Thailand Live Thursday 19 Feb 2015

[webfact]

FEATURE
Traditions under threat
KUPLUTHAI PUNGKANON
THE NATION



The old Chinese community of Charoen Chai struggles for survival as underground trains and new development move in

BANGKOK: -- TODAY MARKS THE start of the Year of the Goat and even as Thailand's Chinese communities join their kin all over the world in celebrating, residents of the old Chinese community of Charoen Chai in Bangkok will be hoping against hope that this Lunar Festival is not the last they will spend in their homes.

Located in a small soi off Charoen Krung Road and surrounded by five famous Chinese temples and shrines - Wat Mangkorn Kamalawat or Wat Leng Noei Yi, Canton Shrine, Lee Tee Biao Shrine, Leng Buai Ia Shrine, and Tai Hong Kong Shrine - Charoen Chai has long been the country's main hub for the materials used in traditional ceremonies. It is to here that retailers and shoppers flock for such essentials as joss paper, paper lanterns, incense sticks, candles and the red and gold embroidered decorations synonymous with births, weddings, paying respect to ancestors, and funeral rites. They also come to enjoy such delicious specialities as ba-mee-jabkang, ta-lae noodles and Jae Kung's kway tiew load (brown saurce noodle).

But now its future is under threat. The extension of MRT's blue-line underground link that will link Bang Sue to Tha Phra, and Hua Lamphong to Bang Khae is under construction and the exits for the new Wat Mangkorn station have already resulted in the demolition of shophouses that used to sell traditional Chinese wedding clothes and utensils. And more shophouses are slated to be knocked down shortly to clear the way for a new property development.

Complicating matters further is that the land for the underground project belongs to two landlords - the Chumbhot-Pantip Foundation and the Crown Property Bureau. The first the community knew of the development plans was when its landlord - the foundation - discontinued the leasing contracts, first by reducing the lease term from three years to two and then eventually to one year.

"Since 2008, the people in this area have been living month by month with no contract, no agreement and no dialogue with the landlord," says Sirinee Urunanont, one of the leaders of the Charoen Chai Conservation and Rehabilitation group, which was formed in 2010.

"It's not only our lives and businesses that are under threat but also our rich cultural heritage and decades-old buildings. The spirit of the community will be gone for ever when the people move out."

Two years ago, the group opened a local museum Baan Kao Lao Rueng, to showcase the items and artefacts associated with traditional Chinese livelihoods. Sirinee is currently looking for ways to renovate this old building so that it can prove to the outside world that property development need not lead to the destruction of culture.

"In just one block of our community, we had three lots of vendors working at different times of day," says Chatchai Termteerapot, a tenant and member of the conservation group who grow up in the neightbourhood.

"In the early morning, it was and still is a fresh market so we never needed a supermarket. In the afternoon, the space is occupied by dressmakers and other professions and in the evening, it's the home of food vendors. But now that the bus stop has moved, many of the vendors have gone. The arrival of the underground will see the destruction of even more small businesses. Perhaps more people will come to the area because of the more convenient transport but I don't see then carrying red joss paper, boiled chickens or ducks, ceremonial decorative items and fireworks on the train. I don't think it will even be possible.

"We do not object to the development of modern infrastructure and bustling economic activities. Our worry is that we can be kicked off our land at any time. The current town plan allows for high-rise buildings to be constructed within a 500-metre radius of underground exits. The landscape will be gone forever and we don't know if we can pay the higher rental fees that will doubtless be demanded," he says.

Pimploy Purithongrat, 73, has lived in Charoen Chai for more than 60 years and makes her living selling kong-tek banknotes, the spirit money used for burning at funerals and ancestor ritual ceremonies. She loves the Chinese New Year celebrations in the area but admits that spirits this year are at a low ebb.

"People here really enjoy selling the offerings to deities, to ancestors, to everybody in the house. But development is part of progress."

Tipmanee Taecha-Anantpipat, 55, of Jae Kung's noodle shop, agrees.

