Thailand Live Friday 3 Apr 2015

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Klong Prem Central Prison releases 86 convicts granted royal pardon

BANGKOK, 3 April 2015 (NNT) – Klong Prem Central Prison has released 86 convicts who have been granted royal pardons on the auspicious occasion of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s fifth cycle birthday.

The Director of Klong Prem Central Prison Nimit Tapwanan has presided over the release ceremony of 86 convicts who have received the royal pardon according to the announced royal pardon decree, on the auspicious occasion of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s 60th birthday 2 April 2015.

Each prison in Thailand will start releasing the pardoned convicts, while eligible convicts must have less that 1 year of unserved imprisonment at the announcement date of the royal decree.

Convicts with disabilities, or diseases that cannot be cured during the imprisonment time that have served their sentence no less than 3 years, or half of their sentence, are also eligible for this royal pardon.

The pardon is also extended to female convicts who are; serving their sentence in prison for the first time, aged less than 60 years, aged over 70 years old, and convicts aged under 20 years old who are serving their sentence for the first time. Eligible convicts must already served their sentences for no less than half the term and must have good behaviour.

Relatives of the convicts who have been granted royal pardons have been waiting for the release, and are grateful for the royal grace received from Her Royal Highness, in the announcement of this decree.


-- NNT 2015-04-03

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Man reported missing at sea 66 days ago found by Coast Guard
By TOM FOREMAN Jr. and EMERY P. DALESIO

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A man whose family reported him missing at sea more than two months ago was found floating on the overturned hull of his sailboat 200 miles off the North Carolina coast on Thursday, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814502-man-reported-missing-at-sea-66-days-ago-found-by-us-coast-guard/

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Army Chief believes Section 44 will bring Thailand up to international standards

BANGKOK, 3 April 2015 (NNT) - The Army Chief has said that he believes replacing martial law with Section 44 of the 2014 interim constitution will bring Thailand up to international standards.

Deputy Defense Minister and Army Chief General Udomdej Sitabutr said yesterday that lifting martial law and replacing it with Section 44 of the interim constitution will not harm Thais who abide by the law. He revealed that the section has allowed defendants tried in military court to petition Apellate and Supreme Military Courts.

In the event of suspected misconduct by a public servant, lawsuits can be filed against them in a court of justice, in line with international standards.

General Udomdej said that he has reiterated to all related units to familiarize themselves with Section 44 and perform their duties in step with government policies. Currently, military courts will only try four types of cases; those related to l?se-majest?, national security, war weapons and civil disobedience with regard to the National Council for Peace and Order.

The Army Chief added that mass media is very important to explaining this information to the public. Authorities will not interfere with mass media, except to ensure national security.


-- NNT 2015-04-03

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Woman charged with rape for first time in South Korea
The Korea Herald/Asia News Network

SEOUL - A woman in her 40s has been indicted on charges of attempting to rape a man after drugging him, becoming the first woman to be charged for such an offence in South Korean history.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814506-woman-charged-with-rape-for-first-time-in-south-korea/

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Nearly 1 million pirated products to be destroyed next week

BANGKOK, 3 March 2015 (NNT) – The Department of Intellectual Property will next week destroy counterfeit goods in a show of stance against copyright pirates.

The destruction of pirated products is an annual practice aimed at highlighting the Department’s determination to stem piracy. A number of copyright and intellectual property owners will also be partaking in the event, which is scheduled for April 9.

The destruction is part of the penalty against defendants involved in over 3,400 concluded copyright infringement cases. The items to be destroyed reportedly number nearly one million, causing more than 3.7 billion baht in economic loss. Most of them are clothes, electrical appliances and cosmetics.

The Department of Intellectual Property’s task forces have since the beginning of this year arrested 58 culprits, filed 93 lawsuits and seized more than 21,000 pieces of pirated products in several provinces.


