Thailand Live Monday 3 Aug 2015

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King Rama IV statue to be transported to Ratchaphak Park in Hua Hin today

AYUTTHAYA, 3 Aug 2015 (NNT) - The 13.9 meter-tall bronze statue of King Rama IV will be transported from a casting factory in Ayutthaya to the newly constructed Ratchaphak Park in Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan today at 10 AM.

The statue is one of the seven statues of ancestral kings to be enshrined at the Ratchaphak Park on the Royal Thai Army land in Hua Hin.

The statue of King Rama IV was securely loaded onto a 22-wheeler truck at the the weekend and will start its journey from the Asia Fine Art Foundry in Ayutthaya this morning.

The relocation was earlier scheduled for August 2, but was postponed to this morning. The convoy will be taking Route no.347 to Pathum Thani Province, where it will join another caravan removing the statue of King Rama I from the foundry to the same park. From Pathum Thani, both statues will travel in the same caravan to the destination -- Ratchaphak Park in Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan. The park has been named by His Majesty the King, meaning the park that was built to show public loyalty towards the kings.


-- NNT 2015-08-03

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Soldier accused of murdering girlfriend at North Pattaya apartment



PATTAYA: -- A 21 year old soldier was arrested by Banglamung Police on Sunday Afternoon, accused of murdering his girlfriend.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845330-soldier-accused-of-murdering-girlfriend-at-north-pattaya-apartment/

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Security Guard found dead behind house at North Pattaya Village



PATTAYA: -- Late on Friday Night Police were called to a newly constructed village in the northern outskirts of Pattaya after a Security Guard found his colleague lying dead at the rear of an unoccupied house which is currently under construction.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845331-security-guard-found-dead-behind-house-at-north-pattaya-village/

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Charred remains of body found in Barrel thrown into North Pattaya Lake



PATTAYA: -- Over the weekend, Banglamung Police were called to a lake in the Takiendier area, in the Northern outskirts of Pattaya, after a barrel containing the charred remains of a human were found.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845332-charred-remains-of-body-found-in-barrel-thrown-into-north-pattaya-lake/

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SURVEY:

Will Thailand be successful in becoming the regional education hub?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/844969-survey-will-thailand-be-successful-in-becoming-the-regional-education-hub/

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SPECIAL REPORT
Mega state holding company proposed
NOPHAKHUN LIMSAMARNPHUN
THE NATION


Kulit

Corporation would be similar to Singapore's Temasek; move aimed at reining in populist poliicies

BANGKOK: -- THAILAND'S Bt12-trillion-plus state enterprise sector will undergo major reforms if new legislation to set up a holding company to consolidate ownership of an initial 12 major companies sails through the National Legislative Assembly in November.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845334-special-thai-report-mega-state-holding-company-proposed/

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HM THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY
PM warns against bad riding at Bike for Mom
THE NATION



Prayut and cabinet did rehearsal for event yesterday

BANGKOK: -- PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha has warned cyclists not to intercept this month's Bike for Mom pocession in Bangkok while it is underway from the side or overtake participants from the side for fear of accidents.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845335-pm-warns-against-bad-riding-at-bike-for-mom/

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POLITICS
PM irked at Suthep jibe
WASAMON AUDJARINT,
ANAPAT DEECHUAY
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday lashed out at those insinuating something between him and Suthep Thaugsuban's reform before election movement, saying he had to treat everyone the same under the same law.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845336-pm-prayut-irked-at-suthep-jibe/

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EXCURSIVE INTERVIEW
'Everything starts at home' if we want foreign policy to regain dynamism
Wiraj Sripong


Kasit Piromya

BANGKOK: -- Former foreign minister Kasit Piromya expresses his concerns over Thailand's posture in the international arena in this exclusive interview with The Nation's Wiraj Sripong a week before he was appointed by the People's Democratic Reform Foundation to explain to international organisations matters related to Thailand and the world.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845338-kasit-interview-everything-starts-at-home-if-we-want-foreign-policy-to-regain-dynamism/

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THAI PEX 2015
Sealed with a stamp
Phatarawadee Phataranawik
The Nation


ThaiPex's official stamps showcase the four traditional Thai instruments she plays.

Thailand Post celebrates Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's birthday and Asean at ThaiPex

BANGKOK: -- Small in size but big in value, the postage stamp gets a makeover today at the "Thai Pex 2015" fair where it evolves into a high-tech product designed through a smartphone app;

Opening today at Thailand Post's headquarters in Bang Rak, this year's fair aims to educate visitors about the history and culture of Asean countries courtesy of an Asean stamp cafe and high-tech exhibitions.

Visitors are invited to sip coffee, tea and smoothies at Stamp Cafe while looking into history and admire rare stamp collections from Thailand's neighbours at the Stamp Theatre, where videos present the interesting stories behind the miniature art.

To mark the 60th birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn this year, ThaiPex's official stamps showcase the four traditional Thai instruments she plays: the zither, xylophone, treble fiddle and sor ou. The Princess's colour - purple - is used in the printing.

