an observer taking part in the Ordinary National Educational Test (O-NET) at a school on Saturday was ordered by executives of that school to hint answers to students.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796892-investigation-into-schools-help-for-students-in-o-net/

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Egypt releases imprisoned Al-Jazeera reporter
By SARAH EL DEEB

CAIRO (AP) — A reporter for Al-Jazeera English was released from an Egyptian prison and deported Sunday after more than a year behind bars, but his two Egyptian colleagues remained jailed in a case widely condemned as a sham by human-rights groups.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796894-egypt-releases-imprisoned-al-jazeera-reporter-peter-greste/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

The Pirate Bay website is back online

The Pirate Bay is now back online with service as normal – in fact it came back online nearly a day before the planned February 1st relaunch.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/the-pirate-bay-is-back-online/3644/

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UPDATE:

No one hurt as small blasts rattle Bangkok mall shoppers
By THANYARAT DOKSONE

BANGKOK (AP) — Two explosions at a transit hub near major downtown shopping malls in the Thai capital on Sunday night were caused by small improvised explosive devices, but no one was hurt and damage was minor, police said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796822-two-homemade-bombs-explode-in-front-of-siam-paragon/page-3?p=9017261#entry9017261

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Jordan committed to anti-IS coalition, despite hostage drama
KARIN LAUB, Associated Press

AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — Jordan remains "as committed as ever" to a U.S.-led military coalition against the Islamic State group, the kingdom's foreign minister said Sunday, amid heightened fears for the life of a Jordanian fighter pilot held by the militants.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796895-jordan-committed-to-anti-is-coalition-despite-hostage-drama/

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France offers support for Greece amid bailout tensions
SYLVIE CORBET, Associated Press

PARIS (AP) — France's Socialist government offered support Sunday for Greece's efforts to renegotiate debt for its huge bailout plan, amid renewed fears about Europe's economic stability.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796896-france-offers-support-for-greece-amid-bailout-tensions/

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Huckabee compares being gay to using alcohol, profanity
By PHILIP ELLIOTT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee on Sunday said being gay is akin to choosing to drink alcohol or use profanity — lifestyle choices he says are appealing to others but not to him.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796899-us-huckabee-compares-being-gay-to-using-alcohol-profanity/

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Obama proposing $478 billion public works program in budget
By JIM KUHNHENN and MARTIN CRUTSINGER

WASHINGTON (AP) — The $4 trillion budget that President Barack Obama sends Congress on Monday proposes higher taxes on wealthier Americans and corporations, and an ambitious $478 billion public works program for highway, bridge and transit upgrades.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796900-obama-proposing-478-billion-public-works-program-in-budget/

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Immigrants could wait until 2019 to have cases resolved
By SETH ROBBINS

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Thousands of immigrants seeking legalization through the U.S. court system have had their hearings canceled and are being told by the government that it may be 2019 or later before their futures are resolved.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796902-immigrants-could-wait-until-2019-to-have-cases-resolved/

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NE Region universities sign an MoU with THPF on alcohol in campus issues

SURIN, 2 Feb 2015, (NNT) - Thai Health Promotion Foundation (THPF) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 8 universities in the lower Northeastern region on a project to create a network of education institutes against the spreading use of alcohol among university students.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796914-isaan-universities-sign-mou-with-thpf-on-alcohol-in-campus-issues/

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Tyre factory in Eastern Seaboard destroyed by massive fire

CHONBURI: -- A massive fire burned down a tyre factory in the Eastern Seaboard in Chon Buri's Sri Racha district Sunday night.

The fire broke out at the LLIT (Thailand) Co Ltd factory at 7:45 am. More than 20 fire engines rushed to fight the blaze but the fire was too massive that they contain it from spreading. By 10 pm, the fire burned down three factory buildings were a lot of tyres were stored.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Tyre-factory-in-Eastern-Seaboard-destroyed-by-mass-30253178.html


-- The Nation 2015-02-02

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Chiang Mai public hearing wants the Government to decentralize power

CHIANG MAI, 2 Feb 2015, (NNT) - Locals of the Northern Province of Chiang Mai have expressed their hopes for the Government to decentralize administrative power to the provincial and local administrations.

The suggestion was made during yesterday’s 2 separate public hearings on the new Charter Drafting, during which the locals of Chiang Mai and Prae met with the members of Provincial National Reform Council (NRC). Such hearings have so far been conducted 70 times out of the 211 planned nationwide.

According to Ms. Julairat Jullajakkrawat, Chiang Mai member of the NRC, a large crowd of people attended yesterday’s event, adding that the most popular suggestion was the demand for decentralization of the government to lower administrative levels such as provincial and local administrations.

She said the move would allow the people to manage their own territory, adding that the suggestion was neutral and not fabricated.

Meanwhile, most of the 600 residents of Prae attending the public hearing yesterday voiced their opinions on the new Charter Drafting, particularly on the management of land in the national reserve areas. Prae NRC members said they would compile these suggestion into a comprehensive report and send it to the Constitution Drafting Committee before the end of April for consideration.


-- NNT 2015-02-02

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Obama: US trying to rescue American woman from Islamic State

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says the U.S. is doing everything in its power to try to rescue an American woman being held by Islamic State group militants.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796924-obama-us-trying-to-rescue-american-woman-from-islamic-state/