Thailand Live Monday 23 Mar 2015

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BMA to add 10,000 more bicycles to free service

Bangkok:- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will add 10,000 more bicycles to its Pun Pun (Bicycle Sharing) service for Bangkok commuters to borrow and ride to sneak through congested Bangkok streets.

Amorn Kijchawengkul, deputy BMA governor, said currently the Pun Pun project has 500 bicycles in service at 50 Pun Pun stations in Bangkok. The bicycles have been in service since 2012.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811061-bma-to-add-10000-more-bicycles-to-free-service/

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Airport Rail Link seeks to be independent from SRT

Bangkok:- The acting chief of Airport Rail Link Co Ltd aims at making profit after it is separated into an independent firm from the State Railway of Thailand.

Pakorn Tungjetsakao, acting director of Airport Rail Link, said he is in negotiation with the SRT to separate Airport Rail Link assets from the SRT.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811072-airport-rail-link-seeks-to-be-independent-from-srt/

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UPDATE:

PM Lee declares 7-day period of national mourning to mark Lee Kuan Yew’s death



SINGAPORE: -- Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has declared a seven-day period of national mourning for Singapore's founding father and former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, who died on Monday morning aged 91, according to The Straits Times.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811017-lee-kuan-yew-founder-of-modern-singapore-dies-at-91/#entry9219310

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Auto importer to be importer and distributor of Italian yachts

BANGKOK, 23 Mar 2015, (NNT) - Master Group Corporation (Asia) Company Limited, one of the country’s largest motor investing companies, has unveiled its new affiliated GMC Marine (Asia) Company Limited. The new firm will become the first inclusive importer and distributor for Italy's Azimut Yachts in Thailand.

According to Managing Director of Master Group Sanhawut Thammachaunwiriya, the move is in response to the government’s new policies promoting Thailand as a hub for marine tourism.

The company has allocated an investment of 300 million baht for purchase of AZIMUT’s luxurious yachts, along with the construction of the ‘AZIMUT Lounge’ in Pattaya and Phuket.

The company has launched 3 yacht models in different sizes: 50-, 64- and 84-foot long. An AZIMUT yacht has a starting price at 50 million baht. Mr. Sanhawut said.


-- NNT 2015-03-23

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Pre-owned car market shows signs of recovery

BANGKOK, 23 Mar 2015, (NNT) - Based on the number of used vehicles in dealers' stock, the Thai Hire-Purchase Association has indicated that the used car market is showing signs of recovery.

According to the president of the association, Anuchart Deprasert, used car dealers have been suffering between 23-28% loss from each vehicle sold, thanks to the number of cars being repossessed pulling down their value. Most of these repossessed cars were purchased under the former government's first car buyer policy.

However, the prices of used cars have begun to rise lately, said Anuchart, adding that the economic slowdown also makes pre-owned carts more appealing to the public.

As for new cars, the president said that approximately 60,000 cars were sold each month during the past two months. The the figure is expected to increase this month, given a motor show, to be held at the end of the month, will likely see auto makers come up with campaigns to attract their prospective customers.


-- NNT 2015-03-23

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Public Health Ministry testing drinking water for bacteria this summer

file photo

BANGKOK, 23 March 2015 (NNT)-The Ministry of Public Health is making sure drinking water sold in Thailand is clean, as around a million Thais become sick from consuming contaminated water each year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811096-thai-health-ministry-testing-drinking-water-for-bacteria-this-summer/

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SET up 6.86 points at opening /Bangkok Post

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Hamburg is Germany's nominee for 2024 Olympic Games

HAMBURG, Germany - Today the General Assembly of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) has voted in favor of Hamburg as the official German nominee for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The north German city ofHamburg prevailed over Berlin and aims to present games with short distances, on the water and in the heart ofEurope's second largest port.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811100-hamburg-is-germanys-nominee-for-2024-olympic-games/

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Chonburi Temple Arms Buddhist Deity With Modern Appliances
By Khaosod English


Phra Mahasawai Santamano, the deputy abbot of Samsae San temple, told Khaosod that the mural is intended to remind temple-goers that the cosmic power of karma is still reigning, despite how much the world has changed.

