Thailand Live Wednesday 25 Mar 2015

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SANAA, Yemen (AP) - Shiite rebel TV station says its fighters seize Yemen air base where US advised al-Qaida fight.

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Air quality in northern region resolved to safe value

BANGKOK, 25 March 2015 (NNT) – Airborne particle values in northern provinces today are all registered within standard value, with hotspots detected in 7 provinces and neighbouring countries, says the MNRE Deputy Permanent-Secretary.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811764-air-quality-in-northern-thailand-resolved-to-safe-value/

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UPDATE:

DDC denies rumors of haze deaths

BANGKOK, 25 March 2015 (NNT) – The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has denied the rumors of fatality caused by the haze situation in the northern region as just a statistical study.

Full story:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811764-air-quality-in-northern-thailand-resolved-to-safe-value/#entry9228517

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UPDATE:

Three Chinese tourists killed in Thai bus crash
AFP

PHUKET: -- Three Chinese holidaymakers died and 17 were injured Wednesday in a bus crash on Thailand's southern tourist island of Phuket, a senior official said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811756-three-chinese-tourists-dead-as-tour-bus-crashes-off-phuket-hill/?p=9228528#entry9228528

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Over 100 tourism firms urges minister to oppose Krabi power plant

KRABI: -- Over 100 tourism firms in Krabi have signed a petition for the tourism and sports minister to oppose the Egat Plc's plan to build a coal-fired power plant in the southern province.

The petition was submitted to Charnwit Pholchiwil and Phasit Phumchusri, inspectors-general of the Tourism and Sports Ministry who were visiting Krabi Wednesday.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Over-100-tourism-firms-urges-minister-to-oppose-Kr-30256731.html


-- The Nation 2015-03-25

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Recruiting agencies blame choosy job seekers for increased unemployment

BANGKOK, 25 March 2015 (NNT) – Employment agencies have cautioned job seekers to be less particular about work, saying that overly-critical choices can do more harm than good.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811773-recruiting-agencies-blame-choosy-job-seekers-for-increased-unemployment/

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German ambassador paying visit to Defense Minister

BANGKOK, 25 March 2015 (NNT)-Defense Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan has welcomed the German ambassador to Thailand at the Ministry of Defense today.

His Excellency Rolf Peter Gottfried Schulze and his entourage yesterday paid a visit to General Prawit, during which the General expressed his gratitude towards the German ambassador for the latter's understanding of Thailand's political situation and her ongoing reform effort.

The Defense Minister acknowledged that the Thai government is trying to solve human trafficking issue, which has progressed significantly, and bring the fishery industry to the European Union standards.

General Prawit, meanwhile, proposed to the German ambassador that both nations set up a high level committee tasked with working toward striving for mutual trade benefits.

An exchange military training program between the two countries will also be carried out with regard to technology and other developments.


-- NNT 2015-03-25

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Thai junta chief threatens to hold onto power
AFP

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's junta chief warned detractors Wednesday that he would hold onto power indefinitely if they continued to oppose his plans for the kingdom in a heated press briefing ahead of an overseas trip.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811796-prayut-threatens-to-hold-onto-power-indefinitely/

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PM says no more lottery quotas for the five tigers

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha assured today that lottery quotas for the so-called “five tigers” wholesalers which are due to expire in July will not be extended but will be reallocated to retailers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811797-pm-prayut-says-no-more-lottery-quotas-for-the-five-tigers/

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PM warns media to toe the line or face 'consequences'



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha today warned some media representatives that they may face consequences if they continue to report in a way which is threatening national interests.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811798-pm-prayut-warns-media-to-toe-the-line-or-face-consequences/

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Prawit orders BMA governor to prevent more flooding

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan Wednesday instructed Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra to rush to implement measures to prevent flooding in the capital.

Prawit said several parts of Bangkok were inundated Tuesday because the BMA did not drain sewers to prepare for rainwaters.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Prawit-orders-BMA-governor-to-prevent-more-floodin-30256734.html


-- The Nation 2015-03-25

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BTS urged to provide drinking water, toilet rooms

BANGKOK: -- The Bangkok Council Wednesday urged the Bangkok Mass Transit System to provide free drinking water and toilet rooms at all BTS stations.

The suggestion was made by Bangkok Council President Kriengsak Lohachala when he led some Bangkok councillors to visit the BTS head office. The councillors were received by BTS President Arnat Arpapirom.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/BTS-urged-to-provide-drinking-water-toilet-rooms-30256735.html


-- The Nation 2015-03-25

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City governor admits mistakes in flood management



BANGKOK: -- Bangkok governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra today admitted mistakes in flood water management in the city following a freak storm on Tuesday which caused widespread flooding.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811801-bangkok-governor-admits-mistakes-in-flood-management/

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Germanwings cancels flight as pilots refuse to fly

FRANKFURT (AFP) - A number of pilots at German low-cost airline Germanwings refused to fly Wednesday following the deadly crash in the French Alps, saying they were mourning the victims of the doomed aircraft.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811805-germanwings-cancels-flight-as-pilots-refuse-to-fly/

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Govt remits Bt5.95 billion to village funds

BANGKOK: -- PM's Office Minister Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana Wednesday transferred Bt5.957 billion to 5,957 revolving village funds, each of Bt1 million.

