Thailand Live Tuesday 23 Jun 2015

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Buddhist monks seek to ban schoolgirls from wearing headscarves in Burma

RANGOON:-- Influential group of monks also plans to encourage people to vote for candidates who ‘will not let our race and religion disappear’ in this year’s elections.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834916-buddhist-monks-seek-to-ban-schoolgirls-from-wearing-headscarves-in-burma/

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Touching meeting for Japanese, British 'Death Railway' veterans

LONDON: -- A Japanese engineer on the notorious World War II "Death Railway" and a British soldier forced to build the line clasped each other's hands tightly Monday as they met in reconciliation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834943-touching-meeting-for-japanese-british-death-railway-veterans/

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One-test All Black Norman Berryman dead at 42

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand Rugby says Norman Berryman, who played one test for the All Blacks and won three Super Rugby titles with the Christchurch-based Crusaders, died Tuesday aged 42.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834947-new-zealand-rugby-hero-norman-berryman-dead-at-42/

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Dig uncovers northern wall of ancient city
HUANG ZHILING
China Daily

BEIJING: -- Archaeologists in Sichuan province have found ruins thought to be the northern wall of an ancient city that was the political, economic and cultural center of the ancient Shu Kingdom between 5,000 BC and 3,000 BC. The announcement was made by archaeologists from the Sichuan Provincial Institute of Archaeology.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834949-dig-uncovers-northern-wall-of-ancient-city-in-china/

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48 arrests made so far in effort to suppress sale of substandard farm supplies

BANGKOK, 23 June 2015 (NNT) – The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is continuing to suppress the production and sale of substandard fertilizers and pesticides, with 48 producers and vendors arrested so far.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834955-48-arrests-made-so-far-in-effort-to-suppress-sale-of-substandard-farm-supplies/

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Has Obama's China Strategy Failed?
Ahead of a key summit, U.S. policy in Asia appears to be adrift.
MATT SCHIAVENZA

WASHINGTON: -- China and the United States are a bit like squabbling family members: Whatever their differences, they still find a way to get together. These regular gatherings are generally a promising sign for the future of U.S.-Chinese relations, even if the summits themselves often achieve little of substance.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834957-has-obamas-china-strategy-failed/

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72-year-old partially paralyzed woman murdered

Lamphun:- A 72-year-old partially paralyzed woman was stabbed to death right on her wheelchair at her house in Lamphun's Pasang district on Monday, police said.

Pol Lt Witthaya Winyayong, an inspector of Pasang police station, said Srinual Sri-arporn was killed right before she entered her house.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834956-72-year-old-partially-paralyzed-woman-murdered/

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Officials caught in Phuket jungle gambling camp raid
Eakkapop Thongtub


The two officials were among the 26 suspects arrested at the jungle gambling den. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: -- Two local officials were among the 26 arrested at a gambling camp set up in the hills of Vichit on Sunday night (June 21).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834960-officials-caught-in-phuket-jungle-gambling-camp-raid/

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SET up 8.95 points at opening /Bangkok Post

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Water poaching by upstream farmers prompts irrigation officials to seek Army help



BANGKOK: -- Water shortage for farming has reached crisis levels in many central provinces with irrigation officials now are seeking help from the Army to patrol irrigation canals to prevent upstream farmers from breaking their water rationing rules.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834964-water-poaching-by-upstream-farmers-prompts-irrigation-officials-to-seek-thai-army-help/

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US airlines collect record-setting amount in bag and change fees

WASHINGTON: -- US airlines set a new record in the first three months of 2015 by collecting $1.6 billion from plane passengers who checked suitcases or made changes to their flight reservations.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834988-us-airlines-collect-record-setting-amount-in-bag-and-change-fees/

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Udon Thani to host festival to boost regional economy

UDON THANI, 23 June 2015, (NNT) - A regional festival will be held at Thung Sri Muang Park in the northeastern province of Udon Thani from July 1-5.

The provincial administration said the fair is in line with government policy to promote the Kingdom as an ASEAN hub for transportation services and tourism investments. The event will prepare Udon Thani for the advent of the ASEAN Economic Community.

