Thailand Live Monday 20 Apr 2015

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CENTRAL FESTIVAL SAMUI BOMB BLAST
Teacher among two more suspects arrested over Samui car bomb
Kornkamol Aksorndej,
Nakarin Chinworakomon
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A teacher is among the two new suspects arrested for allegedly playing a role in the Central Festival Samui bomb blast.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/818668-teacher-among-two-more-suspects-arrested-over-samui-car-bomb/

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41 airlines need to be recertified by July: Prajin
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE Transport Ministry is considering asking the prime minister to use Article 44 to help "solve" urgent aviation safety problems, including the need to recertify 41 airlines by the end of June.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/818669-41-airlines-need-to-be-recertified-by-july-prajin/

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Thirty-nine killed on roads over Khmer New Year



CAMBODIA: -- There were 132 road accidents across Cambodia during the Khmer New Year this year in which 39 people were killed, 141 seriously injured and 107 less injured, according to the National Police’s Department of Public Order, reported The Phnom Penh Post.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/818671-thirty-nine-killed-on-roads-over-khmer-new-year/

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45 killed in road accidents during Lao New Year

VIENTIANE: -- Forty-five people were killed in road accidents nationwide from April 12 to 18, according to the Traffic Police Department, Ministry of Public Security.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/818672-45-killed-in-road-accidents-during-lao-new-year/

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SET down 2.91 points at opening /Bangkok Post

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Bali tourist areas exempt from beer ban

BALI: -- A new regulation issued by Indonesia’s Trade Ministry to ban sales of alcoholic beverages at convenience stores, which took effect on Thursday, will not be enforced on Bali as the ministry has decided that tourism areas would be exempted from the ban, The Jakarta Post reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/818676-bali-tourist-areas-exempt-from-beer-ban/

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UPDATE:

Prayut government wins people support after six months in office



BANGKOK: -- Six-month performance of the Prayut government has satisfied the majority of the people particularly in keeping the country in peace and order, and suppressing corruption.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/818542-most-thais-satisfied-with-peace-under-prayut-govt/page-2#entry9321999

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AP: Tsunami warning lifted after quake hits south of Japan

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Princess Sirindhorn visits Japan



BANGKOK: -- Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is now on a week-long visit to Japan from April 18-25, 2015, the Bureau of the Royal Household announced yesterday.

It said Princess Sirindhorn left for Japan on Saturday night at 11.30 p.m.

She will return to Thailand on April 25, at 4.50 a.m.

The bureau stated that while in Japan Princess Sirindhorn will receive honourable doctoral degrees from the University of Tokyo and Soka University in Tokyo.

According to PRD, The princess will also observe activities of various institutes related to science and technology while visiting the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, the Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences at Kyoto University, the Tokyo Institute of Technology, the Faculty of Science of the University of Tokyo, the Japanese Red Cross College of Nursing, the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, and the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex at the Tokai Campus.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/princess-sirindhorn-visits-japan


-- Thai PBS 2015-04-20

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NRC kicks off draft charter debate
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The National Reform Council kicks off a debate on the first draft of the new constitution at 9:30 am Monday by playing a video clip that summarises the works of the Constitution Drafting Committee for about ten minutes.

CDC chairman Borwornsak Uwanno then reported the overall picture of the draft to the meeting for about 20 minutes.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/NRC-kicks-off-draft-charter-debate-30258321.html


-- The Nation 2015-04-20

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Thailand '3rd most popular destination' for Russian presidential bodyguards
Anton Makhrov


FGS boss Evgeny Murov.

PHUKET: -- Bangkok is one of the most attractive destinations for Russia’s presidential bodyguards, according to research by a Phuket-based website.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/818698-thailand-3rd-most-popular-destination-for-russian-presidential-bodyguards/

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6 arrests in US terrorism probe of youth traveling to Syria

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (AP) — Six arrests have been made in connection with a terrorism investigation into youth who have traveled or tried to travel to Syria to fight with militants, including the Islamic State group, federal authorities said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/818699-6-arrests-in-us-terrorism-probe-of-youth-traveling-to-syria/

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EXIM aims to give out 19 billion baht loan this year

