Thailand Live Tuesday 14 Apr 2015

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Silom Rd. sealed off for water splashing for the last day

BANGKOK, 14 April 2015 (NNT) – Silom Road in Bangkok will be sealed off from road traffic in the afternoon and evening for the last day today, although the water splashing on the city's Khao San Road will continue on.

The Songkran celebrations at Silom Rd. was hugely popular with Thais and foreigners, who came in droves to join the water splashing event on Monday. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has arranged for the road to be off-limits to vehicular traffic during 3 pm and 9 pm of each day of the celebration period, allowing revelers to splash water unimpeded and in safety. The City Hall has also erected a 'water tunnel' that thoroughly soaks anybody who goes through it. Activities by various businesses, such as foam-splashing, provide further attractions for people looking to enjoy Songkran in Bangkok. Security officials have been deployed throughout the site to ensure safety for visitors, and to make sure that powdered marl and alcohol were not brought in. Today will be the last day for the event on Silom Rd.

On Khao San Rd., authorities were also making sure on Monday, the first day of Songkran, that powdered marl, alcohol and weapons were not brought in throughout the day. Although there was a large number of Songkran revelers on Monday, no violent incidents were reported. Water splashing on Khao San Rd. is allowed until 10 pm.


-- NNT 2015-04-14

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Proper manners leaflets handed out to Chinese tourists

Chiang Mai:- Free tourist-information leaflets at the Chiang Mai International Airport now include “proper manners section” and Mandarin language.

“We wish to communicate with Chinese tourists about the traditions and culture here,” Chiang Mai Governor Suriya Prasartbandit told ASTV Manager on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817210-proper-manners-leaflets-handed-out-to-chinese-tourists/

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Man killed himself after attempted rape

Bueng Kan: – A man took his own life after an unsuccessful attempt to rape a woman, police said.

After Lt Colonel ChaiyonChaodon of BuengKan police station arrived at the scene, he found WiratPhiapong, 41, dead in his bed. He had a gunshot wound in the head. A home-made pistol was found dropped near his right hand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817209-man-killed-himself-after-attempted-rape/

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Revelers drenched around the country for Songkran

Khon Kaen: – More than 50,000 people joined Songkran celebrations at Khao Niew Road, breaking the 13-year record for water-splashing festivities in the northeastern province. Organizers set up 12 stages for live concerts and performances.

Local residents and foreign visitors filled the one-kilometer road from 7.00 pm 10.00 pm.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817208-revelers-drenched-around-the-country-for-songkran/

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Artifact discovery leads Sisaket locals to believe good fortune will come about

BANGKOK, 14 April 2015 (NNT) – An ancient clay pottery has been discovered in Sisaket province, while locals believe that the artifact would bring good luck to the community as it was found during the Songkran or Thai new year period.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817216-artifact-discovery-leads-sisaket-locals-to-believe-good-fortune-will-come-about/

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Sydney grandfather Peter Mutty jailed, whipped in Saudi Arabia for having home brewed alcohol
EXCLUSIVE MATTHEW BENNS
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

SYDNEY: -- A SYDNEY grandfather jailed alongside murderers and given the lash after being caught with home brewed alcohol in Saudi Arabia has now been told he cannot leave the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817220-aussie-grandfather-jailed-whipped-in-saudi-arabia-for-having-home-brewed-alcohol/

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Private Sector proposes investments in the dual railway

BANGKOK, 14 April 2015, (NNT) - State Enterprise Policy Office (SEPO) Directot Kulit Sombutsiri has disclosed that the office would propose to the government that private companies be sole investors in some dual track railway routes.

In the proposal, the private sector would be responsible for the construction of the double-track rail routes, carriage procurement, signal and control system, and operation and maintenance, adding that the government would help covering some of the expenses of the project.

The scheme is different from those in the past, in which the government oversaw engineering works and the rail systems and allowed private companies to take care of procuring carriages and running the train services as well as maintenance. The government then owned 80% in each of the project and private firms owned the rest.


