Royal Approval for 23 Gambling Activities, Including Bull Races and Mahjong

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Indian media: Yakub Memon, convicted in 1993 Mumbai bombings that killed 257 has been hanged

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Operator tells 911 caller tending to dying boy: 'Deal with it yourself'

Albuquerque: -- AN EMERGENCY services dispatcher has resigned after telling a panicked 911 caller tending to a dying shooting victim to “deal with it yourself”.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844441-dispatcher-tells-911-caller-tending-to-dying-boy-deal-with-it-yourself/

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Phuket tailors claim stitched up by illegal layoffs
Eakkapop Thongtub


The ex-tailors claimed they were illegally laid off. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: -- Ten former workers at a Phuket tailor shop arrived at the Damrongtham Center (provincial Ombudsman’s office) at Provincial Hall this week to file a complaint that they were sacked illegally.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844452-phuket-tailors-claim-stitched-up-by-illegal-layoffs/

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Phuket official wanted in illegal excavation raid
The Phuket News


Navy personnel provided security during the raid on the illegal excavation site.

PHUKET: -- A leading local official is wanted for operating an illegal excavation business in Mai Khao, at the northern end of Phuket.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844458-phuket-official-wanted-in-illegal-excavation-raid/

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3 UVa graduates sue Rolling Stone over retracted rape story
By ALAN SUDERMAN

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Three University of Virginia graduates and members of a fraternity profiled in a debunked account of a gang rape in a retracted Rolling Stone magazine story filed a lawsuit against the publication and the article's author Wednesday, court records show.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844461-us-3-university-of-virginia-graduates-sue-rolling-stone-over-retracted-rape-story/

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Myanmar consulate opens in Chiang Mai



CHIANG MAI: -- A new Myanmar consulate was officially opened in Chiang Mai on Wednesday, with Myanmar's foreign minister Wunna Maung Lwin and ambassador to Thailand Win Maung in attendance, The Irrawaddy reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844462-myanmar-consulate-opens-in-chiang-mai/

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Thailand to sign first phase of Dawei development next week

BANGKOK: -- Thailand will sign a $1.7 billion deal to develop the first phase of the long-delayed Dawei Industrial Zone in southeastern Myanmar next week, Thailand's secretary-general of the state planning agency said on Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844463-thailand-to-sign-first-phase-of-dawei-development-next-week/

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PM instructs officials to employ farmers affected from drought

BANGKOK, 30 July 2015 (NNT) - Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has reaffirmed that the program to hire drought affected farmers to temporarily work with the government will soon kick off. He said low-interest loans will also be offered to agriculturalists who are interested in farming perennial vegetables or other less-water-consuming crops.

He said that the hiring program would financially help farmers who are forced to become indebted as their rice farms were hit by the drought. He added the employment campaign was being accelerated and expected to start next week.

General Prayut also stressed that several government's relief programs need inputs from all sides, while asking the public to believe in the administration's intention to build a strong future for Thailand.


-- NNT 2015-07-30

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Post-Coup Thailand Sees Economic Slump Putting Pressure on Junta
by Suttinee Yuvejwattana and Chris Blake

BANGKOK: -- Thailand’s government is under increasing pressure to overhaul the cabinet and bolster the economy as falling exports, eroding consumer confidence and a slump in manufacturing portend one of the region’s slowest expansions.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844466-post-coup-thailand-sees-economic-slump-putting-pressure-on-govt/

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RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - AP investigation finds virus levels of Rio de Janeiro Olympic waters equivalent to raw sewage.

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Experts say public acceptance in nuclear power plants is the most important indicator of a possibility of such a plant in Thailand

BANGKOK, 29 July 2015 (NNT) – The Nuclear Society of Thailand (NST), the Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University and the Ministry Of Science and Technology jointly held a seminar on “Is Nuclear Power Plant Safe?” in an effort to educate the public about advanced nuclear technology and raise public acceptance in the technology.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844470-public-acceptance-in-nuclear-power-is-key-to-building-such-plants-in-thailand/

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Buddhists in Bkk join alms giving ceremony on the occasion of Asanha Bucha Day today

BANGKOK, 30 July 2015 (NNT)-Many Thai Buddhists have joined an alms giving ceremony this morning at Saket Ratchaworamahawiharn Temple on the occasion of Asanha Bucha Day today.

Among the participants were Director-General of the Religious Affairs Department Kritsayapong Siri and other government officials who wore white for the ceremony. Dried food and necessities were given to 99 monks at the temple.

Asanha Bucha Day comes one day before the beginning of the Buddhist Lent. The participating Buddhists therefore joined a parade of Lenten candles after offering alms to the monks. The Candles are to be later presented to 9 major royal temples in Bangkok.

An exhibition on the history of Asanha Bucha Day is being held throughout the day at Saket Temple, where Buddha relics are also put on display for public worshiping.

