Thai Hostages Still Missing a Year After Hamas Attack

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Diphtheria vaccines available for Nakhon Si Thammarat residents

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, 4 February 2015 (NNT) - The Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Public Health Office has launched the government's campaign for a nationwide diphtheria vaccination in the city area as part of the celebration of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's 5th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on 2nd April 2015.

Local residents of the age group 20-50 are targeted for the vaccination because they were born before 1977 and did not have vaccinations. Thus their immunity is low; it raises their potential to be infected by diphtheria. Meanwhile, the campaign also provides measles vaccines for children from two and a half years of age, up to age seven.

The vaccination campaign aims to prevent the Thai population from contracting either diphtheria or tetanus with one injection. They will be immunized from preventable diseases before the country gets into the ASEAN Community at the end of this year. Target-age people can get vaccinated at the nearby Tambon Health Promoting Hospitals in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection usually affecting the mucous membranes of nose and throat, typically causing a sore throat, fever, swollen glands and weakness. The hallmark sign is a sheet of thick, gray material covering the back of the throat, which can block air passages, causing a patient to struggle for breath. In advanced stages, diphtheria can damage heart, kidneys and the nervous system.


-- NNT 2015-02-04

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Q&A: Thailand's railway system shows its age
China is to build a 3,000km, high-speed rail line that will connect the country to Southeast Asia.
Divya Gopalan

(Al Jazeera) According to the China Railway Corporation, a 3,000km, high-speed rail line will be built that will connect the country to Southeast Asia.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797443-q-a-thailands-railway-system-shows-its-age/

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Fake palace announcement 'came from overseas'
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- POLICE SAID yesterday a "certain" announcement claiming to have been issued by the Royal Household Bureau, which quickly spread on social media on Monday evening, was believed to have come from a source outside Thailand.

Police spokesperson Pol Lt-Gen Prawut Thavornsiri said related agencies were meeting to try to also find out the motive behind the incident.

The fake document stoked alarm and misunderstanding, while Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday condemned those behind it and ordered the authorities to quickly bring the culprit to justice. However, he admitted it would take a while before the person behind the rumour could be traced.

"I think the person has a bad heart. It's not okay and I don't think all Thais can accept this. Don't just believe everything. When I heard about it [on Monday night], I issued an order for related agencies to have it confirmed [as being false] and to issue a counter statement as [the false announcement] could cause problems," he said.

Deputy government spokesman Maj-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the person behind the false announcement had ill intentions towards Thai society. He urged the media to be more cautious in disseminating such sensitive news as one prominent Thai-language news website unwittingly thought the announcement was genuine and reported it online.

He said the fake report affected all Thais and thanked people for responding quickly. He hoped such incidents would not reoccur.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Fake-palace-announcement-came-from-overseas-30253327.html


-- The Nation 2015-02-04

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SIAM PARAGON EXPLOSION
Warrants expected today
THE NATION

CCTV footage shows two suspects prior to bombs that went off by Siam Paragon on Sunday night

BANGKOK: -- ARREST WARRANTS are expected to be issued today for two men suspected of planting and setting off twin pipe bombs near Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok on Sunday night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797444-siam-paragon-bombs-warrants-expected-today/

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CHARTER WRITING
Group fights CDC decision to merge NHRC, Ombudsman
THE NATION

NETWORK ARGUES THEIR OPERATIONS VERY DIFFERENT, CDC CHIEF AGREES TO RECONSIDER

BANGKOK: -- CIVIL-SOCIETY representatives yesterday submitted a petition to Borwornsak Uwanno, chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), voicing their opposition to the planned merger of the Ombudsman's Office and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797445-thai-charter-writing-group-fights-cdc-decision-to-merge-nhrc-ombudsman/

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FTI CALL
Drop martial law, use Article 44, govt told
Erich Parpart
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Supant Mongkolsuthree, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), yesterday called on the government to lift martial law and replace it with Article 44, which grants the junta unchecked power.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797446-drop-martial-law-use-article-44-thai-govt-told/

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NACC revokes land deeds for iron smelting plant in Prachuap
NATTAPAT PHROMKAEW
THE NATION

AGENCY MOVES TO PROTECT PEAT SWAMP AFTER COMPLAINT BY GROUP

HUA HIN: -- THE NATIONAL Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has ruled that land-right documents for 11 plots in Prachuap Khiri Khan province were issued illegally and should be revoked.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797447-nacc-revokes-land-deeds-for-iron-smelting-plant-in-prachuap/

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Bangkok shopping malls step up security after bomb blasts
BUSINESS REPORTERS
THE NATION

MAJOR MALLS in prime shopping areas in Bangkok have stepped up security measures after bomb incidents on Sunday.

