Thailand Live Tuesday 28 Jul 2015

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Boy Scout board approves end to blanket ban on gay adults
By DAVID CRARY

NEW YORK (AP) — The Boy Scouts of America on Monday ended its blanket ban on gay adult leaders while allowing church-sponsored Scout units to maintain the exclusion for religious reasons.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/843835-us-boy-scout-board-approves-end-to-blanket-ban-on-gay-adults/

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Dead man possibly linked to missing women around US
JONATHAN MATTISE, Associated Press
DAN SEWELL, Associated Press

CHARLESTON, West Virginia (AP) — A man toting axes, a shovel and bleach when he was killed by a female escort he met online had been stopped, interviewed or investigated by police in as many as 20 states and is being looked into for possible links to unsolved disappearances or slayings of women around the U.S., authorities said Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/843836-us-sex-worker-shoots-serial-killer/

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Swedish military investigating report of mini-sub wreck find

HELSINKI (AP) — Sweden's military says it's investigating the discovery of a wreck of what could be a mini-submarine in its territorial waters.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/843837-wrecked-submarine-found-in-swedish-waters/

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Strong earthquake rocks Indonesia's Papua province

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — A strong earthquake has rocked Indonesia's easternmost province of Papua, but there are no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/843839-strong-earthquake-rocks-indonesias-papua-province/

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UPDATE:

M'S STATEMENT
Thai Foreign Ministry says US TIP report not fair
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Foreign Ministry issued a statement late Monday night, expressing its disagreement to the US Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report 2015 that maintained Thailand in Tier 3 for second consecutive year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/843807-us-tip-report-thailand-stays-on-tier-3/#entry9670598

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UPDATE:

Malaysia, Cuba taken off US human trafficking blacklist
MATTHEW PENNINGTON, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic lawmakers and rights groups on Monday accused the State Department of politicizing its annual rankings of nations on their efforts to combat modern-day slavery, as key trading partner Malaysia was taken off a blacklist.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/843807-us-tip-report-thailand-stays-on-tier-3/page-2#entry9670861

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UPDATE:

Government committed to combating human trafficking despite unfavorable standing in TIP report



BANGKOK, 28 July 2015 (NNT) – The United States Department of State has release its annual Trafficking in Persons report for year 2015, with Thailand remaining listed in the lowest "Tier 3" category.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/843807-us-tip-report-thailand-stays-on-tier-3/page-2#entry9670890

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MOU signed with Singapore's SPI to develop specialists in qualifications reference

BANGKOK, 28 July 2015 (NNT) – The Department of Skill Development has signed a memorandum of understanding with Singapore Polytechnic International Pte. Ltd. for a project to develop specialists in ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF).

Nakorn Silpa-archa, permanent secretary to the Ministry of Labour, presided over the MOU signing, paving the way for the development of personnel of the Department of Skill Development, Thailand Professional Qualification Institute, Office of the Education Council, Office of the Vocational Education Commission and Office of the Higher Education Commission. Under the program the said personnel will be trained to become proficient in referencing workers' skills in accordance with Thailand's national qualifications framework as well as ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework.

According to Mr. Nakorn, this capability will contribute to the mobility of skilled workers after the ASEAN Economic Community comes into being at the end of the year. The collaboration between the Department of Skill Development and SPI will be undertaken during 2015 and 2018.


-- NNT 2015-07-28

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CP All announces results from 12th 'Seven Book Awards' contest for works of literature

BANGKOK, 28 July 2015 (NNT) – CP All Plc. has announced the results of the 12th 'Seven Book Awards' contest for works of literature.

According to CP All chairman, Korsak Chairasmisak, the 'Seven Book Awards' provided a stage for the development of quality writers for the Thai literary circle. The contest also spurred readers' creativity and imagination by exposing them to new works of writing. This year's winning works of writing were fresh in ideas presented through intriguing viewpoints. Consequently, their readers will be drawn in and will want to finish the books.

For all seven the categories of awards, 348 works in total were submitted to the contest. The winning works of writing will receive plaques bestowed by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Those interested in reading the award-winning books can purchase them at leading bookstores and 7-11 convenience stores.