"I born here and have never left this community," she says. "Progress has to be given priority but it is also important that old Chinese cultural values are recognised and maintained.

"I am happy to work, and happy to cook delicious and good food. I don't need a big restaurant. Chinese think of work as exercise. So they enjoy it, they make money, and life is good."

The Chinese traditionally burn incense sticks and joss paper at this time of year in the belief that the smoke rising from the flames will reach their deities and thus grant their wishes.

Perhaps then those burning the paper produced by the Charoen Chai community can add their voices to theirs and pray to the deities to allow this unique cultural business to be preserved.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/life/Traditions-under-threat-30254375.html

-- The Nation 2015-02-19

[webfact]

Prayut wants Yingluck to fight the cases and not flee country
THE NATION

Criminal case to be filed today over rice-pledging scheme; finance ministry considering petition for compensation

BANGKOK: -- A CRIMINAL CHARGE will be filed against former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra in Supreme Court today while the government is also considering proceeding with another lawsuit against her seeking Bt600 billion compensation for damages caused to the country by her government's rice-pledging scheme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801582-prayut-wants-yingluck-to-fight-the-cases-and-not-flee-country/

[webfact]

7.8 Billion baht Approved for Drought-hit Areas

Prime Minister has approved 7.8 billion baht to help alleviate the effects of the worst drought in the last decade.

Severe droughts have plagued Thailand. Drought has reached 8 of the country’s 76 provinces so far. Initial reports indicate that the drought this year will be the worst seen in over a decade. Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, announced on Wednesday that the cabinet approved a 7.8 billion baht budget to alleviate drought concerns.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801581-78-billion-baht-approved-for-drought-hit-areas/

[webfact]

Serial criminals 'need to be studied'
PIYANUT TUMNUKASETCHAI
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- IN THE wake of reports that a serial rapist targeting elderly women remains on the run, several experts came together yesterday to address the threat of serial criminals.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801583-serial-criminals-need-to-be-studied-thai-experts-say/

[webfact]

CONSTITUTION WATCH
Idea on media assets dropped
NITIPOL KIRAVANICH,
KHANITTHA THEPPAJORN
THE NATION

Most charter drafters say this might be going a step too far as laws on media scrutiny already exist

BANGKOK: -- THE CONSTITUTION Drafting Committee (CDC) yesterday toyed with the idea of requiring media professionals to declare their assets, but the proposal was eventually dismissed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801584-thai-constitution-idea-on-media-assets-dropped/

[webfact]

Health Ministry: Stop Lighting Joss Sticks Near Ritual Food Offerings



The Thai health ministry is urging people to stop lighting joss sticks and placing them near food offerings during the Lunar New Year celebrations.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801585-health-ministry-stop-lighting-joss-sticks-near-ritual-food-offerings/

[webfact]

Merger aims to create a 'more effective rights agency'
WIRAJ SRIPONG
THE NATION

STRONG OPPOSITION FAILS TO BLOCK CDC PLAN TO MERGE OMBUDSMAN OFFICE, NHRC

BANGKOK: -- THE FIGHT for the human rights agency is at a critical stage, with the move to merge the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) with the Office of the Ombudsman persisting despite strong opposition from non-government organisations (NGOs) and rights activists.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801586-merger-aims-to-create-a-more-effective-rights-agency/

[webfact]

Thailand Expected to Join Southeast Asia Policy Easing

HSBC is expecting Thailand to reduce interest rates by 25 – 50 basis points by March 11^th. The Finance Minister states otherwise.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801587-thailand-expected-to-join-southeast-asia-policy-easing/

[webfact]

Plan to push spending by state agencies

BANGKOK: -- THE BUDGET Office has drawn up a plan to accelerate the disbursement of nine state-agency budgets since spending, especially for investment, in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 was far behind the target set by the military government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801591-plan-to-push-spending-by-state-agencies/

[webfact]

