Thailand Live Monday 18 May 2015

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Huge crowds say farewell to revered Luang Phor Khoon
THE NATION



KHON KAEN: -- TENS OF THOUSAND of people yesterday flocked to Khon Kaen University to pay their respects to the late highly revered monk Luang Phor Khoon Parisuttho.

As the morning procession passed them, large throngs of people along the route uttered the Pali word "Sadhu" and gave a wai to the late monk's body.

University maintainance worker Surapol Seyso said that after hearing the procession would pass Sri Raj Road he and others camped there to bid a last farewell to the monk. "I visited Wat Ban Rai twice but never met Luang Phor Khoon. I always observe his teaching and will continue to do so ever after his passing," he said.

Merit making and Abhidhamma prayer for Luang Phor Khoon will be held until Saturday at the university, where his body was donated to the Faculty of Medicine in accordance with his will.

The monk's body was carried in a 100-car procession from Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital to the university, where rector Assoc Prof Kittichai Trairattanasirichai and medical experts examined the body for the donor's registration.

The monk's body was placed at the university's 25th anniversary pavilion at 5am for Buddhist followers to bid him farewell before being moved at 2.30am to the university's Golden Jubilee Hall, where the Abhidhamma prayer was held.

After the seven-day religious rite hosted by a joint committee comprising monks, Khon Kaen University staff, Wat Ban Rai disciples and related agencies in Khon Kaen and Nakhon Ratchasima, the body will be kept for one year before being used for dissection studies by medical students for two to three years.

His body will then be cremated and the ashes scattered in the Mekong River in accordance with his will.

The abbot of Wat Ban Rai in Nakhon Ratchasima's Dan Khun Thot district passed away at the age of 91 on Saturday at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, where he was earlier treated for heart problems.

His Majesty the King graciously provided him with a mortuary urn, tiered umbrellas and water for the funeral bathing ceremony.

Meanwhile, Wat Ban Rai hosted a 100-day Abhidhamma prayer for the monk so people who cannot travel to the university will be able to pay their respects, Dan Khun Thot district chief Saksit Sakullikharesima said

A committee yesterday nominated Phra Khru Pavana Prachanart (Luang Phor Nuch) from Wat Nong Bua Thung in Nakhon Ratchasima to be the acting abbot of Wat Ban Rai.

Nakhon Ratchasima Cultural Council chairman Bancha Yindee said the ritual at the university was in accordance with the monk's will. He urged people who cannot travel to Khon Kaen to make merit for the late monk at temples.

It has been reported that an amulet market in Nakhon Ratchasima is booming as worshippers look for Luang Phor Khoon amulets.

Several old models could fetch five-to-seven-digit prices, while the amulet case and frame-making service is also booming because many people want their Luang Phor Khoon amulets well protected.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Huge-crowds-say-farewell-to-revered-Luang-Phor-Kho-30260327.html

-- The Nation 2015-05-18

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Survey:

Should Foreigners be Allowed to own Property?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825264-survey-should-foreigners-be-allowed-to-own-property/

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Frenchman killed in South Pattaya Road Crash

PATTAYA:--On Sunday Morning a 67 year old Frenchman lost his life in a road crash on the Sukhumvit Road in South Pattaya, which Police suspect was caused due to an intoxicated car driver.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825893-frenchman-killed-in-south-pattaya-road-crash/

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ROHINGYA
UN chief urges PM to treat boat people with dignity
The Nation


Rescued migrants from Bangladesh walk in rows as they prepare for an identification process by Indonesian authorities and the International Organization for Migration at a confinement area in the fishing town of Kuala Langsa in Aceh province

Ban Ki-moon Voices concern about Rohingya, backs forum to resolve crisis

NEW YORK: -- UNITED NATIONS Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged the government yesterday to offer proper treatment to boat people, saying they deserved "human dignity and basic rights", while also supporting Thailand's move to hold an international forum late this month to try to resolve the crisis.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825962-un-chief-urges-pm-to-treat-boat-people-with-dignity/

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1 YEAR AFTER THE COUP
Peace has returned to Thailand but the road ahead is still hazy and complex
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- A YEAR AGO, Thailand was still mired in a destructive conflict and intractable political deadlock. The coup on May 22 completely redrew the political landscape, bringing hope to many people even as it was strongly opposed by many others.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825963-peace-has-returned-to-thailand-but-the-road-ahead-is-still-hazy-and-complex/

