Thailand Live Tuesday 5 May 2015

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Ericsson States That Thailand is a “Networked Society”

Ericsson states that the world is becoming connected and entire industries are being changed thanks to the Internet. The company believes societies are becoming collaborative as a result and that Thailand is what is called a “networked society.”

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822594-ericsson-states-that-thailand-is-a-networked-society/

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Motorist kills, injures cyclists once again

Bangkok:- Less than two days after the tragic accident in Chiang Mai, another car ploughed into three cyclists on a Bangkok road Monday night, fatally injuring one and badly injuring two others.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822645-motorist-kills-injures-cyclists-once-again/

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'Exceptional' NYPD officer dies from gunshot wound to head
By MICHAEL BALSAMO

NEW YORK (AP) — A 25-year-old police officer shot in the head while attempting to stop a man suspected of carrying a handgun died Monday from his injuries, the third New York City officer slain on duty in five months.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822655-exceptional-nypd-officer-dies-from-gunshot-wound-to-head/

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GOP field grows: Longshots Fiorina, Carson launch their bids
By STEVE PEOPLES and ED WHITE

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former technology executive Carly Fiorina and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson joined the rapidly expanding 2016 Republican presidential class on Monday, casting themselves as political outsiders in underdog campaigns, eager to challenge the elite of both parties.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822656-gop-field-grows-longshots-fiorina-carson-launch-their-bids/

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Tropical storms and intense heat cause problems in several provinces

BANGKOK, 5 May 2015 (NNT) – The current bout of intense heat is causing problems for chicken farm owners in Uthai Thani and vegetable growers in Nakhon Sawan; meanwhile, tropical storms triggered landslides in Yala and damaged homes in Nakhon Ratchasima and Sisaket.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822659-tropical-storms-and-intense-heat-cause-problems-in-several-thai-provinces/

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Food-deprived wild elephants trash mango plantation in Buriram

BURIRAM, 5 May 2015 (NNT) A mango plantation in Buriram province has been ravaged by wild elephants that have wandered away from the local forest reserve foraging for food during the dry season.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822660-food-deprived-wild-elephants-trash-mango-plantation-in-buriram/

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BMTA to finalize the 489 NGV purchasing deal this week



BANGKOK, 5 May 2015, (NNT) - The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) stated that it would finalize the purchase of 489 Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) buses.

BMTA Acting Director Pranee Sukasorn said the state enterprise this week is negotiating the price for each vehicle and the maintenance fee for an entire year. She assured the public that the agency would secure an optimum contract.

The BMTA has held three auctions for the new NGV buses with about ten firms. The auctions have narrowed tenders to only a couple companies.

Ms. Pranee speculated that the firms which withdrew from the auctions could not justify the contract’s cost-benefit ratio and chose to step aside.

-- NNT 2015-05-05

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Prajin plans to turn all public buses, trains into electric vehicles
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Transport Minister Prajin Juntong said he planned to have all buses of the Transport Company and all trains use electric engines instead of gas or diesel engines.

He said all trains must use electric engines by 2032. He added that the State Railway of Thailand will from now on rent train engines instead of buying them.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Prajin-plans-to-turn-all-public-buses-trains-into--30259342.html


-- The Nation 2015-05-05

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US calls for speedy inquiry into Thai mass grave
David Brunnstrom
Reuters
WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON: -- The United States, which has censured Thailand for failing to act against human trafficking, called on Monday for a speedy and credible inquiry into the discovery of a mass grave containing more than two dozen bodies thought to be of ethnic migrants.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822695-us-calls-for-speedy-inquiry-into-thai-mass-grave/

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Israel veterans group alleges Israeli misconduct in Gaza war

JERUSALEM (AP) — An Israeli group that collects testimonies from combat soldiers published accounts Monday from last year's Gaza war alleging indiscriminate fire killed Palestinian civilians.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822696-israel-veterans-group-alleges-israeli-misconduct-in-gaza-war/

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NEPAL QUAKE: 80% of tourists cancel reservations
Sangam Prasain
The Kathmandu Post

KATHMANDU: -- Hoteliers have reported that 80 per cent of “spring breakers” have cancelled their reservations after a 7.9 magnitude earthquake rattled the country on April 25, causing widespread devastation. The future of Nepal’s high-end tourism is also in jeopardy after an avalanche in the Mt Everest region put the climbing season in uncertainty.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822698-nepal-quake-80-of-tourists-cancel-reservations/

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Six police officers transferred pending investigation into hidden Rohingya graves

BANGKOK, 5 May 2015 (NNT) – Royal Thai Police Commissioner Somyot Pumpanmuang would reportedly transfer the commander of Satun Provincial Police and five other policemen at Padang Besa sub-district in Sadao district of Songkhla in connection with the discovery of 26 graves of Rohingya migrants.

