Thailand Live Thursday 26 Feb 2015

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3 Al-Jazeera journalists arrested for flying drone in Paris
By THOMAS ADAMSON

PARIS (AP) — Three Al-Jazeera journalists have been arrested for illegally flying a drone in Paris Wednesday, after unidentified drones flew over the Eiffel Tower and key Paris landmarks for a second night running. It's further baffled French authorities who are investigating a spate of unidentified flying objects in the Paris skies at a time of high security across the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803689-3-al-jazeera-journalists-arrested-for-flying-drone-in-paris/

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AP: Trayvon Martin's mother says killer got away with murder
By JENNIFER KAY

MIAMI (AP) — The mother of Trayvon Martin says she's disappointed that federal prosecutors decided not to charge a neighborhood watch volunteer with a hate crime for killing her son three years ago.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803692-ap-trayvon-martins-mother-says-killer-got-away-with-murder/

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Abducted Syrian Christians moved to militant stronghold
By ZEINA KARAM

BEIRUT (AP) — Islamic State militants have moved a large group of Christians they abducted to one of their strongholds as fighting raged on Wednesday between the extremists and Kurdish and Christian militiamen for control of a chain of villages along a strategic river in northeastern Syria, activists and state-run media said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803690-fears-grow-for-christians-held-by-is/

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Justices appear to favor Muslim denied job over headscarf
By MARK SHERMAN

WASHINGTON (AP) — Have you heard the one about the Sikh, the Hasidic Jew, the Muslim and the nun who walked into a job interview?

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803693-us-justices-appear-to-favor-muslim-denied-job-over-headscarf/

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UPDATE:

Egat ordered to pay Bt45 million to victims of air pollution

Chiang Mai: – The Supreme Administrative Court has ruled to award Bt40 million compensation for 131 Mae Moh victims of air pollution caused by the lignite power plant in Lampang.

The high court’s ruling ends 12-year court battle between Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand and the victims and surviving family members.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803695-egat-ordered-to-pay-bt45-million-to-victims-of-air-pollution

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Prosecutor to seek harsher penalty for dog attacker

Bangkok: – The Office of the Attorney General is preparing to appeal the sentencing of a convicted dog attacker, saying the initial penalty was too light.

OAG deputy spokesman KosolwatInthuchanyong said public prosecutors would seek an appellate review to impose actual imprisonment instead of a suspended jail time.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803697-prosecutor-to-seek-harsher-penalty-for-dog-attacker/

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Online campaign prompts officials to help Canoe the chimp

Bangkok:- Officials yesterday conducted a search at a vast place in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district following reports that a chimpanzee was forced to live in poor conditions there.

During the search, they found a male chimp inside a small cage that was just two metres wide and 2.5 metres high.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803700-online-campaign-prompts-officials-to-help-canoe-the-chimp/

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UPDATE:

Abhisit insists that crackdown of red-shirt protesters was justified



BANGKOK: -- Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Wednesday he accepted the malfeasance charges filed against him and his former deputy prime minister Suthep Thuagsuban by the National Ant-Corruption Commission but would fight the case to prove his innocence and to defend his actions during the crackdown on red-shirt protesters in 2010.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803574-abhisit-ready-to-prove-innocence-in-nacc-impeachment-bid/page-2#entry9119153

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U.S. military leaders say Russian response to lethal aids unpredictable
English.news.cn

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- U.S. military leaders said Wednesday that the White House was still mulling whether to arm Kiev with lethal weapons, and admitted that Russian response to such lethal aids was unpredictable.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803702-us-military-leaders-say-russian-response-to-lethal-aids-unpredictable/

[thai tech]

Gemalto: probe into spy hack finds no massive privacy leak



PARIS (AP) — A Dutch SIM-maker allegedly targeted by British and U.S. spying agencies says it believes there was a hacking operation, but it didn’t result in a massive privacy leak.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/gemalto-probe-into-spy-hack-finds-no-massive-privacy-leak/5563/

[thai tech]

HAL wins: Computer program bests humans at ‘Space Invaders’



WASHINGTON (AP) — Computers already have bested human champions in “Jeopardy!” and chess, but artificial intelligence now has gone to master an entirely new level: “Space Invaders.”

Google scientists have cooked up software that can do better than humans on dozens of Atari video games from the 1980s, like video pinball, boxing, and ‘Breakout.’ But computers don’t seem to have a ghost of a chance at “Ms. Pac-Man.”

