Thailand Live Thursday 2 Jul 2015

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Thai leaders send congratulatory messages to China, celebrating 40 years of their relations

BANGKOK, 2 July 2015 (NNT) – Thai leaders sent congratulation letters to their Chinese counterparts on the auspicious occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on 1 July 2015.

The letter of Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha was sent to his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang. He reaffirmed in the letter his determination to work closely with the Chinese leader to further advance and deepen bilateral relations for the future generations of the two countries. He noted with great pleasure the plans by the public and private sectors as well as civil society organizations of both sides to co-organize a series of commemorative activities and events.

"I am very glad to see that our two governments share the aspiration to further enhance our multidimensional cooperation, which not only benefits the livelihoods of our peoples, but also contributes to the stability and prosperity in the region and beyond,” the letter read.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn sent to his Chinese counterpart a congratulatory message welcoming the fact that the relations between Thailand and China have continued to grow from strength to strength and have evolved into significant Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

"Our close diplomatic ties have also strengthened our amicable and constructive cooperation in regional frameworks, particularly the GMS, AIIB, ACD, APEC, ASEM, ARF and ASEAN. These cooperation frameworks are instrumental to promoting regional stability, prosperity and connectivity, thereby contributing to trade, investment and tourism for the benefits of the peoples of our two countries and of the region as a whole,” Gen Tanasak said in the letter.


-- NNT 2015-07-02

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Another Pattaya Facebook clip showing assault involving British man emerges



PATTAYA: -- There seems to be a never-ending stream of video clips from Pattaya being posted on Facebook at this time and yet another has emerged which appears to show a foreign national being assaulted on Walking Street.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837316-another-pattaya-facebook-clip-showing-assault-involving-british-man-emerges/

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Family Shootout in North Pattaya Residential Street



PATTAYA: -- A husband and wife were injured during a shootout involving a family member in a residential area of North Pattaya on Tuesday Night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837317-family-shootout-in-north-pattaya-residential-street/

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Minivan driver dies in East Pattaya road crash



PATTAYA: -- A 46 year old Minivan driver died in a road crash on Highway 36 in East Pattaya on Wednesday afternoon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837318-minivan-driver-dies-in-east-pattaya-road-crash/

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POLITICAL CONFRONTATION
Ease tensions, experts urge
Pravit Rojanaphruk,
Piyaporn Wongruang,
Kasamakorn Chanwanpen
The Nation

NCPO, anti-coup students told to engage in dialogue before matters get out of hand

BANGKOK: -- The escalation of political confrontation between the military junta and the 14 detained anti-coup students and their supporters should be quickly toned down before it is too late, concerned scholars said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837319-ncpo-anti-coup-students-told-to-engage-in-dialogue-before-matters-get-out-of-hand/

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Thai PBS being probed by NBTC panel
Watchiranont Thongtep
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The broadcasting regulator yesterday confirmed that it had received a complaint letter from the junta's media monitoring team to investigate a news report by Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS) related to a recent demonstration by anti-coup activists.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837320-thai-pbs-being-probed-by-nbtc-panel/

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UPDATE:

Fisheries operators warn strict measures will sink the industry
Pratch Rujivanarom,
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- THE FISHERIES sector warned that overly strict fishery regulations being implemented under the "illegal, unreported and unregulated" (IUU) fishing protocol will result in the collapse of Thai fishery and related industries, which will affect Thai people's access to seafood.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837144-food-industries-feel-the-repercussion-as-thai-fishing-vessels-stat-put-on-shores/#entry9574493

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UPDATE:

GENERALISED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES
Thailand to benefit from US GSP
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Commerce Ministry is confident in its export-growth target of 1.2 per cent for this year now that the United States is again granting tax privileges to 127 countries including Thailand under its extension of the Generalised System of Preferences.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837237-washingtons-gsp-reinstatement-likely-to-shore-up-thai-exports-ministry-says/#entry9574498

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Flood-hit firms wary of more diaster
ERICH PARPART
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- TWENTY-TWO per cent of the 84 manufacturers operating in seven industrial estates in the lower Chao Phraya River basin that were affected by the flood disaster of 2011 believe there will be another major inundation within the next 15 years, a survey by the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) has found.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837321-flood-hit-firms-wary-of-more-diaster/

