Thailand Live Friday 3 Jul 2015

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Adelaide Crows' AFL coach murdered in home, son arrested

ADELAIDE, Australia (AP) — Phil Walsh, coach of the Adelaide Crows in the Australian Football League, was stabbed to death in a domestic dispute early Friday at his home. His 26-year-old son was arrested.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837599-adelaide-crows-afl-coach-murdered-in-home-son-arrested/

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US files formal extradition request for 7 FIFA officials
GRAHAM DUNBAR, AP Sports Writer

GENEVA (AP) — The United States has submitted a formal request for Switzerland to extradite seven FIFA officials arrested in Zurich as part of a corruption probe that has rocked soccer's world governing body.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837601-us-files-formal-extradition-request-for-7-fifa-officials/

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US jury awards $2.9M after man on meth dies in custody

OXNARD, California (AP) — A jury awarded $2.9 million to the family of a California man who died in police custody after he took a large amount of methamphetamine and later told officers who tried to restrain him that he could not breathe.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837604-us-jury-awards-29m-after-man-on-meth-dies-in-custody/

[Lite Beer]

Military Slams Proposal for States to Choose Chief Ministers
By THE IRRAWADDY

RANGOON — Burma’s unelected military lawmakers on Wednesday argued firmly against a proposed constitutional amendment that would grant state-level parliaments the right to nominate chief ministers.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837607-military-slams-proposal-for-states-to-choose-chief-ministers/

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More than 70 percent of Muang Buriram's farmland faces water shortages

BURIRAM, 3 July 2015, (NNT) - According to Muang Buriram District Chief Poomjitr Sriwongrat, farmers in the area have already planted rice in 290,000 rai of farmland in the area’s 17 sub-districts, 70 percent of which is facing a water shortage.

He said most of the drought affected farmland is located outside the irrigation zone and relies heavily on rainfall for productive farming. Chief Poomjitr cited the province’s drought report, saying water shortages affect a total area of 370,000 rai of rice farmlands and para rubber fields in Buriram’s 18 districts.

The district chief expects the planted rice will wither, if rain does not fall within a month.

The Muang District Chief said however there was no report of any drought affected damage from the area’s agricultural sector, just a minority report on a water shortage.

Farmers are urged not to plant rice until rain starts to fall and closely follow the Meteorological Department’s daily forecast. Local administration offices have also been instructed to immediately distribute water for consumption whenever there are requests for assistance.


-- NNT 2015-07-03

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NBTC looks into mobile service operations with a weak phone signal

BANGKOK, 3 July 2015, (NNT) - National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) Secretary-General Thakon Tanthasit reports his agency is looking into recent complaints concerning cases of mobile phone disconnection due to weak mobile phone signal. The NBTC is also to advise service operators to rename the misleading 'unlimited mobile' internet data plan.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837617-thai-nbtc-looks-into-mobile-service-operations-with-a-weak-phone-signal/

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Singburi holds Bang Rajan Memorial Day

SINGBURI, 3 July 2015, (NNT) - The central province of Singburi last night organized a Bang Rajan Memorial Day, commemorating the courage, patriotism and sacrifice of the Khai Bang Rajan heroes who defended their home against Burmese invaders to the last man during the Burmese–Siamese War in 1765–1767.

Officials from the provincial administration office, district office, police, and the military as well as Singburi locals Attended the event held in Khai Bang Rajan District.

The province this year marked its 249th year anniversary of the historic event with a massive merit-making ceremony joined by 245 monks. Many event-goers also participated in a meditation session and a candle-lit procession, honoring the men and women who fearlessly gave their lives defending Khai Bang Rajan two and a half centuries ago.


-- NNT 2015-07-03

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RID to ensure water supplies last until next year if drought persists



BANGKOK, 3 July 2015 (NNT) - The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) will only release water for domestic consumption and to prevent seawater intrusion, amid the ongoing drought crisis.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837620-thai-rid-to-ensure-water-supplies-last-until-next-year-if-drought-persists/

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US diplomat urges govt to respect basic liberties
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thailand should respect the rights of citizens to express themselves politically and to assemble, said US charge d'affaires W Patrick Murphy.

