Thailand Live Monday 16 Mar 2015

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Tuktuk under net

Bangkok:- Tourist police have come up with an innovative idea to protect tourists from bag snatchers while they are enjoying riding the famous tuktuk vehicles on Bangkok streets.

The Tourist Police Division 1 has tuktuk or motor-tricycles in Bangkok covered with the net so that pillion-rider bag snatchers could not snatch their valuables or bags away. So far, most tuktuk has joined the net protecting program.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809058-tuktuk-under-net/

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Underboob selfies illegal here: Culture Ministry

Bangkok:- Thai girls who may be pondering to join the new trend of “underboob selfies”, should have the second thought as the Culture Ministry warned that they could end up violating the Computer Crime Act.

According to Thairath Online, the warning came from Yupha Thaweewattanakijborworn, director of the Culture Watch Office of the Culture Ministry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809062-underboob-selfies-illegal-here-culture-ministry/

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Doctors who support Narong to wear black
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- A GROUP of government doctors who have been campaigning against the transfer of Public Health Ministry permanent secretary Narong Sahamethapat vowed yesterday to dress in black for a month starting today in a further attempt to have him reinstated.

An adviser to the Federation of Doctors with General Hospitals, Dr Prachumphorn Boonjaroen, said that a small rally in Bangkok consisting of pro-Narong doctors from across the country was still being considered.

She said that banners carrying messages in support of Narong would be hung at government hospitals across the country.

She denied calling for the transfer of Public Health Minister Rajata Rajatanavin and Deputy Public Health Minister Somsak Chunharas, but said that both doctors were "meaningless".

Prachumphorn said a written request would be submitted to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha this week to show pro-Narong doctors' stance.

"With or without both ministers, we doctors can continue working. Both of them are meaningless, staying in power and not pushing for work," she said.

Pro-Narong doctors last week put black plastic bags over their heads in a symbolic protest against Narong's transfer.

He has been transferred to an inactive post attached to the PM's Office Ministry pending investigation.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Doctors-who-support-Narong-to-wear-black-30256085.html


-- The Nation 2015-03-16

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SET down 7.12 points at opening /Bangkok Post

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UPDATE:

Activists await news on rescue of Pata Zoo's 'Bua Noi'
By Coconuts Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- While the rescue of a gorilla held in captivity above a Bangkok department store for three decades has been heralded in foreign media, the local activists who’ve campaigned for her release remain skeptical.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/808604-thai-authorities-order-release-of-gorilla-after-20-years-caged-in-bangkok-mall-zoo/page-2#entry9191482

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Hundreds of thousands march to ask Brazil president's ouster
By BRAD BROOKS and STAN LEHMAN

SAO PAULO (AP) — Hundreds of thousands of Brazilians marched peacefully Sunday in more than 50 cities around the country to demand President Dilma Rousseff's impeachment and to criticize government corruption amid a sprawling graft inquiry at state-run oil firm Petrobras.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809101-hundreds-of-thousands-march-to-ask-brazil-presidents-ouster/

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Prachuap Khiri Khan holds Thai-Myanmar cultural training

PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN, 16 Mar 2015 (NNT) - A cultural exchange and training course has been held at Daansingkhon border checkpoint in Muang District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

The event draws participation from 150 people, both Thai and Myanmar.

The event aims at creating understanding about cultures of the two nations which would benefit residents of both sides who often cross the border for trade and sight-seeing. The training will help ensure that they have better understanding in terms of traditions, culture, languages, and lifestyles.

The training also prepares people on both sides of the border for the opening of a permanent trading point when the ASEAN Economic Community is introduced at the end of the year.

It provides knowledge on laws and regulations such as import bans on such illegal items as animal skins and orchids.


