BOI approved 460 projects, worth over THB100,000m in Jan-Feb 2015

BANGKOK, 9 April 2015 (NNT) - The Board of Investment (BOI) approved 460 projects applying for investment promotional privileges during January to February 2015. These projects involve more than THB115,000 m in investment capital and have created 31,000 job opportunities, according to acting BOI Secretary-General Hirunya Suchinai.

The approved projects have begun their operations one after another, particularly those producing automobile parts and electronic equipment. Hirunya said those investments demonstrated investors’ confidence in Thailand’s potentials as industrial production base and proved the country's attractiveness to new investors.

Last week, she said, the BOI meeting chaired by Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha approved ten more projects worth around THB28,000m. They include, among others, an auto part factory, a Biomass power plant and international exhibition centers.


-- NNT 2015-04-09

Thai forces face murder charges over south civilian deaths
AFP

BANGKOK: -- Seven Thai security officials will face murder charges for shooting dead a group of unarmed Muslim men in the conflict-hit south, police said Wednesday, as details emerged of a fresh civilian killing at an army checkpoint.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815953-thai-forces-face-murder-charges-over-south-civilian-deaths/

The Moat in Chiang Mai Declared Safe for Songkran

Katam Corner, Chiang Mai, Thailand - Stock Image Detail of the city wall and moat of Chiang Mai, Thailand

After great effort, authorities have announced that the famed moat in Chiang Mai is up to safety standards for the much-awaited Songkran festivities. Initial reports indicated that the moat contained parasites and prompted immediate action from authorities.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815950-the-moat-in-chiang-mai-declared-safe-for-songkran/

Storms Batter Eight Provinces

Storms on Tuesday and Wednesday damaged more than 900 homes in eight provinces. The storms dropped heavy rains and had large gusts of wind that caused most of the damage.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815948-storms-batter-eight-provinces/

Aviation Authorities Are Hoping for a Compromise from ICAO

Aviation authorities are hoping for a compromise from ICAO. The transport authorities are looking to restore ICAO’s confidence within its June 2 deadline, but do not believe they will be able to satisfy every transport standards requirement.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815945-aviation-authorities-are-hoping-for-a-compromise-from-icao/

Moral Authorities Encourage Songkran Attendees to Dress Appropriately

The Moral Authorities are encouraging Songkran attendees to dress appropriately for the festivities this year. The state media is warning the public that the sexual assault of women is caused by the clothing they wear.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815946-moral-authorities-encourage-songkran-attendees-to-dress-appropriately/

Online plea for help for starving monkeys

Ayutthaya:- Some residents of Ayutthaya have posted Facebook messages, pleading for urgent help for some 300 starving long-tailed macaque at a temple in Bang Pahan district.

They said the monkeys were starving and do not have enough drinking water because a nearby canal is dry and no one takes care of them.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815917-online-plea-for-help-for-starving-monkeys/

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
No attempt to counter US influence in the region: Medvedev
THE NATION


Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev talks to The Nation

BANGKOK: -- RUSSIA, which is now considered by Thailand as a true friend after its ties with the United States and other countries in the West soured in the wake of the military coup, is not trying to counter American influence in this region, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815959-no-attempt-to-counter-us-influence-in-the-region-medvedev/

UPDATE:

SOUTHERN INSURGENCY
Prawit promises to activate judicial process over Pattani killings
Panya Thiosangwan,
Somchai Samart
The Nation


Prawit Wongsuwan

BANGKOK: -- DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER for National Security General Prawit Wongsuwan yesterday affirmed that the case in which four young men were killed in the March 25 raid in Pattani's Thung Yang Daeng district would go through the judicial process.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815953-thai-forces-face-murder-charges-over-south-civilian-deaths/#entry9285528

UPDATE:

ARTICLE 44
PM appoints official team to enforce new order
THE NATION

NCPO alone can authorise officers; will apply to offenders of four laws

BANGKOK: -- TO PRESERVE peace and order in the country, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has signed an order appointing officials to enforce Article 44 of the provisional charter.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815902-pm-appoints-official-team-to-enforce-new-order/#entry9285533

ALLEGED ENCROACHMENT
Bonanza has 15 days to provide land documents
Prasit Tangprasert,
Piyanut Tumnukasetchai
The Nation

All structures will be torn down if no evidence produced to refute charges

BANGKOK: -- THE ROYAL Forest Department (RFD) will give Bonanza International Speedway 15 days to produce land rights documents to rebut allegations that its racecourse sits on forest and agricultural-reform land.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815960-bonanza-has-15-days-to-provide-land-documents/

Tourism, rise in govt spending set to drive economic growth
PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- IN SPITE of global economic sluggishness dampening overseas shipments this year, the Thai economy should grow more strongly during the current quarter, driven by tourism growth, rising government spending and recovering exports, ministers said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815961-tourism-rise-in-thai-govt-spending-set-to-drive-economic-growth/

