Thailand Live Friday 8 May 2015

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CONCERT REVIEW
'BOYS' back in town
MANTA KLANGBOONKRONG
THE NATION



The Backstreet Boys wow fans at Wednesday night's show

BANGKOK: -- NINE YEARS after waving goodbye to their legions of Thai fans, the |best-selling Backstreet Boys were back in town this week and after a few minutes, it really didn't feel as though they'd been away.

Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani was packed on Wednesday night with music fans wanting to revisit the glory days of the 1990s with Backstreet Boys' array of pop and R&B hits.

At 8.30pm, AJ McLean, Kevin Richardson, Brian Littrell, Nick Carter and Howie Dorough in cobalt blue suits kicked off the show with upbeat pop number "The Call" to deafening cheers. Like the old friends they are, the boys did not waste time on hellos but instead kept the show rolling with mellower tunes from the past like "Don't Want You Back", "Incomplete", "Permanent Stain" from their recent CD "In a World Like This" before reverting to 1997 with "All I Have to Give" from "Backstreet's Back" album.

The boys briefly left the stage, leaving interview excerpts showing on the big screen, but were back |in minutes, this time dressed in |T-shirts, jeans and sneakers that evoked their "campus tours in gymnasium" vibe at the beginning the of their career 22 years ago.

"We know Bangkok knows how to party. We've seen you party before," Brian Littrell told the crowd.

"This time we have rules, and if you want music from the Backstreet Boys, you have to follow these rules. First, you have to party like crazy, and second, which is very important, you have to party like it's 1995 all over again. Can you do that?"

A loud cheer erupted in confirmation, and the Backstreet Boys revived the '90s with "As Long As You Love Me", "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely", "Incomplete" and "I'll Never Break Your Heart".

The members did a great job at evoking that specific period, not only through their teen pop and soulful R&B sounds but also through their playfulness, approachable boy band charisma, and most importantly, the genuine chemistry between them. Without a doubt, the Backstreet Boys still very much enjoy each other's company.

They were happy to be on stage and the songs were delivered with passion and conviction. Fans were blown away and screamed like teenagers, forgetting that the entire show was being put together by just the five singers. The production somehow seemed so much bigger.

Next up was "We've Got It Goin' On", their Europop breakthrough hit from their 1995 self-titled debut. Now well into their late 30's and |early 40's, not only do they still sing reasonably well, but they can also move in perfect sync and with dynamic vigour.

The boys cooled things down a bit with "Madeline" from the new album and "Quit Playing Games with My Heart" in an acoustic session that |saw Carter and Littrell on guitar, Dorough on bass, Richardson on keyboard and McLean on cajon and percussion and reminded fans that these lads can do far more than just sing and dance.

The booming backing track returned with "The One" from |1999 album "Millennium" that |later became one of the best-selling albums of all time. That was quickly followed by a set that included "Love Somebody", "Shape of My Heart", |"In a World Like This", which Richardson and McLean co-wrote for their children, and "I Want It That Way", which had everyone up and dancing.

The lights went out, and the song that the fans had been waiting for, "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" |came on for the encore followed by "Larger Than Live" that concluded |to the show.

Unlike many other band reunions where the members stick to past successes and familiar hits, the Backstreet Boys proved that an old band can stay impressively current and true to themselves with newer songs while still sounding very |much as they did 20 years back.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/life/BOYS-back-in-town-30259530.html

-- The Nation 2015-05-08

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UK election exit poll predicts Conservatives will be largest party in a hung parliament, with 316 seats to Labour's 239 /BBC

LONDON (AP) - Exit Poll: Scottish National Party to win all but 1 Scotland seats; LibDems fall from 56 to 10.

LONDON (AP) - Exit poll: Conservatives to win 316 seats, Labour 239 in UK's 650-seat parliament.

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Malaysian involvement suspected in Thai smuggling ring: NGO
AFP

BANGKOK: -- A labour rights group said Thursday it has received reports of undocumented migrant workers going missing in Malaysia and called on authorities to investigate whether a deadly human-trafficking operation uncovered in neighbouring Thailand was reaching across the border.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823493-malaysian-involvement-suspected-in-thai-smuggling-ring-ngo/

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TREMOR
Krabi residents quiver as undersea quake rattles province
The Nation



KRABI: -- CLOSE on the heels of Wednesday's 4.6-magnitude undersea quake that jolted the southern provinces of Phang Nga, Phuket and Krabi, another undersea earthquake occurred early yesterday and shook Krabi's Khao Phanom district.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823494-krabi-residents-quiver-as-undersea-quake-rattles-province/

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TRANSNATIONAL CRIME
PM seeks 3-nation talk on Rohingya
The Nation



Over 50 police officers transferred pending probe

BANGKOK: -- THAILAND is seeking a talk with the countries involved in the transnational crime of human trafficking - including Malaysia and Myanmar - Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823496-pm-prayut-seeks-3-nation-talk-on-rohingya/