-- NNT 2015-04-14

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Rains and harsh winds predicted for Chumphon and Gulf of Thailand

CHUMPHON, 14 April 2015 (NNT) - According to the Deputy Chumphon Governor Pathom Sathitanont, high pressure trough from China would spread to the northern part of Thailand during April 12th to April 15th, causing heavy rains and 2-meter high sea waves in the South and the Gulf of Thailand.

Mr. Pathom said 40-60% of Chumphon Province would face scattered thundershowers and strong gusts. Ships venturing in the Gulf of Thailand are warned to be extra careful during the period.

The Deputy Governor urged village heads and community leaders should pass on the information to local fishermen. More information can be reached at the Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation office in the province or the Meteorological Department’s website (www.tmd.go.th).


-- NNT 2015-04-14

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Thalang officials get tough on Songkran revelers, one thief
Eakkapop Thongtub



PHUKET: -- While most residents were relaxing and enjoying the main day of the annual Thai New Year, yesterday – “Maha Songkran” – some officials were working hard to upkeep safety and peace.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817233-thalang-officials-get-tough-on-songkran-revelers-one-thief/

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3 Approaches proposed for Thai maritime reform

BANGKOK, 14 April 2015 (NNT) - The Maritime Reform Sub-committee under the National Reform Council has revealed three approaches to manage and maintain maritime resources.

Chairman of the committee Thon Thamrongnawasawad gave a special interview to Moving Thailand Forward TV show recently, saying his panel has worked out 3-point guideline on sustainable use of marine resources. They include reorganization of the sector with the support of three royal decrees on National Fisheries, Marine and Coastal Resources, and Maritime Protection. Two other measures are the management of Thailand’s maritime territories and the allocation of navy troops to guard the territories.

Currently there are three territories under the target: the Andaman sea, the five islands of Samui, and Koh Chang Archipelago.

The chairman of the maritime reform sub-committee reiterated that the proposed measures would lay down a solid foundation for sustainable use of the country’s maritime natural resources, while boosting the competitiveness of marine tourism.


-- NNT 2015-04-14

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Three BMA garbage collectors injured in Bang Na blast

BANGKOK: -- Three workers of the Bang Na district office were slightly injured after a bomb hidden in a garbage bin exploded Tuesday morning, police said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817237-three-bma-garbage-collectors-injured-in-bang-na-bomb-blast/

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Chinese Civil Aviation Admin to inspect Thailand's safety standards

BANGKOK, 14 April 2015 (NNT) - The Ministry of Transport has revealed that the Chinese Civil Aviation Administration will be visiting Thailand to inspect the Kingdom’s aviation safety standards.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817253-chinese-civil-aviation-admin-to-inspect-thailands-safety-standards/

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More English-speaking cops to be stationed in tourist spots



BANGKOK, 14 April 2015, (NNT) - National Police Deputy Chief Police General Ruangsak Jarit-ek has revealed that more English-speaking police will be stationed in various tourist spots.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817254-more-english-speaking-thai-cops-to-be-stationed-in-tourist-spots-nationwide/

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UPDATE:

Small bomb explosion injures a garbage collector on Sukhumvit 101



BANGKOK: -- A garbage collecting employee of Bang Na district office was injured when ping pong bomb inside a garbage bin exploded on Sukhumvit 101 Tuesday morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817237-three-bma-garbage-collectors-injured-in-bang-na-bomb-blast/#entry9302724

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Three women arrested of indecent dancing, dressing

[Photo credit: ASTV Manager.com]

Buri Ram:- Police arrested three Thai women in Buri Ram Monday for being scantily-clad and for dancing too dirtily in violation of the Cabinet resolution.

The three women were arrested while dancing on chairs in front of King Rama I Statue on Sadet Niwat Road on the opposite site from the Rajabhat Buri Ram University.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817257-three-women-arrested-of-indecent-dancing-dress/

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Four injured by falling trees during Songkran rain, one woman in coma
Eakkapop Thongtub


Woman hit by falling tree in Rawai. Photo provided by Eakkapop Thongtub.

