Thailand Live Wednesday 8 Jul 2015

[Lite Beer]

Police detains Ta-ka-tha student leader

YANGON: -- The police detained Zeyar Lwin, the students’ leader of Ta-ka-tha (university), who was issued a warrant for arrest after the ceremony of commemorating the 53rd anniversary of July 7 on which the government cracked down the students’ union building was held in the compound of Yangon University today.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838867-police-detains-ta-ka-tha-student-leader/

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Obama hosts Vietnam Communist Party chief at White House

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama said Tuesday that despite differences between the United States and Vietnam over "political philosophy," the two countries are deepening cooperation on health, climate and other issues.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838868-obama-hosts-vietnam-communist-party-chief-at-white-house/

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Mali extremist traded for French hostage killed in attack
BABA AHMED, Associated Press

BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — French special forces have killed an Islamic extremist in northern Mali who had been released last year in exchange for the freedom of a French hostage, a Malian official said Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838869-mali-extremist-traded-for-french-hostage-killed-in-attack/

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UPDATE:

Canal-side roads collapsing
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- AS DROUGHT continues to hit Thailand, some 88 canal-side roads in Pathum Thani province have developed cracks and subsided.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838735-roads-in-thailand-collapse-in-wake-of-deadly-drought/#entry9595196

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14 students released Wednesday morning
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The 14 student activists detained for violating the coup order against rallying were released at 5:45 am Wednesday after the military court Tuesday rejected police investigators' request to extend their remand for the second time.

Thirteen of them were released from the Bangkok Remand Prison and the only female student of the group was released from the Central Women Prison.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/14-students-released-Wednesday-morning-30264003.html


-- The Nation 2015-07-08

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Sa Kaeo's BAAC is satisfied with its 2015 performance so far

SA KAEO, 8 July 2015, (NNT) - Sa Kaeo Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) has said in its mid-year financial report that its performance during the first half of the year is satisfactory, with many governmental schemes fulfilled and farmers reportedly living in a better condition.

According to the bank, it has focused on 6 policies, which include low income earners' informal debt management, the development of community financial institutes, and the development of new business operators. The Bank also highlights its capital strengthening project, the scheme to increase the bank’s income through transaction and service charges, and its program to promote good governance in the organization.

The bank has granted 10.074 billion baht worth of loan, adding that its net deposit amounted to 7.3 billion baht. It has handed out 10.26 million baht to 842 para rubber growers, as part of the government’s compensation scheme to help growers who were affected by plunging rubber prices at the beginning of 2015.

-- NNT 2015-07-08

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Pathum Thani to join China Changchun International Agriculture & Food Expo and Trade Fair

PATHUM THANI, 8 July 2015, (NNT) - The province of Pathum Thani is sending entrepreneurs to participate in the China Changchun International Agriculture & Food Expo and Trade Fair, which will be held in Changchun, China from August 14 - 23.

The expo is aimed at promoting bilateral ties between Thailand and China, which dates back several decades.

The province’s public relation office has reported that General Manager of Baili Enterprise Co.Ltd, Wang Zheng, has been appointed as the Chinese coordinator by the Changchun municipality office. Zheng will also be responsible for promoting ties with other cities from China’s neighboring countries.

Related agencies are prepared to showcase their top products in the event. Pathum Thani is also planning to declare itself as Changchun's unofficial sister city.

-- NNT 2015-07-08

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UPDATE:

Families of British backpackers in Thailand for murder trial

Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo charged with murders of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, as relatives seek end incredibly hurtful speculation and rumour

LONDON: -- The families of two British backpackers killed on a beach in Thailand last year have arrived in the country, as two migrant workers go on trial charged with their murders.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838898-koh-tao-trial-opens-for-2-accused-of-killing-british-tourists/#entry9595765

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Myanmar Scraps Real Estate Projects Under Pressure From Monks

NAYPYITAW, Myanmar—Myanmar’s government on Tuesday scrapped five planned real-estate projects in its largest city, Yangon, including a high-profile US$300 million luxury condominium with international backers, after months of pressure from nationalist Buddhist monks.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838895-myanmar-scraps-real-estate-projects-under-pressure-from-monks/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

In Myanmar, ethnic loyalties could crimp Suu Kyi's party

TAUNGGYI, Myanmar: Political parties representing Myanmar's ethnic minorities could pick up a sizeable number of seats at general elections later this year, presenting a stumbling block for the ambitions of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi and her party.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838896-in-myanmar-ethnic-loyalties-could-crimp-suu-kyis-party/

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Thai trial opens for 2 accused of killing British tourists
THANYARAT DOKSONE, Associated Press

KOH SAMUI, Thailand (AP) — Ten months after two British tourists were killed on a resort island in Thailand, prosecutors were to call their first witnesses Wednesday in a case marked by claims that the accused — two migrants from Myanmar — were tortured into confessing.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838898-koh-tao-trial-opens-for-2-accused-of-killing-british-tourists/

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Nigerian man evades death sentence, get life for meth possession



JAKARTA: -- An Indonesian court on Monday handed down a life sentence to a Nigerian man for possession of methamphetamine and marijuana worth an estimated Rp 6 billion ($451,400), The Jakarta Globe reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838900-nigerian-man-evades-death-sentence-in-indonesia-get-life-for-meth-possession/

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SET down 7.69 points at opening /Bangkok Post

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Former Muay Thai Champion Valdet Gashi Reportedly Killed Fighting For Isis

By James Goyder

In his social media posts Valdet Gashi painted a pleasant picture of life with ISIS. Alongside photos of him rowing a boat or eating a banana were status updates extolling his idyllic new existence. The reality seems to have been somewhat different for the 28-year-old who was reportedly killed on June 27th.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838904-former-muay-thai-champion-valdet-gashi-reportedly-killed-fighting-for-isis/

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Prajin delays taxi fare raise as survey shows taxi service still not satisfactory



BANGKOK: -- The Transport Ministry will delay the plan to raise taxi fare rates by 5% in the second phase as it earlier promised with taxi drivers in July as survey of customers’ satisfaction in taxi service has declined.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838911-prajin-delays-taxi-fare-raise-as-survey-shows-taxi-service-still-not-satisfactory/

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ISLAMABAD (AP) - Pakistan says peace talks between Afghan officials and Taliban end, plan to meet after Ramadan.

