Thailand Live Tuesday 23 Jun 2015

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Three of Five Rivers agree on promoting National Savings Fund

BANGKOK, 23 June 2015 (NNT) – Three of the Five Rivers set up after the coup last May have agreed on the promotion of the National Savings Fund to tackle the issue of social inequality.

The Chairman of the National Reform Council’s committee on the reform of society, the community, children, youth, women, the elderly, the handicapped and the underprivileged, Amphon Jindawatthana on Monday addressed a press conference saying that the National Legislative Assembly has already accepted the council’s study on the implementation of all initiatives introduced under the National Savings Fund Act.

Mr. Amphon said that the NLA has resolved to green-light the suggested implementation after the re-activation of the National Savings Fund, which has been suspended for four years.

He stated that the approval was intended to help install a savings system among some 25 million members of Thailand’s labor force who still lack economic security.

In addition, the Cabinet has approved in principle related draft laws to support the re-activation of the National Savings Fund which it is hoped will offer economic security for the elderly while addressing the problem of social inequality and injustice as well as elevating the quality of life of the people, Mr. Amphon added.


-- NNT 2015-06-23

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Flight bookings are increasing despite MERS case in Thailand, Kobkarn confirms



BANGKOK, 23 June 2015 (NNT) - Tourism and Sport Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul confirmed MERS outbreak has no stern impacts on tourism. No flight booking was cancelled and the advance booking is even increasing.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834881-flight-bookings-are-increasing-despite-mers-case-in-thailand-kobkarn-confirms/

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French, Indian tourists injured in attacks in Pattaya

Pattaya, Chon Buri:- A Frenchman and three Indian tourists were injured in two separate attacks in Pattaya early Monday, police said.

In the first case, Jorge Vieira, 37, a French tourist, was punched and injured by an unidentified Thai man, Pol Lt Kittipong Srichamnarn, an interrogator on duty of the Pattaya police station, said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834836-french-indian-tourists-injured-in-attacks-in-pattaya/

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Man with Gun arrested in Central Pattaya

PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Monday a 23 year old man was caught with a loaded semi-automatic handgun in Central Pattaya by Police.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834883-man-with-gun-arrested-in-central-pattaya/

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14 year old saved from drowning on Jomtien Beach

PATTAYA: -- A 14 year old Pattaya Student is lucky to be alive after he went missing on Monday Morning in waters off Jomtien Beach.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834884-14-year-old-saved-from-drowning-on-jomtien-beach/

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INDEPENDENCE DAY
No invitation to PM yet for 4th of July party
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will travel to Japan next month to attend the Mekong-Japan Summit to boost cooperation with Japan, an informed source said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834885-no-invitation-to-pm-prayut-yet-for-4th-of-july-party/

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MERS
MERS test a must before arrival
Pratch Rujivanarom,
Puangchompoo Prasert
The Nation



Authorities are confident disease outbreak contained as no new cases found

BANGKOK: -- PATIENTS TRAVELLING from MERS-affected countries for medical services in Thailand, through agency arrangements, will be required to undergo tests for the virus one week ahead of their entry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834886-mers-test-a-must-before-arrival-in-thailand/

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WORLD HERITAGE
Thailand continues fight to keep two sites' status
Pratch Rujivanarom
The Nation


Ayutthaya Historical Park

BANGKOK: -- Thailand is preparing hard to defend the status of two World Heritage sites in the face of ongoing concerns about conservation and management efforts.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834887-world-heritage-thailand-continues-fight-to-keep-two-sites-status/

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NEW CHARTER
CDC may cut some contentious items
NITIPOL KIRAVANICH,
PIMNARA PRADUBWIT
THE NATION


Surachai Liengboonlertchai, vice president of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), right, accepts a complaint from |former Democrat party-list MP Watchara Petthong yesterday.