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1 YEAR AFTER THE COUP
Thailand on the 'back foot' internationally
WIRAJ SRIPONG
THE NATION



FOREIGN POLICY HAS BEEN HELD 'HOSTAGE DUE TO DOMESTIC SITUATION'

BANGKOK: -- THAILAND'S ability to form and implement foreign policy following the coup has been hindered due to a backlash from western countries while many Asian nations have befriended the Kingdom as a counter balance, academics have said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825964-1-year-after-the-coup-thailand-on-the-back-foot-internationally/

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Despite the coup, Thailand is 'friends with every country,' minister says
JINTANA PANYAARVUDH
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THAILAND had been under pressure from the international community since the military staged a coup in May last year, but Foreign Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn insisted the Kingdom's status on the global stage remained unchanged.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825965-despite-the-coup-thailand-is-friends-with-every-country-minister-says/

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Thai-Japanese rail link to Chiang Mai follows China model
SASITHORN ONGDEE
THE NATION



CABINET TO CONSIDER AGREEMENT FOR HIGH-SPEED NETWORK BEFORE SIGNING MOC

BANGKOK: -- THE CABINET is expected to consider the draft of an agreement on the Thai-Japanese high-speed railway tomorrow ahead of the signing of a memorandum of cooperation on the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route in Tokyo next week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825966-thai-japanese-rail-link-to-chiang-mai-follows-china-model/

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1-YEAR NCPO
Govt gets a pass mark for first year in power
Business Reporters
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Many business executives are satisfied with the government's first-year performance, but say there are some key problems it has not solved.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825967-1-year-ncpo-thai-govt-gets-a-pass-mark-for-first-year-in-power/

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AVIATION
Thailand has 'aviation industry potential'
Erich Parpart
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Business France sees huge potential for umbrella companies in Thailand, especially for consulting to the aviation and aerospace industry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825968-thailand-has-aviation-industry-potential/

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1-YEAR NCPO
Govt lauded for its ambitions
Business Reporters
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Business leaders have praised the government's lofty ambitions of solving the country's problems since the National Council for Peace and Order seized power from an elected government one year ago. However, they urged the military regime to tackle future challenges for sustainable economic growth as well as serious challenges faced by particular business sectors.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825969-thai-govt-lauded-for-its-ambitions/

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WACO, Texas (AP) - Police: 9 killed after fight, shooting erupts among rival biker gangs in Waco, Texas.

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EDITORIAL
Thaksin in Seoul: deja vu all over again?
The Nation

Will the man in exile make it "harder" or "easier" for himself and everyone else?

BANGKOK: -- Thaksin Shinawatra will emerge from his "glass closet of seclusion" and speak at an international conference in South Korea tomorrow.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825970-thaksin-in-seoul-deja-vu-all-over-again/

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WHAT OTHERS SAY
Purges spark doubts on Kim Jong-un's power
Song Sang-ho
The Korea Herald
Asia News Network
Seoul

SEOUL: -- Speculation is rising over the stability of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's leadership, with his frequent purges and executions of senior military and government officials apparently indicating their eroding loyalty toward him.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825973-purges-spark-doubts-on-kim-jong-uns-power/

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A female Briton found dead in a swimming pool on Koh Chang

KOH CHANG: -- A female British tourist was found dead in the swimming pool of a hotel on Koh Chang in Trat province Sunday morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825974-british-tourist-found-dead-in-a-swimming-pool-on-koh-chang/

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Phuket Marine Police retrieve unidentified corpse floating near Koh Kai Nork island
Eakkapop Thongtub



PHUKET: The nationality and cause of death of the victim found floating east of Phuket today cannot immediately be determined, police said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825975-phuket-marine-police-retrieve-unidentified-corpse-floating-near-koh-kai-nork-island/

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Abhisit to bow out of politics if party loses next election
PIMNARA PRADUBWIT
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- DEMOCRAT PARTY leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has said that his political journey may end if his party loses the next general election.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825976-abhisit-to-bow-out-of-politics-if-party-loses-next-election/

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CDC chief urges 'silent' masses to reject conflict
WATTANA CHAMCHU
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- CONSTITUTION Drafting Commit-tee chairman Borwornsak Uwanno yesterday took the two major political camps to task for their portrayal of "distrust", saying their action was a bad sign that political division and disparity would not be resolved easily.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825977-cdc-chief-urges-silent-masses-to-reject-conflict/

