Thailand Live Wednesday 18 Mar 2015

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Govt: Public feel safe under martial law

BANGKOK, 18 March 2015 (NNT) - National security agencies, military, police, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) on Tuesday checked CCTVs in all high-risk areas in Bangkok in an effort to ensure security for the public.

Since last week, the government units have gradually checked CCTVs in high-areas such as piers, Victory Monument and Chatuchak Park. Passers-by stopped to witness their operation today, saying they felt safe that the government gave high priority to electricity and brightness in high-risk areas. They added that they wanted the government to continue using martial law since it made them feel safer in their daily lives.

National security and public safety is one of the government's most important policies. The installation of CCTVs and lights in high-risk areas is believed to help prevent crime and reduce criminal motives. The BMA has finished installing CCTVs and lights in 283 high-risk areas across Bangkok.


-- NNT 2015-03-18

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Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport named 5th best airport by Skytrax



BANGKOK, 18 March 2015 (NNT) - Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport was ranked the fifth best airport in the category of airports with 40-50 million passengers per year, in the annual Skytrax World Airport Awards 2015, according to General Manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport Prapon Pattamakitsakul.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809631-bangkoks-suvarnabhumi-airport-named-5th-best-airport-by-skytrax/

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We will try to cut use of military courts: Prayut
THE NATION


Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha shows a donut

Outcry over civilians facing tribunals; use of martial law being relaxed, PM says

BANGKOK: -- IN reaction to growing opposition, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said yesterday he would try to reduce the use of military courts for trials involving civilians held under martial law - if it does not affect national security.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809632-we-will-try-to-cut-use-of-military-courts-prayut/

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UPDATE:

Boonsong, 20 others indicted over rice deals
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- FORMER commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom and 20 others were indicted by the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) yesterday in the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders for alleged wrongdoing over "fake government-to-government" rice deals.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809528-ex-minister-boonsong-20-others-indicted-over-rice-deals/#entry9198854

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Work with us and don't fear us, NCPO tells media
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE director of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)'s Centre for Reconciliation, Lt General Kampanat Ruddit has asked the media to help the junta "create an atmosphere for reconciliation" - while stressing that the NCPO has no intention of intimidating the press.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809633-work-with-us-and-dont-fear-us-ncpo-tells-media/

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'Missing' temple medic charged
The Nation


Natthathida Meewangpla, a key suspect in the grenade attack at the Criminal Court, is escorted to the Metropolitan Police Bureau yesterday for questioning.

Volunteer nurse accused of key role in court grenade attack and conspiracy

BANGKOK: -- POLICE yesterday took custody of a key suspect - accused of involvement in the grenade attack on the Criminal Court - from the military.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809634-missing-thai-temple-medic-charged-with-terrorism/

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Backlash over Klongchan fraud case
Jeerapong Prasertponkrung,
Anek Krajaem
The Nation

Credit unions losing money; coops upset over media reports

BANGKOK: -- A NETWORK of credit union cooperatives called on Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday to help stop the media from shaking public confidence in their cooperative system.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809635-backlash-over-klongchan-fraud-case/

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Haze worsens with highest ever reading at Doi Saket district
The Nation



CHIANG MAI: -- THE HAZE in the North worsened yesterday with Chiang Mai's Doi Saket district reporting the highest amount of particulate matter (PM10) at 369 micrograms per cubic metre of air.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809636-haze-worsens-with-highest-ever-reading-at-doi-saket-district/

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Thai husband arrested for allegedly beating Japanese wife

Bangkok:- A Thai man has been arrested for having allegedly beaten his Japanese wife after he got drunk or high on amphetamine, police said.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Sriwara Rangsipramkul himself held a press conference at 1:30 pm Tuesday to announce the arrest of Rungroj Trabsi, 35, a resident of Sakon Nakhon’s Charoensilp district.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809587-thai-husband-arrested-for-allegedly-beating-japanese-wife/

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Russian tourist saves old farang man from drowning

Pattaya, Chon Buri:- A Russian tourist rescued an unidentified farang man from drowning in the Pattaya sea early Tuesday after he apparently tried to kill himself.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809594-russian-tourist-saves-old-farang-man-from-drowning/

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THAI
THAI to undergo sales restructuring
Suchat Sritama
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thai Airways International plans to revamp its sales set-up this year, as well as seeking Bt25 billion for debt repayment and use as cash flow.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809639-thai-to-undergo-sales-restructuring/

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TAX REDUCTION
Lower withholding tax, SME duties sought
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The withholding tax should be cut from 3 per cent to 2 per cent to boost liquidity for businesses and state enterprises as a measure to stimulate consumption, while certain import duties for small and medium-sized enterprises should be eased to raise their competitiveness, according to two government studies.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809640-lower-withholding-tax-sme-duties-sought/

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STIMULATE PACKAGE
Cabinet seeks jobs boost from water and road projects worth Bt57 billion
Erich Parpart
The Nation


BANGKOK: -- THE CABINET has approved water-management and road-maintenance measures worth a combined Bt57 billion, as proposed by the Water and Flood Management Commission and the Transport Ministry, in a bid to boost the grass-roots economy via job creation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809641-thai-cabinet-seeks-jobs-boost-from-water-and-road-projects-worth-bt57-billion/

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STOPPAGE TIME
Why corruption always wins in Thailand
Tulsathit Taptim

BANGKOK: -- The overriding, albeit subtle, idea used to be that politicians, especially those in power, needed some protection against graft charges, or their rivals would play games and allegations would cripple the entire system to the point that nothing else would matter.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809642-why-corruption-always-wins-in-thailand/

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Relatives want autopsy of slain big biker from Khunying Porntip



