Thailand Live Monday 27 Apr 2015

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Customs Dept set to ask Govt's permission to sell confiscated rosewood logs

BANGKOK, 27 April 2015, (NNT) -The Customs Department is proposing that Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha use Section 44 of the interim constitution to grant it permission to sell 318,000 logs of wood and 127,000 logs of rosewood confiscated from illegal logging rings.

According to the department’s Director General Somchai Sajjapong, the department has estimated the market value of the logs at 4 billion baht. He explained the sales request, saying the department is running out of storage space for all this prized timber.

He said his department plans to offer the logs to government units first, adding that the private sector could also purchase some of the stock. Mr. Somchai said later that the logs could also be offered on the international market.


-- NNT 2015-04-27

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SET up 2.97 points at opening /Bangkok Post

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Finnish tourist beaten up by Britons

Pattaya, Chon Buri:- A drunk Finnish tourist was beaten allegedly by four Britons outside a Pattaya bar late Sunday night, police said.

The Finnish man was identified only as Yenni, 40. A Briton was later arrested after the incident.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/820525-finnish-tourist-beaten-up-by-britons/

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Defense Min officials to evaluate the palm oil price issue

BANGKOK, 27 April 2015, (NNT) - Defense Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan has instructed related units to evaluate the current situation of palm oil production, while finding measures to prevent product smuggling from neighboring Malaysia.

The Thai Oil Palm and Palm Oil Association Secretary-General Wiwan Boonyaprateeprat, made the announcement, saying the study would look into the palm oil industry's output, stock and demand, in order to formulate appropriate measures to address the present low price of the raw product.

She said drought damages palm oil production, as harsh weather conditions slash the amount of oil that can be extracted from the palms from 17% to 15%-16%.

Currently the market price of raw palm oil is 3.25 - 3.40 baht a kilogram, however the cost of producing the oil is 3.38 baht a kilogram, Ms. Wiwan said.

The Secretary-General said processed palm oil is now priced at 25 - 26 baht a kilo, which is much higher than that being sold in Malaysia at 19-20 baht a kilo, sparking concerns of possible smuggling. However she stated General Prawit has instructed the Customs Department to step up inspections to prevent such an illegal activity.


-- NNT 2015-04-27

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Vacation home seized at Thap Lan National Park

Nakhon Ratchasima – The authorities of Thap Lan National Park have raided and seized the vacation home under construction on suspicion of encroaching on the park.

Thap Lan is the country’s second largest national park straddling two provinces, Nakhon Ratchasima and Prachin Buri.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/820530-vacation-home-seized-at-thap-lan-national-park/

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Phallus dispute shuts temple down, temporarily

Nakhon Si Thammarat – A Buddhist temple has temporarily shut itself down following a dispute with a surrounding community over the installation of a phallus.

Wat Kang Pla abbot Worathamphiphat put up a billboard declaring that his temple would remain closed until the dispute could be resolved.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/820535-phallus-dispute-shuts-temple-down-temporarily/

[thai tech]

Google discontinues the Nexus 7 tablet



It seems like just a matter of time, but now it’s been officially confirmed – Google’s Nexus 7 tablet is now discontinued. The affordable and feature-rich 7-inch tablet has disappeared from the Google Store, where a red label states that the device is no longer available for purchase.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/google-discontinues-nexus-7/9741/

[thai tech]

Russian hackers read President Obama’s emails last year




Some of President Obama’s emails were exposed to Russian hackers as part of a White House computer breach last year. The hackers managed to poke around into the unclassified system, but no classified networks were compromised, according to the The New York Times this week. Apparently, the servers that control access to Obama’s BlackBerry smartphone remained secure.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/russian-hackers-read-obama-email/9727/

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Thai-born doctor dies in Nepal earthquake
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: Eve Girawong

KATHMANDU: -- Marisa Eve Girawong, a Thai-American physician at the Mt. Everest base camp was killed under an avalanche of ice and rock caused by Saturday’s 7.9 magnitude earthquake in Nepal.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/820560-thai-born-doctor-dies-in-nepal-earthquake/

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PM joining 26th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia

BANGKOK, 27 April 2015 (NNT) - Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has attended the opening ceremony of the 26th ASEAN Summit this morning in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The 26th summit is aimed at paving the way for the integration of member nations under the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) at the end of this year, as well as to enhance the standard of living of ASEAN citizens. The three-day event will come to an end tomorrow.

Prime Minister Prayut also met with representatives of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and its regional business sector earlier today.

The Prime Minister, his wife and members of the Cabinet are scheduled to fly to Langkawi Island to attend the closing ceremony.


