Thailand Live Thursday 2 Apr 2015

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SET expects 40,000 new stock investors to come from outside Greater Bangkok this year

BANGKOK, 2 April 2015 (NNT) – The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) is aiming to attract up to 40,000 new investors in stocks who are residents of areas outside of Greater Bangkok this year.

The SET, securities companies, the Board of Trade of Thailand, and the Federation of Thai Industries have announced their collaboration in holding "New Frontier Road Show" events in 26 provinces. The road shows are aimed at presenting economy-related information to residents in the major cities of the 26 provinces, and at providing investment advice to potential stock investors.

According to the SET, close to 20 percent of newly listed companies over the past two years are located in the provinces. Out of the roughly 1.1 million stock investors at present, about 200,000 or 18 percent are residents of areas outside Greater Bangkok. This number has also been growing by 16 percent each year.

The SET expects some 40,000 new stock investors to be from the provinces this year.


-- NNT 2015-04-02

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Finance Ministry yet to reach conclusion on property tax law

BANGKOK, 2 April 2015 (NNT) - The Finance Ministry has yet to draw a final conclusion on the new property tax law as the clarity is expected to be derived no sooner than July.

Finance Minister Sommai Phasee, on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the tax reform committee, in which several topics of discussion related to the property tax policy were raised. However, by the end of the meeting, no conclusion had been made yet.

The committee is set to convene at the end of the month after further studies are conducted and all the results are ready to be shared among all members.

Mr. Sommai said that, once the final details of the property tax policy are ready, they will be passed on to academics, educational institutions and related individuals and parties to review and exchange ideas.

He expects this process to be wrapped up in four months — after which all details will be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration.


-- NNT 2015-04-02

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MOSCOW (AP) - Russian rescue workers say trawler with 132 crew sinks in Sea of Okhotsk, at least 43 dead.

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Russian trawler with 132 crew sinks, at least 43 dead

MOSCOW (AP) — A freezer trawler with an international crew of 132 sank late Wednesday in the Sea of Okhotsk off of the Kamchatka Peninsula and at least 43 crew members were killed, rescue workers said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814134-russian-trawler-with-132-crew-sinks-at-least-43-dead/

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Commerce Ministry to hold an 11-day blue flag fair, welcoming new school term

BANGKOK, 2 April 2015, (NNT) - Two blue flag fairs will be held in April and May to commemorate the birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Commerce Minister General Chatchai Sarikanya said the first fair will kick off at Impact Arena, Muangthong Thani today, and will conclude on April 6th. The second fair will be held from April 30th to May 10th.

According to the Department of Internal Trade, the latter fair will offer commodity items-- which include stationery, garment, and food and drinks-- at up to 70% discount. Furthermore, the department has asked manufacturers and distributors to freeze the prices of school uniforms, so that these items can be sold at the same prices as last year.

No requests for product price increases have been made by business operators, thanks to the local economic slowdown, officials said, adding that the prices of agricultural products such as eggs, chicken and pork have even gone down.


-- NNT 2015-04-02

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UPDATE:

Thailand junta replaces martial law with absolute power
JOCELYN GECKER, Associated Press

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's junta lifted martial law in most of the nation, but 10 months after staging a coup, it remains firmly in control — with new laws invoked Wednesday that essentially give it absolute power.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814073-martial-law-lifted-in-thailand/#entry9259946

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Austria firm eyes new opportunities here
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- AUSTRIA-BASED Doppelmayr Cable Car is seeking new business opportunities in Thailand for its automated people movers (APMs) and cable cars, as the country expands its investment in the transportation sector and the tourism industry grows.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814144-austria-firm-eyes-new-opportunities-in-thailand/

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Thai official dies during walkabout at Rasa Ria nature reserve in Sabah

MALAYSIA: -- A Thai government official died after taking a walk at the Rasa Ria Nature Reserve in Tuaran, some 35km from Kota Kinabalu, The Star Online reported.

Sawang Tipayanukool, 52, from Thailand’s department of national parks, wildlife and plant conservation fainted while resting at the resort lobby after the walk at about 11am Wednesday.

Sawang was among the Asean delegates attending a three-day forum workshop on combating wildlife trafficking at the Rasa Ria Resort from March 30 to April 1. He was later brought to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman who was at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, said the Government would assist in sending his body back to his hometown of Hat Yai, Thailand.

