Thailand Live Wednesday 8 Jul 2015

[webfact]

PM opens "Healthy City, Community Way of Life Fair"

BANGKOK, 8 July 2015 (NNT) - Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha presided over on Tuesday evening the opening ceremony of the "Healthy City, Community Way of Life Fair” at Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem Market near the Government House.

Gen Prayut said Phadung Krung Kasem Canal has been a location for several government-initiated floating markets as the site is hoped to be developed as a main tourist attraction of Bangkok.

"Healthy City, Community Way of Life Fair” is another effort by the government to promote medical tourism in Thailand and produce value-added native herbal products to meet demand in ASEAN market.

Herbal industry is essential for branding an outstanding identity of Thailand. It has brought in THB48,000m to the country annually and is expected to grow by 20 per cent each year.

The "Healthy City, Community Way of Life Fair” is running from 7 to 26 July, with a different theme in each week. The event showcases and sells health products from over a hundred suppliers at lower prices, accompanied by free health services and consultancy by government authorities and local intellectuals.

During the first week which runs until 12 July, the main theme is "Bringing Thai Traditional Medicine to the World”, in which herbal products, such as Kariyat Gel for gum and teeth health, healthy and beauty drinks and foods for women, are sold at lower prices.

The second week from 13-19 July focuses on "Alzheimer-Free Community", promoting foods and herbal products for anti-alzymer effects. In the final week from 20 to 26 July, visitors can see Thai herbs for anti-aging treatment.

At the fair, flu vaccinations for five hundred visitors will be provided free-of-charge per day while unlimited diphtheria and tetanus vaccinations will also be provided free on a daily basis. The fair is being held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. until 26 July.


-- NNT 2015-07-08

[webfact]

Junta Asks Overseas Thais to Explain Coup to Foreigners
By Khaosod English


Soldiers outside of the Army Club moments after Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha announced a coup, 22 May 2014.

BANGKOK — The secretary-general of Thailand's ruling military junta has urged Thais living abroad to explain the reasons behind the May 2014 coup d'etat to foreigners.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838840-govt-asks-overseas-thais-to-explain-coup-to-foreigners/

[webfact]

Thailand's Top Brass Defends Plan to Spend 36 Billion Baht on Submarines
BY Khaosod English


Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha at the Government House in Bangkok on 7 July 2015.

BANGKOK — Leading members of the ruling military junta and the Royal Thai Navy have insisted that a plan to buy three submarines from China is necessary to augment Thailand's national defense capabilities.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838841-thailands-top-brass-defends-plan-to-spend-36-billion-baht-on-submarines/

[webfact]

Reserve water sufficient for Chiang Mai until rainy season

CHIANG MAI, 8 July 2015 (NNT) – The current volume of reserve water in dams in the northern region will be able to provide continuous water supply until rainy season, while farmers are asked to postpone their cultivation for one more month, said official.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838842-reserve-water-sufficient-for-chiang-mai-until-rainy-season/

[webfact]

Rain will save Bangkok from tap-water disruption, waterworks boss says
The Nation, Reuters



BANGKOK: -- METROPOLITAN Waterworks Authority governor Thanasak Watanathana yesterday downplayed the possibility of a tap-water shortage in Bangkok due to the severe drought.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838843-rain-will-save-bangkok-from-tap-water-disruption-waterworks-boss-says/

[webfact]

Anti-coup protests tipped to continue
KASAMAKORN CHANWANPEN,
WASSAMON AUDJARINT
THE NATION


Members of League of Liberal Thammasat for Democracy and other supporters of the 14 detained |anti-coup students cheered in front of the Military Court yesterday morning. The court ordered the release of the 14 |yesterday.

ACADEMIC WARNS AS STUDENTS' RELEASE ORDERED

BANGKOK: -- THE 14 anti-coup student activists are due to be freed this morning (Wed) after the first round of pre-trial detention ended yesterday and the Military Court rejected a police request to hold them for further 12 days.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838844-anti-coup-protests-tipped-to-continue/

[webfact]

NRC reconciliation report fails to win broad approval
PIYAPORN WONGRUANG,
WASAMON AUDJARINT
THE NATION

LONGSTANDING RED-YELLOW DIVIDE COMES TO FORE AGAIN

BANGKOK: -- POLITICAL leaders and activists have received the latest report by the National Reform Council's reconciliation committee with mixed reactions.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838845-thai-nrc-reconciliation-report-fails-to-win-broad-approval/

[webfact]

