Down under or Thai? Aussie mum trades Oz for Land of Smiles

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Thai Armed Forces restores ponds in Suphan Buri for public benefits

SUPHAN BURI, 11 February 2015 (NNT) — The Armed Forces Development Command (AFDC) today opened a new pond to the people of Suphan Buri for public utility purposes.

The AFDC Commanding General Thawip Netniyom presided over the charitable achievements granting ceremony today in Khok Kho Thao Subdistrict in Suphan Buri province.

He said that the armed forces had completed one of the two water body restoration projects to increase the public benefits of the people in Suphan Buri province.

The completed project is the Lad Nam Tien pond excavation, which will act as a detention basin in rainy season, and as a reservoir during drought conditions.

The excavated pond is now capable of storing up to an additional 240,000 cubic meters of water, supplying 1,250 households in the area with more water for agricultural and farming proposes, said the AFDC Commanding General.

The AFDC Commanding General pointed that this restoration project also benefits the environment, plants, and animals as well.

The Vice Governor of Suphan Buri added that the area continuously was hit by both drought and floods, and the restoration project will provide the sustainable benefit to the public.

He said that this project is what the province needs to in stepping up its efforts to become a complete food manufacturer of the nation. The project also complies with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's vision for returning happiness to the Thai society. The Prime Minister wants to ensure development in all areas before Thailand enters into the ASEAN Community


-- NNT 2015-02-11

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Cabinet considers waste management roadmap for the whole country

BANGKOK, 11 February 2015 (NNT) - The cabinet meeting today considered a roadmap on solid waste management for the whole country, following a guideline given by Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799311-thai-cabinet-considers-waste-management-roadmap-for-the-whole-country/

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Hundreds charter flights to land at Bangkok airport on Chinese New Year

BANGKOK, 11 February 2015 (NNT) – Two million passengers are expected to pass through the Suvarnabhumi Airport during Chinese New Year with 563 additional charter flights landing during the festival, said the Airport Director.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799313-hundreds-charter-flights-to-land-at-suvarnabhumi-airport-on-chinese-new-year/

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JAPAN TRIP
JV on high-speed railway proposed
THE NATION
TOKYO



Prayut happy with outcome of japan visit; says election expected in early 2016

BANGKOK: -- THE GOVERNMENT yesterday proposed a joint-venture model to Japan for collaboration in building Thai railroads running high-speed trains, a system the prime minister said would be fruitful for the Kingdom and improve its people's standard of living.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799314-jv-on-thai-high-speed-railway-proposed/

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Ukrainian "confesses" to Central Pattaya armed robbery

PATTAYA: -- The Chonburi Provincial Police Commander confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that the Ukrainian suspect earlier arrested in connection with the armed robbery of a Money Exchange Booth in Central Pattaya, confessed to the crime despite an earlier denial.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799315-ukrainian-confesses-to-central-pattaya-armed-robbery/

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Coach driver found dead inside his vehicle at North Pattaya Depot



PATTAYA: -- A 27 year old coach driver, who had fallen asleep inside his vehicle, was later discovered dead by a Tour Guide.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799316-coach-driver-found-dead-inside-his-vehicle-at-north-pattaya-depot/

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18 year old technician electrocuted at East Pattaya House



PATTAYA: -- An 18 year old technician later died in Hospital after he came into contact with live power cables as he installed lighting in a second floor ceiling of a two-storey house in East Pattaya on Tuesday afternoon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799317-18-year-old-technician-electrocuted-at-east-pattaya-house/

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One week to see if SCB building safe
KORNKAMOL AKSORNDEJ,
CHANAPORN SATUN
THE NATION


Employees|of Siam Commercial Bank are allowed|to go into |the bank

ENGINEERING INSTITUTE CHECKING IF STEEL REINFORCEMENT INSIDE PILLARS DAMAGED

BANGKOK: -- IT WILL TAKE the Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT) about a week to determine the extent of fire damage to the main building of Siam Commercial Bank (SCB).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799318-one-week-to-see-if-scb-building-safe/

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Police claim arrest of key anti-monarchist, but still seek network ringleader
The Nation


Hassadin Uraipraiwan

BANGKOK: -- POLICE BELIEVE the mastermind who funded the network that produces anti-monarchy video clips is still at large, despite the arrest of an alleged key person on Monday night.

Police spokesman Pol Lt-General Prawut Thawornsiri said the Anti-Money Laundering Office is now tracing the money trail of Hassadin Uraipraiwan, aka 'Banpodj'.

