Thailand Live Saturday 12 October 2024

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US man gets 70 years in German exchange student's death
LISA BAUMANN, Associated Press

MISSOULA, Montana (AP) — A man wasn't defending his family but rather hunting someone when he shot and killed a German exchange student who was trespassing in his garage, a judge said Thursday as he sentenced the man to 70 years in prison with no parole possible for at least 20 years.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799991-us-man-gets-70-years-in-german-exchange-students-death/

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58-year-old German drowns in Krabi

Krabi:- A 58-year-old German tourist drowned in a Krabi sea Thursday when he and his son tried to swim to an island that is located about one-kilometer away from the beach, police said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799996-58-year-old-german-drowns-in-krabi/

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DUI: Whopping fine for breath test refusal

Bangkok:- In a first judicial decision on the amended alcohol-breath test law, a Bangkok court has ruled to impose the fine of 8,500 baht and a suspended jail term for two years for refusing to take breath test.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799997-dui-whopping-fine-for-breath-test-refusal/

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K-Research: Household debts are holding back Chinese NY spending

BANGKOK, 13 Feb 2015 (NNT) - According to the Kasikorn Research Center, the rising household debt is holding back this year’s public spending on the Chinese New Year.

The center estimated that current spending of Bangkok people on Chinese New Year offerings for their ancestors would be around 6 billion baht, an increase of 3.5% year-on-year.

Despite the rise in figure and the importance of the event to Chinese descendants, K-Research indicated that this year’s spending on offerings is being set back by the concerns on household debts and living expense.

K-Research pointed out that the commodity prices remain high even with the lowered fuel price. This year’s average spending on the festival’s items for worshipping is at 3,750 baht per household. The figure was 3,590 baht last year.


-- NNT 2015-02-13

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Ala. officer arrested, accused of injuring Indian granddad

MADISON, Ala. (AP) — Authorities have arrested an Alabama police officer accused of badly injuring an Indian man who was visiting relatives in the state.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/800006-us-cop-who-paralyzed-indian-granddad-arrested-fired/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Now someone can manage your Facebook account after you die

NEW YORK (AP) — Facebook is making it easier to plan for your online afterlife.

The world’s biggest online social network said Thursday that it will now let users pick someone who can manage their account after they die. Previously, the accounts were “memorialized” after death, or locked so that no one could log in.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/now-someone-can-manage-facebook-account-die/4581/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Galaxy S6 may have curved screen on three sides

It seems that the curved-sided display on Samsung’s imminent Galaxy S6 may in fact be a three-sided display, according to a new report. Samsung also suggests that the “amazing” camera in the next model will “do all the thinking for its users”.

According to Bloomberg, at least one version of Samsung’s new phone will have a display that wraps around three sides of the device – probably the top, left and right. If the Galaxy Edge is any indication, these extra displays will provide quick access to apps and display information such as texts, tweets and recent apps.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/galaxy-s6-curved-three-sides/4541/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Tech Giants Facebook, Twitter and Yahoo Form Cybersecurity Alliance

Tech giants Facebook and Yahoo announced the formation of “ThreatExchange.” This partnership, which involves several big companies such as Pinterest, Tumblr, Twitter, Dropbox and Bitly, are working together to thwart potential cyberattacks.

Built on the Facebook infrastructure, the cybersecurity alliance allows all members to query threat information and publish to all or certain organizations. The goal of the alliance is to be able to share potential threats easier than ever before. Learning from each other, the companies hope to reduce cyberattacks among all of their companies collaboratively.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/tech-giants-facebook-twitter-yahoo-form-cybersecurity-alliance/4556/

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FBI director: US at crossroads on race relations, policing
ERIC TUCKER, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States is at a crossroads on matters of race relations and law enforcement, presenting "hard truths" that its citizens and police must confront, FBI Director James Comey said Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/800011-fbi-director-us-at-crossroads-on-race-relations-policing/

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Farang need to pass Thainess course to get teacher license

Bangkok:- To get a teachers’ license in Thailand, foreigners must first take a 21-hour course on Thainess and Thai education laws.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/800012-farang-need-to-pass-thainess-course-to-get-teacher-license/

