Thailand Live Tuesday 7 Apr 2015

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Thai cultural shows held in China for Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn

BEIJING, 7 April 2015 (NNT) – The Ministry of Culture has organized an event showcasing Thai dances and music in China in commemoration of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s fifth cycle birthday and the 40th anniversary of bilateral relations.

Culture Minister Weera Rojpotchanarat spoke of his ministry’s holding of Thai traditional dance and musical performances in Beijing, China, saying the Chinese government and local people who attended the event were all highly impressed by the shows. Held in honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who turned 60 on April 2 this year, the minister affirmed the cultural performances were conducted in grandeur, befitting the Princess’s royal rank.

Moreover, the special event was also aimed at celebrating the Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations which have flourished for 40 years and bringing the peoples of the two nations closer to each other.

Regarding his visit to China, Mr Weera revealed that he has taken part in the signing of the 4th action plan on cultural cooperation between Thailand and China. He also had a chance to learn about China’s approaches to library management and arrangement of museum exhibits. He is planning to adopt such techniques in Thailand in hopes of encouraging more people to take an interest in their own national heritage.


-- NNT 2015-04-07

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Former Miss Universe partners with Soi Dog Phuket
Nattha Thepbamrung

So glad you're here: Natalie Glebova meets one of the Soi Dog puppies.

PHUKET: Miss Universe 2005, Natalie Glebova, paid a visit to Phuket Soi Dog foundation in Mai Khao today (April 6) for a film shoot for her new website which aims to help promote a variety of charitable foundations.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815320-former-miss-universe-partners-with-soi-dog-phuket/

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Livestock officers check reports of elephant abuse on Phuket
Nattha Thepbamrung

Baby elephants, in particular, have been a focus of complaints.

PHUKET: Phuket has the highest number of working elephants of all the provinces in Thailand, a meeting of the Elephant Committee, chaired by Vice-Governor Panlop Singhasanee, was told on Friday (April 3).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815319-livestock-officers-check-reports-of-elephant-abuse-on-phuket/

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UPDATE:

Phuket Manhunt Underway for Somsak Yakob: Alleged Rapist and Baby Killer

Phuket police are searching for a man named Somsak Yakob. A manhunt is underway in hopes of capturing Yakob on allegations of rape and killing a 1-year old child on April 3^rd in Phuket Town.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815338-phuket-manhunt-underway-for-somsak-yakob-alleged-rapist-and-baby-killer/

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Thailand's National Reform Council Seeks to Rid Country of Business Monopolies

Thailand’s National Reform Council (NRC) has proposed reforms that would effectively end many of the country’s business monopolies. The NRC states that the Trade Competition Act of 1999 is not practical and that the Trade Competition Commission will need a major overhaul to remove politician and interest group influence in the following sectors: commerce, tourism, service, agricultural and industry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815342-thailands-national-reform-council-seeks-to-rid-country-of-business-monopolies/

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Public Debt Management Office Says Investment Projects Will Launch Soon

The Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) says construction projects for highway repairs and roadwork will launch soon. The majority of the 77-billion baht investment budget will be injected into the country’s economy this year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815340-public-debt-management-office-says-investment-projects-will-launch-soon/

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Tiger Temple Bears Silently Removed With Cranes

Last week, it was announced that the Tiger Temple refused to let authorities examine the bears on the Temple’s property. The six moon bears are a protected species, and the Tiger Temple did not provide proper documentation for the bears. Monks and followers blocked the temple’s gates to stop authorities from removing the bears.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815343-tiger-temple-bears-silently-removed-with-cranes/

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Thailand and China Aim to Strengthen Military Ties

Thailand and Chinese authorities will meet this week with the goal of strengthening military ties. Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan will meet with China’s Defense Minister Gen Chang Wang this Wednesday in China.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815341-thailand-and-china-aim-to-strengthen-military-ties/

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Koh Phangan Bans All But Full Moon Parties

KOH SAMUI: -- Koh Phangan is known as “party central,” but the local authorities are trying to clean up the island’s image. While full moon parties will still be permitted, authorities have prohibited most of the other loud and wild parties the island is known for.

Each year, the island’s parties attract hordes of young Westerners. But the decision to ban most of these parties might have a negative effect on tourism – and the revenue it brings in.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815337-koh-phangan-bans-all-but-full-moon-parties/

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^UPDATE:

AVIATION
South Korea bans Thai airlines over safety concerns
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- SOUTH KOREA has started banning charter flights from Thailand over safety concerns after Thai negotiators from the Civil Aviation Department failed to convince officials to ease restrictions.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815214-south-korea-bans-thai-charter-flights-affecting-10000-passengers/page-5?p=9277468#entry9277468

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POLITICS
Govt could stay longer: official
THE NATION

Date of election 'depends on situation in the country next year.'

BANGKOK: -- DEPUTY Government Spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd yesterday did not rule out the possibility that the Prayut administration may stick around longer than planned.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815351-thai-govt-could-stay-longer-official/

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ELECTION COMMISSION
Divisions remain over EC's power
WIRAJ SRIPONG
THE NATION



Plan to involve bureaucrats in the running of elections has drawn flak from key players

BANGKOK: -- WHILE THE process of reviewing the charter draft has almost reached its final stage, divisions remain over how much power the Election Commission should have.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815352-divisions-remain-over-election-commissions-power/

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THAI-RUSSIA TIES
Russian PM arrives today on official visit
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- RUSSIAN Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev is to arrive in Bangkok today to cement ties with Thailand in various domains including politics, economy, security, energy, science and technology, education, tourism and culture.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815353-thai-russia-ties-medvedev-arrives-today-on-official-visit/

