Thailand Live Tuesday 26 May 2015

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THAIFEX 2015 has concluded with THB8,280m in earnings

BANGKOK, 26 May 2015 (NNT) - THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2015 has concluded successfully on Sunday at IMPACT arena, attracting over 130,000 visitors and generated THB8,280m of income, according to Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion Nuntawan Sakuntanaga.

Most of the earnings, or THB8,115m, was in the form of purchasing orders resulting from business negotiations on the business day of the event whereas THB1,406m was worth of immediate orders made by the public. Business matching was arranged for nearly 200 pairs of entrepreneurs through the platform of Thaitrade.com. It had generated THB75m in earnings.

“The government has emphasized on developing Thai traders as the world’s leading suppliers in agro- and food industries. It has motivated Thai suppliers, through the DITP, to produce value-added goods and strengthen their branding to reach higher level of consumer confidence,” said Mrs.Nuntawan.

She continued that the Commerce Ministry had plans to strengthen ties with foreign partners through proactive negotiations and reduce trade barriers at all levels.

The Thai government has set its goal to make Thailand ASEAN’s biggest center of food and service industries, paving the way for the country to become a leading Kitchen of the World.


-- NNT 2015-05-26

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NEW CHARTER
Big changes suggested by Cabinet for charter
NITIPOL KIRAVANICH,
OLAN LERTRUDTANADUMRONGKUL
THE NATION

Ministers say draft must promote reform, prevent conflict, improve justice in politics

BANGKOK: -- THE CABINET yesterday proposed about 100 revisions to the draft constitution and suggested that the new charter should help promote national reform, prevent political conflict and improve justice in politics.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828002-big-changes-suggested-by-thai-cabinet-for-charter/

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Thai PM deploys carrier to act as migrant processing centre
AFP

BANGKOK: -- Thailand has deployed a helicopter carrier in its waters to serve as a temporary medical and processing centre for migrants found adrift, its prime minister said Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828003-thai-pm-deploys-carrier-to-act-as-migrant-processing-centre/

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ROHINGYA
Thai police seeks information from Malaysia over graves
The nation/agencies
WANG KELIAN, Malaysia

BANGKOK: -- Thai police said yesterday said that they were seeking information related to the discovery from Malaysia to utilise it in their investigation into trafficking of Rohingya and other migrants in parts of Thailand, deputy national chief Pol-General Ake Angsananont said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828004-rohingya-thai-police-seeks-information-from-malaysia-over-graves/

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Survey:

Should Thailand and other SE Asian countries allow boat people temporary asylum?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/827361-survey-should-thailand-and-other-se-asian-countries-allow-boat-people-temporary-asylum/

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Alleged gang of Colombian burglars busted

Bangkok: Metropolitan police have arrested a Colombian man who allegedly joined a gang of five burglars that has broken into at least seven Bangkok houses, including one of an immigration officer.

The arrest of Miguel Antonio Caro Garcia, 51, was announced at the Metropolitan Police head office by Pol Maj Gen Chanthawit Ramasutra, deputy commissioner of the police bureau.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/827961-alleged-gang-of-colombian-burglars-busted/

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14 year old boy injured in South Pattaya Constructors Campsite brawl



PATTAYA: -- A 14 year old boy was injured at a South Pattaya Constructors Campsite late on Sunday Night as he attempted to break up a fight between Thai and Cambodian laborers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828006-14-year-old-boy-injured-in-south-pattaya-constructors-campsite-brawl/

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Rocks thrown at moving truck on Pattaya Highway 7



PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Monday rocks were thrown from a bridge over Highway 7 at a moving truck.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828007-rocks-thrown-at-moving-truck-on-pattaya-highway-7/

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Bike Stand causes crash in South Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- Late on Sunday Night a 37 year old motorbike driver was injured after his bike fell onto the road following an overtaking maneuver. The crash is believed to have been caused by the extended bike stand coming into contact with the road.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828008-bike-stand-causes-crash-in-south-pattaya/

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Tiger 'unintentionally' mauled abbot at controversial Thai temple: doctor
AFP

