Thailand Live Monday 3 Aug 2015

[webfact]

IOC to order tests for viruses at Rio's Olympic water venues
STEPHEN WADE, Associated Press
BRAD BROOKS, Associated Press
STEPHEN WILSON, Associated Press

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — The International Olympic Committee said Sunday it will order testing for disease-causing viruses in the sewage-polluted waters where athletes will compete in next year's Rio de Janeiro Games.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845361-ioc-to-order-tests-for-viruses-at-rios-olympic-water-venues/

[webfact]

Climate change: Obama orders steeper cuts from power plants
By JOSH LEDERMAN

WASHINGTON (AP) — Aiming to jolt the rest of the world to action, President Barack Obama moved ahead Sunday with even tougher greenhouse gas cuts on American power plants, setting up a certain confrontation in the courts with energy producers and Republican-led states.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845362-climate-change-obama-orders-steeper-cuts-from-power-plants/

[webfact]

Ferguson spurs 40 new state measures; activists want more
By DAVID A. LIEB

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — When a white Ferguson policeman fatally shot a black 18-year-old nearly a year ago, the St. Louis suburb erupted in violent protests and the nation took notice. Since then, legislators in almost every state have proposed changes to the way police interact with the public.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845363-ferguson-spurs-40-new-state-measures;-us-activists-want-more/

[webfact]

Koch warns conservatives must demand smaller government
By JULIE BYKOWICZ

DANA POINT, Calif. (AP) — Billionaire industrialist Charles Koch warned America is "done for" if the conservative donors and politicians he gathered at a retreat this weekend don't rally others to their cause of demanding a smaller, less-intrusive government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845364-us-billionaire-koch-warns-conservatives-must-demand-smaller-government/

[Lite Beer]

NLD Shuns Key Players in Election Candidates Roster
By HNIN YADANA ZAW

RANGOON — The party of Aung San Suu Kyi has rejected bids by 17 members of Burma’s respected “88 generation” to join its ranks and contest November’s election, a controversial omission of a group that was expected to galvanize its bid to dominate the ballot.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845384-nld-shuns-key-players-in-election-candidates-roster/

[webfact]

Bicycle sales increase dramatically in Nakhon Ratchasima

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, 3 August 2015, (NNT) - Bicycle sales have increased dramatically in Nakhon Ratchasima, reflecting the popularity of the approaching Bike for Mom 2015 event.

Records show that more than 7,100 cyclists have registered for the event, the highest number in the northeastern region. Vendors in the province are enjoying the rising demand for bicycles which has increased by 2-3 times.

A bicycle shop owner and president of the province's bicycle club, Pongsak Pipittawanitch, yesterday said the Bike for Mom campaign has boosted the number of bicycles sold in his shop by 300 percent, meaning sales of 40-50 bicycles a day at the end of July from an average of 10 per day normally. He said the most popular model is the 'city bicycle' which is priced in the range of 2,000 - 5,000 baht.

The Bike for Mom event has sparked an interest in cycling for health and fitness among members of the public in Nakhon Ratchasima.


-- NNT 2015-08-03

[webfact]

A Shaolin show to celebrate 40 years of Thai-Chinese relations

BANGKOK, 3 Aug 2015, (NNT) -A Chinese martial arts show featuring Shaolin monks is to be organized in Thailand, celebrating the 40 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The show is a joint effort by the Thai-China Industrial Promotion Association, the association of Thais of Chinese descent, governments & private sectors of both countries and the Shaolin Temple in China.

The show celebrates Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's 83rd birthday anniversary on August 12th, 2015 and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's 60th birthday anniversary on April 2nd, 2015.

The event also celebrates 40 years of Thai-Chinese diplomatic ties. More than 90 Shaolin monks from the Zhengzhou provincial capital of Henan, will be taking part in the show. In addition to the Chinese Shaolin show, Thailand's Ministry of Culture will also present signature martial arts demonstrations, such as Muay Thai and Thai swordplay.


