Thailand Live Friday 7 Aug 2015

[Jonathan Fairfield]

45 Burmese fishermen rescued, suspected trafficking victims

MARGIE MASON, Associated Press

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesian police have rescued 45 Burmese fishermen, believed to be trafficking victims, from a hotel in central Jakarta where they were taken after traveling on fake documents, officials and the men said Thursday.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/846502-45-burmese-fishermen-rescued-suspected-trafficking-victims/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Myanmar's Suu Kyi warns against flood-linked vote tampering

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi expressed concern Thursday that massive flooding in much of the country might be used as a pretext to undermine November's general election.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/846503-myanmars-suu-kyi-warns-against-flood-linked-vote-tampering/

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Police say truck bomb in Kabul kills 8 people, wounds 128

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Kabul police say a bomb hidden in a truck exploded in the center of the Afghan capital, killing eight people and wounding another 128.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/846508-truck-bomb-in-kabul-kills-8-people-wounds-128/

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UPDATE:

Police say truck bomb in Kabul kills 8 people, wounds 198
AMIR SHAH, Associated Press

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — A bomb hidden in a truck exploded in the center of the Afghan capital, killing eight people and wounding another 198, police and hospital officials said Friday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/846508-truck-bomb-in-kabul-kills-8-people-wounds-128/#entry9707966

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Eleven-year-old US boy charged with manslaughter for shooting dead three-year-old
Christine Hauser

New York: An 11-year-old Detroit boy has been charged with manslaughter in the fatal shooting of a three-year-old, the first such case that a prosecutor could recall involving a person so young.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/846522-11-year-old-us-boy-charged-with-manslaughter-for-shooting-dead-3-year-old/

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For sake of peace, world leaders should visit Hiroshima in person
Editorial Desk
The Yomiuri Shimbun

TOKYO: -- Thursday marks the passage of 70 years since an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. On Sunday, Nagasaki will also mark the 70th anniversary of becoming a victim of an atomic bomb during the war.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/846529-for-sake-of-peace-world-leaders-should-visit-hiroshima-in-person/

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An inter provincial bus skidded off the Phrae-Nan highway in Muang Phrae and crashed into a roadside power post, injuring 22 people, three seriously.

The predawn incident happened as the bus from Nakhon Ratchasima left for Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/122094


-- Thai PBS 2015-08-07

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Army distributes royally bestowed Bike for Mom gifts to government units nationwide

BANGKOK, 7 August 2015 (NNT) - Army Chief General Udomdej Sitabutr yesterday chaired a ceremony of presenting the royally bestowed commemorative ‘Bike for Mom’ gifts to 107 governmental units. The items, which are signature blue shirts and pins, will be distributed to government officials who work to support the Bike for Mom event in all provinces held to celebrate the national Mother's Day on August 12th.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment also held a ceremony of presenting the royally bestowed gifts to its officials and later held a meeting to ensure their efficiency in handling the biking event on August 16th.

Meanwhile, a parade welcoming the gifts was held in Chiang Rai Province from Rong Khun Temple to the provincial city hall. Roi Et Provincial Administrative Office also stored the shirts and pins at its city hall, before distributing them to the registered cyclists next week.

In Chachoengsao Province, 200 military officers have been assigned to help facilitate the traffic and cyclists on the biking day. The province has also opened the biking track for residents to practice prior to the event. It hoped the participation of Chachoengsao people will help put the country’s name in the Guinness Book of World Records.

The Bike for Mom 2015 event, which commemorates the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's 83rd birthday anniversary, will be held on August 16th.


-- NNT 2015-08-07

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SET down 0.37 points at opening /Bangkok Post

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Indonesia seeks visa free benefits from Europe, Russia and South Korea

JAKARTA: -- The Jakarta Globe reported that Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has reiterated a request to the governments of Russia, South Korea and European Union member countries to impose a visa-free policy for Indonesians.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/846534-indonesia-seeks-visa-free-benefits-from-europe-russia-and-south-korea/

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Foreign Minister: ASEAN-Canada Dialogue will boost ASEAN economy

BANGKOK, 7 August 2015 (NNT) - Canada was urged to invest in the agricultural development of the ASEAN region during the recent ASEAN-Canada Dialogue held in Malaysia.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/846536-thai-foreign-minister-asean-canada-dialogue-will-boost-asean-economy/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

British man hacked at in Phnom Penh park

A British national was the victim of an apparently random axe attack in Phnom Penh’s Daun Penh district late on Wednesday night, leaving him with a head wound that required treatment at hospital.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/846519-british-man-hacked-at-in-city-park/

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MOAC to modernize property legislation

BANGKOK, 7 August 2015 (NNT) - The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is set to modernize property law, allowing the public to participate in water and land management.

