Thailand Live Thursday 23 Jul 2015

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Analysts See Cambodia Bolstering Military Ties With China

Neou Vannarin

PHNOM PENH: Cambodia is strengthening its military ties with China, and analysts say it is likely to continue doing so for the forseeable future.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842633-analysts-see-cambodia-bolstering-military-ties-with-china/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Myanmar Court rules to charge BBC correspondent under Section 332

Mandalay – Judge Tun Kyi of the Chanmyatharzi Township Court in Mandalay region ruled at the tenth court hearing on July 21 to charge Nay Lin, a BBC correspondence under Section 332 of Penal Code for physically harming a public servant.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842522-court-rules-to-charge-bbc-correspondent-under-section-332/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Myanmar gives 153 Chinese life in jail for illegal logging

AYE AYE WIN, Associated Press

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — A court in northern Myanmar sentenced 153 Chinese nationals to life in prison on Wednesday after convicting them of illegal logging in a case that has already strained relations with Beijing.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842631-myanmar-gives-153-chinese-life-in-jail-for-illegal-logging/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Talks resume on long-awaited Myanmar ceasefire deal

AYE AYE WIN, Associated Press

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — The Myanmar government and armed ethnic minority groups resumed critical talks on Wednesday to reach a nationwide ceasefire agreement that would end six decades of fighting before an upcoming general election that threatens to upend hard-won progress toward a deal.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842521-ceasefire-talks-resume-after-months-of-tension/?p=9650873

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ATHENS, Greece (AP) - Greek lawmakers approve new creditor-demanded reforms, clearing way for bailout talks.

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Ubonrat Dam's water level increased, farmers start planting rice in Sisaket

KHON KEAN, 23 July 2015, (NNT) - Rainfalls have replenished water in dams in the Northeast, enabling rice farmers to plant crops after months of drought.

An aerial survey has indicated that the water level at Ubonrat Dam in Khon Kean, one of the two largest dams in the northeastern region, has significantly increased following continuous rains since last week. The dam gains about 3.5 million cubic meters of water daily. The amount of water is expected to revive more than 2 million rai of farmlands in the province.

Meanwhile, farmers in Sisaket Province have been seen helping one another planting rice, as rainfalls have begun to rejuvenate their farmland previously affected by severe drought conditions.

Meanwhile, Phitjit Provincial Administration officials have visited the site of the hanging bridge crossing the Nan river, which has been knocked down by storms on July 21st. Initially, the office of Public Works and Town & County Planning has been assigned to investigate whether defective construction led to the incident. The area has also been sealed off for safety reason.


-- NNT 2015-07-23

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Tollway fees waived for Bike for Mom event

BANGKOK, 23 July 2015 (NNT)- Tollway fees will be waived for all vehicles on August 2 and August 16th in honor of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 83rd birthday Anniversary.

According to Don Muang Tollway Public Company Limited, the toll exemption will also be applied on the occasion of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn’s Bike for Mom campaign, which is to take place on August 16th. The exemption will begin from 12 noon -11 pm on both days.


-- NNT 2015-07-23

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More aprons needed if EASA and FAA ban Thai airlines

BANGKOK, 23 July 2015 (NNT)-Airports of Thailand (AoT) is seeking additional parking aprons for Thai airplanes should they be banned by European and American aviation agencies.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842645-more-aprons-needed-if-easa-and-faa-ban-thai-airlines/

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Chiang Mai Uni researchers invent a stove fueled by corn stalks

CHIANG MAI, 23 July 2015, (NNT) - Chiang Mai University's Faculty of Agriculture researchers have invented a stove fueled by corn stalks, in the hope of replacing conventional household stoves.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842646-chiang-mai-uni-researchers-invent-a-stove-fueled-by-corn-stalks/

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What's Next for US-Thailand Military Ties?
The two allies meet to discuss advances in their security relationship.
By Prashanth Parameswaran

BANGKOK: -- Thai and American military representatives are meeting this week at army headquarters in Bangkok to discuss the future of military cooperation between the two allies.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842649-whats-next-for-us-thailand-military-ties/