-- NNT 2015-08-03

[webfact]

AC/DC's Rudd pleads not guilty to breaching detention rules

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd pleaded not guilty on Monday to breaching the rules of his home detention sentence by drinking alcohol.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845388-acdcs-rudd-denies-breaking-booze-ban/

[webfact]

Nigeria: troops rescue 178 people, destroy extremist camps

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Nigerian troops rescued 178 people from Boko Haram in attacks that destroyed several camps of the Islamic extremists in the northeast of the country, an army statement said Sunday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845391-nigerian-troops-rescue-178-people-from-boko-haram-destroy-extremist-camps/

[webfact]

Proof of Trump's charity giving elusive
By JEFF HORWITZ

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump, widely believed to be the wealthiest American ever to run for president, is nowhere among the ranks of the country's most generous citizens, according to an Associated Press review of his financial records and other government filings.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845392-proof-of-trumps-charity-giving-elusive/

[webfact]

Floods invade farmland in Sakon Nakhon, more rainfall expected in the North and Northeast

SAKON NAKHON, 3 Aug 2015, (NNT) - Continuous rainfall in Sakon Nakhon has caused flooding in several rice farms in the province. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has predicted more rains in the northern and northeastern regions.

Officials in Sakon Nakhon reported about 8,000 rai of farmland is facing floods, especially those located near the local Huay Tung and Yam river basins which are flood prone areas.

The local weather agency expects a monsoon trough will move through Myanmar to low pressure areas in Laos and the northern part of Vietnam. It also says the southwestern monsoon will cover the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.

These could result in heavy thundershowers in Thailand especially in the North and Northeast. Residents living in the Provinces of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Tak, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom are warned of flash floods.


-- NNT 2015-08-03

[webfact]

Most NRC members support extension of Reform Road Map deadline

BANGKOK, 3 August 2015 (NNT) - Most members of the National Reform Council have expressed their support for the extension of the Reform Road Map, which, if approved, will further delay the next general election.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845395-most-nrc-members-support-extension-of-reform-road-map-deadline/

[webfact]

SET down 6.46 points at opening /Bangkok Post

[webfact]

UPDATE:

Reform councilor Manoon calls for clear principles behind public referendum questionnaire

BANGKOK, 3 August 2015 (NNT) - A member of the National Reform Council has called for more clarity related to the public referendum before the corresponding questionnaire is written.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845395-most-nrc-members-support-extension-of-reform-road-map-deadline/#entry9692989

[webfact]

Customs officials, border guards of Australia’s international airports to go on strike

A spokesperson for Australian Workers Union has warned that passengers arriving in the country or leaving it have to be prepared for hours-long delays in going through immigration and customs control

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845408-customs-officials-border-guards-of-australias-international-airports-to-go-on-strike/

[webfact]

Biden for president? Allies mulling Clinton challenge
By JULIE PACE and JOSH LEDERMAN

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden's associates have resumed discussions about a 2016 presidential run after largely shelving such deliberations while his son was sick and dying earlier this year. But Biden has yet to tell his staff whether he will run or personally ask them to do any planning for a potential campaign, according to several people close to the vice president.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845421-biden-for-president-allies-mulling-clinton-challenge/

[webfact]

Thai baht may drop further this week


File photo. Source: Internet

BANGKOK, 3 August 2015 (NNT)-Thai stocks are likely to fluctuate this week due to domestic and external factors. Meanwhile the Thai baht is expected to weaken further after it plunged to its lowest level in six years last week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845424-thai-baht-may-drop-further-this-week/

[webfact]

Heavy rain storm lashes Phuket

PHUKET: -- Phuket was heavily lashed by rain storm before dawn today, causing flooding in many areas of the seaside resort island.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845425-heavy-rain-storm-lashes-phuket/

[webfact]

Warnings of heavy rain in North, Northeast Thailand

BANGKOK, 3 August 2015 (NNT)-The Meteorological Department has issued warnings to people in the North and North East to prepare for continuing heavy rain during the week.

A low pressure trough covering parts of Myanmar and Laos coupled with a south westerly wind in the Gulf of Thailand and over the Andaman Sea have brought wet and wild weather conditions of the upper regions of the country.

People living in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Payao, Nan, Tak, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Beung Kan, Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom provinces are advised to be cautious when leaving their homes as several areas are at risk of flash floods.


-- NNT 2015-08-03

[webfact]

Over 100,000 farmers seek financial aid from BAAC

BANGKOK, 3 August 2015 (NNT) - The government has shifted focus towards mounting agricultural debt, urging relevant agencies to get involved and educate farmers on financial management.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845426-over-100000-farmers-seek-financial-aid-from-baac/

[webfact]

Seafood market in Chonburi crowded with customers despite higher prices

CHONBURI, 3 August 2015 (NNT) - A seafood market in Chonburi province remains bustling with shoppers even though prices of fish and crustaceans are high.

