Thailand Live Tuesday 10 Feb 2015

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Gay marriage comes to Alabama over chief judge's objections
By KIM CHANDLER and JAY REEVES

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama's chief justice built his career on defiance: In 2003, Roy Moore was forced from the bench for disobeying a federal court order to remove a boulder-size Ten Commandments monument from the state courthouse.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799046-us-gay-marriage-comes-to-alabama-over-chief-judges-objections/

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Report shows HSBC helped rich clients dodge taxes
DANICA KIRKA, Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — A trove of leaked documents shows that HSBC's Swiss private bank turned a blind eye to illegal activities of arms dealers and blood diamond traders while helping rich people evade taxes, according to a report based on the documents that was published Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799047-report-shows-hsbc-helped-rich-clients-dodge-taxes/

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Jury seated for trial over 'American Sniper' death
By JAMIE STENGLE

STEPHENVILLE, Texas (AP) — A jury was seated Monday in the trial of a man charged with killing the former Navy SEAL depicted in the Oscar-nominated movie "American Sniper," after extra efforts to keep publicity about the case and the movie from preventing a fair trial.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799048-jury-seated-for-trial-over-american-sniper-death/

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London mayor touts life sciences in visit to Massachusetts

CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts (AP) — London Mayor Boris Johnson, launching a six-day swing through the East Coast, on Monday took on the role of traveling salesman, encouraging a packed room of some of the nation's top college students and entrepreneurs to consider launching their careers as part of his city's growing technology sector.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799050-london-mayor-touts-life-sciences-in-visit-to-massachusetts/

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Soccer deaths shed light on Egypt's political struggles
By HAMZA HENDAWI

CAIRO (AP) — The deaths of 22 soccer fans in Egypt cannot be seen simply as a sports tragedy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799051-soccer-deaths-shed-light-on-egypts-political-struggles/

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Australian man arrested for allegedly filing false robbery complaint in Phuket

Phuket:- When Alex Gorgees, 19, filed a complaint with Karon police late Sunday night, it appeared as if another scandal broke out, damaging the already-badly-bruised Thai tourism industry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799053-australian-man-arrested-for-allegedly-filing-false-robbery-complaint-in-phuket/

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Chiang Mai to hold 13th China Town festival Feb 18-20

Chiang Mai:- The 13th Chiang Mai’s China Town festival will be held in the northern city on February 18, 19 and 20 to promote tourism and ties between China and Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799060-chiang-mai-to-hold-13th-china-town-festival-feb-18-20/

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S. Korea lifts 11-year ban on Thai fresh chicken imports



BANGKOK, 9 February 2015 (NNT) - South Korea has finally resumed imports of frozen fresh chicken from Thailand after an eleven-year ban on Thai poultry due to the bird flu outbreak in 2004, the Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Petipong Pungbun Na Ayudhya has announced.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799072-south-korea-lifts-11-year-ban-on-thai-fresh-chicken-imports/

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Confiscated rosewood logs to be used to construct 'precious wood' museum

AYUTTHAYA, 10 Feb 2015, (NNT) - A museum showcasing precious wood will is being built in Ayutthaya Province, using the rosewoods logs confiscated from illegal logging rings.

Yesterday, officials from the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the Department of Customs, and the Department of Public Relations witnessed the construction process, ensuring all of the logs would only be used for the purpose.

According to the department, the construction of the museum closely follows the blueprint drawn up by the Department of Fine Arts, which determines the amount of rosewood logs to be used in the project.

Teak logs would be used as the main body of the museum, while the rosewood would likely be carved into decorated items, the department said

Officials said the confiscated rosewood logs for the project are now in Wangnoi District in Ayutthaya.


