Thailand Live Monday 18 May 2015

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SET down 1.96 points at opening /Bangkok Post

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Philippines to push boat people back to sea



MANILA: -- The Philippines, like Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, will push back to sea undocumented Asian “boat people” despite a United Nations appeal to Southeast Asian countries to open their ports to the migrants from impoverished Myanmar and Bangladesh, according to Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr, as reported by INQUIRER.net.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/826022-philippines-to-push-boat-people-back-to-sea/

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Singapore to have prison cells for elderly inmates



SINGAPORE: -- The needs of Singapore's greying population are being addressed across the island, including behind bars as prisons in Singapore are getting their first elderly-friendly cells, according to The Straits Times.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/826023-singapore-to-have-prison-cells-for-elderly-inmates/

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UPDATE:

Cambodia deports Polonsky to Russia



PHNOM PENH: -- Fugitive Russian tycoon Sergei Polonsky was deported on Sunday morning back to his home country where he is wanted on charges of large-scale fraud, The Phnom Penh Post reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825653-sergei-polonsky-to-be-deported/#entry9417757

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Army chief says Yala bombings linked with criminal activities and politics



BANGKOK: -- Army commander-in-chief Gen Udomdej Sitabutr yesterday indicated that politics, different ideologies, drug and human trafficking were linked in the spate of bomb explosions in Yala during the past three consecutive days.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/826026-army-chief-says-yala-bombings-linked-with-criminal-activities-and-politics/

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Extreme athlete Dean Potter dies in US jumping accident
DAISY NGUYEN, Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Extreme athlete Dean Potter, renowned for his bold and sometimes rogue climbs and BASE jumps, was among two people who were killed while attempting a wingsuit flight in Yosemite National Park, a park spokesman said Sunday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/826030-extreme-athlete-dean-potter-dies-in-us-jumping-accident/

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UPDATE:

Ban supports Prayut’s irregular meeting to resolve Rohinya problem



BANGKOK: -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced his support for Thailand's initiative to host an irregular international meeting to discuss and resolve the Rohinya migration problem on May 29, a Thai government spokesman said Sunday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825962-un-chief-urges-pm-to-treat-boat-people-with-dignity/#entry9417873

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ECONOMY
NESDB slashes growth forecast
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Office of National Economic and Social Development Board today announced the downward revision in the Thai economic growth forecast, citing poor exports as the main reason.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/826033-nesdb-slashes-thai-economic-growth-forecast/

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Prayut urged to ban private hospital collecting charges on emergency patients



BANGKOK: -- The Thai Medical Error Network yesterday made another call on the prime minister to ban private hospital from collecting advance deposit or from mandating relatives of patients to sign medical bills acceptance from within the first 72 hours after their emergency admissions.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/826036-prayut-urged-to-ban-private-hospital-collecting-charges-on-emergency-patients/

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3,000 police deployed to relieve traffic congestion on 1st day school term

BANGKOK, 18 May 2015 (NNT)-The Royal Thai Police has revealed that traffic in Bangkok has been smooth on the first day of school term today.

Deputy Police Chief Police Lieutenant General Prawut Thawornsiri said traffic around school areas have been moving along well during the morning rush hour except for that on Sri Ayutthaya road .

There was only a minor accident reported in Sathorn on the first day of school. The Royal Thai Police Office deployed more than 3,000 police officers to to keep the traffic around various schools under control this morning.

They will begin their operation again this afternoon when the schools let out. They will remain in the school areas for the next 3 weeks to prevent widespread traffic congestion in Bangkok.


-- NNT 2015-05-18

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Yala schools reopen under maximum security



YALA: -- All schools in Yala province reopen today after almost two months long summer holiday under maximum security provided by troops, police and volunteers.

Yala governor Samart Valadusai and regional education zone 1 director Adult Promsaeng inspected several schools in the municipal area to boost the morale of teachers.

His delegation was given protection by heavily guarded troops.

The inspection of schools followed three days of bomb explosions in Yala town and suburban areas that left over 20 injured and many private and state property damaged and caught fires.