Police have classified the case as sudden death.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/thai-official-dies-during-walkabout-at-rasa-ria-nature-reserve-in-sabah


-- Thai PBS 2015-04-02

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Chinese tourist on tour from Phuket drowns off Koh Phi Phi

The Chinese tourist had taken a tour from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi.

PHUKET: -- A Chinese tourist who had taken a tour from Phuket drowned while diving off Koh Phi Phi yesterday afternoon (April 1).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814147-chinese-tourist-on-tour-from-phuket-drowns-off-koh-phi-phi/

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SET opens up 4.85 to 1530.43 points /Bangkok Post

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Nakhon Pathom police ramp up crime suppression ahead of Songkran

NAKHON PATHOM, 2 April 2015 (NNT) - Pol. Lt. Gen. Sophon Pisutthiwong, Deputy Commissioner General of the National Police, yesterday launched an anti crime campaign ahead of the Songkran long holidays in Nakhon Pathom.

The campaign which involves more than 500 policemen in the province focuses its operations on crime suppression and facilitating traffic flow before and during the long holiday.

The Deputy Commissioner General said that both the crime suppression and traffic management are equally important during Songkran as they ensure a safe and fun festival for the public. He also emphasized to all officers to use mild language and friendly tone when communicating with members of the public.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Sophon also told the participating police officers to look after their own safety as their duties to curb road accidents and deal with drunken revellers also put their lives to risk.

Meanwhile, the Municipality of Muang Nakhonpathom stated it would promote polite water throwing and conservation of Thai culture among locals and tourists during the festival.


-- NNT 2015-04-02

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Chequebook Buddhism offers Thais stairway to heaven
AFP

BANGKOK: -- In deeply religious Thailand, monks have long been revered. But badly behaved clergy, corruption scandals, and the vast wealth amassed by some temples has many asking if something is rotten at the heart of Thai Buddhism.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814148-chequebook-buddhism-offers-thais-stairway-to-heaven/

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String of blasts rock Pattani



PATTANI: -- A string of bomb explosions rocked five places in Pattani town on early hours of Thursday knocking down power supply for over half and hour.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814152-string-of-blasts-rock-pattani/

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AR stamp celebrates HRH Princess Sirindhorn's 60th birthday



BANGKOK, 4 April 2015 (NNT) – Thailand Post Company Limited in collaboration with the Foundation of King Rama IX, The Great, unveiled a commemorative stamp set for the auspicious celebration of the 60th birthday anniversary of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

This year’s commemorative stamp set used lithographic printing and hot stamping foil in order to create the royal emblem designed in purple, along with a portrait of Her Royal Highness.

The stamp has also integrated Augmented Reality (AR) Technology. The public can install the StampAlive application available on both Android and iOS devices to scan the stamp and see a special 2.5-minute video.

The special stamp is available at all Thailand Post offices nationwide as well as the website www.postemart.com. The stamp is a limited edition commemorative artwork with only 900,000 copies issued and sold at 5 baht each.

-- NNT 2015-04-02

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UPDATE:

Charter flight ban eases after agreement reached with Japan

BANGKOK: -- Thailand and Japan will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) today that will see the easing of the charter flight ban of Thai airlines temporary.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814127-japan-temporarily-eases-ban-on-chartered-flights-from-thailand/#entry9260269

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Murder trial of British banker adjourned by Hong Kong court
Reuters

HONG KONG - A Hong Kong court adjourned on Thursday the trial of a British banker, accused of murdering two women found in his luxury high rise apartment in November, for another five weeks.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814154-murder-trial-of-british-banker-adjourned-by-hong-kong-court/

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Girl wrote cryptic FB note before fatal accident on "Love" bridge

“This time, we have come to the point of no return. #My Dear” is a message that a young woman posted on Facebook just before her vehicle crashed into a six-wheel truck last Thursday, killing her and her boyfriend on the Sarasin Bridge in Phuket.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814156-girl-wrote-cryptic-fb-note-before-fatal-accident-on-love-bridge/

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As Rice Mountain Shrinks, Thailand Risks Amassing One for Rubber
by Supunnabul SuwannakijJasmine Ng

(Bloomberg) - Eight months after Thailand’s military junta started selling rice into an oversupplied global market, the officers are taking a different tack amid a rubber glut.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814159-as-rice-mountain-shrinks-thailand-risks-amassing-one-for-rubber/

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Thailand sees about 9 factory fires a month

Bangkok – Factory fires happened in Thailand at the rate of nine incidents per month and the authorities are mapping out ways to tighten safety measures.

