Thailand Live Thursday 2 Apr 2015

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Thai govt lifts martial law but sparks fears by retaining key powers
AFP

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's junta lifted martial law on Wednesday but replaced it with new orders retaining sweeping powers for the military, raising fears the regime is tightening its grip over the kingdom.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814073-martial-law-lifted-in-thailand/

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SURVEY:

Are foreigners in Thailand more negative than people in their home country?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812885-survey-are-foreigners-in-thailand-more-negative-than-people-in-their-home-country/

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Expert slams PM's threat to media
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- A UNITED Nations expert on freedom of expression, David Kaye, yesterday urged Thailand to distance itself from the prime minister's intimidating statements against freedom of press, and take immediate measures to allow space for debate and freedom of expression.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814076-un-expert-slams-pms-threat-to-media/

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Yingluck's lawyers present strategy
PRAPHAN JINDALERTUDOMDEE
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- FORMER prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra will defend herself in the case over the rice-pledging scheme by focusing on the point that it was a "public policy" and her main "election campaign promise" to voters that she had to honour, her lawyers said when revealing their defence strategy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814077-yinglucks-lawyers-present-strategy/

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CDC: Provinces to 'elect' senators
NITIPOL KIRAVANICH
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE CONSTITUTION Drafting Committee (CDC) yesterday made a change to its proposal on the make-up of the Senate and resolved that 77 senators would come through elections in each province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814078-cdc-provinces-to-elect-senators/

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Use of military court defended
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- AS THE debate on civilians being tried in military court continues, a source from the Judge Advocate-General's Department defended this practice, which was ordered by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) under Article 44 of the interim charter.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814079-use-of-thai-military-court-defended/

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Article 44 legitimises PM Prayut's powers
THE NATION



JUNTA CHIEF PROMISES CONSTRUCTIVE USE OF LEGAL TOOL AMID WIDESPREAD CRITICISM

BANGKOK: -- EVEN AS international right groups slammed the plan to enforce Article 44 of the interim charter that gives the junta leader unlimited power, government officials jumped to its defence, claiming the versatile legal instrument that replaces martial law will be utilised to cope with several problems in the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814081-article-44-legitimises-pm-prayuts-powers/

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BURNING ISSUE
Prayut and Thais must be wary of special laws
ATTAYUTH BOOTSRIPOOM

ARTICLE 44 of the post-coup provisional charter has become the hottest issue of debate now.

BANGKOK: -- Concerns have been raised after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, in his capacity as leader of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), unveiled his plan to invoke Article 44 to replace the controversial martial law. This interim charter provision gives him absolute power as the NCPO chief.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814082-prayut-and-thais-must-be-wary-of-special-laws/

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Pongpat gets another two and half years in jail
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court yesterday sentenced Pongpat Chayapan, former chief of the Central Investigation Bureau, to another two and a half years in jail for failing to report the discovery and acquisition of 51 ancient artefacts and possessing them without permission. The items will now be put under state ownership.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814083-pongpat-gets-another-two-and-half-years-in-jail/

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UPDATE:

Domestic accuses WHO executive of exploitation
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- THE LAW SOCIETY of Thailand has taken up the case of an Ethiopian domestic worker, who has filed a police complaint, accusing her employer - an executive at the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Thailand - and his wife of exploiting her through harsh labour.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814013-ethiopian-maid-accuses-who-official-in-thailand-of-slavery/?p=9259201#entry9259201

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Russian Bites Pattaya Police Officer during 'Public Order' arrest



PATTAYA: -- Just before daybreak on Wednesday, Pattaya Police arrested a Russian on public order offences after he was found sleeping in front of a Pattaya Hotel and during his transport to the Police Station he attempted to escape and bit a junior Police Officer in his leg.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814084-russian-bites-pattaya-police-officer-during-public-order-arrest/

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OPINION
Proven fact: Absolute political power can't jack up GDP growth
Suthichai Yoon

BANGKOK: -- Premier Prayut Chan-o-cha faces two major decisions this week: 1. Will he lift martial law? If so, how does he explain the decision to replace it with the all-embracing Article 44 of the interim charter, which may be even more draconian and "dictatorial"?