BANGKOK: -- A tiger that mauled the abbot of a Thai temple under fire over the welfare of dozens of big cats in its care "didn't intend" to attack him, the monk's doctor said on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828009-tiger-unintentionally-mauled-abbot-at-controversial-thai-temple-doctor/

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EMPLOYMENT
Fresh graduates hardest hit as joblessness rises
Pratch Rujivanarom
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THAILAND's unemployment rate increased slightly in the first quarter amid low economic growth, while new graduates found it harder to find jobs, the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board reported yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828010-fresh-graduates-hardest-hit-as-joblessness-rises-in-thailand/

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EDITORIAL
One year on, path to democracy still blocked

The NCPO's crackdown on protesters last week belies its claims of progress towards democratic reform

BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) last week marked the first anniversary of the May 22 coup with a draconian action, arresting dozens of people for demonstrating against the junta's seizing power.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828011-thai-editorial-one-year-on-path-to-democracy-still-blocked/

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STREETWISE
Business TAKES UP global fight against pollution, climate change

BANGKOK: -- A friend of mine is moving from Bangkok to Shanghai next month. To her surprise, the company is extending her pollution compensation of 3,000 euros (Bt110,000) to cover her two-year contract.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828012-thai-opinion-business-takes-up-global-fight-against-pollution-climate-change/

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AOC backs Prajin's Open Sky with Conditions policy



BANGKOK: -- Transport Minister ACM Prajin Juntong’s proposed “Open Sky with Conditions” gets support from the chairman of the Airline Operations Committee (AOC) as it could see ease of traffic congestion at the Thai airports.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828013-aoc-backs-prajins-open-sky-with-conditions-policy/

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Phuket provincial deputy vows, ‘No gap in lifeguard coverage next year’
Tanyaluk Sakoot


Lifeguards off Kata Beach. Phuket News file photo.

PHUKET: -- A deputy president of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (OrBorJor) has promised that, next year, the arrangements for a new beach lifeguard contract will be made much earlier, in order to avoid a repeat of this and years when Phuket’s beaches have been unguarded for as long as two months.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828014-phuket-provincial-deputy-vows-no-gap-in-lifeguard-coverage-next-year/

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UPDATE:

Prayut looks to Fiji PM for support in UN bid
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- PRIME MINISTER General Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday asked for support from Fiji in Thailand's bid to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) 2017-2018.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/827919-prayut-looks-to-fiji-pm-for-backup-in-un-bid/#entry9446450

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Panel studying hospital pricing readies a few solutions
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The committee tasked with tackling high medicine prices at private hospitals, plans to offer two options, namely requiring that doctors at private hospitals write prescriptions for patients to buy medicines at a pharmacy or that the medicine prices be kept at a "realistic" level and separate from other fees.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828015-panel-studying-thai-hospital-pricing-readies-a-few-solutions/

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Actor claims UFUN misrepresented him
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Actor Supakit "Man" Tungtatsawat, who appeared in a photograph with UFUN executives, told police yesterday that his name was misused by the alleged UFUN pyramid scheme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828016-thai-actor-claims-ufun-misrepresented-him/

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Regime's top bodies suggest charter changes
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- AN UNELECTED prime minister, the open-list MP system and the prime minister's special powers are the novel features in the proposed constitution that the three main bodies of the current regime want dumped, a source said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828017-thai-politics-regimes-top-bodies-suggest-charter-changes/

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Twister kills 13 in Mexico border city; 12 missing in Texas
By SETH ROBBINS and MARK STEVENSON

CIUDAD ACUNA, Mexico (AP) — A tornado raged through a city on the U.S.-Mexico border Monday, destroying homes, flinging cars like matchsticks and ripping an infant from its mother's arms. At least 13 people were killed, authorities said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828018-tornado-kills-13-in-mexico-border-city;-12-missing-in-texas/

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Biden reassures Iraqi prime minister of US support
By KEVIN FREKING and SAMEER N. YACOUB

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden reassured Iraq's government on Monday of U.S. support in the fight against the Islamic State group, telephoning Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi with thanks for "the enormous sacrifice and bravery of Iraqi forces" one day after Defense Secretary Ash Carter questioned the Iraqi military commitment.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828019-biden-reassures-iraqi-prime-minister-of-us-support/

