Thailand Live Friday 3 Apr 2015

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NY Boy Scouts hire gay Eagle Scout despite national policy
By JENNIFER PELTZ and DAVID CRARY

NEW YORK (AP) — The Boy Scouts' New York chapter said Thursday that it has hired the nation's first openly gay Eagle Scout as a summer camp leader, a direct and public challenge to the national scouting organization's ban on openly gay adult members.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814377-ny-boy-scouts-hire-gay-eagle-scout-despite-national-policy/

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2 NYC women arrested on charges they plotted to build bomb
By TOM HAYS

NEW YORK (AP) — Two women were arrested Thursday on charges they plotted to wage violent jihad by building a homemade bomb and using it for a Boston Marathon-type attack.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814378-2-nyc-women-arrested-on-charges-they-plotted-to-build-bomb/

[thai tech]

Google’s affordable Chromebit dongle turns any TV into a Chrome PC



Made by Asus, the Chromebit can be connected directly to any PC monitor or TV via the HDMI port to turn any modern display into a fully functioning computer.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/googles-affordable-chromebit-dongle-turns-any-tv-into-a-chrome-pc/8185/

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Ministries plan measures to deal with aging society
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Six ministries are launching measures to cope with the greying of society, expected to make up 30 per cent of the population within two decades. They will start with 155 subdistricts in 76 provinces this year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814389-thai-ministries-plan-measures-to-deal-with-aging-society/

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Energy Ministry suggests service stations stock up gas ahead of Songkran

BANGKOK, 3 April 2015, (NNT) - The Department of Energy Business has strongly suggested that all service stations should stock up fuel supplies ahead of the upcoming Songkran long holidays.

Director-General of the department Witoon Kulcharoenwirat has further asked service station operators to facilitate holiday goers by keeping their restrooms clean at all times, stressing that all of the establishments must also ban the sale of alcohol.

Mr. Witoon underlined that all service stations must be ready to put out fuel-related fires in case of an emergency.

Stocking fuel early would decrease road accidents involving fuel delivery trucks during the long holiday period.

Meanwhile, Executive Officer and President of PTT Public Co. Ltd., Dr. Pailin Chuchottaworn, told the media that from now until April 10th, the company will offer free engine checkup at its service stations, Pro Check, and PTT Fit Auto outlets nationwide, expecting over 120,000 motorists to avail themselves of the free service.


-- NNT 2015-04-03

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Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visits China, Tajikistan and Turkey, April 2-10

BANGKOK, 3 April 2015 (NNT) - Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is paying official visits to the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Turkey from April 2 – 10, 2015.

The Bureau of the Royal Household said in a statement that in China, the Princess Maha Chakri will preside over the opening ceremony of a seminar on the topic “Development and Constructive Thinking”, held at the Peking University to commemorate her 60th birthday and also the 40th anniversary of the Sino-Thai diplomatic relations.

Her Royal Highness will also take this opportunity to observe activities of various institutions in Beijing such as museums, the National Space Science Center, and publishers of foreign language books. The Princess will also attend a cultural performance program organized by the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China in celebration of Her Royal Highness’s 60th birthday, at the National Museum of China.

In Tajikistan, the Princess will be conferred with an honorary doctoral degree in the field of history by the Tajik National University. Her Royal Highness will also observe a social and innovation training center, museums and the national library. In Turkey, the Princess will visit places of historical importance including the famous Topkapi Palace Museum.


-- NNT 2015-04-03

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Transport Min expects progress in Thai-Chinese rail project in May

BANGKOK, 3 April 2015 (NNT) – Transport Minister ACM Prajin Juntong has hinted that concrete developments will be seen in the joint railway project between Thailand and China within May this year and that the project involving Japan will be mulled by the Cabinet in the same month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814408-transport-min-expects-progress-in-thai-chinese-rail-project-in-may/

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Land Transport Dept. launches anti-road accident prevention campaign for Songkran festival

BANGKOK, 3 April 2015 (NNT) - The Department of Land Transport has launched the anti-road accident campaign for the upcoming Songkran festival.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814411-land-transport-dept-launches-anti-road-accident-prevention-campaign-for-songkran-festival/

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Phetchabun asks for a rail link with Lopburi

PHETCHABUN, 3 April 2015 (NNT) - The Province of Phetchabun has submitted an open letter to the State Railway of Thailand, asking the latter to consider constructing a railway linking Lopburi’s Lamnarai with Phetchabun.

The letter which explained the necessity of the infrastructure was signed by representatives of five provincial organizations – the Provincial Administrative Organization, the provincial Chamber of Commerce, the Municipality League of Phetchabun, the provincial office of the Federation of Thai Industries and the provincial Culture office.

The proposal, after being handed out to SRT representatives, is expected to be forwarded to the government for final decision.

The Mayor of Phetchabun, Mr. Seksan Niyompeng, stated the province would continue holding a series of events calling for the rail construction such as a cycling rally on the Lamnarai - Petchaboon route tomorrow. More than 200 cyclists have already signed up for the campaign.

