Thailand Live Saturday 28 Feb 2015

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Three major parties say no to non-elected prime minister

BANGKOK: -- Three major political parties are unanimous in their opposition to the draft constitution proposed by the Constitution Drafting Committee which which states that the next prime minister needs not be an elected representative.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....prime-minister/

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CDC has completed drafting of a new charter except the provisional chapter

BANGKOK: -- The Constitution Drafting Committee has completed its task of drafting of a new charter with the exception of the provisional chapter, CDC spokesman General Lertrat Rattanavanich said Friday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....sional-chapter/

[Lite Beer]

Former pop star Gary Glitter sentenced to 16 years in prison

LONDON (AP) — Former pop star Gary Glitter has received a 16-year prison sentence after being convicted of sexually abusing three young girls in the 1970s.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....ears-in-prison/

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UPDATE:

Senior police officers moved after Army leads raids on gambling dens
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- TWO SENIOR metropolitan police commanders have been transferred to inactive posts after military officers earlier raided two Bangkok gambling dens in their jurisdiction.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804056-two-commissioners-summoned-over-gambling-den-raids-by-thai-soldiers/page-2?p=9127369#entry9127369

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Abbot will face DSI probe over donations
Piyanuch Thamnukasetchai
The Nation

Phra Dhammachayo received huge sums from the troubled Klongchan cooperative

BANGKOK: -- DHAMMAKAYA TEMPLE'S abbot, Phra Dhammachayo, will have to explain to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) how he came to receive massive donations from the embezzlement-plagued Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804356-abbot-will-face-dsi-probe-over-donations/

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Parents of former princess confess to defaming the monarchy
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The parents of former princess Thanpuying Srirasm Suwadee were taken into police custody yesterday after confessing to defaming the monarchy.

Apiruj Suwadee, 72, and his wife Wanthanee, 66, told reporters at a Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police conference that they had confessed to defaming the monarchy, lodging a malicious claim and getting officials to file false charges against a woman from Ratchaburi province.

The Ratchaburi woman had earlier filed a police complaint against the couple.

"We confess to all charges. We had no bad intentions in what we said or did. We still have high respect for the monarchy," Wanthanee told the police.

Her husband Apiruj said he felt remorse for his actions and pleaded for mercy from the Royal Family for the damage that he and his family had done.

The police have opposed their request for bail because the pair face charges involving the monarchy, the CSD's acting commander Pol Colonel Akkaradej Pimolsri said yesterday. He said the couple's daughter Panita would be allowed to accompany them due to their old age and poor health.

The Central Investigation Bureau's acting commander Pol Maj-General Thitiraj Nongharnpitak said yesterday that Apiruj and Wanthanee confessed on their own and there had been no coercion.

The Criminal Court denied their request for bail yesterday.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Parents-of-former-princess-confess-to-defaming-the-30255045.html

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UPDATE:

SCB to pay KMITL Bt1.5 billion
Chuleeporn Aramnet,
Noppadol Srithaveegard
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Banker has accepted responsibility for the institute's embezzled cash

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804075-scb-compensates-kmitl-for-15-billion-baht-loss/?p=9127388#entry9127388

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Prayut to lead 'super board' on education system reform
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- PM Eyes amending existing laws and overhauling structures to boost sector

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804357-prayut-to-lead-super-board-on-education-system-reform/

[Lite Beer]

Bangkok's Khlong Thom 'Dark Market' set to become latest casualty of junta's cleanup
Mayuree Sukyingcharoenwong
The Nation

Khlong Thom market

BANGKOK: -- THE CURTAIN is set to come down on Khlong Thom night market, one of Bangkok's largest street markets which dates back over three decades.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804358-bangkoks-khlong-thom-dark-market-set-to-become-latest-casualty-of-juntas-cleanup/

[Lite Beer]

Japanese diplomats visit deep South
The Nation February 28, 2015 1:00 am

BANGKOK: -- THE SOUTHERN Border Provinces Administration Centre (SBPAC) told Japanese diplomats yesterday that international support was necessary for restoring peace and development in Thailand's restive South.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804360-japanese-diplomats-visit-deep-south/

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UPDATE:

NLA chief defends the appointment kin, spouses
The Nation

PORNPETCH Vichitcholachai, president of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), said yesterday that it was understandable that NLA members would want to appoint their spouses or relatives as aides or personal experts as these were the people they could trust.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804276-nla-chief-defends-the-appointment-of-family-members/page-2#entry9127430

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EDITORIAL
Under-siege NBTC needs to stand aloof
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Telecom and broadcasting regulator must maintain its independence

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804361-under-siege-nbtc-needs-to-stand-aloof/

Edited February 28, 2015 by ubonjoe
changed link to correct one

[Lite Beer]

Help for the rural and the remote
Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- A TV documentary series examines Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's efforts to boost the border patrol police schools

ONE OF THE many initiatives marking the 60th birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is a TV documentary series being aired on Channel 5 through the end of the year.