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Scattered rainfall continues in most parts of Thailand

BANGKOK, 23 July 2015 (NNT) - Lower rainfall has been forecast today in the Central Plains, the East and the South of Thailand as the south west monsoon is weakening.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842651-scattered-rainfall-continues-in-most-parts-of-thailand/

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PM orders ban on alcohol sales near universities



BANGKOK, 23 July 2015 (NNT) - Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has signed an official announcement from the Prime Minister’s Office banning alcohol sales within 300 meters of universities and vocational colleges.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842654-pm-prayut-orders-ban-on-alcohol-sales-near-universities-and-vocational-colleges/

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Najib has no choice but to sue WSJ for defamation, lawyers say
News Desk
The Straits Times

SINGAPORE: -- There is little choice for Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak but to sue for defamation now that The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has stood by its report that US$700 million was found in his personal bank accounts, lawyers said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842656-malaysias-najib-has-no-choice-but-to-sue-wsj-for-defamation-lawyers-say/

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Mt Raung ash clouds again force Bali airport to close

DENPASAR: -- Ash clouds from the 3,300-meter high Mount Raung in East Java have again disrupted activities at Bali’s international airport, forcing an immediate closure on Wednesday and leading airlines to cancel flights to and from the resort island, The Jakarta Globe reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842657-mt-raung-ash-clouds-again-force-bali-airport-to-close/

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Economic cabinet urged to be more responsive
ERICH PARPART
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- ANY new economic cabinet should respond faster to the recommendations of the private sector while a new and effective economic cabinet could help stimulate the economy, experts said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842659-thai-economic-cabinet-urged-to-be-more-responsive/

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Further year of auto slump would mean continued slowdown
SUCHEERA PINIJPARAKARN
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- TISCO FINANCIAL Group's chief executive has expressed concern that the economy will have remained at its current low point for longer than expected if domestic auto sales next year are below 800,000 units

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842660-thai-economy-further-year-of-auto-slump-would-mean-continued-slowdown/

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SET up 0.15 points at opening /Bangkok Post

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Tourists invited to visit Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park this rainy reason

PHITSANULOK, 23 July 2015 (NNT) - The lower northern province of Phitsanulok is inviting all to visit Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park this rainy season in its Nakhon Thai District.

National park officials said visitors start flocking to the mountain, which now has cold weather conditions and is filled with various winter flowers especially white Begonias. The flower is usually found in plenty during the period from July to August around Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park. The sight and the cool refreshing fog covering the area make this unique park a must-visit place this rainy season.

Tourists are advised to prepare rain coat, waterproof case for camera and a pair of sneakers in order to fully experience the wet weather attractions of Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park.


-- NNT 2015-07-23

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Man surrenders for shooting dad-in-law in the face
Darawan Naknakhon


Thanyawat Mudshimwong walked into Thalang Police Station, carrying his .40 Baretta and willing to confess that he had shot his father-in-law in the face. Photo: Darawan Naknakhon

PHUKET: -- A 28-year-old man is back on the streets on bail after confessing to blasting his 77-year-old father-in-law in the face and shoulder at close range simply because “he was angry”.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842662-man-surrenders-for-shooting-dad-in-law-in-the-face/

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Many VN women denied entry to Singapore without clear reasons



VIETNAM: -- The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has asked local ministries to help it seek clarifications from related agencies in Singapore about their recently denying the entry of many Vietnamese, mostly women, according to Thanh Nien News.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842663-many-vietnamese-women-denied-entry-to-singapore-without-clear-reasons/

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MALWARE
True Internet warns customers of phishing website
The National



BANGKOK: -- True Internet Thursday warned its customers against answering a questionnaire on a phishing website which disguised itself as a True Internet site to survey opinions of the customers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842677-true-internet-warns-customers-of-phishing-website/

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UPDATE:

Booze ban to create pockets of prohibition
By Porsche Jirapatwong


ABOVE: Under the new alcohol ban soon to go into effect, alcohol could not be sold anywhere but registered hotels in the areas marked in red on this map of a portion of Bangkok’s central business district.

