Thailand Live Thursday 16 Apr 2015

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Railway Police: No major incidents during Songkran travel period

BANGKOK, 16 April 2015 (NNT) – Around 100,000 people are expected to return to Bangkok by trains after spending the Songkran holidays in other provinces, according to the Railway Police.

No serious incidents have been reported despite the huge number of train passengers during the holiday travel period, said Police Major General Chirasan Kaewsaeng-ek, the Railway Police Division commander. There were only two minor injuries reported on April 11, when two passengers fell onto the coupling on a train. Other incidents involved arrests of persons in possession of drugs on trains.

The Railway Police commander said no passengers were left stranded at any train station. The State Railway of Thailand had provided trains during the Songkran travel period, with an additional 30 trains being operated on Wednesday.


-- NNT 2015-04-16

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Number of Songkran revelers did not die down at Khao San and Silom on last day

BANGKOK, 16 April 2015 (NNT) – The number of Songkran revelers at Khao San and Silom roads in Bangkok did not dwindle on the last day of the water splashing festivities on Wednesday.

At Khao San Road, throngs of Thais and foreigners were enjoying the water play throughout Wednesday amid tight security by police and military officials. The security officials, some of whom were working undercover, were on guard against violence, contraband and alcohol. Despite the official ban at Khao San, many Songkran revelers had been mixing powdered marl with water. Visitors to Khao San Rd. were reportedly dressed in less revealing garments this year, owing to repeated calls by authorities for a safer and more polite celebration of Songkran this year.

On the same day, water-gun toting tourists littered Silom Road after the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration decided to extend the afternoon and evening ban on vehicular traffic for another day, allowing Songkran revelers to enjoy another day of unimpeded water splashing in safety. The 80 meters long 'water tunnel' erected by Bangkok City Hall still operated, continually dousing visitors in water. In the same manner as at Khao San, security officials on Silom Rd. tried to prevent visitors from bringing in powdered marl, alcoholic drinks and weapons.

City Hall personnel reportedly started cleaning up both Khao San and Silom roads at midnight so they can be opened to traffic on the morning of Thursday.


-- NNT 2015-04-16

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PRD Director-General: Government newsletter will soon be distributed nationwide

BANGKOK, 16 April 2015 (NNT) - The Public Relations Department chief has revealed that a newsletter detailing the government’s performances so far will soon be distributed across the country.

PRD Director-General Apinan Juntarungsri said that the Government newsletter initiative, recommended by Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, is progressing well.

Gen. Prayut suggested that such a publication should be produced to help disseminate important news from the government to the people of Thailand.

According to Mr. Apinan,, the PRD has included in the upcoming newsletter key issues the government would like to share with the public and provided a section in which people’s opinions are published.

He stated that the newsletter will serve as a medium for the government and the public to communicate.

He went on to say that the new publication will soon be distributed across the country and through key locations such as train stations, and important places like government offices.


-- NNT 2015-04-16

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Two Chinese tourists killed, another injured in car crash

Prachuap Khiri Khan:- Two Chinese tourists were killed and another badly injured when they were hit by a speeding car in Mueang district late Wednesday night.

The car did not stop at the scene but it dragged a body about 200 meters away before it stopped about 2 kilometers from the spot, police said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817689-two-chinese-tourists-killed-another-injured-in-car-crash/

[thai tech]

Antitrust: EU alleges Google’s abuses hurt consumers, innovation



BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union’s escalating legal attack on Google is likely to ignite a debate about whether the Internet search leader makes life more convenient for consumers or abuses its power to squeeze out rivals who might have something better to offer.

The contrasting views of Google’s business practices came into sharper focus Wednesday after Europe’s antitrust regulators challenged the Mountain View, California, company on two different fronts.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/antitrust-eu-alleges-googles-abuses-hurt-consumers-innovation/9082/

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The Ministry of Public Health warns drinkers of alcohol withdrawal effects after Songkran

BANGKOK, 16 April 2015, (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health has expressed concerns over the effects of alcohol withdrawal after Songkran celebrations, advising drinkers to rest, and refrain from drinking energy drinks and from driving.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817693-thai-health-ministry-warns-drinkers-of-alcohol-withdrawal-effects-after-songkran/

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UNESCO and Thai agencies unite in producing new tour guides

