Thailand Live Wednesday 22 Jul 2015

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Culture Min invites Thais to partake in Buddhism Promotion Week



BANGKOK, 22 July 2015 (NNT) – The Ministry of Culture is gearing up to host the Buddhism Promotion Week late this month while encouraging all Buddhist Thais to join in.

Culture Minister Weera Rojpotchanarat announced that the Department of Religious Affairs is cooperating with concerned organizations, Sangha networks and the private sector in organizing the Buddhism Promotion Week during July 26-31. The campaign will coincide with Asanha Bucha Day and Buddhist Lent Day which will arrive at the end of this month.

The minister extended his invitation to all devout Buddhists, both in Bangkok and the provinces, to observe the occasion by practicing Dharma principles, donning white and going to temples to join candle-lit processions. People are also encouraged to abstain from all vices during the Buddhism Promotion Week and the Buddhist Lent period and decorate their homes and offices with the Dharmachakra flag.

Many special activities will be made available for public members, including trips to temples along Bangkok Noi Canal and Maha Sawat Canal as well as an orchid plantation and local communities. Similar activities were also held last year and, besides the purpose of making merit, they were found to help generate income for residents and promote cultural learning.


-- NNT 2015-07-22

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Srinagarind and Vajiralongkorn Dams remain structurally safe, following series of quakes

KANCHANABURI, 22 July 2015 (NNT) - Srinagarind Dam and Vajiralongkorn Dam located in Kanchanaburi Province remain structurally strong, despite a number of quakes hitting the nearby district of Sangkhlaburi last Tuesday, confirmed an engineering expert of Srinagarind Dam.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842294-srinagarind-and-vajiralongkorn-dams-remain-structurally-safe-following-series-of-quakes/

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All private companies allowed for C-Grade rice auctions

BANGKOK, 22 July 2015 (NNT) – The Minister of Commerce announced that all companies are allowed to bid in the C-Grade in-stock rice auction, and has appointed the Permanent-Secretary to inspect the government’s rice warehouses on Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842296-all-private-companies-allowed-for-c-grade-thai-rice-auctions/

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Kazakhstan fugitive arrested by Immigration Police in East Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- Detectives from Immigration Police Region 3 arrested a 37 year old man from Kazakhstan who is wanted in his home country on charges of Murder, sexual assault and theft.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842297-kazakhstan-fugitive-arrested-by-immigration-police-in-east-pattaya/

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Ketamine Production Facility uncovered in South Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Tuesday, Banglamung District Narcotics Officers conducted raids on two shops in South Pattaya which were suspected of being used to produce and distribute illegal drugs.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842298-ketamine-production-facility-uncovered-in-south-pattaya/

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Facebook complaint leads to fine for Bangkok Rescue Foundation



PATTAYA: -- On Tuesday a complaint on a Facebook Page led to the detention of a Rescue Foundation Volunteer from Bangkok who was in Pattaya fundraising.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842299-facebook-complaint-leads-to-fine-for-bangkok-rescue-foundation/

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HACKING
Despite leak, PM denies spyware use
ASINA PORNWASIN
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha has denied the military uses surveillance software to spy on citizens' computers and mobile devices following reports of multiple purchases of such software from Hacking Team Co, a firm in Italy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842300-despite-leak-pm-prayut-denies-spyware-use/

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UPDATE:

COAL PLANT
Egat risks lawsuit if Krabi bidding plan goes ahead
Pratch Rujivanarom,
Anapat deechuay
The Nation


Rangsit University professor Smith Tungkasmit and Prof Rapee Sagarik

Opponents of coal plant want impact on environment assessed before builder is selected

BANGKOK: -- THE Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) and Energy Ministry could face legal action if they proceed with plans to launch a bidding process to find a company to build a coal-fired power plant in Krabi.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842182-coal-plant-proposed-for-pristine-thai-coast-sparks-outcry/#entry9646897

