Should A Woman Be Allowed to hold the office of President of the USA?

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MOAC holds video conference with 69 provinces to solve rubber issue

BANGKOK, 5 February 2015 (NNT) – The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC) held a video conference broadcasted across 69 provinces nationwide on the topic of solving the rubber pricing issue.

The MOAC Deputy Minister Amnuy Patisae today hosted a video conference to find an effective management of natural rubber to solve the ongoing rubber pricing issue.

The conference was broadcasted to the city halls of 69 provinces nationwide. The MOAC Deputy Minister stressed on the importance of management at the provincial level to enforce effective operations. Provincial-level information will be gathered and analyzed for a inclusive national plan to tackle the rubber pricing issue.

The meeting saw many interesting suggestions, such as developing the Andaman sea provinces as a central market, starting at Trang.

Bridging the development gap between the southern and northeastern rubber farming industries was also another interesting suggestion from this meeting. Buriram province had volunteered as a representative for the northeastern region's industry.

The conference has also discussed the production capacity goal for 2015. Participants had initially agreed to decrease rubber production and encourage farmers to cultivate other kind of plants for the time being to relieve rubber farmers’ distress.


-- NNT 2015-02-05

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SIAM PARAGON EXPLOSION
Police see political overtone in pipe bombs
THE NATION



Find similarities in three bombing incidents in recent years; ex-ranger from Lop Buri tied to suspects

BANGKOK: -- THE TWIN PIPE bombings near Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok last Sunday night were "very similar" to two other bombing incidents - the explosion at Samarn Metta Mansion in Nonthaburi in 2010, and an accidental bombing that killed two bomb carriers in Bangkok's Min Buri district last year - deputy Royal Thai Police commander General Jakthip Chaijinda said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797718-siam-paragon-explosion-thai-police-see-political-overtone-in-pipe-bombs/

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ONE-STOP SERVICE
New law to help cut down on red tape
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- In a move to cut down on red tape and offer "one-stop service", the National Legislative Assembly has passed a law that shortens the procedure for getting government approvals and licences. The law will be enforced in July, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797719-new-thai-law-to-help-cut-down-on-red-tape/

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PETROLEUM BIDDING
NRC vote incurs Prayut's wrath
THE NATION



Accuses members of pressurIng CabInet by voting down Petroleum bidding

BANGKOK: -- PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday lambasted the National Reform Council (NRC) for voting against the Cabinet's policy to proceed with the 21st round of petroleum concession bidding, a source said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797720-petroleum-bidding-nrc-vote-incurs-prayuts-wrath/

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Cooperative in Trang freezes purchase of rubber sheets
KANITA SEETONG,
JEERAPONG PRASERTPHONKRANG
THE NATION

Low prices, high stocks aggravate problems faced by farmers, traders

BANGKOK: -- THE TRANG Rubber Cooperatives Assembly has suspended any purchase of smoked rubber sheets at least until today, leaving local rubber farmers and small traders reeling.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797721-cooperative-in-trang-freezes-purchase-of-rubber-sheets/

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ECONOMIC
Govt 'sure of 4% GDP growth this year'
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The military regime expects gross domestic product to grow by 4 per cent this year, likely driven by state and private investment, Deputy Prime Minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797722-thai-govt-sure-of-4-percent-gdp-growth-this-year/

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THAI-CHINA
Trade with China holds 'huge promise'
Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn
The Nation


Top executives pose for photos during the 'Future of Thailand and China in Asean' yesterday at Siam Paragon, including Boonsithi Chokwatana, chairman of Saha Group; Kraisorn Chansiri, chairman of Thai Union Frozen Products; Suthichai Yoon, chairman of Nation Multimedia Group

BANGKOK: -- Thailand should take advantage of its central geographical location in the heart of Asean given the Thai cur?rency is accepted in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, to promote cross-border trade and investment with China.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797723-thai-trade-with-china-holds-huge-promise/

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THAI TALK
What do they talk about in 'attitude adjustment' sessions?
Suthichai Yoon
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- No, you don't have to develop an inferiority complex if you haven't been "invited" for a special session known as "attitude adjustment" with one of the officers assigned by the National Peace and Order Council.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797724-thai-talk-what-do-they-talk-about-in-attitude-adjustment-sessions/

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EDITORIAL
Protecting Thai Buddhism from twisted teachings
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Temples are growing rich by preaching doctrine that exploits worshippers' superstitions and leaves them poorer in body and spirit