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814085-proven-fact-absolute-political-power-cant-jack-up-gdp-growth/

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Phuket Police Crack Down on Inappropriate Songkran Celebrations

Phuket police are cracking down on inappropriate Songkran celebrations this year. Local authorities have barred alcohol in water-play zones, sexy outfits, sexy dancing and water-fight trucks. The crackdown follows a national order to support a traditional Songkran festival, which will run from April 13-14.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814069-phuket-police-crack-down-on-inappropriate-songkran-celebrations/

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Lack of Jobs and High Cost of Living Drive Migrant Workers Back to Thailand

Migrant workers from Myanmar are heading back to Thailand just ahead of the Thingyan festival. High living expenses and lack of jobs leaves many migrants workers with few options but to return to Thailand to support their families.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814067-lack-of-jobs-and-high-cost-of-living-drive-migrant-workers-back-to-thailand/

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Fake bomb traced back to shop in Samut Prakan
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- A hoax bomb, found at the mouth of Soi Pattanakorn 65 in Bangkok's Prawet district yesterday morning, was traced back to a shop in Samrongtai area of Samut Prakan province, Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) commissioner Pol Lt-General Sriwara Rangsipramanakul said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814088-fake-bomb-traced-back-to-shop-in-samut-prakan/

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More Bonanza firms face close scrutiny
PIYANUT TUMNUKASETCHAI,
PRASIT TANGPRASERT,
JANJIRA PONGRAI
THE NATION


This picture shows the spots where the Bonanza International Speedway is allegedly encroaching into forest reserve in Nakhon Ratchasima

EXECUTIVE OF RACETRACK OPERATOR IN PAK CHONG FACES 5 CHARGES ON ENCROACHMENT

BANGKOK: -- MANY other businesses under Bonanza are coming under scrutiny as a probe suggests that they too might have engaged in encroachment on the forest reserve in Nakhon Ratchasima's Pak Chong district.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814089-more-bonanza-firms-face-close-scrutiny/

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UPDATE:

Debt-relief measures to waive Bt4 billion owed by farmers
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE Bt4 billion in debt of some 28,000 Thai farmers who do not have the means to repay is to be written off, while other debt-relief measures are arranged for some 800,000 other farmers who owe a total of Bt112 billion.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/813920-thai-govt-farmers-debts-to-be-waived/#entry9259243

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Iraq hails victory over Islamic State extremists in Tikrit
By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA and SAMEER N. YACOUB

TIKRIT, Iraq (AP) — The government declared victory in Tikrit on Wednesday over extremists of the Islamic State group, and it warned the militants holding other Iraqi provinces that they would be the next to fall.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814091-iraq-hails-victory-over-islamic-state-extremists-in-tikrit/

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Double overtime: Faltering Iran nuclear talks extended again
By MATTHEW LEE and GEORGE JAHN

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — With even a vague outline of an Iran nuclear deal eluding their grasp, negotiators headed for double overtime Wednesday night in a marathon attempt to find common ground for a more important task — forging a final deal by the end of June.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814092-double-overtime-faltering-iran-nuclear-talks-extended-again/

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IS enters Palestinian camp in Damascus; Jordan closes border
ALBERT AJI, Associated Press
BASSEM MROUE, Associated Press

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Islamic State militants infiltrated a Palestinian refugee camp in Damascus on Wednesday and were clashing with a Palestinian group, the deepest foray yet by the extremist group into the Syrian capital, seat of President Bashar Assad's power, according to opposition activists and Palestinian officials.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814095-is-enters-palestinian-camp-in-damascus;-jordan-closes-border/

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Obama urges unity in Nigeria after historic election

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is urging both the winner and loser in Nigeria's presidential elections to work together to unify Nigeria.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814097-obama-urges-unity-in-nigeria-after-historic-election/

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US Senate foreign affairs expert indicted
ERIC TUCKER, Associated Press
SEAN CARLIN, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee was indicted on corruption charges Wednesday, accused of using his office to improperly benefit an eye doctor and political donor.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814098-us-senator-bob-menendez-charged-with-corruption/