Police General Somyot met with authorities in Songkhla on Monday over the hidden shelters and graves of Rohingya migrants discovered in the woods in Padang Besa sub-district. After his meeting, the police chief told reporters that warrants had been issued for eight people, four of whom had been arrested. The arrested men were Myanmar nationals between 40-48 years of age. Police believe state officials have been involved in running the hidden shelters.

Pol. Gen. Somyot said he was transferring the head of Satun Provincial Police, Police Majpr General Soontorn Chalermkiat, because of the latter's close ties to the masterminds of the Rohingya trafficking ring, who were residing in Satun.


-- NNT 2015-05-05

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Government pawnshops to charge low interest rates before new school semester
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- All 34 pawnshops of the Social Development and Human Security Ministry will continue to charge low interest rates until June to provide cheap loans to parents before the new school semester, Government Spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp said Tuesday.

The shops will charge only 50 satang per month for a loan of B5,000, 75 satang for a loan between Bt5,001 to Bt10,000 and Bt1 for a loan between Bt10,001 to Bt20,000 as well as Bt1.25 for a loan higher than Bt20,000.

Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Government-pawnshops-to-charge-low-interest-rates--30259347.html


-- The Nation 2015-05-05

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His Majesty the King attends a ceremony to mark the Coronation Day at the Grand Palace /Bangkok Post

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Ailing Thai king makes rare public appearance
AFP

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's revered but ailing King Bhumibol Adulyadej made a rare public appearance on Tuesday, leaving the hospital where he has been convalescing for much of the last few months.

A heavily-guarded convoy carrying the wheelchair-bound 87-year-old monarch left Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital for the Grand Palace, the sprawling complex in the heart of the old quarter that is the seat of the Chakri dynasty.

The palace visit was made on Coronation Day, a Thai public holiday that marks Bhumibol's official coronation in 1950, three years after his reign began following the death of his brother.

The appearance of the world's longest serving monarch after a recent no show will be a source of relief for many Thais who revere him as a semi-divine figure.

He had been expected to appear publicly for his birthday in December, a time when the monarch traditionally addresses his people. But the public audience was cancelled at the last minute on the advice of his doctors.

There is profound concern in Thailand over the kingdom's future as Bhumibol's reign enters its twilight years following nearly a decade of political turbulence.

King Bhumibol, formally known as Rama IX, has spent most of the last few months in hospital after undergoing an operation to remove his gall bladder in October.

In the last two months Bhumibol had made two brief trips from his hospital bed, one in early May to a nearby palace and one last month to view the Chao Praya river that runs through Bangkok.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2015-05-05

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His Majesty chairs Coronation Day ceremony at Amarin Vinijchai Throne Hall
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- His Majesty the King left the Siriraj Hospital at 10:29 am Tuesday to preside over the Coronation Day celebration at Amarin Vinijchai Throne Hall.

As part of the celebration, monks chanted a prayer to bless the King and His Majesty had His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mahavajiralongkorn give offerings to senior monks.

His Majesty the left the Throne Hall back to the hospital at 11:25 am.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/His-Majesty-chairs-Coronation-Day-ceremony-at-Amar-30259348.html


-- The Nation 2015-05-05

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Aussie injured after crashing motorbike into fence in Phuket
Eakkapop Thongtub


The motorbike was found close to the unconscious Australian.

PHUKET: -- An Australian man was taken to hospital this morning after crashing his motorbike into a metal fence in Kathu.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822705-aussie-injured-after-crashing-motorbike-into-fence-in-phuket/

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Thai people smuggling crackdown creates fresh dangers
AFP

Padang Besar: -- The two boys in the back of the Thai police pickup truck were terrified.
Dressed in ragged clothes, they had been caught close to a remote people smugglers' camp in southern Thailand's jungles where authorities found the remains of 26 people in shallow graves on the weekend.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822706-thai-people-smuggling-crackdown-creates-fresh-dangers/

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SYDNEY (AP) - Australia cuts its benchmark interest rate quarter percentage point to record low of 2 percent.