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MEDIA
New draft law spells doom for press freedom, media group says
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Media Reform Working Group yesterday called on the National Reform Council (NRC) to review the draft law on press-freedom protection, saying the proposed law would place the media completely under state control instead of promoting reform.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842301-new-draft-law-spells-doom-for-press-freedom-thai-media-group-says/

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Wife of missing Muslim lawyer named to NHRC
THE NATION


File Photo - ANGKHANA NEELAPAIJIT

BANGKOK: -- Angkhana Neelapaijit, wife of missing Muslim lawyer Somchai, has been nominated to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842302-wife-of-missing-muslim-lawyer-somchai-named-to-nhrc/

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DROUGHT
Small water flow brings joy to rice farmers
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- AS SOON as water began flowing into their paddy fields again yesterday, farmers in Lop Buri's Ban Mi district felt like they were on cloud nine. "I am over the moon. I feel like heaven," said Surat Rueangroong, 69.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842303-small-water-flow-brings-joy-to-rice-farmers-in-thailand/

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THAI
THAI forming ad-hoc teams to boost business
Suchat Sritama
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thai Airways International is developing plans to boost business during a period of global economic instability and to compensate for reduced activity in the current low season.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842305-thai-forming-ad-hoc-teams-to-boost-business/

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RICE
'Rice prices to rise' amid lower supply, high demand
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The price of Thai rice is expected to climb steadily into next year, mainly because of the impact of drought on the world market as well as production in Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842306-thai-rice-prices-to-rise-amid-lower-supply-high-demand/

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THAI TV
Thai TV agrees to keep its digital channels on air
Watchiranont Thongtep
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- After mediation by the Central Administrative Court, Thai TV Co yesterday accepted the broadcast regulator's suggestion that it continue running its two digital television channels for three months as it seeks either a content partner or a co-investor.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842307-thai-tv-agrees-to-keep-its-digital-channels-on-air/

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EDITORIAL
A ray of light for our greying society
The Nation

But can the National Savings Fund's launch instil an ethos of saving that's still missing among young Thais?

BANGKOK: -- A lack of money isn't the end of the world, but it comes pretty close for many retirees. The sad fact is that most Thais start saving late for their retirement, then end up with little to live on in later years. Spurred by the dismal findings of recent studies on the subject, previous governments have taken measures to address the problems but made little headway.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842308-thai-editorial-a-ray-of-light-for-our-greying-society/

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STOPPAGE TIME
Flicking off that tap quicker is the least we can do
Tulsathit Taptim

If you've been reading my stuff, you might have noticed I'm bad at maths.

BANGKOK: -- So please don't hesitate to correct me if you spot any glaring numerical errors in this article. As poor as I am with figures, I feel the need to give my two cents' worth on the current water crisis. What follows is the fruit of much cogitation by a long-dormant part of my brain.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842309-thai-opinion-flicking-off-that-tap-quicker-is-the-least-we-can-do/

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Suspected Mers case detected in Rayong hospital



RAYONG: -- Rayong provincial hospital reported to the Ministry of Public Health today that it has detected a suspected Mers patient after he was found to return from South Korea and had sickness with symptoms similar to Middle East Respiratory syndrome (Mers).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842310-suspected-mers-case-detected-in-rayong-hospital/

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Patong musician found hanged
Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: -- Police have yet to rule out foul play in the death of a Patong musician found hanged at his home in the Than Thong residential estate in Vichit this morning (July 21).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842311-patong-musician-found-hanged/

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Thai and US military officials discuss next Cobra Gold exercise
THE NATION


File Photo

BANGKOK: -- THE Thai and United States armies continue to maintain close cooperation on defence affairs despite Washington's outspoken criticism of the Thai military's political role.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842312-thai-and-us-military-officials-discuss-next-cobra-gold-exercise/