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Flames engulf Mexico oil platform in Gulf, killing 4 workers
MARK STEVENSON, Associated Press

MEXICO CITY (AP) — A huge ball of flames engulfed an oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, killing four people and sending terrified workers leaping into the sea.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814099-flames-engulf-mexico-oil-platform-in-gulf-killing-4-workers/

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International court welcomes Palestinians as 123rd member
MIKE CORDER, Associated Press

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Palestinian Authority became a member of the International Criminal Court on Wednesday, saying it wanted "justice not vengeance" for alleged Israeli war crimes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814101-international-court-welcomes-palestinians-as-123rd-member/

[thai tech]

Google Disables 192 Browser Extensions for Injecting Rogue Ads


Google is taking a stand against browser extensions that inject ads into websites. An announcement was made that Google has disabled 192 Chrome browser extensions so far.

Not all extensions will be disabled though. Extensions that are upfront and honest about their ad injection habits will be allowed to remain enabled.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/google-disables-192-browser-extensions-for-injecting-rogue-ads/8117/

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Inmate overpowers guard, escapes from eastern Illinois jail

KANKAKEE, Ill. (AP) — A man awaiting sentencing for murder escaped from a jail in eastern Illinois Wednesday after beating a guard into unconsciousness, taking his keys and uniform and speeding off in his SUV.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814103-inmate-overpowers-guard-escapes-from-eastern-illinois-jail/

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Siam Discovery to undergo Bt4-bn renovation to brace for competition
KWANCHAI RUNGFAPAISARN
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- SIAM PIWAT CO will invest more than Bt4 billion in its first overhaul of Siam Discovery, the company's strategic shopping complex on Rama I Road, to respond to tougher competition in the Bangkok shopping-mall arena and a rebound in foreign-tourist arrivals.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814120-bangkoks-siam-discovery-to-undergo-bt4-bn-renovation-to-brace-for-competition/

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HRH PRINCESS MAHA CHAKRI SIRINDHORN
Celebrating our talented Princess
PHATARAWADEE PHATARANAWIK
THE NATION

HRH Princess Sirindhorn was named 'The Most Ilusstrious Artist' by Culture Ministry in 2003, honouring her dual role as creator and conservator. Photo/Culture Ministry

Thailand, China, and the UK mark the 60th birthday of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn with cultural events throughout the year

BANGKOK: -- Encouraged by her "Supreme Artist" father, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is an accomplished photographer, artist, author, composer and musician. And when the "People's Princess" is not busy carrying out her royal duties, she will almost certainly be found snapping photos, painting, translating books or playing the ranad-ek.

Along with sharing the musical and artistic talents of her father, His Majesty the King, the Princess is following the footsteps of Her Majesty the Queen, "the Pre-eminent Protector of Art and Craft", in preserving Thai art and culture. She has learned khon classical masked dance, is involved in the preservation of the country's archaeological sites and supports artisans throughout the Kingdom.

In 2003, the Culture Ministry named her "The Most Illustrious Artist", honouring her dual roles as creator and conservator.

"Princess Sirindhorn is a multi-talented artist who always enjoys learning new arts," says Professor Apinan Poshyananda, general director of the Culture Ministry.

This year, to mark the fifth-cycle anniversary of its Royal Patron - the Princess turns 60 today - the Culture Ministry is working with the Foreign Affairs Ministry to showcase her talents to the world. The year-long celebration will see the Princess exhibiting her photos and performing on the Thai-style xylophone, while more than 100 khon dancers from the Fine Arts Department, performers from Bunditpatanasilpa Institute, Thai filmmakers and contemporary artists will showcase the Kingdom's art and culture in China and England.

The Princess will be in Beijing on Saturday to open her solo photography exhibition at the Capital Museum.

"On display are more than 70 snapshots the Princess has taken during her visits to China as well as scenes and events in Thailand," Apinan tells The Nation.

