Chakri Day

When is it?
Chakri Memorial Day is a national holiday in Thailand, observed on 6 April.

If 6 April falls on a weekend, then the following Monday will be taken as a substitute holiday.

History of the holiday
Officially known as 'King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke the Great Day and Chakri Dynasty Memorial Day', Chakri Day commemorates the establishment of the Chakri Dynasty by Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke ( Rama I) in 1782.

One of King Rama's first acts was to make Krung Thep (modern day Bangkok) the capital of Siam.

Chakri day commemorates the coronation of Rama I but it is also a day for the people of Thailand to recognise the contributions of all the kings in the dynasty.

The current and ninth King (Rama IX) of the dynasty is King Bhumibol Adulyadej and is the longest reigning monarch in the world.

How is it celebrated?
The King, accompanied by other members of the royal household, presides over the religious ceremonies held at the royal chapel.

He will pay respects to his predecessors at the Royal Pantheon, which contains life-size statues of the first eight kings of the Chakri dynasty, and will lay a wreath at the statue of King Rama I at the Memorial Bridge.

As this holiday always falls a few days before the three day Songkran festival, it is also an opportunity for many people to travel in preparation for the Songkran festivities

Government offices, schools, and banks close, but most other businesses open as usual on this day.

Source: http://www.officeholidays.com/countries/thailand/chakri_day.php

-- official holidays 2015-04-06

Fear of international backlash on Article 44
The Nation

Concern about foreign reaction spurs govt to explain its move to diplomats in Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- After Article 44 came under international fire, the government will tomorrow try to create a better understanding among foreign diplomats of Thailand's promotion of democracy and human rights.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815107-fear-of-international-backlash-on-article-44/

Many Cambodian and other migrant workers heading home for Songkran holiday
Chatchawal Sopapan,
Prasit Tangprasert
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- MIGRANT workers are heading home to Cambodia in droves as they prepare to celebrate the Khmer New Year, which occurs at the same time as the Songkran Festival.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815108-many-cambodian-and-other-migrant-workers-heading-home-for-songkran-holiday/

PM attends first 'hand-out' of plots to landless farmers in Chiang Mai
Patinya Srisupamart,
Anapat Deechuay
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha was in Chiang Mai's Tambon Mae Tha yesterday to witness the handout of land use permits - for the first lot of state land allocated to landless people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815109-pm-attends-first-hand-out-of-plots-to-landless-farmers-in-chiang-mai/

Graft probe transfers rock local agency heads
The Nation

100 officials facing corruption hearings may also lose jobs

BANGKOK: -- The local administrative executive circle has been rocked by the latest move to transfer alleged corrupt officials out of their jurisdiction while they are being probed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815110-graft-probe-transfers-rock-local-thai-agency-heads/

FACE OFF - FOR & AGAINST
Mixed-Member Proportional System
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The key questions appear to be whether it is better to adopt an electoral system that produces a coalition comprised of many medium-sized parties under the mixed-member proportional (MMP) system, or whether it is better to have a few large political parties and a stronger government. The Nation's Kris Bhromsuthi talks to a proponent and an opponent of the MMP system.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815111-thai-politics-mixed-member-proportional-system/

Smog gets worse in the far North due to wildfires
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE smog situation in Chiang Rai has worsened again and is causing visibility and health problems.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815112-smog-gets-worse-in-the-far-north-due-to-wildfires/

American arrested, 2 injured, in multi-vehicle road crash in Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- A 29 year old female American car driver was detained by Pattaya Police on Sunday afternoon following a 30 minute wrecking spree which saw her damage 13 vehicles and injure 2 people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815114-american-arrested-2-injured-in-multi-vehicle-road-crash-in-pattaya/

Tropical storms, hail to affect Thailand this week

BANGKOK, 6 April 2015 (NNT) – The Meteorological Department has forecast higher temperatures in the upper part of Thailand and hot to very hot weather across the country this week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815105-tropical-storms-hail-to-affect-thailand-this-week/

Russian murdered in Central Pattaya rented apartment

PATTAYA: -- The body of a 34 year old Russian man was discovered in a 2nd floor room at an apartment complex in Central Pattaya on Saturday and Police are treating the case as a murder investigation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815116-russian-murdered-in-central-pattaya-rented-apartment/