BANGKOK: -- Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, executive vice president for marketing at Central Pattana (CPN), said the company had ordered security staff to investigate all vehicles and baggage handled by visitors at entrances and exits of all of its shopping complexes throughout the Kingdom, comprising CentralWorld, CentralPlaza, and Central Festival.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797448-bangkok-shopping-malls-step-up-security-after-bomb-blasts/

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Transport firms pressure govt over NGV prices
WATCHARAPONG THONGRUNG
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE GOVERNMENT is being challenged by groups of transportation operators over whether to allow them to raise public fares or halt rising NGV (natural gas for vehicles) prices, while truck operators threaten to protest at the Energy Ministry this week against NGV price hikes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797449-transport-firms-pressure-thai-govt-over-ngv-prices/

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STOPPAGE TIME
Teaching a kid to love the Americans
Tulsathit Taptim

BANGKOK: -- The same boy who had fought with his English teacher over the word "xenophobia" (Stoppage Time, June 18, 2014) came home yesterday looking totally depressed again. The father, now familiar with his son's habit of never letting go a classroom argument, asked what it was this time. "America", the kid replied tersely, and the old man knew immediately.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797450-thai-opinion-teaching-a-kid-to-love-the-americans/

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EDITORIAL
Our cinematic talent needs more support
The Nation

Showered with awards on the global stage, Thai filmmakers are being shunned by authorities at home

BANGKOK: -- A Thai director has once again scooped the top award at an international film festival, reminding us of the abundance of talent our movie industry has to offer. Jakrawaal Nithihamrong's "Vanishing Point" wowed judges at the movie festival in Rotterdam, becoming the fourth Thai indie production to win silverware at the Dutch showcase.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797451-thai-editorial-our-cinematic-talent-needs-more-support/

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British Man killed in South Pattaya Road Crash



PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Tuesday a fatal road crash occurred on the Sukhumvit Road in South Pattaya which resulted in the death of a 50 year old British motorcyclist.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797452-british-man-killed-in-south-pattaya-road-crash/

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American in suspected suicide at North Pattaya Apartment

PATTAYA: -- Police and medics were called to a North Pattaya Apartment complex on Tuesday Night to deal with the death of an American, who is suspected of taking his own life.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797453-american-in-suspected-suicide-at-north-pattaya-apartment/

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Giant shark near Phuket ends up on barbecues
Eakkapop Thongtub


Villagers haul the shark onto the shore . It weighed around 300 kilos.

PHUKET: -- Scientists from the Coastal Fisheries Research and Development Centre in Krabi yesterday (February 2) went to take a look at a very large dead shark found floating just off the coast.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797454-giant-shark-near-phuket-ends-up-on-barbecues/

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Thai woman pretends to be American to get out of ticket
By Coconuts Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- Millions have tuned in to watch a video of a less-than-cunning linguist’s bid to get out of a traffic ticket by pretending to be an American.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797455-thai-woman-pretends-to-be-american-to-get-out-of-ticket/

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BURNING ISSUE
A case of double standards, both Thai and American
PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK

BANGKOK: -- THE VISIT to Thailand last week by the most senior US envoy to arrive since the coup has succeeded in stirring up displeasure, irritation and even hatred of America among a number of self-proclaimed nationalists who support the military regime of General Prayut Chan-o-cha.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797456-thai-politics-a-case-of-double-standards-both-thai-and-american/

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Serial rapist put on CSD 'most wanted' list

SUPACHAI PETCHTHEWEE

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) has put the much-sought serial rapist who assaulted several elderly women in recent years on its "most wanted" list and has issued details of his crimes in 5,000 leaflets that will be handed out to locals in target areas.

CSD acting commander Colonel Akaradej Phimolsri announced the decision yesterday and called on people to come forward if they have any tips.

"Call (096) 124 7146 and (095) 689 6878, which are phone numbers of two senior CSD officers investigating the case. We offer a Bt200,000 bounty," he said.

The leaflet also contains details on the crimes committed in each of the 10 assaults, along with a write-up that describes the suspect "as a non-human who engraved the brand of sin on the victims who are endeared by their children and grandchildren".

The leaflets also describe the suspect's features: a male between 35 and 45 years of age, compact but of strong and muscular build, 165-175 centimetres tall, dark complexion with rough palms, wearing a cap or a hoodie and travelling on a bicycle. The suspect also stole a well-known Buddha amulet and a 6.35mm calibre Mauser pistol with registration number 43035 from two victims.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Serial-rapist-put-on-CSD-most-wanted-list-30253320.html

-- The Nation 2015-02-04

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UPDATE:

Police nab gold heist bandits after 'insider' confesses
ANAN WIJITPRACHA,
PONGSATAT RUJIPUTTANYAPAT
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- POLICE quickly nabbed two men yesterday for allegedly stealing gold ornaments worth Bt21 million.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797359-robber-escapes-with-14-kgs-gold%e2%80%8f-in-thailand/#entry9025976

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Locals complain over snake farm in Uttaradit
THE NATION


Workers at a new snake farm in Uttaradit province, which has become the subject of complaints among locals.

BANGKOK: -- A SNAKE FARM has been operating in Uttaradit province without a licence, spreading fear among locals, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797460-locals-complain-over-snake-farm-in-uttaradit/

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Stolen Ban Chiang era artefacts |on display in Pathum Thani
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- An exhibition featuring over 200 Ban Chiang-period artefacts looted in the 1970s and sent to the US, will open to the public tomorrow at the Kanjanapisek National Museum in Pathum Thani.