-- NNT 2015-07-28

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Health Minister officially opens international conference on ASEAN health

BANGKOK, 28 July 2015 (NNT) – An international conference that sees the gathering of community health care leaders in Southeast Asia has opened in Bangkok.

On Monday, the Health Minister Dr. Rajata Rajatanavin chaired the official opening of the 2015 conference of ASEAN community health care leaders, which the Thai government joined Singapore’s Institute of Mental Health and the Temasek Foundation in organizing this year.

The event, which is scheduled from July 27th to 29th at the Pullman Hotel in Bangkok, was initiated to promote a regular exchange of knowledge, technology, skills, ideas and experiences related to disasters, among related organizations and individuals.

An exhibition has also been installed to showcase the progress in the improvement of mental health of members of communities from ASEAN+3 countries, where disasters have struck, including Singapore, China, Indonesia and Thailand.

For Thailand, the exhibition sheds light on the project related to the strengthening of communities through education on disaster and primary mental health care.


-- NNT 2015-07-28

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NRC approves report on educational reform

BANGKOK, 28 July 2015 (NNT) - The National Reform Council has reached a majority vote to approve the report on educational reform.

The NRC meeting on Monday reviewed a report from the committee on the reform of education and human resources development, which included three reform agendas.

The session voted 191 to one, with seven abstentions, to approve the report which will now be submitted to the Cabinet for further consideration.

The NRC also approved in principle the overall context of the draft law on the human study and development policy committee, with 180 supporting votes, eight opposing votes and 11 abstentions.

After that the sitting moved on to review a report from the committee on the reform of science, technology, research, innovation and assets, which suggested that research, science and technology, and information system should be overhauled to benefit the country and hit the goal of the national reform efforts.


-- NNT 2015-07-28

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Talks holds seminar on development projects of Laem Chabang Fishing Pier

CHONBURI, 28 July 2015, (NNT) - Laem Chabang Fishing Pier in Si Racha District of Chonburi Province yesterday held a seminar discussing the its future development projects.

According to the Port Managing Director, Lieutenant Sutthinan Hattawong, the volume of goods exported from Laem Chabang Fishing Pier has grown 7 percent in the first 9 month of this fiscal year, but the value has dropped thanks to the weaker baht.

He expected the port's growth to be in the range of 6-7 percent this year, generating 8 billion baht of revenue exclusive of ship docking fees.

The port is planning to expand the road leading to the pier from 4 lanes to 14 lanes. The project is expected to be completed at the end of next year.

His agency also plans to increase its rail logistics capacity from 500,000 to 1,000,000 containers a year. The project is estimated to cost 30 billion baht. Laem Chabang Fishing Pier also has a plan to significantly expand its auto export capacity, which is currently at 2 million units annually, the port Managing Director added.


-- NNT 2015-07-28

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Australian charged after police say he planned to fight IS

SYDNEY (AP) — An Australian man appeared in court Tuesday on terror charges after police say he tried to join Kurdish-aligned forces battling the Islamic State group in Iraq.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/843874-australian-charged-after-police-say-he-planned-to-fight-is/

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Joko meets British PM Cameron



JAKARTA: -- Indonesia's President Joko Widodo asked Britain to diversify its businesses in Indonesia and lower import duties for Indonesian products entering the United Kingdom during his bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron in Jakarta on Monday, according to The Jakarta Globe.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/843877-joko-meets-british-pm-cameron/

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Several roads closed for KL City Grand Prix from Aug 7 to 9



KUALA KUMPUR: -- Several sections of roads in Kuala Lumpur will be closed for traffic during the inaugural KL City Grand Prix race from Aug 7 to 9, from 6am to 6pm, according to New Straits Times.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/843878-several-roads-closed-for-kl-city-grand-prix-from-aug-7-to-9/

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SET up 4.57 points at opening /Bangkok Post

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Myanmar maid jailed for killing employer's mother-in-law in Singapore

SINGAPORE: -- The High Court in Singapore on Monday sentenced a 25-year-old domestic maid from Myanmar to 13 years imprisonment for killing her employer's 87-year-old mother-in-law, The Straits Times reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/843901-myanmar-maid-jailed-for-killing-employers-mother-in-law-in-singapore/

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Cat prison: 145 cats locked up in cages by Bangkok cat lady
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- What’s worse? Going hungry but free to chase rats in the street or being locked in a cage and fully fed by a crazy cat lady?

