Thailand Live Monday 1 Jun 2015

[webfact]

In country of smokers, Beijing bans lighting up indoors

BEIJING (AP) — Beijing has imposed China's toughest ban on indoor smoking in a major step to deal with a looming health crisis.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/829510-in-country-of-smokers-beijing-bans-lighting-up-indoors/

[webfact]

Minister: Let's turn camp into tourist spot
The Star Online
Asia News Network

KUALA LUMPUR: -- WANG KELIAN: A Cabinet minister here has a suggestion - turn a human trafficking camp on the hills along the Malaysia-Thailand border into a tourism attraction.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/829513-malaysia-minister-lets-turn-human-trafficking-camp-into-tourist-spot/

[webfact]

Red-letter day for 20,000 staff
NEVILLE SPYKERMAN
The Star Online
Asia News Network

PETALING JAYA: It's D-Day for 20,000 employees of Malaysia Airlines.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/829531-red-letter-day-for-20000-malaysia-airlines-staff/

[webfact]

Thai Buddhists nationwide observe Visakha Bucha Day



BANGKOK: -- Thai Buddhists nationwide observe Visakha Bucha DayThai Buddhists nationwide observe Visakha Bucha DayThai Buddhists nationwide observe Visakha Bucha DayThai Buddhists nationwide observe Visakha Bucha DayThai Buddhists nationwide observe Visakha Bucha Day

Thai Buddhists across the country today celebrated Visakha Bucha Day by offering alms to monks in the morning and going to temples to listen to sermons.
The day is an important milestone in Buddhism calendar, because it marks the Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death which fell miraculously on the same day and month.

In Bangkok, Bangkok governor Sukhumband Paribatra presided over a mass merit-making ceremony at Sanam Luang to offer alms to 233 monks.

According to National News Bureau of Thailand, this year Buddhist leaders from 85 nations worldwide have come together to participate at the 2015 Bangkok Declaration of the 12th International Buddhist Conference on the occasion of the Vesak or Visakha Bucha Day.

Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) Rector Phra Brahmapundi has revealed after the conclusion of the conference that it calls for the promotion of the Tripitaka to be accessible to the people around the world.

It promotes people to live together in harmony, supporting the fair and equal rights to minorities, and the promotion of Dharma studies among youth.

On this occasion, Thailand presented the 5 precepts villages project, and the disaster management as an example of the nation’s practises, while the conference agreed to set up a coordination centres for public relief operations, he said.

Elsewhere in the provinces, thousands of Buddhists joined Buddhists worldwide to gather together to worship and listen to sermons, or make merit at temples.

In the deep South Buddhists also observed the important day making merits in the temples under close monitoring of troops to provide protection.

In the evening, Buddhists will perform “Wien Tien” circling the bodh, or main sermon or prayer hall, carrying candles, incense and lotus flowers.

Schools and government offices will also fly yellow Buddhist flags on the day.

Because it is a holy day and national holiday, shops, bars and restaurants are barred from selling alcohol for 24 hours from midnight on Sunday all through to Monday to just after midnight.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/thai-buddhists-nationwide-observe-visakha-bucha-day


-- Thai PBS 2015-06-01

[webfact]

ASEAN Community Roadshow in Nakhon Pathom this week

BANGKOK, 1 June 2015 (NNT) - The Department of ASEAN Affairs will organize ASEAN Community Roadshow across 17 provinces across Thailand this week.

The objective of the roadshow is to educate Thai people about ASEAN nations. The previous event was held in Phetchabun province.

It will be taking place in Nakhon Pathom this week from June 2 – 4 at Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University.

According to The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ASEAN Community Roadshow will be initiated in other provinces from now until September.

They include Rayong, Trat, Chachoengsao, Saraburi, Chaiyaphum, Surin, Maha Sarakham, Nakhon Phanom, Phayao, Lamphun, Trang, Nakhon si Thammarat, Prajuab Khiri Khan and Phetchaburi.

The ASEAN Community Roadshow last year was held 24 times in 20 provinces. Visitors are able to enjoy and learn more about the ASEAN region through various activities and multimedia events.


-- NNT 2015-06-01

[webfact]

Department stores urged to help SME businesses

BANGKOK, 1 June 2015 (NNT) - The Ministry of Commerce is urging large department stores to feature small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) products on their websites.

Department of Business Development Director General Pongphan Jiarawiriyaphan said many SMEs are lagging because there are not enough channels to sell their stores.

The ministry has launched their website www.thaicommercestore.com specifically as an online store for SME products.

Central Group has agreed to allow 19 products to be sold on its website. These mainly consist of OTOP, halal, organic and geographical indication products.

The ministry is currently in talks for similar promotions with other department stores.


-- NNT 2015-06-01

[webfact]

Most Thais want election to be held after reforms: survey
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- An opinion survey by Bangkok University found that 61.1 per cent of 1,014 respondents want the next election to be postponed until all reforms have been done.