The exhibition, "Looted art returns to the motherland: Thai artefacts from the United States", will feature utensils, pottery, tools, moulds and ornaments made of earthenware, bronze, stone, glass and animal bones. They came from Ban Chiang Unesco World Heritage Site in Udon Thani province, where they were looted before being sent to the United States. The pieces date back to as early as 1,500 BC.

The Fine Arts Department, through the Office of the National Museum, checked the condition of the artefacts and found that most of the pottery vessels are damaged and cracked. The bronze equipment and tools have not been preserved and dirt stains and rust found on the objects. Many of the tools have broken into several pieces and need to be repaired by preservation scientists.

This is the first public viewing of the pieces since more than 500 artefacts were returned to Thailand on November 19. The artefacts were discovered at the Bowers Museum in Santa Anna, California, in 2009 after a four-year undercover investigation.

The exhibition will be hosted by the Culture Ministry and will run until March 1.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Stolen-Ban-Chiang-era-artefacts-on-display-in-Path-30253312.html


-- The Nation 2015-02-04

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REFORM
Govt urged to delay public assembly law enactment
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Law Reform Commission urged the government delay the planned enactment of the public assembly law.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797461-thai-govt-urged-to-delay-public-assembly-law-enactment/

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UPDATE:

Yingluck Bt11m better off after her stint as MP
THE NATION


Members of the media check out the asset declarations submitted by MPs one year after they left their posts.

BANGKOK: -- IN FORMER PM Yingluck Shinawatra's declaration of assets to the National Anti-Corruption Commission in December, she said she borrowed Bt30 million from her older brother and ex-PM Thaksin on December 8, 2014.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797328-nacc-reveals-net-assets-of-490-former-thai-mps/page-2#entry9026013

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New ambassadors approved
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet yesterday approved requests by the Foreign Ministry and various foreign embassies for the appointment of ambassadors.

Japan informed the government that Shiro Sadoshima would be its new ambassador to Thailand, replacing Shigekazu Sato. Egypt appointed Hazem Elseyed Badawy Elthary as its new ambassador, replacing Ismail Ahmed Khairat.

Cabinet also approved Kenya's request to appoint Patrick Simiyu Wamoto as its ambassador to Thailand, replacing Jean Njeri Kamau.

Meanwhile, the ministry asked Cabinet to approve the appointment of Thai envoys to three foreign countries. Prasittiporn Wetprasit, deputy head of the Department of Consular Affairs, was appointed Thai ambassador to Kenya; Vutti Vuttisant, an envoy at the Thai Embassy in Jakarta, was appointed ambassador to Nepal; and Wijak Chittarat, an envoy at the Thai Embassy in Riyadh, was appointed as Ambassador to Senegal.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/New-ambassadors-approved-30253313.html


-- The Nation 2015-02-04

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Militants' video shows Jordanian pilot burned alive
By OMAR AKOUR and KARIN LAUB

AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — Islamic State militants put to death a captured Jordanian fighter pilot by burning him alive in a cage, according to a video the group released Tuesday. The kingdom vowed a swift and lethal response to what it called a "barbaric" act.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797462-jordanian-pilot-burned-alive-by-is/

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UK moves toward making babies from DNA of 3 people
By MARIA CHENG

LONDON (AP) — Britain moved Tuesday toward allowing scientists to create humans from the DNA of three people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797463-uk-moves-toward-making-babies-from-dna-of-3-people/

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Second Harper Lee novel to be published in July
By HILLEL ITALIE

NEW YORK (AP) — "To Kill a Mockingbird" will not be Harper Lee's only published book after all.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797464-second-harper-lee-novel-to-be-published-in-july/

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The cost of leaving Islamic State: Death or jail
By LORI HINNANT and PAUL SCHEMM

TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) — The man stands furtively on a street corner near the broad avenue cutting through Tunis, his face masked by a hoodie, his tense eyes scanning the workday crowd for any hint of Islamic State militants.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797465-the-cost-of-leaving-islamic-state-death-or-jail/

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Republicans challenge Obama on all fronts
By DAVID ESPO and ALAN FRAM

WASHINGTON (AP) — Newly-empowered congressional Republicans challenged President Barack Obama at both ends of the Capitol on Tuesday, voting in the House to repeal the health care program he signed into law but faltering in an initial Senate attempt to roll back immigration policies he issued on his own.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797466-republicans-challenge-obama-on-all-fronts/

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New Cold War: US, Russia fight over Europe's energy future
By BRADLEY KLAPPER and MATTHEW LEE

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States and Russia are once more locked in what could be a generation-defining conflict, and Europe is yet again the core battleground. But this Cold War reprise isn't about military supremacy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797467-new-cold-war-us-russia-fight-over-europes-energy-future/

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Tsarnaev lawyers ask appeals court to order trial moved
By DENISE LAVOIE

BOSTON (AP) — Lawyers for Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev asked a federal appeals court again on Tuesday to order the judge to move his trial outside of Massachusetts, arguing he cannot get a fair trial here.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797468-boston-bomber-tsarnaev-lawyers-ask-appeals-court-to-order-trial-moved/