Thailand Live Friday 27 Mar 2015

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UPDATE:

About 40 passengers injured in rear-end train collision

Ayutthaya: –A locomotive last night collided into the back of three-carriage express train parked to await signal for entering Ban Pha Chi Junction Station in the central province, police said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812223-trains-collide-in-ayutthaya-several-people-injured/#entry9235210

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Online 90 day reporting available from April 1st

BANGKOK: A spokesperson for Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has confirmed the new online service for 90 day reporting will be effective from April 1st 2015.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812263-online-90-day-reporting-available-from-april-1st/

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House OKs bipartisan Medicare doctor bill; fate up to Senate
By ALAN FRAM

WASHINGTON (AP) — In uncommon bipartisan harmony, the House approved a $214 billion bill on Thursday permanently blocking physician Medicare cuts, moving Congress closer to resolving a problem that has plagued it for years.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812261-house-oks-bipartisan-medicare-doctor-bill;-fate-up-to-us-senate/

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BAAC to assist 818,000 small-scale farmers

Bangkok: –Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives has earmarked 116 billion baht for loaning to 818,000 small-scale farmers.

The small-scale farmers can access the concessionary loans to refinance their existing debts, to cope with natural calamities and to cushion impacts from lowering commodity price and other economic woes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812260-baac-to-assist-818000-small-scale-farmers/

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UPDATE:

More than 50 injured in Thai train crash
AFP

BANGKOK: -- More than 50 people were injured when two trains collided in central Thailand, a senior official said Friday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812223-trains-collide-in-ayutthaya-several-people-injured/?p=9235572#entry9235572

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Pattaya City launches new campaign

Pattaya, Chon Buri: -- The Pattaya City has kicked off a new campaign to promote tourism to the seaside resort city.

Pattaya Mayor Itthipol Khunpluem said the new tourism campaign theme, which is called Pattaya City Definitely More, is aimed at introducing new tourism aspects of the seaside city to reach new target groups.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812273-pattaya-city-launches-new-campaign/

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Thailand Industrial Groups Boost R&D Spending

Thailand companies are trying to bolster sales and stay ahead of developing competitors. At a time when the Thailand economy is struggling, research and development is essential for companies that want to be able to remain profitable.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812269-thailand-industrial-groups-boost-r-d-spending/

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Sakon Nakhon Archaeological Site Looks Into Northern Thailand's Past

Sakon Nakhon: -- A recently opened archaeological site provides insight into what life was like in Sakon Nakhon 1,800 – 4,500 years ago. The site, called Ban Don Thing Chai, was first discovered in 1994. At the time, villagers were digging at the back of the Wat Chat Mongkol Buddhist temple when they came across human remains and pottery.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812267-sakon-nakhon-archaeological-site-looks-into-northern-thailands-past/

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Japan is likely to undertake Kanchanaburi route railway project

BANGKOK, 27 Mar 2015, (NNT) - Thailand is prepared to discuss a joint railway project with Japan on March 31st, said Transport Minister Air Chief Marshal Prajin Janthong.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812282-japan-is-likely-to-undertake-kanchanaburi-route-railway-project/

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FTI expects motor show to push auto sales

BANGKOK, 27 Mar 2015, (NNT) - President of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), Supan Mongkonthee, hopes that more than 40,00 cars will be sold during this tear's Bangkok International Motor Show 2015 now underway.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812283-fti-expects-bangkok-motor-show-to-push-auto-sales/

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PM backs the production of electric cars

BANGKOK, 27 Mar 2015 (NNT) - Energy Minister Narongchai Akrasanee revealed that he has assigned related agencies to study possible approaches to promote the production of electric cars in Thailand within the next 3-5 years.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812285-pm-prayut-backs-the-production-of-electric-cars/

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Spanish tourist killed in fall from waterfall

Chiang Mai:- A Spanish tourist was fatally injured when he fell from a popular waterfall in Chiang Mai Thursday, police said.