WHO warns govt about risks of FTAs
Pratch Rujivanarom
The Nation

Say trade deals could have hidden impacts

BANGKOK: -- EXPERTS SAY the government should carefully consider before signing free-trade agreements (FTA) - as people could be hurt by deals that prolong drug patents and restrict information about medicine.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838846-who-warns-thai-govt-about-risks-of-ftas/

[webfact]

CDC makes final decision on composition of Senate
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) resolved yesterday that 77 senators would be elected and 123 senators indirectly elected, a source said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838847-cdc-makes-final-decision-on-composition-of-thai-senate/

[webfact]

TOURISM
Thailand eyes Asia's top 3 place
SUCHAT SRITAMA
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The TOURISM Authority of Thailand (TAT) has finalised its marketing plan for next year, positioning the Kingdom as a quality destination and aiming to keep it in Asia's top three in terms of tourism revenue.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838848-tourism-thailand-eyes-asias-top-3-place/

[webfact]

UPDATE:

NEW BOT GOVERNOR
Economists hail BOT appointment
Erich Parpart
The Nation


Veerathai

BANGKOK: -- Economists have welcomed the appointment of Veerathai Santiprabhob as the Bank of Thailand's governor, who will start his five-year term on October 1.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838696-former-imf-economist-veerathai-to-head-thai-central-bank/#entry9594997

[webfact]

New US defence strategy puts pressure on South Korea
Song Sang-ho
The Korea Herald
Asia News Network


US-made small unit riverine crafts manoeuvre during a mock beach assault scenario as part of the US-Philippines joint military exercises in the town of Ternate, Cavite province, south of Manila, in this May 11, 2014 file photo.

Seoul wary of regional developments straining its diplomatic ties with China

SEOUL: -- The new US National Military Strategy released last Wednesday underscores the "need to counter revisionist states", potentially including China, that are challenging international norms and vows to firm up its alliances with South Korea, Japan and other partners.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838850-new-us-defence-strategy-puts-pressure-on-south-korea/

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
Keep politics out of the healthcare debate
The Nation

Outrage caused by a rumour of its demise illustrates the popularity of Bt30 healthcare, too important now to let go

BANGKOK: -- It turned out to be only a "rumour" that the universal healthcare scheme was to be scrapped, but the outcry it caused served to underline the programme's importance. Users of the social media raised a roar of dismay and the alarm spread among the general populace before Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha stepped forward on Monday with reassurance that there was no intention to end the "Bt30 healthcare plan", as it was originally known.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838851-thai-editorial-keep-politics-out-of-the-healthcare-debate/

[webfact]

STOPPAGE TIME
The ironic (and sadistic) Greek tragedy plays out
Tulsathit Taptim
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Those who thought up the concept of democracy in Greece two millennia ago could not in their wildest dreams have imagined what is transpiring at the moment. But, then again, knowing about democracy doesn't necessarily mean you know everything.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838852-the-ironic-and-sadistic-greek-tragedy-plays-out/

[webfact]

Phuket's Ace 1 condo developer faces fraud, Computer Crime charges
The Phuket News


Col Angkul Klaiklueng of the Royal Thai Police Consumer Protection Division. Photo: PR Dept

PHUKET: The developers of the Ace 1 Condominium project in Patong are lined up to face a slew of charges, including fraud and contravention of the Computer Crime Act, Col Angkul Klaiklueng of the Royal Thai Police Consumer Protection Division warned (July 6).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838853-phukets-ace-1-condo-developer-faces-fraud-computer-crime-charges/

[webfact]

Phuket Marine chief clamps down on speedboat safety ban
The Phuket News


Phuket tour speedboats sit idle on the shore at Chalong Bay. Photo: Seaman Freeman Eco Guide

PHUKET: -- The chief of the Phuket Marine Office has ordered the authorities at all ports, marinas and main tourist departure points to nearby islands to refuse permission for any speedboats less than nine meters in length to put to sea.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838854-phuket-marine-chief-clamps-down-on-speedboat-safety-ban/

[webfact]

KBank system upgrade
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- All channels, electronic and non-electronic, of KasikornBank will be temporarily shut down from July 17 to July 19 for system upgrade.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838855-kbank-system-upgrade/

[webfact]

UPDATE:

Submarine plan not aimed at boosting China ties: PM
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said Tuesday that the Navy's proposal to buy three submarines worth Bt36 billion had nothing to do with the move to strengthen ties with China.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838841-thailands-top-brass-defends-plan-to-spend-36-billion-baht-on-submarines/#entry9595039

[webfact]