BANGKOK: -- Relatives of a slain 40-year-old big biker have asked the Justice Ministry’s Central Institute of Forensic Science to re-conduct autopsy of the victim to find the exact cause of his death after the Sriracha police said he died from wound of the head after falling off his motorcycle.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809644-relatives-want-autopsy-of-slain-big-biker-from-khunying-porntip/

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BURNING ISSUE
It's scary when the abnormal becomes normal
PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK

BANGKOK: -- WHILE optimists wait for the promised general election early next year, pessimists like me monitor the corrosive effects that continued military rule is having on Thai society and wonder about its long-term repercussions.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809645-thai-politics-its-scary-when-the-abnormal-becomes-normal/

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Prayut's 'restart' warning was meant for CDC, drafter Jade says
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- IF THE PUBLIC rejects the new charter, then Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has the right to begin a new drafting process, Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) deputy chairwoman Nareewan Chintakanond said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809647-prayuts-restart-warning-was-meant-for-cdc-drafter-jade-says/

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EDITORIAL
Target the top of Thailand's pyramid
The Nation

New tax system must focus more on redistribution of wealth

BANGKOK: -- The government has made it clear that one of its top priorities is to restructure the entire tax system so as to boost revenue. Motivating the move is the need to find funding for massive infrastructure projects. Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has also vowed that the reformed system would be fairer. But promising taxpayers a better deal is one thing, and delivering quite another.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809648-editorial-target-the-top-of-thailands-pyramid/

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Immigration police round up foreign fugitives
Angsuma Sridokkham
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- IMMIGRATION Police have rounded up four foreign fugitives - three Americans wanted for fraud and theft, and a Finn sought for child sexual abuse - as well as a clutch of Somalis.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809650-thai-immigration-police-round-up-foreign-fugitives/

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Former KMITL rector, others indicted for stealing Bt510m
Kesinee Taengkhiao
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Prosecutors yesterday indicted Thawil Puengma, former rector of King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Latkrabang (KMITL), and others for forging documents and stealing Bt510 million from the institute's bank accounts. Bangkok's Min Buri Court has set the first hearing on March 23.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809651-former-kmitl-rector-others-indicted-for-stealing-bt510m/

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Smog Disrupts Flights in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai’s immense smog has caused further issues for the northern city. Tuesday’s smog levels rose above safety levels, preventing at least four flights to Chiang Mai Airport from landing. Poor visibility is the biggest concern for pilots.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809646-smog-disrupts-flights-in-chiang-mai/

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Israel's Netanyahu emerges with slight edge after tight race
By JOSEF FEDERMAN

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to have fended off a strong challenge from the country's opposition leader in parliamentary elections Tuesday, emerging from an acrimonious campaign in a slightly better position to form Israel's next government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809655-israels-netanyahu-emerges-with-slight-edge-after-tight-race/

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Major solar storm hits Earth, may pull northern lights south
By SETH BORENSTEIN

WASHINGTON (AP) — A severe solar storm smacked Earth with a surprisingly big geomagnetic jolt Tuesday, potentially affecting power grids and GPS tracking while pushing the colorful northern lights farther south, federal forecasters said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809656-major-solar-storm-hits-earth-may-pull-northern-lights-south/

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Rescue Mission Of AirAsia Flight 8501 Called Off
By Christian Weiss

JAKARTA: -- New developments are coming to light regarding the Indonesia AirAsia flight 8501 plane crash that occurred on December 28, 2014. The search has now been called off, but officials are saying that the rescue mission, although not 100% effective, was commendable.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809657-rescue-mission-of-airasia-flight-8501-called-off/

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Turkey holds suspected Syria-bound UK woman
AYSE WIETING, Associated Press
DESMOND BUTLER, Associated Press

ISTANBUL (AP) — A 21-year-old British woman suspected of trying to travel to Islamic State group territory in Syria has been detained in Turkey, government officials said Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809659-turkey-holds-suspected-syria-bound-uk-woman/

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Sudden fall: Illinois Rep. Aaron Schock is resigning
By ERICA WERNER

WASHINGTON (AP) — Illinois Rep. Aaron Schock abruptly resigned Tuesday following a monthlong cascade of revelations about his business deals and lavish spending on everything from overseas travel to office decor in the style of "Downton Abbey."

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809660-sudden-fall-illinois-rep-aaron-schock-is-resigning/

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Crying boy alerts neighbours to dead father

Yasothon: – The hours-long noise of a crying boy, 4, prompted neighbours to investigate and find his father dead, police said.

Reacting to the emergency call, duty officer Captain PrasertLasak of MueangYasothon police station checked the scene.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809661-crying-boy-alerts-neighbours-to-dead-father/

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Seven-year-old boy sustains burn injuries

Bangkok: –The seven-year-old boy has been moved from Ayutthaya to receive burn treatment at Police General Hospital in the capital and police will pay for medical expenses not covered by the universal health care.

The boy has sustained burn caused by empty and sealed paint can explosion.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809663-seven-year-old-boy-sustains-burn-injuries/

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Bangkok celebrates Earth Hour 2015

Bangkok:- Bangkok will celebrate the Earth Hour 2015 with a number of activities starting from next Monday.

Launched in 2007 to raise public awareness about climate change, the global Earth Hour is a lights-off event. It is now observed in 162 countries and territories worldwide.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809665-bangkok-celebrates-earth-hour-2015/

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Iranians express optimism over nuclear agreement
By BRADLEY KLAPPER and GEORGE JAHN

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — A senior Iranian official suggested Tuesday that Iran is nearing a preliminary deal with the U.S and five world powers that would lead to a breakthrough eluding them for more than a decade — a formal pact limiting Tehran's ability to make an atomic weapon while easing punitive economic sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809669-iranians-express-optimism-over-nuclear-agreement/