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797725-protecting-thai-buddhism-from-twisted-teachings/

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American Drug Dealing suspect arrested by Pattaya Tourist Police



PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Thursday, Pattaya’s Tourist Police conducted an undercover operation which led to the arrest of an American accused of selling class 1 drugs.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797727-american-drug-dealing-suspect-arrested-by-pattaya-tourist-police/

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Pattaya “Naked Sushi” Restaurant makes national news headlines



PATTAYA: -- A Naked Sushi Restaurant based in Pattaya is the talk of Thailand at the moment for all the wrong reasons.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797728-pattaya-naked-sushi-restaurant-makes-national-news-headlines/

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Army called in as rival Pattaya Taxi encounters intensify



PATTAYA: -- Following allegations of threats with deadly weapons, the Thai Army have been asked to intervene in a long-running dispute between licensed Yellow-plated Taxis and unlicensed or “Black” Taxis.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797729-army-called-in-as-rival-pattaya-taxi-encounters-intensify/

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Suspected Drug Dealer killed and another injured in Pattaya Police Shootout



PATTAYA: -- A suspected drug dealer was killed and another was seriously injured following an undercover drug suppression operation which appears not to have gone to plan in the southern outskirts of Pattaya.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797730-suspected-drug-dealer-killed-and-another-injured-in-pattaya-police-shootout/

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BURNING ISSUE
Small bombs - but enough to shake confidence in govt
ATTAYUTH BOOTSRIPOOM

BANGKOK: -- THE EXPLOSIONS outside the upscale Siam Paragon mall in Bangkok's busy shopping district on the night of February 1 pose new challenges to the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797731-small-bombs-but-enough-to-shake-confidence-in-thai-govt/

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Legal action against those who did not declare assets

BANGKOK: -- The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) yesterday threatened legal action against 12 former MPs who have not declared their assets one year after stepping down from their posts.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797732-legal-action-against-former-thai-mps-who-did-not-declare-assets/

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NACC to soon decide on impeaching 269 ex-MPs
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) will soon make a decision on the impeachment of 269 former MPs for amending the charter to change the make up of the Senate as well as over allegations that some of them used their colleagues' ID cards to vote on the amendment.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797733-thai-nacc-to-soon-decide-on-impeaching-269-ex-mps/

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A clear blueprint is necessary for reform to be successful, Kobsak says
NITIPOL KIRAVANICH,
WIRAJ SRIPONG
THE NATION


Kobsak Pootrakool

BANGKOK: -- NATIONAL REFORM should become clearer in the near future as ideas among members of the reform committee are getting synchronised, National Reform Council (NRC) member Kobsak Pootrakool said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797734-a-clear-blueprint-is-necessary-for-thai-reform-to-be-successful-kobsak-says/

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Minister plays blame game over delayed tobacco bill
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- PUBLIC HEALTH MINISTER Rajata Rajatanavin yesterday blamed the Finance and Agriculture ministries for delaying the process to activate a new, stricter law aimed at controlling the consumption of tobacco and cigarettes in Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797735-minister-plays-blame-game-over-delayed-thai-tobacco-bill/

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NHRC, Ombudsman merger will affect rights protection: HRW
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- HUMAN RIGHTS Watch yesterday called on the Constitutional Drafting Committee (CDC) to preserve the integrity of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), adding that merging it with the Ombudsman's Office could affect rights protection, said Brad Adams, Asia director at HRW.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797736-nhrc-ombudsman-merger-will-affect-rights-protection-hrw/

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UPDATE:

Crashed Taiwan plane hoisted from river; 26 confirmed dead

By RALPH JENNINGS

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Rescuers used a crane to hoist the fuselage of a wrecked TransAsia Airways plane from a shallow river in Taiwan's capital late Wednesday as they searched into the night for 17 people missing in a crash that killed at least 26 others.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797528-transasia-plane-crashes-in-taiwan-with-58-people-on-board;-2-killed/page-3?p=9030339#entry9030339

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Anger, grief in Mideast at IS killing of Jordanian pilot
By HAMZA HENDAWI

CAIRO (AP) — The horrific fate of a captured Jordanian pilot, burned to death by the Islamic State group, unleashed a wave of grief and rage on Wednesday across the Middle East, a region long riven by upheavals and violence. Political and religious leaders united in outrage and condemnation, saying the slaying of the airman goes against Islam's teachings.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797737-anger-grief-in-mideast-at-is-killing-of-jordanian-pilot/