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/hal-wins-computer-program-bests-humans-at-space-invaders/5570/

[thai tech]

Motorola’s Moto E is Faster, Bigger and Just $149


Motorola hinted last week that they would be introducing the new Moto E shortly. That time has come. The second-generation of the Mote E is faster, bigger and inexpensive. The cheapest smartphone produced by the company, the Moto E, has an impressive set of features.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/motorolas-moto-e-is-faster-bigger-and-just-149/5551/

[thai tech]

Android for work: Google releases work tools designed for phones

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Google is releasing a set of tools designed for businesses and employees who want to get work done on Android-powered smartphones, setting up a skirmish on another key front of mobile computing.

The technology unveiled Wednesday launches Google’s attempt to turn Android phones into the digital hub of people’s personal and professional lives. The expansion will pit Google Inc. against Microsoft Corp. and BlackBerry Inc., which have been focusing on the corporate market for years. Google will also be dueling its biggest rival in mobile computing, Apple Inc., which forged a partnership with IBM Corp. last year to build more iPhone and iPad applications tailored for businesses and government agencies.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/android-for-work-google-releases-work-tools-designed-for-phones/5577/

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Woman arrested for making nail road traps

Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan:- Kesarin Channiam, 36, felt sorry for her husband and son that their punctured tyre repairing shops had little number of customers as tyres in Hua Hin rarely burst or were punctured these days.

So, Kesarin came up with an innovative idea to bring customers to her family’s shop instead of simply waiting for an act of God. The plan prompted police to arrest her Tuesday afternoon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803715-woman-arrested-for-making-nail-road-traps/

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National Savings Fund project wins Cabinet approval

BANGKOK, 26 February 2015 (NNT) – The Cabinet has approved the borrowing of 40 billion baht for the Ministry of Transport to use in making improvements to highways, and also approved the setting up of a National Savings Fund.

M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula, Deputy Prime Minister, said after Tuesday's meeting of economic ministers that the meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, has approved, in principle, the setting up of the National Savings Fund.

The draft of the associated bill will be considered by the Cabinet of Ministers on March 4. The National Savings Fund will benefit workers who are currently not covered by provident funds or pension schemes. Around one million persons who are registered with the Social Security Fund will become associated with the National Savings Fund, according to M.R. Pridiyathorn.

Approval was also given for the Ministry of Finance to borrow 40 billion baht to fund highways improvement projects by the Ministry of Transport. The money will be borrowed from abroad, and currency swap will be employed to reduce risks associated with currency values, according to the Deputy Prime Minister.


-- NNT 2015-02-26

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Military units told to help mitigate drought-related impacts on public

BANGKOK, 25 February 2015 (NNT) – Military units nationwide have been told to act in accordance with the Ministry of Defense's disaster mitigation plan for people afflicted by the current dry spell.

General Prawit Wongsuwon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, reiterated during Tuesday's meeting of the Defense Council that all military units are to support the affairs of the National Council for Peace and Order and the government, according to Defense Ministry spokesman, Colonel Kongcheep Tantrawanich. Emphasis was made on having military units lend assistance to people afflicted by drought.

The spokesperson indicated that military units were also told to support the government's initiative to allocate land for the underprivileged, by undertaking surveys of unused land.

-- NNT 2015-02-26

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New traffic law to empower police to suspend car use



BANGKOK: -- The Royal Thai Police has proposed an amendment to the land traffic law to empower traffic police to suspend the use of the vehicle in case of traffic offence and traffic ticket is issued but is ignored and left unpaid.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803732-new-traffic-law-to-empower-thai-police-to-suspend-car-use/

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3 in NY, Florida accused of plot to help Islamic State group
By COLLEEN LONG

NEW YORK (AP) — Three men were arrested Wednesday on charges of plotting to help the Islamic State group wage war against the United States, and federal officials said one of them spoke of shooting President Barack Obama or planting a bomb on Coney Island.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803733-3-in-new-york-florida-accused-of-plot-to-help-islamic-state-group/

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Thai stock index opens on Thursday at 1,591.80, gains 2.47 points /MCOT

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UPDATE:

Phuket: Unidentified man found dead in Phuket canal
Eakkapop Thongtub

Thalang District Chief, Veera Kerdsirimongkol and Thalang District Deputy, Danai Jaikhang inspect the body from the bridge.

