Thailand Live Friday 15 May 2015

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Govt brings 5 more Thais home from Nepal

BANGKOK, 15 May 2015 (NNT) – Five more Thai nationals have safely returned home from Nepal with the help of the government following the second powerful quake in the already devastated country.

The Thai government this morning sent a team of officials on a C-130 aircraft to Nepal on a mission to deliver necessary items to earthquake victims in the country. On their return trip, the authorities picked up five Thai citizens who had earlier requested to be evacuated back to Thailand. The group, consisting of three children and two adults, has arrived safely.

Ms Nittaya Boonlong, one of the evacuees, revealed upon arrival that even though her residence in Kathmandu was not damaged by the tremors, the second major quake that struck on Tuesday has renewed safety concerns among local people. She said she decided to leave Nepal after her family in Thailand suggested her to do so until the situation returns to normal.

The government had earlier brought back five groups of Thai nationals from the quake-battered country. Meanwhile, Thailand’s provision of aid and support of rehabilitation work are still ongoing.


-- NNT 2015-05-15

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RIVERSIDE WALKWAY PROJECT
Activists threaten to sue govt
PRATCH RUJIVANAROM
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- THE GOVERNMENT'S plan to build walkways along the Chao Phraya River is being threatened by a group of environmental activists who plan to take their fight to the courts.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825306-chao-phraya-walkway-project-activists-threaten-to-sue-thai-govt/

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NEW CONSTITUTION
Charter referendum 'will delay elections'
THE NATION

Deputy PM Wissanu figures public vote will be held in December of January, while Prayut stays mum on the issue.

BANGKOK: -- A NATIONAL referendum on the draft constitution is likely to be held in December or January, which could delay the next general election, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825307-thai-charter-referendum-will-delay-elections/

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HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Govt surveying two isles for detention of migrants
THE NATION



Prayut rules out permanent shelter, temporary centres planned off Ranong

BANGKOK: -- THE PRIME MINISTER has ordered a survey of two unpopulated islands off Ranong with the view of using them to detain Rohingya migrants.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825308-thai-govt-surveying-two-isles-for-detention-of-migrants/

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LESE MAJESTE
Ex-DSI chief's sibling convicted over lese majeste charges
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Setthawut Pengdit, 52, a younger brother of former Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief Tarit, was sentenced by Bangkok's Ratchadaphisek Criminal Court to two and a half years in jail over lese majeste charges in relation to the purchase of a plot in Nakhon Ratchasima's Pak Chong district in 2007-2008.

The case has two defendants - the property agent Setthawut and businessman Boontham Thepprathan, 65. While the former confessed, which resulted in his five-year sentence being halved, the latter denied any wrongdoing and has vowed to fight the case in court.

Hence the court has temporarily dismissed the lawsuit pending a re-submission of the case against Boontham in seven days. The two are being detained at the Bangkok Remand Prison.

In related news, an informed source at the Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission said a subcommittee had been set up to investigate nine civil servants in relation to their alleged role in land encroachment in Pak Chong's tambon Moo Si. This case is related to a land-rights document that also covers the territory earmarked for the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO), the source said, adding that the subcommittee should be able to indict the wrongdoers in the next four to six months.

Meanwhile, Nakhon Ratchasima Governor Thongchai Leuadul said provincial land officials were also investigating the issuing of the questionable land-rights document and would report the result to him next week. If the document is revoked, the encroached land will be returned to ALRO, he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Ex-DSI-chiefs-sibling-convicted-over-lese-majeste--30260138.html


-- The Nation 2015-05-15

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MEDICAL SERVICES
Ministries to discuss high cost of medicines, medical services
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Public Health Ministry will today hold a meeting with the Commerce Ministry and the Office of the Consumer Protection Board to discuss the problem of expensive medicines and overpriced medical services.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825309-thai-ministries-to-discuss-high-cost-of-medicines-medical-services/

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ROYAL ASSISTANCE
His Majesty ensures relief for storm victims
Seksanti Kalayanawisut
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- His Majesty the King saw to it that Rajaprajanugroh Foundation officials yesterday delivered relief bags to 420 families affected by summer storms in Udon Thani's Nong Han district.

