Thailand Live Wednesday 22 Jul 2015

[webfact]

Lufthansa plane nearly collides with drone near Warsaw
VANESSA GERA, Associated Press

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — A Lufthansa plane approaching Warsaw's international airport nearly collided with what appeared to be a drone, the first such incident involving the German airline, officials said Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842325-lufthansa-plane-in-near-miss-with-drone-on-warsaw-approach/

[webfact]

3 Spanish reporters missing in war-torn Aleppo in Syria
ALAN CLENDENNING, Associated Press
ZEINA KARAM, Associated Press

MADRID (AP) — Three Spanish freelance journalists who traveled to Syria to report amid the country's long-running civil war have gone missing around the embattled northern city of Aleppo, a Spanish journalism association said Tuesday, the latest ensnared in the world's most dangerous assignment for reporters.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842326-3-spanish-reporters-missing-in-war-torn-aleppo-in-syria/

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Bill Cosby's lawyers ask judge to keep settlement sealed
By MARYCLAIRE DALE

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bill Cosby's lawyers argued on Tuesday that his admission to using quaaludes in the 1970s doesn't mean he drugged and sexually assaulted women.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842327-bill-cosbys-lawyers-ask-judge-to-keep-settlement-sealed/

[webfact]

'The Letter' songwriter Wayne Carson dies at age 72

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Grammy-winning songwriter Wayne Carson, who wrote hits like the Willie Nelson classic "Always On My Mind," and The Box Tops' "The Letter," has died. He was 72.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842330-the-letter-songwriter-wayne-carson-dies-at-age-72/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

2 Myanmar newspaper editors fined for insulting president

AYE AYE WIN, Associated Press

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — A Myanmar court on Tuesday fined two editors of a weekly newspaper 1 million kyat ($809) each after finding them guilty of violating the country's media law by insulting the president.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842328-2-myanmar-newspaper-editors-fined-for-insulting-president/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Cambodia opposition party members sentenced for insurrection

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Eleven members of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party were sentenced Tuesday to long prison terms after a court convicted them of insurrection over a protest last year that turned violent.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842224-breaking-cnrp-opposition-activist-sentenced-to-20-years-for-insurrection/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Siam Commercial Bank will temporarily close its ATM system nationwide

Please be advised that Siam Commercial Bank will temporarily close its ATM system nationwide for upgrading from 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2015 to 5.00 a.m. on Sunday, August 9, 2015. The upgraded system will support the growing number of transactions and enhance security.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842191-scb-atm-service-nationwide-will-be-temporarily-offline-for-enhancement/

[webfact]

NEW YORK (AP) - Son: Author E.L. Doctorow, author of 'Ragtime' and 'Billy Bathgate,' dies in New York at 84.

[webfact]

United Arab Emirates issues anti-intolerance law
ADAM SCHRECK, Associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United Arab Emirates issued new legislation aimed at combatting intolerance on Monday, outlawing actions that stoke religious hatred and discriminate based on religious or ethnic background.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842343-united-arab-emirates-passes-new-anti-hate-law/

[webfact]

UPDATE:

Thailand backpackers murder trial resumes, focus on DNA evidence
KOH SAMUI, THAILAND | BY AMY SAWITTA LEFEVRE

KOH SAMUI: -- Defence lawyers in the trial of two Myanmar men accused of killing two British backpackers on a Thai resort island last year said on Wednesday they would focus on the reliability of crucial DNA evidence.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838898-koh-tao-trial-opens-for-2-accused-of-killing-british-tourists/page-146?p=9647399#entry9647399

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Police Spokesperson gives moral support to polio cyclist who is riding from Phitsanulok to join Bike for Mom in BKK

PHITSANULOK, 22 July 2015 (NNT) - Deputy Police Commissioner-General and Royal Thai Police Spokesperson, Lieutenant General Prawut Thavornsiri, visited a polio patient who will ride a tricycle from Phitsanulok to pick up a Bike for Mom 2015 commemorative t-shirt and pin in Bangkok.

