Thailand Live Tuesday 3 Mar 2015

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Three arrested in Phuket in anti-drug and crime campaign
Eakkapop Thongtub


A total of four bullets, 10.5 kilos of kratom leaves and 15 bottles of cough syrup were seized in an anti drug and crime campaign in Patong leading to three arrests.

PHUKET: -- Three men were arrested yesterday (March 2) after being found in possession of a total of four bullets, 10.5 kilos of kratom leaves and 15 bottles of cough syrup after police carried out an anti drug and crime campaign.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/805278-three-arrested-in-phuket-in-anti-drug-and-crime-campaign/

[Lite Beer]

Two drug traffickers arrested in Samut Prakarn

BANGKOK: -- Two drug traffickers were arrested by Samut Prakarn police after a search in a house produced 200,000 crazy pills and two kilos of "Ice" drugs.

Prior to the search of a house in Tambon Banmuang in Muang district, police arrested Kitti Boonmee when he was stopped and searched while was riding pass a checkpoint.

The search produced 4,000 crazy pills in his possession. He admitted to be on the way to deliver the drugs to a customer.

He was taken to his home where Suwit Thongmanit was inside. The search of the house found 200,000 crazy pills and two kilos of “Ice” drugs.

Both were detained for having drugs worth about 11 million baht in total for trade.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/two-drug-traffickers-arrested-in-samut-prakarn

-- Thai PBS 2015-02-03

[Lite Beer]

Dhanin and Charoen named in world’s list of 100 richest billionaires in 2015

BANGKOK: -- Charoen Pokphand Group chairman Dhanin Chearavanont and beer baron Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi have been named among the world's list of 100 richest billionaire, coming in the 81st and 87th ranks by leading American business magazine Forbes this year.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/805291-dhanin-and-charoen-named-in-worlds-list-of-100-richest-billionaires-in-2015/

[Lite Beer]

Southern militants set off a bomb in front of a food shop in Khok Pho district of Pattani province before noon today, but nobody was injured.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal police sealed off the area as they feared more bombs might be planted as traps.

Earlier in the morning, militants also opened fire at a group of people

near the place, seriously injured two.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/98826

-- Thai PBS 2015-03-03

[Lite Beer]

Shipping containers but no MH370 debris in underwater hunt: Australia

SYDNEY (AFP) - The intensive underwater hunt for missing plane MH370 has so far turned up just a few shipping containers -- and no sign of the jet, the head of the Australian agency leading the search said Tuesday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/805294-shipping-containers-but-no-mh370-debris-in-underwater-hunt-australia/

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Canadian pastor goes 'missing' after aid mission to North Korea
Reuters in Toronto

HONG KONG: -- A head pastor of a large Canadian church has failed to return from a humanitarian mission to North Korea, and the Canadian government has reached out to try to locate him, his Toronto-based church said on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/805300-canadian-pastor-goes-missing-after-aid-mission-to-north-korea/

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Uighur migrants held in Thailand for 11 months take case to court
BANGKOK

BANGKOK (Reuters) - A Thai court will decide this month whether to release 17 Uighurs from the western Chinese region of Xinjiang, including 13 children, who have been detained for the past 11 months in Bangkok, a lawyer for the group said on Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/805302-uighur-migrants-held-in-thailand-for-11-months-take-case-to-court/

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Hillary Clinton Used Personal Email at State Dept., Possibly Breaking Rules
By MICHAEL S. SCHMIDT

WASHINGTON — Hillary Rodham Clinton exclusively used a personal email account to conduct government business as secretary of state, State Department officials said, and may have violated federal requirements that officials’ correspondence be retained as part of the agency’s record.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/805305-hillary-clinton-used-personal-email-at-state-dept-possibly-breaking-rules/

[thai tech]

Some Android phones still don’t use full disk encryption

Some new Android phones still do not use full disk encryption out of the box, as recommended by Google for phones that run Android Lollipop.