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Central Pattana to accommodate Ikea's second store in Thailand at Central WestGate Complex
PICHAYA CHANGSORN
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- CENTRAL Pattana, Thailand's largest shopping-mall developer, said yesterday that it would cancel its plan to develop residential and commercial real-estate projects at its Central WestGate shopping complex in order to accommodate space for Ikea, which will set up its second Thai store there.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837322-central-pattana-to-accommodate-ikeas-second-store-in-thailand-at-central-westgate-complex/

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EDITORIAL
Hats off to Thailand's foreign fans and their tribute videos
The Nation

Accounts of former visitors uploaded online for all to see, admire, and envy are benefiting the country immensely

BANGKOK: -- With the economy still in a slump as exports and manufacturing recover at a dreadfully slow pace, tourism is one of the few business sectors that have continued to bring in much-needed revenue. Tourism's contribution to GDP has been without interruption, suffering only briefly in times of dire political uncertainty.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837323-hats-off-to-thailands-foreign-fans-and-their-tribute-videos/

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THAI TALK
Just a temporary truce in the war of words over casinos
Suthichai Yoon
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The prime minister might have told the national police chief to stop his campaign to legalise casinos in Thailand, but you can be sure that the controversy won't just die away. It's only a matter of time before the hot issue rears its ugly head once again.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837325-thai-talk-just-a-temporary-truce-in-the-war-of-words-over-casinos/

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Phuket tour guides, operators warned: 'Get eco-friendly, or else'
Nattha Thepbamrung


Santi Pawai, the director of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports Phuket office, delivered his warning yesterday. Photo: Nattha Thepbamrung

PHUKET: -- Tour guides and operators will face charges if their clients are found to break local laws to protect the environment, Santi Pawai, the director of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports Phuket office, has warned.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837326-phuket-tour-guides-operators-warned-get-eco-friendly-or-else/

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British pop star Will Young lends support to end illegal dog meat trade
The Nation

PHUKET: -- British singer-songwriter and actor Will Young yesterday announced his patronage of the Phuket-based Soi Dog Foundation, which is leading the fight to end Thailand's illegal dog meat trade. Young became aware of Soi Dog's work after visiting its shelter in Phuket during a holiday last year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837327-british-pop-star-will-young-lends-support-to-end-illegal-dog-meat-trade/

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Man confesses to murder
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- POLICE HAVE pressed charges of premeditated murder against a man who has allegedly confessed to killing Surat Thani provincial chief prosecutor Phayong Dokmaihom out of jealousy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837328-killing-surat-thani-prosecutor-man-confesses-to-murder/

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Two men wanted for murder of tycoon
Kornkamol Aksorndej
The Nation



Wife says woman called 'K' behind killing, putting motive down to Bt20m loan

BANGKOK: -- THE SOUTHERN BANGKOK Criminal Court yesterday approved arrest warrants for two male suspects based on sketches, confirmed by witnesses, in the murders of former night-entertainment tycoon Somyot Suthangkool.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837329-two-men-wanted-for-murder-of-night-entertainment-tycoon-in-bangkok/

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BURNING ISSUE
Heavy-handed officials make student protests heroic
ATTAYUTH BOOTSRIPOOM

BANGKOK: -- THE ARREST and detention of 14 student activists, members of the Neo Democracy Movement (NDM), have had a heavy impact on the government. Earlier, the student group's moves seemed to have no political strength, but the legal action against them since then has drawn much public interest.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837330-thai-politics-heavy-handed-officials-make-student-protests-heroic/

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NRC panel to propose granting pardon to non-criminal protesters
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The National Reform Council will today suggest granting amnesty to protesters who do not face criminal or lese majeste charges, NRC's reconciliation panel chief Anek Laothammathat said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837331-nrc-panel-to-propose-granting-pardon-to-non-criminal-protesters/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Myanmar fisherman goes home after 22 years as a slave

MARGIE MASON, Associated Press

TUAL, Indonesia (AP) — All he did was ask to go home.