He is believed to be the key man behind the Banpodj network and was arrested on Monday in a search to uncover the mastermind of the ring who is suspected of funding Hassadin and the network.

Hassadin, 64, was accused of violating the lese majeste law and the Computer Crimes Act (CCA) and is now being detained and interrogated at the Eleventh Infantry Division in Bangkok under martial law. He was arrested at a motel in Bangkok’s Rama IX area.

Prawut insisted that Hassadin was the man behind the alias 'Banpodj' which, through his network, had spread anti-monarchist videos on YouTube, disseminating CDs and other anti-monarchist content on social media for years.

In a related development, coordinator of Green Group, Suriyasai Katasila, posted a message on his Facebook account demanding authorities bring the true mastermind to justice, saying this should be the beginning of a major crackdown against anti-monarchists.

Yesterday, two suspected disseminators of fake palace documents were taken to the military court to face charges under the lese majeste law and the Computer Crimes Act.

Red-shirt supporter Kris Buddeechin and webmaster at ASTV, Niran Yaowapha, were both charged. They denied having any intention to spread false news, saying they soon deleted the material after learning it was fake.

Kris was represented by pro-bono legal representative Winyarat Chartmontri, from Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, a group formed after the coup to assist those facing prosecution under martial law.

Winyarat said Kris was arrested without police first issuing a summons letter. Despite the imposition of martial law, which allows such an action, the authorities should nevertheless have exercised their power with greater restraint, he said. Winyarat said Kris would submit Bt2 million in assets as collateral for his bail application.

Niran, meanwhile, was represented by his lawyer, Suwat Aphaipakdee, who said the accused only posted the fake palace announcement for 10 minutes on the ASTV website and removed it right after he learned it was a fake. Suwat said his client had already posted an apology, sought a Royal pardon and reported the matter to police. Niran was granted bail after posting Bt400,000 in cash and a land title deed yesterday.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Police-claim-arrest-of-key-anti-monarchist-but-sti-30253810.html


-- The Nation 2015-02-11

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UPDATE:

Yingluck under close watch
The Nation

Former PM's van stopped in chiang mai, guards' van searched; NACC says she must see prosecutors next week over court indictment

CHIANG MAI: -- DEPUTY Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan denied yesterday that the government ordered security officials to keep a watch on former premier Yingluck Shinawatra because of fear she might flee the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799176-yingluck-under-close-watch-in-chiang-mai/?p=9055542#entry9055542

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Co-payment for medical service looms amid cost crisis
POUNGCHOMPOO PRASERT
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- A CO-PAYMENT system looks set to be introduced under a healthcare reform, which would require people to shoulder some of their medical expenses.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799319-co-payment-for-thai-medical-service-looms-amid-cost-crisis/

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CAT
CAT will ask superboard about converting DTAC assets into capital for joint venture
Usanee Mongkolporn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- CAT Telecom's board will ask the State Enterprise Policy Commission, better known as the superboard, to consider whether it is possible to convert the concession assets of Total Access Communication (DTAC) into capital for the state agency to form a joint venture with the company.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799320-cat-will-ask-superboard-about-converting-dtac-assets-into-capital-for-joint-venture/

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Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/specials/nationphoto/show.php?id=30&pid=18220


-- The Nation 2015-02-11

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EDITORIAL
Condoms, Valentine's and moral panic
The Nation

Sex education for teenagers must be more than a seasonal effort

BANGKOK: -- The seasonal campaign is up and running once again. As Valentine's Day approaches, the authorities have stepped up measures aimed at preventing unwanted pregnancies and the spread of HIV/Aids.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799321-thai-editorial-condoms-valentines-and-moral-panic/

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STOPPAGE TIME
In defence, or so it seems, of Dhammakaya
Tulsathit Taptim

BANGKOK: -- Writer's note: I honestly think that freedom of belief is fundamental. Without it humans would be little different from clones or robots. If this article offends anyone, my sincere apologies. It is not my intention to infringe on that right.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799322-thai-opinion-in-defence-or-so-it-seems-of-dhammakaya/

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Civil aviation chief assures high safety standard



BANGKOK: -- Department of Civil Aviation today commented on the possibility that the country’s air safety standard could be downgraded by the International Civil Aviation Organisation after Thailand failed to resolve its issues of concern.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799323-thai-civil-aviation-chief-assures-high-safety-standard/