Efforts will also be made to raise public support for the railway construction during the annual Songkran celebrations in the province. Mr. Seksan said besides that by the end of this month, the province will invite representatives from the SRT to a round-table discussion in the hope of providing them with accurate data and information on the project.


-- NNT 2015-04-03

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Cambodia's aviation authority to monitor Thai safety concerns

BANGKOK: -- Cambodia will take a "softer approach", stopping short of banning Thai carriers but will monitor to make sure Thai airlines comply with all regulations and requirements, according to Sin Chansereyvutha, spokesman for Cambodia's State Secretariat for Civil Aviation (SSCA).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814413-cambodias-aviation-authority-to-monitor-thai-safety-concerns/

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Ten years for Canadian JIS teacher found guilty of abusing students



JAKARTA: -- The South Jakarta District Court on Thursday found Neil Bantleman guilty of having sexually abused students at the Jakarta International School and sentenced the Canadian national to ten years in prison and a Rp100 million ($7,700) fine to conclude a much-criticized trial, The Jakarta Globe reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814414-indonesia-ten-years-for-canadian-jis-teacher-found-guilty-of-abusing-students/

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Sleeping with a dead wife

Nakhon Pathom – Relevant agencies have intervened to look into the welfare of a 76-year-old man who shared the bed with his dead wife for 10 months before neighbours alerted the authorities.

Sokkee Juyuenyong died in June at the age of 83 and her surviving husband, Yom Juyuenyong kept her in their bed until neighbours went to investigate the lingering foul smell emitted from his house for months.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814420-sleeping-with-a-dead-wife/

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Nineteen-year-old woman raped for 12 years by stepfather

Bangkok – The Paveena Hongsakul Foundation has filed a police complaint calling attention to the plight of a woman, 19, who has been raped for 12 years by the stepfather.

The mother has been assisting in the rape of her biological daughter, the women’s and children’s rights advocacy foundation said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814417-nineteen-year-old-woman-raped-for-12-years-by-stepfather/

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French airport food truck delivers hole in THAI fuselage
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: Jaroensook Pone Limbanchongkit

BANGKOK: -- Thai Airways International passengers flying back to Thailand from Gay Paree had to had to find another ride home after an airport vehicle crashed into their aircraft’s wing at Charles de Gaulle Airport yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814427-french-airport-food-truck-delivers-hole-in-thai-fuselage/

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Phuket selfie craze worries officials

PHUKET: -- Many teenagers are found to have taken “selfies” while riding motorcycles in Phuket.

The provincial governor, Nisit Jansomwong, revealed the information in dismay at a workshop on Thursday as relevant authorities came together to explore how to prevent road accidents.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814415-phuket-selfie-craze-worries-officials/

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NBTC extends the period for redeeming the digital TV coupon for another 2 months

BANGKOK, 3 April 2015, (NNT) - The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has extended the deadline to redeem digital TV coupons by two months. The coupons can also be used for discounts on hybrid set top boxes.

NBTC Secretary General Thakorn Tanthasit said that the coupon can be used to deduct 690 baht off the set top box, digital TV set, or hybrid set top box. He explained that the hybrid set top box can pick up both the DVB-T2 digital signal and the DVB-S2 satellite signal.

Mr. Thakorn explained that the NBTC has decided to extend the coupon expiration dates another two months to give the public time to take advantage of the new promotion.

According to the broadcasting regulator, 4.1 million out of 8.3 million coupons have been redeemed at an average rate of 20,000 coupons per day. Initially, the figure was 30,000-40,000 coupons per day.


-- NNT 2015-04-03

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Prayuth speaks English with bikini-clad tourists (VIDEO)
By Coconuts Bangkok

HUA HIN: -- Junta chief Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha attempted to express his sincere gratitude in English to some tourists who chose Thailand as their travel destination.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814436-prayuth-speaks-english-with-bikini-clad-tourists-video/

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Tiger Temple in chaos

KANCHANABURI: -- The Tiger Temple in Saiyok district of Kanchanaburi province was turned into a chaotic scene of protest when a combined force of over 100 police, soldiers and park officials seized six Asian black bears and tried to take them out of the temple yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814439-tiger-temple-in-chaos/

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UPDATE:

Tiger Temple Tiger Mystery Remains Unsolved

KANCHANABURI: -- The Tiger Temple is back in the spotlight today. Three tigers have mysteriously disappeared from the temple, or have been purposely removed. The tiger’s disappearance

Police, soldiers and park authorities attempted to go to the temple, but were turned away. The temple refused to cooperate, forcing the group to seek a court order to enter the temple. It is expected that the group will return to the temple shortly to investigate what happened to the three tigers that are now unaccounted for by the park.occurred after new complaints were voiced over the welfare of the animals.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814346-tiger-temple-tiger-mystery-remains-unsolved/

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Thailand's Intouch Holdings and Korea's Hyundai join hands to create a home shopping network

BANGKOK, 3 April 2015, (NNT) - Thailand’s Intouch Holdings and Korea’s Hyundai Home Shopping Network Corporation have joined hands in creating a home shopping network in Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814461-thailands-intouch-holdings-and-koreas-hyundai-join-hands-to-create-a-home-shopping-network/

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Pattaya officials in social media hot water over flooding

PATTAYA:--A day after the water receded from Pattaya’s first big flood of the year, social media remained inundated with photos of the damage the heavy rain brought, with scathing criticism of city hall lackluster performance in solving the perennial problem.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814460-pattaya-officials-in-social-media-hot-water-over-flooding/

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BENJINA, Indonesia (AP) - Indonesian gov't moves foreign fishermen enslaved on Indonesian island after AP investigation.

