Thailand Live Thursday 14 May 2015

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Sacred oxen predict a good harvest this year
THE NATION


The annual ploughing ceremony is held yesterday at Sanam Luang in Bangkok to mark Royal Ploughing Day yesterday. The event was presided over by His Royal Highness Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and his daughter Her Royal Highness Princess Bajra Kitiyabha.

BANGKOK: -- THE annual Royal Ploughing Ceremony was held in Bangkok's Sanam Luang yesterday to boost the morale of farmers and showcase the significance of the agricultural sector in the country.

The ceremony was presided over by HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and his eldest daughter HRH Princess Bajra Kitiyabha.

Farmers from all corners of the country eagerly look forward to this event every year as it is through this that predictions of future harvests are made.

This year, Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry's permanent secretary Chavalit Chookajorn served as the Lord of the Ceremony or Phraya Raekna, and chose a 4-kueb-long cloth - which signifies a bit too much water, with good yield for highland paddy fields and some crop damage for low-lying ones.

The sacred oxen, meanwhile, chose to eat grass among the seven items on offer - which is seen as signifying an abundance of crops and adequate water supply.

Scrambling for seeds

After the ceremony was completed, crowds of people began scrambling for the seeds thrown by the Ploughing Lord as these are said to bring owners wealth and good luck.

Farmers usually add these "sacred" seeds to their own paddy seeds to ensure a good crop.

The Rice Department also handed out 2,695 rice seeds from His Majesty's experimental paddy fields to waiting farmers.

Outside Bangkok, many farmers began sowing rice yesterday to mark the Royal Ploughing Day.

"This is an auspicious day," said farmer Samrit Ponsri from the Northeast province of Maha Sarakham. "I hope for a good harvest this year."

Farmer Buarom Nuanpring, from the Northeast province of Buri Ram, began ploughing his field yesterday as well, believing it would bring him luck.

"I always start my farming season on this auspicious day," the 74-year-old farmer said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Sacred-oxen-predict-a-good-harvest-this-year-30260043.html


-- The Nation 2015-05-14

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Migrants issue heats up
THE NATION, AGENCIES



Malaysia slams door while Indonesia tows boat with migrants out of its waters; US urges coordinated efforts

BANGKOK: -- COUNTRIES IN Southeast Asia, notably Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, came under mounting pressure from the international community to provide humane treatment to thousands of Bangladeshi and Rohingya boat people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825033-migrants-issue-heats-up-in-thailand/

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Thailand ready to help origin countries tackle illegal migration: Tanasak
JINTANA PANYAARVUDH
THE NATION


Tanasak Patimapragorn

BANGKOK: -- THE GOVERNMENT is ready to discuss and help tackle the long-standing problem of illegal migrants at the countries of origin, Foreign Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825034-thailand-ready-to-help-origin-countries-tackle-illegal-migration-tanasak/

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UPDATE:

CDC tells PM to hold referendum on entire charter
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) has proposed to Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha that a national referendum be held on the new charter, a crucial step that it said should not affect the country's roadmap to democracy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824910-cdc-suggests-pm-to-allow-public-referendum-of-new-charter/#entry9403458

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New laws 'too weak' to solve local fishery problems: NGOs
PRATCH RUJIVANAROM
THE NATION


Banjong Nasae, second from left, highlights the weaknesses of the new Fisheries Act at a discussion forum held at the Greenpeace Southeast Asia Office in Bangkok yesterday.

Agencies call for stricter measures including ban on destructive fishing

BANGKOK: -- THE NEW Fisheries Act is not enough to solve the problems of the Thai fishery sector and the sustainable restoration of Thai natural sea resources, according to some prominent NGOs.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825035-new-laws-too-weak-to-solve-local-thai-fishery-problems-ngos/

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Thailand outdone by Vietnam in latest education rankings
The Nation

In terms of quality of schooling, kingdom sits at 47, far lower than neighbour's number 12

BANGKOK: -- THAILAND trails far behind two other Southeast Asian countries in the biggest-ever global grading of education quality.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825036-thailand-outdone-by-vietnam-in-latest-education-rankings/

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UPDATE:

Thailand seen attractive for incentive travel
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- THAILAND has become a popular destination for incentive tourism - free trips offered to a company's employees - thanks to competitive packages and political stability.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824901-chinese-company-treats-12700-employees-to-thai-vacation/#entry9403471