The attackers planted bombs at several power poles in bud to black out the town.

However no blackout was reported as the bombs used were small bombs, triggering suspicion among security officials of the hidden motive or had link with politics to create public disturbance.

All Buddhist temples, property in the town as well as in other southern provinces, notably in Narathiwat were heavily guarded by security officials today.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/yala-schools-reopen-under-maximum-security


-- Thai PBS 2015-05-18

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Big C stores to offer discounts on stationery ahead of new school term

BANGKOK, 18 May 2015, (NNT) - Grocery and general merchandising retailer Big C has prepared to offer discounts on stationery, to help parents save on the new school term.

Select stores are participating in a campaign to usher in the new school semester, offering 5-15 percent discounts on stationery sold in bulk. The retailer believes the campaign would significantly ease the financial burden on parents during the period.

The latest survey shows that three pen packs are being sold at 15-50 baht, while pencils, erasers and rulers range from 12-108 baht. Pencil cases are priced from 19-239 baht and crayons 22-309 baht.

The survey also revealed that magic markers are being sold at 19-123 baht, story books at 35-55 baht, and coloring books at 25-50 baht apiece.


-- NNT 2015-05-18

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Min. of Commerce to sell stockpiled rice from June to August

BANGKOK, 18 May 2015, (NNT) - The Ministry of Commerce has considered selling its rice stored with the Public Warehouse Organization from June to August.

The proposal is likely to be tabled at today’s National Rice Policy Committee meeting. The ministry will forward the plan to sell the remaining 16 million tons of rice in state warehouses to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Officials told the media that only two million tons of stockpiled rice had been sold over the past couple months, as the rice market has been saturated from off-season cultivation.

As seasonal rice is still being planted from June to August, the Ministry of Commerce believes it is the best time to offer government rice.

During the first four months of this year, Thailand exported 3.2 million tons of rice, a drop from 3.8 million tons during the same period last year. However, the ministry said that sluggish exports at the beginning of the year were normal.


-- NNT 2015-05-18

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Swiss expat killed in early morning Phuket crash
Darawan Naknakhon


The man was driving from the direction of Patong towards Chalong.

PHUKET: -- A Swiss expat was killed in a car crash in the early hours of this morning (May 18) when he crashed his pick-up truck into a water truck on Patak Hill in Karon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/826040-swiss-expat-killed-in-early-morning-phuket-crash/

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Thai economy grows a sluggish 0.3% in Q1

AFP

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's economy expanded 0.3 percent on-quarter in January-March, official data showed Monday, highlighting the task ahead for the military junta that seized power in a coup last year vowing to kickstart growth after months of political instability.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/826033-nesdb-slashes-thai-economic-growth-forecast/#entry9418428

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Redshirt Leader: No Gathering to Mark 5th Anniversary of Crackdown

By Khaosod English


Redshirts rally at Ratchaprasong Intersection in Bangkok to commemorate the first anniversary of the 19 May crackdown, 19 May 2011.

BANGKOK — Redshirts will not gather publicly to mark the fifth anniversary of the military assault on Redshirt protesters tomorrow, in compliance with the junta's ban on political activities, according to a top leader of the movement.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/826058-redshirt-leader-no-gathering-to-mark-5th-anniversary-of-crackdown/

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Phuket speed boat captain dies in motorbike crash
Eakkapop Thongtub


Two vehicles in front of Mr Waroh braked quickly causing him to ride into the back of the minivan.