Samae-sarn market in Sattahip District which is famous for its fresh seafood varieties was reported with brisk business over the weekend. Despite their soaring prices, seafood has been selling well. Many fishermen in Samae-sarn district have reportedly been unable to leave the shore to fish as the descriptions of their vessels do not match their licenses.

The seafood available at the market becomes scarce and the prices have gone up accordingly. One kilogram of crabs could cost as much as 500 baht while mantis shrimp costs almost the same for a kilogram. However, despite less supplies and higher prices, seafood is as popular as ever.


-- NNT 2015-08-03

[webfact]

UPDATE:

Air passengers warned to expect delays as customs and immigration staff strike
Daniella Miletic

SYDNEY: -- Passengers at international airports across the country can expect delays due to a customs and immigration staff strike during peak flying periods on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845408-customs-officials-border-guards-of-australias-international-airports-to-go-on-strike/#entry9693259

[webfact]

Over 200 homes in Nakhon Phanom have high flood risk

NAKHON PHANOM, 3 August 2015 (NNT) - Rivers could be spilling over embankments in Nakhon Phanom province soon, due to continuous rainfall.

It has been reported that five riverside communities in the northeast province could be at risk of flash floods. Continuous precipitation over the past few days has increased water levels in nearby streams. Authorities fear that if the rising waters cannot be released into the Mekong River soon enough, more than 200 homes could be inundated.

Most homes in Pailom district are affected by flash floods each year, because they are situated in low-lying areas adjacent to Phu Lang Ga Mountain.

Local administrative officials have warned residents to be ready to move to higher ground or stack sandbags around the perimeter of their homes to keep out floodwaters.


-- NNT 2015-08-03

[webfact]

Swedish man and Thai woman injured in Phuket hotel fall
Darawan Naknakhon


The incident happened at the Phuket Paradise Hotel in Patong.

PHUKET: - A 33-year-old Swedish man and 26-year-old Thai woman are currently being treated at Patong Hospital after falling from a second floor balcony of the Phuket Paradise Hotel in Patong this morning (August 3).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845436-swedish-man-and-thai-woman-injured-in-phuket-hotel-balcony-fall/

[webfact]

Airport authorities to introduce background screening check at six airports with 35 baht extra charge per head



BANGKOK: -- Beginning early December inbound and outbound passengers at the country's six international airports have to pay 35 baht each for background screening check charge after the Airports of Thailand (AoT) introduced the new system to check passengers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845438-flyers-to-face-b35-fee-for-airport-background-check/

[webfact]

NLA to make available English version of human trafficking laws and regulations



BANGKOK: -- English version of all laws related to human trafficking will be made available soon so that foreign governments and international organizations will understand the efforts already undertaken by the Thai government in addressing this problem, said Mr Pornpetch Wichitcholachai, president of the National Legislative Assembly, on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845440-thai-nla-to-make-available-english-version-of-human-trafficking-laws-and-regulations/

[webfact]

New evidence surfaces in Chuwong’s unusual death



BANGKOK: -- A new evidence surfaced in the unusual death of construction billionaire Chuwong Sae Tang after his sister and son released a video clip Monday morning showing he fastened his seat belt in the van driven by the former Nakhon Sawan MP.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845441-new-evidence-surfaces-in-chuwongs-unusual-death/

[webfact]

Swansea musician Ross Mackay, 27, killed in Thailand moped crash

SWANSEA: -- A TALENTED Swansea musician has tragically died in a scooter accident in Thailand, devastating his family and friends.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845444-british-musician-27-killed-in-thailand-bike-crash/

[webfact]

Canada PM triggers election with vote in October
ROB GILLIES, Associated Press

TORONTO (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper triggered an election campaign Sunday and set the vote for Oct. 19, when Harper and his Conservative party hope to earn a fourth term after almost a decade in power.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845445-canada-pm-triggers-election-with-vote-in-october/

[webfact]

July’s inflation rate shrank 1.05 percent



BANGKOK: -- Inflation rate or consumers price index for the month of July amounted to 106.57 points or minus 1.05 percent compared to the same period last year, bringing the inflate rate for seven months to an average of minus 0.85 percent.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/845446-thailands-july-inflation-rate-falls-105-percent/