Thailand Live Thursday 26 Mar 2015

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17 cab drivers penalized on first day of re-organization of Bangkok taxi service

File photo. Source: Internet

BANGKOK, 26 March 2015 (NNT) – 17 cab drivers were penalized on the first day of the government's drive to 're-organize' the taxi service in Bangkok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811995-17-cab-drivers-penalized-on-first-day-of-re-organization-of-bangkok-taxi-service/

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Prime minister assures handicapped vendors will be allotted lottery tickets

BANGKOK, 26 March 2015 (NNT) – The government is not looking to stop allocating lottery tickets to handicapped lottery vendors even though it was looking to allot some tickets to convenience stores in order to keep the selling price at 80 baht, according to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

General Prayut said on Wednesday the government was not discontinuing allotment of tickets to handicapped vendors, but was re-distributing the allocation quotas – currently provided to large vendors – so that smaller sellers and convenience stores would also get lottery tickets to sell. The prime minister reasoned that providing buyers with alternatives would also ensure that the tickets would be sold at 80 baht, making it more likely that all tickets would be sold out, even ones with undesirable numbers.

Gen. Prayut said the selling price in Bangkok and in the provinces should be only slightly different. He added that online sale of lotteries would take place in the future.


-- NNT 2015-03-26

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CDC Chairman: Setting up of new body to promote reform, not an attempt to stay in power

BANGKOK, 26 March 2015 (NNT) – The Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee has given an assurance that the planned setting up of a new council to promote the reform process is not an attempt to keep the post-coup group in power.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811997-cdc-chairman-setting-up-of-new-body-to-promote-reform-not-an-attempt-to-stay-in-power/

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Thai-Cambodian border trade cooperation to be enhanced

BANGKOK, 26 March 2015 (NNT) – The Thai and Cambodian Ministries of Commerce have agreed to join forces in driving cooperation in border trade further, aiming to achieve trade growth of 30 percent in five years.

Deputy Commerce Minister of Thailand Apiradee Tantraporn revealed after meeting with her Cambodian counterpart Kem Sithan that the two sides have concurred to further expand their trade cooperation at all levels after last year’s total trade value exceeded 5 billion US dollars. Emphasis will be placed on trade along the shared border which is believed to have the potential to meet the target growth of 30 percent by the year 2020.

The two neighbors also agreed to the joint development of special economic zones, hoping to attract more trade and investment to their countries. Cambodia was reportedly supportive of Thailand’s suggestions for the trade strategy, which will be discussed at the 5th Thai-Cambodian Joint Trade Committee (JTC) Meeting to be hosted by Thailand this year.

In the meantime, Ms Apiradee said the Thai Ministry of Commerce is organizing a border trade fair in collaboration with Cambodia in Aranyaprathet district of the border province of Sa Kaeo from now until March 30.


-- NNT 2015-03-26

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Samut Sakhon to hold its first Kaset Fair

SAMUT SAKHON, 26 Mar 2015, (NNT) – Samut Sakhon Province is holding its first ‘Samut Sakhon Kaset Fair’, which will be officially launched on April 1st and conclude on April 5th. The event offers quality agricultural products ranging from fresh vegetables to meat, poultry, fish, and OTOP handicrafts.

Samut Sakhon Governor Police Lieutenant Athit Boonyasopat yesterday led a press conference in Muang District which was also joined by his deputy Winit Piyamethang, and heads of the provincial Livestock Office, and the Tourism & Sport Office.

The fair is being divided into zones, such as maritime, livestock, vegetables, orchids, OTOPs, canteen, and exhibition zones.

The governor said the fair would be open on April 1st at 6p.m. He invited all to visit the event, saying that participants would have a chance to get their hands on the province’s famous products, such as fragrant coconut, mangoes, and longan. He stressed that not only the event-goers would be able to purchase goods at a discount, they would also help boost income of local agricultural operators in the province.


-- NNT 2015-03-26

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President of Yemen flees by sea; Saudis begin airstrikes
By AHMED AL-HAJ and MAGGIE MICHAEL

SANAA, Yemen (AP) — President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi fled Yemen by sea Wednesday as Shiite rebels and their allies moved on his last refuge in the south, captured its airport and put a bounty on his head, officials said. Hours later, Saudi Arabia announced it had begun airstrikes against the Houthi rebels.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811999-president-of-yemen-flees-by-sea;-saudis-begin-airstrikes/

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Report: France jet audio shows pilot locked out of cockpit
By GREG KELLER and ELAINE GANLEY

SEYNE-LES-ALPES, France (AP) — The first half of Germanwings Flight 9525 was chilling in its normalcy. It took off from Barcelona en route to Duesseldorf, climbing up over the Mediterranean and turning over France. The last communication was a routine request to continue on its route.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812000-report-france-jet-audio-shows-germanwings-pilot-locked-out-of-cockpit/

