Thailand Live Wednesday 13 May 2015

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Commerce Ministry to hold Thailand Rice Convention 2015



BANGKOK, 13 May 2015 (NNT) – The Ministry of Commerce is set to hold the Thailand Rice Convention 2015 to strengthen the government’s foreign trade relations capabilities, along with an exhibition in honour of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, says DFT Director-General.

The Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) Duangporn Rodphaya has revealed that the Ministry of Commerce will be holding the Thailand Rice Convention 2015, an international academic seminar of Thai Rice on 19-21 May 2015 at the IMPACT Mueang Thong Thani exhibition center.

The event will be held under the concept “Think Rice Think Thailand….Serving the Best Quality Rice to the World” to demonstrate the nation’s capability as the leading manufacturer and exporter of good quality rice to the world, which focuses on the quality development, sanitary, nutrition, and an environmental friendly manufacturing process.

The event is a part of the government’s rice market expansion strategic plan that will emphasize on increasing the economic value of Thai rice for exports. Five hundred delegates of trading partner countries are expected to attend this event. The diverse strains of Thai rice varieties in the four regions of Thailand will also be a showcase at the event.

The Thailand Rice Convention 2015 will also feature an exhibition in honour of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, to celebrate her fifth cycle birthday by presenting the royal initiated projects under the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy to improve the livelihood of the people. Royal initiated projects presented at the exhibition will include the Community Seed Bank project and the rice handicraft project

The event will also be the stage for business and trade negotiations to increase trade opportunities for rice traders, importers, and exporters who are expected to lead to the concrete rice trade in the future. The Thai government will take this opportunity to strengthen the government's foreign relations with the invited countries.


-- NNT 2015-05-13

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Thailand calls May 29 regional summit on migrant crisis
AFP

BANGKOK: -- Thailand will host a May 29 regional summit on the flow of migrants through the Bay of Bengal, the foreign ministry said Tuesday, as it grapples with an "unprecedented" human trafficking crisis.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824754-thailand-calls-may-29-regional-summit-on-migrant-crisis/

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'Thai Festival 2015 : Have a RICE Day' to be held in Tokyo, 16-17 May

BANGKOK, 12 May 2015 (NNT) - Foreign Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn will visit Japan to preside over the opening ceremony of the “Thai Festival 2015” to be held on 16-17 May in Tokyo to honor His Majesty the King on the occasion of his 88th Birthday Anniversary.

This year the festival comes in the theme of "Have a RICE Day”. The word “rice” coincides with the meaning of a Kanji alphabet contained in the Japanese word “Beiju” which is used for calling the 88th birthday anniversary. Therefore, it is an auspicious occasion for the Thai government to celebrate the King’s birthday with activities to publicize royal contributions to the development of agriculture and Thai rice.

The Thai Festival 2015, which is the 16th of its kind, features various exhibitions focusing on the importance of rice farming, its relevance to the Thai way of life and local wisdoms, Thai rice market in Japan and worldwide. Also, there will be cooking demonstrations of Thai desserts made from rice as well as handicrafts from the Foundation of the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand.

Thai Festivals have been held in Japan consecutively with a high success. During the last 3-4 years, around 300 - 400 thousand people visited the event each year.


-- NNT 2015-05-13

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1 dead 2 injured in early morning drink-related road crash in Central Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- Just before 6am on Tuesday a fatal road crash occurred on Pattaya Third Road, involving a Toyota Vigo pick-up truck and a motorbike, which left one of the motorbike passengers dead and the driver and second passenger with serious injuries.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824755-1-dead-2-injured-in-early-morning-drink-related-road-crash-in-central-pattaya/

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Pattaya Police search for suspects in 'Police Volunteer' theft and abduction case



PATTAYA: -- On Tuesday afternoon an emergency meeting of all Pattaya Police Volunteers took place at Pattaya Police Station as the search for two men, who stole items and then abducted a 23 year old woman, and were wearing uniforms commonly worn by Pattaya Police Volunteers, continues.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824756-pattaya-police-search-for-suspects-in-police-volunteer-theft-and-abduction-case/

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Illegal Casino Night busted by Pattaya Police