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Farmers told not to expand their second crop cultivation



BANGKOK: -- Rice farmers in the Chao Phraya river basin have been told by the Royal Irrigation Department not to increase their second rice cropping in order to save water for consumption during the dry season.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799325-thai-farmers-told-not-to-expand-their-second-crop-cultivation/

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Probe into overpriced equipment purchase
SURACHAI PIRAKSA
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- RELEVANT authorities are investigating alleged irregularities in the Physical Education Department's exercise-equipment project.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799326-thai-probe-into-overpriced-equipment-purchase/

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1 more arrest warrant over city bombs
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE court has agreed to issue one additional arrest warrant in relation to the explosions outside Siam Paragon department store in downtown Bangkok last Sunday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799328-1-more-arrest-warrant-over-siam-paragon-bombs/

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Egat ordered to limit Mae Moh impact
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- THE SUPREME Administrative Court yesterday ordered the Mae Moh lignite-fired power plant in Lampang province to minimise its harsh impact on the local environment and residents.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799329-egat-ordered-to-limit-mae-moh-impact/

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EC to take action against 2 ex-senators, Arisman
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE Election Commission (EC) yesterday issued red cards to former Si Sa Ket and Ranong senators.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799330-ec-to-take-action-against-2-ex-senators-arisman/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Uber rival All Thai Taxi service launches in Bangkok

Not more taxis in Bangkok!?!?! Yes, but this one promises never to reject a passenger and will always use the meter. It could be a real game changer.

Find out more here: http://tech.thaivisa.com/uber-rival-thai-taxi-service-launches-bangkok/4374/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Imgur now offers free unlimited photo storage for everyone

The popular photo sharing service Imgur has announced that its ‘Pro’ version, which offers users unlimited uploads, is now free of charge for anyone who wants it.

Previously the Pro version was available via a subscription of $2.95 per month, which in addition to unlimited uploads, also included numerous analytic tools and other features such as commenting and sharing.

The good news is that as part of the company’s sixth birthday celebrations, it has been announced that everyone using the service will automatically be upgraded to the Pro version, free of charge.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/imgur-now-offers-free-unlimited-photo-storage-everyone/4367/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Hackers Anonymous vow fresh attacks on ISIS

Hacking group Anonymous has promised to launch a fresh wave of cyber attacks against the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group.

The group, which is made up of ‘hacktivists’ who claim to carry out cyber attacks in order to protect democracy, announced the warning in a video on YouTube where they claim to have already shut down a number of Twitter and Facebook accounts used by the Jihadist militants.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/hackers-anonymous-vow-fresh-attacks-isis/4360/

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BURNING ISSUE
Prayut learns realities of dealing with major powers
SUPALAK GANJANAKHUNDEE
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- NOW PRIME Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha understands that the coup in which he seized power from an elected government last May comes with a price.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799331-prayut-learns-realities-of-dealing-with-major-powers/

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Network queries need for cyber, data security laws
ASINA PORNWASIN
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE Thai Netizen Network has urged the government to withdraw both the Cyber Security Bill and the Personal Data Protection Bill from the Council of State's consideration, because the bills needed to be not just revised but redeveloped.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799333-thai-network-queries-need-for-cyber-data-security-laws/

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No NACC consensus on 2010 crackdown
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) secretary-general Sansern Polajiak said yesterday that the commission had deliberated on the cases against former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his then-deputy Suthep Thaugsuban in relation to the deadly crackdown on red-shirt protesters in 2010.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799335-no-nacc-consensus-on-2010-crackdown/

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Government to Launch Massive Public Works Program

Government is set to launch a massive public works program that will improve the railway, roads and bridges with over $100 billion invested in the project.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799324-government-to-launch-massive-public-works-program/

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Thailand and Japan Sign MOI to Reaffirm Railway Cooperation

Thailand and Japan signed a Memorandum of Intent on the Thailand’s rail system project. Thai Prime Minister Prayut also discussed Dawei with Japan Prime Minister Abe.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799327-thailand-and-japan-sign-moi-to-reaffirm-railway-cooperation/

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Parents of American woman held by IS notified of her death
By DEB RIECHMANN and JULIE PACE

WASHINGTON (AP) — Kayla Jean Mueller, a 26-year-old American woman held by Islamic State militants, has been confirmed dead, her parents and the Obama administration said Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799338-last-us-islamic-state-hostage-kayla-mueller-confirmed-dead/