CHONBURI – A Buddhist temple in Chonburi province is drawing attention with unusual murals that depict a Buddhist deity holding a laptop and GPS.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811106-a-temple-in-thailand-arms-buddhist-deity-with-modern-appliances/

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Officials doubt over farang family dumped by taxi
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Transportation officials raised doubts over a viral story about a tourist family traveling with a baby being dumped by a taxi along a highway last week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811108-thai-transportation-officials-doubt-over-farang-family-dumped-by-taxi/

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Chinese state company launches bid for Italy's Pirelli
By JOE McDONALD

BEIJING (AP) — China's biggest state-owned chemical company announced plans Monday to acquire Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli, adding to a string of high-profile Chinese corporate purchases in Europe.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811109-chinese-state-company-launches-bid-for-italys-pirelli/

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Phuket tour firm and client in battle over speed boat spine injury
Nattha Thepbamrung


Ms Jareeporn, wearing a back brace, makes her complaint to Mr Santi.

PHUKET: -- The victim of a boating injury that happened in December last year has reported to the Phuket Office of the Department of Tourism and Sport that she has been denied compensation by the tour company that arranged the trip during which she was injured.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811110-phuket-tour-firm-and-client-in-battle-over-speed-boat-spine-injury/

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Police nationwide instructed to monitor fire situation during summer

BANGKOK, 23 March 2015 (NNT) - The Ministry of Interior has warned people across Thailand of greater fire hazards during the summer months.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811117-thai-police-nationwide-instructed-to-monitor-fire-situation-during-summer/

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Police pursue extradition for suspects of Criminal Court bomb



BANGKOK, 23 March 2015 (NNT) – The police are now coordinating the extradition of the Ratchada Criminal Court bombing suspect currently living abroad, while all related perpetrators will be prosecuted, said the Commissioner-General.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811118-thai-police-pursue-extradition-for-suspects-of-criminal-court-bomb/

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UPDATE:

Thai police probe death of Briton who killed himself at firing range

AFP

BANGKOK: -- Thai police said on Monday they were investigating the death of a British tourist who shot himself dead at a firing range on the resort island of Phuket.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/810768-british-male-tourist-commits-suicide-at-phuket-shooting-range/page-3?p=9219882#entry9219882

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Police poised to carry out raids nationwide after success of dawn raids in Samui



KOH SAMUI: -- Many more tourist destinations are coming under scrutiny after the dawn raids in Koh Samui last week. So encouraged by the success of the raids to break up criminal gangs police are now looking to widen their net and expand their list of targets to other tourist areas.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811131-police-poised-to-carry-out-raids-nationwide-after-success-of-dawn-raids-in-samui/

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Tutorial schools asked not to raise fees

BANGKOK: -- The Office of the Private Education Commission (OPED) is asking all tutorial schools not to raise fees for this year as the Revenue Department is still undecided in tax rates that it will collect from them.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811134-tutorial-schools-asked-not-to-raise-fees/

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BMA aspires to make Saen Saeb clear again

Bangkok:- Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is planning to improve water quality in many major canals including the Saen Saeb in honor of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

The princess will celebrate her 60th birthday next month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811128-bma-aspires-to-make-saen-saeb-clear-again/

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Four arrested in weekend Phuket drug raids
Eakkapop Thongtub


The four men, from left, Chithsorn, Phuriwat, Surat and Sutthisak.

PHUKET: -- Four men were arrested over the weekend (March 21 and 22) when found in possession of drugs and ammunition, during a 24-hour anti-narcotics sweep led by Thalang District Chief, Veera Kerdsirimongkol.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811137-four-arrested-in-weekend-phuket-drug-raids/

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Northern haze continues to resolve

BANGKOK, 23 March 2015 (NNT) – The haze situation in the northern region is resolving with less particulate matter registered, says PCD Director-General.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811138-haze-in-northern-thailand-continues-to-resolve/

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Gen Prayut delays his visit to Singapore due to Mr.Lee's death

BANGKOK, 23 March 2015 (NNT) - Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has postponed his official visit to Singapore originally scheduled for March 24-26 as Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, the first Singaporean Prime Minister and Statesman, died last night.

Mr. Lee, who had fought for Singapore’s independence from Britain and separation from Malaysia, died at the age of 91. However, reports say Gen Prayut still keeps his planned visit to Brunei Darussalam.

The report also said the government’s first mobile cabinet meeting on Friday and Saturday in Hua Hin, Prachaup Khiri Khan will carry on as scheduled even though explosive materials were found near the meeting venue.