PATTAYA: -- Gambling is illegal in Thailand and Police are constantly on the lookout for those who organize illegal gambling events such as the one discovered inside a Village in Jomtien in the early hours of Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824757-illegal-casino-night-busted-by-pattaya-police/

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Unlicensed Lottery Ticket Vendor arrested in South Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- An unlicensed lottery ticket vendor was arrested by Banglamung District Officers, in front of a South Pattaya Gold Shop in the early hours of Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824758-unlicensed-lottery-ticket-vendor-arrested-in-south-pattaya/

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UPDATE:

LLEGAL MIGRANTS
Shelters may be set up: PM
The Nation



PM Prayut says international assistance is needed to deal with the issue

BANGKOK: -- THE GOVERNMENT is considering setting up temporary shelters to house Rohingya and other illegal migrants pending their repatriation or resettlement, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824682-thai-government-mulls-opening-refugee-camps-for-rohingya-people/#entry9400036

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Govt restarting peace talks in the far South
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha's government has confirmed it is in the process of restarting peace talks with separatists in the deep South.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824759-thai-govt-restarting-peace-talks-in-the-far-south/

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Prayut will stay on if draft charter rejected
THE NATION



REFERENDUM COULD TEST THE PUBLIC'S VIEW ON LENGTH OF HIS REGIME

BANGKOK: -- PRIME MINISTER General Prayut Chan-o-cha said yesterday he would stay in power to oversee a new drafting process if the draft constitution was rejected by the public.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824760-prayut-will-stay-on-if-draft-charter-rejected/

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Plan to change Nakhon Pathom museum axed
The Nation

Ministry steps in after locals stage protest

BANGKOK: -- THE Culture Ministry has decided to shoot down a proposal to make changes to the Phra Pathom Chedi National Museum following strong protests by locals.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824761-plan-to-change-nakhon-pathom-museum-axed/

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Panel proposed to review overpricing by hospitals
Pratch Rujivanarom
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- THE PUBLIC HEALTH MINISTER agreed yesterday to address the problem of unreasonably high prices charged by some private hospitals at the request of the Thai Medical Error Network, its president Preeyanan Lorsermvattana said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824762-panel-proposed-to-review-overpricing-by-thai-hospitals/

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EXPORT HUB
Mazda makes Thailand its hub for parts exports
Kingsley Wijayasinha
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Mazda has designated Thailand as its spare-parts distribution hub for Asean and global exports, and has officially opened a new parts distribution centre in Samut Prakan in order to improve the quality of its after-sales service.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824763-mazda-makes-thailand-its-hub-for-parts-exports/

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OUTLOOK
Back in black, THAI eyes good Q2
Suchat Sritama
The Nation


Charamporn Jotikasthira

BANGKOK: -- Thai Airways International sees bright prospects for air travel this quarter thanks to the weaker baht, but says it needs to continue reducing operating costs to maintain profit growth.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824764-back-in-black-thai-eyes-good-q2/

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Govt to consider release of more stockpiled rice
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- As rice farmers enter the end of the second-crop harvest, the government will soon consider reopening bidding for rice from its stockpiles - before the year's main harvest season begins in late August.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824765-thai-govt-to-consider-release-of-more-stockpiled-rice/

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EDITORIAL
A shopping complex, or a 'green lung'
The Nation

Bangkokians face a stark choice regarding one of the city's last undeveloped tracts

BANGKOK: -- We traditionally plant trees for shade, fresh air and pleasant scenery. In cities, trees act as "oxygen machines", and the fewer there are, the poorer the quality of the air we breathe. However, that equation seems to have been swept aside in one of Bangkok's last remaining green zones.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824766-thai-editorial-a-shopping-complex-or-a-green-lung/

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STOPPAGE TIME
Today's monopolies come with their hair combed
Tulsathit Taptim

BANGKOK: -- If you Google "monopoly", the definition you get is "the exclusive possession or control of the supply or trade in a commodity or service". I would refine that meaning to: "The exclusive possession or control of the supply or trade in a commodity or service that leaves you no choice but to pay for it even if you are angry." Being helplessly angry is the whole point, without which a monopoly won't feel like a monopoly.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824767-thai-opinion-todays-monopolies-come-with-their-hair-combed/

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Prayuth Declines Invitation to 1992 Uprising Commemoration
By Khaosod English


Soldiers detain protesters on Ratchadamnern Avenue in Bangkok, 18 May 1992.