BANGKOK: -- It’s the last Friday of the month, your paycheck has dropped and leaving the office it’s time to wash the week away.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842654-pm-prayut-orders-ban-on-alcohol-sales-near-universities-and-vocational-colleges/#entry9651768

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Sing Buri Prison holds a disaster prevention drill

SING BURI, 23 July 2015, (NNT) - Sing Buri Provincial Prison yesterday held a disaster prevention drill, in accordance with the Department of Corrections policy of preparing officials for emergency situations.

The event was staged by the warden and her officers, simulating a scene in which an inmate took a civilian and an official as hostages in exchange for a clear passage from the prison. The criminal was described as being stressed over the legal proceeding for his case and the lack of family visits.

According to the warden, Sing Buri provincial prison is handling a large number of inmates. Thus, opportunities are high for a prison mutiny or a tension induced by density factor. She said the drill would prepare personnel for the worst case scenario and enable them to act efficiently in containing the situation as quickly as possible.


-- NNT 2015-07-23

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EC Chairman says it’s everyone's duty to ensure transparent elections

BANGKOK, 23 July 2015 (NNT)-Election Commission (EC) Chairman Suphachai Somcharoen has indicated it is every body’s duty to promote transparent elections.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842685-thai-ec-chairman-says-its-everyones-duty-to-ensure-transparent-elections/

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Driver flees scene of Phuket car crash
Eakkapop Thongtub


After crashing the vehicles, the driver and passenger fled the scene.

PHUKET: -- Police are currently looking for the driver of a Red Volvo V70 who left the car abandoned after crashing it into an lamp post in Srisoonthon yesterday afternoon (July 22).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842687-driver-flees-scene-of-phuket-car-crash/

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EC ready to implement electronic voting system



BANGKOK, 23 July 2015 (NNT) – The Election Commission of Thailand is now ready to implement an electronic voting system.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842690-thailands-ec-ready-to-implement-electronic-voting-system/

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Obama administration to defend Iran nuclear deal in Senate
DEB RIECHMANN, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — A trio of Obama administration officials will stand stalwart behind the Iranian nuclear deal despite deep concern on Capitol Hill that Iran will try to evade nuclear inspectors and use billions from sanctions relief to further destabilize the Middle East.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842693-obama-administration-to-defend-iran-nuclear-deal-in-senate/

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Mae Fah Luang Airport steps up security against firearms carrying

CHIANG RAI, 23 July 2015 (NNT) - Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport has reportedly increased its security measures in compliance with the Airport of Thailand's policy and the airport codes of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842695-mae-fah-luang-chiang-rai-airport-steps-up-security-against-firearms-carrying/

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Chonburi water sources intact amidst drought

CHONBURI, 23 July 2015 (NNT) – The Irrigation Office of the eastern province of Chonburi reports that the discharge of water supplies still operates as normal despite a shortfall in raindrops.

The Regional Irrigation Office 9 revealed the amount of rainfalls since the dry season has dropped by eight percent compared to the same period last year. Nevertheless, the irrigation office’s water management plan can be carried out as usual.

According to officials, the seaside province has nine reservoirs. Each of them contains water amounting to 19-41 percent of their capacity, which is enough for farming and consumption. The Regional Irrigation Office 9 has begun to cut its water supplies now that agricultural zones have experienced more rainfalls.

As for the long-term flood and drought alleviation plans, the Royal Irrigation Department has finished the construction of a diversion pipe to channel away the excessive water in eastern Bangkok during the rainy season and to direct up to 70 million cubic meters of water into Chonburi during the dry season. The new pipe is ready for use in this rainy season.


-- NNT 2015-07-23

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Wanted 'pretty' reports to CSD in Chuwong's suspicious car crash death



BANGKOK: -- One of the two show girls or "pretties" wanted by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) for questioning in connection with the suspicious death of a construction contractor showed up at the CSD headquarters Thursday with her lawyer to defend her innocence.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/842697-wanted-pretty-reports-to-csd-in-chuwongs-suspicious-car-crash-death/