Notorious former Bandido bikie Brett Pechey hands himself after being on run since Broadbeach bikie brawl
THOMAS CHAMBERLIN

BRISBANE: -- A FORMER Bandidos bikie president who was on the run in Thailand — and wanted on extortion and riot charges — has been arrested after handing himself in to police.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801592-australia-notorious-former-bandido-bikie-brett-pechey-hands-himself-in-to-police/

[webfact]

PTT chief slams politicisation of petroleum bids, cites energy security
WATCHARAPONG THONGRUNG
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- PTT chief executive officer Pailin Chuchottaworn yesterday expressed his support for the 21st petroleum concession bidding round, pointing to the need for continuity of gas production in the Gulf of Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801593-ptt-chief-slams-politicisation-of-petroleum-bids-cites-energy-security/

[webfact]

Two Foreigners injured in rare Kite Surfing Accident in Jomtien



PATTAYA: -- Two foreign nationals, reported to be of French nationality, were seriously injured in a rare Kite Surfing incident on Tuesday afternoon on the beach at the rear of the Ambassador City Hotel in Jomtien.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801594-two-foreigners-injured-in-rare-kite-surfing-accident-in-jomtien/

[webfact]

Drugging and Robbery Suspects arrested by Pattaya Police



PATTAYA: -- On Tuesday Morning, Pattaya Police announced the arrest of two 40 year old women who are suspected of drugging and then robbing foreign tourists.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801595-drugging-and-robbery-suspects-arrested-by-pattaya-police/

[webfact]

9 Cambodian Monks referred to Chonburi Immigration Police



CHONBURI: -- Police from Bowin Sub-District in Sriracha were asked to investigate claims that a group of Cambodian Monks were begging for money at a village early on Tuesday Morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801597-9-cambodian-monks-referred-to-chonburi-immigration-police/

[webfact]

Thailand Tourism Sector Courts Chinese, Upscale Visitors
Steve Herman

BANGKOK — Bad publicity about martial law, backpacker killings and police shakedowns of foreigners have harmed Thailand's reputation as a tourist magnet in past months. In 2015, the tourism industry is trying to attract more upscale visitors, as well as package tourists from China who are spending more per day than other nationalities.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801598-thailand-tourism-sector-courts-chinese-upscale-visitors/

[webfact]

Artists Spark Outrage By Felling 143-Year-Old Tree in Krabi
By Khaosod English


Katsumi Mukai (L) and Kamol Thassanachalee cutting down a tree in Krabi province. [Photo:Akradej Chakjinda]

KRABI — Two artists have come under fire for cutting down a 143-old tree in Krabi province for an art installation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801599-artists-spark-outrage-by-felling-143-year-old-tree-in-krabi/

[webfact]

British Ambassador Mark Kent visits Koh Samui



KOH SAMUI: -- On Tuesday the 17th of February 2014 the Samui Times met British Ambassador Mark Kent during his trip to Koh Samui at a press conference and the Tessa Baan in Nathon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801600-british-ambassador-mark-kent-visits-koh-samui/

[webfact]

Court upholds ruling against BMA in Phran Nok ferry pier disaster
Kesinee Taengkhiao
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Supreme Court yesterday upheld the Appeals Court's order for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to pay Bt12.61 million plus 7.5 per cent annual interest to the relatives of the 12 people who were killed when a floating dock at Phran Nok ferry pier capsized in 1995.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801601-court-upholds-ruling-against-bma-in-phran-nok-ferry-pier-disaster/

[webfact]

Storms wreak havoc in Nong Khai
The Nation

NONG KHAI: -- A hailstorm and heavy rains hit the Northeastern province of Nong Khai early yesterday, toppling 30 power poles, one of which fell onto people's homes in Tha Bo district led a woman getting injured. In Pho Tak district, up to 100 houses were damaged.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801602-storms-wreak-havoc-in-nong-khai/

[webfact]