The authorities have compiled the fire records for the past four years, noting 71 factory fires in 2013-14.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814157-thailand-sees-about-9-factory-fires-a-month/

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It's official: Thai toilets need to be cleaned

Bangkok – Relevant agencies have launched the nationwide campaign for public toilet cleaning ahead of Songkran festival.

The campaign, jointly carried out by the Public Health Ministry, the Tourism and Sports Ministry, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and other agencies, is being implemented on April 1 – 7.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814158-its-official-thai-toilets-need-to-be-cleaned/

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US gives cautious welcome to Thailand lifting martial law
AFP

WASHINGTON: -- The United States has cautiously welcomed news that Thailand is lifting martial law, but voiced its concerns about the new security measures replacing it and called for the full restoration of civil liberties in the kingdom.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814185-us-gives-cautious-welcome-to-thailand-lifting-martial-law/

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Missing tigers remain a mystery at Tiger Temple



BANGKOK: -- Police, soldiers and relevant park authorities are returning to the so-called Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi province today as missing tigers remains a mystery.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814186-missing-tigers-remain-a-mystery-at-tiger-temple/

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NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - Police: Heavy gunfire reported as masked gunmen attack Garrisa university in Kenya's northeast.

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Five Burmese arrested in Phuket work camp raids
Eakkapop Thongtub


The five were caught in two separate raids on worker's camps in Patong.

PHUKET: -- Four Burmese men and one Burmese woman were arrested in Patong on Tuesday (March 31) after being caught in possession of kratom leaves, kratom juice and marijuana following raids on two worker̕s camps.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814188-five-burmese-arrested-in-phuket-work-camp-raids/

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Oil prices rise as US output drops

BANGKOK, 2 April 2015 (NNT) - Thai Oil Group reports a rise in crude oil prices after US output drops while Iranian nuclear talks continue.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814189-oil-prices-rise-as-us-output-drops/

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UPDATE:

US leads criticism of Thai junta martial law replacement

AFP

BANGKOK: -- The Thai junta's decision to lift martial law was denounced by critics Thursday as cosmetic, with key ally Washington warning that replacement emergency security measures would do little to loosen the military's grip on power.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814185-us-gives-cautious-welcome-to-thailand-lifting-martial-law/#entry9260571

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Panitarn: positive response expected from martial law lifting



BANGKOK: -- Thailand says it hopes to receive positive response from international communities after it lifted martial law Wednesday night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814191-panitarn-positive-response-expected-from-martial-law-lifting/

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CDC claims it has revised provisions on PM and Senators

BANGKOK, 2 April 2015 (NNT) - The Constitution Drafting Committee claims that it has revised the charter sections regarding the Prime Minister and Senators but has not reached a definite conclusion as it is still awaiting input from the public, as well as the National Council for Peace and Order.

CDC Third Vice-Chairman Manich Suksomchitra gave an assurance that the committee has considered the input from the public on various issues, especially regarding the origins of the Prime Minister and Senators.

However, Mr Manich said that the revisions to these provisions are still in the form of drafts pending further input from the National Reform Council as well as the NCPO.

In addition, the CDC will continue to accept input from the public up until the charter is due for approval in August of this year.


-- NNT 2015-04-02

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Defence Dept Min: Section 44 only imposed to maintain situation

BANGKOK, 2 April 2015 (NNT) – The Deputy Minister of Defence stated that Section 44's imposition is only to maintain peace and order in the country, while he believes the lifted martial law will create a better understanding of Thailand's situation to the international community.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814206-defence-dept-min-section-44-only-imposed-to-maintain-situation/

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FTI rejects proposed wage hike
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Federation of Thai Industries rejected the tri-partite wage committee's proposal to raise the minimum wage to Bt360.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814207-fti-rejects-proposed-minimum-wage-hike/