Saffron robes will be given to monks later this evening in a ceremony that is usually organized during the rainy season. Asanha Bucha Day is the day when the Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to his five disciples that had come to him after his enlightenment.


-- NNT 2015-07-30

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Crown Prince launches free checkup services for “Bike for Mom” participants

BANGKOK: -- Crown Prince launches free checkup services for “Bike for Mom” participantsCrown Prince launches free checkup services for “Bike for Mom” participantsCrown Prince launches free checkup services for “Bike for Mom” participantsCrown Prince launches free checkup services for “Bike for Mom” participantsCrown Prince launches free checkup services for “Bike for Mom” participants

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has voiced concern over the safety of participants in the upcoming "Bike for Mom" event and consequently has launched a scheme to give free bike checkup services to ensure safety of their bikes.

The service of the scheme called ‘Healthy Person Bike Shop 904’ or Suksamran bicycle shop is now available with no holiday until August 12 from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm and on August 16 at the open ground in front of Dusit Palace near Wat Benjamabophit Temple while the second at in front of the 11th Infantry Regiment in Bang Khen from 6 am until end of the event.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince’s royal guards will be at these places to provide free check services and in case of any replacement of spare parts will be charged at cost prices.

Preliminary checks will focus on the condition of tires, brakes and vital nuts and bolts that are critical for safe bike riding.

These items must be in 100% working order to guarantee peace of mind.

A participant to the upcoming event Banyong Phunsap said, “this is such a generous gesture by the Crown Prince which shows the concern he has for the safety of all his bicycling subjects. This will ensure that we cyclist can enjoy our past-time in a safe environment and provides inspiration for all of us to have the welfare of the ones we love foremost on our minds.”

Another participant Pol Lt Col Warut Pornphipit said “I found out about this service on Facebook and came here on the very first day to have my bicycle checked. I am so impressed and proud that the Crown Prince has taken the time to ensure the safety of his subjects. Today more and more Thais are taking up bicycling and this will ensure that a safety conscious bicycling community will be fostered.”

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/crown-prince-launches-free-checkup-services-for-bike-for-mom-participants

-- Thai PBS 2015-07-30

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Face Club in South Pattaya faces business shutdown after defying military junta’s order

PATTAYA: -- Face Club in South Pattaya faces business shutdown after defying military junta’s order.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844483-face-club-in-south-pattaya-faces-business-shutdown-after-defying-military-juntas-order/

[Lite Beer]

Jolie visits Myanmar

RANGOON: -- UN goodwill ambassador Angelina Jolie Pitt made her first visit to Myanmar on Wednesday, the Chiang Rai Times reported.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844485-jolie-visits-myanmar/

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RT@airlivenet: ALERT Malaysia's deputy transport minister 'almost certain' debris on Reunion Island belongs to a Boeing 777 a... http://t.co/XxZIszIXHJ

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Police to impose Article 44 on motorcycle gangs

BANGKOK, 30 July 2015 (NNT) – Police are preparing to apply Article 44 to the campaign aimed at suppressing motorcycle gang activities and social vices.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844496-thai-police-to-impose-article-44-on-motorcycle-gangs/

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Residents along Mekong River warned of bank erosion

MUKDAHAN, 30 July 2015 (NNT) – The Governor of Mukdahan province has issued a warning to residents along the Mekong River to beware of bank erosion as a result of the rising water.

Run-off caused by continued cloudbursts has brought muddy water from local streams and wood scraps into the Mekong River. Passengers traveling between Thailand and Laos by boat are advised to exercise caution and wear life jackets at all times.

Meanwhile, residents and fishermen along the Mekong River were warned to be on the alert for soil collapse. The provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation office is prepared to deal with any emergency situation.

The Meteorological Department says the Northeastern region will continue to experience isolated thundershowers until next week.


-- NNT 2015-07-30

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For North Korea, Iran-style nuke deal not an option
ERIC TALMADGE, Associated Press

PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) — If any hopes have been raised that the progress between the United States and Iran to halt Tehran's development of nuclear weapons could bring change in Pyongyang, North Korea has gone out of its way to thwart them.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844497-for-north-korea-iran-style-nuke-deal-not-an-option/

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Yakub Memon, convicted in 1993 Mumbai blasts has been hanged
MUNEEZA NAQVI, Associated Press

NEW DELHI (AP) — Yakub Abdul Razak Memon, the only death row convict in India's deadliest terror attack, the 1993 Mumbai bombings that killed 257 people, was hanged early Thursday on his birthday after the country's president rejected a last-minute mercy plea.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844498-india-hangs-1993-mumbai-bomb-plotter-yakub-memon/

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Suthep announces formation of mass foundation for national reform