Read more: Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/android-encryption/6068/

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Bali nine duo Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran to be transferred to Nusakambangan on Wednesday
Tom Allard

MELBOURNE: -- Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran will be transferred to the execution island of Nusakambangan around noon on Wednesday, it has been announced.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/805330-bali-nine-duo-andrew-chan-and-myuran-sukumaran-to-be-transferred-to-execution-island-on-wednesday/

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Former NRC/CDC member denies conflict rumors

BANGKOK, 3 March 2015 (NNT) - A former member of the National Reform Council and the Constitution Drafting Committee has denied rumors that internal conflicts led to her decision to quit her roles.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/805332-former-nrccdc-member-thicha-denies-conflict-rumors/

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NRC's anti-corruption committee chairman calls for new laws against graft

BANGKOK, 3 March 2015 (NNT) - The Chairman of the National Reform Council’s committee on anti-corruption has called for a new law to fight graft in Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/805333-nrcs-anti-corruption-committee-chairman-calls-for-new-laws-against-graft/

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SPCG to venture into solar rooftops, preparing for AEC

BANGKOK, 3 Mar 2015, (NNT) - The government has been preparing to hold an auction for solar power contracts this month. Meanwhile, major solar power firm SPCG Co. Ltd. has planned to invest in solar energy rooftops ahead of the upcoming ASEAN Economic Community.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/805335-spcg-to-venture-into-solar-rooftops-preparing-for-aec/

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Tak and Myawaddy to jointly hold "Magha Puja Day" event on Mar 4

TAK, 3 March 2015 (NNT) -The Cultural Office of Tak, a northern province of Thailand sharing a border with Myanmar's Myawaddy Province, is cooperating with Myawaddy's cultural authority to hold a cross-border Buddhist event to celebrate Magha Puja Day 2015.

The event takes place on Wed 4th March which is the full moon day of the 3rd lunar month, and is celebrated in important temples of both provinces, Wat Thai Wattanaram in Tak and Wat Phrathathinyai and Wat Golden Pagoda in Myawaddy.

The cross-border religious event is aimed at boosting the relationship between Thailand and Myanmar by mutually observing cultural links. This is believed to exemplify the integrity of ASEAN.

Thai and Burmese Buddhists are invited to attend the event so that they can jointly maintain the Buddhist culture, and experience traditional religious celebrations in different nations.

-- NNT 2015-03-03

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Shell and Esso raise gasohol oil prices by 60 satang today



BANGKOK: -- Shell and Esso have raised their gasohol oil prices by 60 satang citing low market value as main reason.

But PTT and Bangchak retained all oil prices at same levels.

New Gasohol 95 price of Shell and Esso is 30.30 baht, E20 27.58 baht, Gasohol 91 28.98 baht.

But Diesel remained unchanged at 27.39 baht.

But Esso also raised its Benzine 95 by 1.05 baht to 37.31 baht.

Market value of Gasohol is now at 0.72 baht/litre, Gasohol 91 at 0.71 baht/litre, E20 at 0.68 baht/litre.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/shell-and-esso-raise-gasohol-oil-prices-by-60-satang-today



-- Thai PBS 2015-03-03

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Israel Ready to Prevent Hezbollah Expansion into Syria, Golan Heights

Israel reportedly expressed readiness to boost its defenses along the border with Lebanon in order to limit Hezbollah's expansion in the Golan Heights region in Syria, the Lebanese news outlet Naharnet reported Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/805337-israel-ready-to-prevent-hezbollah-expansion-into-syria-golan-heights/

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No meeting of Putin, Poroshenko, Merkel and Hollande planned for nearest future - Kremlin

Last night the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France discussed the possibility of holding a meeting at the level of foreign ministers

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/805340-no-meeting-of-putin-poroshenko-merkel-and-hollande-planned-for-nearest-future-kremlin/

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UPDATE:

GOVERNMENT HOUSE
PM takes off on big bike

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha on Tuesday surprised the media and even his security crew when he rode a motorcycle around the road inside the Government House.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/805251-pm-prayut-rides-big-bike-wearing-cap/page-4#entry9140697

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UPDATE:

Mrs Ticha says she loses faith and hope with the majority of CDC



BANGKOK: -- Breaking her silence, Mrs Ticha na Nakhon said Tuesday that she resigned as a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee and the National Reform Council because she lost hope and faith with the majority of the CDC over her wish for more political space for women.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/805332-former-nrccdc-member-thicha-denies-conflict-rumors/#entry9140831

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Cabinet allows Kasertsart, Suan Dusit universities to be independent

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet Tuesday approved two bills to allow Kasetsart University and Suan Dusit University to become independent from the Education Ministry.