Among the highlights are photos of opera performers and dancers who perform during Chinese New Year in Bangkok's Yaowarat neighbourhood, a favourite haunt of the Princess. There's also a snap from Wutunxia Monastery in Qinghai, China, with monks and a soldier taking a keen interest in their camera-toting Royal Thai visitor. Images of a Buddhist ceremony during a flood in Phetchaburi are also included.

On Sunday, the Princess will play the ranad-ek at the National Museum, in a concert accompanied by a classical Thai orchestra.

Khon dancers will perform an episode from the Ramayana directed by National Artist Sirichaichan Fakjamroon, who taught the Princess the ranad-ek. Sirichaichan has also composed five celebratory songs for the Princess and is overseeing the performance inspired by the lotus for this special show.

Apinan adds that the culture ministries of Thailand and China are scheduled to sign a memorandum of understanding on cultural exchanges covering the next four years, bolstering an already-strong relationship between the two countries. And with the proven success of the Chinese Culture Centre in Thailand, Apinan is hoping that a Thai Culture Centre will open in China in the near future.

London's celebrations, which take place in June, will open a new chapter for Thai performing arts and cinema in England. The Royal Albert Hall will host a khon gala on June 18, 130 years after a traditional Siamese orchestra first performed there during the reign of King Rama V.

"According to historical records, the 19-member orchestra led by Mr Kram and Mr Plaek performed at various London venues during 1884 and 1885. It was the first Thai troupe to put on a show at the Royal Albert Hall," Apinan says.

"More importantly, the band was given the chance to perform in front of Queen Victoria at her summer palace. The queen, who played the flute, was very impressed, when the orchestra played 'God Save the Queen'. The record notes that Queen Victoria talked to Plaek, a player of the Thai flute, and commented that the Siamese musicians had beautifully adjusted Thai instruments to fit the Western-style music," Apinan says.

Using this historical record as his base, Apinan met the Royal Albert Hall's director last year to prepare this big celebration.

This time the Thai troupe will perform in front of more than 3,500 audience members. Tickets, which cost between 15 and 20 pounds (Bt720 and Bt960), will be sold at the hall and part of the proceeds will be donated to the Princess' charities.

Thai cinema will be highlighted for the first time at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts' Princess Anne Theatre from June 25 to 27, with seven films to be selected by Bafta and the Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand. Sir David Puttnam, producer of the 1984 made-in-Thailand Oscar-winner "The Killing Fields" will be one of the VIP guests at this film event.

The Princess will be in London in November to open an exhibition of Thai contemporary art the Saatchi Gallery.

"I met Saatchi's chief executive Nigel Hurst last year to discuss the Thai show," Apinan says. "Contemporary Thai art can be seen in London at the Buddhapadipa Temple in Wimbledon, which boasts murals by National Artists Chalermchai Kositpipat and Panya Vijinthanasarn, painted in 1984 and '85," Apinan says.

Co-curated by Hurst and Apinan, the one-month show will feature works by 25 artists. The gallery will also publish a book covering the works of some 70 contemporary Thai artists and this will be launched at the opening.

"Hurst was in Thailand last month to visit art shows in Bangkok and also met some artists," Apinan says. "He will send his team to Bangkok soon for a few months to study Thai contemporary art and meet with artists, curators and critics."

After its run in London, the exhibition will move in March next year to the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.

"The special celebration is not only for the Princess herself, it is also a celebration of the richness of Thai art and culture," Apinan says.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/life/Celebrating-our-talented-Princess-30257214.html


-- The Nation 2015-04-02

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Cynthia Lennon, first wife of John Lennon, dies of cancer
GREGORY KATZ, Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — Cynthia Lennon, the first wife of former Beatles guitarist John Lennon, died of cancer Wednesday at her home in Spain. She was 75.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814122-cynthia-lennon-first-wife-of-john-lennon-dies-of-cancer/

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Japan temporarily eases ban on chartered flights from Thailand

BANGKOK, 2 April 2015 (NNT) – Japan's Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) and Thailand's Civil Aviation Department will sign a cooperation pact today to allow chartered flights from Thailand to enter Japan for the time being, according to Minister of Transport Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814127-japan-temporarily-eases-ban-on-chartered-flights-from-thailand/