The polio patient, Khampha Keaojin, said he wants to participate in the event, in order to express love for the monarchy and Their Majesties the King and Queen. He also urged all to join his cause in the biking event on August 16th, 2015.

The Deputy Commissioner-General's visit is aimed at boosting moral of the disabled cyclist. Mr. Khampha will be joined by cyclists in Singburi Province on his way to Bangkok. He is expected to reach the capital tomorrow evening and will pick up his Bike for Mom commemorative t-shirt and pin in the morning of July 25.


-- NNT 2015-07-22

[webfact]

Govt to create jobs for those affected by drought

BANGKOK, 22 July 2015 (NNT)-The Thai government is planning to spend 10 million baht creating jobs for farmers in each area affected by drought crisis.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842348-thai-govt-to-create-jobs-for-those-affected-by-drought/

[webfact]

Government water projects set in motion
Wasamon Audjarint
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- THE GOVERNMENT will revive 12 water resource management projects worth more than Bt30 billion for implementation in 2015-16 to ensure that the country will not face another water shortage over the next decade.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842377-thai-government-water-projects-set-in-motion/

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Cabinet considers new court for human trafficking
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE CABINET has discussed a bill to set up a Criminal Court's Division on Human Trafficking, Deputy Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842380-thai-cabinet-considers-new-court-for-human-trafficking/

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Govt opens centre on state services
MARISA ISHIKAWA,
ANAPAT DEECHUAY
THE NATION


Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha chairs a launch

IT PROVIDES DETAILS ON LICENSING, WILL TAKE COMPLAINTS; AIMS TO RESTORE PUBLIC FAITH

BANGKOK: -- A CENTRE was set up yesterday to help speed up service for the public by state agencies.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842381-thai-govt-opens-centre-on-state-services/

[webfact]

Bus driver confesses to killing Egat official
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The bus driver who shot dead an Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) official last Friday, surrendered to police yesterday at Bangkok's Bang Phlat Police Station.

Sathit Jumthong, 40, confessed that Egat IT official Sopon Jiaraphakanon often scolded him about his driving skills and on the day of the murder, he said, he snapped and pulled the gun he kept in the bus to shoot the man dead.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Bus-driver-confesses-to-killing-Egat-official-30264963.html

-- The Nation 2015-07-22

[Jonathan Fairfield]

The reckless plot to overthrow Africa's most absurd dictator

Andrew Rice

In December, a handful of middle-aged American immigrants attempted to topple the autocratic ruler of the Gambia. They had few weapons and an amateurish plan. What possessed them to risk everything in a mission that was doomed to fail?

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842383-the-reckless-plot-to-overthrow-africas-most-absurd-dictator/

[webfact]

Video shows how traffic stop escalated into confrontation
By MICHAEL GRACZYK

HEMPSTEAD, Texas (AP) — A police dashboard video released Tuesday shows that a Texas state trooper drew a stun gun on a black motorist and said, "I will light you up" when the woman refused to get out of her car during a routine traffic stop.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842385-video-shows-how-texas-traffic-stop-escalated-into-confrontation/

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E.L. Doctorow, author of 'Ragtime,' dies in New York at 84
By VERENA DOBNIK

NEW YORK (AP) — Writer E.L. Doctorow, who wryly reimagined the American experience in such novels as "Ragtime" and "The March" and applied its lessons to the past and the future in fiction and nonfiction, has died. He was 84.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842388-el-doctorow-author-of-ragtime-dies-in-new-york-at-84/

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Tighter police surveillance in place against illegal fishing activities

BANGKOK, 22 July 2015 (NNT)-The Royal Thai Police will be conducting rigorous surveillance against illegal fishing in 22 provinces before the new Fisheries Act 2015 comes into force in August.

A recent meeting of the Royal Thai Police and provincial police units has been held to reinforce the prevention of illegal fishing.

According to Deputy Commander Police General Ake Angsananon, the number of police assigned to do the task has been increased tenfold.

They have also been working in cooperation with the Royal Thai Navy in keeping illegal fishing boats at bay. Police General Ake said he was confident that this would satisfy the European Union (EU).