Suwaphan remitted the money when he held a meeting with representatives of the funds at Central Plaza Khon Kaen. Of the funds, 269 are newly established funds and the rest are those who have met criteria to continue their operations in their third phase.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Govt-remits-Bt5-95-billion-to-village-funds-30256737.html


-- The Nation 2015-03-25

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UPDATE:

Netizens warned against sharing improper images of pretties in social media



BANGKOK: -- Netizens have been told by the Ministry of Culture not to share the images of scantily-dressed motor show pretties in the social media warning that they may face legal actions.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811693-motor-show-models-may-face-legal-action/page-4?p=9229050#entry9229050

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SANAA, Yemen (AP) - Officials tell AP that Yemen's embattled president has fled Aden home as Shiite rebels near.

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SET index closed 1,512.80 down 1.65; Bt/USD32.43; GBP47.98; AUD25.14; EUR35.20; CAD25.70; HKD4.15; SGD23.51; JPY26.92

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Non-communicable diseases – no.1 killer of working age Thais

BANGKOK, 25 March 2015 (NNT) - Chronic diseases that are causing highest morbidity and mortality rate among Thais are Ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke and diabetes, according to 2003-2013 Statistical Report of the Ministry of Public Health.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811811-non-communicable-diseases-no1-killer-of-working-age-thais/

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Dutch Ambassador admires Thailand’s infrastructural development

BANGKOK, 25 March 2015 (NNT) - Mr. Johannes Andries Boer, outgoing Dutch Ambassador to Thailand, has commended Thailand for its successful infrastructural development and beleived the country has the capacity of becoming the hub of ASEAN regional connectivity.

The ambassador expressed his admiration when he paid a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn on the occasion of his completion of term in Thailand.

On this occasion, both sides were engaged in a discussion covering ways to promote cooperation between Thailand and the Netherlands in food industry and food-related technologies.


-- NNT 2015-03-25

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Thaksin may greet Prayut with smile if they meet in Singapore

BANGKOK: -- Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will at least greet Prime Minister General Prayut Chanocha with a smile if their paths should cross in Singapore on Sunday at the state funeral of Lee Kuan Yew, a former Pheu Thai MP said Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811814-thaksin-may-greet-prayut-with-smile-if-they-meet-in-singapore/

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NORTHFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Heinz to combine with Kraft in deal backed by Buffett, Brazilian firm, creating food giant.

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Royal adviser to Perlis State’s ruler to visit Satun

SATUN, 25 March 2015 (NNT) – Satun province is preparing a welcoming event for the forthcoming visit of the royal adviser to the Raja of the Malaysian State of Perlis.

The visit is part of the friendship activities between the Malaysian state and Satun. Each year, delegates from both sides are to take a trip to each other’s countries to discuss border development cooperation and solutions to new challenges.

Also accompanying the royal adviser to the Perlis Ruler and delegates are 80 athletes who will be joining various friendly sports competitions such as badminton, volleyball and table tennis with Thai counterparts on March 30. The two-day visit is scheduled for March 30 and 31.

Satun province’s 10 villages in Khuan Don and Muang districts share the border with Perlis State.


-- NNT 2015-03-25

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British Embassy to launch 24 hour visa service in Thailand
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- The British Embassy will launch an urgent visa service available 24 hours.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811838-british-embassy-to-launch-24-hour-visa-service-in-thailand/

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Energy Min vows to peg local LPG price despite global fluctuations

BANGKOK, 25 March 2015 (NNT) – The Ministry of Energy has promised to maintain the domestic price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at 24.16 baht per kilogram for the time being while an adjustment to the natural gas for vehicle (NGV) price could be seen within this year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811839-energy-min-vows-to-peg-local-lpg-price-despite-global-fluctuations/

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SANAA, Yemen (AP) - Shiite rebels offer bounty for capture of embattled president as they near his last refuge.

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Panel of judges formed to try Boonsong
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A general assembly of 130 Supreme Court judges Wednesday voted to select nine judges to hear a case against former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom and 20 other people for alleged malfeasance, in connection with the sale of government rice under the previous administration's rice-pledging scheme.

Some of the judges will also hear a separate case against former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who is accused of negligence in her role in the corruption plagued rice scheme implemented by her government.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Panel-of-judges-formed-to-try-Boonsong-30256746.html


-- The Nation 2015-03-25

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No Phuket beach lifeguards from tomorrow

Phuket lifeguards train on the beach

PHUKET: As of tomorrow (March 26) lifeguards may not be seen on Phuket’s beaches for a month or more because the contract for their services has yet to be renewed. It is now down to Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong to decide what happens next.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811858-no-phuket-beach-lifeguards-from-tomorrow/

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Human Rights Officials Barred From Visiting Alleged Torture Victims in Prison

By Khaosod Eng.

BANGKOK — The Director of Thailand’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was turned away by officials at Bangkok Remand Prison today when he tried to meet with four men who say they were tortured by military officers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811879-human-rights-officials-barred-from-visiting-alleged-torture-victims-in-prison/

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BBC decides not to renew Jeremy Clarkson's contract
DANICA KIRKA, Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — The BBC decided Wednesday not to renew the contract of "Top Gear" host Jeremy Clarkson after a fracas with his producer, ending his connection to the immensely popular program built around macho banter, off-colour jokes and cars.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811884-bbc-decides-not-to-renew-jeremy-clarksons-contract/