BANGKOK, 16 April 2015, (NNT) - Deputy Director of the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), Chuwit Mitrchob, has announced a campaign to produce a new generation of tour guides with expertise in Thailand's world heritage sites.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817694-unesco-and-thai-agencies-unite-in-producing-new-tour-guides/

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SET opens up 11.79 to 1,559.62 points /Bangkok Post

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Marine helicopter is forced to land on California beach
By GILLIAN FLACCUS


Image source: Internet

SOLANA BEACH, Calif. (AP) — A huge Marine Corps helicopter made an emergency landing on a Southern California beach on Wednesday, bringing no damages or injuries but leaving an unforgettable spectacle for surrounding swimmers and sunbathers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817697-marine-helicopter-is-forced-to-land-on-california-beach/

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The Northeastern Women's Empowerment Fund, to address female related issues

NAKHON PHANOM, 16 April 2015, (NNT) - The Northeastern Women's Empowerment Fund is to address female related issues and improve the overall living conditions of women in the region.

President of the fund, Sujinda Sriworakhan, said that the agency is responsible for developing women's role in the region’s 20 provinces. She claimed that the organization’s works have so far progressed smoothly with all sides contributing to the effort, resulting in an improvement in the quality of life of the local women.

The agency provides financial aide to female members of the community, giving them a chance to make a career, by offering for sale, value added products such as local garments and dried pork, and the famous souvenirs of Nakhonphanom, Sakolnakhon and Loie.

Ms Sujinda said the problems in the region are similar to those in other regions, which are teenage pregnancy and narcotics. She said the agency had already dispatched officials to educate local teens in life matters, adding that it would work with other related units to eliminate regional problems.


-- NNT 2015-04-16

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Over 2,000 public buses detected speeding during Songkran

BANGKOK: -- Land transport department says a total of 2,046 public buses were detected speeding during the past six days of the Songkran festival from April 9-14.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817719-over-2000-public-buses-detected-speeding-during-songkran/

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'Mentally ill' Indonesian worker beheaded in Saudi Arabia

JAKARTA: -- An Indonesian female worker was executed in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday after being on a death row for over 15 years for killing her boss, The Jakarta Globe reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817721-mentally-ill-indonesian-worker-beheaded-in-saudi-arabia/

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Transport Minister may apply Section 44 to state projects

BANGKOK, 16 April 2015 (NNT) – The Ministry of Transport has been considering the use of Section 44 to expedite its infrastructure projects.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817723-thai-transport-minister-may-apply-section-44-to-state-projects/

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Muslim-majority Indonesia cracks down on alcohol sales

JAKARTA (AFP) - Indonesia on Thursday introduced a ban on small retailers selling most alcoholic drinks, the latest move to curb drinking in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, despite opposition from the industry and in tourism hotspots.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817726-muslim-majority-indonesia-cracks-down-on-alcohol-sales/

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Dangerous radioactive material stolen in Mexico

MEXICO CITY (AFP) - Authorities issued an alert for several Mexican states Wednesday after thieves snatched potentially deadly radioactive material used for industrial radiography.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817727-dangerous-radioactive-material-stolen-in-mexico/

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CDC ready to submit draft charter to NRC

BANGKOK, 16 April 2015 (NNT) - The Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) is set to submit the first draft of the constitution to the National Reform Council on April 17, as well as making it available for public scrutiny.

CDC Second Vice Chairman Manich Suksomchitra said the committee will also summarize the provisions into a visual presentation to be easily understood by the general public.

In addition, the committee will hold three public forums sessions to gather public opinion.

The first is scheduled for May 23 - 24 in Khon Kaen, the second on May 30 - 31 in Nakhon Si Thammarat and the last on June 6 - 7 in Bangkok.


-- NNT 2015-04-16

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Transport Ministry confident no holiday travelers will be stranded

BANGKOK, 16 April 2015 (NNT) - The Ministry of Transport is confident that all Songkran travelers will be able to return home in a timely manner, without being stranded at railway and bus terminals.

Deputy Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith revealed that the Transport Co., Ltd. has prepared an additional 1,300 buses to accommodate the travelers returning from holiday.

He added that Bangkok would expect the most traffic between 4am to 5am this morning. Transport Co., Ltd. has readied an additional 500 buses each for the Mo Chit and Ekkamai bus terminals in Bangkok. Buses have also been added throughout the country’s 23 main routes.

In addition, Mr. Arkhom revealed that the Department of Land Transport has dispatched units to monitor taxi services in order to prevent fare abuse.

