Thailand Live Friday 31 Jul 2015

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AFTER DARK
Drama in the air
Kang Soon Chen
Special to The Nation



In Bangkok for the very first time, the Cirque du Soleil troupe stuns with their amazing acrobatics

BANGKOK: -- THE BEST way to watch a show by Cirque du Soleil - indeed, perhaps the only way - is just to sit back and enjoy the spectacular acrobatics rather than try to be clever and interpret the meaning behind every act.

The Canadian troupe's latest show, "Quidam", which means "anonymous passer-by" in Latin, has the archetypal storyline of a girl named Zoe whose boredom stems from being neglected by her parents. She then falls down the rabbit hole into an imaginary world - quite like Alice in Wonderland - where she encounters many bizarre characters who entertain her and guide her back to reality.

In its first show at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani on Wednesday night, "Quidam" opened with a thrilling German wheel manoeuvre, in which the acrobat artist played the part of the spokes spinning and turning the giant wheel. More acrobatic wonders followed. The aerial silk contortion was haunting yet beautiful. The fanciful twists and turns of the female acrobat wrapped in red silk, many times suspended in thin air - in my own interpretation - mirrored the emotional struggle of young Zoe.

The mood was then lifted with some light-hearted music accompanying a skipping-rope performance reminiscent of the enjoyable childhood game, only this one was played out with far greater dexterity and well-choreographed high-frequency jumps.

Although it is based on the story of a child, "Quidam" has a dark undercurrent and many ghoulish characters appear on the stage. One of these was the headless man holding an umbrella and walking aimlessly in the "rain". This plot, as did several others, lost me and I began to lose track of the |journey of little Zoe and |instead allowed myself to be sucked into the marvellous |display of superhuman strength and bravery of the acrobat artists.

The "statue" act was the highlight of the night, the sight of two beautifully sculpted |bodies balancing in harmony and never losing contact for a second deserved the undivided attention of the audience. Another heart-stopping act was the Banquine session, which was akin to a blockbuster gymnastic and ballet feat that had the acrobatic artists forming breathtaking structures while throwing and leaping off each other.

The interlude show, which included audience participation for a silent movie sketch, provided much comic relief but again, its purpose seemed totally detached from the theme. Also, red balloons kept popping up throughout the show, with Zoe holding a bunch of the balloons in a few scenes and tiny red balloons floating above the dancers in another. It would be interesting to know the symbolism, if any, of these props.

The first Cirque du Soleil show to use everyday clothing, "Quidam" lacks the razzle-dazzle of the usual circus costumes. That does not in any way diminish the allure of the performance as its biggest appeal is still the remarkable skills and agility of its performers.

"Cirque du Soleil Quidam Live in Bangkok 2015" is being staged at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani through Monday.

There are three performances tomorrow, at 1pm, 4.30pm and 8pm and two on Sunday at 4.30pm and 8pm. The final performance on Monday is at 8pm.

Tickets costing Bt1,000 to Bt5,000 are available from Thai Ticket Major outlets and online at www.ThaiTicketMajor.com.

Call (02) 262 3456.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/life/Drama-in-the-air-30265558.html


-- The Nation 2015-07-31

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Navy releases document on why it needs submarines
THE NATION



Insists that maritime interests worth Bt24 trillion need to be protected

BANGKOK: -- THE NAVY has released a nine-page document detailing what it says are the reasons why the country needs to spend Bt36 billion on buying three submarines from China.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844648-thai-navy-releases-document-on-why-it-needs-submarines/

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UPDATE:

POLITICS
Suthep creates foundation, vows to push for reforms before next election
PIYAPORN WONGRUANG,
KHANITTHA THEPKAJORN
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- VETERAN politician Suthep Thaugsuban yesterday vowed to campaign for reform before the next general election.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844499-suthep-announces-formation-of-mass-foundation-for-national-reform/page-2#entry9681626

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SURROGACY
Carmen's father prays for a 'second miracle'
PASARA PUTHAMAT
SPECIAL TO THE NATION


Gordon Alan Lake

Father prays for a 'second miracle' as the surrogate mother fights for the right to raise her daughter

BANGKOK: -- An American father has been raising his baby, Carmen, in Thailand over the past six months, praying every day that he will finally be able to bring his daughter home. His only obstacle is the Thai surrogate mother, who is refusing to sign the papers necessary for Carmen’s departure.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844649-thai-surrogacy-carmens-american-father-prays-for-a-second-miracle/