BANGKOK, 20 April 2015, (NNT) - The Export-Import Bank of Thailand (EXIM Bank) is prepared to offer a total of 19 billion baht in loans this year, with an emphasis on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/818700-exim-aims-to-give-out-19-billion-baht-loan-this-year/

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Thailand aims to increase number of Russian tourists

BANGKOK, 20 April 2015 (NNT) - The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is urgently stimulating the Russian tourist market following a drop in Russia tourist arrivals in 2014.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/818701-thailand-aims-to-increase-number-of-russian-tourists/

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Borwornsak tells NRC no blueprint for drafting charter
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Constitution Drafting Committee chairman Borwornsak Uwanno affirmed with the National Reform Council on the first day of the debate on the first draft of the new charter that his panel had no blueprint for writing the draft.

He said the draft was written with four main goals - to give power to the people; to bring about clean and balanced politics; to create fairness in the society; and to lead the country to peace.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Borwornsak-tells-NRC-no-blueprint-for-drafting-cha-30258326.html


-- The Nation 2015-04-20

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New Permanent Secretary of Education determined to improve Thai education

BANGKOK, 20 April 2015 (NNT)-The new Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Education has announced a policy that is aimed at raising the competitiveness of Thai education. He was speaking on his first day at the office.

Dr. Kamjorn Tatiyakawee, was appointed the new Permanent Secretary last Friday by the cabinet.

Dr. Kamjorn said he felt the pressure was mounting on him to improve the Thai education system as it is a major public concern.

He is determined to enable the new generation of Thais to be more competitive in the global business world.

More commitment will be required from the Office of the Basic Education Commission, the Vocational Education Commission and the Office of Higher Education Commission to achieve this goal.


-- NNT 2015-04-20

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Nakhon Phanom holds lychee fair at local admin office

NAKHON PHANOM, 20 April 2015, (NNT) - Nakhon Phanom province yesterday held a fair promoting lychee, one of the top local products.

Nakhon Phanom Governor Adisak Thepart presided over the fair, which was held in front of the local administration office in the province’s Muang District.

He revealed that the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives indicated his province has favorable conditions for cultivating lychee. The governor claimed that lychees grown in Nakhon Phanom are famous for their size and sweetness, and are in high demand. The province currently has about 1,500 rai of lychee orchards.

Governor Adisak said that Nakhon Phanom is developing a campaign to educate lychee farmers on agricultural techniques and agribusiness.

At present, local lychee farmers have three ways to distribute their products. The first is to sell directly to customers at the farmer’s market at 50-70 baht per kilogram. The second is to sell the crop at modern trade markets via cooperatives.

The final approach is selling the crop through China-based agents. Lychee is exported from Nakhon Phanom to Laos, Vietnam and China. Products sold this way can retail for as much as 200 baht per kilogram.


-- NNT 2015-04-20

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BMA to regulate sidewalk vendors on Asoke-Montri road



BANGKOK: -- Sidewalk vendors along the Asok-Montri road (Sukhumvit 21 or Soi Asok) will face eviction this week if they continue to defy order of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to move out.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/818715-bma-to-regulate-sidewalk-vendors-on-asoke-montri-road/

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UPDATE:

Asiatique fined THB460,000 for beer images
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- A new sudsy salvo in the war on booze opened with a Japanese restaurant at a popular riverside mall in hot water over some seductive images of foamy head printed in its menu.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/818637-asiatique-restaurant-fined-bt460000-for-showing-beer-bottles-in-menus/page-2#entry9322450

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Bonanza Khao Yai intrudes vast forest reserve and agricultural land reform areas



BANGKOK: -- Bonanza Resort Khao Yai has intruded vast areas of Khao Yai national park and agricultural land reform areas in Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasima and will face forced eviction, according to land reform officer.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/818719-bonanza-khao-yai-intrudes-vast-forest-reserve-and-agricultural-land-reform-areas/

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Thailand deliberates new constitution to end turmoil
AFP

BANGKOK: -- Deliberations began Monday on a new Thai constitution, which includes clauses to stop parties winning a majority and allows unelected officials to govern, in a bid by the Thai junta to end a near-decade of political turmoil.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/818721-thailand-deliberates-new-constitution-to-end-turmoil/

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UPDATE:

Tiger Temple faces confiscation of all its tigers this week



BANGKOK: -- The Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has issued a deadline for the Tiger Temple abbot to hand over all its 147 tigers to the department by Friday or else they will be confiscated.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/818610-parks-chief-asks-kanchanaburi-temple-to-allow-transfer-of-tigers/#entry9322720

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Energy Business Department proposes tax increase on LPG-fuelled cars
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Energy Business Department Director General Withoon Kulcharoenwirat said Monday that he will raise a proposal with the Land Transport Department to increase registration tax on vehicles that uses LPG gas as fuel.