Krungsri uses credit cards to cash in on Japan fever
SASITHORN ONGDEE
THE NATION
TOKYO



BANGKOK: -- AYUDHYA Capital Services, or Krungsri Consumer, has expanded its cross-border campaign and global awareness by using the strength of its parent's network in Japan to cash in on Thais' Japan fever.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815962-krungsri-uses-credit-cards-to-cash-in-on-japan-fever/

EDITORIAL

Spirit of Songkran comes in droplets, not buckets

Amid the Water wars, take a minute to ponder to ponder the true meaning of the traditional Thai New Year

BANGKOK: -- A festive tide of good cheer is rising across the country once again as the calendar cranks round to Songkran. Millions are looking forward to the traditional Thai New Year, which is also a major attraction for tourists. The five-day holiday begins on Saturday and peaks with celebrations on Songkran itself, which falls on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815963-spirit-of-songkran-comes-in-droplets-not-buckets/

THAI TALK

Vicious circle of martial law, Article 44, 'democracy'

Suthichai Yoon

The Nation

There is no getting away from it: Lifting martial law doesn't mean anything if it's replaced by an equally, if not more, draconian law.

BANGKOK: -- But Premier Prayut Chan-o-chan insists that Article 44 of the interim Constitution had been with us all along after the coup last May. Why the fuss now?

Well, the fuss was always there. Human rights activists have been insisting that anything that smacks of a violation of basic rights and freedom of expression must be eliminated. But those calls had always focused on martial law, not Article 44. That's why the battle cry is now against Article 44.

Even if the article were lifted - which isn't even remotely possible under the circumstances - the battle would still continue. Hidden somewhere would be clauses that offered a wide range of powers to the military and police authorities on security issues, related one way or the other to the equivalent of the Internal Security Act. Don't forget that before martial law there was the state of emergency. And before that there was the Security Act.

None of these is acceptable, of course, even if the coup leader sticks by his pledge to apply his absolute power "constructively". He showed how this might be done by using his all-embracing authority under Article 44 to restructure civil aviation management, after an audit by the International Civil Aviation Organisation led to suspension of some flights from Thailand to Japan and perhaps several other countries.

But military power can't solve the civil aviation mess arising from deep-rooted corruption and inefficiency unless Prayut uses Article 44 to punish some major players behind the country's most scandalous graft cases.

Deputy Premier Wissanu Krea-ngam likened the draconian Article 44 to a sword kept in its sheath. "We don't have to draw out the sword. It's there and everybody knows it's there. So it's a deterrent. Other countries don't have that sword, so they probably don't understand."

The "sword" is needed, the deputy premier claimed, because the country remains under threat from various groups intent on creating trouble. The premier himself pledged not to use the special powers to "maltreat" anyone. The same old refrain has come up again: "If you haven't done anything wrong, you don't have to be afraid."

Critics of course insist that there is no guarantee that anyone possessing that kind of absolute authority won't use the "sword" against anyone who happens to disagree with them. The logic is, even if you haven't done anything wrong under the law, you may still be under threat from unchecked power, because the law can always be abused, and not toeing the leader's line can be considered a serious offence in any dictatorship.

The premier seems confident that he can "explain everything". But the fact remains that the road to hell is always paved with good intentions. He can't convince a sceptical public that absolute power is a good thing and that it will be applied only to do good deeds.

Instead of trying to defend Article 44, the premier should be demonstrating how he will apply it to resolve some of the major problems affecting the country. And he should deliver a deadline for this state of affairs.

He can't possibly justify the existence of Article 44 for too long. Instead, the PM should redefine the timeline of his road map leading to the promulgation of the new Constitution and a clearer timetable for the next elections. If he can convince the public that the country will indeed be returning to some form of democracy and stability under a specific timeframe, he may find the task of defending Article 44 less stressful.

Of course, there remains the critical question of whether the new Constitution will ensure national reconciliation and whether the reform agenda will put an end to the long drawn-out conflicts. Without that assurance, the whole exercise since May 22 will have come to naught. And the debate on martial law, Article 44 and democracy will simply be another repeat of Thailand's notorious long-running serial drama, "Vicious Circle".