BANGKOK — Junta chairman and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has declined an invitation to attend the 23rd anniversary of a pro-democracy uprising in Bangkok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824769-prayuth-declines-invitation-to-1992-uprising-commemoration/

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Australia to open full consulate in Phuket
Alasdair Forbes

PHUKET: -- Australia is to open a full consulate in Phuket, Canberra announced today (May 12).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824770-australia-to-open-full-consulate-in-phuket/

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Prayut denies making traditional clothing mandatory
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday denied a rumour that he made it mandatory for people to dress in traditional attire every Friday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824771-prayut-denies-making-traditional-clothing-mandatory/

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BURNING ISSUE
Thailand has ignored Rohingyas' misery for too long
SUPALAK GANJANAKHUNDEE
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- GOVERNMENT officials should not pretend they have just learned that people calling themselves "Rohingya" have fled from somewhere via trafficking networks to Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824772-thailand-has-ignored-rohingyas-misery-for-too-long/

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Will new voting system work for Thailand?
NITIPOL KIRAVANICH
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE DRAFTERS of the constitution may have stipulated a new type of electoral system for Thailand - a mixed-member proportional (MMP) electoral system - but Mahidol University professor Gothom Arya has doubts.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824773-will-new-voting-system-work-for-thailand/

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Suspended jail term in line with global practice: judge
Opas Boonlom
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE criminal punishment meted out to a young woman whose driving on a Bangkok tollway resulted in nine deaths in 2010 - when she was underage - followed international practice, Supreme Court judge Sri-amporn Salikupt said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824774-suspended-jail-term-in-line-with-global-practice-thai-judge/

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Two thirds of migrant workers' children not going to school, NGOs lament
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- ONLY A THIRD of the 300,000 to 400,000 children of migrant workers in Thailand appear to be in any form of education, according to research by two international non-government organisations.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824776-two-thirds-of-migrant-workers-children-not-going-to-school-ngos-lament/

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Sadao immigration police deny any involvement in human trafficking racket



SADAO: -- Immigration police in Sadao district of Songkhla have categorically denied that any of their men were involved in facilitating the smuggling of illegal immigrants into the country via Sadao border crossing.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824777-sadao-immigration-police-deny-any-involvement-in-human-trafficking-racket/

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Phuket airport steps up bird strike precautions
Suthicha Sirirat


Bird strikes can cause severe damage, as the nose of this Portuguese fighter jet attests. Photo Henrique Rubens Balta de Oliveira

PHUKET: -- Birds at Phuket International Airport (PIA) are under increasing surveillance to prevent them from flying into the local air space or into aircraft engines.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824778-phuket-airport-steps-up-bird-strike-precautions/

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Another empty camp found on Khao Kaew
The Nation



SADAO: -- ANOTHER detention camp, big enough to house up to 1,000 people was found yesterday on Khao Kaew in Songkhla's Padang Besar area.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824781-another-empty-camp-found-on-khao-kaew-in-songkhlas-padang-besar-area/

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Another deadly earthquake spreads fear and misery in Nepal
By BINAJ GURUBACHARYA and KATY DAIGLE

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — A new earthquake killed dozens of people Tuesday and spread more fear and misery in Nepal, which is still struggling to recover from a devastating quake nearly three weeks ago that left more than 8,000 dead.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824782-dozens-die-in-new-nepal-quake/

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Senate Democrats block action on Obama's trade agenda
By CHARLES BABINGTON

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats dealt President Barack Obama a stinging setback on trade Tuesday, blocking efforts to begin a full-blown debate on a top priority of his second term.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824783-senate-democrats-block-action-on-obamas-trade-agenda/

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Bill Clinton's lucrative speeches got fast approval at State
By LISA LERER and STEPHEN BRAUN

WASHINGTON (AP) — State Department officials gave speedy and sometimes only cursory consideration to potential conflicts of interest when approving former President Bill Clinton's lucrative speeches to global companies and foreign governments during Hillary Rodham Clinton's tenure as secretary of state, an Associated Press investigation has found.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824784-bill-clintons-lucrative-speeches-got-fast-approval-at-state/