Since February 16, a total of 2,920 families in 20 districts of this north-eastern province have been affected by summer storms, and the province has spent its emergency budget to help the affected. An additional 225 households were affected by summer storms from May 5-9 in Nong Han, Thung Fon, Bang Dung, Nam Som, Sri That and Muahg districts.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/His-Majesty-ensures-relief-for-storm-victims-30260150.html

-- The Nation 2015-05-15

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UPDATE:

Revenue official fired over VAT scam
Erich Parpart
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A high-ranking (C-9) public servant under the Revenue Department has been axed because of a false VAT-refund case worth more than Bt3.2 billion.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825231-a-senior-revenue-official-sacked-for-cheating-the-state-of-over-3-billion-baht-in-tax-refund/#entry9406890

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EDITORIAL
A regional crisis with roots in Myanmar
The Nation

Thailand must act urgently to combat the trafficking of people along its coastline, but only Nay Pyi Taw has the power to end refugees' misery

BANGKOK: -- As many as 8,000 Rohingya fleeing persecution in Myanmar and Bangladeshis seeking better lives elsewhere are stranded in boats in the Andaman Ocean and Malacca Straits.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825310-thai-editorial-a-regional-crisis-with-roots-in-myanmar/

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Two suspected drug dealers caught by Police in North Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- The Banglamung Police Chief announced on Thursday the arrest of two suspected drug dealers and a significant seizure of class 1 and class 2 drugs.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825311-two-suspected-drug-dealers-caught-by-police-in-north-pattaya/

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Gang steal bike at knife-point from three boys in East Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- Three youths aged between 16 and 17 reported a case of armed auto-theft to Police in the early hours of Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825312-gang-steal-bike-at-knife-point-from-three-boys-in-east-pattaya/

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BURNING ISSUE
Voting on constitution is becoming a tricky problem
NITIPOL KIRAVANICH

BANGKOK: -- THE NATIONAL Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) finds itself confronted with a dilemma - should it hold a national referendum and, if it does, will it be used by some as a tool to retaliate?

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825313-thai-politics-voting-on-constitution-is-becoming-a-tricky-problem/

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ANALYSIS
Case of damned if we do, damned if we don't?
ATTAYUTH BOOTSRIPOOM
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- IT HAS become clear now that the constitution drafters want a national referendum on the charter. They have suggested in writing to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha that he make sure that such a vote is organised.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825314-thai-analysis-case-of-damned-if-we-do-damned-if-we-dont/

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Agencies to conduct DNA tests on stateless people
Piyanut Tumnukasetchai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Provincial Administration Department and the Central Institute of Forensic Science (CIFS) will join forces to carry out DNA tests on 200,000 stateless people, including 79,000 school-age youths, to prove their ethnicity and ensure their right to healthcare and education.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825315-thai-agencies-to-conduct-dna-tests-on-stateless-people/

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Parents pawn luxury items to cover school expenses
Pantipa itrawutthiporn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- LUXURY items such as Hermes, Gucci and Louis Vuitton handbags and Blythe dolls have been sold at pawnshops nationwide as parents struggle to find money for their children's tuition fees and related expenses for the new school year this month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825316-parents-in-thailand-pawn-luxury-items-to-cover-school-expenses/

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Ex-Bangkok governor cleared of graft charges
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- FORMER Bangkok governor Bhichit Rattakul and ex-city clerk Prasert Samalapa were yesterday acquitted of corruption charges related to the purchase of a car park for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration 20 years ago.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825317-ex-bangkok-governor-bhichit-rattakul-cleared-of-graft-charges/

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Surat Thani biomass power plant proposal dropped
The Nation



SURAT THANI: -- Some 3,000 Surat Thani residents took to the streets to rally against a biomass-fuelled power-plant project in the province, as the administrative body in Tha Chana district was scheduled to consider the proposal yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825318-surat-thani-biomass-power-plant-proposal-dropped/

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GOLD MARKET
Gold demand dips despite central banks' purchases in first three months
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Bank of Thailand's ranking in the top 40 gold-holding central banks and institutions slipped one place to 26th in the first quarter as some central banks built up their gold reserves in light of falling prices, according to the latest data by the World Gold Council (WGC).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825320-gold-demand-dips-despite-central-banks-purchases-in-first-three-months/

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Asian nations must help save migrants at sea: US
AFP

WASHINGTON: -- The United States on Thursday urged Southeast Asian nations to work together to save hundreds of migrants abandoned by people smugglers in rickety boats adrift in the Andaman Sea.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825322-asian-nations-must-help-save-migrants-at-sea-us/

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WASHINGTON (AP) - AP Source: Man arrested outside White House for trying to launch drone.