The Ministry revealed that this year’s holiday traffic has exceeded its target of 650,000 travelers for a total of 730,000 travelers.


-- NNT 2015-04-16

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Prayut holds meeting of economic minister council

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha held a special meeting of the council of economic ministers at the Thai Kufah Building at 9 am Thursday after a long Songkran holidays.

Prayut arrived at the building at 8:10 am.

He will hold another meeting at 2 pm to make preparations for attending the Asia-Africa Summit in Indonesia on April 21 and 22.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Prayut-holds-meeting-of-economic-minister-council-30258072.html


-- The Nation 2015-04-16

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Asiana flight skids onto grass in Hiroshima
News Desk
The Yomiuri Shimbun

TOKYO: -- An Asiana Airlines plane skidded off the runway while landing at Hiroshima Airport in Mihara, Hiroshima Prefecture, at about 8:05pm on Tuesday. Twenty-five passengers and two crew members were slightly injured, it has been learned.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817730-asiana-flight-skids-onto-grass-in-hiroshima/

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Thai 'caveman' returns home

Mukdanan:- After living with the nature up on a mountain alone for more than one decade, a 74-year-old man has finally reckoned that he will have to come back to his hometown and surround himself with human neighbors once more.

“I am no longer agile. I need to take painkillers regularly now,” Duang Klongklaew told Thairath on Wednesday as he was eagerly looking forwards to seeing his children during the Songkran Festival.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817729-thai-caveman-returns-home/

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Thailand is among countries with world's most beautiful girls



BANGKOK: -- Thailand was named by a leading medical tourism expert and global healthcare consultant Dr Prem Jagyasi among the list of 19 countries where visitors can see the world's most beautiful women.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817732-thailand-is-among-countries-with-worlds-most-beautiful-girls/

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SET rises 16.14 to 1,563.97 at noon /Bangkok Post

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Bangkok:- The first monorail system project of Bangkok to link Ram Indra Road to Tha Phra intersection has cleared the public hearing process and its environmental impact assessment is expected to be approved by the Cabinet in six months, a Bangkok deputy governor said.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817737-bangkoks-first-monorail-clears-hearing-process/

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A total of 3,373 road accidents occurred nationwide during April 9-15 with 364 deaths and 3,559 injuries, says the Interior Ministry /Bangkok Post

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364 people killed during '7 dangerous Songkran holidays'

BANGKOK: -- A total of 3,373 road accidents happened during the seven-day monitoring period from April 9 to 15, killing 364 people and injuring 3,559 others, the Road Safety Centre announced Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817768-364-people-killed-during-7-dangerous-songkran-holidays/

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Most Thais want to directly elect PM: survey

BANGKOK: -- An opinion survey carried out by the Political Development Council found that 70 per cent of 1, 478 respondents want to elect the prime minister directly, the council's president, Thirapat Serirangsan, said Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817769-most-thais-want-to-directly-elect-pm-survey/

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Indonesian fighter jet catches fire on runway, pilot jumps to safety

JAKARTA (AFP) - An Indonesian fighter jet caught fire just before take-off on Thursday, prompting the pilot to jump to safety as flames and thick smoke engulfed the plane, officials said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817770-indonesian-fighter-jet-catches-fire-on-runway-pilot-jumps-to-safety/

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UPDATE:

Only five provinces have no Songkran road toll

BANGKOK: -- Only five provinces saw no one killed in road accidents during the seven-day monitoring period from April 9 to 15 for Songkran holidays, the Road Safety Centre announced Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/817768-364-people-killed-during-7-dangerous-songkran-holidays/#entry9309345

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RID urges public to conserve water amid drought

BANGKOK, 16 April 2015 (NNT) - The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has urged people to conserve water, as only 54 percent of total capacity remains in reservoirs across Thailand.

The RID reported that out of 37 billion cubic meters of water stored in the country, only 14 billion cubic meters can be used for consumption.

Water levels in every region are declining. In the North of Thailand, the combined amount of water from various dams and reservoirs is 10 billion cubic meters. This translates to only 50 percent of water capacity left in the North.

An estimated 27 billion cubic meters of water remains in the Central and West regions, and only 1 billion cubic meters in the Northeast.


-- NNT 2015-04-16

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) - Malaysia: Search area for Flight 370 will be doubled if plane is not found by May.