-- NNT 2015-02-10

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Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,601.20, falls 0.57 points /MCOT

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Britain prepares for possible Greece exit from eurozone
English.news.cn

LONDON, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The British government held a meeting of senior officials to discuss the impact on the country of possible Greek exit from the eurozone on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799073-britain-prepares-for-possible-greece-exit-from-eurozone/

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Court's decision on Anwar due today



KUALA LUMPUR: -- Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has called on the public to accept the court’s decision on opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy trial, which concludes today, Feb 10, New Straits Times reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799074-anwar-verdict-due-in-malaysia-court/

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Thai police seize Bt40 million in meth pills, heroin
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Feb 10 -- Thai authorities have arrested drug trafficking suspects in the South with methamphetamine pills and heroin worth more than Bt40 million.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799075-thai-police-seize-bt40-million-in-meth-pills-heroin/

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Cobra Gold 2015 takes off with scaled down personnel from US



BANGKOK: -- The Cobra Gold 2015 annual military exercise was officially commenced Monday with 8,000 military personnel from 24 countries taking part.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799078-cobra-gold-2015-takes-off-with-scaled-down-personnel-from-us/

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Wildlife, land staff at odds over Phuket land probe

Phuket: -- Land officials have taken aim at wildlife officials' lack of expertise in scrutinising land documents, which they believe is causing slow progress in the forest encroachment probe in Sirinat National Park.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799079-wildlife-land-staff-at-odds-over-phuket-land-probe/

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Thailand and Japan ink railway development agreement

BANGKOK: -- Thailand and Japan yesterday agreements to promote cooperation between the two countries.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799092-thailand-and-japan-ink-railway-development-agreement/

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SCB board gives two million baht fund to family of dead volunteer



BANGKOK: -- The Siam Commercial Bank’s board of directors on Monday agreed to grant a two-million baht fund for the family of a volunteer fire-fighter who died while helping fight fire at the SCB Park building early Monday morning.

The financial help for the family of Mr Decha Duangchana, a volunteer attached to Laksi voluntary public disaster prevention unit, was in addition to the initial 200,000 baht fund for the family. Moreover, the bank also granted health insurance coverage for the victim’s mother and its executives would attend the funeral rite everyday until the victim’s cremation.

Meanwhile, Mr Karoon Changdrangsu, the engineer responsible for structural design of SCB Park building, said that initial inspection showed that the fire which was confined to the 10th floor of Zone A of the building did not cause serious damage to the structure of the building and the problem could be fixed.

However, Zone A, B and C of the complex have to be closed down for safety reason and for further inspection by experts.

Police have ruled out arson as the possible cause of the fire but they are yet to find out the actual cause of the fire.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/scb-board-gives-two-million-baht-fund-family-dead-volunteer


-- Thai PBS 2015-02-10

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Bus driver drops dead on duty
By Coconuts Bangkok

NONTHABURI: The driver of a bus running from Bangkok to Suphanburi suddenly dropped dead on the road yesterday, putting the lives of seven people at risk.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799101-bus-driver-drops-dead-on-duty-in-nonthaburi/

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PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (AP) - Malaysia's top court upholds opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy conviction.

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Lese-majeste gang leader apprehended



BANGKOK: -- Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) police have arrested a key suspect behind the so-called Banpodj network that has been allegedly producing materials and spreading false rumours about the Royal Family.

Royal Thai Police spokesman Pol Lt Prawut Thawornsiri confirmed today the arrest of Hassadin Uraipraiwan, alias Banpodj, on Monday night.

The suspect has a 200,000 baht bounty on his head for being the leader of the Banpodj network responsible for producing several contents defaming the monarch, one of which is the fake royal announcement about the monarch’s health.

The police spokesman said the key suspect would be sent to the 11th Infantry Regiment for questioning.

Hassadin was arrested at a rented room in the A-One Hotel on Soi Soonvijai on Monday night and he was later taken to the 11th Infantry Regiment for interrogation.

TCSD commander Pol Maj-Gen Siripong Timula said the arrest followed a police investigation that Mr Hassadin, 64, had produced clips with the lese majeste content and distributed them among his network members.

The suspect was reported to be hiding in the hotel room in Makkasan area, so authorities moved in to arrest him under martial law.

Hassadin is alleged to be a key man behind the anti-monarchy Banpodj network.

The police raided the suspect’s house on Friday in Soi Sukhumvit 101 and seized equipment used in the production of lese majeste content.

A large number of lese majeste contents including fabricated audio clips uploaded to a server for members to download was seized.

Officers also seized financial documents and pirate CDs offered for sale to raise funds for the network’s activities.

Two members of the Banpodj network were arrested last week.