The survey found that 32 per cent want the next election to be held within a year from now while 6.9 per cent said they are not sure. The survey was conducted on the occasion of the first anniversary of the May 22 coup.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Most-Thais-want-election-to-be-held-after-reforms--30261365.html


-- The Nation 2015-06-01

[webfact]

OTOP Midyear 2015 a success, generates 650 million baht

BANGKOK, 1 June 2015 (NNT) - The Community Development Department (CDD) has declared OTOP Midyear 2015 a success, generating more than 650 million baht in revenue.

CDD Deputy Director General Saipirun Noisiri said the fair has proven popular among visitors during the seven-day period. It was held at Impact Muang Thong Thani last week.

The number of visitors reportedly increased each day as the event progressed. As many as 450,000 manufacturers of 3- to 5-star products participated.

The most popular items included garments, accessories and food. The amount of cash spent during OTOP Midyear 2015 exceeded the CDD’s expectation of 600 million baht.

The CDD is expecting both domestic and global OTOP revenue this year to reach 100 billion baht.

More than 60 billion baht has been generated as targeted by the CDD during the first half of this year. The next OTOP event will be held in August.


-- NNT 2015-06-01

[webfact]

Survey finds Democrat enjoys higher popular rating than Pheu Thailand
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- An opinion survey by Bangkok University found that the Democrat Party enjoys higher popular rating than the Pheu Thai Party.

The survey was carried out among 1,014 respondents on the occasion of the first anniversary of the May 22 coup. The Democrat has a popular rating of 29.2 per cent, compared to 25.8 per cent of Pheu Thai.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Survey-finds-Democrat-enjoys-higher-popular-rating-30261366.html


-- The Nation 2015-06-01

[webfact]

UPDATE:

Lottery ticket at 80 baht to begin this month



BANGKOK: -- Beginning this month, lottery tickets must be sold at same price across the country nationwide or at 80 baht apiece, Government Lottery Office (GLO) chairman Major General Apirat Kongsompong said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/829504-apirat-lottery-tickets-to-be-sold-no-higher-than-80-baht-apiece-beginning-june-16th/#entry9469438

[webfact]

UK welcomes big-spending Indonesians



JAKARTA: -- The Jakarta Globe reported, citing the British embassy, that Indonesians contributed 31 million pounds to the tourism sector in the United Kingdom with a record average spend of 1,240 pounds ($1,900) per visitor.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/829538-uk-welcomes-big-spending-indonesians/

[webfact]

Foreign Ministry insists Thaksin's diplomatic passport cancelled since 2008
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Foreign Ministry has issued a statement to affirm that the diplomatic passport of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been cancelled since 2008.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/829539-foreign-ministry-insists-thaksins-diplomatic-passport-cancelled-since-2008/

[webfact]

UPDATE:

Abandoned migrant camps in Malaysia could be tourist attractions, says minister



KUALA LUMPUR: -- Datuk Shahidan Kassim, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, said migrant camps found on the hills bordering Thailand should be turned into tourist spots, according to New Straits Times.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/829513-malaysia-minister-lets-turn-human-trafficking-camp-into-tourist-spot/#entry9469498

[webfact]

Celebrities make splash with California drought awareness
By SANDY COHEN

LOS ANGELES (AP) — From drought-shaming to eco-boasting, willing or not, celebrities are playing a role in raising awareness about California's debilitating drought.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/829540-celebrities-make-splash-with-california-drought-awareness/

[webfact]

Democrat beats Pheu Thai in popularity voting



BANGKOK: -- The Democrat party continued to lead Phue Thai party in the latest opinion poll conducted by Bangkok University's research arm "Bangkok Poll".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/829549-democrat-beats-pheu-thai-in-popularity-voting/

[webfact]

Min. of Commerce warns legal action against poor quality rice vendors

BANGKOK, 1 June 2015, (NNT) - The Ministry of Commerce warns legal action will be taken against vendors selling inferior quality rice.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/829553-thai-commerce-min-warns-legal-action-against-poor-quality-rice-vendors/

[webfact]

Thaksin holds no more Thai passport



BANGKOK: -- The Foreign Affairs Ministry says the former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra now holds no more Thai passport
In the second announcement today, the ministry dismissed reports in news media that it has not yet revoked all his passports.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/829554-thaksin-holds-no-more-thai-passport/

[webfact]

Russia will give adequate response if Ukraine joins NATO - lower house speaker

MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. Russia will provide an adequate response if a decision is taken on Ukraine’s joining NATO, the speaker of Russia’s lower house of parliament, the State Duma, Sergei Naryshkin said in an interview for TASS special project Top Officials.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/829556-russia-will-give-adequate-response-if-ukraine-joins-nato-lower-house-speaker/