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BURNING ISSUE
Did a fake village hide true story of the Uighurs' fate?
SUPALAK GANJANAKHUNDEE
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- NATIONAL Security Council Secretary-General Anusit Kunakorn lamented the fact that he wasted time, money and resources travelling to China to examine the Potemkin village built for the Uighur Muslims who were deported from Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842314-thai-politics-did-a-fake-village-hide-true-story-of-the-uighurs-fate/

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Govt may bow to pressure and reshuffle Cabinet
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Pressure is mounting on the government to reshuffle the Cabinet earlier than expected. The reshuffle could take place at the end of this month or early August, a source from Government House said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842315-thai-govt-may-bow-to-pressure-and-reshuffle-cabinet/

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Chuwong was alive when his car crashed, says top cop
Noppadon Sritaweekart,
Pensri Gaden,
Supachai Phettewee
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- AUTOPSY results show that construction tycoon Chuwong Saetang was still alive when the Lexus car in which he was a passenger crashed into a tree on June 26, the Crime Suppression Division acting chief said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842316-construction-tycoon-chuwong-was-alive-when-his-car-crashed-says-top-cop/

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Some military draftees to be part of police force
Jeerapong Prasertpolkrang
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet yesterday approved the National Police Act, which would also create "drafted policemen" whose status would be equivalent to military conscripts, deputy government spokesman Maj-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842319-some-military-draftees-to-be-part-of-thai-police-force/

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Police nab six suspected members of drug gang
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Police have seized 180,000 yaba pills and 7 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, worth Bt40 million in street value, and also nabbed six suspects, who reportedly belong to a drug trafficking gang operated by a prison inmate.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842320-thai-police-nab-six-suspected-members-of-drug-gang/

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UPDATE:

Khunying Pornthip is to ask the Administrative Court to have Medical Council’s ruling reversed



BANGKOK: -- Wellknown forensic expert Dr Pornthip Rojanasunant said Tuesday that she would ask the Administrative Court to order the Medical Council to review the probation ruling against her in connection with the case of the late Mr Hangthong Thammawattana.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842186-khunying-pornthip-placed-on-probation-for-comment-on-hangthong-thammawattanas-death/#entry9647005

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UPDATE:

Yingluck can join Thaksin’s birthday party if court allows her to travel abroad



BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has dismissed claims that it has banned former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra to attend her brother Thaksin Shinawatra’s birthday party abroad this month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842119-thai-govt-says-yingluck-free-to-attend-thaksins-birthday-abroad/page-3?p=9647014#entry9647014

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Ohio Gov. Kasich brings the Republican field to 16
By JULIE CARR SMYTH

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Saying "big ideas change the world," Ohio Gov. John Kasich declared his candidacy for the Republican nomination Tuesday and pitched his well-rounded resume to voters who have a multitude of high achievers to size up.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842321-ohio-gov-kasich-brings-the-republican-field-to-16/

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Trump-GOP feud escalates after rival goes after him
By MEG KINNARD and JILL COLVIN

BLUFFTON, S.C. (AP) — Donald Trump pushed back ever harder Tuesday against Republicans fed up with his provocations, disclosing one opponent's cell number in a fiery speech and lashing out at an influential newspaper as part of an in-your-face escalation of the feud.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842322-trump-gop-feud-escalates-after-rival-goes-after-him/

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Bombing shows Turkey a vulnerable target for Islamic State
By DESMOND BUTLER

ISTANBUL (AP) — Officials have raised concerns that a deadly bombing in southeastern Turkey is part of a campaign of retaliation by the Islamic State group for a recent crackdown on its operations in the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842323-bombing-shows-turkey-a-vulnerable-target-for-islamic-state/

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World mayors at Vatican urge 'bold climate agreement'
By NICOLE WINFIELD

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Mayors from around the world declared Tuesday that climate change is real, man-made and must be stopped as a matter of moral imperative, gathering at the Vatican to announce new measures to fight global warming and bask in Pope Francis' ecological star power.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842324-world-mayors-at-vatican-urge-bold-climate-agreement/