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SOUTH CRISIS
DNA swabs - Army's newest weapon in deep South
REUTERS

Yala - The government has introduced a new strategy to curb the insurgency that has rumbled on in the jungle-blanketed deep South for more than a decade - DNA swabbing.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823497-dna-swabs-thai-armys-newest-weapon-in-deep-south/

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KOH TAO MURDERS
NGO appeals for funds to ensure justice
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The Migrant Worker Rights Network (MWRN) is appealing to the public for funds to ensure legal assistance gets to Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo, the two workers from Myanmar standing trial on the charge of murdering two British backpackers on Surat Thani province's Koh Tao last September.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823498-koh-tao-murders-ngo-appeals-for-funds-to-ensure-justice/

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ENERGY
Power consumption soars even higher as mercury hits 37 degrees
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The 37-degree weather was the main cause of power consumption yesterday afternoon hitting a new high so far this year of 27.2 gigawatts.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823499-power-consumption-soars-even-higher-as-mercury-hits-37-degrees/

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NEW RAILWAY APPROVE
Cabinet approves Chira-Khon Kaen railway project
Erich Parpart
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet yesterday approved the 1-metre-gauge dual-track rail route from Chira junction in Nakhon Ratchasima to Khon Kaen, which is part of the Transport Ministry's infrastructure development scheme that kicks off this year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823500-thai-cabinet-approves-chira-khon-kaen-railway-project/

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UPDATE:

30 Stranded Rohingyas Rescued in Southern Thailand: Police
By Khaosod English


Police found at least 30 recently-dug graves in an old cemetery in Hat Yai district on 7 May 2015.

SONGKHLA — Police say they have rescued 30 Rohingya refugees who were reportedly abandoned by smugglers and forced to fend for themselves in the jungle for five days.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823496-pm-prayut-seeks-3-nation-talk-on-rohingya/#entry9382783

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Bangkok Governor Files Libel Charge Over Satirical Newspaper Article
By Khaosod English


Assistants of Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra filed a libel charge on the governor's behalf over a satirical article in ASTV Manager, 7 May 2015.

BANGKOK — The Governor of Bangkok has filed libel charge over a satirical newspaper article that lampooned his perceived failure to stop floods in the capital city.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823501-bangkok-governor-files-libel-charge-over-satirical-newspaper-article/

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EDITORIAL
Politicians STILL HIGH on damaging drug laws

REGARDLESS OF WHAT OUR SELF-SERVING LEADERS SAY, THE SO-CALLED WARS ON DRUGS HAVE BEEN A DISASTER

BANGKOK: -- Laws to deal with drugs offences drew international attention in recent weeks as rights groups, governments and family members called on President Joko Widodo to pardon a group of drug traffickers sentenced to death in Indonesia.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823502-thai-editorial-politicians-still-high-on-damaging-drug-laws/

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BURNING ISSUE
Stricter laws needed to ensure road safety in Thailand
Sathithorn Ongdee

BANGKOK: -- THE NUMBER of cyclists killed in road accidents over the past few months might result in Thailand's already poor reputation over road safety being further tainted.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823503-stricter-laws-needed-to-ensure-road-safety-in-thailand/

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Impeach former officials over rice deals, says NACC
Kris Bhromsuthi
The Nation

Anti-graft agency says the evidence against the trio is overwhelming

BANGKOK: -- THE ANTI-GRAFT agency yesterday urged the National Legislative Assembly to impeach three former government officials under the Pheu Thai administration, saying that they could not prove the Chinese state enterprises involved in a supposed government-to-government rice contract represented the central Chinese government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823504-impeach-former-thai-officials-over-rice-deals-says-nacc/

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FREEDOM OF THE PRESS
NHRC to consider Peace TV licence revocation

BANGKOK: -- RED-SHIRT co-leader Weng Tojirakarn along with Peace TV news anchors filed a petition with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) yesterday to fight the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC)'s decision to revoke its broadcasting licence last week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823506-nhrc-to-consider-peace-tv-licence-revocation/

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Group petitions NLA against bill on Thammasat University
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- A group from Thammasat University yesterday submitted a petition with 2,702 signatures to the National Legislative Assembly seeking postponement of a legal amendment conferring self-autonomy on the institution.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823507-group-petitions-nla-against-bill-on-thammasat-university/

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OTEP's assets seized over corruption allegations
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The assets of a company found to have done corrupt business deals with an Education Ministry commission will be seized once all previous contracts are revoked pending further criminal action by state investigation agencies, the ministry's permanent secretary Kamjorn Tatiyakavee said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823509-oteps-assets-seized-over-corruption-allegations/

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25 Pinoys in Thailand defend Thai basher, say deportation 'too harsh'

