Thailand Live Thursday 16 Apr 2015

[webfact]

Energy Min expects power usage to peak during Apr 23-25

BANGKOK, 16 April 2015 (NNT) – The Ministry of Energy has reported that the maintenance of gas pipelines in Myanmar is progressing quickly while expecting the highest energy consumption of the year to occur during April 23-25 as the temperature rises.

Commenting on Myanmar’s temporary closure of its gas fields for the annual pipeline maintenance, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Energy Tawarat Sutabutr disclosed that the works at the Yetagun gas field have been completed by over 58 percent and at the Yadana gas field by 61 percent. He assured that full completion at both fields will be made within the scheduled timeframe and gas delivery to Thailand will resume on time.

As summer is in full swing, Mr Tawarat said the annual peak load of electricity is expected to be recorded between April 23 and 25, which is forecast to be the hottest period of the year. Nonetheless, the total consumption of power is likely to be lower than the projection by 1,000-2,500 megawatts. The reduction is attributable to the stormy weather conditions in many areas as well as public involvement in energy conservation.

On the occasion of Songkran Day, the Deputy Permanent Secretary encouraged the public to keep all electrical devices away from water for safety reasons and to get involved in the energy-saving campaign.

-- NNT 2015-04-16

[webfact]

Politicians in South involved in Samui bombing

BANGKOK: -- Royal Thai Police commissioner Pol Gen Somyot Phumphanmuang stated on Wednesday that several leading politicians in the South have knowledge and assisted suspects in the Central Festival Samui car bomb attack last week.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817576-politicians-in-south-involved-in-samui-bombing/

[webfact]

UPDATE:

SAMUI ATTACK
Ex-MPs 'involved' in bomb blast
The Nation

Police deputy chief says politicians supported the attack; Phra Suthep slammed by Pheu Thai for hinting at Thaksin's role

BANGKOK: -- FORMER MPS with significant influence in the South might have been involved in the recent vehicle-bomb blast at Central Festival Samui shopping mall in the southern province of Surat Thani, two senior police chiefs said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817576-politicians-in-south-involved-in-samui-bombing/#entry9307823

[webfact]

UPDATE:

Songkran death toll hits 306
Wattana Khamchu
The Nation



Surin tops the list with 15 deaths during six-day holiday perIod

BANGKOK: -- AS SONGKRAN holidaymakers started their journey back to Bangkok and officials intensified safety measures on highways, the Road Safety Centre yesterday said that the first six days (April 9-14) of Songkran had seen 2,915 road accidents. They claimed 306 lives and left 3,070 injured.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817454-seven-deadly-days-of-songkran-2015-fatalities-in-six-days-now-reach-306/page-3?p=9307825#entry9307825

[webfact]

SURVEY:

Is it in Thailand's interest to be closely aligned with China?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816746-is-it-in-thailands-interest-to-be-closely-aligned-with-china/

[webfact]

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
New charter does not address root cause of national conflict: Abhisit
Jintana Panyaarvudh,
Nitipol Kiravanich
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has identified several flaws in the 315-article draft constitution, saying he is not convinced it will help solve the country's many problems, but may, in fact, lead to new ones.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817645-new-charter-does-not-address-root-cause-of-national-conflict-abhisit/

[webfact]

BETTER EDUCATION SYSTEM?
National probe finds desire for end to graft
Kanitha Tepjorn
The Nation

Hope for better education system also key, CDC sub-panel's consultation reveals

BANGKOK: -- A CLEAN Thailand without corruption, a better education system and a united society were the top three issues for the public that emerged regarding the country's future during a closed consultation process in 10 provinces.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817646-national-probe-finds-desire-for-end-to-graft/

[webfact]

Arrivals may not meet forecast
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- TOURISM MAY not meet its arrivals forecast if aviation safety concerns are not cleared up, key tourism bodies warned this week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817647-thai-tourism-may-not-meet-its-arrivals-forecast/

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
Law must clamp down heavily on drunk driving
The Nation