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TAT holds a roadshow in Dubai

DUBAI, 5 May 2015, (NNT) - Deputy Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s Europe, Africa, Middle East and America Market Juthaporn Riengrona-asa has revealed that TAT officials and 59 travel agencies are attending Arabian Travel Market 2015 from May 4 - 7 in Dubai.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822709-tat-holds-a-roadshow-in-dubai/

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GLO Labor Union proposes lottery ticket sales at 100 baht apiece

BANGKOK, 5 May 2015, (NNT) -The Chairman of the Government Lottery Office (GLO) Labor Union, Amnuayporn Kerdpoom has proposed a lottery ticket price increase from 80 baht apiece to 100 baht.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822710-glo-labor-union-proposes-lottery-ticket-sales-at-100-baht-apiece/

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OTOP centers to be established in department stores nationwide

BANGKOK, 5 May 2015, (NNT) - Department of Business Development (DBD) has revealed that One Tambon One Product (OTOP) centers will be established nationwide.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822711-otop-centers-to-be-established-in-department-stores-nationwide/

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Min. of Finance: Export growth may contract this year

BANGKOK, 5 May 2015, (NNT) - The Ministry of Finance has admitted that Thailand’s export sector suffers from several factors and would likely contract this year, citing projections for gross domestic product of less than 3.7 percent this year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822712-thai-finance-min-export-growth-may-contract-this-year/

[Lite Beer]

Thai rice grabs over 60% market share in Hong Kong

BANGKOK: -- Although Thai rice exports showed a drop of 3% in the first three months of 2015, but in Hong Kong Thai rice has grabbed over 60% market share there.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822492-thailand-occupies-more-than-60-of-rice-market-in-hong-kong/#entry9373431

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Thailand looks to sea transport for its relief cargoes to Nepal



BANGKOK: -- Thailand is now considering transporting its relief aids to help earthquake stricken people in Nepal by ships after heavy air traffic at Kathmandu airport posed difficulties for its C130 transport plane to land.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822738-thailand-looks-to-sea-transport-for-its-relief-cargoes-to-nepal/

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Ministry of Culture encouraging traditional attire

BANGKOK, 5 May 2015 (NNT)-The Ministry of Culture is to launch a campaign to encourage Thais to wear traditional Thai clothes more often.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822739-thai-culture-ministry-encouraging-traditional-attire/

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NRC dissatisfied with new Senate composition, more open to non-MP premier

BANGKOK, 5 May 2015 (NNT) - The National Reform Council (NRC) has agreed that the composition of the Senate as stipulated in the new constitution should be changed, but it is now more accepting of the provision allowing for the appointment of a non-MP Prime Minister.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822740-nrc-dissatisfied-with-new-thai-senate-composition-more-open-to-non-mp-premier/

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King presides over Coronation Day religious function at Grand Palace



BANGKOK: -- His Majesty the King today presided over a religious ceremony at the Grand Palace to mark the Coronation Day.

His Majesty left Siriraj Hospital at 10.30 am for the Grand Palace. The King was accompanied by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and Her Royal highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Along the way His Majesty’s motorcade drove pass, “Long Live the King” was chanted by thousands of people waiting on both sides of the road to the Grand Palace.

At the Grand Palace, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn attended the audience along with members of the Royal Family.

Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, cabinet ministers and senior state officials were also at the ceremony.

The Crown Prince later performed religious ceremony to mark the 65th anniversary of His Majesty’s ascension to the throne.

Tonight at 7 pm. the government will host a garden party at Government House to mark the Coronation Day.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/king-presides-over-coronation-day-religious-function-at-grand-palace

-- Thai PBS 2015-05-05

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Thai police find graves at second migrant jungle camp
AFP

BANGKOK: -- Investigators in southern Thailand have discovered five graves at a second remote jungle camp believed to contain the remains of migrants from Myanmar and Bangladesh, police said Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822744-thai-police-find-graves-at-second-migrant-jungle-camp/

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World's top aluminium company will expand production in Thailand

BANGKOK, 5 May 2015 (NNT) - Industry Minister Chakkamon Phasukwanit has said after meeting with the president of Diaki Aluminium Industry (Thailand) Co., Ltd. that the company promised to maintain and expand its production site in Thailand to accommodate future growth of the Thai automotive industry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822756-worlds-top-aluminium-company-will-expand-production-in-thailand/

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Two arrested for Phuket robbery
Eakkapop Thongtub


Chonlatee and Krittameth were arrested in less than three hours.

PHUKET: -- One army private, and a second man who had just completed military service were arrested in Cherng Talay for robbery yesterday (May 4).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/822758-two-arrested-for-phuket-robbery/