British man assaulted outside Convenience Store in Central Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Saturday a 35 year old British man, who was described by Police as intoxicated, was assaulted by a group of 3 Thai males, outside of a 24 hour convenience store in Central Pattaya.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815117-british-man-assaulted-outside-convenience-store-in-central-pattaya/

UPDATE:

Female Murder Suspect in North Pattaya Convenience Store death arrested by Police



PATTAYA: -- It was announced on Saturday that the final suspect wanted in connection with the murder of a Convenience Store owner, has now been arrested and awaits Trial on a charge of murder.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814653-two-arrested-in-north-pattaya-minimart-murder-case/#entry9273928

Major Drugs Bust by Nongprue Police in East Pattaya

PATTAYA: -- At a press conference held at Region 2 Police Headquarters in Chonburi City on Saturday, Nongprue Police announce the arrest of two men and the seizure of a significant quantity of class 1 drugs.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815118-major-drugs-bust-by-nongprue-police-in-east-pattaya/

Breaking News: Armed robbery at Phuket massage parlour
Darawan Naknakhon


The two who entered the premises were caught on CCTV footage.

PHUKET: Police are currently searching for five men who were involved in the armed robbery of a Phuket massage Sunday night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815119-armed-robbery-at-phuket-massage-parlour/

Three students cleared of role in bomb blasts
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THREE UNIVERSITY students were yesterday released after it was found they were not involved in three bomb attacks in Narathiwat's Mueang district in February that wounded 13 people and damaged 47 houses.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815120-three-students-cleared-of-role-in-narathiwat-bomb-blasts/

CDC panel to review use of 246 ideas for charter
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The special committee monitoring and providing recommendations to the charter drafters will meet to see if the drafters have made use of any of the 246 suggestions from the National Reform Council, the committee chairman said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815121-cdc-panel-to-review-use-of-246-ideas-for-thai-charter/

Giant atom smasher starts up after 2-year shutdown

BERLIN (AP) — The world's biggest particle accelerator is back in action after a two-year shutdown and upgrade, embarking on a new mission that scientists hope could give them a look into the unseen dark universe.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815123-hadron-collider-giant-atom-smasher-starts-up-after-2-year-shutdown/

Gunman in Kenyan massacre was government official's son
By TOM ODULA and CHRISTOPHER TORCHIA

GARISSA, Kenya (AP) — One of the gunmen who slaughtered 148 people at a college in Kenya was identified Sunday as the law-school-educated son of a Kenyan government official, underscoring the inroads Islamic extremists have made in recruiting young people to carry out attacks against their own country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815124-gunman-in-kenyan-massacre-was-government-officials-son/

Pope, thousands brave rain for Easter in St. Peter's Square
FRANCES D'EMILIO, Associated Press

VATICAN CITY (AP) — In an Easter peace wish, Pope Francis on Sunday praised the framework nuclear agreement with Iran as an opportunity to make the world safer, while expressing deep worry about bloodshed in Libya, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815125-pope-thousands-brave-rain-for-easter-in-st-peters-square/

WWI graffiti sheds light on soldiers' experience
By GREG KELLER

NAOURS, France (AP) — A headlamp cuts through the darkness of a rough-hewn passage 100 feet underground to reveal an inscription: "James Cockburn 8th Durham L.I."

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815126-wwi-graffiti-sheds-light-on-soldiers-experience/

Obama defends Iran deal as 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is defending a framework nuclear understanding with Iran as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to prevent a nuclear bomb and bring longer-term security to the Middle East, insisting the U.S. will stand in defense of Israel.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815128-obama-defends-iran-deal-as-once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity/

Fuel and cooking gas prices dive as Songkran approaches

BANGKOK, 6 April 2015, (NNT) - The Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) has decreased the price of cooking Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) price by 0.20 baht per kilogram. since Started on Saturday, consumers can purchase LPG for cooking at 23.96 baht a kilogram.

Narongchai Akrasanee, the Energy minister, said the new price is a result of the weaker baht and the decrease in the global LPG price, which is now quoted at 464 US dollars per ton, a decrease of 20 dollars.

The EPPO has also lowered the oil fund contribution rate for Gasohol 95 and Diesel by 1 baht a liter and 50 satang per litre for Gasohol 91. No contribution rates were made for E20 and E85.