BANGKOK: -- Former leader of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) Suthep Thaugsuban today led all his former activist leaders to officially introduce a people's foundation to work for the true and constructive reform of the country that will benefit the people and the country through peaceful means.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844499-suthep-announces-formation-of-mass-foundation-for-national-reform/

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More Thai antiques to be sent back from the U.S., Culture Minister reveals

BANGKOK, 30 July 2015 (NNT) - Culture Minister Weera Rojpotchanarat has disclosed, following a courtesy call from the US charge d' affaires Patrick Murphy, that the U.S. is to return more Thai antiques located in the US.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844500-more-thai-antiques-to-be-sent-back-from-the-us-culture-minister-reveals/

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Heavy rain forecast in North and North East

BANGKOK, 30 July 2015 (NNT)- Meteorologists have issued warnings to people in the North and the North East of Thailand to brace themselves for heavy rain during the day.

According to the weather report, a monsoonal trough, which is moving across Myanmar and Vietnam at present, will bring a large amount of rain to Thailand’s upper regions.

Meanwhile a south westerly wind in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand will also contribute to heavy rain falling in the region.

Residents of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Tak, Kampaengpetch, Nong Khai, Bung Kan, Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Panom provinces have been warned of likely weather hazards at this time.


-- NNT 2015-07-30

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UPDATE:

Relatives torn over possible 1st debris from missing MH370
JOSHUA PAUL, Associated Press
IAN MADER, Associated Press

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Jacquita Gomes is torn about whether to believe that plane debris found more than 16 months after the mysterious disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 is the first concrete evidence that her husband is truly gone.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844415-mh370-plane-wreckage-found-in-indian-ocean-tested/#entry9679712

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NSTDA introduces lower fat sausage to consumers

BANGKOK, 30 July 2015 (NNT)-The Ministry of Science and Technology is introducing a low fat sausage to the food industry and hoping to build a strong market base.

Science and Technology Minister Pichet Durongkaveroj says the National Science and Technology Development Agency has developed a sausage that provides energy of less than 250 kilo-calories per 100 grams.

It was developed to meet global demand for low calorie food, while the global demand for farm goods from Thailand remains high each year.

The Minister said animal fat has been replaced by vegetable fiber to lower the calorie content. Many consumers now turn away from regular sausages that are high in fat.

He is hoping that the new sausage will become an attractive new product for health conscious consumers.


-- NNT 2015-07-30

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UPDATE:

Son of a redshirt leader takes own life



BANGKOK: -- The 31-year-old son of Veerakarn Musikapong, a leader of the redshirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatirship, took his own life in what he stated in a suicide letter was a broken love affairs.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844427-red-shirt-leader-virakarns-son-falls-to-his-death-from-4thfl-balcony/#entry9679802

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Police raid hookah bar near Phuket university
Eakkapop Thongtub


The officers found 11 teenage girls at the bar. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: -- Police took into custody a bar manager and seized 40 hookah water pipes after a raid last night (July 29) found 11 teenage girls smoking at the night venue.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844523-police-raid-hookah-bar-near-phuket-university/

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Pathum Thani and Yasothon hold activities welcoming Buddhist Lent

PATHUM THANI, 30 July 2015 (NNT) - Pathum Thani and Yasothon are both holding their activities welcoming the Buddhist Lent and at the same time promoting the anti-drinking and gambling campaigns during the 3-month Lent period.

A parade promoting the anti-drinking campaign was held in Pathum Thani yesterday at the provincial hospital. Later in the day residents gathered to pledge an oath of not drinking alcohol and strictly maintaining the five precepts of Buddhism during the Buddhist Lent period.

The event also offered a free counseling service for those who wish to quit drinking, and many other entertainment activities.

Meanwhile, residents, government officials and private sector units in Yasothon yesterday held a mock ceremony incinerating a giant cigarette and a deck of playing cards, symbolically showing their determination to stop drinking and gambling during the period.

The event was a part of the province's anti-alcohol and gambling drive this year which also promotes the religious teaching and the sufficiency economy philosophy of His Majesty the King.


-- NNT 2015-07-30

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UPDATE:

All tied up: Passengers restrain inebriated Swiss man on Bangkok flight
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: 8989 Leesereporter

BANGKOK: -- Airline passengers on a flight from Zurich to Bangkok tied up an intoxicated and unruly Swiss man on Sunday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844407-drunk-swiss-man-tied-up-on-flight-to-bangkok/page-4?p=9680087#entry9680087

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Last call for Prepaid SIM card registration, NBTC warns 2 days ahead the deadline

BANGKOK, 30 July 015 (NNT) - The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has made final alert to holders of unregistered prepaid mobile phone SIM card to complete the compulsory registration by the end of July.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844532-last-call-for-prepaid-sim-card-registration-nbtc-warns-2-days-ahead-the-deadline/