City meets residents to discuss traffic management

PATTAYA:--Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh met with Pattaya residents to gather feedback about the city’s traffic-management plans.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816360-city-meets-residents-to-discuss-traffic-management/

DTAC launches 4G in Pattaya

PATTAYA:--Total Access Communications Plc became the second company to bring high-speed wireless data to Pattaya with the launch of its DTAC 4G service.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816354-dtac-launches-4g-in-pattaya/

American expat cleans up after tourists
By Coconuts Bangkok

PETCHABUN: -- A retired American surgical assistant who lives in Phetchabun province rides 10 kilometers on his bicycle to pick up garbage that tourists have left behind at Wanghin waterfall every day.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816367-american-expat-in-phetchabun-cleans-up-after-tourists/

25 died in first day of the 7-day dangerous day



BANGKOK: -- The so-called “Seven Dangerous Days of the Songkran festival” started yesterday April 9 with 324 road accidents killing 25 people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816368-seven-dangerous-days-25-dead-in-day-one-of-songkran-road-chaos/

Apple Watch preorders open today – but how can you buy one in Thailand?



As you are probably aware by now, the Apple Watch is available for pre-order today in various countries around the world. Apple’s wearable is expected to be the biggest selling smartwatch ever, and has generally received favourable to mixed reviews.

Demand is expected to be very high and Apple has already said that for the launch at least, you won’t be able to just walk into a store and buy one – instead, the company is taking Internet orders only with free delivery or pickup in-store.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/apple-watch-in-thailand/8693/

UPDATE:

Speed limit imposed at 80-kms per hour for ambulances



BANGKOK: -- Hospital ambulances with patients on board are prohibited to travel over 80 kilometres an hour.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816358-public-health-minister-sets-ambulance-speed-limit-at-80-kph/#entry9290827

Japanese Reporter Honored on 5th Anniversary of Thailand's Deadly Crackdown
By Khaosod English


Osamu Isawa, charge d'affairs of the Japanese Embassy in Bangkok, lay flowers on the spot where Hiroyuki Muramoto was shot dead in 2010, 10 April 2015.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816408-japanese-reporter-honored-on-5th-anniversary-of-thailands-deadly-crackdown/

Prison commander pleads 2nd chance for convicts to get back to society

CHUMPHON, 10 April 2015 (NNT) - The Commander of Chumphon Prison has pleaded Thai people to give a second chance to former prisoners to get back into the society and lead a normal life.

His call coincided with a release of good-conduct prisoners nationwide to commemorate the fifth cycle birthday anniversary of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Mr. Kritha Kaeothet emphasized that only 5% of convicts recommitted felonies whereas the majority of them received occupational training, making them ready to return to labour market.

"Family and relatives are the first and the most powerful group who should sincerely welcome former prisoners and give them moral support, trust them and believe in their repentance,” said the Commander of Chumphon Prison.

Under the 2015 Royal Decree on Royal Pardon, the pardon is granted to well-behaved prisoners who have less than one year left in prison. Most of them were convicted for thefts.


-- NNT 2015-04-10

32 Thais in Yemen return to Thailand

BANGKOK, 10 April 2015 (NNT) – The Thai Embassy in Oman has sent another batch of Thai students in Yemen back to Thailand; meanwhile, related agencies are mobilizing their efforts to evacuate the remaining Thais from the strife-torn country.

Another group of 22 Thai nationals who fled from Al Mukalla City arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport late yesterday. They were greeted by Wosit Worasap, the deputy director of the Foreign Ministry's Consular Department, and officials from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 117 Thai students who remain stranded in Yemen have already contacted the Thai Embassy in Muscat, Oman, to request the embassy to help them return home.

The Thai Embassy in Oman has so far managed to provide return flights for 32 Thai nationals in Yemen. The 22 students are the third batch of Thais successfully escaping the war-torn country.

Related agencies are scheduled to hold a brain-storming session today to evaluate the situation and devise a plan to evacuate the rest of the Thais in Yemen.


-- NNT 2015-04-10

Govt secures return for 244 Thai fishermen from Indonesia

BANGKOK, 10 April 2015 (NNT) – The government has vowed to continue its rescue operation of Thai fishermen still trapped in Indonesia after having succeeded in bringing more than 200 Thai people back to Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816410-govt-secures-return-for-244-thai-fishermen-from-indonesia/

Thai & Chinese leaders poised to strengthen strategic partnership

BANGKOK, 10 April 2015 (NNT) – Thailand and China have agreed to enhance their strategic partnership in terms of economic and defense cooperation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816412-thai-chinese-leaders-poised-to-strengthen-strategic-partnership/

ISLAMABAD (AP) - Pakistani parliament votes not to join Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, urges peaceful dialogue.

Khon Kaen bus terminal crowded with people heading to hometown

KHON KAEN, 10 April 2015 (NNT) - The third bus terminal of Khon Kaen province has been crowded since early morning with people returning to their hometown for Songkran celebrations.

The Khon Kaen Bus Terminal has provided extra buses and double bus trips to respond to an overwhelming increase of passengers and assured that no passenger is left stranded. Officials are deployed around the clock assist all passengers.

Security measures have also been stepped up. The bus terminal has set up alcohol-check points for bus drivers at each point of departure and provide them with drinking water and coffee to ensure the safety of all passengers on board.

Meanwhile, officials, in and out of uniform, also patrol the terminal to prevent criminal activity and respond to accidents.

Traffic congestion on Mittraphap Road - the main road linking Khon Kaen with many provinces in the northeastern region - is expected to get worse in this evening, as people begin heading out to the provinces from Bangkok for Songkran celebration.


