Thailand Live Monday 8 Jun 2015

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Seoul confirms 24 more MERS cases; total number reaches 88
Claire Lee
The Korea Herald

SEOUL: -- Seoul confirmed one death and 24 more cases on Monday morning, bringing the total number of infected patients to 88. With the newly confirmed cases, which includes the country’s first teenage diagnosed patient, South Korea surpassed the United Arab Emirates as the country with the second-most MERS cases in the world.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/831252-seoul-confirms-24-more-mers-cases;-total-number-reaches-88/

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Commerce Min. warns fruit growers not to sell their products prematurely

BANGKOK, 8 June 2015, (NNT) -The Inspector General of the Commerce Ministry, Duangkamol Jiambutr, has urged fruit growers to refrain from selling their products prematurely.

The warning came after several complaints have been made regarding the matter, especially on the high-demand durian, of which the prices have been surging, tempting growers to sell their products before their time.

According to Ms. Duangkamol, the ministry will be more strict when inspecting the markets, telling fruit growers to control the quality of their produce.

She told them not to worry about not being able to sell the products, as her ministry has already prepared distribution channels for them.

The Inspector General said selling inferior items would damage the nation’s image and consumer confidence.


-- NNT 2015-06-08

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EDUCATION
Funding priorities deemed a key problem, not lack of cash
CHULARAT SAENGPASSA
THE NATION



Education budget study shows little spent on improving quality, too much on primary schooling

BANGKOK: -- ALLOCATION of education funding needs to focus more on reducing gaps than giving an equal portion of money to all, researchers said at a recent forum.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/831254-thai-education-funding-priorities-deemed-a-key-problem-not-lack-of-cash/

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BMTA expects to receive the first batch of NGV buses this July

BANGKOK, 8 June 2015, (NNT) - The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) expects the first lot of 50 natural gas buses (NGV bus) to be delivered within next month.

According to acting BMTA Director Pranee Sugasorn, at present the 1.78 billion baht deal is being examined by the Office of the Attorney-General, after which it will be forwarded to the agency’s managing board for approval.

She expects to ink the deal with JVCC and Ch. Tawee Dollasian Public Co.Ltd., the bidding winners, within 2 weeks.

The first 50, out of 489 NGV, buses are expected to be delivered to the BMTA next month, she said, adding that the remaining 439 vehicles would be delivered in or before August.

The BMTA has also improved the condition of several roads and built natural gas filling stations for the fleet, said the Acting Director.


-- NNT 2015-06-08

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SET opens up 0.35 to 1,507.72 points /Bangkok Post

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Govt announces its determination to combat corruption today

BANGKOK, 8 June 2015 (NNT)- The Thai government has made an official announcement on combating corruption, encouraging every sector to get involved in the effort.

According to General Anantaporn Kanjanarat, the chairman of the committee responsible for scrutinizing state spending and Secretary General to the national anti-corruption committee, the announcement made to the Thai people and the global community this morning is aimed at raising awareness about the government’s determination to eradicate chronic corruption problems in the country.

Every sector was invited to the Government House to witness this official announcement, during which Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha delivered a speech on the anti-corruption movement.

General Anantaporn believed that the government’s determination would be passed on to younger generations and encourage them not to be corrupt. The event was broadcast live to city halls across the country.


-- NNT 2015-06-08

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TCC: further benchmark rate reduction would stimulate local economy

BANGKOK, 8 June 2015, (NNT) - President of the Association and Thai Chamber of Commerce Advisor Phonsilp Patcharintanakul said he believes reducing benchmark rate further would help stimulate the local economy.

The comment was made ahead of the next Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on June 10. The MPC previously decreased the rate by 0.25 percent in both of its previous two meeting. Currently, the interest rate stands at 1.5 percent.

Mr. Phonsilp supports another decrease by 0.25 percent, claiming it would boost economic performance and improve consumer confidence. Records show that the Consumer Confidence Index in May reached an 11-month low.

Mr. Phonsilp forecast that the export sector would improve within the next 3 - 6 months, speculating that the sector would expand 1-2 percent.


-- NNT 2015-06-08

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UPDATE:

Three Hong Kongers, Thai driver killed in road smash
AFP

BANGKOK: -- Three Hong Kong women and their Thai driver were killed when a van they were travelling in swerved off a highway and smashed into a tree in central Thailand, police said Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/831192-three-hong-kong-tourists-killed-four-others-injured-in-road-accident/page-2#entry9493106

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Riot broke out in Songkhla provincial prison Monday morning with over a hundred prisoners breaking up glass windows and throwing things at wardens.

Over a hundred of police, soldiers were alerted by prison wardens at 8 am and rushed to calm the rampaging prisoners.