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PM promotes healthy lifestyle fair at Phadung Krung Kasem Canal

BANGKOK, 8 July 2015 (NNT) - Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is inviting the public to visit a healthy lifestyle fair currently being held along Phadung Krung Kasem Canal until July 26th.

The old floating market along Phadung Krung Kasem Canal is finding new life as a venue for affordable goods. General Prayut is hoping it will become the next hotspot for shoppers in Bangkok. The fair promotes locally made herbal products, which are increasingly becoming famous.

The total value of the herbal goods market is estimated at around 48 billion baht a year, and is growing at 15-20 percent annually.

The government has been supporting the industry through research and various campaigns, as it is considered a part of Thailand's cultural identity.

More than 100 herbal products are for sale at the fair, which opens from 10.00 – 19.00 hrs. Visitors will also get to enjoy Thai massages and receive advice on how they can look after themselves and stay healthy.


-- NNT 2015-07-08

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2 killed in US when F-16, small plane crash; jet pilot safe
SUSANNE M. SCHAFER, Associated Press

MONCKS CORNER, South Carolina (AP) — An F-16 fighter jet smashed into a small plane over the southern state of South Carolina on Tuesday, killing two people and raining down plane parts and debris over a wide swath of marshes and rice fields.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838913-two-killed-in-mid-air-us-plane-crash/

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Soldiers and volunteers injured in two separate bomb attacks in Pattani

PATTANI: -- Three soldiers and three defence volunteers were injured in two separate roadside bomb attacks in Khok Pho and Mayo districts of Pattani Wednesday morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838926-soldiers-and-volunteers-injured-in-two-separate-bomb-attacks-in-pattani/

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Prayut tells legal fishing vessels to go fishing now



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday called on all legal fishing vessels to go fishing while warning fishing association to stop urging them to stop fishing to pressure the government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838927-prayut-tells-legal-fishing-vessels-to-go-fishing-now/

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Resorts in Harare and Bulawayo secretly record guests having sex and then sell the footage

SYDNEY: -- RESORTS, where several World Heritage sites are sited, are secretly filming guests having sex and then selling the tapes, according to an ex-worker.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838931-resorts-in-harare-and-bulawayo-secretly-record-guests-having-sex-and-then-sell-the-footage/

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1.148 million tons of stockpiled rice sold 4th govt auction this year

BANGKOK, 8 July 2015, (NNT) - Private companies bidded on 1.148 million tons of rice during the fourth rice auction of 2015, the highest amount sold in an auction since the current government took office.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838954-1148-million-tons-of-stockpiled-rice-sold-4th-govt-auction-this-year/

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UPDATE:

KOH TAO MURDERS
British tourist double murder trial opens on Thai island

KOH SAMUI: -- The high-profile trial of two Myanmar migrants charged with killing two British holidaymakers opened Wednesday on the holiday island of Koh Samui, in a grim case that has tarnished Thailand's reputation as a tourist haven.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838898-koh-tao-trial-opens-for-2-accused-of-killing-british-tourists/#entry9596588

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Thai Navy rescues all 10 crew from Cambodian cargo ship sunk off Phuket
Eakkapop Thongtub


All 10 crew have been safely recovered from their lifeboat. Photo: Royal Thai Navy

PHUKET: -- All 10 crewmen from the Cambodian cargo ship that sunk off Phuket earlier today have been safely recovered by the Royal Thai Navy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838963-thai-navy-rescues-all-10-crew-from-cambodian-cargo-ship-sunk-off-phuket/

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Antony Jenkins, chief executive of Barclays, is fired over size of investment bank and pace of cost-cutting, BBC is told /BBC

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Chiang Mai experiences worst drought crisis in 20 years

CHIANG MAI, 8 July 2015 (NNT) - Chiang Mai is experiencing the worst drought crisis in two decades, with dams expected to last until August.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838965-chiang-mai-experiences-worst-drought-crisis-in-20-years/

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Thailand develops single database on child protection

BANGKOK, 8 July 2015 (NNT)-The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and Mahidol University have jointly developed a single database on child protection in Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838967-thailand-develops-single-database-on-child-protection/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Policeman describes finding the bodies of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller

By Jonathan Samuels, Senior News Correspondent

KOH SAMUI:-- A policeman has described finding the bodies of British backpackers Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, as the trial of the two men accused of their murder begins in Thailand.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838898-koh-tao-trial-opens-for-2-accused-of-killing-british-tourists/?p=9596604

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UPDATE:

Trial begins for murder of British tourists on Thai island of Koh Tao
Amy Sawitta Lefevre

Koh Samui: The trial of two Myanmar men accused of murdering two British holidaymakers in Thailand began on Wednesday in a case that caused outrage in Britain and raised questions about the competence of the Thai police and the treatment of migrant labourers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838898-koh-tao-trial-opens-for-2-accused-of-killing-british-tourists/page-2#entry9596653

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Flight from Bangkok diverted after "bomb threat"
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- A Turkish Airlines flight departing from Bangkok was forced to make an emergency landing yesterday after a written bomb threat was found aboard the plane.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838970-flight-from-bangkok-diverted-after-bomb-threat/