An active campaign needs to be launched so that the festive season does not become days of mourning for some

BANGKOK: -- Drunk driving has continued to be the main factor in road accidents during the long Songkran holiday period this year. It has accounted for more than 47 per cent of the more than 2,900 accidents that happened during the period of the road-safety campaign for the annual "water festival", when millions of people all over the country travel and have fun.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817648-thai-editorial-law-must-clamp-down-heavily-on-drunk-driving/

[webfact]

THAI TALK
Real reform can't begin without tackling old ailments
Suthichai Yoon
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- No, we haven't been officially labelled the new "Sick Man of Asia" just yet. But if we dig deep enough into our social, economic and political ailments that are being addressed by the National Reform Council (NRC), we might find the task so daunting that it's hard to see light at the other end of the tunnel.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817649-thai-talk-real-reform-cant-begin-without-tackling-old-ailments/

[webfact]

Police detain man who threatened to burn down Central Pattaya apartment block

PATTAYA: -- On Wednesday afternoon, Pattaya Police were called to an apartment block in Central Pattaya to deal with a drunken Muay Thai Boxer who had started a fire inside his rented room and had earlier threatened to burn down the entire block.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817650-police-detain-man-who-threatened-to-burn-down-central-pattaya-apartment-block/

[webfact]

FALL RIVER, Massachusetts (AP) - Ex-NFL star Aaron Hernandez formally sentenced to life in prison without parole for murder.

[webfact]

4,212 Homes Under Police Guardianship During Songkran

BANGKOK: -- About 4,212 homes, mostly in Bangkok, are under police guardianship during the Songkran celebration, according to Deputy chief Pol General Pongsapat Pongcharoen. Thais had the chance to register their homes under the “Leaving Home with the Police” campaign.

Of the 4,212 homes under police care, approximately 1,470 are in Bangkok. The Provincial Police Region 1 will be taking care of 694 homes in the Central Plains provinces, the most in the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817637-4212-homes-under-police-guardianship-during-songkran/

[webfact]

Iain and Elaine Marshall Share Details of Ferry Explosion

Shani Maril of Modiin, Israel

A new recount of the doomed ferry that killed 12-year old Shani Maril, who was on vacation as a Bat-Mitzvah present, has been released by her grandparents, Iain and Elaine Marshall.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817639-iain-and-elaine-marshall-share-details-of-ferry-explosion/

[webfact]

Arrest Warrant Issued for Peerapat Singhon for Tour Fraud

Phuket Diamond Tours (photo from website)

Peerapat Singhon failed to adhere to a police summons. Mr. Peerapat is accused of defrauding a tour company in Phuket of 1.5 million baht. An arrest warrant has been issued.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817638-arrest-warrant-issued-for-peerapat-singhon-for-tour-fraud/

[webfact]

Chiang Mai attracts less local tourists during Songkran festival this year



CHIANG MAI: -- Chiang Mai Toursim Business Association says the number of tourists visiting Chiang Mai during the Songkran festival this year is lower than expected, especially local tourists.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817656-chiang-mai-attracts-less-local-tourists-during-songkran-festival-this-year/

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE
Beating corruption needs strong action and enhanced scrutiny
Attayuth Bootsripoom

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has clearly stated that ordinary laws would be applied in dealing with state officials accused of involvement in irregularities. This assurance has allayed concern among many people who were afraid that special powers might be used.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817657-thai-politics-beating-corruption-needs-strong-action-and-enhanced-scrutiny/

[webfact]

Minister won't reveal names on graft list
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Interior Minister Suthi Makbun yesterday refused to confirm that some of the 100-plus officials on the corruption blacklist were ministry officials involved in the procurement of herbicides and fertiliser.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817658-minister-wont-reveal-names-on-graft-list/

[webfact]

Five youths arrested over Bang Na explosions
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Five teenagers were arrested yesterday for the illegal possession of explosives, which accidentally went off and injured three on Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817659-five-youths-arrested-over-bangkok-bang-na-explosions/