PHUKET: -- A Thai man was killed instantly this morning (May 18) when he drove his motorbike into the back of a minivan in Pa Khlok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/826059-phuket-speed-boat-captain-dies-in-motorbike-crash/

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Online dating scams top Australian financial fraud: regulator

SYDNEY (AFP) - Australians were tricked out of Aus$82 million (US$66 million) last year, with online dating scams accounting for the biggest losses, the competition regulator revealed Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/826060-online-dating-scams-top-australian-financial-fraud-regulator/

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Rocket loses control, kills 2 at Sri Saket festival
By Coconuts Bangkok



SRI SAKET: -- Two people were killed after a homemade rocket fell on them yesterday at the famous Rocket Festival in Sri Saket province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/826063-rocket-loses-control-kills-2-at-sri-saket-festival/

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Medical researchers call for more govt funding
Pratch Rujivanarom
The Nation



Leaders in the field say that Thailand has the potential to be a leading research force

BANGKOK: -- WHILE Thailand does not lack talented medical researchers, it lacks well-planned support for them to achieve milestones, experts in the field have revealed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/826065-medical-researchers-call-for-more-thai-govt-funding/

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Akara says its gold mine operations in Phichit fully comply with laws and world standards
THE NATION

PHICHIT: -- AKARA Resources Plc recently defended its gold mine in Phichit, stressing its operation was of international standard and in full compliance with laws and regulations under guidelines from the Primary Industries and Mines Department.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/826067-akara-says-its-gold-mine-operations-in-phichit-fully-comply-with-laws-and-world-standards/

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DPM stressed local authorities practices for Rohingya refugees

PHUKET, 18 May 2015 (NNT) – The Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister has visited the Andaman area, following up on the progress of Rohingya refugees relief and on human trafficking issues while affirming that aid will be provided in line with basic humanitarian principles.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/826070-thailands-dpm-briefs-local-officials-regarding-rohingya-refugees/

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Bangladeshi boy, 14, kidnapped, forced onto Asian migrant boat

INDONESIA: -- Snatched by people traffickers in his native Bangladesh and forced onto a migrant boat, 14-year-old Absaruddin endured a weeks-long nightmare in which he almost starved to death, saw his relatives killed and was forced to jump overboard after being attacked.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/826071-bangladeshi-boy-14-tells-of-horrors-aboard-rohingya-migrant-boat/

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Phra Suthep preparing to leave monkhood
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Phra Suthep Paphakaro or Suthep Thaugusban, former secretary general of the People's Democratic Reform Committee, is preparing to leave monkhood, Thakerng Somsup, director of Fah Wan Mai TV station posted on his Facebook wall.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/826072-phra-suthep-preparing-to-leave-monkhood/

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4 tourists pay THB8,840 for seafood meal
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- A group of four tourists were recently taken for a ride by their taxi driver, or at least the restaurant he drove them too.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/826076-4-tourists-pay-thb8840-for-seafood-meal/

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PM urges increase in water source and reserving capacity

BANGKOK, 18 May 2015 (NNT) – The Prime Minister urges haste on excavating water sources to increase the capacity of water reserves ahead of the upcoming rainy season.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/826106-pm-prayut-urges-increase-in-water-source-and-reserving-capacity/

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SET index closed 1,511.17 down 1.02; Bt/USD33.22; GBP51.82; AUD26.18; EUR37.59; CAD27.34; HKD4.26; SGD24.89; JPY27.76

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Thai people smuggling 'kingpin' hands himself in: police
AFP

BANGKOK: -- A former Thai regional official accused of being a major people trafficking kingpin turned himself in on Monday, police said, as the kingdom continues a belated blitz against the lucrative trade.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/826118-thai-people-smuggling-kingpin-hands-himself-in-police/

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SEA OF BLAME
Thailand offers medical treatment to boat people
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Migrants travelling by boat and are in a critical condition will be brought ashore for medical treatment, Deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwan said on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/826122-thailand-offers-medical-treatment-to-boat-people/

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Tension mounts as Phuket high-voltage power line plan sparks protest
Tanyaluk Sakoot


The residents called on Governor Nisit to prevent the high-voltage power lines from being installed through their village.

PHUKET: -- More than 200 residents from Thepkrasattri massed at Provincial Hall on Friday (May 15) to plea to the Phuket Governor to stave off having high-voltage power lines installed in their neighbourhood.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/826124-tension-mounts-as-phuket-high-voltage-power-line-plan-sparks-protest/