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TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
Part of TIP report 'based on misunderstanding'
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- THE DEPARTMENT of Provincial Administration has released information to counter part of the United States' 2015 "Trafficking in Persons" (TIP) report relevant to the department's work.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844651-part-of-tip-report-based-on-misunderstanding/

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TOURISM
TAT to continue 'Green Season' campaign until September
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and its partners are all geared up to run the "Green Season" campaign until the end of September as part of a marketing campaign to encourage inbound travelling in the low season.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844652-tat-to-continue-green-season-campaign-until-september/

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ANALYSIS
Latest TIP ranking batters already-fragile economy
Achara Deboonme
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- As Thailand continues to languish in Tier 3 of the United States' "Trafficking in Persons" report, worsening the economic sentiment, the real impact, even worse, could be felt in the coming months.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844653-thai-analysis-latest-tip-ranking-batters-already-fragile-economy/

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TOT
TOT braces for life without 900MHz spectrum
Usanee Mongkolporn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- TOT's board on Wednesday directed its management to draw up a business plan focusing on how the state enterprise could survive the possible loss of its 900MHz spectrum and how to maximise its network assets, board spokesman Djitt Laowattana said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844654-tot-braces-for-life-without-900mhz-spectrum/

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UPDATE:

14 year old customers found in South Pattaya Nightclub during raid



PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Thursday, a raid of a South Pattaya nightclub revealed 14 year old customers and the venue is now set to be closed for up to 5 years as the District Chief uses new powers given to him by recent amendments to the law.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844483-face-club-in-south-pattaya-faces-business-shutdown-after-defying-military-juntas-order/page-3?p=9681655#entry9681655

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Ladyboy arrested in recent Russian knife attack case



PATTAYA: -- Pattaya Police have arrested a 32 year old Ladyboy accused of assaulting a Russian Tourist on 22nd July although he disputes the details of the original story but confessed to conducting the knife attack on the victim,

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844655-pattaya-ladyboy-arrested-in-recent-russian-knife-attack-case/

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Money stolen from purse left in car at East Pattaya Temple car park



PATTAYA: -- 100 Baht was stolen from a purse left on the passenger’s seat of a parked car at an East Pattaya Temple on Thursday Morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844656-money-stolen-from-purse-left-in-car-at-east-pattaya-temple-car-park/

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Thinking critically about democracy and education reform in Thailand
By Valerie Strauss
The Washington Post

Critical thinking is seen, of course, as an essential skill for college and careers — but it is also essential in a healthy democracy. Here is a post about the Kingdom of Thailand, a country that straddles monarchy and democracy and where educators and politicians are grappling with how critical thinking should be taught in schools.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844657-thinking-critically-about-democracy-and-education-reform-in-thailand/

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Surrogate mum lives in hope
PRATCH RUJIVANAROM
THE NATION


Oil

BANGKOK: -- AS SHE continues fighting for a chance to raise her daughter, Carmen's surrogate mother Oil still doesn't know if the baby girl is actually hers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844658-carmens-thai-surrogate-mum-lives-in-hope/

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BURNING ISSUE
Chuwong case a wake-up call for transparency in stock trading
SASITHORN ONGDEE
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THERE IS widespread scepticism over the mysterious death of billionaire businessman Chuwong Saetang in a car crash last month, after it was alleged that the married man was romantically linked to a single caddy and had transferred from his stock account shares worth about Bt200 million to her. The case has understandably been the talk of the town.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844659-thai-politics-chuwong-case-a-wake-up-call-for-transparency-in-stock-trading/

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Suthep's reform foundation gets a mixed response from observers
KASAMAKORN CHANWANPEN
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- FORMER protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban's announcement about a reform foundation has drawn varying reactions from politicians and reformers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844661-sutheps-reform-foundation-gets-a-mixed-response-from-observers/

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NRC whips to name the day for referendum strategy talks
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- NATIONAL Reform Council whips will meet next Thursday to decide when they will discuss the NRC's question for the national referendum on the new constitution and what will be on the agenda. The NRC will concentrate on the blueprint of the national reform, which must be submitted to |the Cabinet on August 13, NRC whip Alongkorn Ponlaboot said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844662-nrc-whips-to-name-the-day-for-referendum-strategy-talks/

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NRC approves decentralisation, local administration idea
Kasamakorn Chanwanpen
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The National Reform Council (NRC) on Wednesday approved the decentralisation and local administration reform proposed by its panel with 149 votes in favour and 4 against.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844663-nrc-approves-decentralisation-local-administration-idea/

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INVESTMENT
Kingsgate vows long-term role in Thailand
Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn
The Nation