RAWAI: -- An unnamed Burmese woman remains in a coma after getting hit by a falling palm tree in Rawai while three others were also injured by a falling tree in Phang Nga on Monday afternoon (April 13).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817263-four-injured-by-falling-trees-during-songkran-rain-one-woman-in-coma/

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Disbursement of aid funds to drought-affected districts near completion

BANGKOK, 14 April 2015 (NNT) - The Department of Agricultural Extension revealed that its project to disburse up to one million baht to each district affected by the drought is nearing completion.

Department Director-General Olarn Pitak revealed that the project has disbursed over three billion baht to 3,051 drought affected districts, or 98.47 percent of the entire project’s budget. He said over 2.6 million households have benefited from the aid.

He added that 50.44 percent of the funds were for water resource management projects, while 40.85 percent were for infrastructure development, 6.96 percent for agricultural product processing and 1.76 percent for crop damage control.

Mr. Olarn affirmed that all disbursements have been transparent, as they were conducted via bank transfers with the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives.


-- NNT 2015-04-14

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60 dead, 724 hurt on 5th day of Songkran road havoc /Bangkok Post

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Prayut extends best wishes to Thais on Thai New Year



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday extended his best wishes to all Thais on the traditional Thai New Year.

In a statement published on the Government House website, Gen Prayut asked all Thais both in the country and overseas to help turn this Songkran Festival into a time of celebration and promotion of love and unity among all groups.

“We should help ensure that our society is truly happy, and come together to make Thailand a society of love and unity so our country is peaceful forever. Happy Thai New Year,” Gen Prayut said.

Suan Dusit Rajabhat University yesterday released its latest public opinion survey showing the people still giving strong support for the government’s efforts to tackle the country’s problems.

The survey asked 1,278 people during April 6-12 on the topic “What do Thai families think of General Prayut’s government?”

It revealed 81% believed General Prayut’s administration was quick to address the country’s problems, and 79.5% said peace and order and has been successfully restored to the country.

They also called on the government to adhere to the principles of justice and transparency in working.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/prayut-extends-best-wishes-to-thais-on-thai-new-year


-- Thai PBS 2015-04-14

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Huge drug cache seized in capital

BANGKOK: -- A drug trafficking gang comprising Thai and Myanmar nationals was smashed by narcotic suppression police and more than 2.3 million methamphetamine pills were seized.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817275-huge-drug-cache-seized-in-bangkok/

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Filipino chokes to death in Sri Racha

Chon Buri:- A Filipino crewman of choked on breakfast on his a cargo ship off Sri Racha coast and died on the way to hospital Tuesday morning, police said.

Pol Lt Somkid Boonloi, an officer on duty of Sri Racha police station, was alerted by the Phayathai Sri Racha Hospital at 11 am that a foreigner had died while he was being transported from a cargo ship in Koh Si Chang Bay to the Sri Racha cost.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817277-filipino-chokes-to-death-in-sri-racha/

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Moscow comments on Sweden's acknowledging 'Russian submarine' hunt was vain
A Swedish Navy spokesman said the "Russian submarine" Swedish media reported about in fall 2014 turned out to be a "technical vessel"

MOSCOW, April 14. /TASS/. Russia hopes the Swedish military and civil authorities will be soberer in assessing the security situation in the Baltic Sea region, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817282-moscow-comments-on-swedens-acknowledging-russian-submarine-hunt-was-vain/

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City Hall has extended Songkran celebrations on Silom Road an extra day /Bangkok Post

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Min of Transport tackles traffic congestion in tourist destinations

BANGKOK, 14 April 2015 (NNT)-The Ministry of Transport has implemented measures to lessen traffic snarls at tourist destinations around Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817287-thai-transport-ministry-tackles-traffic-congestion-in-tourist-destinations/

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SRT adds 18 more trains for holidaymakers returning to Bangkok

BANGKOK, 14 April 2015 (NNT)-The State Railways of Thailand (SRT) is adding 18 more trains to its service, to accommodate thousands of holidaymakers expected to return to Bangkok on Wednesday.