Deputy Education Minister Krissanapong Kiratikorn said the two bills will be sent to the National Legislative Assembly for deliberation and passage soon.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Cabinet-allows-Kasertsart-Suan-Dusit-universities--30255227.html


-- The Nation 2015-03-03

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Couple sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for forest encroachment



BANGKOK: -- Former immigration police chief of Samut Sakhon and his wife were sentenced to one year and six months and fined 375,000 baht each after they were found guilty by the Criminal Court of forest encroachment and illegal land holding in Ratchaburi’s Suan Poeng district on Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/805357-couple-sentenced-to-18-months-imprisonment-for-forest-encroachment/

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SET index closed 1,562.84 down 19.30; Bt/USD32.22; GBP49.42; AUD25.03; EUR35.94; CAD25.63; HKD4.14; SGD23.51; JPY26.82

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UPDATE:

Ministry mulls train routes to Pattaya, Hua Hin
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Transport Ministry has set up a working committee to consider ways to develop a high-speed train project from Bangkok to Pattaya and another from Bangkok to Huahin. The route will feature the 1.435 metre wide standard-gauge track.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/805174-pm-prayut-expedites-high-speed-rail-project-for-tourism-purpose/page-3#entry9141054

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ROOM RATES
Global hotel prices up for fifth year in a row
The Nation


Foreign visitors are sunbathing on a Thai beach.

BANGKOK: -- Hotel prices in Asia decreased by 2 per cent on average in 2014, despite the 3 per cent average increase worldwide, according to the latest Hotels.com Hotel Price Index.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/805387-global-hotel-prices-up-for-fifth-year-in-a-row/

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Activist asks anti-graft body to probe NLA over jobs for relatives

BANGKOK: -- Srisuwan Janya, chairman of the Association of Organisations for the Protection of Thailand's Constitution, said Tuesday he will file a petition to ask the national anti-graft agency to investigate allegations of cronyism among National Legislative Assembly (NLA) members who hired relatives to help with their official duties.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/805388-activist-asks-anti-graft-body-to-probe-nla-over-jobs-for-relatives/

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Reformers suggest that anti-graft bodies be merged

BANGKOK: -- The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) may be merged with the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) as part of a reform plan to increase efficiency, the chairman of the National Reform Council's panel on counter-corruption and malfeasance Pramon Sutheewong said Tuesday.

Pramon said the panel has proposed that the number of NACC members be raised from nine to 11 and be selected from various sectors of professionals and that members serve a six-year term.

They also proposed making the PACC independent from a bureaucratic system or merging the NACC with the PACC, he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Reformers-suggest-that-anti-graft-bodies-be-merged-30255240.html


-- The Nation 2015-03-03

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Five Frenchmen arrested for Phuket ATM skimming fraud 'in the millions'
Eakkapop Thongtub


Five Frenchmen arrested for Phuket ATM skimming fraud 'in the millions'

PHUKET: -- Five Frenchmen are in police custody while another suspect is at large, wanted for ATM skimming fraud in Phuket amounting to losses “in the millions”, police said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/805392-five-frenchmen-arrested-for-phuket-atm-skimming-fraud-in-the-millions/

[Lite Beer]

PM confirms no cabinet reshuffle for now

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha on Tuesday dismissed a speculation that he might reshuffle his cabinet but he indicated that he might do so in the future if it is necessary.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/805412-pm-confirms-no-cabinet-reshuffle-for-now/

[Lite Beer]

Whips want assemblymen to relieve their relatives from parliamentary jobs

BANGKOK: -- The National Legislative Assembly’s whips have agreed that relatives and family members of the assemblymen who were appointed their assistants, experts or specialists should be relieved of their jobs retroactively as of March 1.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/805419-whips-want-assemblymen-to-relieve-their-relatives-from-parliamentary-jobs/

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Phuket:- Five French nationals of African origin have been arrested in Phuket for allegedly using skimmer devices to steal ATM cards’ identities and stealing from accounts of their victims.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/805392-five-frenchmen-arrested-for-phuket-atm-skimming-fraud-in-the-millions/?p=9141869#entry9141869