[webfact]

Phuket expects tourism rebound in last quarter of this year
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION

PHUKET: -- THE tourism business in Phuket continues to feel the pain from the global economic slowdown, but is expected to rebound in the final quarter of this year thanks to big cleaning days at beaches and new management tricks.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/829558-phuket-expects-tourism-rebound-in-last-quarter-of-this-year/

[webfact]

China Town fire destroys popular noodle shop



BANGKOK: -- A predawn fire erupted at a part of Bangkok's China Town area gutted about 10 row wooden shop houses located in narrow alley packed with shops and houses.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/829560-bangkok-china-town-fire-destroys-popular-noodle-shop/

[webfact]

Opinion: Shouldering the burden of Asia's persecuted

The Phuket News

The burden of helping Asia's afflicted should not fall on the shoulders of one nation alone. Photo: EU/ECHO/Pierre Prakash

PHUKET: -- Thailand has come in for a deal of criticism after it declined to join Malaysia and Indonesia in setting up camps for Rohingya refugees.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/829562-opinion-shouldering-the-burden-of-asias-persecuted/

[webfact]

Man burnt alive sparks outcry among Iraq's Sunnis
Zaid Sabah

Washington: Iraq's Sunni Muslim officials and religious leaders accused Shiite militias of burning a Sunni man alive in an incident they say show the risk of using the gunmen to fight the forces of the so-called Islamic State.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/829564-man-burnt-alive-sparks-outcry-among-iraqs-sunnis/

[webfact]

Nong Khai and Vientiane holds Vesak celebration ceremony

NONG KHAI, 1 June 2015 (NNT) – Nong Khai province and Vientiane city holds a celebration ceremony for the Vesak Day today, which was participated by youths from both countries.

The Governor of Nong Khai Suchart Noppawan presided over the opening ceremony of the Buddhism Promotion Week today, on the occasion of the Vesak Day held by Nong Khai province in cooperation with Vientiane City of Laos PDR.

The Vesak Ceremony, held under the theme ‘Vesak Bucha and Attame Bucha, Tighten the friendship under the Buddhist aspects’ is now being held in cooperation between Thailand and Laos to improve the relations through Buddhism, which is the common identity between the two countries.

The Vesak Ceremony in Nong Khai is being held until 3 June 2015 at Wat Pho Chai temple in Nong Khai Province. It has been attended by about 100 students and teachers from the 9 districts in Nong Khai, and up to 100 youths from Laos have attended to observe the ceremony.


-- NNT 2015-06-01

[webfact]

Deputy PM Yongyuth disagrees with the use of S44 to deal with liquor sale near campuses



BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Yutthawong has brushed aside a suggestion by several educational administrators that Section 44 be invoked to deal with the sale of alcoholic drinks at venues in close vicinity to campuses.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/829589-yongyuth-disagrees-with-the-use-of-s44-to-deal-with-liquor-sale-near-campuses/

[webfact]

126 street racers charged with reckless driving before juvenile court



BANGKOK: -- The first group of 126 street racing motorcyclists were on Monday taken to the Bangkok Central Juvenile and Family Court to face charges of reckless driving causing nuisance to the other people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/829590-126-bangkok-street-racers-charged-with-reckless-driving-before-juvenile-court/

[webfact]

Fair medical charges by private hospitals are needed



BANGKOK: -- A member of a panel charged with resolving medical overcharging problem by private hospitals said Monday that all she wanted was fair medical charges and fair prices of medicines.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/829597-fair-medical-charges-by-private-thai-hospitals-are-needed/

[webfact]

Actor Matt Dillon puts rare celebrity spotlight on Rohingya
ROBIN McDOWELL, Associated Press

SITTWE, Myanmar (AP) — American actor Matt Dillon put a rare star-powered spotlight on Myanmar's long-persecuted Rohingya Muslims, visiting a hot, squalid camp for tens of thousands displaced by violence and a port that has been one of the main launching pads for their exodus by sea.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/829601-actor-matt-dillon-puts-rare-celebrity-spotlight-on-rohingya/

[webfact]

Police to seek arrest of two more Samui bomb blast suspects



KOH SAMUI: -- Police are to seek warrant for the arrest of two more suspects for the car bomb explosion at Central Festival shopping mall in Samui.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/829605-police-to-seek-arrest-of-two-more-samui-bomb-blast-suspects/

[webfact]

MOPH promotes milk consumption in World Milk Day

NONTHABURI, 1 June 2015 (NNT) – The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) encourages the Thai public to consume more milk on the occasion of the Wold Milk Day, as current data shows that Thai youths consume 4-7 times less milk than the global average.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/829607-thai-public-health-min-promotes-milk-consumption-in-world-milk-day/

[webfact]

Bangladesh factory owner and 41 others to face murder charges over 2013 collapse that killed more than 1,100 people /BBC