PM not to get power to propose key bills, but unelected PM still a possibility

BANGKOK: -- THE CONSTITUTION Drafting Committee looks set to go through the draft charter article by article on Thursday with some changes proposed for key controversial elements.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834888-new-thai-charter-cdc-may-cut-some-contentious-items/

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ANALYSIS
Charter drafting committee faces difficult challenges over proposed amendments
NITIPOL KIRAVANICH
THE NATION

BANGKOK: - REVISIONS to the draft charter by the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) later this week will inevitably affect some key points. To begin with, the drafters will find it tough to revise certain clauses without ruining the principles they were drafted under.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834889-thai-analysis-charter-drafting-committee-faces-difficult-challenges-over-proposed-amendments/

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Govt plays down MERS impact
ERICH PARPART,
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- FINANCE MINISTER Sommai Phasee said the effect of the first Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) case recorded in Thailand will have a minimal impact on the economy and the Ministry of Public Health's high alert level regarding the deadly disease means that it will be able to contain it.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834890-thai-govt-plays-down-mers-impact/

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Sommai hints at an outsider taking the top post of BOT
ERICH PARPART
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- FINANCE MINISTER Sommai Phasee said a decision to pick between two outsiders to lead the Bank of Thailand was "not going to be a problem" and added that MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, the deputy prime minister in charge of economic affairs, had given his approval for both candidates.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834891-sommai-hints-at-an-outsider-taking-the-top-post-of-bot/

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EDITORIAL
In place of democracy, ANOTHER CLAMPDOWN on dissent

THE DETENTION OF THREE STUDENT ACTIVISTS IN KHON KAEN CAN ONLY WIDEN THE GULF THAT RECONCILIATION NEEDS TO BRIDGE

BANGKOK: -- Perhaps in an effort to mask its failure thus far to bring about any genuine reconciliation, the military junta has, once again, overstepped the bounds of political and ethical prudence by attempting to silence voices of dissent.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834892-thai-editorial-in-place-of-democracy-another-clampdown-on-dissent/

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STREETWISE
A chat with the BOT governor is like a GOOD, LONG READ

BANGKOK: -- Bank of Thailand Governor Prasarn Trairatvorakul is second to none when it comes to knowledge about economic issues. And he's not the type to answer questions the easy way.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834893-a-chat-with-the-bot-governor-is-like-a-good-long-read/

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Phuket sea gypsies assured military protection from 'death threat investor'
Darawan Naknakhon


Phuket Vice Governor Somkiet (right) pledged to provide police protection and to request military support to protect the sea gypsies. Photo: Darawan Naknakhon

PHUKET: -- Vice Governor Somkiet Sangkhaosutthirak has pledged to provide police protection and to request military support for Phuket sea gypsies who claim an investor has threatened to have them shot if they interfered with his claim to their land.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834894-phuket-sea-gypsies-assured-military-protection-from-death-threat-investor/

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Finance minister conditionally joins chorus of casino backers
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- FINANCE MINISTER Sommai Phasee yesterday floated the idea of setting up a casino that would be part of an "entertainment complex" in which other services including shopping malls and conference facilities would also be available.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834897-thai-finance-minister-conditionally-joins-chorus-of-casino-backers/

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Police say trio killed Malaysian man at Narathiwat dumpsite
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Police yesterday arrested three suspects allegedly involved in the Saturday murder of Malaysian man Nilee Binnima at a dumpsite in Narathiwat's Sungai Kolok district.

While Malaysian national Suhaimee Binjehwae maintained his innocence, Noppadol Waeyali and wife Sitirokiyoh Mapani - both Thais - reportedly confessed, said Sungai Kolok superintendent Colonel Kong-art Suwankham. Police alleged that their investigations found that the victim's Sungai Kolok-based compatriot had hired Binjehwae to kill the man. Binjehwae and his two Thai accomplices allegedly invited the victim to a night out on two motorcycles and took him to the dumpsite, where they allegedly killed him with a sword, police said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Police-say-trio-killed-Malaysian-man-at-Narathiwat-30262866.html


-- The Nation 2015-06-23

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Asean joins hands to fight drug trade in region
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A regional drug-busting agency will be established to tackle narcotics trafficking in the Asean+3 region by sharing information, preventing crimes and suppressing drug-related activities.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834898-asean-joins-hands-to-fight-drug-trade-in-region/

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Cabinet to consider desperate need for hundreds of farm wells
The nation

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet will on Tuesday be asked to approve the digging of 269 underground water wells in a bid to maintain 400,000 rai of rice paddies in Central Thailand, an informed source at Government House said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834899-thai-cabinet-to-consider-desperate-need-for-hundreds-of-farm-wells/

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Anti-drought plans in the pipeline
The Nation


