Thailand Live Wednesday 13 May 2015

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No breakthrough as Kerry meets Russia's Putin
By MATTHEW LEE and BRADLEY KLAPPER

SOCHI, Russia (AP) — The United States and Russia emerged Tuesday from their most extensive, high-level talks in years vowing closer cooperation on Ukraine and Syria but unable to point to any breakthrough or new approach to bridge the major differences separating the two powers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824785-no-breakthrough-as-kerry-meets-russias-putin/

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94-year-old man finishes college after starting 75 years ago

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — A 94-year-old man will be one of the oldest graduates in the West Virginia University history when he receives his diploma Sunday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824786-94-year-old-us-man-finishes-college-after-starting-75-years-ago/

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FBI hair analysis problems reveal limits of forensic science
By ERIC TUCKER

WASHINGTON (AP) — Kirk Odom was convicted of a 1981 rape and robbery after a woman identified him as her attacker and an FBI specialist testified that hair on her nightgown was similar to hair on Odom's head.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824787-fbi-hair-analysis-problems-reveal-limits-of-forensic-science/

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Strong quake shakes northeast Japan, no tsunami risk

TOKYO (AP) — A strong earthquake hit Japan on Wednesday in the same region devastated by a major quake and tsunami in 2011. Authorities said there was no risk of tsunami.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824788-strong-quake-shakes-northeast-japan-no-tsunami-risk/

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Krabi's dream destination threatened

Krabi:- Garbage and wastewater problems are threatening Krabi’s status as a dream destination among Scandinavians.

A major tour agency based in Scandinavia has already complained about the problems directly with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824790-krabis-dream-destination-threatened/

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N Korea defence minister executed: S Korea intelligence

SEOUL (AFP) - North Korean Defence Minister Hyon Yong-Chol has been executed by anti-aircraft fire for disloyalty and showing disrespect to leader Kim Jong-Un, South Korea's intelligence agency said Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824797-north-korea-defence-minister-executed-by-anti-aircraft-fire/

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Morning rains cause traffic chaos in Bangkok

Bangkok:- Heavy rains caused floods in several districts Wednesday morning, resulting in more than ten road accidents and traffic chaos in the capital.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Drainage and Sewerage Department reported flooding in Don Mueang, Chatuchak, Lard Prao, Dusit, Din Daeng, Ratchathewee, Pathumwan, Bang Rak, Klong Toey, Bang Na, Sathon and Yannawa districts.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824802-morning-rains-cause-traffic-chaos-in-bangkok/

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Conviction Rates Count More in Chinese Justice Than Innocence
By ANDREW JACOBS

WUTIAN, China — It did not matter to the police that the man they seized in August 2013 was nearly 20 years older than the one wanted on fraud charges. Nor were the officers bothered by the fact that his cellphone number and a character in his name differed from those of the suspect, or by his repeated professions of innocence.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824803-conviction-rates-count-more-in-chinese-justice-than-innocence/

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Three Myanmar workers arrested for alleged murder in Phang Nga

Phang Nga:- Three Myanmar workers have been arrested for allegedly killing a Thai fishing boat owner and dumping his body into the Phang Nga sea, police said.

Apart from the murder charge, police charged the three unidentified workers with having entered the country without proper documents and working without registration with the government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824807-three-myanmar-workers-arrested-for-alleged-murder-in-phang-nga/

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SET opens up 0.21 to 1,570.21 /Bangkok Post

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Five years after Thai Red Shirt killings, wounds still fresh
AFP

BANGKOK: -- Five years after a bloody military crackdown on Thailand's pro-democracy 'Red Shirts', relatives of those killed say unrepentant army rulers have failed in their promise to heal the country's deep divisions.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824815-five-years-after-thai-red-shirt-killings-wounds-still-fresh/

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UPDATE:

Huge detention camp capable of holding 1,000 people found near border



BANGKOK: -- A huge camp capable of holding up to 1,000 people was discovered yesterday just three kilometres from the Malaysian border in Sadao district of Songkhla.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824781-another-empty-camp-found-on-khao-kaew-in-songkhlas-padang-besar-area/page-2#entry9400780

