Thailand Live Friday 27 Feb 2015

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FOOD SAFETY
Canned tuna from Thailand under scrutiny
Agencies



SYDNEY: -- Four people in Sydney are suffering from suspected fish poisoning after eating tuna sandwiches made with fish imported from Thailand, agencies reported Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803907-australia-canned-tuna-from-thailand-under-scrutiny/

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Muslim group: 'Jihadi John' resembles UK man Mohammed Emwazi

LONDON (AP) — A London-based Muslim lobbying group says there are "striking similarities" between the masked militant known as "Jihadi John" and a London man named Mohammed Emwazi.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803955-muslim-group-jihadi-john-resembles-uk-man-mohammed-emwazi/

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Australian graduates from Thai open university

Bangkok:- Richard Carney, 42, may appear like a general farang living in Thailand. But this English teacher is very fluent in the Thai language like a native speaker. Actually, he is so fluent in Thai that he has graduated from Ramkhamhaeng University’s Faculty of Political Science.

Ask Thai students how difficult for them to graduate from this open university! Without self-discipline and hard working, it is hard even for Thai students to get a Ramkhamhaeng degree, let alone a foreigner.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803963-australian-graduates-from-thai-open-university/

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CONSTITUTION WATCH
CDC rejects 'emergency powers' provision for PM
Kris Bhromsuthi,
Khanittha Thepphajorn
The Nation

Charter drafters settle for non-elected prime minister, elected by mps, in the event of a crisis

BANGKOK: -- Constitution drafters yesterday rejected a proposed provision that would have given the prime minister wide-ranging "emergency powers" modelled after the powers of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) head.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803991-thai-constitution-cdc-rejects-emergency-powers-provision-for-pm/

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UPDATE:

2010 CRACKDOWN
Prayut ready to testify in Abhisit impeachment case
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday said that he was ready to testify before the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) as defence witness for Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva in his impeachment case over alleged mishandling of the 2010 bloody crackdown.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803844-prayut-willing-to-testify-on-2010-crackdown/page-3?p=9123147#entry9123147

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UPDATE:

Oil concession bids cancelled pending change to Petroleum Act
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Energy Minister Narongchai Akrasanee yesterday withdrew the invitation for private companies to submit applications to explore for oil under the 21st bidding round, postponing it until the amendment of the Petroleum Act.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803864-thai-energy-minister-cancels-21st-oil-concession-bid/#entry9123150

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UPDATE:

NLA gives go ahead to bill on protests
The Nation

RestrIctIons on publIc assembly to make demonstrations more orderly without impinging on freedom of expression

BANGKOK: -- The public Assembly Bill, which requires protesters to inform authorities in advance of their activities and imposes restrictions on them and the authorities, sailed through its first reading at the National Legislative Assembly yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803891-nla-passes-public-gathering-bill/page-2?p=9123155#entry9123155

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Locals upset as mining operations given go ahead
TANPISIT LERDBAMRUNGCHAI
THE NATION

Residents file a petition with National Human Rights Commission

BANGKOK: -- PEOPLE LIVING near a gold mine straddling the provinces of Phichit and Phetchabun filed an appeal yesterday against a decision of the Department of Primary Industries and Mines to allow mining operations to resume.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803993-locals-upset-as-akara-mining-operations-given-go-ahead/

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RICE
Rice stockpiles to be cleared in 2 years
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Despite delaying a plan to release rice under an auction, the Commerce Ministry is confident it will be able to clear huge stocks within two years, said Commerce Minister General Chatchai Sarikulya.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803994-thai-rice-stockpiles-to-be-cleared-in-2-years/

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ART EXHIBITION
Little hands for a big brand
Kupluthai Pungkanon
The Nation



Hermes brings its craftsmen and women to Bangkok to demonstrate the making of its silk scarves and other top quality products

BANGKOK: -- Next time you are in a luxury shopping mall, drop into the Hermes store and closely examine one of the scarves for which the brand is famous. As incredible as it might sound, more than two years work will have gone into making that single piece from the sketch to the very last stitch.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803997-art-exhibition-little-hands-for-a-big-brand/

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STIMULATE PACKAGE
Grass-roots economy in for a boost
Erich Parpart
The Nation