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Vicious-circle-of-martial-law-Article-44-democracy-30257681.html

-- The Nation 2015-04-09

UPDATE:

Story behind assault on Englishman revealed as 3 suspects arrested by Pattaya Police

PATTAYA: -- The full details of the assault on a 35 year old British Man in front of a convenience store in Central Pattaya last Saturday Morning, have now emerged following the arrest of three Thai men who are suspected of conducting the attack.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815906-three-thai-men-arrested-for-assaulting-briton/?p=9285565#entry9285565

Indian Tourist assaulted and robbed on Pattaya Beach



PATTAYA: -- A 50 year old Indian Tourist, who was earlier seen staggering along Pattaya Beach Road, as if he was drunk, was assaulted and then robbed by a gang of youths who are known to target vulnerable foreigners in the area.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815964-indian-tourist-assaulted-and-robbed-on-pattaya-beach/

Second Sexual Assault in a week investigated by Police in Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- Police from Huay Yai have revealed a second case of sexual assault by a man using the same method to incapacitate his victim prior to conducting the assault, which this time was prevented by a passer-by.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815965-second-sexual-assault-in-a-week-investigated-by-police-in-pattaya/

German diagnosed with rare infectious disease at Pattaya Hospital



PATTAYA: -- A 48 year old German woman is currently undergoing intensive treatment for a rare and potentially deadly bacterial form of Meningitis.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815966-german-diagnosed-with-rare-infectious-disease-at-pattaya-hospital/

Pattaya Beach Promenade crumbles following heavy rainfall



PATTAYA: -- On Wednesday Night, a large hole appeared on the Beach Promenade, opposite Central Festival Pattaya Beach and Pattaya Police Station. It is thought to have been caused by the heavy rainfall which occurred earlier on Wednesday around Pattaya City.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815967-pattaya-beach-promenade-crumbles-following-heavy-rainfall/

Canadian MP urges restoration of democracy
The Nation

A Canadian MP has said he hoped democratic governance would be restored to Thailand as soon as possible.

BANGKOK: -- Blaine Calkins was in Bangkok yesterday to attend several meetings, including ones with members of the Board of Trade and private sector to discuss commercial relations and take stock of the Board of Trade's productive visit to Canada last year. He also discussed the successful Canada-Asean Business Council meetings held in Bangkok last month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815968-canadian-mp-urges-restoration-of-democracy-in-thailand/

France not a good example of democracy, says Kraisak
THE NATION


Kraisak Choonhavan

BANGKOK: -- FORMER senator Kraisak Choonhavan yesterday criticised Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam for his remark that Article 44 was inspired by France, saying France was not a good example of democracy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815969-france-not-a-good-example-of-democracy-says-kraisak-choonhavan/

Charter drafters face the heat at FCCT event
KRIS BHROMSUTHI
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- CHARTER DRAFTERS on Tuesday evening came under tough and provocative questioning from participants and members of the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand (FCCT).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815970-thai-charter-drafters-face-the-heat-at-fcct-event/

BILATERAL RELATIONS
Why Thailand is boosting ties with Russia and China

(DW) Criticized by the West, Thailand's ruling junta seems to be turning eastward for political and economic support, as Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev's recent visit to the country shows, says analyst Zachary Abuza.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815971-why-thailand-is-boosting-ties-with-russia-and-china/

Tsarnaev guilty on all charges in Boston Marathon bombing
By DENISE LAVOIE

BOSTON (AP) — Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was convicted on all charges Wednesday in the Boston Marathon bombing by a jury that will now decide whether the 21-year-old should be executed or shown mercy for what his lawyer says was a crime masterminded by his big brother.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815972-tsarnaev-guilty-on-all-charges-in-boston-marathon-bombing/

Putin offers cooperation with Greece - but no financial aid
NATALIYA VASILYEVA, Associated Press

MOSCOW (AP) — Russia's President Vladimir Putin offered Wednesday to increase cooperation with Greece on energy and industry — but stopped short of extending direct financial aid that might complicate Greece's talks with its European creditors.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815973-putin-offers-cooperation-with-greece-but-no-financial-aid/

Islamic State group releases over 200 captive Iraqi Yazidis
By SAMEER N. YACOUB

BAGHDAD (AP) — The Islamic State group released more than 200 Yazidis on Wednesday after holding them for eight months, the latest mass release of captives by the extremists targeted by U.S.-led airstrikes and an Iraqi ground offensive.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815974-islamic-state-group-releases-over-200-captive-iraqi-yazidis/

Video of fatal US police shooting may have major impact
DAVID CRARY, AP National Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — A new video from South Carolina has shocked Americans with its depiction of a fleeing, unarmed black man being shot in the back by a white policeman. The image was so vivid that a murder charge came swiftly.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815975-video-of-fatal-us-police-shooting-may-have-major-impact/

Suffering rises as militants take over refugee camp in Syria
By ZEINA KARAM

BEIRUT (AP) — When hundreds of Islamic State militants muscled into the Yarmouk refugee camp last week and planted their black flags amid the charred, blown-out buildings, it was the latest trial for the remaining Palestinians who for two years have endured a suffocating government siege, starvation and disease.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815976-suffering-rises-as-militants-take-over-refugee-camp-in-syria/

Power usage broke record on April 7



BANGKOK: -- Electricity consumption peaked to a new record high of 27,056.8 megawatts on April 7 breaking the previous record of 26,942.1 megawatts on last April 23.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815977-power-usage-in-thailand-broke-record-on-april-7/