BANGKOK: -- A group of Filipinos in Thailand has appealed to the Bureau of Immigration to drop the charges against Prasertsri Kosin, the Thai national facing deportation in the Philippines for his racial slurs against Filipinos.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823510-filipinos-in-thailand-defend-thai-basher-say-deportation-too-harsh/

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Police Arrest 4 Drug Suspects, Seize B61m in Assets

Police arrested four drug suspects and seized over 61 million baht in assets Wednesday. The arrest follows the launch of a police operation to cut off financial flows that are linked to drugs. Permphong Chavalit, ONCB (Office of the Narcotics Control Board) chief, said police raided 19 areas in Nakhon Pathom, Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ang Thong, Nong Bua Lam Phu and Ratchaburi.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823484-police-arrest-4-drug-suspects-seize-b61m-in-assets/

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UPDATE:

30 New Graves Found in Songkhla

Police uncovered 30 new graves in the Hat Yai district of Songkhla on Thursday. The graves were found at an unused burial ground, which was the site of a detention camp for Rohingya migrants.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823496-pm-prayut-seeks-3-nation-talk-on-rohingya/#entry9382849

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Exit poll: Conservatives surprisingly strong in UK election
By JILL LAWLESS and DANICA KIRKA

LONDON (AP) — An exit poll projected a surprisingly strong showing for Prime Minister David Cameron's Conservative Party in Britain's election Thursday, suggesting it is within touching distance of forming a new government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823512-exit-poll-conservatives-surprisingly-strong-in-uk-election/

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Senate OKs bill giving Congress review of Iran nuclear deal
By DEB RIECHMANN

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate muscled its way into President Barack Obama's talks to curb Iran's nuclear program, overwhelmingly backing legislation Thursday that would let Congress review and possibly reject any final deal with Tehran.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823513-us-senate-oks-bill-giving-congress-review-of-iran-nuclear-deal/

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Police break up US-Italy drug ring run out of NYC pizzeria
By FRANCES D'EMILIO

ROME (AP) — By night, the Calabrian immigrant family served up piping-hot pizza. After hours, Italian and U.S. authorities say, the restaurant in the New York borough of Queens was busy filling other orders — allegedly running a cocaine trafficking ring that spanned three continents.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823514-police-break-up-us-italy-drug-ring-run-out-of-nyc-pizzeria/

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US appeals court: NSA phone record collection is illegal
By LARRY NEUMEISTER and KEN DILANIAN

NEW YORK (AP) — The unprecedented and unwarranted bulk collection of the entire U.S. population's phone records by the government is illegal because it wasn't authorized by Congress, a federal appeals court said Thursday as it asked legislators to balance national security and privacy interests.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823515-us-appeals-court-nsa-phone-record-collection-is-illegal/

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Mayweather to Showtime: Pacquiao a 'sore loser' and 'coward'

NEW YORK (AP) — Floyd Mayweather said in an upcoming interview with Showtime that at this moment he's not interested in a rematch with Manny Pacquiao "because he's a sore loser and he's a coward."

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823517-mayweather-to-showtime-pacquiao-a-sore-loser-and-coward/

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Activist: No regrets about cartoon contest ended by gunfire
By MEGHAN BARR

NEW YORK (AP) — Does Pamela Geller regret organizing the Prophet Muhammad cartoon contest that ended in gunfire?

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823518-activist-no-regrets-about-texas-cartoon-contest-ended-by-gunfire/

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German diplomat: Iran deal alternative 'not very attractive'
ANN SANNER, Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Alternatives to a deal to curb Iran's nuclear program are "not very attractive," a top German diplomat said Thursday, noting that Germany and other nations are ready to move beyond sanctions despite what the U.S. Congress might do.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823519-german-diplomat-iran-deal-alternative-not-very-attractive/

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TAT launches 'Lady Journey' tourism campaign

Bangkok:- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched a campaign to encourage women to explore destinations around the kingdom.

The campaign titled “Lady Journey: A Touch of Thainess” is the latest of the “Lady Journey” series, which TAT has conducted in collaboration with the UOB Lady’s Card, United Overseas Bank (UOB) for five consecutive years now.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823516-tat-launches-lady-journey-tourism-campaign/

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Unemployed man charged for stealing royal decorations

Bangkok:– Police have arrested and charged theft suspect Warakorn Khlongkan, 25, involved in the March stealing of royal decorations from the funeral of a late national artist.

Warakorn lifted the royal decorations, estimated to worth 500,000 baht, from the display case at the funeral of Professor Prayat Phongdam.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823520-unemployed-man-charged-for-stealing-royal-decorations/

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Phrae: – Some 13 Buddhist monks yesterday received treatment for bee sting at the provincial hospital.

Phra Khru Phaowana Chetiyanukit, assistant abbot of Wat Phra That Cho Hae, was one of the victims attacked by the bees.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823521-faulty-birds-fight-triggers-bees-attack-on-monks/