Ross Smyth-Kirk

BANGKOK: -- Kingsgate Consolidated, a major Australian gold mining and exploration company, says it remains committed to investing in its mining business in Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844664-kingsgate-vows-long-term-role-in-thailand/

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Owners of fishing vessels told to register quickly or will miss out the chance



BANGKOK: -- Owners of fishing boats who have not yet registered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives were urged to rush up within July 31 deadline otherwise they will miss the chance because the deadline will not be extended, said Maj-Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd, deputy government spokesman, on Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844665-owners-of-fishing-vessels-told-to-register-quickly-or-will-miss-out-the-chance/

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80% of police at the 8th regional police do not want to be moved to Phuket



BANGKOK: -- About 80 percent of the police attached to the 8th regional police bureau based in Surat Thani do not want to be transferred to Phuket because they have families to take care of or have houses in Surat Thani.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844666-80-of-police-at-the-8th-regional-police-do-not-want-to-be-moved-to-phuket/

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British Prime Minister: Migrant "swarm" will not disrupt tourism

LONDON, England - David Cameron's description of "swarms" of migrants, has been condemned by a human rights group that called his language "irresponsible, dehumanising" and "extremely inflammatory" as desperate migrants continue to attempt the dangerous journey across the Channel to the UK.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844667-british-pm-cameron-migrant-swarm-will-not-disrupt-tourism/

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Man stabs several people at Jerusalem gay pride parade
By MIRIAM BERGER

JERUSALEM (AP) — Revelers dancing and singing through the streets of Jerusalem during the holy city's annual gay pride parade were left shrieking in pain and panic Thursday night, as an anti-gay extremist lunged into a group leading the march and stabbed six people, Israeli police and witnesses said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844668-man-stabs-several-people-at-jerusalem-gay-pride-parade/

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Afghan Taliban confirm Mullah Omar's death, choose successor
By LYNNE O'DONNELL and KATHY GANNON

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The Taliban confirmed the death of longtime leader Mullah Mohammad Omar and appointed his successor Thursday, as a new round of peace talks was indefinitely postponed amid concerns over how committed the new leadership is to ending the militant group's 14-year insurgency.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844669-afghan-taliban-confirm-mullah-omars-death-choose-successor/

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Wing part could help solve what happened to MH370
By ANDREW MELDRUM and SYLVIE CORBET

SAINT-ANDRE, Reunion (AP) — A barnacle-encrusted wing part that washed up on a remote Indian Ocean island could help solve one of aviation's greatest mysteries, as investigators work to connect it to the Malaysia Airlines flight that vanished more than a year ago.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844415-mh370-plane-wreckage-found-in-indian-ocean-tested/page-2#entry9681751

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IMF won't join Greek bailout before reforms, debt relief
The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The International Monetary Fund official cannot participate in another Greek bailout until Greece and its creditors make difficult decisions on economic reforms and debt relief, a fund official said Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844670-greek-debt-crisis-imf-wary-of-third-bailout/

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Ex-'Top Gear' trio to host new car show for Amazon Prime

LONDON (AP) — The former hosts of the BBC's popular "Top Gear" program, who left amid scandal over an off-set dustup, have signed up to present a new car show for broadcaster Amazon Prime.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844671-ex-top-gear-trio-to-host-new-car-show-for-amazon-prime/

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Confederate flags left near Rev. Martin Luther King's church
By KATE BRUMBACK

ATLANTA (AP) — Police worked Thursday to identify two white males who were caught on surveillance camera laying Confederate battle flags neatly on the ground near the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s church.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844672-confederate-flags-left-near-rev-martin-luther-kings-church/

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UPDATE:

UK leader comes under fire for remarks on migrants

LONDON (AP) — Prime Minister David Cameron is facing criticism for using the word "swarm" to describe the migrants trying to get into Britain through the Channel Tunnel.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844667-british-pm-cameron-migrant-swarm-will-not-disrupt-tourism/?p=9681779#entry9681779

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Calais migrant crisis: UK police and social services plead for help

LONDON: -- UK police and social services have called for urgent help to deal with the impact of the Calais migrant crisis.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844673-calais-migrant-crisis-uk-police-and-social-services-plead-for-help/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Myanmar pardons China loggers among nearly 7,000 prisoners

AYE AYE WIN, Associated Press

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — More than 150 Chinese workers sentenced to life in prison for illegal logging were freed in Myanmar on Thursday under a massive presidential pardon that included nearly 7,000 prisoners.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844488-myanmar-pardons-almost-7000-prisoners/?p=9681785