-- NNT 2015-04-10

Phuket: 'We are not facing a draught' Gov
Nattapat Tuarob


Bang Wad Dam reservoir currently has 2.13 million cubic metres (29% capacity)

PHUKET: -- Following rumours spreading on social media that Phuket only has enough water to last 54 days, Governor Nisit Jansomwong has stated that although there are problems with water distribution across the island, there is no water shortage.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816419-phuket-gov-we-are-not-facing-a-draught/

Former Democrat MP calls for police reform

BANGKOK: -- Former Democrat MP Watchara Phetthong Friday submitted a letter to National Reform Council President Thienchay Kirananda, calling for police reform.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816420-former-democrat-mp-calls-for-thai-police-reform/

Government urged to implement new tobacco product control



BANGKOK, 10 April 2015 (NNT)- A youth group to prevent new drinkers has expanded its mandate and urged the government to pass tobacco legislation to stop new smokers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816422-thai-govt-urged-to-implement-new-tobacco-product-control/

Chao Phraya river piers renovated

BANGKOK, 10 April 2015 (NNT) - The Marine Department has injected 70 million baht to renovate 17 piers along the Chao Phraya river and build 19 more to connect with electric train stations.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816427-chao-phraya-river-piers-renovated/

RABAT, Morocco (AP) - Head-on collision between bus full of young athletes and truck kills 31 in southern Morocco.

SET index closed 1,547.83 up 2.72; Bt/USD32.43; GBP47.44; AUD24.53; EUR34.31; CAD25.50; HKD4.16; SGD23.59; JPY26.75

Prayuth Asks Media to Expose Redshirt Violence in 2010 Crackdown

By Khaosod Eng.

BANGKOK — On the anniversary of the military crackdown on Redshirt protesters in 2010, Thai junta chairman Prayuth Chan-ocha has asked media agencies to help tell the "true" story of the violence that claimed more than 90 lives.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816472-prayuth-asks-media-to-expose-redshirt-violence-in-2010-crackdown/

Migrants criticise Thailand's work permit costs

BANGKOK: -- Few Myanmar migrant workers have their work permits extended at the one-stop-service office in Mae Sot, in Tak province, citing the expensive costs, according to Moe Kyo, chairperson of the Joint Action Committee for Burmese Affairs.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816473-migrants-criticise-thailands-work-permit-costs/

Thitirat appointed CIB chief

BANGKOK: -- A royal command has been issued appointing Pol Maj Gen Thitirat Nonghanpithak, deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, as commissioner of the bureau, the Prime Minister's Office announced on Friday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816485-thitirat-appointed-cib-chief/

Phuket ferry passengers receiving help
Eakkapop Thongtub

Tourism and Sport Director, Santi Pawai chairs a meeting with the company owners this morning.

PHUKET: Passengers who were on board the Ao Nang Princess 5 when it sunk on Wednesday (April 8) have received cash and other assistance from the ferry owners and Phuket Tourism and Sports Department.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816487-phuket-ferry-passengers-receiving-help/

Pattaya, Chon Buri:- A 34-year-old Thai man has been arrested for allegedly collaborating with four other men to rob a drunk Indian tourist, police said.

Full Story: http://Thai man arrested for robbing Indian tourist

Kamphaeng Phet:- A poor girl student who cannot afford the study cost after she was admitted to a university’s faculty of pharmacy has received overwhelming support from both Thais and foreigners.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816480-poor-girl-receives-overwhelming-help-for-pharmacy-study/

Thai police drop probe into WHO official over maid slavery allegations

BANGKOK (AFP) - Thai police on Friday dropped a probe into allegations of human trafficking, abuse and modern-day slavery levelled by an Ethiopian maid at her employers -- a top World Health Organization official and his wife.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816492-thai-police-drop-probe-into-who-official-over-maid-slavery-allegations/

Chiang Mai Airport offers souvenirs and shows to passengers during Sonkran

CHIANG MAI, 10 April 2015 (NNT) - Chiang Mai International Airport is holding welcoming activities for passengers arriving in Chiang Mai during the Songkran Festival.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816493-chiang-mai-airport-offers-souvenirs-and-shows-to-passengers-during-sonkran/

Prayut gets blessing from Prem

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha late this afternoon led his deputy prime ministers and commanders of the three armed forces and the Royal Thai Police to receive blessings from the President of the Privy Council and Statesman Gen Prem Tinsulanonda on the occasion of Songkran or Thai New Year.

Gen Prayut poured water on the palms of Gen Prem as a show of respect to the elder while Gen Prem blessing him with success in working.

The water pouring and blessing is a Thai traditional custom dated back several hundred years ago.

Gen Prem accordingly, handed out novels as keepsakes titled ‘Repaying the Debt You Owe to the Land’ to all attendees.

Prime Minister Gen Prayut in his speech admired Gen Prem as the best example of leadership who is committed to the ideals of nation, religion and monarchy.

To reciprocate, Gen. Prem offered his thanks to all well-wishers and asked that everyone gave their love to the nation so that we can live in peace and harmony and foster a brighter and prosperous future.

Before the official ceremonies began, the prime minister was seen to call on Gen. Prem

at his official residence at Baan Sisao Theves for a 30 minute private meeting. After that, both the prime minister and Gen Prem convened at the Royal Thai Army Club House together.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/prayut-gets-blessing-from-prem

-- Thai PBS 2015-04-10

AMLO impounds assets of former defunct BMB executive

BANGKOK: -- The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) today impounded the asset of the mother of former Democrat Bangkok MP worth more than 300 million baht in a case related to the collapse of the Bangkok Metropolitan Bank (BMA) in 1997.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816505-amlo-impounds-assets-of-former-defunct-bmb-executive/

PM received list of allegedly corrupt officials

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha said Friday that he had already received a list of allegedly corrupt officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission of the Government Sector.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816507-pm-received-list-of-allegedly-corrupt-officials/