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Westerners join Kurds fighting Islamic State group in Iraq
By VIVIAN SALAMA and BRAM JANSSEN

SINJAR, Iraq (AP) — As Kurdish fighters gathered around a fire in this damp, frigid mountain town in northwestern Iraq, exhausted from battling the Islamic State group, a surprising recruit wearing a tactical vest with the words "Christ is Lord" scribbled on it joined them.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797738-westerners-join-kurds-fighting-islamic-state-group-in-iraq/

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Obama's pick to run Pentagon grilled on Capitol Hill
By DEB RIECHMANN

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama's pick to run the Pentagon was grilled Wednesday by Republicans who used his confirmation hearing to criticize White House foreign policy on every front — from battling Islamic State militants to supporting Ukraine to trying to shutter the prison at Guantanamo Bay.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797739-obamas-pick-to-run-pentagon-grilled-on-capitol-hill/

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Lawyers: Evidence shows Saudi Arabia aided 9/11 hijackers

NEW YORK (AP) — Lawyers for victims of the Sept. 11 attacks say in a lawsuit that they have amassed new evidence that agents of Saudi Arabia "knowingly and directly" helped the hijackers. They say they have obtained sworn testimony from the so-called 20th hijacker to support their claims.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797741-lawyers-evidence-shows-saudi-arabia-aided-911-hijackers/

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ECB steps up financial pressure on Greece to reach deal
DAVID McHUGH, AP Business Writer

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — The European Central Bank added pressure on the Greek government Wednesday by withdrawing a key borrowing option for the country's banks as it struggles to avoid defaulting on its debts and crashing out of the euro currency union.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797743-ecb-steps-up-financial-pressure-on-greece-to-reach-deal/

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UK anti-Semitic incidents hit record in 2014, says charity

LONDON (AP) — The number of anti-Semitic incidents in Britain hit a record high last year, with reactions to the conflict in Israel and Gaza last summer the biggest factor accounting for the jump, a charity said Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797746-uk-anti-semitic-incidents-hit-record-in-2014-says-charity/

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"SOS" system improved in Phuket

PHUKET: -- The second facility for tourists to record and send video clips to seek emergency help has been installed at the popular Patong beach of Phuket.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797752-sos-system-improved-in-phuket/

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Phuket parks chief mulls rules for bridal photoshoots
Nattha Thepbamrung


The picture has been widely shared.

PHUKET: -- After a picture from a Chinese couple’s pre-wedding photoshoot was widely shared, the chief of Phuket's Sirinart National Park Chief is preparing to introduce new regulations to control commercial photo shoots in the national park area.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/797756-phuket-parks-chief-mulls-rules-for-bridal-photoshoots/

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Nongkhai holding international academic fair, promoting ASEAN

NONGKHAI, 5 Feb 2015, (NNT) - The Northeastern Province of Nongkhai is holding the 24th international academic fair, promoting the upcoming ASEAN Economic Community.

The fair officially kicked off yesterday at Nongkhai Technical College.

The academic fair, held from February 2nd through Feb.6th, is held under the theme‘Vocational Education Builds the Nation, Creating Global Standard, Developing Manpower in the ASEAN Era.’

According to the organizer, the fair provides a chance for the participants to exercise their leadership skills and apply their knowledge in the real world situation.

The event features various education seminars, exhibitions, academic and career skills competition, teaching demonstration in 108 subjects. About 1,200 students are expected to join the competitions.

These academic and career tests focus on industry, commerce, business management, home economics, arts, tourism industry, IT & communication, and other occupation skills.

Contestants include 58 students from Laos PDR, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Malaysia.


-- NNT 2015-02-05

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Region 6 Public Relations Office holds campaign promoting youths against drugs

YALA, 5 Feb 2015, (NNT) - The Region 6 Public Relations Office in Yala has organized a project to promote youth’s participation in a campaign against narcotics in the Southern Region.

The meeting which was held yesterday was attended by students and teachers from 5 provinces of the South.

The campaign focuses on creating media content discouraging the use of narcotic substances among youths and promoting their participation in the cause. The project aims to strengthen the youngsters’ mind, encouraging them to say no to drugs, and to become a mouthpiece for the authorities in spreading the words to their peers.

The event featured speeches from fellow students from the youth council of the 5 provinces in the South.

According to the organizer, the yesterday's event was the first of 4 planned for this year. The Office expected the campaign to be well-received by southern students, leading to their staying away from drugs in future.


-- NNT 2015-02-05