-- NNT 2015-04-27

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Min. of Defense to send help to quake survivors in Nepal

BANGKOK, 27 April 2015 (NNT) - The Ministry of Defense has been planning to deploy medical teams and airplanes in a rescue effort to help quake survivors in Nepal.

Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said the armed forces are prepared and ready to help Nepal after the 7.8 quake hit Kathmandu on Saturday.

The Royal Thai Police will also help the country with forensics-related work.

Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Army will encourage supply donations to be made to the quake survivors in Nepal via the Royal Thai Army Radio and Television Channel 5 tomorrow onward.


-- NNT 2015-04-27

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NRC whip: Draft charter deliberation has been smooth

BANGKOK, 27 April 2015 (NNT) - The National Reform Council whip has stated that the deliberation of the first draft of the Constitution has been smooth from the start.

According to NRC whip spokesman Wanchai Sornsiri, the deliberation process during the past six days has not hit any snags and all proposals from NRC members have been straightforward and right to the point.

There have also been calls for efforts to help Thailand achieve a new and strong base that will be sustainable — in line with the charter drafting process’s four focuses on empowering the people, promoting clean politics, encouraging for a justice society and the restoration of peace, Mr. Wanchai said.

He added that the CDC is now preparing to make changes to the draft charter which the NRC has suggested in order to make the new Constitution effectively reflect the voices of the people.


-- NNT 2015-04-27

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Clinton Foundation admits missteps in donor disclosure
By HOPE YEN

WASHINGTON (AP) — The acting chief executive of the Clinton Foundation is acknowledging the global philanthropy made mistakes in how it disclosed its donors amid growing scrutiny as Hillary Rodham Clinton opens her presidential campaign.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/820564-clinton-foundation-admits-missteps-in-donor-disclosure/

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Rescuers struggle to reach many in Nepal quake, fear worst
By BINAJ GURUBACHARYA and KATY DAIGLE

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — The death toll from Nepal's earthquake soared past 3,300 Monday, and how much higher it would rise depended largely on the condition of vulnerable mountain villages that rescue workers were still struggling to reach two days after the disaster.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/820565-rescuers-struggle-to-reach-many-in-nepal-quake-fear-worst/

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Russian crashes vehicle into Phuket garden nursery
Eakkapop Thongtub


Police believe Mr Mr Abolemov was drunk.

PHUKET: -- A Russian man, who police believe may have been drunk, crashed a Toyota Fortuner into a garden nursery on Srisoonthon Rd in the early hours of this morning (April 27).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/820567-russian-crashes-vehicle-into-phuket-garden-nursery/

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Six workers hurt as Phuket pick-up crashes at speed
Eakkapop Thongtub


The truck lies on its side at the scene

PHUKET: -- Six Myanmar workers were injured and taken to hospital yesterday evening (April 26) when the driver of the pick-up truck taking them to their camp crashed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/820568-six-workers-hurt-as-phuket-pick-up-crashes-at-speed/

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Foreign Affairs to discuss rescue efforts for Thais in Nepal with various agencies

BANGKOK, 27 April 2015 (NNT)-A meeting will be held today to find ways to help Thai nationals affected by the earth quake in Nepal, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said.

Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Sek Wannamethi said various government agencies, including the Ministry of Public Health, the Thai Arm Forces, the Thai Airways, and the Ministry of Defense as well as other relevant units are joining the meeting.

The devastating quake which hit Nepal on Saturday has so far claimed at least 3,000 lives. The Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Suwat Jiraphan, is chairing the meeting today, which is aimed at organizing a rescue effort for Thai citizens and the quake survivors in Nepal.

The Nepalese government has made a request for blankets, tents, medicines, food and water from Thailand. The two governments are discussing and figuring out a way to send the Thai team to the quake-stricken area of Kathmandu.

The Spokesperson further added that the 6 medical students from Srinakharinwirot University who were on mountain climbing trip in Pokhara at the time of the quake are reportedly safe. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in the process of arranging for their return to Thailand.


-- NNT 2015-04-27

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THAI flying to Nepal
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THAI operates flights to Nepal as normal and sets up help unit for its pas?sengersTHAI AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL (THAI) will continue operating flights between Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport and Kathmandu despite the huge earthquake in Nepal, the airline's president said yesterday.

Charamporn Jotikasthira said the airline operated flight TG 319 from Bangkok to Kathmandu, plus return flight TG 320 yesterday.

According to Charamporn, the airline is operating daily flights to Nepal and it also set up an assistance team to help and take care of its passengers.