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EDITORIAL
Bets off over lottery scam
The Nation

The crackdown on overpricing faces serious opposition from unscrupulous ticket distributors

BANGKOK: -- The government is getting tough over the longstanding problem of overpriced lottery tickets. Most customers have forgotten when they last bought a government lottery ticket for the stated price of Bt80.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825037-thai-editorial-bets-off-over-lottery-scam/

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THAI TALK
Education reform: First put teachers back in the classroom!
Suthichai Yoon
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Education reform, one of the major topics in the ongoing reform process, can't begin to see the light of the day without some real efforts to shake things up. But that probably won't happen in the foreseeable future despite what the reformists may say on paper.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825038-education-reform-first-put-teachers-back-in-the-classroom/

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TELL IT AS IT IS
Down and out in a blind man's paradise
Pornpimol Kanchanalak
Special to The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The woman in her late 20s excused herself from the conversation she was having with a student interviewing her for his research, to do "some business". She came back less than 10 minutes later - and B12 the richer.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825039-thai-opinion-down-and-out-in-a-blind-mans-paradise/

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District Officers raid East Pattaya Constructors Campsite



PATTAYA: -- On Wednesday a team of Banglamung District Officers totaling more than 100 assisted by Police Officers, conducted a raid on a constructors campsite in the Huay Yai area where an estimated 400 foreign laborers were thought to be living.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825040-district-officers-raid-east-pattaya-constructors-campsite/

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Pattaya Boom-Boom Pick-up trucks checked by District Officers



PATTAYA: -- Following numerous noise complaints from residents and business owners on Jomtien Beach, District Officers checked the area for modified pick-up trucks playing loud music on Wednesday Night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825041-pattaya-boom-boom-pick-up-trucks-checked-by-district-officers/

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We will have trafficking boss behind bars soon – Thailand's top cop
Tanyaluk Sakoot


Gen Somyot and Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Khalid bin Abu Bakar after their meeting in Phuket

PHUKET: -- Thailand expects to have one of the top ringleaders of the southern Thailand human trafficking ring in custody soon, the country’s top policeman said in Phuket.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825042-we-will-have-trafficking-boss-behind-bars-soon-thailands-top-cop/

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Popular Phuket teacher dies suddenly
The Phuket News


Geoff Goacher.

PHUKET: -- Teacher Geoff Goacher died unexpectedly and without warning while at work on Monday afternoon (May 11) at the Kajonkiet School on Chao Fa West Rd.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825043-popular-phuket-teacher-dies-suddenly/

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Illegal land grab in Hua Hin mountains



HUA HIN: -- Military officers and natural resources officials were on Wednesday dispatched to Khao Nong Samore and Khao Don Tabaek in Hua Hin to find out if there was any forest encroachment as complained by villagers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825044-illegal-land-grab-in-hua-hin-mountains/

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Two condominium developers told to return money received from Ufun to AMLO

BANGKOK: -- Developers of two condominium projects have been told by the police to hand over about 200 million baht in cash paid by Ufun Store Company for the purchase of 146 condominium units to the Anti-Money Laundering Office.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825045-two-condominium-developers-told-to-return-money-received-from-ufun-to-amlo/

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BURNING ISSUE
Paiboon tests the waters on reforms and election date
ATTAYUTH BOOTSRIPOOM

BANGKOK: -- CONSTITUTION drafter Paiboon Nititawan has made a controversial proposal for a national referendum: should the next general election be held shortly after the new constitution becomes effective - or two years later, after national reforms are completed?

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825046-paiboon-tests-the-waters-on-reforms-and-election-date/

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UPDATE:

Thaksin's red passport 'must be revoked'
THE NATION

THE GOVERNMENT should revoke the diplomatic passport issued to ousted and fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, says former Democrat Party MP Watchara Petthong.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/824959-revoke-thaksins-diplomatic-passport-says-democrat-ex-mp/page-2?p=9403518#entry9403518

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Hunt on for 41 absconding suspects in trafficking case
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- ARREST warrants have been issued for 62 suspects accused of running or benefiting from the trafficking of Rohingya and Bangladeshis in the southern provinces, as part of a government crackdown on the illicit business, a senior area police officer said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825047-hunt-on-for-41-absconding-suspects-in-rohingya-trafficking-case/