-- NNT 2015-04-03

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NACC: graft-busting efforts remain impartial

BANGKOK, 3 April 2015 (NNT) - Commissioner in the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Professor Vicha Mahakun has assured that his organization’s anti-graft efforts are impartial, as the agency prepared to submit two high-profile cases.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814507-nacc-graft-busting-efforts-remain-impartial/

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Thai Embassy in Oman warns Thais in Yemen to heighten self-protection

BANGKOK, 3 April 2015 (NNT) – The Thai embassy in Oman has warned Thai nationals who are still in Yemen to increase self-protection measures at all times as the turmoil there appears to be far from over.

The warning came in light of the escalating crisis in several cities of Yemen including Sana’a, Hudaydah and Aden. News agencies reported that rebels had attacked prisons in Al Mukallah on Thursday and freed at least 270 prisoners, including some al Qaeda members.

The Thai embassy in Oman has advised Thai people in Yemen to remain in safe places or leave the country as soon as possible, before all transport routes are cut off. The embassy has also reiterated its determination to help the Thai nationals in Yemen, but pointed out that the assistance operation should be based on Thai nationals’ willingness to leave and the areas’ safety.

Those wishing to leave the country may send their email to the Thai embassy in Oman, at [email protected], or call the hotlines (+968) 9649 4733 or (+968) 9927 3440. There are currently 180 Thais still in Yemen. Most of them are in areas far from the crisis hot spots.


-- NNT 2015-04-03

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Princess Ubolratana welcomed at NBT studio

BANGKOK, 3 April 2015 (NNT) – Princess Ubolratana visited NBT Television station on Vibhavadi Rd,. in the evening yesterday (2 April 2015) to tape her 'To Be Number One' program.

On arriving at the NBT station she was welcomed by executives of the Public Relations Department (PRD): Director-General Apinan Juntarungsri, Deputy Director-General Dr.Charoon Chaisorn, and Executive Director Chamlong Singto-ngam.

The program was developed under the guidance of the Princess to offer opportunities to talented young Thai performers between the ages of six and twenty-five as a wholesome lifestyle choice. The To Be Number One program is broadcast weekly on Saturdays 8.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. on NBT. Princess Ubolratana regularly appears to answer viewers' questions, in the segment ‘Talk to the Princess’.


-- NNT 2015-04-03

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BMA tells civil servants not to take unessential leave during Songkran

BANGKOK, 3 March 2015 (NNT) – Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paripatra has told officials in the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to refrain from taking unnecessary leave during the Songkran holiday, in order to provide public services for holidaymakers.

During a meeting with BMA department heads, the governor stressed the need for its officials to make the Thai New Year celebration as safe and enjoyable as possible. To this end, he said that BMA civil servants should remain on duty during the April 11-16 long holiday.

To prevent revelers from coming into physical harm, M.R. Sukhumbhand also called on related agencies to campaign against the use of talcum powder and high-pressure water guns.

An alcohol ban is also in effect for Songkran events in the capital. Holidaymakers are cautioned against public nudity and inappropriate public behavior.


-- NNT 2015-04-03

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4% pay raise for civil servants this year

BANGKOK, 3 April 2015 (NNT) - The Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) has confirmed that the 4% pay raise for civil servants will take effect on 4 April 2015 according to the newly revised Public Service Salary Act recently approved by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814510-4-pay-raise-for-thai-civil-servants-this-year/

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Govt approves sticky rice growing program for farmers

BANGKOK, 3 April 2015 (NNT)-The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has endorsed a new scheme aimed at improving the quality of Thai sticky rice.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814512-thai-govt-approves-sticky-rice-growing-program-for-farmers/

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Anti-human trafficking effort now national agenda

BANGKOK, 3 April 2015 (NNT)-Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha presided over an official announcement of the anti-human trafficking policy today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814531-anti-human-trafficking-effort-now-national-agenda/

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Koh Samui Vendors Protest Police 'Extortion'
By Khaosod English


Vendors gathering outside of Bo Phut Police Station on Koh Samui, 2 April 2015.

