Man charged with killing 3 Muslims to face death penalty
MICHAEL BIESECKER, Associated Press
JONATHAN DREW, Associated Press

DURHAM, North Carolina (AP) — The man charged with killing three Muslim college students will face a death penalty trial after prosecutors told a judge they had strong and incriminating evidence that includes the blood from one of the victims found on the accused shooter's pants.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815372-us-man-charged-with-killing-3-muslims-to-face-death-penalty/

UN official: State of Syrian refugee camp 'beyond inhumane'
BASSEM MROUE, Associated Press

BEIRUT (AP) — Palestinian fighters clashed with Islamic State militants in a heavily contested Palestinian refugee camp in the Syrian capital on Monday as a United Nations official described the situation in the embattled camp as "beyond inhumane."

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815373-un-official-state-of-syrian-refugee-camp-beyond-inhumane/

Tough sell: Obama ramps up lobbying campaign on Iran deal
By JOSH LEDERMAN and CONNIE CASS

WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing deep skepticism on multiple fronts, President Barack Obama ramped up lobbying Monday for a framework nuclear deal with Iran, one of the toughest sells of his presidency. Yet critics from Jerusalem to Washington warned they won't sit idly by while Obama and world leaders pursue a final accord that would leave much of Iran's nuclear infrastructure intact.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815374-tough-sell-obama-ramps-up-lobbying-campaign-on-iran-deal/

Prosecutors seek 22 years in prison for music producer
LARRY NEUMEISTER, Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Prosecutors called a music producer who once worked with stars including Kenny G and Whitney Houston a master manipulator Monday as they recommended he spend over two decades in prison for a Ponzi scheme that ripped off investors.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815376-us-prosecutors-seek-22-years-in-prison-for-music-producer/

Cuba-US warming held up by listing of Cuba as terror sponsor
MICHAEL WEISSENSTEIN, Associated Press
BRADLEY KLAPPER, Associated Press

HAVANA (AP) — American hopes of opening an embassy in Havana before presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro meet at a regional summit this week have been snarled in disputes about Cuba's presence on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terror and U.S. diplomats' freedom to travel and talk to ordinary Cubans without restriction, officials say.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815377-cuba-us-warming-held-up-by-listing-of-cuba-as-terror-sponsor/

Prosecutor: 100-year-old man killed wife with ax, then self

ELMWOOD PARK, N.J. (AP) — Prosecutors say a 100-year-old man apparently killed his wife with an ax as she slept in their home, then killed himself in the bathroom with a knife.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815383-100-year-old-us-man-kills-wife-with-ax/

TOT to ask 3,500 employees to retire early in order to retrench

BANGKOK, 7 April 2015, (NNT) - TOT (Public) Company's executive board has approved of an early retirement plan for up to 3,500 of its senior employees in 2015 - 2016. The program will cost the company 6 billion baht to implement.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815392-tot-to-ask-3500-employees-to-retire-early-in-order-to-retrench/

Oil palm price starts dropping

BANGKOK, 7 April 2015, (NNT) -The price of oil palm fruits has begun to drop, thanks to the import of raw palm oil from abroad approved earlier this year.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, the price of oil palm fruits dropped to a bit over 5 baht per kilogram in February and continued to drop further to under 5 baht a kilo in March. The price was even down to only 3.6 baht a kilogram in some areas.

On April 3rd, farmers reported that they could get only between 3.40 - 3.60 baht for a kilogram of oil palm fruits. The price of individual palm fruits is now at 4 baht per kilo. The Department of Internal Trade has also reported that the average price of palm oil is currently at 3.60 - 4.30 baht a kilo, well below the 5 baht a kilo guaranteed by the Ministry.

To rub salt into the wound, new batches of raw oil palm fruits will begin to flood the market in April all the way to June, causing the prices to plunge further unless the ministry comes up with assistance measures.


-- NNT 2015-04-07

UPDATE:

Excise tax collection exceeds target

Bangkok – The collection of excise duties is 5.8 billion baht or 15 per cent above the target for March, Excise Department officials said.

The higher-than-expected excise revenues have been attributed the duty hike for diesel which yields 6.8 billion baht in additional revenues, an increase of 123 per cent.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815400-excise-tax-collection-exceeds-target/

Smog issue persists in Lampang as locals still burn forest for personal gain

LAMPANG, 7 April 2015 (NNT) - Locals in Lampang are reportedly burning woods in Chaeson National Park, causing widespread bushfire in the area.