The EU has given Thailand until October to solve its alleged illegal unreported and unregulated fishing, or face seafood ban.


-- NNT 2015-07-22

[Lite Beer]

Military chief says he will respect election

RANGOON: -- Defence Services Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has told the BBC that he will respect any fair election results.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842389-military-chief-says-he-will-respect-election/

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Pyramids of Giza and Mount Fuji top Chinese tourist bucket list

TORONTO, Canada - If you think you've noticed more Chinese tourists in your city lately, you're not mistaken. According to recent survey, Chinese travelers continue to take the world by storm, up 20 percent to 107 million in 20141. They're also younger, more independent-minded, tech-savvy – and increasingly cashed-up.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842390-pyramids-of-giza-and-mount-fuji-top-chinese-tourist-bucket-list/

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Stars to launch Phuket teen road safety campaign
The Phuket News


Rising Thai star Sophie Indracusin, who spent years growing up in Phuket, will join the teen road-safety campaign.

PHUKET: -- Thai celebrity singer and actor Chinawut-Stéphane Indracusin, better known to his adoring fans simply as “Chin”, and his rising star sister Sophie will lead the launch of a road-safety campaign aimed at saving the lives of teenagers across Phuket.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842391-stars-to-launch-phuket-teen-road-safety-campaign/

[webfact]

SET down 4.76 points at opening /Bangkok Post

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Vietnam to offer biggest-ever amnesty for up to 17,000 prisoners, including foreigners



VIETNAM: -- Tuoi Tre News reported that clemency will be given to up to 17,000 prisoners, including foreigners, nationwide by August 30 under an amnesty decision by State President Truong Tan Sang, making it the biggest ever.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842396-vietnam-to-offer-biggest-ever-amnesty-for-up-to-17000-prisoners-including-foreigners/

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Govt accepts drinking water and money donations for drought stricken people



BANGKOK, 22 July 2015 (NNT)-The Prime Minister’s Office is encouraging all Thais to donate money and bottles of water to help those affected by the drought crisis.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842401-thai-govt-accepts-drinking-water-and-money-donations-for-drought-stricken-people/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Interesting infographics comparing Thailand with the rest of ASEAN

If you're interested in how Thailand compares to the rest of ASEAN, here are some really cool infographics from ASEAN DNA on all manner of things from IQ levels to time spent watching TV and much, much more.

Take look here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842402-interesting-infographics-comparing-thailand-with-the-rest-of-asean/

[webfact]

UPDATE:

Koh Tao murder trial resumes today
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: Migrant Workers Rights Network

KOH SAMUI: -- Defense lawyers in the trial of two Myanmar men accused of killing two British backpackers on a Thai resort island last year said today they would focus on the reliability of crucial DNA evidence.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/838898-koh-tao-trial-opens-for-2-accused-of-killing-british-tourists/page-149#entry9647864

[webfact]

UPDATE:

Rayong hospital confirms patient did not contract Mers but seasonal flu



RAYONG: -- A 27-year-old patient returning from South Korea and fell sick with symptom similar to the deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) is now confirmed to be sick with seasonal flu, not Mers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842310-suspected-mers-case-detected-in-rayong-hospital/#entry9647895

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Nong Khai cricket raisers resume occupation as rain cools down weather

NONG KHAI 22 July 2015 (NNT) – Locals in Nong Khai have resumed their cricket farming occupation, as the rainy season finally sets in and the weather cools down.

Cricket raisers in Nong Khai had to temporarily halt their operations after the intense heat during the summer killed off most of their crickets. Phien Bandit, one of the local cricket raisers, said the temperature is now about right and this has made it easier to rear the crickets. He noted that although fans were used for ventilation of the raising areas during the summer, the death rate of crickets was still high and many raisers suffered losses.

Mr. Phien added that extremely cold weather was also not ideal for cricket raising, as it would result in the crickets feeding less. In very cold weather, the rearing period for crickets increases from 45 days to between 80 and 90 days. It also affects the breeding of crickets.


-- NNT 2015-07-22