CDC chief suspected recording devices hidden in meeting room
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) chairman Borwornsak Uwanno Tuesday ordered officials to check if there were any hidden microphones or recording devices in the meeting room after he asked reporters waiting outside how they knew every detail of what was discussed in the room.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838856-thai-cdc-chief-suspected-recording-devices-hidden-in-meeting-room/

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE
Submarines for what? We face no maritime threats
SUPALAK GANJANAKHUNDEE
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THAILAND definitely needs equipment to build up its military strength - but submarines are not the best solution to achieve this objective since the country currently faces no conventional maritime threat.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838857-submarines-for-what-we-face-no-maritime-threats/

[webfact]

In trouble for sheltering and observing anti-coup students
PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- FACED WITH accusations that he violated the interim constitution, social activist Baramee Chairat stood by his innocence and said he would continue to fight for freedom and democracy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838858-in-trouble-for-sheltering-and-observing-anti-coup-students/

[webfact]

Trolleybus crash blamed on rusted accelerator
Jitima Janphrom
The Nation
Khon Kaen



KHON KAEN: -- A rusting accelerator has been identified as the likely cause of the fatal crash of two trolleybuses at the Khon Kaen Zoo.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838859-khon-kaen-zoo-trolleybus-crash-blamed-on-rusted-accelerator/

[webfact]

Cabinet hikes drug-related rewards, compensation rates
Jeerapong Prasertpolkrang
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet yesterday hiked the reward for drug-busting officials from Bt200 to Bt360, and the compensation for an official killed or seriously injured on duty to Bt300,000 from Bt200,000.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838860-thai-cabinet-hikes-drug-related-rewards-compensation-rates/

[webfact]

UPDATE:

Hospital faces probe over photos

THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- THE private hospital that treated Pattaratida "Taengmo" Patchara-veerapong for a drug overdose should be made to explain how people could take photos and video clips of the actress while she was recuperating in the emergency room, deputy director-general the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838699-thai-actress-tangmo-hospitalized-for-overdose/#entry9595081

[webfact]

Spain: 2 Americans, 1 Briton gored in 1st Pamplona bull run
By DANIEL OCHOA DE OLZA and CIARAN GILES

PAMPLONA, Spain (AP) — Two Americans and a Briton were gored and eight other people were injured Tuesday as thousands of daredevils dashed alongside fighting bulls through the streets of Pamplona on the first bull run of the annual San Fermin festival, organizers said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838861-spain-2-americans-1-briton-gored-in-1st-pamplona-bull-run/

[webfact]

Greece gets until Sunday for proposals to stave off collapse
MIKE CORDER, Associated Press
RAF CASERT, Associated Press

BRUSSELS (AP) — Frustrated and angry eurozone leaders fearing for the future of their common currency gave the Greek prime minister a last-minute chance Tuesday to finally come up with a viable proposal on how to save his country from financial ruin.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838862-greece-debt-crisis-eurozone-sets-final-deadline-for-new-plan/

[webfact]

Army plans to cut 40,000 troops
Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON: -- The Army plans to cut 40,000 soldiers from its ranks over the next two years, a reduction that will affect virtually all of its domestic and foreign posts, the service asserts in a document obtained by USA TODAY.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838863-us-army-plans-to-cut-40000-troops/

[Lite Beer]

In Meeting With Election Body, NLD Complains of Voter Verification ‘Obstruction’
By SAN YAMIN AUNG / THE IRRAWADDY

RANGOON — In a second meeting between the National League for Democracy and the Union Election Commission (UEC) this week, Burma’s main opposition party complained of obstruction from some subcommissions as NLD cadres have sought to ensure an accurate roster of eligible voters ahead of a general election due in some four months’ time.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838864-nld-complains-of-voter-verification-obstruction/

[webfact]

Bill Cosby's public moralizing was his undoing
DAVID BAUDER, AP Television Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — For decades, Bill Cosby cast himself as America's dad and then as America's granddad, a moralist with tough talk for young people about acting responsibly. It was that image that proved to be his undoing.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838865-bill-cosbys-public-moralizing-was-his-undoing/

[webfact]

Soldiers arrive in Saskatchewan to battle raging wildfires

LA RONGE, Saskatchewan (AP) — Canadian soldiers arrived Tuesday to help battle raging wildfires in the western province of Saskatchewan, where more than 10,000 people have been evacuated in recent days. The smoke has triggered air quality warnings across the U.S. West and Midwest.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838866-canadian-soldiers-arrive-in-saskatchewan-to-battle-raging-wildfires/