SRT Governor Wuttichart Kalayanamit said the number of trains required has been calculated on the number of people who left Bangkok by train before the holidays began.

Most of the additional trains will be added to the northeastern and the northern railway routes. The SRT Governor said the trains might be a little crowded on their way back, but no passenger will be left behind.

Train police and SRT staff will maintain order and safety during the return trip. Mr. Wuttichart said today the SRT has performed better this time than in the previous holiday season despite several delays.


-- NNT 2015-04-14

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Chiang Mai planning safe return trip for holidaymakers

CHIANG MAI, 14 April 2015 (NNT)- Chiang Mai has been the province with the 5th highest road fatalities in the country since the Songkran holidays began a few days ago.

According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, at least 6 people have been killed and 86 others injured in road accidents since the safety campaign began last Friday.

Nakhon Sri Thammarat remains the country’s province with the highest road accidents during the holiday period, followed by Surin and Surat Thani respectively.

Deputy Chiang Mai Governor Chana Pangpibul has discussed with related agencies a safety plan for holidaymakers leaving Chiang Mai after the festive season is over.

The province's passenger service center will be accommodating people on their departure instead of facilitating tourist arrivals as the holidays will soon come to an end, said the Deputy Governor.


-- NNT 2015-04-14

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Fifth day death toll now stand at 251



BANGKOK: -- Death toll from road accidents during the past five days of the Songkran festival now increased to 251 dead and 2,532 injured.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817293-songkran-2015-fifth-day-death-toll-now-stand-at-251/

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Songkran on Silom extends to April 15



BANGKOK: -- Sonkgkran water throwing celebration on Silom road will be extended until tomorrow, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) stated Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817297-songkran-on-silom-extends-to-april-15/

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Surat Thani to tighten security measures as accident rises

SURAT THANI, 14 April 2015 (NNT) – Police officers in Surat Thani have been urged to tighten their legal implementation of accident prevention measures due to the increasing number of accidents in the province, says the Surat Thani police commissioner.

The Commissioner of the Surat Thani Provincial Police Pol Maj Gen Apichart Boonsriroj has revealed that he has commanded to all police stations in the province to strictly impose traffic regulations as the number of accident cases, injured persons, and fatalities are considered high during the previous days. Recent rain could also be the cause to more accidents due to the slippery road.

Since 13 April 2015, 25 cases of accident have occurred in Surat Thani which has injured 13 persons and killed 5 people. The accidents were caused by low visibility, overspeeding, and alcohol intoxication.


-- NNT 2015-04-14

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Police house patrol campaign yields effective result

BANGKOK, 14 April 2015 (NNT) – Houses under the police patrol campaign from Songkran holidays are being safely protected with no criminal activity reported, says the deputy police chief.

The Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police Pol Gen Pongsapat Pongcharoen has revealed that the police operations for the house patrolling campaign is progressing well with no incidents occurring at any of the houses under the police's protection in this campaign.

The police deputy chief has said that the Metropolitan Police has utilized the ‘Line’ application and QR Code technology for the campaign. This allows the police and the house owner to communicate with each other, while the patrol has been carried out according to the designated protocols and policies.

4,212 houses have enrolled in this year's campaign, 1,470 of which are in Bangkok. The results of this campaign will be evaluated and summarized for the statistics of burglary cases during festival seasons nationwide.

The police deputy chief has further mentioned that most house owners will return to their homes during the evening of 15 April 2015, which is the last day of the holidays, while some have chosen to return on 16 April 2015, which is the last day of the house patrol campaign.

Meanwhile, police officers have been urged to provide security protection to all houses in the responsible areas, both registered and those unregistered under this campaign.

-- NNT 2015-04-14