The last time the Burmese slave made the same request, he was beaten almost to death. But after being gone eight years and forced to work on a boat in faraway Indonesia, Myint Naing was willing to risk everything to see his mother again. His nights were filled with dreams of her, and time was slowly stealing her face from his memory.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/836798-myanmar-fisherman-goes-home-after-22-years-as-a-slave/

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NCPO stands firm on jailed students
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- NATIONAL Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvari yesterday shrugged off calls by local scholars, political activists and international organisations to release the 14 student activists who were arrested on Friday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837332-ncpo-stands-firm-on-jailed-students/

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Charter law 'may affect decision making'
THE NATION

MORE THAN 500 public prosecutors have teamed up to oppose a charter draft provision, citing the legislation provided loopholes that might lead to political interference in their indictment decisions.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837333-thai-charter-law-may-affect-decision-making/

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Thailand beach murders: Men accused of killing Brit backpackers plead with victims' families for justice

BY ANDY LINES

Burmese Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo, both 22, go on trial next week accused of killing Hannah Witheridge and David Miller

LONDON: -- Bar workers suspected of murdering two British ­backpackers are pleading with the victims’ family to make sure justice is done.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837334-koh-tao-men-accused-of-killing-brit-backpackers-plead-with-victims-families-for-justice/

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Thailand holiday tragedy
Tayissa Barone

PHUKET: -- Friends and colleagues of a Perth electrician who died while on holiday in Thailand this week say they lost a true character who always went above and beyond to help out.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837335-phuket-holiday-tragedy-aussie-dies-after-motorcycle-accident/

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Nicholas Winton, savior of Jewish children, dies at 106
NAOMI KOPPEL, Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — He was just a 29-year-old clerk at the London Stock Exchange when he faced the challenge of a lifetime. Traveling with a friend to Czechoslovakia in 1938, as the drums of impending war echoed around Europe, Nicholas Winton was hit by a key realization.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837336-british-schindler-nicholas-winton-savior-of-jewish-children-dies-at-106/

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Greece proceeds with vote plan as creditors rebuff overture
By ELENA BECATOROS and MENELAOS HADJICOSTIS

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — The Greek government vowed Wednesday to go ahead with plans to have the people decide whether they want more austerity measures in exchange for a rescue deal. Greece offered more concessions to its creditors, but was rebuffed — Eurozone finance ministers refused to negotiate any more aid until the referendum clears up what the country wants.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837337-greece-proceeds-with-vote-plan-as-creditors-rebuff-overture/

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Scores killed as militants attack Egyptian troops in Sinai
ASHRAF SWEILAM, Associated Press
BRIAN ROHAN, Associated Press

EL-ARISH, Egypt (AP) — Islamic State-linked militants struck Egyptian army outposts in the Sinai Peninsula on Wednesday in a coordinated wave of suicide bombings and battles that underlined the government's failure to stem an insurgency despite a two-year crackdown. Security officials said dozens of troops were killed, along with nearly 100 attackers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837338-scores-killed-as-militants-attack-egyptian-troops-in-sinai/

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Billionaire Saudi prince vows to donate $32 billion fortune
AYA BATRAWY, Associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia's billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, one of the world's richest people, announced Wednesday that he will donate all of his wealth of $32 billion to charity over the coming years.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837340-saudi-prince-to-give-away-us32bn/

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Bush likely earned less, paid higher tax rate than Clintons
By STEVE PEOPLES and RONNIE GREENE

WASHINGTON (AP) — In the first presidential race since Democrats cast the GOP nominee as an out-of-touch millionaire, Republican Jeb Bush is aggressively trying to flip the script.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837341-bush-likely-earned-less-paid-higher-tax-rate-than-clintons/

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US probing possible airline collusion that kept fares high
By DAVID KOENIG, SCOTT MAYEROWITZ and ERIC TUCKER

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. government is investigating possible collusion among major airlines to limit available seats, which keeps airfares high, according to a document obtained by The Associated Press.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837344-us-probing-possible-airline-collusion-that-kept-fares-high/

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Boy chained up with dead chicken around neck tells his story
By MITCH WEISS and TOM FOREMAN Jr.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Handcuffed and shackled to a block of steel, the young boy would brace himself when he heard footsteps outside his bedroom door. He knew that once the grown-ups entered, the abuse would begin.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837345-us-boy-chained-up-with-dead-chicken-around-neck-tells-his-story/