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Amtrak train derails in Philadelphia; several people hurt
By MICHAEL R. SISAK

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — An Amtrak train headed to New York City derailed in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, mangling the front of it and injuring several people, some of whom climbed out of windows to get away.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824817-amtrak-train-derails-in-philadelphia;-several-people-hurt/

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Japan arrests son of unofficial North Korean envoy in mushroom case
By Anna Fifield

TOKYO — Police arrested the son of North Korea’s unofficial ambassador to Japan on Tuesday for allegedly smuggling expensive mushrooms into the country, in the latest incident underlining the increasing tensions between Tokyo and Pyongyang.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824819-japan-arrests-son-of-unofficial-north-korean-envoy-in-mushroom-case/

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More Rohingya burial grounds found off Phuket
Eakkapop Thongtub


Officials inspect the area believed to hold the bodies of Rohingya human trafficking victims.

PHUKET: -- Officials from Takua Pa in Phang Nga have been requested by the Imam of Baan Ao Kaiey to exhume the bodies of two Ronhingyas who were buried at the local Islamic cemetery by a local hospital.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824820-more-rohingya-burial-grounds-found-off-phuket/

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Truck driver who killed Chilean cyclist goes free

By Coconuts Bangkok

KORAT: -- The truck driver who killed a round-the-world Chilean cyclist on a Korat highway has been sentenced to prison but wont have to actually go to jail as the sentence was suspended.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824824-truck-driver-who-killed-chilean-cyclist-in-korat-fined-thb7500/

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5 Thai airlines fail to meet China's safety requirements

BANGKOK, 13 May 2015 (NNT) -Following a thorough examination, the Civil Aviation Administration of China has found the aviation safety systems of five Thai airlines inadequate.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824827-5-thai-airlines-fail-to-meet-chinas-safety-requirements/

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Buddhist Monk in Thailand Relies on Karma for Lending Success
By WILAWAN WATCHARASAKWET

Microlender sets interest according to borrower’s good deeds, avoids defaults with neighborly peer pressure

BAAN NA KLUEA, Thailand—Buddhist monks aren’t really known for dipping into the material world of finance. Phra Subin Paneeto, though, says he felt he didn’t have much choice when he saw his neighbors near Thailand’s border with Cambodia were struggling to make ends meet.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824861-buddhist-monk-in-thailand-relies-on-karma-for-lending-success/

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Four-metre king cobra caught in Phuket resort
Darawan Naknakhon


Mr Sayan keeps a firm grip on the large cobra’s neck.

PHUKET: -- A four-metre-long king cobra was found inside a guest room at the Stars of Phuket Resort in Chalong last night (May 12).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824863-four-metre-king-cobra-caught-in-phuket-resort/

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Astrologer at Royal Ploughing Ceremony predicts more water this year

BANGKOK, 13 May 2015 (NNT) - The astrologer predicted during the royal ploughing ceremony earlier today that there will be more water in Thailand this year.

The forecast was made after the astrologer picked up four pieces of cloth presented to him and studied them. He revealed that farms situated on higher grounds will benefit from a large amount of rain this year.

However, he added that those in the low-lying areas could be damaged by the floods.

The oxen have chosen to eat only sesame and grass during the ceremony, which was presented alongside five other items including rice, corns, green beans, water and liquor.

The oxen’s selection was interpreted as water and food becoming abundant in Thailand this year.


-- NNT 2015-05-13

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EC to submit opinions on draft charter to PM this week

BANGKOK, 13 May 2015 (NNT) – The Election Commission (EC) has expressed readiness to present the Prime Minister with its suggestions on the draft constitution within this week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824865-ec-to-submit-opinions-on-draft-charter-to-pm-this-week/

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Thai medical team undaunted by Nepal's second quake

NEPAL, 13 May 2015 (NNT)- Some members of the Thai medical team in Nepal have received minor injuries after the second devastating quake hit the country again early yesterday.

A leader of the second medical team from Thailand, Dr. Sarayut Uttamangkapong, said the team members were working at 3 different sites when the 7.3 magnitude quake struck Nepal on Tuesday.

Those working on the mountain top reportedly said the tremors were so strong that some of them lost their balance and fell to the ground. Luckily, they only sustained minor knee and elbow injuries.