The festival will be conducted in a massive air-conditioned pavilion tent. More than 300 local entrepreneurs are expected to participate in the event. These operators will have a chance to network with their counterparts from Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Famous goods and food from the nation’s four regions will be available for event-goers. The fair would provide an additional distribution channel for small and medium-sized enterprises, increase their competitiveness, and promote the local economy and regional economic cooperation.


-- NNT 2015-06-23

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Satun holds event commemorating World Drug Campaign 2015

SATUN, 23 June 2015, (NNT) - The southern province of Satun is holding an event today and tomorrow to commemorate International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The Satun provincial administration office said the United Nations in 1988 declared June 26 the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

However, Satun chose to hold the event earlier due to conflicts with a number of other activities in the province and issues associated with the month of Ramadan. The event is being held on June 23 - 24 at the province’s city hall.

Thailand had been observing the campaign annually since 1990.

The event aims to discourage youths from trying drugs and honors Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the occasion of her 5th cycle.


-- NNT 2015-06-23

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UPDATE:

Public health ministry seeks cooperation from private hospitals to screen overseas customers for Mers before admittances



BANGKOK: -- Public Health Ministry yesterday asked private hospitals to screen their overseas customers coming for medical treatment of Mers free before admitting them to hospital.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834886-mers-test-a-must-before-arrival-in-thailand/#entry9543497

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UPDATE:

2 Thai Hospitals Refuse to Admit Suspected MERS Patients: Officials
By Khaosod English


Government officials attend a meeting about efforts to contain a potential MERS outbreak at the Ministry of Public Health in Bangkok, 22 June 2015

BANGKOK — Thai public health officials have reprimanded two private hospitals for refusing to accept patients who were suspected of having Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834886-mers-test-a-must-before-arrival-in-thailand/#entry9543518

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Thai Oil expects fluctuations in fuel price this week

BANGKOK, 23 June 2015, (NNT) - Thai Oil Co. Ltd. expects fuel prices to fluctuate this week, urging investors to keep a close watch on decreasing U.S. crude reserves and Greece’s debt crisis.

The company forecast West Texas crude oil prices to vary from 58 - 63 U.S. dollars per barrel, while Brent oil price would likely be in the range of 61 - 66 U.S. dollars per barrel.

Thai Oil disclosed that the fluctuating prices are a direct result of decreasing U.S. crude reserves caused by increasing demand over the summer and decreasing supply due to low crude prices.

The company forecast crude oil price would be also affected by the dollar appreciating against the euro currency, due to concern that Greece would not be able to pay its debt to the International Monetary Fund by its June 30 deadline.

-- NNT 2015-06-23

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Obama says US racism 'not cured,' makes point with epithet
By NEDRA PICKLER

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says the history of slavery and segregation is "still part of our DNA" in the United States, even if racial epithets no longer show up in polite conversation. He uttered the N-word in making his point.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834995-obama-says-us-racism-not-cured-makes-point-with-epithet/

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Radar failure in New Zealand grounds all flights

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — All of New Zealand's international and domestic flights were grounded Tuesday after authorities reported that the nationwide radar system had failed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834996-radar-failure-in-new-zealand-grounds-all-flights/

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Girl, 10, survives electric shock at Phuket viewpoint
Eakkapop Thongtub


The reportedly girl suffered the electric shock while posing for a photo at the popular view point.

PHUKET: -- Workers scoured the viewpoint at Khao Rang (Rang Hill) over looking Phuket Town yesterday (June 22) to make sure the tourist hotspot was safe after a 10-year-old girl was hospitalised for electric shock on Sunday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834997-girl-10-survives-electric-shock-at-phuket-viewpoint/

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ONCB concludes 6th drug rehabilitation program

PHETCHABURI, 23 June 2015, (NNT) - The sixth drug rehabilitation program, organized at Wat Tham Kaeo in Mueang district of Phetchaburi province, came to a close yesterday. The campaign was held by the provincial administration office and the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB).