He said he hoped civil liberties can be restored sooner rather than later. He was speaking on the sidelines of the celebration of US Independence Day at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel in Bangkok last night.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/US-diplomat-urges-govt-to-respect-basic-liberties-30263666.html


-- The Nation 2015-07-03

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With social media tease, Wisconsin's Walker jumps into 2016
By SCOTT BAUER

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a preacher's son who withstood a recall election spawned by his fight with public employee unions, is joining the crowded Republican presidential race, aides said on Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837627-us-with-social-media-tease-wisconsins-walker-jumps-into-2016/

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Commerce chambers seek two-month reprieve for fishing vessels



BANGKOK: -- Chambers of Commerce in the central provinces yesterday called on the government to allow another 2 month extension for registration of illegal fishing vessels reasoning of negative chain impact on the whole fishery industry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837628-commerce-chambers-seek-two-month-reprieve-for-thai-fishing-vessels/

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SET up 1.59 points at opening /Bangkok Post

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CHIANG RAI: -- Seven armed guards of a drug caravan were shot dead by soldiers as they tried to smuggle heroin from Myanmar border to Thailand’s border of Mae Fa Luang district of Chiang Rai province early Friday.

Soldiers from the Pamuang Field Force were tipped off that a drug caravan would use the jungle path of Mae Fa Luang to smuggle the drugs from Myanmar border.

In a 10- minute fierce gun battle, the members of drug caravan escaped back across the border, leaving seven of their members lying dead with their assault rifles, and six bags containing heroin.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/117042

-- Thai PBS 2015-07-03

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Artificial rain-making operations add water in 4 main dams

BANGKOK, 3 July 2015 (NNT) – The Irrigation Department says its rain-making operations have paid off, adding water to four main dams each day.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837642-artificial-rain-making-operations-add-water-in-4-main-dams/

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BMA's farmer market kicks off today at CentralWorld

BANGKOK, 3 July 2015 (NNT)-The Office of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is hosting a farmer market today with an aim of promoting agro tourism in 26 districts of Bangkok.

Organic farm goods produced by farmers from the 26 districts are for sale today at the event. The BMA is determined to improve and promote farmers in Bangkok.

Under its policy, a market would be held specifically for Bangkok farmers as an additional channel to sell their chemical free produces to consumers. They include a wide variety of fresh food such as vegetables, rice and sea food.

Competitions on the best farm product, flower and a vegetable basket will also be held today as well as free cooking classes for interested individuals. The farmer market is held from 10.00 hrs – 20.00 hrs until July 5th at Central World.


-- NNT 2015-07-03

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Seven drug traffickers killed in clash with soldiers in Chiang Rai



CHIANG RAI: -- Seven hill tribe armed guards of a drug caravan were shot dead by soldiers as they tried to smuggle heroin from Myanmar border to Thailand's border of Mae Fa Luang district of Chiang Rai province early Friday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837645-seven-drug-traffickers-killed-in-clash-with-soldiers-in-chiang-rai/

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VN leaders welcome Clinton, laud role in normalisation of ties



HANOI: -- At a meeting with former US President Bill Clinton in Hanoi yesterday, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong reaffirmed Vietnam is making efforts to boost relations with the US for the long-term benefit of both peoples, Viet Nam News reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837646-vietnam-leaders-welcome-bill-clinton-laud-role-in-normalisation-of-ties/

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Prostitution: Thailand’s worst kept secret
By Saksith Saiyasombut & Siam Voices
By James Austin

BANGKOK: -- You could be forgiven for thinking if you were new to Thailand that prostitution was a market aimed solely at foreign tourists and fund-dumping expatriates. The garish lights, garish hook-ups, and garish whispers in the night have become iconic, a thing of holiday myths, books, films, and for many who don’t live here deceitfully representative of an entire culture. But Thailand’s lusty epithet of a land of salacious, often mendacious smiles, is a foreign concoction, and within these borders most citizens I think don’t taint themselves with that brush.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837647-prostitution-thailands-worst-kept-secret/