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Conservative challenger Duda wins Polish presidential vote
VANESSA GERA, Associated Press

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Conservative challenger Andrzej Duda has won Poland's presidential election and ousted the incumbent in a runoff vote, according to official results Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828020-conservative-challenger-duda-wins-polish-presidential-vote/

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Lawyer says allegations B.B. King was poisoned 'ridiculous'
KEN RITTER, Associated Press

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Two B.B. King heirs who've been most outspoken about the blues legend's care in his final days are accusing King's two closest aides of poisoning him, but the attorney for King's estate is calling the claims ridiculous.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828021-lawyer-says-allegations-bb-king-was-poisoned-ridiculous/

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BEIJING (AP) - Chinese state media report a fire in a rest home in central China has killed 38 and injured 6.

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Agent: 'Lawrence of Arabia' star Omar Sharif has Alzheimer's

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Legendary "Lawrence of Arabia" actor Omar Sharif is battling Alzheimer's disease, his agent Steve Kenis confirmed to The Associated Press on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828025-agent-lawrence-of-arabia-star-omar-sharif-has-alzheimers/

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Briton, two Romanians arrested for using fake ATM cards

Pattaya, Chon Buri:- A Briton and two Romanians have been arrested in Pattaya for having allegedly using fake ATM cards to withdraw money at ATM machines in the seaside town.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828026-briton-two-romanians-arrested-for-using-fake-atm-cards/

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Complaints of taxis rejecting passengers mostly from Sukhumvit, Silom, Sathorn, Phayathai roads
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Land Transport Department deputy director general Jirut Wisaljit said several complaints of taxi drivers rejecting passengers have been made via an online app of the department.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828028-complaints-of-taxis-rejecting-passengers-mostly-from-sukhumvit-silom-sathorn-phayathai-roads/

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Four state agencies to collaboratively process earthquake-related information

BANGKOK, 26 May 2015 (NNT) – Four state agencies have signed a memorandum of understanding on the sharing of earthquake-related information, in a bid to reduce confusion and panic among the public after earthquakes.

The MOU has been signed by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, the Meteorological Department, the Department of Mineral Resources and the Royal Irrigation Department. The four agencies will, from now on, handle data and information relating to earthquakes in a unified manner. Data from each agency's earthquake-measuring stations and devices will be recorded to the same database. The aim is to make information presentation to the public more concurrent, so that panic and confusion would not ensue.

Based on the accord, the Department of Mineral Resources will report the name of the fault line causing each earthquake. The Royal Irrigation Department and the Electricity Generating Authority will report the ground acceleration figures recorded at dams. The Meteorological Department will handle most of the earthquake-related calculation of figures.


-- NNT 2015-05-26

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FTI to adjust its GDP projection after Q2

BANGKOK, 26 May 2015, (NNT) - The Federation of Thai Industries is to adjust its projection of this year’s gross domestic product (GDP) after the second quarter. It may also revise down the domestic auto sale forecast, as commercial banks have become more strict with their lending.

President of the FTI Suphan Mongkholsuthee said his agency has currently estimated that the economy will grow by 3.5 percent; however, it would likely adjust that figure at the end of the second quarter.

According to him, the major driving forces at the moment are the government's stimulus measures, its plan to accelerate budget disbursement, and its efforts in dealing with low agro- product prices. The latter also helps increasing public purchasing power as well as boosting domestic spending.

Another positive factor is the fact that the Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation (TGC) has increased the ceiling limit on risk insurance from 18 percent to 30 percent. The move came after various financial institutes became more strict with lending to small- and medium-enterprises (SMEs).

The TGC also asked the government to consider giving the SME sector a boost by injecting another 10 billion baht into the industry.


-- NNT 2015-05-26

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Australian Peter Nash to be sentenced over role in Silk Road drug-trafficking website
Peter Mitchell

Los Angeles: US prosecutors have asked a judge to sentence an Australian prison counsellor to a maximum 12.5 years' jail for his role in the massive global drug-trafficking website Silk Road.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/828054-australian-peter-nash-to-be-sentenced-over-role-in-silk-road-drug-trafficking-website/