Thailand Live Wednesday 18 Mar 2015

[Lite Beer]

Nonthaburi:- An American man jumped to his death from a pedestrian flyover in Mueang Nonthaburi district late Tuesday night, police said.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809674-american-jumps-to-his-death-from-flyover/

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Talks wrap up and Cuba's leader lambastes US over Venezuela
By MICHAEL WEISSENSTEIN

HAVANA (AP) — A third round of negotiations over the restoration of full diplomatic relations ended after a day of talks, Cuban and U.S. officials said Tuesday. Hours later, Cuban President Raul Castro delivered a toughly worded attack on the United States for levying a new round of sanctions on his country's closest ally, Venezuela.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809682-talks-wrap-up-and-cubas-leader-lambastes-us-over-venezuela/

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Feds: US Air Force vet tried to join Islamic State group
By COLLEEN LONG and JENNIFER PELTZ

NEW YORK (AP) — A U.S. Air Force veteran and airplane mechanic plotted to travel to Syria to join the Islamic State group and was arrested on terrorism charges, federal prosecutors said Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809685-feds-us-air-force-vet-tried-to-join-islamic-state-group/

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Security agencies inspect cameras, lighting at risk spots in Bangkok

BANGKOK, 18 March 2015 (NNT) – Security-related agencies in Bangkok, City Hall officials and personnel from the Metropolitan Electricity Authority have been inspecting closed-circuit cameras installed throughout Bangkok to ensure safety for the public.

Out of the prime concern of security and safety in the lives and assets of the public, 283 closed circuit cameras and improvement of lighting have been installed at spots deemed at risk of crimes. After the spots had been fitted with cameras and lights, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwon ordered assigned security-related units to ensure that the cameras are properly maintained to be in working order.

Since last week, officials have been inspecting the function of the cameras and the lighting at the 'risk spots', which include various ports, Victory Monument and Chatuchak Park, to name a few.

The inspections drew much interest from passersby, who inquired about the functions of the cameras and who were relieved to know that security agencies placed importance on the lighting and electricity feed at the risk spots. Some members of the public also said they wanted the government to continue imposing martial law, as they felt that its use has improved safety in their daily lives.


-- NNT 2015-03-18

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BONNE TERRE, Missouri (AP) - Missouri executes man for 1996 killing of sheriff's deputy; attorneys say inmate had dementia.

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PM promises 4G bidding this year

Bangkok:- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha vowed Tuesday to allow the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission to hold 4G service bidding within this year.

“Don’t worry. It will definitely happen this year,” Prayut said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809691-pm-promises-4g-bidding-this-year/

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A large influx of Chinese tourists visited Thailand, Q1 tourism booms

File photo. Source: Internet

BANGKOK, 18 Mar 2015 (NNT) – The Department of Tourism has indicated that the Kingdom’s tourism sector has enjoyed a boost in the first quarter, thanks to a large influx of Chinese tourists.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809697-a-large-influx-of-chinese-tourists-visited-thailand-q1-tourism-booms/

[thai tech]

TOT to launch new IPTV packages



TOT Plc has announced plans to launch a new IPTV service which will allow anyone with an internet connection to stream selected TV programmes in Thailand.

Having previously launched its original IPTV service in 2012, available for a monthly fee of 150 baht, the new service, which will be delivered via TOT’s IPTV set top box will cost a one off payment of 3,500 baht and can be used with any broadband Internet connection, regardless of the Internet service provider.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/tot-to-launch-new-iptv-packages/7134/

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Phuket officials check 'antiques' for export
Nattha Thepbamrung


Gov Nisit with some of the replicas submitted for approval.

PHUKET: -- Governor Nisit Jansomwong chaired a meeting of officials on Monday (March 16) to check and approve applications by antique shops to sell replicas of antiques for export.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809700-phuket-officials-check-antiques-for-export/

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Hua Hin and Cha Am condominium market is booming, says report


Hua Hin city

HUA HIN: -- Whilst the rest of Thailand’s property market remains sluggish, a new report has highlighted the huge demand for condominiums in Hua Hin and Cha Am.

Figures released earlier this week reveal that the property market in Cha Am and Hua Hin is growing more quickly than in other areas of Thailand, with both regions boasting a 73 per cent take up rate of residential property, with an average selling price of up to 80,000 baht per square meter.

Full story: http://property.thaivisa.com/hua-hin-and-cha-am-condominium-market-is-booming-says-report/

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PM Office Minister: Difficulty to effectively implement the anti-wildfire measures



BANGKOK, 17 March 2015 (NNT) – The Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office has admitted that there are difficulties obstacles to enforcing the anti-trespassing and wildfire controlling measures.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809702-pm-office-minister-difficulty-to-effectively-implement-the-anti-wildfire-measures/

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SET up 3.25 at opening /Bangkok Post

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CDC completed review of 161 articles, to visit Chiang Mai during Apr 3-4

BANGKOK, 18 March 2015 (NNT) - The Constitution Drafting Committee has completed the review of more than half of the articles included in the draft charter and is planning to travel to Chiang Mai at the beginning of April.

The CDC meeting on Tuesday continued reviewing individual article of the draft Constitution to check on their accuracy and completeness.

So far, 161 articles have been reviewed, excluding article 76 which calls for a minimum of one in three of party-list lawmakers being women, as it is yet to be picked up for deliberation.

At the meeting, the charter drafters also discussed the preparation for the upcoming trip to the northern region, where the CDC will bring the draft Constitution to show to locals in order to hear the opinions of residents from four northern provinces.

The trip is scheduled to take off in Chiang Mai during April 3 and 4.