Amphawa Canal in Samut Songkhram province, which is home to a famous floating market, has seen unusually low water levels, as drought has hit several areas of the country. Local residents said water volume in the canal is much lower than in previous year

Farmers denied compensation for ruined crop; schools run dry

BANGKOK: -- AS THE drought crisis continues - school pupils go short of drinking water and farmers in various areas risk growing seasonal rice, despite a dim prospect they'll get water supplies any time soon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834900-thailand-anti-drought-plans-in-the-pipeline/

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Massive U-Fun report to be handed to prosecutors tomorrow
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The police investigation into alleged pyramid scheme operator U-Fun is complete and will be forwarded to prosecutors tomorrow for the issuing of indictments, chief investigator Lt-General Suwira Songmetta said on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834902-massive-u-fun-report-to-be-handed-to-thai-prosecutors-tomorrow/

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UPDATE:

Private hospitals and clinics warned not to reject patients suspected of contracting MERS virus



BANGKOK: -- All private hospitals and clinics have been told not to turn down patients suspected of being infected with MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) but to receive them for diagnosis and treatment in accordance with set procedure.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834886-mers-test-a-must-before-arrival-in-thailand/#entry9542604

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UN report on Gaza: Both sides may be guilty of war crimes
By ARON HELLER

JERUSALEM (AP) — A much-awaited United Nations report into the 2014 Gaza war released Monday found that both Israel and Palestinian militant groups may have committed war crimes during the conflict.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834903-un-report-on-gaza-both-sides-may-be-guilty-of-war-crimes/

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SC governor: Removing Confederate flag will defy race hatred
By SEANNA ADCOX, JEFFREY COLLINS and MEG KINNARD

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina's governor declared Monday that the Confederate flag should be removed from the Statehouse grounds, reflecting what she described as a new consensus that the slaying of nine black churchgoers has changed what the banner stands for.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834904-sc-governor-removing-confederate-flag-will-defy-race-hatred/

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Europe cautiously optimistic of Greek debt deal this week
DEREK GATOPOULOS, Associated Press
RAF CASERT, Associated Press

BRUSSELS (AP) — Greece has finally offered economic reforms that creditors consider closer to being acceptable, giving Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras a few days to turn a spirit of goodwill into a deal that might keep the country from a painful exit from the euro currency and roil international markets.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834905-europe-cautiously-optimistic-of-greek-debt-deal-this-week/

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Carter: US to provide weapons, aircraft, commandos for NATO
By LOLITA C. BALDOR

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — The U.S. committed Monday to contribute weapons, aircraft and forces, including commandos, as needed for NATO's new rapid reaction force, to help Europe defend against potential Russian aggression from the east and the Islamic State and other violent extremists from the south.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834906-carter-us-to-provide-weapons-aircraft-commandos-for-nato/

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Germany frees Al-Jazeera journalist sought by Egypt
DAVID RISING, Associated Press
KIRSTEN GRIESHABER, Associated Press

BERLIN (AP) — An Al-Jazeera journalist detained by German authorities on an Egyptian arrest warrant emerged from a Berlin judicial building Monday again a free man after prosecutors decided not to pursue an extradition request further.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834910-germany-frees-al-jazeera-journalist-sought-by-egypt/

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Red flag prompts Thai AirAsia X to suspend its Sapporo flights
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THAI AIRASIA X has become the first victim of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)'s red flag for Thailand's aviation safety, as its route to Sapporo in Japan would be temporarily suspended from August 1.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834911-red-flag-prompts-thai-airasia-x-to-suspend-its-sapporo-flights/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Cambodian Baby Chokes To Death After Live Fish Her Aunt Is Holding Wriggles Free And Jumps Into Her Mouth

CAMBODIA:-- A 7-month-old baby girl has died in a bizarre tragedy in Cambodia.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834917-cambodian-baby-chokes-to-death-after-live-fish-her-aunt-is-holding-wriggles-free-and-jumps-into/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

SINGSOC investigating resale of SEA Games Myanmar vs Thailand football final tickets

SINGAPORE: The Singapore SEA Games Organising Committee (SINGSOC) said on Monday (Jun 23) that is working with relevant authorities after tickets to the SEA Games 2015 Myanmar-Thailand football final were allegedly resold for a higher price.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834915-singsoc-investigating-resale-of-sea-games-myanmar-vs-thailand-football-final-tickets/