They were identified as Ms Saifon Intasorn and Nathi Prasomsap.

Saifon allegedly opened bank accounts to receive funds for the group’s activities while Nathi was hired to distribute the lese majeste content.

Police also are looking for those behind the recent distribution of a fake royal statement.

One man, Krit Butdeejin, has been nabbed for allegedly sharing it online.

Pol Lt Gen Prawut said warrants will be issued soon for others thought to be involved.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/lese-majeste-gang-leader-apprehended


-- Thai PBS 2015-02-10

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Hong Kong woman guilty in Indonesian maid torture case

HONG KONG (AP) — A Hong Kong woman who was accused of torturing her Indonesian maid in a case that sparked outrage for the scale of its brutality has been convicted at trial.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799103-hong-kong-woman-guilty-in-indonesian-maid-torture-case/

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UPDATE:

Malaysia top court upholds Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy conviction

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia's top court on Tuesday upheld opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy conviction in a case seen at home and aboard as politically motivated to eliminate any threats to the government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799074-anwar-verdict-due-in-malaysia-court/#entry9052391

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Director-General Apinan: PRD to work harder with other units to publicize their work

BANGKOK, 10 Feb 2015 (NNT) - The Government Public Relations Department (PRD) has established a working group to coordinate with various ministries in compiling their work achievements for the purpose of publicizing them on a wider scale.

PRD Director-General Apinan Juntarungsri yesterday held a meeting of high-ranking officials of the Department, during which the working group was set up in response to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s call for government units to promote their achievements among the public. He cited the Prime Minister as telling a recent meeting of heads of government units that they should inform the public of crucial matters on a constant basis, in order to create understanding about the Government’s policies.

The Director-General thus urged all government offices wishing to promote their projects and achievements to submit their reports to the PRD, which would then produce appropriate contents for broadcasting through its various media outlets nationwide, including radio, television, the Internet, Internet television and for distribution through government magazines.

According to Director-General Apinan, the PRD operates the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand, Radio Thailand, the National News Bureau, as well as regional Public Relations Stations and provincial PR offices nationwide, all of which will work in unity and systematically to promote government projects useful to the public.


-- NNT 2015-02-10

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Valentine's Day to be quietest in 9 years: UTCC
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Feb 10 -- The University of Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) has projected that only some Bt3.5 billion would change hands during the upcoming Valentine's Day, up by only 4.52 per cent from the previous year, the slowest growth rate in 9 years.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799129-valentines-day-to-be-quietest-in-9-years-utcc/

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BMA to revive swinging ceremony at Giant Swing



BANGKOK: -- The rare Brahmin swinging ceremony is to be revived this year under an initiative of Bangkok governor MR Sukhumbhan Paribatra after such ceremony had not been seen for a decade.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799133-bangkok-administration-to-revive-swinging-ceremony-at-giant-swing/

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SET down 4.86 to 1,596.91 at noon /Bangkok Post

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Students evacuated after crane leaning towards school building

KHON KAEN: -- Officials of the Khon Kaen public works and town planning office have suspended the construction of a high-rise condominium tower after a school next to the construction site evacuated several hundreds of primary students for safety reason after seeing unusual incline of a huge crane which may collapse on the school building.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799143-students-evacuated-after-crane-leaning-towards-school-building/

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UPDATE:

Malaysia court upholds Anwar sodomy conviction

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (AFP) - Malaysia's highest court on Tuesday upheld a sodomy conviction against Anwar Ibrahim, rejecting his appeal in a case that the opposition leader calls a conspiracy and casting fresh doubt over his turbulent political career.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799074-anwar-verdict-due-in-malaysia-court/#entry9052927

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Orgies & BDSM Set To Be Banned In Thailand
Published by Stickboy BKK

BANGKOK: -- A draft bill covering pornography would outlaw orgies and BDSM, amongst other sexual activities, in Thailand if passed and rubber stamped by the government.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799146-orgies-bdsm-set-to-be-banned-in-thailand/

[Lite Beer]

Bangkok:- A couple has allegedly made more than Bt1.5 million from their fraudulent online advertisements about cute cats for sale.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799147-couple-earn-over-bt15m-from-online-cat-scam/