Download the smartphone app Alive Stamp and scan the stamp to enjoy a two-minute video clip presenting the Princess's history and her musical talent along with "Lao Damneon Sai", a tune composed by National artist Sirichaichan Fakjamroon, the Princess's music teacher.

"Princess Sirindhorn observed me while I was playing the Thai zither at an event in 1985. She then started studying traditional instruments. Every time she learns something new, she records the performance so that she can practise again. As a supporter of traditional Thai music, the Princess also donates instruments to needy students throughout the kingdom," explains Sirichaichan.

The Princess will launch her stamp collection tomorrow marking the National Communication Day and 132nd anniversary of the Thailand Post.

To mark Asean Community Day on August 8, Thailand Post will launch the Asean Stamp and official postmark, which have been designed by Vietnam.

Two pigeons perching atop a colourful flower shaped from 10 Asean flags, which itself sits on folded hands in the middle of golden rice fields, will be seen on postcards and envelopes of all the member countries later this year.

The flower represents unity, the pigeons symbolise peace and the golden rice implies the prosperity of agriculture in the region. The official postmark shows the Asean logo surrounded by three curved lines signifying economics, politics and culture. The logo has the words "Asean Community" on the top and the issue date reads "First Day of Issue 8/08/2015".

Both designs reflect the unity of the Asean Community according to the motto "One Vision, One Identity, One Community".

"The Asean emblem on the postmark is circled by three lines standing for the strengthening of political stability, economic stability as well as social and cultural ties in the Asean community," Nguyen Hoang Hoc, Deputy Director of the Department of Post, Ministry of Information and Communication, told The Nation earlier this year.

Augmented Reality technology will allow fair-goers with smart phone apps to play games, listen to music and watch videos presented by ThaiPex at the fair.

Visitors can also make their very own stamp at the "iStamp" booth by taking a portrait of themselves standing in front of Asean landmarks.

The fair runs through August 9 and is open daily from 10am to 8pm at the Post Office's headquarters in Bang Rak.

For more information, call (02) 831 3508 and (02) 831 3598.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/life/Sealed-with-a-stamp-30265497.html


-- The Nation 2015-08-03

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SOUTH CRISIS
Suspected bomber killed |in shootout
THE NATION
NARATHIWAT

NARATHIWAT: -- A SUSPECTED insurgent was killed in a clash with troops in Narathiwat's Rusoh district early yesterday.

Acting on tips-off, Narathiwat Taskforce 30 dispatched troops to surround a house in Ban Tanyong village in Tambon Batong at 4.30am, leading to a shootout with the suspect.

Following the exchange of gunfire, the body of Masukarueno Yakumoh was found inside the toilet room of the house. An 11mm pistol was found near his body.

The suspect was wanted under an arrest warrant for allegedly |launching a bomb attack that killed two police officers in Narathiwat in 2013. The house belongs to the suspect's father-in-law, who was taken to a military camp for questioning along with the suspect's wife.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Suspected-bomber-killed-in-shootout-30265767.html


-- The Nation 2015-08-03

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CHEFS
Culinary school grooms quality Thai chefs to meet rising demand
ACHARA DEBOONME
THE NATION


Chef Chumpol Jangprai jams a class full of young enthusiasts.

BANGKOK: -- Every day, five new Thai restaurants open for business somewhere around the world, adding to the estimated 20,000 Thai eateries already operating globally, according to the Thai Chefs Association.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845339-culinary-school-grooms-quality-thai-chefs-to-meet-rising-demand/

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EDITORIAL
Is the stage being set for Sudarat's return?
The Nation

Her political resurgence may be around the corner, if she can get Thaksin's wholehearted backing

BANGKOK: -- After lying dormant for a few years, Sudarat Keyuraphan appears to be returning to the limelight. There have been rumours and reports, and they all link her to big political roles in the foreseeable future. She has denied some of them, but been reticent about the others. There is no doubt that something is cooking behind the scenes, although we cannot be certain what it is.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845340-is-the-stage-being-set-for-sudarats-return/

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REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Bangkok's take-away from Washington
Kavi Chongkittavorn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thailand should be grateful to the US regarding the latest Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP) because it helps to expose what are really inside the hearts and minds of Washington's policy-makers and how the world's most powerful country views others and the region's oldest ally.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845341-bangkoks-take-away-from-washington/

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Japanese Broadcaster Fired for Texting Penis Photo to Thai Government Line Chat

BANGKOK – Japanese broadcaster TV Asahi apologized on Saturday after its Bangkok bureau chief posted an image of his genitals on a mobile forum set up by the Thai Foreign Ministry, which warned of “Consequences”.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845342-japanese-broadcaster-fired-for-texting-penis-photo-to-thai-government-line-chat/

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Thailand seen as unlikely to meet EU's fishing standards
PRATCH RUJIVANAROM
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE AUTHORITIES, the business sector and NGOs all predict that Thailand's rank on the illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) list will not improve, despite the strict measures being implemented by the government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845343-thailand-seen-as-unlikely-to-meet-eus-fishing-standards/