-- NNT 2015-03-18

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Thailand, Malaysia discuss Olympic aspirations
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: Mark Fischer

BANGKOK: -- Thailand and Malaysia have considered pitching a joint bid to host the 2024 Olympics, according to the kingdom’s top athletics official.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809710-thailand-malaysia-discuss-olympic-aspirations/

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Falling egg prices prompts immediate action by the Egg Board



BANGKOK: -- Falling egg price is causing a new concern for authorities with the National Chicken and Chicken Product Development Board (Egg Board) says it will convene this week to find ways to solve the oversupply of eggs that has caused egg prices to go down.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809712-falling-egg-prices-prompts-immediate-action-by-the-egg-board/

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Fire breaks out at Phuket landfill site
Eakkapop Thongtub


The fire broke out at an area close the the incinerator.

PHUKET: -- A fire broke out at the Municipality landfill site yesterday evening (March 17). It took firemen more than two hours to put it out, and officials are still concerned about air pollution which was possibly caused from the smoke.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809714-fire-breaks-out-at-phuket-landfill-site/

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Prayut says it's just a joke for travel ban to the US



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday denied his earlier remark at a business forum that he was not allowed to enter the United States, saying he didn't really mean it by just only joking.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809737-pm-prayut-says-its-just-a-joke-for-travel-ban-to-the-us/

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UPDATE:

PM instructs related agencies to get tough with forest burners in the North

BANGKOK, 18 March 2015 (NNT) – Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed related agencies to get tougher with burners of forest or farming areas in another move to contain haze levels in the northern region.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809702-pm-office-minister-difficulty-to-effectively-implement-the-anti-wildfire-measures/#entry9200158

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American DUI fugitive linked to Ibogaine death on Koh Phangan
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- A U.S. fugitive arrested on Koh Lanta off Krabi last week after living on the run for six years in Thailand has been linked to another death of an Australian backpacker in Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809741-american-dui-fugitive-linked-to-ibogaine-death-on-koh-phangan/

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International Kite Festival in Cha-am at the end of March

PHETCHABURI, 18 March 2015 (NNT)-The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting public members to visit the International Kite Festival in Phetchaburi province held at the end of this month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809756-international-kite-festival-in-cha-am-at-the-end-of-march/

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Old Man Thailand Feels Pain of Economic Arthritis
by Suttinee Yuvejwattana

(Bloomberg) -- Nuchnart Sakvisetchaikul got married four years ago in Bangkok at the age of 33. She has one child and doesn’t want more, an increasingly common trend among a population that is rapidly growing old.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809779-old-man-thailand-feels-pain-of-economic-arthritis/

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Police Investigating Chiang Mai Anti-Coup Sign
By Khaosod English

CHIANG MAI — Police officers in the northern province of Chiang Mai are searching for those responsible for hanging an anti-coup sign over a highway this morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809781-police-investigating-chiang-mai-anti-coup-sign/

[Lite Beer]

SET rises 13.45 to 1,526.29 at noon / Bangkok Post.

[Lite Beer]

Singapore's founding leader Lee deteriorates further, critically ill: govt

SINGAPORE (AFP) - Singapore's founding leader and former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, who has been on life support in hospital, "has deteriorated further" and is "critically ill", the government said Wednesday.

"Mr. Lee Kuan Yew remains critically ill in the ICU and has deteriorated further," a statement from the office of his son, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Singapores-founding-leader-Lee-deteriorates-furthe-30256258.html

-- The Nation 2015-03-18

[Lite Beer]

Missouri executes brain-damaged murderer

WASHINGTON (AFP) - A brain-damaged 74-year-old man who killed a police officer was executed on Tuesday in Missouri after his final Supreme Court appeal was rejected, prison authorities said.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809791-missouri-executes-brain-damaged-murderer/

[Lite Beer]

RT @SkyNewsBreak: Seat numbers in @SkyNews House of Commons projection: Lab 280, Con 279, LD 14, SNP 52, Plaid Cymru 3, UKIP 2, Green 1, Others 19 #GE2015

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Thai Airways set to improve on-board food

BANGKOK, 18 March 2015 (NNT) – Thai Airways International is set to upgrade its on board food after comments about the taste from PM Prayut Chan-ocha.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809796-thai-airways-set-to-improve-on-board-food/

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Makkasan Complex to be revived



BANGKOK: -- The State Enterprise Policy Committee yesterday agreed with a proposal to develop the so-called Makkasan Complex to business centre and transport and communications hub to remedy the loss-ridden State Railways of Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809800-bangkoks-makkasan-complex-to-be-revived/

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PRD Music in the Garden on Thursday

BANGKOK, 18 March 2015, (NNT) – The 30th Music in the Garden, organized by the Public Relations Department (PRD) is set for Thursday, with Sornchai Mekwichien and Sangsuree Rungroj two legendary look thung singers (Thai country music) as a highlight.

The two prolific singers will be performing their iconic songs such as Rak Sao Suer Lai, Hew kra pao, Joob Mai Warn and Kin Ya La Tai, along with their other timeless hits. Several of the PRD’s star artists will be joining them.

The audience will certainly be treated to a spectacular show, in which artists will enchant the audience with their distinctive singing throughout the evening.

The event will as usual be held at the PRD Conference Hall in Soi Areesampan, Rama 6 Road, Phayathai District, Bangkok; beginning at 4 pm. Thursday. Admission to the concert is free of charge.


-- NNT 2015-03-18

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Teachers' Bodyguards Bombed in Restive South
By Khaosod English


The scene of the bombing in front of Baan Pa Ko school in Thepha district in Songkhla province, 17 March 2014.

SONGKHLA — A roadside bomb injured a police officer who was guarding a school in southern Thailand, where Islamic insurgents regularly stage attacks on Thai authorities and public schools.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/809803-teachers-bodyguards-bombed-in-restive-south/