Prime Minister General Prayut Chanocha delivers a speech yesterday at an event honouring Thai corporates

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha said he had high hopes that the grass-roots economy would do better after the "Economic Cabinet" green-lit two measures on Wednesday, one of them to help farmers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803998-thailand-grass-roots-economy-in-for-a-boost/

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EDITORIAL
Rolling back the crimes of 'Thai-ness'
The Nation

A state policy of uniformity has air-brushed minorities out of the national picture; we need a national language policy to undo that wrong

BANGKOK: -- New light is being shed on the distinct cultures of Thailand's Northeast thanks to a project being launched by Khon Kaen University's Department of Culture and the city's authorities.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803999-rolling-back-the-crimes-of-thai-ness/

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Special Needs Child injured in Fight at Pattaya Rehabilitation Center



PATTAYA: -- An investigation is currently underway into a Rehabilitation Center for children with special needs and behavioral problems in North Pattaya where a 10 year old child sustained facial cuts and bruises during a fight with a 15 year old boy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804000-special-needs-child-injured-in-fight-at-pattaya-rehabilitation-center/

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Protest planned over recent Central Pattaya Road closures and changes



PATTAYA: -- Many business operators are facing financial ruin and motorists, especially those who use roads in the East side of Pattaya, are angry at the road closures and changes made which are designed to move traffic away from the Central Pattaya Underpass Construction site.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804002-protest-planned-over-recent-central-pattaya-road-closures-and-changes/

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Fake Police “arrest” Go-Go Bar worker in South Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- A 21 year old Go-Go Bar worker complained to officers at Pattaya Police Station on Thursday Night after he was detained and accused of possessing drugs by 6 men who claimed to be Police Officers and who later stole 40,000 Baht’s worth of cash and valuables from his apartment.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804003-fake-police-arrest-go-go-bar-worker-in-south-pattaya/

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Dangerous Lights installed along Pattaya Third Road cement barriers



PATTAYA: -- Newly installed lights along road barriers situated along a 500 meter stretch of road close to the Central Pattaya Road junction with Pattaya Third Road are causing concern among pedestrians and local business operators due to dangerous power cables which appear to have been installed without the care and attention required to ensure public safety is maintained.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804004-dangerous-lights-installed-along-pattaya-third-road-cement-barriers/

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Unskilled Vietnamese Workers will be Granted Work Permits in Thailand

Unskilled Vietnamese workers will be granted one-year work permits in Thailand along with legitimate benefits. The resolution may ease labor supply shortage woes.

Unskilled Vietnamese workers in Thailand will be given the chance to obtain one-year work permits in Thailand, according to the country’s Vietnamese Embassy. Workers can register at local labor centers to obtain their permits, which will grant them full interests and rights.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804001-unskilled-vietnamese-workers-will-be-granted-work-permits-in-thailand

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11 THAI's passengers and crew members injured from air turbulence



BANGKOK: -- Eleven passengers and crew members of a THAI’s flight from Narita to Bangkok were injured when the plane encountered air turbulence mid-air on Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804006-11-thai-airways-passengers-and-crew-members-injured-from-air-turbulence/

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Army chief declines comment on CDC’s finalized charter draft



BANGKOK: -- Army chief Gen Udomdej Sitabutr today declined comment after the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) has finalized the charter draft that says senators will be indirectly elected from pools of candidates nominated by ex-politicians, the National People's Assembly and other groups.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804007-thai-army-chief-declines-comment-on-cdcs-finalized-charter-draft/

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Interior Ministry ordered to return Thai citizenships to nine displaced Thais in 60 days



BANGKOK: -- The Central Administrative Court on Thursday ordered the Ministry of Interior to return Thai citizenships to 9 displaced Thais within 60 days.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804008-interior-ministry-ordered-to-return-thai-citizenships-to-9-displaced-thais-in-60-days/

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SRT to close down a stretch of Kamphang Phet 6 road for good as of March 4



BANGKOK: -- The State Railways of Thailand has announced the permanent closure of a 700-metre stretch of KamphaengPhet 6 road from behind Mor Chit bus terminal to the railway stop at KM marker 11 under Sriratch expressway starting March 4 at 6 am.

The closed area will be used for the construction of the basement of the elevated railway system of the Red Line Route from Bang Sue to Rangsit.