Restraint of political influence aim in reforms mooted for police force
AMONCHANOK TEEKAKUL
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- VARIOUS FORMATS for a new national police body are under consideration in reforms planned for the Royal Thai Police.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801603-restraint-of-political-influence-aim-in-reforms-mooted-for-thai-police-force/

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE
Proposal for dialogue with Thaksin just a bad joke
ATTAYUTH BOOTSRIPOOM

BANGKOK: -- ONCE AGAIN, there is a proposal for people in power to have talks with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a bid to end the lingering political conflict and to achieve reconciliation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801604-proposal-for-dialogue-with-thaksin-just-a-bad-joke/

[webfact]

Abhisit urges junta to consider underlying causes of political unrest

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- DEMOCRAT PARTY leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday warned that national reconciliation was just a pipe dream without an understanding of the underlying causes of the political conflicts.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801606-abhisit-urges-govt-to-consider-underlying-causes-of-political-unrest/

[webfact]

Price for street food keep creeping up

Bangkok: – KhaoGaeng (rice with toppings) dishes are generally five to 10 baht more expensive than last year’s price, the Internal Trade Department says in the survey of cooked food for the second week of February.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801607-price-for-street-food-keep-creeping-up/

[webfact]

A push to resolve conflict between humans and wild monkeys

Phetchaburi: – The national and provincial authorities have launched a campaign, dubbedKhao Wang Model, designed for the coexistence between residents and wild monkeys.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801608-a-push-to-resolve-conflict-between-humans-and-wild-monkeys/

[webfact]

Obama: US at war with those who have perverted Islam
By JOSH LEDERMAN

WASHINGTON (AP) — Muslims in the U.S. and around the world have a responsibility to fight a misconception that terrorist groups like the Islamic State speak for them, President Barack Obama said Wednesday in his most direct remarks yet about any link between Islam and terrorism.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801609-obama-us-at-war-with-those-who-have-perverted-islam/

[webfact]

Jeb Bush: US must 'tighten the noose' in fight against IS
By THOMAS BEAUMONT

CHICAGO (AP) — Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush said Wednesday there can be no diplomacy with Islamic State militants, but only a U.S.-led coalition of Middle Eastern countries committed to "tightening the noose and taking them out."

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801610-jeb-bush-us-must-tighten-the-noose-in-fight-against-is/

[webfact]

Libya to UN Security Council: Lift arms embargo to fight IS
BY CARA ANNA

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Libya's foreign minister on Wednesday demanded that the U.N. Security Council lift an arms embargo so his country can fight the Islamic State group as it establishes a presence in north Africa and moves closer to Europe.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801611-libya-to-un-security-council-lift-arms-embargo-to-fight-is/

[webfact]

Embattled Debaltseve falls to Ukraine rebels; troops retreat
By BALINT SZLANKO and JIM HEINTZ

ARTEMIVSK, Ukraine (AP) — Government soldiers pulled out of a ferociously contested railway hub in eastern Ukraine Wednesday, ending a siege so intense the retreating troops said they couldn't get water or food amid relentless shelling by Russian-backed separatists. At least six soldiers were killed in the withdrawal and more than 100 wounded.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801612-embattled-debaltseve-falls-to-ukraine-rebels;-troops-retreat/

[webfact]

Islamic State militants find a foothold in chaotic Libya
By MAGGIE MICHAEL

CAIRO (AP) — Libya, virtually a failed state in recent years, has succeeded in one way: It's providing a perfect opportunity for the Islamic State group to expand from Syria and Iraq to establish a strategic foothold closer to European shores.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/801614-islamic-state-militants-find-a-foothold-in-chaotic-libya/

[webfact]

The Cabinet officially approves mandatory registration of prepaid SIMs in Thailand
BY JONATHAN FAIRFIELD



BANGKOK: -- Yesterday, the Cabinet officially approved the new regulation which requires all users of prepaid mobile phones to register their SIM card before July 31.

Full story: http://tech.thaivisa.com/cabinet-officially-approves-mandatory-registration-prepaid-sims-thailand/5033/