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Phetkasem Road collapses into itself (PHOTOS)
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Several motorists faced a dilemma when they could not go any further or turn back after a sinkhole the width of Phetkasem Road in the Bang Khae just opened out of the blue last night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837649-bangkoks-phetkasem-road-collapses-into-itself/

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More South Koreans arrested for running online gambling

BANGKOK: -- A combined police force raided a luxury condominium room on Sukhumvit 26 yesterday and arrested four South Korean people and charged them with running online gambling website.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837651-more-south-koreans-arrested-for-running-online-gambling-in-thailand/

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Russian crime boss quietly arrested in Phuket
The Phuket News

Russian crime boss fugitive Dimitry Rodionov was arrested in this quiet street in Rawai, Phuket. Photo: Google Maps

PHUKET: -- A quiet arrest in a street in Rawai last month netted the head of a large-scale Russian organized crime syndicate, living in Phuket.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837652-russian-crime-boss-quietly-arrested-in-phuket/

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Two dead in Phuket worker's truck crash
Eakkapop Thongtub


The truck rolled 100 metres down a hill before coming to rest in a canal.

PHUKET: Two Burmese men died, seven were hospitalised and 26 injured when the six-wheeler truck they were travelling in crashed on Nakalay Hill in Kamala late last night (July 2).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837654-two-dead-in-phuket-workers-truck-crash/

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Thai Navy continues Rohingya assistance mission, without 'floating hospital'
Tanyaluk Sakoot


The HTMS Angthong (pictured) as a floating hospital has been recalled, but the mission to assist any migrant boats in the Andaman Sea continues. Photo: Royal Thai Navy

PHUKET: -- The Royal Thai Navy is continuing its “search and assist” operation for Rohingya and other migrants arriving in the Andaman Sea north of Phuket, despite its key “floating hospital”, the HTMS Angthong, being recalled to its home port in Chon Buri.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837656-thai-navy-continues-rohingya-assistance-mission-without-floating-hospital/

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MOSCOW (AP) - Russian unmanned supply ship launched to International Space Station.

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Cash-counting monk busted again

PATTAYA:-A monk who gained notoriety after being caught on video counting stacks of money on a Sriracha roadside was detained in Pattaya following complaints he was soliciting money.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837655-cash-counting-monk-busted-again/

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Military, local officials study feasibility of cross gulf ferry service

PATTAYA:--Military officials surveyed Bali Hai Pier as part of feasibility study for ferry services between Pattaya, Cha-am and Hua Hin, finding both the jetty and harbor in need of improvements.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837659-military-local-officials-study-feasibility-of-cross-gulf-ferry-service/#entry9579255

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Trafficking charges levied after underage girls found in Soi LK Metro go-go bar

PATTAYA:--A Pattaya staff manager was arrested on human-trafficking charges after police raided a Soi LK Metro go-go bar and found three underage girls dancing semi-nude on stage.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837675-trafficking-charges-levied-after-underage-girls-found-in-soi-lk-metro-go-go-bar/

[Lite Beer]

Forced Labour Shows Back-Breaking Lack of Reform in Burma’s Military
By AUBREY BELFORD & SOE ZEYA TUN / REUTERS

BUTHIDAUNG, Arakan State — In the fertile river valleys near Burma’s border with Bangladesh, stateless Rohingya Muslims say there is no let-up in soldiers forcing them into hard labour, despite the government launching a campaign three years ago to end the practice.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837678-forced-labor-shows-back-breaking-lack-of-reform-in-burmas-military/

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Chinese Tourist Falls to Death From Zip Line in Chiang Mai
By Khaosod English


Chiang Mai Zoo staff check the equipment at a zipline company based in the zoo, 2 July 2015.

CHIANG MAI — A Chinese tourist fell to his death while gliding on a zip line in the northern city of Chiang Mai earlier this week due to faulty safety equipment, police said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837698-chinese-tourist-falls-to-death-from-zip-line-in-chiang-mai/

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Malaysian premier denies he got $700 million from state fund
EILEEN NG, Associated Press

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on Friday denied news reports that nearly $700 million were funneled from an indebted state investment fund into his personal accounts.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/837717-malaysian-premier-denies-he-got-700-million-from-state-fund/