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UN Security Council passes a motion cracking down on Islamic State financing as US Republicans push for tougher US military action. /The Nation

Russia to face new sanctions from EU if deal to end war in E. Ukraine is not fully implemented, European leaders warn. /The Nation

Business sector want govt to decide on energy policy, as further delay would affect their cost management, production efficiency, competitiveness. /The Nation

Local retail petrol prices rose early Fri. by 60 satang a litre, except for E85 gasohol. /The Nation

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GHB aims to gives out more housing loan

BANGKOK, 13 Feb 2015 (NNT) - Deputy Finance Minister Wisut Srisupan has assigned the Government Housing Bank (GHB) to give out more housing loans, in order to maintain its 30% grip in the nation’s total real estate credits.

According the Finance ministry, Thailand’s total real estate credit is currently at 570 billion baht, with the GHB managing to take a chunk of 27-28% of the market share worth 140 billion baht. However, the figure represented a decrease compared to the 34% market share 4-5 years ago.

Mr. Wisut said the reason behind the decline was the rise in prices of houses. The average amount of loan extended to each GHB customer is currently at 750-thousand baht. The bank aims to increase the amount to 1.5 million baht per account.

The Deputy Minister suggests that the GHB increase the credit limit per account, in accordance with the increasing prices of houses and land.

He said focus should also be made on the middle income earners in the capital and its vicinity, who wish to own a house worth 3-5 million baht. He stressed the bank should not overlook this group of customers to avoid losing a good marketing opportunity.

The GHB stated it has prepared several campaigns to give out more loans to low-income earners, in its bids to help bridge a social class gap. The bank sets aside 25.5 billion baht for these loans.


-- NNT 2015-02-13

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Thai stock index opens on Friday at 1,617.40, gains 4.00 points /MCOT

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Chumphon to get its agricultural sector ready for AEC

CHUMPHON, 13 Feb 2015, (NNT) - The Southern Province of Chumphon is preparing its agricultural sector for the advent of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), holding a seminar urging local farmers to raise their product standards for export.

The event held yesterday highlighted growing quality and safe produce of acceptable standard for the international market. The seminar was well-received, being attended by a large number of farmers from all of Chumphon’s 8 districts.

The Provincial Administration Office suggested adopting exporting of fruit as an agricultural agenda, as the province produces in excess of 200,000 tons of fruit each year. However, to achieve this goal, farmers must familiar themselves with the international quality standard for exported goods, while being aware of the intense competition when the AEC arrives at the end of this year.

The Administration Office also suggested that fruit growers improve their products, reduce costs, and avoid using chemical, in order to gain local and international consumers’ confidence and eventually tap into the export market.


-- NNT 2015-02-13

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Tourists flock to Similan Islands following Bryde's whale sighting

Phang Nga: Both Thai and foreign tourists have been flocking to the Similan Islands in Phang Nga following the sighting large Bryde's whales, a park chief and tour boat staff said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/800015-tourists-flock-to-similan-islands-following-brydes-whale-sighting/

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German father drowned, son rescued in strong undercurrent

Krabi - German tourist, Martin Hofstetter, 58, drowned some 200 meters off AoAyasa, KohJum, NueaKhlong district, police said on Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/800020-german-father-drowned-son-rescued-in-strong-undercurrent/

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Bangkok in new road safety initiative

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok is one of 10 cities selected for Bloomberg Philanthropies' Global Road Safety Initiative, which aims to reduce fatalities and injuries from road traffic crashes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/800022-bangkok-in-new-road-safety-initiative/

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3-magnitude quake rocks Chiang Rai this morning

CHIANG RAI, 13 February 2015 (NNT)-A 3.0 magnitude earthquake was detected in Chiang Rai province at 08.30 hrs. The epicenter was located in Mae Suai district 2 kilometers deep from the surface.

No damage or injuries have been reported so far. For more information please visit www.ndwx.go.th


-- NNT 2015-02-13

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Air quality reaches unhealthy levels in Penang



PENANG: -- Penang has witnessed the seasonal return of haze, with an unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) recorded at the Universiti Sains Malaysia station in George Town on Thursday, according to New Straits Times.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/800023-air-quality-reaches-unhealthy-levels-in-penang/

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Yaowarat to celebrate Year of the Goat on February 19 and 20



BANGKOK, 12 February 2015 (NNT) – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will be holding Chinese New Year festivities in the capital city's China town on February 19 and 20 in celebration of the year of the goat.