Withoon said the department will also seek an increase of import tariff on LPG gas tanks for vehicle. The proposed tax increases are aimed discouraging the use of LPG in transportation.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Energy-Business-Department-proposes-tax-increase-o-30258330.html


-- The Nation 2015-04-20

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Thai owned motorbike stolen by Caucasian man acting erratically



KOH SAMUI: -- At around 8.20pm on Sunday 19th of April a Caucasian man stole a motorbike belonging to a Thai motorbike rental shop from outside the Family Mart opposite the post office in Maenam.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/818725-thai-owned-motorbike-stolen-by-caucasian-man-acting-erratically/

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McDonald's faces 'cockroach burger' claim in New Zealand
Agence France-Presse
WELLINGTON

WELLINGTON:-- Fast food giant McDonald's said Monday it was aware of a New Zealand woman's allegation she found a half-eaten cockroach in a hamburger bought at one of its South Island restaurants.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/818729-mcdonalds-faces-cockroach-burger-claim-in-new-zealand/

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Chaiyaphum people calls for double-track railway
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Over 1,000 Chaiyaphum people participated in a public hearing at Chaiyaphum Park Hotel to express their support for the construction of double-track railway to pass through their province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/818730-chaiyaphum-people-calls-for-double-track-railway/

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MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) - Police: at least 6 killed in bombing of bus carrying UN employees in northern Somalia.

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Section 44 won’t resolve lottery overpricing at the core of the problem



BANGKOK: -- The plan of Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to exercise Section 44 of the interim constitution to resolve overpricing of lottery tickets drew opposition from lottery vendors and academics with reason it won't solve the core of the problem.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/818731-section-44-wont-resolve-lottery-overpricing-at-the-core-of-the-problem/

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Five Deputy Prime Ministers to appear on TV to talk about government achievements

BANGKOK, 20 April 2015 (NNT)- Five Deputy Prime Ministers are scheduled to appear on ‘The Future of Thailand’ TV program at the end of this month to talk about the current state of the country and government’s achievements.

The five include Defense Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan, Deputy Prime Minister for economy M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula, Deputy Prime Minister and social expert Yongyut Yutthawong, Foreign Minister General Thanasak Patimapakorn, and Deputy Prime Minister and legal advisor to the Prime Minister, Dr. Wissanu Kruengarm. They will be on the program, to be televised live on the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand, on April 27th – May 1st; from 20.30 – 21.00 pm .

The five deputy prime ministers will be talking about the government’s achievements in various areas and what Thailand is going through at present. The Defense Minister will appear on the first day of the broadcast, and M.R. Pridiyathorn is scheduled to speak about the Thai economy on the following day.

Mr. Yongyut will appear on the show on April 29th, and the Foreign Minister will talk about foreign relations on the next day. Dr. Wissanu will be the last person to address the country's legal issues on the last day of the high profile TV appearance.


-- NNT 2015-04-20

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NRC urged to give citizens more political participation

BANGKOK, 20 April 2015 (NNT) - A citizens group has delivered a petition calling for the democratization of appointing members to independent organizations with juristic authority.

Lieutenant General Dr Kamolpan Cheewapansri delivered the petition to the Chairman of the National Reform Council (NRC) Tienchai Keeranan, asking for public involvement in the appointment of members to independent organizations such as the National Anti-Corruption Commission or the Election Committee of Thailand.

The group also argued that Thai citizens should have the right to directly petition juristic organizations to consider legal cases.

Furthermore, the group urged charter drafters to empower Thais in the new constitution for the sake of sustainable national reform. Lt. Gen. Dr. Kamolpan argued that more democracy would prevent power from resting in the hands of corrupt politicians.


-- NNT 2015-04-20