[webfact]

High-profile suspects behind pyramid scheme 'have left Thailand'
Angsuma Sridokkham
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE CRIMINAL Court has issued arrest warrants for Lt-General Athiwat Sunpan and his wife Jirapimon for their alleged involvement in the U-Fun Store's alleged pyramid scheme, assistant national police chief Lt-General Suwira Songmetta said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817660-high-profile-suspects-behind-pyramid-scheme-have-left-thailand/

[webfact]

Horse-mounted patrols aid security in Pattani
The Nation



PATTANI: -- AN INITIATIVE to use horses for patrols in parts of the restive South by a paramilitary ranger unit seems to be paying off.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817661-horse-mounted-patrols-aid-security-in-pattani/

[webfact]

Credit card firms eye installment idea
SUCHEERA PINIJPARAKARN
THE NATION

LEADING credit-card operators are keen to cash in on the rising trend of shopping online by focusing on offering instalment options to cardholders and payment gateways to retailers that are more active in this channel.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817662-credit-card-firms-eye-installment-idea/

[webfact]

Ex-NFL star Hernandez convicted of murder, sentenced to life
By MICHELLE R. SMITH

FALL RIVER, Mass. (AP) — Former New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison Wednesday for a deadly late-night shooting, sealing the downfall of an athlete who once had a $40 million contract and a standout career ahead of him.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817663-ex-nfl-star-hernandez-convicted-of-murder-sentenced-to-life/

[webfact]

Clinton faces promise, risk of being seen as 3rd Obama term
By LISA LERER and KEN THOMAS

NORWALK, Iowa (AP) — Hillary Rodham Clinton came to Iowa to give voters an intimate glance of who she'd be as president. What they got instead was a glimpse into the complicated relationship between the current inhabitant of the White House and the woman who hopes to follow in his path.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817664-clinton-faces-promise-risk-of-being-seen-as-3rd-obama-term/

[webfact]

Australian supermarket shuts website in Veterans' Day furor
ROD McGUIRK, Associated Press

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia's biggest supermarket chain on Wednesday apologized and pulled down a website that has been widely criticized of commercializing the centenary of the country's Veterans' Day.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817665-australian-supermarket-shuts-website-in-anzac-day-furor/

[webfact]

Israeli ultra-Orthodox site cuts Kim Kardashian from photo

JERUSALEM (AP) — An Israeli ultra-Orthodox Jewish news website has cut Kim Kardashian — one of the world's most photographed women — from a photo taken of her in Jerusalem this week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817666-israeli-ultra-orthodox-site-cuts-kim-kardashian-from-photo/

[webfact]

Israeli researchers say attacks against Jews spiked in 2014
By ARIEL DAVID

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Jewish communities around the world faced an "explosion of hatred" last year, with the number of violent anti-Semitic attacks rising by 38 percent, according to a report released Wednesday by Israeli researchers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817667-israeli-researchers-say-attacks-against-jews-spiked-in-2014/

[webfact]

Colombia resumes air raids on rebels after 11 troops killed
JOSHUA GOODMAN, Associated Press
LIBARDO CARDONA, Associated Press

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Colombia's president on Wednesday ordered the resumption of air raids on rebel camps after an attack by leftist guerrillas killed 11 soldiers and wounded 19, jeopardizing progress in two-year-old peace talks.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817668-colombia-resumes-air-raids-on-farc-rebels-after-11-troops-killed/

[webfact]

HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) - Texas executes San Antonio man for killing police officer more than 14 years ago.

[webfact]

UPDATE:

Half of resorts on Koh Tao face eviction

Bangkok: - The Treasury Department plans to evict about half of 128 resorts on Koh Tao, Surat Thani.

Barely 10 per cent of buildings and plots have legal sanctions while most resorts do not have proper land lease agreements, department director general Chakkrit Parapanthakul said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817676-half-of-resorts-on-koh-tao-face-eviction/