PHUKET: -- The body of an unidentified man was found lying under a bridge in Sakoo yesterday morning (February 25). Police believe he was murder then dumped in the canal.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803612-body-with-dragon-tattoos-found-in-phuket/#entry9119838

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Two children hospitalized in Melbourne with suspected Ebola virus

SYDNEY, February 26. /TASS/. Two children have been hospitalized in Australia’s Melbourne on Thursday with suspected Ebola virus.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803748-two-children-hospitalized-in-melbourne-with-suspected-ebola-virus/

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Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew still in ICU: government

SINGAPORE (AFP) - Singapore's founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew has been put on antibiotics and remains in intensive care at a government hospital, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803750-singapores-lee-kuan-yew-still-in-icu-government/

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Police chief denies Tao Poon casino back in business



BANGKOK: -- Royal Thai Police commissioner yesterday strongly dismissed allegations that the influential gambling den in Tao Poon has quietly reopened after it was permitted by some top police and military officers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803754-thai-police-chief-denies-tao-poon-casino-back-in-business/

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Phadung Krung Kasem canal to become new boat route

Bangkok:- Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra and a senior BMA official have expressed readiness to turn the Phadung Krung Kasem Canal a new route of shuttle boat service.

Writing on his Facebook wall, Sukhumbhand said the BMA would launch a shuttle boat service on the canal near the Government House for three months as a pilot project for an interesting private sector to take over the service.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803760-phadung-krung-kasem-canal-to-become-new-boat-route/

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Agriculture Ministry is confident rubber prices will increase in mid-May



BANGKOK: -- Deputy Agriculture Minister Amnuay Patise is confident that rubber sheets from the newly-harvested crops expected in mid-May will fetch between 65-75 baht per kilogramme and the prices will steadily improve afterward.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803772-thai-agriculture-ministry-is-confident-rubber-prices-will-increase-in-mid-may/

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Team of 5 arrested after botched Phuket hit
Tanyaluk Sakoot


The fixer, Harim Rakmit, hides his face in his hands as the crew meet the press.

PHUKET: -- Police are looking for a few final pieces of evidence before naming the businessman who allegedly hired a team of five men to assassinate a neighbour who was demanding money from him for encroaching on his land.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803775-team-of-5-arrested-after-botched-phuket-hit/

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UPDATE:

Rice pledging scheme costs 700 billion baht in damages

BANGKOK, 26 February 2015, (NNT) - A preliminary report has disclosed that the subsidy program cost the Kingdom 700 billion baht since its inception nine years ago. The report by the sub-committee on closing the account of the rice pledging scheme also suggested that a majority of the losses, or 536 billion baht, were incurred under the Yingluck Shinawatra administration.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803468-loss-from-yinglucks-rice-pledging-scheme-jumps-higher-after-latest-update/page-2?p=9120172#entry9120172

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Prachinburi sends mobile unit to assist locals in remote areas

PRACHINBURI, 26 February 2015, (NNT) - The Prachinburi Administration Office has collaborated with the private sector, the Thai Red Cross Society, and other related agencies in a campaign to dispatch mobile units to offer assistance to residents in remote areas.

The campaign kicked off in Kabinburi District. Officials yesterday handed out 100 survival kits to the destitute, the disabled and the elderly. Extra supplies and donations were given to six handicapped individuals, while scholarships were bestowed upon 50 outstanding students.

Officials also gave several talks, including lectures on agricultural techniques and fire safety. The campaign also offered vaccination services for pets.

According to the organizers, the event is a part of the National Council for Peace and Order’s roadmap to promote unity among the people. It is an active approach for government units to learn about the needs of the people and respond appropriately.


-- NNT 2015-02-26

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January export shrinks by 3.46% due to low agricultural and fuel prices

BANGKOK, 26 February 2015, (NNT) - The Ministry of Commerce has revealed that the Kingdom’s exports and imports in January shrank by 3.46% and 13.33% respectively, due to low agricultural and fuel prices.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803778-january-export-shrinks-by-346-pct-due-to-low-agricultural-and-fuel-prices/

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Khao Yai park seeks cooperation for entry ban after 6 pm



BANGKOK: -- Khao Yai National Park is now seeking cooperation from tour groups and visitors to strictly abide by its entry rule which now has shortened to ease close encounters with the park's wild animals.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803677-tourists-urged-to-respect-khao-yai-park-rules-protecting-elephants/#entry9120206