More than 20 rangers fully equipped with firefighting gears were yesterday sent to put out wildfires south of a waterfall in Chaeson National Park. The operation was a success despite the difficulty in reaching the terrain which was a steep watershed area.

The officials have to travel by foot for a kilometer in order to get to the site. The fire covered an area of about 10 rai, causing thick haze in the area.

According to the officials, locals residing near the national park often look for food or other items in the forest. They use fire for land clearing for settlements, crop land and fuelwood cutting. The rangers leave with no choice but to fight fires nearly everyday.


-- NNT 2015-04-07

Bus driver beats drunken passenger unconscious

Bangkok – If you are foul-mouthed while drunk, avoid taking the bus, according to the apparent merit of this story. Or, it can be argued, if you are short-tempered, don't drive the bus.

Lieutenant Noppakao Tiyaphak of Bang Sue police station yesterday’s evening went to investigate a brawl between the driver of Bus No 39 and a drunken passenger.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815402-bus-driver-beats-drunken-passenger-unconscious/

Police seize illegal furniture at Red Cross Fair

BANGKOK: -- A large amount of illegal teak wood furniture was confiscated and three people arrested for selling the items at the Red Cross fair in Bangkok on Sunday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815406-police-seize-illegal-furniture-at-red-cross-fair-in-bangkok/

King of Blues B.B. King rushed to hospital with diabetes-related emergency

LAS VEGAS: -- AMERICAN blues musician B.B. King has been rushed to hospital in Las Vegas due to a diabetes-related emergency.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815407-blues-legend-bb-king-rushed-to-hospital-in-las-vegas/

National book fair wraps up in Bangkok

BANGKOK, 7 April 2015 (NNT) – A large number of people visited the national book fair on its last day on Monday, far below the peak figure on Saturday when around one million people visited the fair.

Discounts and other incentives for buyers were more abundant on the last day of the fair as publishers sought to wrap up sales. This year, documentary and historical books proved to be the most popular buying choices among visitors, most of whom were students who were on their summer break.

On average, 300,000 people visit the 43rd national book fair each day. The number of visitors peaked at roughly one million on Saturday. About 500 booths were present at the 43rd National Book Fair & 13th Bangkok International Book Fair held at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok.


-- NNT 2015-04-07

SET up 8.61 points at opening /Bangkok Post

British tourist dies in hotel bathtub in Phuket / Bangkok Post

Danger from tropical storms warned



BANGKOK: -- The Meteorological Department today warned of tropical rainstorms in several parts of the country and hail storms in some areas this week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815435-thai-meteorological-dept-warns-of-tropical-rainstorms/

Heroic father drowns in Bangpakong River

BANGKOK: -- A father died after letting go of a shaky makeshift buoy he and his kids had clung to after their boat capsized.

“He let go of the buoy, stayed afloat for just a while and then drowned in front of us,” Ratchanee Inpen, his wife, recounts what happened during the darkest time of her family.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815408-heroic-father-drowns-in-bangpakong-river/

33-year-old Brit found dead in Phuket hotel bath
Eakkapop Thongtub


Police found two packs of Nytol on the bed, one was empty.

PHUKET: -- A 33-year-old British man was found drowned in a bath in a hotel room in Patong last night (April 6). Staff from the hotel discovered the body after the man failed to check-out.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815438-33-year-old-brit-found-dead-in-phuket-hotel-bathtub/

Some 2.5million tourists to generate 14.5bn income during Songkran

BANGKOK: -- Tourism and Sports Minister Korbkarn Wattanavrangkul Tuesday reported to the weekly Cabinet meeting that some 2.5 million tourists are expected to visit tourist spots in Thailand from April 11 to 19 and generate income of Bt14.5 billion for the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815439-some-25million-tourists-to-generate-145bn-income-during-songkran/

Govt to clarify Section 44 to foreign ambassadors and media

BANGKOK, 7 April 2015 (NNT) - The government is set to clarify Section 44 of the 2014 interim constitution to foreign ambassadors and press.

Government spokesperson Major General Sansern Kaewkamnerd revealed that the government has scheduled today a hearing with foreign ambassadors, as well as international organizations and media.

The hearing, presided over by Major General Weerachon Sukontapatipak and Colonel Winthai Suvaree, will explain the use of Section 44 after lifting martial law.