Pol Capt Natthawat Khuenkaew, an officer on duty of Chang Phuek police station in Chiang Mai, said rescuers could not reach Carlos Gabriel, 28, in time to save him .

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812286-spanish-tourist-killed-in-fall-from-waterfall/

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Issara re-elected as the TCC President position for another term

BANGKOK, 27 Mar 2015, (NNT) - Thailand Chamber of Commerce (TCC) has re-elected Issara Wongkusonkit as its president for another term.

The decision was made yesterday during the Chamber's 49th annual meeting, during which the new committee was selected to replace the present one, of which the term has expired. The new committee elected Mr. Issara to remain in the position for another term, while assigning Managing Director of Bangkok Business Equipment Automation Co., Ltd., Dej Cherdsuwannarak, as the TCC’s Secretary-General, and promoting Kalin Sarasin to the position of Vice President.

According to Mr. Issara, the new TCC committee will continue the works of the previous committee with an emphasss on 3 particular areas as follows: Increasing competitiveness of the private sector and enhancing the knowledge of entrepreneurs, connecting members in Thailand with those overseas, and maintaining good governance as well as reducing social gaps.

He said the new committee would also focus on minimizing trade obstacles, and facilitating the overall business operations.


-- NNT 2015-03-27

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Bergdahl charges stoke fresh criticism of prisoner swap
By JULIE PACE

WASHINGTON (AP) — The tough military charges against Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl have revived the questions and controversy surrounding President Barack Obama's decision to swap five Taliban detainees to secure his release, as well as the wisdom of the White House fanfare that followed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812289-us-bergdahl-charges-stoke-fresh-criticism-of-prisoner-swap/

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UPDATE:

Reckless driving blamed for train collision



AYUTTHAYA: -- More than 50 passengers were injured, two seriously, when a Bangkok-Denchai passenger train rammed at the rear of the Bangkok-Nong Khai train near Phachee district of Ayutthaya last night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812223-trains-collide-in-ayutthaya-several-people-injured/?p=9235903#entry9235903

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SET down 1.34 points at opening /Bangkok Post

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Bangkok Bank’s Kosit expects this year’s economic growth at 3-4%

BANGKOK, 27 Mar 2015 (NNT) - CEO of the Bangkok Bank Kosit Panpiemrat expects this year’s economic growth would be in the range of 3-4%.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812292-bangkok-banks-kosit-expects-this-years-economic-growth-at-3-4-percent/

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UPDATE:

Not so fast: Court forbids ‘Furious 7’ release in Thailand
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: Universal Pictures

BANGKOK: -- Nowhere are people more excited to see Tony Jaa next week in Fast & Furious 7 than here in Thailand, except now they won't be able to.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812245-fast-and-furious-7-showing-suspended-in-thailand-until-further-notice/page-3#entry9235961

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Two Phuket men arrested with 45 kilos of kratom
Eakkapop Thongtub


Surasak (left) and Yorhard with the 45 kilos of leaves.

PHUKET: -- Two men were arrested in Thalang yesterday (March 26) and together they had in their possession a total of 45 kilos of kratom leaves.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812293-two-phuket-men-arrested-with-45-kilos-of-kratom/

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Moral Center to propose six policies to PM to strengthen Thai Morality

BANGKOK, 27 March 2015 (NNT) - The Moral Promotion Center has organized the 7th National Morality Assembly, with all groups attending in a joint discussion to discuss ways to effectively strengthen Thai morality.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812296-moral-center-to-propose-six-policies-to-pm-to-strengthen-thai-morality/

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UPDATE:

Car sales at Motor Show expected to over 40,000



BANGKOK: -- Sales of cars during the Bangkok International Motor Show 2015 now being held at Bangkok's Impact Arena until April 5 are expected to exceed 40,000, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812283-fti-expects-bangkok-motor-show-to-push-auto-sales/#entry9236134

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PM speaks to Prajuab Khiri Khan residents before attending Cabinet meeting

PRAJUAB KHIRI KHAN, 27 March 2015 (NNT) - Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has visited the province of Prajuab Khiri Khan and spoken with the people on government policy this morning before attending the Cabinet meeting.