It is not yet known what the prisoners are demanding for, but 2-3 prisoners were reported injured.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/113363


-- Thai PBS 2015-06-08

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Stormageddon leaves Bangkok soaked to the bone (PHOTOS)
By Coconuts Bangkok


Sukhumvit 36 sunk in water. Photo: Chekchon Anchaisri

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok got back to work Monday later than usual as commuters slogged through streets flooded by an epic, overnight storm worthy of a Wagner opera.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/831264-bangkok-traffic-chaos-after-heavy-downpour/

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New first 3-digit lottery prize expected this September

BANGKOK, 8 June 2015, (NNT) - Chairman of the Government Lottery Office (GLO) Major General Apirat Kongsompong expected the first-three-digit lottery prize to be available in September.

The comment was made after discussing the matter with GLO Director-General Major General Chalongrat Nakarthit. Initially, Maj. Gen. Apirat said preparations for the new prize could not be made in time for the August 1 lottery.

The GLO chief said he had instructed related officials to expedite all necessary operations using all available resources. He expects the new three-digit prize system to be in place in September.

The GLO’s three-digit prizes now comprises of 2 first-three-digit prizes and 2 last-three-digit prizes.


-- NNT 2015-06-08

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Potential rice bidders to inspect quality of govt stock this week

BANGKOK, 8 June 2015 (NNT) - The Ministry of Commerce is allowing potential rice buyers to inspect the government's stock this week, before the bidding process begins. Government stock rice has been stored in warehouses across 35 provinces.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/831265-potential-rice-bidders-to-inspect-quality-of-thai-govt-stock-this-week/

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NLA committee calls for strong government, opposes new electoral system

BANGKOK, 8 June 2015 (NNT) - The political reform committee of the National Reform Council (NRC) has called for a revised constitution that empowers a strong government with an effective system of checks and balances, and has opposed the new electoral system and sections 181 and 182.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/831269-nla-committee-calls-for-strong-government-opposes-new-electoral-system/

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NRC committee in support of 2-year roadmap extension

BANGKOK, 8 June 2015 (NNT) - Prof Sombat Thamrongthanyawong of the National Reform Council’s (NRC) political reform committee believes postponing the election by two years in order to carry out the reform process is critical to national development.

He revealed that the NRC is in the process of gathering the 50,000 signatures required to introduce an amendment proposal to the 2014 interim constitution.

If the amendment is passed, Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha will remain in office for an additional two years and the election will be postponed to continue the reform roadmap.

Prof Sombat was of the opinion that two years is sufficient time to introduce significant reforms. He added that the overall state of the country’s social and economic health will be indicators of success.


-- NNT 2015-06-08

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UPDATE:

Phuket man receives B16,000 water bill
Darawan Naknakhon


Pornsak Sangsri could not understand why his bill was so high.

PHUKET: -- A man from Rassada had a shock when he received a water monthly bill for over B16,000. Unfortuntely, the local water authority have insisted the man pay the bill in full as it was due to a leak inside his property.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/830901-phuket-man-forced-to-pay-16800-baht-water-bill/page-2?p=9493298#entry9493298

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Phuket lifeguards save Olive Ridley from fishing net
Eakkapop Thongtub


Rescue workers carry the turtle after safely removing it from the net.

PHUKET: -- Phuket lifeguards saved an Olive Ridley sea turtle which they found trapped in a fishing net at Mai Khao Beach yesterday afternoon (June 7). Luckily, the turtle had only suffered a slight cut to one of its flippers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/831317-phuket-lifegaurds-save-olive-ridley-from-fishing-net/

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UPDATE:

Heavy predawn rains causes traffic chaos in morning rush hours in Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Northeasterly monsoon caused complete traffic chaos in Bangkok when it dumped over a 100 millimetres of rain water in the capital turning sections of several roads into waterways, paralysing both inbound and outbound traffic in many parts of the capital.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/831264-bangkok-traffic-chaos-after-heavy-downpour/#entry9493574

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Interior Minister: civil servants to be punished according to the law

BANGKOK, 8 June 2015 (NNT) - Interior Minister General Anupong Paojinda has said that civil servants have always been told to abide by the laws.

General Anupong said if any are found to be guilty of legal violations, then they would be prosecuted indiscriminately. Regarding the alleged purchase of pesticide by government officials, he said that the Office of the Auditor General has already completed its investigation.

He added that the Ministry of Interior will launch a disciplinary probe into the case once suspects have been identified.

A committee will be set up specifically to look into the matter. General Anupong added that he has not yet been briefed of the investigation's progress.

The National Anti- Corruption Commission will investigate whether two of the suspects are members of the National Reform Council.