Currently, the prices of fuels at the pumps are as follows: 33.46 baht for a litre of Benzene 95; 27.90 baht for a liter of Gasohol 95; 27.08 baht for Gasohol 91; 25.68 baht for Gasohol E85, and Diesel now cost 25.09 a liter.

The Ministry of Energy had earlier suggested that oil companies reduce the price of E85 gasohol by 1.5 baht a litre, as the market margin was considered too high; however, they only cut it by 80 satang.


-- NNT 2015-04-06

KResearch: Bangkok locals are expected to spend 22.8 billion baht this Songkran

BANGKOK, 6 April 2015, (NNT) - Kasikorn Research Center has projected that Bangkok residents would spend as much as 22.8 billion baht during this year’s long Songkran holidays, with half of the amount on party expenses.

The Center said the figure is an increase of 3.6% from 2014's. As Bangkok residents’ purchasing power, which took a direct hit from political turmoil last year, has recovered.

The center elaborated that 11.5 billion baht would be spent on party expenses such as food and drinks; 4.6 billion baht would likely be on shopping, and 3.1 billion baht on accommodation and other travel expenses. It also speculated that merit makings would cost Bangkok residents about 3.1 billion baht, and about 500 million baht would likely be spent on water-spraying gear.

Another key factor that will boost spending of the capital residents, by up to 10-15 according to Kasikorn, is petrol prices, which have dropped by 30% since last year

According to the center's survey, 54% of those residing in Bangkok said they would spend the Songkran period in the capital, and 27% of them plan to visit their hometown.


-- NNT 2015-04-06

British Prince Harry arrives in Australia to serve in army

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Prince Harry arrived in Australia on Monday to begin four weeks of training with the Australian army in the final mission of the British royal's decade-long military career.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815131-british-prince-harry-arrives-in-australia-to-serve-in-army/

Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein lives on in Islamic State

SYDNEY: -- SADDAM Hussein’s legacy lives on in the senior ranks of the Islamic State, with his former top commanders leading the jihadist organisation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815132-saddam-hussein-lives-on-in-islamic-state/

Report: Rolling Stone rape article 'journalistic failure'
By LARRY O'DELL

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Rolling Stone magazine retracted a widely discredited article about an alleged gang rape at the University of Virginia after a top journalism school issued a scathing report Sunday concluding it had failed to meet proper journalistic standards.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815159-report-rolling-stone-rape-article-journalistic-failure/

SRT to increase 30 more train trips during the long Songkran holidays

BANGKOK, 6 April 2015 (NNT) - The State Railway of Thailand has announced it will increase the frequency of train service by 30 trips daily which will be able to accommodate about 120,000 more passengers daily during the long Songkran holiday period.

SRT Governor Wuthichart Kalyanamitra recently made the announcement, saying 12 train trips would be added from April 10th - 12th and another 18 from April 15th - 19th. All of the 30 trips would be offered free of charge.

Furthermore, the SRT Governor said the service during the Songkran holidays would focus on three principles – safety to lives and properties of passengers, ban of alcohol consumption within stations and on trains, and cleanliness of restrooms both in stations and on trains.

Governor Wuthichart had also led a press tour of the newly renovated toilets and bathrooms in Hualampong Station. According to him, the new facilities would be opened to the public for free for a month, after which maintenance fees would be collected. The new bathrooms and toilet will be available from this Tuesday onward.


-- NNT 2015-04-06

Bangkok International Motor Show near 40,000 vehicle sales target

BANGKOK, 6 April 2015, (NNT) - Organizers of the 36th Bangkok International Motor Show, say the event almost reached its targeted 40,000 vehicles sold, by the end of the show on Sunday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815166-bangkok-international-motor-show-near-40000-vehicle-sales-target/

UPDATE:

Govt.: 65 PPP projects planned for 2015-2019, while Section 44 supports tourism

BANGKOK, 6 April 2015, (NNT) - Deputy Prime Minister M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula has indicated that the nation’s recently imposed Section 44 of the interim constitution would benefit the tourism sector more than the exports sector.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/814975-tourism-rebounds-after-martial-law-ended/page-6?p=9274809#entry9274809

UPDATE:

Phuket armed robbery unfolds in front of tourists

Phuket – Two armed suspects fled with 500,000 baht following a robbery in front of 10 Chinese tourists who were waiting for massage services at a spa, provincial police said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815195-phuket-armed-robbery-unfolds-in-front-of-tourists/