SURAT THANI — More than 50 vendors on the southern island of Koh Samui gathered in front of a police station last night to protest rampant bribery among police officers on the island.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814534-koh-samui-vendors-protest-police-extortion/

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Nine official Songkran party zones set for Phuket
Nattapat Tuarob


Wet and wild - but behave yourself or you may be in trouble, authorities have warned. Photo Anthony Bouch

PHUKET: -- Nine public zones have been set for official Songkran partying in Phuket this year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814536-nine-official-songkran-party-zones-set-for-phuket/

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NLA passes bill putting AMLO under direct supervision of prime minister



BANGKOK: -- The National Legislative Assembly today unanimously passed the Anti-Money Laundering Office draft bill which will essentially put the AMLO secretary-general directly answerable to the prime minister instead of the justice minister.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814540-nla-passes-bill-putting-amlo-under-direct-supervision-of-prime-minister/

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PARIS (AP) - French investigators: Co-pilot repeatedly accelerated plane as he drove it down into mountain.

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Thai charter flights permitted in Japan for 2 more months after MoU signing

BANGKOK, 3 April 2015 (NNT) – The Ministry of Transport confirms that Thailand and Japan have signed an agreement to allow charter flights to continue operating between the two countries for another two months.

Following Japan’s prohibition of Thai airlines from conducting charter flights to the country, Transport Minister ACM Prajin Juntong announced that the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) has today agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Thailand’s Department of Civil Aviation, temporarily relaxing the effect of its previous order.

The MoU stipulates that all charter flights from Thailand can enter Japan normally, effective from April 11 to May 31. However, the types of aircraft used must remain unchanged.

As Japan concurred to help Thailand enhance safety standards in its aviation industry, Thailand is also required to submit progress reports on the overhaul of the Department of Civil Aviation to JCAB periodically. Meanwhile, JCAB is authorized to carry out tests on Thai pilots and aircraft anytime.


-- NNT 2015-04-03

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Oil prices cut by .50-1.50 baht/litre tomorrow



BANGKOK: -- Pump prices will be cut by 50 satang up to 1.50 baht per litre starting tomorrow as the Energy Policy Committee decided to lower contributions to the Oil Fund. The new prices of petroleum products are as follows:

Benzine, 33.46 bhat/litre; gasohol 95, 27.90 baht/litre; gasoline 91, 27.08 baht/litre; gasolhol E20, 25.68 baht; gasohol E85 21.98 baht/litre; diesel, 25.09 baht/litre.

Contributions to the Oil Fund also drop as follows:

one baht per litre for benzene, gasohol 95 and diesel; 0.50 baht per litre for gasohol 91. Contributions of gasohol E20 and E85 remain unchanged.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/oil-prices-cut-by-50-1-50-bahtlitre-tomorrow


-- Thai PBS 2015-04-03

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SET index closed 1,536.05 up 3.82; Bt/USD32.36; GBP47.77; AUD24.17; EUR34.97; CAD25.54; HKD4.15; SGD23.61; JPY26.87

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Woman junk collector jailed 15 days for laying fake bomb

BANGKOK: -- The PhraKhanong Court on Friday sentence a woman junk collector to 15 days in jail without suspension for laying a fake bomb at a power post at the mouth of Soi Pattanakarn 65 in Bangkok on April 1.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814616-woman-junk-collector-jailed-15-days-for-laying-fake-bomb/

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Article 44 to fix aviation woes: Prayut

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha said today that only the Article 44 under the interim charter can fix the aviation woes within the timeframe.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814617-article-44-to-fix-aviation-woes-prayut/

[Lite Beer]

Standoff at Tiger Temple ends with bears removed to new house in Chonburi

BANGKOK: -- Standoff at Tiger Temple ends with bears removed to new house in ChonburiStandoff at Tiger Temple ends with bears removed to new house in Chonburi

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814619-standoff-at-tiger-temple-ends-with-bears-removed-to-new-house-in-chonburi/

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to continue:

Thailand Live Saturday 4 Apr 2015

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814641-thailand-live-saturday-4-apr-2015/