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Phuket man shot what police say is a case of mistaken identity
Darawan Naknakhon


Mr Kordej was taken to Thalang Hospital for treatment to the gunshot wound.

PHUKET: -- A Thai man was shot yesterday (May ) in what police say was a case of mistaken identity. However, they have also said that they know who the suspected shooters are.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825323-phuket-man-shot-what-police-say-is-a-case-of-mistaken-identity/

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Army destroys Rohinya jungle camps to prevent human traffickers to reuse them



SADAO: -- The Fourth Army today ordered the destroying of all border jungle camps of Rohinya migrants in Sadao district of Songkhla to prevent human traffickers to reuse them in future.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825324-thai-army-destroys-rohinya-jungle-camps-to-prevent-human-traffickers-to-reuse-them/

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House passes bill for Congress to review Iran nuclear deal
By DEB RIECHMANN

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress on Thursday sent President Barack Obama a bill to give lawmakers the power to review and potentially reject a nuclear deal with Iran.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825325-house-passes-bill-for-us-congress-to-review-iran-nuclear-deal/

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Worry over Shariah law in Idaho jeopardizes child support
By KIMBERLEE KRUESI and DAVID CRARY

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The U.S. has spent years leading negotiations toward an international treaty that would make it easier for single parents worldwide to collect child-support payments.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825326-us-worry-over-shariah-law-in-idaho-jeopardizes-child-support/

Full story:

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Obama offers Gulf nations "ironclad" security cooperation
JULIE PACE, AP White House Correspondent

CAMP DAVID, Maryland (AP) — President Barack Obama pledged America's "ironclad commitment" to anxious Persian Gulf nations Thursday to help protect their security, pointedly mentioning the potential use of military force and offering assurances that a potential nuclear agreement with Iran would not leave them more vulnerable.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825327-obama-offers-gulf-nations-ironclad-security-cooperation/

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IS group releases audio message purportedly from leader

BASSEM MROUE, Associated Press

BEIRUT (AP) — The Islamic State group on Thursday released an audio message purportedly from its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who has not been seen or heard from in months.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825328-islamic-state-releases-al-baghdadi-message/

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8th body found in wreckage of deadly train derailment
GEOFF MULVIHILL, Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The engineer in this week's deadly train derailment doesn't remember the crash, his lawyer said Thursday, complicating the investigati

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825331-8th-body-found-in-wreckage-of-deadly-amtrak-train-derailment/

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Man apprehended after flying drone near White House
By ALICIA CALDWELL

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Secret Service apprehended a man who was flying a small drone Thursday afternoon in a park outside the White House, a violation of federal aviation rules.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825332-man-apprehended-after-flying-drone-near-white-house/

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Again? Agents likely 'impaired' in White House incident
By ALICIA A. CALDWELL

WASHINGTON (AP) — What were they thinking?

For months new Secret Service Director Joseph Clancy had been warning agents and officers that misconduct and drunken shenanigans would not be tolerated in the once-vaunted law enforcement agency. And yet, according to investigators, two senior Secret Service agents spent five hours at a bar, ran up a significant tab, and then drove back to the White House, where they shoved their car into a construction barrier and drove within inches of a suspicious package earlier this year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825334-again-agents-likely-impaired-in-white-house-incident/

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A military conscript in jealous rage sets fire on a girlfriend

Bangkok: –Police are requesting the military cooperation to hand over a conscript to face charges for setting fire on a girlfriend who is being hospitalized for third-degree burn.

The Paveena Hongsakul Foundation, an advocacy group for women’s and children’s rights, has called for police to ensure justice by solving the case in a straightforward manner.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825330-a-military-conscript-in-jealous-rage-sets-fire-on-a-girlfriend/