Amorn Kitchawengkul, deputy governor of Bangkok, announced that Bangkok City Hall's Samphanthawong district office will co-host the festivities with the Yaowarat Chinese New Year committee. During February 19 and 20, the entire Yaowarat Rd. in China Town will be lined with decorations made in the shape of the goat. Celebratory activities during the two days will take place between midday and midnight.

On the occasion of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's 60th birthday anniversary, Bangkok City Hall is building a landmark at China Town to display the less-seen pictures taken of Her Royal Highness during official visits to China. The exhibition will showcase the warm relations between Thailand and the People's Republic of China. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will inaugurate the festivities on February 19th, and the public are invited to receive the princess by arriving at the Odeon roundabout by 4 p.m.

Some of the attractions at the event include art and cultural displays from ten Chinese provinces, four zones that allow visitors to experience mock-ups of palace life in the old days of China, and a large variety of food stalls that will line the entire Yaowarat Rd.

The road will be closed to motor vehicles from midnight of February 17 until 6am on February 21.


-- NNT 2015-02-13

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Nong Khai industrial estate planned to support border economic development
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Feb 13 -- The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) and Naka Clean Power Company have contracted to construct a Nong Khai Industrial Estate to support economic development with Laos.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/800024-nong-khai-industrial-estate-planned-to-support-border-economic-development/

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UPDATE:

Expats Rejoice: 90-day immigration check-in now online
By Coconuts Bangkok


Image: Immigration Bureau

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/798992-90-day-report-by-internet/page-5?p=9065321#entry9065321

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Thais told to give warm welcome to Chinese tourists

BANGKOK: -- The government tells all Thais to be generous with tourists, particularly in anticipation of an influx of Chinese tourists during the approaching Chinese New Year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/800027-thais-told-to-give-warm-welcome-to-chinese-tourists/

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UPDATE:

43 million condoms will be given for free ahead of Valentine's Day

BANGKOK, 13 February 2015 (NNT)-Thai teens are encouraged to express their love to family and friends by hugging on the Valentine’s Day this Saturday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/799893-big-condoms-partly-to-blame-for-thai-teen-sti-spike-ministry/page-3#entry9065401

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Low-priced food corners received warm welcome by people



BANGKOK: -- Budget food corners initiated by the Commerce Ministry at the food courts of commercial shopping malls as part of its effort to alleviate rising living cost for the public received warm welcome by the people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/800056-low-priced-food-corners-received-warm-welcome-by-people-thailand/

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Hi-So dad busted for meth in Huai Khwang hotel
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: MCOT

BANGKOK: -- A well-known businessman and father of a socialite famous for running over a woman with his Mercedes was caught using crystal meth in a hotel room in the Huai Khwang district last night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/800060-hi-so-dad-busted-for-meth-in-a-bangkok-hotel/

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Jackie Chan's son released after Beijing marijuana sentence

BEIJING (AP) — The son of actor Jackie Chan was released from a Beijing jail Friday after completing a six-month sentence for allowing people to use marijuana in his apartment, amid a crackdown on illegal narcotics in the Chinese capital.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/800061-jackie-chans-son-released-after-beijing-marijuana-sentence/

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Govt. bans sale of booze at bus terminals and roadsides

BANGKOK, 13 February 2015 (NNT) -- The Department of Land Transport has imposed the ban of alcohol sale by the roadside and in bus terminals nationwide. Violators will face a fine of 10,000 baht or a six-month jail term.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/800068-thai-govt-bans-sale-of-booze-at-bus-terminals-and-roadsides/

[Lite Beer]

SET up 0.56 to 1,613.96 at midday /Bangkok Post

[Lite Beer]

Garbage dump site catches fire in Samut Prakarn



Garbage dump fire broke out again at Phraekasa in Samut Prakarn province before dawn Friday
The fire was first spotted at 2.30 am sending out black smokes and strong smells to blanket adjacent communities.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/800086-garbage-dump-site-catches-fire-in-samut-prakarn/