[thai tech]

PlayStation 4 Plans for a Major Software Update on Thursday



Owners of the PlayStation 4 will be happy to see numerous features added to the console this Thursday. An update called “Yukimura” will allow players to enhance their gaming experience. The biggest feature added will be suspend-and-resume. This allows gamers to spend less time waiting for their games to load and more time right in the middle of the action.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/playstation-4-plans-for-a-major-software-update-on-thursday/7744/

[thai tech]

How to keep your Android device secure and free from harmful malware

Here are 5 simple but effective ways that may help in keeping your Android device secure and free from harmful malware and other nasty stuff.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/how-to-keep-your-android-device-secure-and-free-from-harmful-malware/7706/

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Lawyer: 2 Nevada inmates handcuffed when guard shot them
By KEN RITTER

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A Nevada prison inmate was handcuffed when was shot and killed by a guard last November, according to a lawyer who said Wednesday that her client was wounded in the same shooting but survived.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812001-lawyer-2-nevada-inmates-handcuffed-when-guard-shot-them/

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Hun Sen criticizes Obama visit



PHNOM PENH: -- US first lady Michelle Obama was strongly criticized by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who yesterday accused her of making false promises during her visit to the Kingdom last weekend, The Phnom Penh Post reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812002-cambodias-hun-sen-criticizes-michelle-obama-visit/

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Much ado about BTS toilet rooms

Bangkok:- The Bangkok Council Wednesday urged the Bangkok Mass Transit Co or BTS to install public toilet rooms on its skytrain stations.

Bangkok Council President Kriensak Lohachala, a former BMA city clerk, conveyed the message from the council to the BTS when he and a group of Bangkok councilors visited the BTS head office.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812003-much-ado-about-bts-toilet-rooms/

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SET down 6.99 points at opening /Bangkok Post

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Cops: 13-year-old kills brother, 6; wounds another, 16

HUDSON, Fla. (AP) — A young teenager shot his two brothers Wednesday during an argument over food, killing one and wounding the other, before fatally shooting himself.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812024-florida-cops-13-year-old-kills-brother-6;-wounds-another-16/

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Fierce clash leaves four RKK dead

PATTANI: -- A combined force of soldiers and police shot dead four RKK militants and detained a dozen for questioning after a fierce class Wednesday night in Thung Yangdaeng district of Pattani province.

Police said that security officials were tipped off that a group of RKK militants have infiltrated Tochud village in Tambon Piten of Thung Yangdaeng district and were holing in a house for meeting.

Soldiers and police were immediately mobilised and encircled the house.

But as the government forces moved closer, the militants were alerted and opened fire.

Fierce fighting broke out for almost half and hour and ended with some militants managed to escape into jungles.

Four militants were left behind in the house dead.

Two AK47 assault rifles and a handgun were seized.

A dozen of suspects were also detained for questioning.

Following the clash that left four RKK militants dead, security in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat were placed on maximum alert as as authorities could take revenge soon.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/fierce-clash-leaves-four-rkk-dead

-- Thai PBS 2015-03-26

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Official: Boko Haram using civilians as human shields
By MICHELLE FAUL and EDWIN KINDZEKA MOKI

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Boko Haram is using an unknown number of civilians as human shields as its fighters flee an offensive by multinational forces, a top Nigerian official said Wednesday.

Full story: [/bhttp://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812027-official-boko-haram-using-civilians-as-human-shields/

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Ravaged by flood, Tops Sukhumvit 19 remains closed (PHOTOS)
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- A Tops Supermarket located on the basement level of Robinson Sukhumvit remains closed after the whole place was trashed by a flash flood Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811801-bangkok-governor-admits-mistakes-in-flood-management/#entry9231936

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Yala police step up security following killings of four suspects

YALA: -- Yala police chief Pol Maj Gen Tanongsak Wansupha Thursday ordered police to step up security at all checkpoints after four suspected insurgents were killed by the authorities in the nearby province of Pattani Wednesday evening.

The four were killed during a clash after the authorities surrounded their house and tried to arrest them.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Yala-police-step-up-security-following-killings-of-30256788.html


-- The Nation 2015-03-26

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Thailand, Brunei keen on boosting cooperation in many aspects



BANGKOK, 26 March 2015 (NNT) – Brunei Darussalam has agreed to promote bilateral cooperation with Thailand in various areas, including energy, agriculture, halal food and fishery, during the visit of the Thai Prime Minister.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812030-thailand-brunei-keen-on-boosting-cooperation-in-many-aspects/

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14 dead in scaffolding collapse at Vietnam steel plant
AFP

HA TINH: -- At least 14 workers were killed and dozens more injured after scaffolding collapsed at a steel plant in central Vietnam, officials said, as rescue teams Thursday searched for bodies still trapped in the wreckage.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812039-14-dead-in-scaffolding-collapse-at-vietnam-steel-plant/

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China to review 'zombie' websites
Chen Mengwei
China Daily

BEIJING: -- Central authorities moved on Tuesday to address four major concerns of the public about official government websites: that a website is not responsive, or that information is not delivered in a timely manner, or is inaccurate or not useful.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812041-china-to-review-zombie-websites/

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NLA reviewing several key draft laws and reports today

BANGKOK, 26 March 2015 (NNT) - The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) will be considering several key draft laws in today’s meeting.

The Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) will report to the legislative panel on the draft charter when the session begins at 10.00 hrs.

Later, the NLA will be briefed on other various draft laws and reports that were reviewed and approved by the Cabinet.

The bills include legislation on disaster insurance, communicable diseases, warehouses, universities and reports on violence against women and children compiled over the past two years.

NLA members will also examine a list of qualified candidates for the position of Ombudsman.


-- NNT 2015-03-26

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The Supreme Court today reversed the Appeals Court’s ruling that acquitted former Phue Thai party MP Karun Hosakul of defaming former Democrat MP Somkiat Pongpaibul in April 2008.

Instead, the highest court upheld earlier judgement by the Criminal Court (court of first instance) that ruled Karun was guilty of libel and sentenced him to one year imprisonment and a fine of 40,000 baht. However the first court allowed the suspension of the one year imprisonment for two years.

The Supreme Court agreed with the two year suspension of prison term for Karun.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/102522


-- Thai PBS 2015-03-26

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Surin holds a public hearing on municipal infrastructure projects

SURIN, 26 March 2015, (NNT) - The northeastern province of Surin has held a public hearing on its municipal planning projects, which include road construction along the city’s fourth main route.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812045-surin-holds-a-public-hearing-on-municipal-infrastructure-projects/

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No powder, alcohol sale on Silom Road for Songkran

Bangkok:- Silom Road will become a powder-free and alcohol-free zone during the upcoming Songkran celebration, according to a plan drawn up by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

Millions of people in Thailand will celebrate the Songkran between April 13 and 15.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812044-no-powder-alcohol-sale-on-silom-road-for-songkran/

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Sukhumbhand enjoys higher approval rating

BANGKOK: -- An opinion survey by Bangkok University on the second anniversary of the tenure of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra found that he enjoyed higher approval rating.

On the scale of ten, Sukhumbhand got 6.22 points for overall performance, compared to 5.65 points after his first year in office. The survey was carried out among 1,215 people from March 20 to 23.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Sukhumbhand-enjoys-higher-approval-rating-30256790.html


-- The Nation 2015-03-26

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Karun given two-year suspended jail sentence for defaming Somkiat



BANGKOK: -- Former Don Mueang MP of the Pheu Thai party Karun Hosakul was given a two-year suspended jail term after the Supreme Court found him guilty of defaming the former Democrat MP Somkiat Pongpaibul.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812049-karun-given-two-year-suspended-jail-sentence-for-defaming-somkiat/

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Export-grade mango grown in Phichit damaged by recent stormy weather

BANGKOK, 26 March 2015 (NNT) – Authorities in various provinces continued to carry out drought mitigation work on Wednesday. Meanwhile, storms have caused extensive damage to mango grown for export in Phichit province.

Almost 10,000 rai of mango plantations in Wang Thap Sai Sub-district, Sak Lek district, Phichit have been pummeled by heavy rain, gusty winds and hail caused by the tropical storm prevailing over Thailand. Losses totaling about 100 million baht have been reported, after the mangoes became blemished as well as severely damaged.

Meanwhile, provincial authorities in Phrae have been pumping water into the local irrigation system. A total of 20 mobile water pumps have been recently deployed at five spots to pump water into the irrigation system that feeds all eight districts in the province. The effort is expected to alleviate the effect of the drought on no less than 22,000 rai of farmland.

Pichet Durongkaveroj ( พิเชฐ ดุรงคเวโรจน์ ) , Minister of Ccience and Technology, revealed on Wednesday that the ministry was developing water filters that employ nanotechnology, as well as water filtration machines that can convert salt water into drinking water. According to the minister, these technologies are being developed to help mitigate the effects of the drought.


-- NNT 2015-03-26

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Prayut admits thinking about lifting martial law

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha appeared in good mood when he returned from Brunei Thursday.

Replying to reporters' questions, Prayut admitted that he was thinking about lifting the martial law when the situation was ready but he declined to give any timeframe.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Prayut-admits-thinking-about-lifting-martial-law-30256791.html

-- The Nation 2015-03-26

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Poll: Bangkok governor still popular among Bangkokians

BANGKOK, 26 March 2015 (NNT) – Bangkok Governor Mom Rajawongse Sukhumbhand Paripatra remains popular among Bangkok residents during the past two years, according to a recent survey by Bangkok University Research Center.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812056-poll-bangkok-governor-still-popular-among-bangkokians/