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/843902-cat-prison-145-cats-locked-up-in-cages-by-bangkok-cat-lady/

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UPDATE:

Thailand remains committed to fight human trafficking despite US ranking



BANGKOK: -- The Thai Foreign Ministry last night issued a statement reiterating its strong determination to collaborate with international communities to combat human trafficking despite the country was kept in Tier 3 ranking in the latest report on human trafficking elimination by the United States.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/843807-us-tip-report-thailand-stays-on-tier-3/page-3?p=9671271#entry9671271

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1 killed, 19 hurt in merit-making bus tour crash in Kalasin /Bangkok Post

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Thailand won't feel downhearted by the downgrade

BANGKOK: -- The Thai government won't feel downhearted for being kept among countries in the lowest ranking for combating human trafficking but will determine to collaborate with all countries to eliminate it, government deputy spokesman Maj Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd said today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/843907-thailand-wont-feel-downhearted-by-the-downgrade-us-tip-report/

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New York Gov. Cuomo announces new LaGuardia Airport
By DEEPTI HAJELA

NEW YORK (AP) — A year after comparing New York's LaGuardia Airport to "some Third World Country," Vice President Joe Biden helped unveil an ambitious plan Monday to rebuild its collection of aging terminals into a modern, unified hub while easing congestion by doubling the space available for planes to operate.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/843909-new-york-gov-cuomo-announces-new-laguardia-airport/

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PM says he won't worry about poor ranking



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha said he won't worry about the US keeping Thailand on the lowest ranking as the time it used to assess was the time when his government has just begun to tackle the problem seriously.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/843919-pm-prayut-says-he-wont-worry-about-poor-us-ranking/

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Tourist arrivals keep on rising
TTR Weekly


The number of international and domestic tourists to Phuket keeps on rising. Photo: AoT

BANGKOK: -- Airports of Thailand has reported its June data, which showed increases in both aircraft movements and passengers at the six airports under its management.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/843923-thailand-tourist-arrivals-keep-on-rising/

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Thailand Takes Another Flutter At Casinos, Las Vegas Sands Wants To Play
Muhammad Cohen

SINGAPORE: -- Despite years of political turmoil, Thailand remains a popular tourist destination and a longstanding hotbed for casino development speculation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/843929-thailand-takes-another-flutter-at-casinos-las-vegas-sands-wants-to-play/

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Lufthansa Launches New Fare Concept in Europe

Lufthansa has today (28 July 2015) introduced a new price concept for flights in Europe.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/843928-lufthansa-launches-new-fare-concept-in-europe/

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Prayut practises cycling to test physical fitness



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha today led his cabinet minister to practise cycling around Government House before the upcoming "Bike for Mom" event on August 16 to mark Her Majesty the Queen's birthday

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/843933-prayut-practises-cycling-to-test-physical-fitness/

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Nation wishes Crown Prince Happy Birthday



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha today led his cabinet ministers, military top brass, and all people in the country to sign in greeting books to wish His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn on his 63rd birthday anniversary today at the Grand Palace.

In the provinces, people also sign in books to offer their best wishes for the Crown Prince and wish him a happy birthday at city halls.

Several government agencies held religious ceremonies as a merit making for the Crown Prince and staged exhibitions of his functions.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/nation-wishes-crown-prince-happy-birthday


-- Thai PBS 2015-07-28

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New trend of young, educated Thai women with farang husbands emerges: researcher
Yiamyut Sutthichaya

Thai-farang couple. File photo.

BANGKOK: -- Research shows an increase in the number of young middle-class Thai women marrying white men. It reflects not only a shift from a struggle for financial security to self-fulfilment based a love match, but also a clash between the new social trends versus traditional social prejudice.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/843945-new-trend-of-young-educated-thai-women-with-farang-husbands-emerges-researcher/

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) - Malaysian PM axes deputy, sacks attorney general in purge of critics amid fund scandal.