-- NNT 2015-03-16

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CDC and representatives on official field trip in Germany

BANGKOK, 16 March 2015 (NNT) - A group of representatives from the Constitution Drafting Committee has left for Germany on an official government invitation to learn about the country’s election system.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809103-thai-cdc-and-representatives-on-official-field-trip-in-germany/

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Transport Ministry to approve budget for Ubon Ratchathani airport revamp

UBON RATCHATHANI, 16 March 2015 (NNT) – The Ministry of Transport is preparing to approve a budget for the revamp of Ubon Ratchathani International Airport which was damaged by fire in October last year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809105-transport-ministry-to-approve-budget-for-ubon-ratchathani-airport-revamp/

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Facebook Shut Down Popular YouLike Thai Video Page
Published by Stickboy BKK



BANGKOK: -- Facebook finally pulled the plug yesterday on the hugely popular Thai viral video page YouLike (Clip) losing the admins millions of followers in the process.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809107-facebook-shut-down-popular-youlike-thai-video-page/

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Commerce Ministry helping farmers by promoting export of Thai goods

BANGKOK, 16 March 2015 (NNT)-The Ministry of Commerce is trying to increase the volume of agro-product export from Thailand as a way to help maintain their prices at a reasonable level.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809110-commerce-ministry-helping-farmers-by-promoting-export-of-thai-goods/

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Starved of light and food, temple 'sun bear' dies pitifully
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- An attempt to save an emaciated, light-starved “sun bear” discovered at a temple in Thailand ended in disappointment yesterday as the animal proved too far gone.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809112-starved-of-light-and-food-thai-temple-sun-bear-dies-pitifully/

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UPDATE:

More parents send children to learn swimming as drowning topping cause of deaths among youths under 15



BANGKOK: -- With growing concern of drowning being the top cause of deaths among Thai youths under 15 years old, now parents are sending their children to take swimming course to prevent tragedies.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/804683-doctors-drowning-no1-cause-of-death-among-kids/page-2#entry9191806

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Thundershowers forecast in North East and East Coast of Thailand until tomorrow

Image: file photo

BANGKOK, 16 March 2015 (NNT)-Thundershowers have been forecast for the lower region of Thailand’s Northeast and East Coast today due to the high pressure system in the Southern China Sea.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809116-thundershowers-forecast-in-isaan-and-east-coast-of-thailand/

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Bushfire guts vast forest areas in Phitsanulok

BANGKOK: -- Forest fire suspected to be caused by burning broke out Sunday night in the hilly areas of Chatrakarn district of Phitsanulok province devastating over 500 rais of forest areas.

By Monday morning the fire is still raging although firefighters and villagers could keep the fires from spreading.

The bushfire broke out around 9 pm in the high terrain Khao Huey Dinneo behind Phosritemple in Ban Nong Nampo of Chatrakarn district and quickly raged due to the accumulated dry leaves and free branches.

The temple itself was saved as firemen and villagers managed to make a buffer zone to stop the approaching fire. But the fire spread to other side uphill.

Authorities are still working in the areas as there was fear that the fire could be fanned by winds and could spread to even larger areas.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/bushfire-guts-vast-forest-areas-in-phitsanulok


-- Thai PBS 2015-03-16

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Democrat Party's Chavanond Intarakomalyasut has been cleared by Criminal Court of defaming former PM Yingluck Shinawatra over the Four Seasons Hotel meeting. /Bangkok Post

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Crown Property Bureau recognised with UNESCO award



BANGKOK, 16 March 2015 (NNT) - The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has honored the Crown Property Bureau for its successful restoration work.

The Crown Property Bureau organised an award ceremony after UNESCO announced it was one of the recipients of the 2014 Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

The award was made for the Bureau’s restoration work at the Phraya Sri Thammathirat Mansion.

The annual awards presentation, recognizes important persons and organizations, and cooperation between government and the private sector. Forty-six projects were submitted to the contest, and fourteen projects from ten countries were selected in the past year.

At the ceremony, Chirayu Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Director of the CPB, was the representative who received the award from UNESCO Director Gwang-jo Kim.


-- NNT 2015-03-16

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Three killed, 17 injured as van rams at back of parked bus

BANGKOK: -- Three people were killed and 17 others injured when a van rammed into the rear of a parked bus on Friendship highway in Nakhon Ratchasima province on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809168-three-killed-17-injured-as-van-rams-at-back-of-parked-bus-in-isaan/

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Criminal Court acquits Chavanond of defaming Yingluck on Four Seasons business meeting

BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court on Monday acquitted the former Democrat party-list MP Chavanond Intarakomalyasut of defamation charge brought against him by the former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra in 2012.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809169-criminal-court-acquits-chavanond-of-defaming-yingluck-on-four-seasons-business-meeting/

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Witness of 2010 Temple Crackdown Deaths 'Abducted by Military'
By Khaosod English


A photo of Nattathida Meewangpla provided by her family. She has not been seen since 11 March when alleged soldiers arrested her at her home.