Major General Sansern said that confusion over Section 44 in the international community has prompted the Cabinet to hold the conference to clarify the legislation and how it applies to the government’s authority.

Many believe erroneously that since it came into effect, Section 44 affords the Thai government more power.


-- NNT 2015-04-07

Public-private sectors will meet to prop up export performances

BANGKOK, 7 April 2015 (NNT) - Minister of Commerce General Chatchai Sarikalya will soon call a meeting with the export sector to adjust the country’s export strategy following a decline of nearly 5% in export earnings during the past two months.

Commerce Ministry Spokesperson Duangkamol Jiambutr said Thai exports dropped 4.82% during February-March 2015, compared to the same period last year with a total of 34.48 billion US dollars in earnings.

Ms. Duangkamol said the meeting will include representatives from the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thailand Chamber of Commerce, the Thai National Shippers’ Council and leading exporters. According to the spokesperson, initially the private sector wants the government to look after the baht currency fluctuation which is swinging too wildly affecting their long term performances. They also asked that the government seek ways to eliminate trade barriers in importing countries and penetrate new markets.

Ms. Duangkamol said the government was also urged by SMEs to negotiate with large-scale entrepreneurs to help the former in terms of marketing in foreign countries.


-- NNT 2015-04-07

VIDEOS: American woman in Thailand goes on half-hour road rampage

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815361-pattaya-police-charge-and-bail-american-fast-furious-driver/?p=9278667#entry9278667

Thailand's top seven banks prepare 180.9 billion baht in banknotes

BANGKOK, 7 April 2015, (NNT) - Thailand’s top seven banks are preparing a combined 180.9 billion baht in banknotes for the Songkran holidays from April 11 - 16, an increase of 6.95 billion baht from the same period last year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815448-songkran-thailands-top-seven-banks-prepare-1809-billion-baht-in-banknotes/

US geologist thanks Chinese jailers for making him 'stronger'
AFP

Washington (AFP) - A US geologist who spent more than seven years in a Chinese prison thanked his jailers for making him and his family stronger, in a statement quoting US civil rights champion Martin Luther King and Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815452-us-geologist-thanks-chinese-jailers-for-making-him-stronger/

Samui Island is facing garbage dumping problem



KOH SAMUI: -- Samui Island is facing a garbage problem with now over 200,000 tons of garbages left undisposed of and is annoying people living nearby.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815455-samui-island-is-facing-garbage-dumping-problem/

Bangkok’s lavish, air-conditioned malls consume as much power as entire provinces

File photo. Source: Internet

BANGKOK: -- How much luxury retail does one city need? Bangkok seems determined to find out. The Thai capital’s newest high-end mall, EmQuartier, opened March 27 featuring brands including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Prada, Cartier, Dolce & Gabbana, Tiffany, Fendi, and Balenciaga.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815458-bangkoks-lavish-air-conditioned-malls-consume-as-much-power-as-entire-provinces/

Migrant workers to receive better welfare in Thailand

BANGKOK, 7 April 2015 (NNT)-The Ministry of Labor is expected to provide better care for migrant workers in Thailand by enforcing stricter laws against dodgy employers and job agencies.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815480-migrant-workers-to-receive-better-welfare-in-thailand/

Yala vegetable growers' income declines due to drought situation

YALA, 7 April 2015 (NNT) - Vegetable growers in Yala are facing a decline in income due to the drought situation, causing a decrease in harvested produce.

Garlic chive growers in Yala are seeing a small amount of produce being harvested at this time due to the drought. According to some farmers, taking close care of the fields and watering the plants often, could alleviate the problem.

One of the growers said that she planted 4 rai of land with garlic chives this year but the weather has been extremely hot compared to last year, beginning in January and lasting all the way to April. The dry weather and blazing sun have caused the produce to become yellow and less appealing. Usually 50 kilograms are harvested per day but during this season, only 40 kilograms could be collected.

Garlic chives can be grown and harvested within just three months but without sufficient water, the chive fields lack moisture, eventually causing a lot of damage to the crop.


-- NNT 2015-04-07

NRC, CDC to review draft constitution on April 9

BANGKOK, 7 April 2015 (NNT) - The National Reform Council (NRC) was scheduled to meet with the so-called Five Rivers to present reform and development proposals, as it prepares to hold meetings to review the draft charter with the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) beginning April 9.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815481-nrc-cdc-to-review-draft-constitution-on-april-9/