-- NNT 2015-03-23

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Skeleton found in abandoned well in Chaeng Wattana
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- A full, human skeleton was found in an abandoned well along Chaeng Wattana Road after some men drained it in hopes of catching some fish.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811143-skeleton-found-in-abandoned-well-in-chaeng-wattana/

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NRC called on to address explicit internet advertisements

BANGKOK, 23 March 2015 (NNT) - The National Reform Council (NRC) has been urged to reform Thailand’s regulations for online advertisements, as research finds that over 60% of online advertisements are placed by sex-related businesses.

Mr. Naowarat Pongpaiboon of the NRC committee on social values, arts, culture, ethics and religion along with Assoc. Prof. Sakarindr Bhumiratana of the NRC committee on science, technology, analysis, innovation and intellectual property have received research on the impact of sexually explicit advertisements on Thai values and society.

The research conducted by Prof. Paul Watters of Massey University, NZ found that over 60% of all online advertisements in Thailand promote sex-related industries, while over 16% promote gambling. Dr. Watters expressed his hope that the research would lead to reforms that would shield Thailand’s youth from the findings’ implications.

Mr. Naowarat remarked that the research submitted to the reform body is directly relevant to his committee's work, adding that the unchecked consumption of such content can lead to moral degeneracy. He also agreed to forward the matter to other relevant NRC panels, including the committees on education and social affairs.


-- NNT 2015-03-23

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Prawit orders police to step up security in Hua Hin

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan has ordered police to step up security in Hua Hin after a lot of explosives and ammunitions were found at a spot about two kilometers away from the Army Sport Center Suanson Pradiphat where a Cabinet retreat on Friday and Saturday.

Prawit's advisor, Panithan Wattanayakorn, said police had been ordered to investigate and try to locate the persons who left the explosives there.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Prawit-orders-police-to-step-up-security-in-Hua-Hi-30256570.html


-- The Nation 2015-03-23

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ISOC warns southernmost people to beware of distorted online information

BANGKOK, 23 March 2015 (NNT) - Spokesman of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Col Banphot Phunpian warns people living in the southernmost provinces of Thailand to beware of distorted information posted in social networking sites by groups of ill-intentioned people in the region who are more likely nowadays to use online techniques, in parallel with creating violent actions, to lure the public for their sympathy.

ISOC expressed concerns over the distortion of online information spreading across the southernmost provinces, saying local people regularly consume such information which can make them have misconception or trust easily.

"When the distorted information was released, the government can only clarify the facts based on written information with sufficient evidence, but unable to instantly respond to such an online distortion." added Col Banphot.

He reiterated that the people were strongly advised not to hastily jump into conclusion that the information they’d just received was true but to think carefully whether the information was based on facts or possibility.


-- NNT 2015-03-23

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Navy cracks down on illegal Phuket prawns farms and encroachment
Nattha Thepbamrung


One of the illegal prawn farms.

PHUKET: -- Thai Navy officers led by Rear Adm Tiansiri Montraiwate, Third Fleet Deputy Commander, visited four plots of land on the east coast of Thalang after complaints by local people about encroachment.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811187-navy-cracks-down-on-illegal-phuket-prawns-farms-and-encroachment/

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UPDATE:

Tourist family abandoned on expressway untrue



BANGKOK: -- Expressway police today dismissed as untrue a report which went viral on the social network last week that a farang couple and their baby were abandoned on the expressway by a taxi.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811108-thai-transportation-officials-doubt-over-farang-family-dumped-by-taxi/page-2#entry9220644

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Malaysian man arrested for allegedly using fake credit cards

BANGKOK: -- A Malaysian man was arrested at the Don Mueang International Airport while he was about to leave the kingdom Sunday afternoon after police found 11 fake credit cards and five Hermes bags he had allegedly bought with some fake credit cards.

He was identified as as Wong Chen Jear, 29.

Police were alerted that Wong had allegedly used fake credit cards to buy the bags in Chidlom area.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Malaysian-man-arrested-for-allegedly-using-fake-cr-30256572.html


-- The Nation 2015-03-23

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Prayut blames 'too much democracy' for political woes
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The head of Thailand's military government Monday blamed the country's previous political problems on "too much-democracy."

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811216-prayut-blames-too-much-democracy-for-political-woes/

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Phuket beach clubs told, 'Get out in 30 days'
Nattapat Tuarob


An official pins an eviction notice to one of the remaining restaurants.

PHUKET: -- All 39 restaurants, clubs and other businesses still operating along Surin Beach must close down and quit their premises by April 18.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811217-phuket-beach-clubs-told-get-out-in-30-days/