BANGKOK – A volunteer nurse who witnessed the killing of two fellow medics by soldiers in a Bangkok temple during the crackdown on Redshirt protests in 2010 has been abducted from her home by security officers, according to her family.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809172-witness-of-2010-temple-crackdown-deaths-abducted-by-military/

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Passenger's Li-ion battery blamed for cabin fire on Bangkok-bound flight
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: @Accone

A lithium ion battery was blamed for a fire which broke out yesterday on a Bangkok-bound flight from Amsterdam.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809177-passengers-li-ion-battery-blamed-for-cabin-fire-on-bangkok-bound-flight/

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Guard stabs co-worker to death over dirty dishes
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- A security guard allegedly drove a blade into the body of his colleague five times Saturday night to settle a terminal argument night over dirty dishes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809180-thai-security-guard-stabs-co-worker-to-death-over-dirty-dishes/

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Phuket coastline development caught in confusion of lines
Nattapat Tuarob


The dream of stepping from your veranda onto the beach may be a bad dream.

PHUKET: -- The island has encountered many confusions over the laws applied to land and construction. Now a spotlight has been shone on a confusion that has arisen over two lines drawn literally in the sand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809181-phuket-coastline-development-caught-in-confusion-of-lines/

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Elton John urges Dolce and Gabbana boycott over 'synthetic' babies

LONDON (AFP) - British pop legend Elton John called for a boycott of Dolce and Gabbana on Sunday after one of the designers behind the Italian fashion label condemned IVF babies as "synthetic".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809182-elton-john-urges-dolce-and-gabbana-boycott-over-synthetic-babies/

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Ex-top China military official, facing bribery probe, dies

BEIJING (AP) — The Chinese military's former second-highest ranking officer, Xu Caihou, who had been under investigation for alleged bribe-taking and brokering of promotions, has died in a hospital of cancer, the state Xinhua News Agency reported early Monday. He was 71.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809183-ex-top-china-military-official-facing-bribery-probe-dies/

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Chinese man wins payout over panda bite: lawyer

BEIJING (AFP) - A Chinese man who sued local government officials over an attack by a wild panda has won more than $80,000 in compensation, his lawyer said Monday. The animals are renowned for their lovable appearance but despite their placid, bamboo-chewing image they are members of the bear family and have a fearsome bite.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809184-chinese-man-wins-payout-over-panda-bite-lawyer/

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NLA Member suggests Lottery Tickets be sold in Banks



CHACHOENGSAO, 16 March 2015 (NNT) - A member of the National Reform Council (NRC) has recommended that the government sell its lottery tickets through banks in order to eliminate middlemen.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809186-nla-member-suggests-thai-lottery-tickets-be-sold-in-banks/

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UPDATE:

Pata denies it agrees to free Bua Noi the Gorilla

BANGKOK: -- Pata Pinklao shopping mall Monday denied that it has decided to shut down its zoo and agreed to give its gorilla, Bua Noi, to another zoo. Narathip Yimnian, the Pata zoo manager, said the report originated from a rumor.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/808604-thai-authorities-order-release-of-gorilla-after-20-years-caged-in-bangkok-mall-zoo/page-2#entry9192509

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Lampang prepares for worsening drought

LAMPANG, 16 March 2015 (NNT) -- The northern province of Lampang is bracing itself for a deteriorating drought situation as summer heat intensifies.

The Governor of Lampang, Thanin Saensupha, has instructed all 13 districts to prepare for severe water shortages and has advised farmers to refrain from growing rice or other plants that need a lot of water.

Kiw Lom and Kiw Kor Mah dams which are the largest sources of water in Lampang, at present contain less than 50 per cent of their capacity, causing worries that there won't be enough water for use by all sectors before the rainy season comes in mid May.

Vegetable planters rushed to harvest their produce after local reservoirs dried up in the intensifying heat. Villagers say the drought this year is the worst they have seen in years. They will refrain from planting anything until the rainy season comes, to avoid any loss.


-- NNT 2015-03-16

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Shafqat Hussain: Child offender to be executed in Pakistan

HE was sentenced to death at just 14 years of age.

SYDNEY: -- Shafqat Hussain was found guilty of killing another boy who was just half his age.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809187-child-offender-to-be-executed-in-pakistan/