According to the latest study, the number of methamphetamine addicts in the Kingdom is the highest among ASEAN nations. The Phetchaburi administration urged its residents to seriously address the issue, saying the rehabilitation program is a small but right step towards a drug-free Thailand.

The ONCB had been working with various related units to adjust and improve rehabilitation programs by retaining successful techniques from previous campaigns. The new and improved rehabilitation program has been organized six times, with about 80 drug addicts admitted to each program. The sixth treatment program admitted 101 addicts.


-- NNT 2015-06-23

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CRR holds third session of individual meetings with political figures to seek input

BANGKOK, 23 June 2015 (NNT) – The National Council for Peace and Order's Center for Reconciliation and Reform (CRR) carried out its third session of individual meetings with political figures on Monday, with the center's deputy director expressing satisfaction over the results of the talks.

According to the center's deputy director Lieutenant General Buntham Orit, a wide variety of opinions was expressed by the politicians and the leaders of political groups who attended the meetings, held at the Army Club in Bangkok. Objects of discussion included the draft permanent constitution, energy affairs and national reform. On the topic of energy, some of the political figures who met with CRR officials proposed establishing a national information center on energy.

Lt. Gen. Buntham indicated that those invited to Monday's session had provided the CRR with a well-rounded set of information and suggestions for the reform of the country. He asserted the meetings did not involve any threat or pressure on the political figures. Individuals knowledgeable in relevant affairs will continue to be invited to provide information to the CRR, in order to create correct understanding.


-- NNT 2015-06-23

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Fishing vessels threaten to stop fishing next month



BANGKOK: -- Fishery associations threatened to stop fishing next month if the government fails to relax some of the strict measures enforced on fishing vessels following the European Union's planned boycott of Thailand's fish exports if it does not resolve its Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing practises.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/835014-thai-fishing-vessels-threaten-to-stop-fishing-next-month/

[Lite Beer]

SET up 4.37 to 1,508.43 at midday /Bangkok Post

[Lite Beer]

Rohingya human traffickers to be prosecuted

BANGKOK: -- The Royal Thai Police has completed the investigation into the Rohingya human trafficking case with a recommendation to the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) to prosecute a total of 119 suspects.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/835020-rohingya-human-traffickers-to-be-prosecuted/

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UPDATE:

Thai Airlines Cancel Flights, Delay Plane Purchases Due to UN's Red Flag
By Khaosod English


An aircraft operated by Thai Airasia X at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok, 13 June 2014 [Prachachat]

BANGKOK — Thai airlines have canceled flights to northern Japan and indefinitely delayed plans to buy new planes after Thailand's aviation safety ranking was downgraded by a United Nations agency last week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/834911-red-flag-prompts-thai-airasia-x-to-suspend-its-sapporo-flights/#entry9543928

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Thailand's Automotive Industry Remains Weak in May
By Dow Jones Business News
Nopparat Chaichalearmmongkol

BANGKOK--Thailand's auto industry showed continued weakness in May, mainly due to a local economic slowdown, according to the Federation of Thai Industries.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/835035-thailands-automotive-industry-remains-weak-in-may/

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James Horner, the Hollywood composer who wrote the score for the Oscar-winning film hit Titanic, dies in a plane crash in California. /BBC

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AVIATION
AAV affirms no impact from ICAO's latest move
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Asia Aviation (AAV), the listed majority shareholder of Thai AirAsia, vows to maintain its aircraft acquisition and route expansion plans despite the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)'s latest decision on Thailand's safety standards.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/835036-thailands-aviation-safety-standards-aav-affirms-no-impact-from-icaos-latest-move/

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FPO says MERS situation in Thailand is under control

BANGKOK, 23 June 2015 (NNT)-The Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) has expressed the view that Thailand will be able to prevent an outbreak of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) in this country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/835038-fpo-says-mers-situation-in-thailand-is-under-control/

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No cash compensation for farmers in delaying rice cultivation



BANGKOK: -- Farmers who were asked to put off their rice cultivation this year will not get cash compensation but will be assisted by the government in the form of farming cost and promotion to cultivate other low water use plants.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/835039-no-cash-compensation-for-thai-farmers-in-delaying-rice-cultivation/