"Chao Fah Khong Paen Din" provides details and interviews that should help Thais from all walks of life to have a better understanding of their beloved princess.

"It's a great honour for my family and company," says Nutthaporn Gatusak, account executive manager of First Spirit Creative, in an expression of appreciation for being permitted by the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary to produce the documentary. "I would like Thai people to know the Princess better through this documentary."

"Chao Fah Khong Paen Din" , which is made up of 45 30-minute episodes, draws on six of the projects initiated by Princess Sirindhorn. It brings together a series of scenes shot at the real destinations and combines them with a narration and interviews conducted by six leading Thai actors and actresses.

"I often wondered why the Princess so often visited Border Patrol Police schools in many parts of the country. That question led me to source materials from the Internet, from Border Patrol Police schools and from the Princess' books, and that's how I discovered these projects. I chose to focus on the six projects most suitable for this documentary," Nutthaporn says. "I want Thais to know more about the Princess' duties and be inspired to help and support the students and teachers at those remote schools."

Pidsanu "Boy" Nimsakul hosts "The Quality of Life of Children and Youth" and Kongkapan "Noom" Sangsuriya takes over for "Occupational Development". Khemanit "Pancake" Jamikorn presents "Royal Scholarships for Education" episodes, Lalana "Jeab" Kongtoranin for "The Quality of Life of People in Remote Area", "Naresuan" star Lt-Colonel Wanchana "Bird" Sawatdee handles "Integrated Area Development" while Worarit Fueangarom takes the reins for "Cooperation with Other Countries".

"The starting point of all projects is the Border Patrol Police schools," says Nutthaporn.

"'The Quality of Life of Children and Youth' is the Princess's first project related to children and parents. It works on the principle that if children have adequate nutrition, they will be able to study. The Princess also examined the difficulties faced by their parents because of insufficient income and found a solution through offering occupational training given by the Border Patrol Police to the housewives. At the beginning, the Princess purchased all the products for her Phufa handicraft store. The project is a testament of her devotion to the wellbeing of the Thai people, especially those in rural areas. And she doesn't only help kids in remote rural schools but also here in Bangkok, at Wat Kositharam School for example," says Nutthaporn. "The project started with three Border Patrol Police schools in Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi and Ratchaburi. Filming for the first episode of the documentary took place at Tako Pit Thong School, which is perched up a mountain and relies on solar power, and at Ban Tham Hin in the foothills of Ratchaburi's Suan Phung district.

"Tako Pit Thong students have to walk 17 kilometres to reach school. They are Karen kids and even though their Thai language abilities are not all that strong, they attend class everyday. We found the students very respectful and disciplined. They each have different duties such as washing the dishes, sweeping the floors or cleaning up. Most of the teachers are Border Patrol Police officers while some are former students who have returned to teach there even though they only earn Bt4,000 a month," says the young executive.

"For the 'Occupational Development' segment, we will present two projects in each of the four regions of the country. In the South, we are planning to go to Narathiwat Province though we are a little worried about the violence there. However, we will try to go to places that few people visit.

"We will also go to remote Phufa village in Nan's Bo Kluea district where the Princess is helping to develop the land and implement activities for income generation. Omkoi district in Chiang Mai is another choice. Here, the Princess has successfully encouraged the villagers to pursue careers in weaving and crafts rather than growing and selling opium. Omkoi is more developed these days but people don't go there because it's hard to get to.

"'For Cooperation with Other Countries', we will visit schools in Laos that receive help from Nong Khai and China. These are part of the cultural exchange programme. There are many Laotian and Chinese students studying at Khon Kaen University," she says.

Nutthaporn selected the hosts based on their interests and personalities.

"Boy Pidsanu is adventurous, Lalana is a doctor so suitable for the health-related project. Pancake does a lot of work for society and Lt-Colonel Wanchana is very involved in area development. Noom Kongkapan is the host of a TV programme that deals with careers."

Some Bt50 million is being invested in the documentary, which will cover the release of DVDs and the publishing of a book on the schools.

She's also hoping viewers will be generous in helping the schools meet some urgent requirements.

"Tako Pit Thong and Ban Tham Hin need an Internet signal while some schools have asked for medical supplies," says Nutthaporn.

"It's hard not to be moved by the plight of the students. They don't know where they'd be without the Princess."