Despite the second quake, the team remain high spirited and will continue to provide medical care to the quake victims. They have also expressed their gratitude to Thai people back in Thailand for their support.


-- NNT 2015-05-13

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Royal Thai Navy Area 3 survey Andaman for Rohingya
Nattha Thepbamrung


The navy vessel Tor993 checks out a fishing boat.

PHUKET: -- A team from the Phuket based Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Area 3 today (May 12) went on an aerial survey mission looking for Rohingya detention camps. The mission came following reports about Rohingya camps being located around the Andaman region.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824867-royal-thai-navy-area-3-survey-andaman-for-rohingya/

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NCPO makes significant progress in water management

BANGKOK, 13 May 2015 (NNT) - The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has warned against corruption for all agencies involved in the water management projects.

It was revealed during the NCPO meeting on the country’s water management system that more than half of the projects were completed in the last fiscal year.

An estimated 17 billion baht was allocated last year for the implementation of 2,578 water management projects, including reforestation and drinking water programs.

With 65 percent completed, the remaining 35 percent is expected to be carried out within this financial year. The government will spend another 60 billion baht on 19,012 projects this year.

Of those projects, 3,700 have already been successfully implemented. The NCPO will hold a meeting every three months to conduct a progress report.


-- NNT 2015-05-13

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Thai government targets wealthy superyacht charter market


Pictured from left: Mr. Puripat Teerakunpisut, Chief of Phuket Marine Office; Mr. Chula Sukmanop, Director-General, Thailand Marine Department; and Mr. Gulu Lalvani, Chairman of Royal Phuket Marina.

Discussions between Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul and Mr. Gulu Lalvani have put Thailand marine tourism on the national agenda with progress made to introduce a superyacht charter license.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824870-thai-government-targets-wealthy-superyacht-charter-market/

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Yala gears up for city anniversary celebrations

YALA, 13 May 2015 (NNT) – Yala province has been gearing up for the city’s founding anniversary celebrations later this month.

Yala Governor Samart Waradisai said the event would be held for 11 days to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of the city's pillar enshrinement. The planned activities are intended to mark the city’s anniversary, as well as boost the local economy.

The opening ceremony will feature a religious rite and a cultural procession in the morning. Visitors will be able to enjoy entertainment shows, and exhibitions showcasing achievements of state agencies, and shop for well-known products from the eight districts of Yala.

The fair will be held at the city shrine between May 24 and June 4. Administrative and security officials will be launching joint patrols throughout the event to ensure safety for visitors.


-- NNT 2015-05-13

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Bangkokians race to battle food waste
By Dana MacLean



BANGKOK: -- If you were to add up all the uneaten food thrown away in Bangkok alone each year, about 93.5 million kilograms, it would weigh roughly equivalent to 34,670 Asian elephants. In fact every one of us in Southeast Asia wastes up to 11 kilograms of food each year, according to a UN report on the staggering amount of global food waste.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824875-bangkokians-race-to-battle-food-waste/

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Thai cops hunt 'kingpin' in migrant trafficking probe
AFP

BANGKOK: -- A manhunt intensified Wednesday for the alleged kingpin of a Thai people smuggling network, police said, as detectives probe whether a private island near the Malaysia sea border was a key link in a trafficking chain spanning several countries.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824876-thai-cops-hunt-kingpin-in-migrant-trafficking-probe/

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Two options suggested on public referendum

BANGKOK, 13 May 2015 (NNT) - Prof. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, Chairman of the National Reform Council (NRC) committee on political reform, has indicated that there are two approaches to holding a public referendum on the new constitution.

The first approach would be to hold a referendum on the constitution as a whole.

The second would be to enact the new constitution, and then hold referendums on contentious provisions, such as those related to electoral process for Members of Parliament and the Prime Minister.

However, the current interim constitution must first be amended to stipulate either scenario. This requires submitting an amendment proposal to the National Legislative Assembly for approval.


-- NNT 2015-05-13

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More than 40 people have been killed and dozens injured in a gun attack on a bus carrying Shia Muslims in Karachi, reports say. /BBC