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MEDICAL MISTREATMENT
Medical official slams the new bill
CHULARAT SAENGPASSA
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- DOCTORS are continuing their campaign against the controversial Protection of Victims of Medical Mistreatment Bill, saying the draft law will further complicate issues surrounding malpractice and sow seeds of reluctance among medical workers when it comes to providing treatment.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815354-thai-medical-official-slams-the-new-bill/

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Energy Ministry to review target for ethanol use
WATCHARAPONG THONGRUNG
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- ENERGY MINISTRY permanent secretary Areepong Bhoocha-oom has ordered a revision of the country's ethanol-usage target for the year 2021.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815355-thai-energy-ministry-to-review-target-for-ethanol-use/

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Draft bill to lure hotel investors to register properties
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- A REVISED draft registration is goading foreign investors into turning small independent hotels into registered inns.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815356-thai-draft-bill-to-lure-hotel-investors-to-register-properties/

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Reviving free-tablet project urged as education must adapt to digital age
PHOCHANA PHICHITSIRI
THE NATION
BALI, INDONESIA


Students at a school use computer tablets, as technology assists learning.

BANGKOK: -- THE GOVERNMENT has been urged to revive the project to give students computer tablets if the country is to climb into the ranks of the world's most competitive economies and prepare students to adapt to the fast-changing, technology-driven millennial age.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815357-reviving-free-tablet-project-urged-as-thai-education-must-adapt-to-digital-age/

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EDITORIAL
Take away the licence to kill

TRIGGER-HAPPY SECURITY OFFICIALS IN THE SOUTH NEED TO REASSESS PROCEDURES THAT FUEL THE ANGER ON WHICH INSURGENCY FEEDS

BANGKOK: -- Thai security forces are in hot water again over their actions in the deep South. This time the controversy is over the shooting to death of four young men in Pattani's Yarang district.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815358-thai-editorial-take-away-the-licence-to-kill/

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Polish man assaulted by Pattaya Go-Go Bar Security Guards



PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Monday a 55 year old Polish man was injured during an altercation with two Security Guards at a Walking Street Go-Go Bar which is now facing the possibility of receiving a temporary closure order of at-least 30 days.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815359-polish-man-assaulted-by-pattaya-go-go-bar-security-guards/

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Two arrested in Central Pattaya Russian Murder Case



PATTAYA: -- Pattaya Police announced on Monday afternoon the arrest of two Russian Nationals, in connection with the recent murder of a 34 year old Russian at a Central Pattaya Apartment complex.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815360-two-arrested-in-central-pattaya-russian-murder-case/

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Pattaya Police charge and bail American 'Fast & Furious' driver



PATTAYA: -- In an incident which is now being described as something you would more commonly see in a “Fast & Furious” movie rather than on the streets of Pattaya, Police announced on Monday they have decided to charge the American driver involved in the bizarre car chase on Sunday which left 13 vehicles damaged and 2 people injured.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815361-pattaya-police-charge-and-bail-american-fast-furious-driver/

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Polluted water affects North Pattaya Beach



PATTAYA: -- A potential environmental disaster was uncovered on Monday at a remote beach in the Naklua area after polluted waters were seen and unexplained deposits were found on the beach.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815363-polluted-water-affects-north-pattaya-beach/

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TV shows to promote junta's achievements
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- SEVERAL television and radio programmes will be launched to disseminate the government's achievements in laying the foundations for national reform, helping farmers and tackling economic problems, government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815364-tv-shows-to-promote-thai-govts-achievements/

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Democrats, Bhum Jai Thai mark their birthdays - quietly
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- TWO POLITICAL parties marked their birth quietly yesterday, with their leaders refusing to make political comments as the junta's orders are still in effect.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815365-democrats-bhum-jai-thai-mark-their-birthdays-quietly/

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Students confess to Narathiwat blasts
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- NARATHIWAT police chief Pol Maj-General Patthanawuth Angkhanawin confirmed yesterday that the four Princess of Naradhiwas University students in detention had confessed that they were behind the three bombings in Narathiwat Municipality area on February 20. The attacks resulted in 13 injuries and 47 homes damaged.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815366-students-confess-to-narathiwat-blasts/

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Bangkok officials crack down on street beggars
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Bangkok police yesterday arrested of 101 street beggars - many of whom were migrants who illegally entered Thailand and would therefore be deported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815367-bangkok-officials-crack-down-on-street-beggars/

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Officials brace for transfer of temple tigers
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- ALL 146 TIGERS currently at Wat Pa Luang Ta Bua in Saiyok district in Kanchanaburi will be moved to Khaoson and Khao Pratabchang wildlife breeding centres in Ratchaburi, a top official said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815368-thai-officials-brace-for-transfer-of-temple-tigers/

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COMMENT
Death penalty a FLAWED tool to tackle crime
JOSEF BENEDICT
THE JAKARTA POST
ASIA NEWS NETWORK

JAKARTA: -- Last November, shortly after taking office, Indonesia President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo announced the resumption of executions - mainly of drug traffickers - to tackle soaring crime rates linked to a "national drugs emergency".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815369-death-penalty-a-flawed-tool-to-tackle-crime/

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Israel official: Military action against Iran still possible
By ALON BERNSTEIN

JERUSALEM (AP) — A senior Israeli government minister on Monday warned that taking military action against Iran's nuclear program is still an option — despite last week's framework deal between world powers and the Islamic Republic.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815370-israel-official-military-action-against-iran-still-possible/

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Kenyan airstrikes hit suspected militant camps in Somalia
By CHRISTOPHER TORCHIA and TOM ODULA

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenyan warplanes bombed militant camps in Somalia, officials said Monday, following a vow by President Uhuru Kenyatta to respond "in the fiercest way possible" to a massacre of college students by al-Shabab extremists.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815371-kenyan-airstrikes-hit-suspected-militant-camps-in-somalia/