-- NNT 2015-06-08

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Defense Minister says govt has no intention to stay in power

BANGKOK, 8 June 2015 (NNT) - Army Commander General Udomdej Sitabutr has insisted that the current government has no intention to stay in power as rumored.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/831319-thai-defense-minister-says-govt-has-no-intention-to-stay-in-power/

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Thai Govt Not Worried About Foreign Opinion on Prayut's Power Extension: Spokesman
By Khaosod English


Thai junta chairman Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha leading students government officials in an oath against corruption at the Government House, 8 June 2015.

BANGKOK — Thailand's military government is not concerned with the international community's reaction to a proposal that junta chairman Gen. Prayuth Chan-och stay in power for two more years, a spokesperson said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/831321-thai-govt-not-worried-about-foreign-opinion-on-prayuts-power-extension-spokesman/

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6th person dies of MERS virus in South Korea
By TONG-HYUNG KIM

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea on Monday reported its sixth death from Middle East Respiratory Syndrome as authorities were bolstering measures to stem the spread of the virus that has left dozens of people infected.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/831324-6th-person-dies-of-mers-virus-in-south-korea/

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MOBILE CABINET MEETING
No problems foreseen: Udomdej

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Defence Minister Gen Udomdej Sitabutr yesterday said he was not worried about security for the mobile cabinet meetings to be held in Phitsanulok and Chiang Mai provinces later this month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/831325-mobile-thai-cabinet-meeting-no-problems-foreseen-udomdej/

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UPDATE:

Labour organisation protests floating minimum wage



BANGKOK: -- Thai Labour Solidarity Committee (TLSC) today voiced disagreement to the National Wage Committee's plan to float national minimum wage, reasoning this would merely restore the old wage fixing system that employees have no say in setting minimum wage.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/831222-thai-labour-rights-groups-opposed-to-plans-to-float-minimum-wage/#entry9493759

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Songkhla prison riot leaves a dozen of wardens injured



SONGKHLA: -- Over 200 inmates went on rampage burning prison property, beddings, smashing glass windows, and throwing stones and bricks at prison wardens at Songkhla provincial prison.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/831336-songkhla-prison-riot-leaves-a-dozen-of-wardens-injured/

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No Immediate Plan to Scrap Minimum Wage, Thai Govt Clarifies
By Khaosod English


Yingluck Shinawatra canvassing for votes from farmers in a suburb of Bangkok on 5 June 2011. A 300 baht minimum wage was one of the chief promises of her election campaign.

BANGKOK — The Ministry of Labor says it has no immediate plans to revoke the former government's minimum wage policy, despite media reports from the weekend that suggested otherwise.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/831338-no-immediate-plan-to-scrap-minimum-wage-thai-govt-clarifies/

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No spitting in public places warning to be tightened

BANGKOK: -- Spitting, blowing nose and littering in public places now could face a fine of 2,000 baht under a tightened enforcement of city cleanliness law by city police.

Full story: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/no-spitting-in-public-places-warning-to-be-tightened

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Thailand showcases agricultural potential at Expo Milano 2015

BANGKOK, 8 June 2015 (NNT) - The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has been tasked with representing Thailand in the Expo Milano 2015 in Milan, Italy, from May 1 to October 31.

The Expo Milano is held once every five years to showcase each member country’s social and economic development. This year's event is held under the theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.” Participants will come from 144 countries, and Italy targets 20 million people in attendance.

Thailand’s delegates held their exhibition under the theme “Nourishing and Delighting the World,” with an emphasis on showcasing Thailand as the world’s kitchen.

The goal is to create confidence in Thai food products and materials, emphasizing the diversity of produce and its many flavors. The exhibition promotes Thai produce as having the highest food safety standards in the region, with rigorous security policies and state-of-the-art food processing.

Other exhibitions by Thailand showcase Thailand’s agricultural history, its abundance of natural resources, branding, as well as the achievements of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in the field of agricultural development.


-- NNT 2015-06-08

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MNRE joins World Ocean Day event in Phuket

PHUKET, 8 June 2015 (NNT) – The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) joined the World Ocean Day event at Patong Beach to encourage public participation in marine and coastal conservation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/831366-mnre-joins-world-ocean-day-event-in-phuket/

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UPDATE:

Riot at Songkhla prison is under control with nine injured



SONGKHLA: -- Authorities have managed to take control of Songkhla provincial prison following a riot by about 200 prisoners in the morning which left one warder and eight prisoners slightly injured and two buildings gutted.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/831336-songkhla-prison-riot-leaves-a-dozen-of-wardens-injured/#entry9494122

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Prayut orders Finance Ministry to bring all income earners to tax system
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said he has given the Finance Ministry until the end of this year to bring all income earners to the tax system.

Prayut said the government does not want to collect taxes from all income earners but the government wants to know their records to be able to help low-income earners.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Prayut-orders-Finance-Ministry-to-bring-all-income-30261863.html


-- The Nation 2015-06-08