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/life/Help-for-the-rural-and-the-remote-30255001.html

-- The Nation 2015-02-28

[Lite Beer]

Chiang Mai: A 28-year-old Russian man fell from the eighth floor of a condominium in Chiang Mai’s Muang district late Thursday night and was fatally injured, police said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804313-russian-tourist-in-fatal-condo-fall/

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Bangkok: As the first of March is coming up, Thairath Online has compiled a list of what many Thais believe to be “sacred takhien” or iron wood trees haunted by female ghosts.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804329-thais-flock-to-worship-sacred-iron-wood-trees-before-lottery-draws/

[Lite Beer]

Leonard Nimoy, famous as Mr. Spock on 'Star Trek,' dies
LYNN ELBER, Associated Press


LOS ANGELES (AP) — Leonard Nimoy, the actor known and loved by generations of "Star Trek" fans as the pointy-eared, purely logical science officer Mr. Spock, has died.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804344-leonard-nimoy-famous-as-mr-spock-on-star-trek-dies/

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Elderly German Woman “jumps” off Jomtien Condominium

PATTAYA: -- On Friday Morning Police and rescue workers were called to a 5-storey Condominium in Jomtien where a 75 year old German woman was reported to have jumped to her death.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804364-elderly-german-woman-jumps-off-jomtien-condominium/

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UPDATE:

Russian assaulted by Marijuana Seller in South Pattaya

PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Friday a 36 year old Russian was assaulted by a Thai man who was reportedly angry that the Russian had refused to purchase Marijuana from him several times.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804137-russian-tourist-attacked-for-not-buying-weed-in-pattaya/page-2?p=9127484#entry9127484

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Fire at 8-storey Condominium under-construction in South Pattaya

BANGKOK: -- A fire took hold of an 8-storey condominium which is currently under construction in the South Pattaya area, on Friday afternoon.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804365-fire-at-8-storey-condominium-under-construction-in-south-pattaya/

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Govt eyes spending over 10 billion baht to develop Thai halal products

BANGKOK, 27 February 2015 (NNT) – Thailand is moving closer to becoming one of the world's top halal producers as the national halal promotion committee has agreed on strategies to promote local halal products within the next five years under a budget of over 10 billion baht.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804366-govt-eyes-spending-over-10-billion-baht-to-develop-thai-halal-products/

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Prominent Russian opposition figure Boris Nemtsov shot dead
LAURA MILLS, Associated Press
VLADIMIR ISACHENKOV, Associated Press

MOSCOW (AP) — Boris Nemtsov, a charismatic former deputy prime minister turned Russian opposition leader, was shot and killed in Moscow Saturday, officials said.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804368-prominent-russian-opposition-figure-boris-nemtsov-shot-dead/

[Lite Beer]

Partial shutdown? US House rejects Homeland Security funding
DAVID ESPO, Associated Press
ERICA WERNER, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives unexpectedly rejected short-term funding for the Department of Homeland Security on Friday, increasing the prospect of a partial shutdown at midnight of an agency with major anti-terrorism responsibilities.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804369-partial-shutdown-us-house-rejects-homeland-security-funding/

[Lite Beer]

Unmasking of 'Jihadi John' as a London lad shocks Britain
GREGORY KATZ, Associated Press
JILL LAWLESS, Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — The unmasking of Islamic State militant "Jihadi John" as a Londoner who had repeatedly been questioned by security services sent shock waves through Britain Friday, with Prime Minister David Cameron stepping in to defend British spy craft.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804371-unmasking-of-jihadi-john-as-a-london-lad-shocks-britain/

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UPDATE:

Bangkok: One of Bangkok’s biggest street markets, “Khlong Thom”, is closing down in the face of the city administration’s firm stance that footpaths belong to pedestrians – not street stalls.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804358-bangkoks-khlong-thom-dark-market-set-to-become-latest-casualty-of-juntas-cleanup/#entry9127548

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Mukdahan: – A street beggar has boasted of lucrative earnings by turning his physical handicap into job asset to attract public sympathy.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804370-a-beggar-begging-a-lucrative-job/

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Bill O'Reilly's partisan critics stepping up attack
DAVID BAUDER, AP Television Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Following several stories questioning Bill O'Reilly's past reporting, a liberal media watchdog has ordered its researchers to comb through years of the Fox News Channel host's writings, radio and television shows and public appearances to find examples of inconsistencies.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804378-bill-oreillys-partisan-critics-stepping-up-attack/

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Bangkok:- The Land Transport Department has ordered an overhaul of bus-routes in the capital.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804380-bangkoks-notorious-bus-services-face-shake-up/

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Bangkok:- Six communities with 268 families may be evicted from 7-kilometer-long banks of the Chao Phraya River to make way for the construction of a new landmark of walkways and bike lanes.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804394-new-bangkok-landmark-on-chao-phraya-banks/

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RT @RichardBarrow: International Fair 2015 at Regent’s School #Bangkok today from 10am-2pm. Free admission http://twitter.com/RichardBarrow/status/571498712096092160/photo/1

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RT @ChadapornLin: Japanese warship open to public for the last day today at Khlongtoei Port via FM91trafficpro