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Pattaya vows to complete Second Road resurfacing before Songkran



PATTAYA:--City officials are promising to complete the long-running resurfacing of Second Road before Songkran.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814464-pattaya-vows-to-complete-second-road-resurfacing-before-songkran/

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Phuket police grab big meth dealer
Eakkapop Thongtub


Wutthichai with the drugs seized at his Mai Khao home.

PHUKET: -- Police have arrested a man who, for Phuket, is a big drug dealer, and seized 14,440 methamphetamine (ya bah) pills.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814466-phuket-police-grab-big-meth-dealer/

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Norwegian kills friend then shoots himself in the face during darts game

Source: Mr. DER

CHA AM:- A 59 year old Norwegian male shot dead his 55 year old friend, a fellow Norwegian, before then shooting himself in the face, following an argument over a game of darts at a restaurant and bar in Cha Am on Thursday evening.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814468-norwegian-kills-friend-then-shoots-himself-in-the-face-during-darts-game/

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THAI introduces voluntary resignation scheme offering up to 30-month salaries, medical welfare, free tickets

BANGKOK: -- Thai Airways International (THAI) yesterday announced what it described as a special resignation programme that will retain rights for medical welfare and free tickets for participants.

Full story:http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814474-thai-introduces-voluntary-resignation-scheme-offering-up-to-30-month-salaries/

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Thai junta chief threatens to shut down critical media
AFP

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's junta chief Friday vowed to shut down critical media outlets as he faced a growing international backlash against his decision to replace martial law with new powers retaining his absolute authority.

Bemoaning critics of his regime, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha ordered the media to toe the regime's line or face consequences.

"I will shut them down only when they don't say good things. I have not yet shut down any publications but please write in a good way. If it is not good, then I will need to do that," a stern-faced Prayut told reporters during a visit to a military college in Bangkok.

Prayut officially lifted martial law on Wednesday, 10 months after seizing power in a May coup.

But the controversial law was replaced with a new executive order retaining sweeping powers for him and the military.

Among the new rules in the order is a provision allowing military officers to stop the publication or presentation of any news they deem to be "causing fear or distorted information".

While media freedoms have been curbed since the coup, four bodies representing local Thai media condemned the new press law saying the measures "interfere with the rights and freedom of people and media much more than martial law did".

The order that replaced martial law was passed under Section 44 of the junta-written interim constitution, a controversial provision handing Prayut power to make any executive decision in the name of national security.

It also upholds a ban on political gatherings of more than five people, while the military retains the right to arrest, detain and prosecute people for national security crimes or those who fall foul of the country's strict royal defamation laws.

Only one area of the new order appeared to soften the military's power. Civilians will still be tried in military courts for national security and lese majeste crimes, but they can now appeal to higher tribunals.

Under martial law there was no right of appeal to convictions in military courts.

Replacing martial law has received short shrift both inside Thailand and from Bangkok's Western allies, who have been urging Prayut to return the kingdom to civilian democracy.

The European Union became the latest ally to criticse the new powers late Thursday saying they would not bring Thailand "closer to democratic and accountable government".

Key ally Washington had previously criticised the replacement of martial law while the UN's human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein described the new powers as "even more draconian".


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2015-04-03

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Storm beaches yacht on Phuket’s Kata Beach
Anton Makhrov


The ketch lies canted over on Kata Beach. Photo LivingInKata

PHUKET: -- The Australian owners of a sailing ketch are trying again today (April 3) to get the yacht off Kata Beach where it became stranded on Wednesday night (April 1).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814498-storm-beaches-yacht-on-phukets-kata-beach/

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Indonesian government says to move enslaved fishermen
By ROBIN MCDOWELL and MARGIE MASON

BENJINA, Indonesia (AP) — The Indonesian government says it is moving foreign fishermen from an isolated island where slavery in the fishing industry was exposed last week by an Associated Press investigation, out of concern for their safety.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814500-indonesian-government-says-to-move-enslaved-fishermen/

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Venezuela looks to Hugo Chavez oil belt to fix sick economy
By JOSHUA GOODMAN

HUGO CHAVEZ OIL BELT, Venezuela (AP) — You can't miss it, rising off the main highway, a mountain of toxic soot towering over the flat, sunbaked scrubland of eastern Venezuela.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814501-venezuela-looks-to-hugo-chavez-oil-belt-to-fix-sick-economy/