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Chinese officials to join forces with Thai police to probe UFUN pyramid scheme
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Chinese police have joined forces with their Thai counterparts to investigate UFUN's alleged pyramid scheme and a transnational crime suppression centre will be set up soon, Pol Lt-General Suwira Songmeta, an assistant national police chief, said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825978-chinese-officials-to-join-forces-with-thai-police-to-probe-ufun-pyramid-scheme/

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Chula Engineering Faculty tackles traffic congestion in Sathorn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Engineering has developed an initiative, Sathorn Model, to tackle Bangkok's traffic nightmare.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825979-chula-engineering-faculty-tackles-traffic-congestion-in-bangkok/

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REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Our history says: Don't push back the persecuted
Kavi Chongkittavorn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- It is time for the Thai government to adopt a proper policy response - and temporarily take in Rohingya refugees coming from the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea. This is the best way to save lives while searching for a durable solution. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was spot-on when he said that this issue needs a regional solution with help from neighbouring countries.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825980-our-history-says-dont-push-back-the-persecuted/

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American man saved from jumping down 26th floor of Bangkok condo
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Police took about two hours to convince a foreigner from jumping down from a room balcony on the 26th floor of Fuse Mobius condominium on Soi Ramkhamhaeng 3/1 at 9:30 am Sunday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825981-american-man-saved-from-jumping-down-26th-floor-of-bangkok-condo/

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Texas shootout among rival biker gangs leaves 9 dead
By NOMAAN MERCHANT

WACO, Texas (AP) — A shootout among rival biker gangs at a popular Texas restaurant left nine people dead and 18 others injured, a police spokesman said on Sunday, sending panicked patrons and bystanders fleeing for safety.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825982-texas-shootout-among-rival-biker-gangs-leaves-9-dead/

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Contested Iraqi city of Ramadi falls to Islamic State group
SAMEER N. YACOUB, Associated Press

BAGHDAD (AP) — The contested city of Ramadi fell to the Islamic State group on Sunday, as Iraqi forces abandoned their weapons and armored vehicles to flee the provincial capital in a major loss despite intensified U.S.-led airstrikes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825983-contested-iraqi-city-of-ramadi-falls-to-islamic-state-group/

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Iraq war judged a mistake by today's White House hopefuls
By CONNIE CASS

WASHINGTON (AP) — A dozen years later, American politics has reached a rough consensus about the Iraq War: It was a mistake.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825984-iraq-war-judged-a-mistake-by-todays-white-house-hopefuls/

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Officials: Saudi-led coalition airstrikes resume in Yemen
By AHMED AL-HAJ

SANAA, Yemen (AP) — Saudi-led coalition airstrikes targeting Shiite rebels resumed early Monday in the southern port city of Aden after a five-day truce came to a close following talks on the war-torn country's future that were boycotted by the rebels.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825985-officials-saudi-led-coalition-airstrikes-resume-in-yemen/

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Protesting Macedonians demand government's resignation
KONSTANTIN TESTORIDES, Associated Press
NEBI QENA, Associated Press

SKOPJE, Macedonia (AP) — Tens of thousands of protesters gathered Sunday in the center of the Macedonian capital to demand the resignation of conservative Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825986-protesting-macedonians-demand-governments-resignation/

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US park official: Extreme athlete Dean Potter among 2 killed in BASE jumping accident

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TNSC: Govt's handling of Rohingya may affect international trade

BANGKOK, 18 May 2015, (NNT) - The Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) has said that the government’s handling of Rohingya people could affect the nation's international trade and ties.

President of TNSC, Nopporn Thepsittha, yesterday voiced his opinions on the administration’s measures dealing with the Rohingya people. He said although the government is sincere in solving the problem, it needs international cooperation in order to solve the problem.

He also said the United Nations should be the organization responsible for the stateless Rohingyas, referring to the U.S.’s comment that Thailand should set up a permanent shelter for them.

Although the issue has yet to affect the economic sector, the council urged the administration to tread carefully when dealing with the problem, as it may affect the international trade and ties.


-- NNT 2015-05-18

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Yala police chief moved

YALA: -- Chief of Yala police was moved from Yala to the Royal Thai Police's Operation Centre following a spate of bomb explosions in the past three days that left over 20 people injured and several houses gutted in fires.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/826017-yala-police-chief-moved/