Early yesterday, rescue workers began a desperate search for survivors after a major earthquake near Kathmandu, a day earlier flattened homes, buildings and temples, causing widespread damage across the region and killing more than 1,800 people.

Tribhuvan International Airport was temporarily closed after the quake but was reopened for services after a security check.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/THAI-flying-to-Nepal-30258816.html


-- The Nation 2015-04-27

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Marine Department taking swift action against illegal fishing in Thailand

BANGKOK, 27 April 2015 (NNT)-The Marine Department is taking a swift action against illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing (IUU) in Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/820575-marine-dept-taking-swift-action-against-illegal-fishing-in-thailand/

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SET up 2.26 to 1,557.72 at noon / Bangkok Post

[Lite Beer]

Industrial index drops in March to five months low

BANGKOK: -- Industrial confidence index dropped in March for the third month in a row to 88.9 from 87.7 in February, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) said on Monday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/820585-industrial-index-drops-in-march-to-five-months-low/

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More precipitation forecast tomorrow in Thailand until early May

BANGKOK, 27 April 2015 (NNT) - The Department of Meteorology said that Thailand will continue to have precipitation until early next month.

The department reported that the high pressure system in the the South China Sea is weakening, but continued to bring humidity to the upper regions. A westerly wind from Myanmar is expected to move to the North of Thailand tomorrow.

Meanwhile, a southeasterly wind continued to blow from the Gulf of Thailand and the South, bringing humidity and precipitation. The southeasterly wind will also bring more humidity to the Northeast, the East and the Central Plains from the Gulf of Thailand.

Thais across the country are warned that thundershowers and strong winds are expected during this week. People can expect the wet and windy weather until May 2.


-- NNT 2015-04-27

[thai tech]

Google Thailand wants to get more Thai businesses online



Pete Nuchanatanon, Google Thailand’s newly appointed head of marketing, says he wants more small and medium sized enterprises to benefit from being online and using Google’s services.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/google-thailand-wants-to-get-more-thai-businesses-online/9780/

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Prayuth: Politicians Cannot Change Election Date
By Khaosod English



Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha at the Air Force Base in Bangkok, 26 April 2015.

BANGKOK — Junta chairman and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha expressed resistance to postponing the election scheduled for early next year, citing the time frame outlined in the interim constitution.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/820588-prayuth-politicians-cannot-change-election-date/

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Roadside bomb blast in Pattani kills a soldier and wounds another



PATTANI: -- One soldier was killed and another seriously wounded in a roadside bomb blast while they were patrolling on Highway 409 in Khok Pho district of Pattani Monday morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/820591-roadside-bomb-blast-in-pattani-kills-a-soldier-and-wounds-another/

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Southern Army Chief Pleads Militants to Stop Targeting Civilians
By Khaosod English


Lt.Gen. Prakarn Chollayuth met with Muslim cleris at Nurul Huda mosque in Narathiwat, 27 April 2015

NARATHIWAT — The commander of the Fourth Region Army has urged insurgents in Thailand's southern border provinces stop targeting civilians, especially children.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/820592-southern-thai-army-chief-pleads-militants-to-stop-targeting-civilians/

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Citizen's group submits proposals to CDC

BANGKOK, 27 April 2015 (NNT) - The Serichon Thailand 2015 group has submitted a petition to the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) containing suggestions for a more democratic constitution.

The group’s leader delivered the petition to CDC member Paiboon Nititawan. Serichon Thailand claimed that several provisions within the draft constitution could lead to future problems.

Provisions that the group cited as being problematic included the new mixed member proportional electoral system for the House of Representatives, the new composition of the Senate and allowing a non-MP to assume the premiership.

The group claimed such provisions are a step back in the country’s democratic development.

The group expressed hope that the CDC would take into consideration the suggestions contained in the petition, which they believed will help solve the country’s longstanding problems.


-- NNT 2015-04-27

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Criminal Court acquits Malika of defaming Yingluck over hotel meeting



BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court today acquitted deputy spokesperson of the Democrat party Mrs Malika Boonmeetrakul of libel charge for criticising former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra in attending a private meeting with businessmen at Four Seasons hotel three years ago.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/820621-criminal-court-acquits-malika-of-defaming-yingluck-over-hotel-meeting/

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) - World badminton federation imposes backdated 8-month doping ban on former No. 1 Lee Chong Wei.

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Thai customs make new three-tonne ivory seizure
AFP

BANGKOK: -- More than three tonnes of elephant ivory have been found at a Thai port stashed in a container shipped from Kenya, customs said Monday, the second huge haul of tusks from Africa in less than a week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/820624-thai-customs-make-new-three-tonne-ivory-seizure/