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Krungthai employee 'confesses' to Bt19 million theft
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Police yesterday arrested three Krungthai Bank employees suspected of embezzling more than Bt19 million from a Khon Kaen branch of the bank last week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845345-krungthai-employee-confesses-to-bt19-million-theft/

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'Need to cut political interference in police force'
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE POLICE force should be restructured to reduce political interference and promote efficiency and partnership with local bodies, a senior officer at the Royal Thai Police's Office of Human Resources told a recent Bangkok forum.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845346-need-to-cut-political-interference-in-thai-police-force/

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EDUCATION
Forum highlights need for improved teacher training
PAKAWAN ROJANASINGSAWAD
THE NATION

MULTIPLE ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS NEED TO COME OUT OF THEIR 'OWN |TERRITORY' AND COLLABORATE WITH EACH OTHER

BANGKOK: -- WITHOUT solid co-ordination, Thailand's teacher education will find it hard to make any real improvements, according to educators at a recent forum.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845347-forum-highlights-need-for-improved-teacher-training/

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Power plant to fulfil dream to be 'energy city'
SOMCHAI SAMART
THE NATION

SONGKHLA OFFICIAL URGES CRITICS OF |COAL-FIRED PROJECT TO LISTEN TO ALL SIDES

SONGKHLA: -- THE SOUTHERN province of Songkhla - an "energy city" already earning Bt100 billion from its gas separation facility, power plants and oil rig sites - could also have potential for a coal-fired power plant, said Niphon Bunyamanee, president of the Songkhla Provincial Administration Organisation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845348-songkhla-power-plant-to-fulfil-dream-to-be-energy-city/

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Parents claim intimidation
KASAMAKORN CHANWANPEN
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE PARENTS of one of the anti-coup activists arrested in June claim they have been told by an official to "take their son out of school" to stop him from "mingling" with his friends and participating in anti-junta activities.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845349-parents-claim-intimidation-by-thai-official/

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Dr Thon offers tips on how to protect oneself from box jellyfish attacks



BANGKOK: -- A marine scientist has offered some tips on how to protect oneself from attacks by box jellyfish and how to apply fires aid in case of attacks by the marine creatures in wake of a tourist who succumbed to her death from attacks by box jellyfish in Koh Pha-ngan, Surat Thani.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845351-dr-thon-offers-tips-on-how-to-protect-oneself-from-box-jellyfish-attacks/

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Thailand's tiger cub tourism is both helping and hurting animal conservation
BY AMANDA MUSTARD

KANCHANABURI: -- Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua, or the Tiger Temple, began in 1994 as a Theravada Buddhist monastery nestled in the forest three hours west of Bangkok, Thailand. The monks took in abandoned wildlife, including everything from wild boar to peacocks, and yes, a few tigers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845352-thailands-tiger-cub-tourism-is-both-helping-and-hurting-animal-conservation/

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Thailand must do more to manage migrants
Long-term policy necessary for a lasting impact and to combat human trafficking
Tan Hui Yee Thailand Correspondent In Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- While Thailand had hoped for a better rating in a human trafficking report last Monday, few observers were surprised that it remains lodged in the bottom tier for its anti-trafficking efforts.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845353-thailand-must-do-more-to-manage-migrants/

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Malaysia seeks help in finding more possible MH370 debris
EILEEN NG, Associated Press
THOMAS ADAMSON, Associated Press

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysian officials said Sunday that they would seek help from territories near the island where a suspected piece of the missing Malaysia Airlines jet was discovered to try to find more plane debris.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845355-malaysia-seeks-help-in-finding-more-possible-mh370-debris/

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Zimbabwe alleges 2nd American illegally hunted lion
By FARAI MUTSAKA

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Now there are two: Zimbabwe accused a Pennsylvania doctor on Sunday of illegally killing a lion in April, adding to the outcry over a Minnesota dentist the African government wants to extradite for killing a well-known lion named Cecil in early July.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845357-zimbabwe-seeks-second-american-lion-killer/

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US, Egypt resume formal security talks with Kerry visit
By MATTHEW LEE

CAIRO (AP) — Despite persistent human rights concerns, the United States on Sunday resumed formal security talks with Egypt that were last held six years ago and kept on hiatus until now amid the political unrest that swept the country in the wake of the Arab Spring.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845360-us-egypt-resume-formal-security-talks-with-kerry-visit/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Runaway paedophile teacher deported back to Britain after abusing three young brothers in Cambodia

BY MATTHEW DRAKE

A convicted paedophile who sexually abused three young brothers in Cambodia has been deported back to Britain and gone straight to jail.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845358-runaway-paedophile-teacher-deported-back-to-britain-after-abusing-three-young-brothers-in-cambodia/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Myanmar floods: UN says death toll 'to rise'

The death toll from floods in Myanmar is expected to rise over the coming days, the United Nations has warned.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845359-myanmar-floods-un-says-death-toll-to-rise/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Myanmar's president visits area worst-hit by flooding

KALAY, Myanmar (AP) — Myanmar's president on Sunday visited one of the worst-hit areas of the flood-stricken country, saying that water levels are slowly receding and that he hopes people can soon return to their homes.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845356-myanmars-president-visits-area-worst-hit-by-flooding/