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Call for serious probe into teacher stabbing
METHEE MUANGKAEW
THE NATION
TRANG

TRANG: -- THE FRIEND of an American teacher at Prince of Songkla University's Trang Campus, who was stabbed by youngsters last Saturday, has urged police yesterday to seriously investigate the case.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825048-call-for-serious-probe-into-american-teacher-stabbing-in-trang/

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Graft body to block officials' alleged Korat land grab
PIYANUT TAMNUKASETCHAI
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE CENTRE for National Anti-Corruption (CNAC) will propose the cancellation of land distribution in Nakhon Ratchasima's Lam Takhong settlement area after a group of civil servants reportedly applied for land there.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825049-graft-body-to-block-officials-alleged-korat-land-grab/

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Second-in-command of Islamic State, Abu Alaa al-Afri, killed in air strike by US-led coalition, Iraq government says /BBC

VATICAN CITY (AP) - Vatican officially recognizes 'state of Palestine' in new treaty.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - Afghan police: Siege at Kabul guesthouse ends with 5 dead, 6 wounded, 54 rescued.

BOSTON (AP) - Jury begins deliberating whether marathon bomber should get life in prison or death penalty.

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Vatican recognizes state of Palestine in new treaty
By NICOLE WINFIELD

VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican officially recognized the state of Palestine in a new treaty finalized Wednesday, immediately sparking Israeli ire and accusations that the move hurt peace prospects.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825050-vatican-recognizes-state-of-palestine-in-new-treaty/

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Iraq says airstrike targeted senior Islamic State commander
By SINAN SALAHEDDIN

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq's Defense Ministry said Wednesday an airstrike by the U.S.-led coalition killed a senior Islamic State commander and others near the extremist-held city of Mosul, though the country's Interior Ministry later said it wasn't clear if he even was wounded.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825051-islamic-state-deputy-leader-killed-in-us-led-coalition-air-strike/

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Afghan police: Guesthouse siege ends with 5 dead, 6 wounded
By LYNNE O'DONNELL and AMIR SHAH

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Police say the hours-long siege at a guesthouse in the Afghan capital has ended with five people dead, six wounded and 54 hostages rescued.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825052-afghan-police-guesthouse-siege-ends-with-5-dead-6-wounded/

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Burundi: Not clear if coup succeeded or where is president
ANDREW NJUGUNA, Associated Press
MELANIE GOUBY, Associated Press

BUJUMBURA, Burundi (AP) — Burundi's capital was quiet Wednesday night but it was not clear who was in charge after a tumultuous day in which thousands of people celebrated an attempted coup against President Pierre Nkurunziza.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825053-burundi-not-clear-if-coup-succeeded-or-where-is-president/

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Investigators: US train in deadly wreck was speeding
GEOFF MULVIHILL, Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A passenger train that crashed in Philadelphia, killing at least seven people, was speeding at 106 mph (170 kph) before it ran off the rails along a sharp curve where the speed limit is just 50 mph (80 kph), federal investigators said Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825054-us-investigators-amtrak-train-in-deadly-wreck-was-speeding/

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5 dead in Arizona murder-suicide were relatives
By ASTRID GALVAN

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A Tucson man gunned down four of his family members, including his 17-year-old niece, before fatally shooting himself in a murder-suicide, police said Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825055-5-dead-in-arizona-murder-suicide-were-relatives/

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Cops: Shot suspect in hammer attacks has history of paranoia
By KAREN MATTHEWS and COLLEEN LONG

NEW YORK (AP) — Authorities say a man shot and wounded by a police officer after he pulled out a hammer and struck a second officer has a history of mental illness.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825056-police-shoot-nyc-hammer-attack-suspect/

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TAT to promote “renewed love” campaign for European visitors

Bangkok: – The Tourism Authority of Thailand has drawn up a new strategy to promote the country as a “renewed love” destination in order attract and increase the number of European visitors.

Thanet Phetsuwan, TAT’s marketing director for Europe, Africa and the Middle East, said a new trend in tourism promotion is to gear for the personal feelings of tourists.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825059-tat-to-promote-renewed-love-campaign-for-european-visitors/