In order to provide convenience to motorists who have to use the route for travelling, the SRT has built a two-lane road beside the northern side of Mor Chit bus terminal to link KamphaengPhet 6 road with KamphaengPhet 2 road. But traffic on the new road will be one way.

Any motorists who want to use the new road can ask for more information by calling 02-1152-999 ext 119.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/srt-to-close-down-a-stretch-of-kamphangphet-6-road-for-good-as-of-march-4


-- Thai PBS 2015-02-27

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UPDATE:

US in process of naming new ambassador
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A new US ambassador to Thailand is expected to be in place before the country has an elected government, Deputy Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/803848-us-ambassador-expected-to-be-in-place-before-thailand-has-elected-government/#entry9123251

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Network of top Buddhists warns of uprising against NRC panel
PAKAMARD JAICHALARD,
CHANIKARN PHUMHIRAN
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- A NETWORK of monks and other Buddhists yesterday warned that Buddhist priests across the country would rise up if activities offending their institution continued.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804009-network-of-top-buddhists-warns-of-uprising-against-nrc-panel/

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No proof Billy still under detention, Appeals Court says upholding ruling
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The Appeals Court yesterday upheld a lower court's ruling that there was insufficient evidence of the unlawful detention of Karen activist Pholachi "Billy" Rakchongcharoen.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804010-no-proof-billy-still-under-detention-thai-appeals-court-says-upholding-ruling/

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Waste bill threatens hundreds earning from recycling
CHOMPIS PINMUEANG
THE NATION
KALASIN

BANGKOK: -- RESIDENTS OF the so-called "toxic waste village" are holding their breath over the ongoing legislation of an environment-friendly law that will threaten their livelihood - separating waste and selling the recyclables.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804011-thai-waste-bill-threatens-hundreds-earning-from-recycling/

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Wires possible cause of SCB fire
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Police say an electrical malfunction may have been one cause of the fire at the Siam Commercial Bank headquarters early this month.

Police spokesman Pol Lt-General Prawut Thavornsiri said the room had electrical wires embedded in the floor, and a malfunction of the electrical system may have occurred where the fire started.

However, police are still giving weight to the spraying of mosquito repellent, because a test has proved that it causes sparks, he said, though he admitted that there was still no evidence that the person spraying the repellent had entered the room. He said forensic reports - on the electrical system and the spraying of repellent - should be out next week.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Wires-possible-cause-of-SCB-fire-30254937.html


-- The Nation 2015-02-27

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INVESTMENT
Tourism Tower to supply hospitality workers
SUCHAT SRITAMA
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok University plans to focus more on tourism education after opening the Bt800-million Tourism Tower, set to supply staff to the whole region.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804012-tourism-tower-to-supply-hospitality-workers-bangkok/

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An Anti-ISIS Summit in Mecca
Some Muslim leaders don't view the Islamic State quite like Obama does.
EDWARD DELMAN

WASHINGTON: -- President Obama isn’t alone in grappling with how best to counter ISIS and its brand of Islamic extremism—and convening summits for just that purpose. Earlier this week, the Muslim World League, a Saudi-backed alliance of Islamic NGOs, wrapped up a little-noticed three-day conference in Mecca on “Islam and Counterterrorism.”

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804013-an-anti-isis-summit-in-mecca/

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US, Japan Cautiously Rebuild Ties With Thailand
Concerned at rising Chinese influence since last year’s coup, the two countries adopt a pragmatic approach.
By Hana Rudolph

WASHINGTON: -- The United States and Japan drew international attention this month, as both countries separately marked positive shifts in their relations with Thailand. While the United States kicked off the annual Cobra Gold military exercises – the largest joint military exercise in the Asia-Pacific – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, releasing a joint statement that called for broader bilateral economic ties.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804015-us-japan-cautiously-rebuild-ties-with-thailand/

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Sakura mountain to be new tourist destination in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai: Some 10,000 Sakura trees will fill a once-deforested mountain in Chiang Rai province with “lovely pink blossom” in the near future thanks to an initiative of the Mae Fah Luang University.

The mountain, known as Doi Ngam, looks set to become a popular attraction.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804016-sakura-mountain-to-be-new-tourist-destination-in-chiang-rai/