The meeting will be General Prayut’s first official mobile Cabinet since he became the prime minister. The meeting is scheduled for the Army Rehabilitation and Recreation Center in Hua Hin district.

General Prayut had the opportunity to speak with local residents, business owners, fishermen and hoteliers during his visit.

The Prime Minister has also presided over the opening ceremony of the farmer’s and small- and medium-sized enterprises’ exhibition, that showcases progress made on transportation development, water management project, artificial rainmaking, farming and medical technology.


-- NNT 2015-03-27

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San Francisco Chronicle heir, board member Nan McEvoy dies

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Nan Tucker McEvoy, the last member of the San Francisco Chronicle's founding family to head the newspaper, died Thursday after a long convalescence. She was 95.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812325-san-francisco-chronicle-heir-board-member-nan-mcevoy-dies/

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Phuket lawyer killed in crash in Satun
Eakkapop Thongtub


Police believe the driver missed the bend in the road when travelling at high speed.

PHUKET: -- A Phuket lawyer was killed in a fatal crash in Satun yesterday (March 26) after crashing her car into an electricity pylon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812327-phuket-lawyer-killed-in-crash-in-satun/

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UPDATE:

Thai police off to Laos to seek return of key suspect in abbot murder case

BANGKOK: -- A team of top police officers today crossed the border to Laos to seek the e tradition of a police officer said to drive the gunman to shoot the abbot of Wat Pator Sisied temple.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812237-cop-wanted-over-thai-monk-killing-held/#entry9236308

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Road safety in Chiang Mai will be more stringent during Songkran festival

CHIANG MAI, 27 March 2015 (NNT)-The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Chiang Mai Office is expected to take serious action against drunk drivers during Songkran Festival this year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812329-road-safety-in-chiang-mai-will-be-more-stringent-during-songkran-festival/

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Suspected Uighurs must remain in Thai detention: court
AFP

BANGKOK: -- A family of suspected Uighur Muslims at the centre of a diplomatic tussle between China and Turkey must remain in detention until their true nationalities are proven, a Thai court ruled Friday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812330-suspected-uighurs-must-remain-in-thai-detention-court/

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Foreign Affairs Ministry to greet freed fishermen

BANGKOK, 27 March 2015 (NNT) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and related agencies will be holding a welcome home activity at Donmueang International Airport for Thai fishermen who have just been released from Ambon Island in Indonesia.

The 21 freed fishermen are scheduled to arrive in the country at 8.15 p.m. today on Air Asia flight QZ252. The rescue of Thai people lured into becoming labors overseas is one of the main missions the Thai government has tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with.

Since October 2014, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has secured the release of 146 Thai workers from Indonesia, 70 of whom were fishermen stranded on Ambon Island.

The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is in charge of assisting those workers.


-- NNT 2015-03-27

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Stranded Thai fishermen to return tonight



BANGKOK: -- A total of 21 Thai fishermen stranded at several islands in Indonesia for years will return to Thailand tonight.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee said Friday that 21 Thai fishermen will return on an AirAsia Flight QZ 252 and arrive at Don Mueang airport at 8.15 pm.

He said until now there are still 70 crew of Thai fishing boats stranded at Ambon island in Indonesia.

He added that the Foreign Ministry is still trying every effort to bring stranded Thai crew members to return safely.

Those who return will be primarily assisted by relevant government agencies, he added.

(Photo : Thai PBS File)

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/stranded-thai-fishermen-to-return-tonight


-- Thai PBS 2015-03-27

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Thai generals push for 'golden era' when elite held sway
AFP

BANGKOK: -- A new Thai constitution being drafted by the ruling junta is a throwback to an era when a royalist and military elite had a stranglehold on politics, analysts and politicians say, warning of dire consequences for democracy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812342-thai-generals-push-for-golden-era-when-elite-held-sway/