Permanent Secretary of Agriculture and Cooperatives Chavalit Chookajorn said the Land Consolidation for Agriculture Act 1974 is expected to be amended, while the Field Dykes and Ditches Act 1962 will be terminated.

Mr. Chavalit explained that there are some limitations to current laws that could hinder the development of the agriculture industry. The recent amendments will be included in the latest iteration of the Land Consolidation for Agriculture Act 2015.

The new law will enable the government to improve irrigation systems in order to ensure that farmlands will always have adequate access. It will also boost Thailand’s competitiveness and lay a strong economic foundation for the country.


-- NNT 2015-08-07

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Schumer, No. 3 Senate Democrat, to oppose Iran nuclear deal
By DONNA CASSATA

WASHINGTON (AP) — New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, the No. 3 Senate Democrat and next-in-line party leader, said late Thursday that he is breaking with President Barack Obama and will oppose the Iran nuclear deal.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/846544-schumer-no-3-us-senate-democrat-to-oppose-iran-nuclear-deal/

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All oil prices to go down tomorrow



BANGKOK: -- Beginning 5 am tomorrow, all oil prices will go down 40 satang, except E 85 20 satang.

PTT Plc and Bang Chak today announced that retail prices of benzene, gasohol and diesel will be reduced by 40 satang, but E 85 at 20 satang.

New oil prices of all oils from 5 am Saturday will be as follow:

Benzene 95 – 34.36 baht, Gasohol 95 – 27.50 baht, Gasohol 91 – 26.99 baht, E 20 – 25.58 baht, E 85 – 22.48 baht, and Diesel – 22.89 baht.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/all-oil-prices-to-go-down-tomorrow


-- Thai PBS 2015-08-07

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Briton killed, 11 hurt in Trat crash /Bangkok Post

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Priest Hospital recognized as ‘model in Palliative Care Treatment’ in ASEAN

BANGKOK, 7 August 2015 (NNT) - The Department of Medical Services (DMS) has made the Priest Hospital a model establishment in Palliative Care Treatment in ASEAN.

DMS Director General Dr. Suphan Srithamma lauded the hospital as he opened a conference on cooperation in Palliative Care Treatment, attended by medical experts from ASEAN member countries.

The meeting aimed to allow ASEAN medical practitioners to exchange experience on Palliative Care Treatment. Dr. Suphan said the Priest Hospital has introduced the Palliative Care Treatment since 2007, to initially treat monks who have terminal illnesses such as cancer.

The hospital has developed a 4-dimension treatment which includes physical, mental, social and spiritual aspects under multidisciplinary discipline. The Public Sector Development Commission awarded the Priest Hospital for its outstanding national government services in 2012.


-- NNT 2015-08-07

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Electrical wire upgrade in central Pattaya

PATTAYA:--The Provincial Electricity Authority continued to upgrade power lines throughout Pattaya, this time putting in safer, higher-capacity lines on Soi Chalermprakiet 13.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/846560-electrical-wire-upgrade-in-central-pattaya/

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Their Majesties donate cash to assist flood-stricken Myanmar people



BANGKOK: -- Their Majesties the King and Queen today donated five million baht in cash to assist the people of Myanmar who are now suffering from widespread floodings.

The donation of Their Majesties was made through the Rajaprajanugroh Foundation under the King’s patronage.

The cash donation was handed over to Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to pass on to the people of Myanmar who are now troubled by floodings.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/their-majesties-donate-cash-to-assist-flood-stricken-myanmar-people


-- Thai PBS 2015-08-07

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Major operator gathering aims to improve public transport serving Pattaya

PATTAYA:--Chonburi tourism officials and area tourism associations are bringing together at least 80 percent of the transportation providers serving Pattaya later this month for a workshop on how to provide better service and reduce complaints.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/846581-major-operator-gathering-aims-to-improve-public-transport-serving-pattaya/

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Briton Dies On Family Road Trip, 11 Injured

By Khaosod English


UK National Paul Flood was traveling with his wife and extended family to Ko Chang early this morning when their truck collided with a vehicle in Trat province, killing Flood.

TRAT — A British man was on the road with his family to an island vacation in the east of Thailand this morning when the truck he was riding in smashed head-on into another, killing him.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/846585-briton-dies-on-family-road-trip-in-thailand-11-injured/

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Colombian arrested with fake passport

PATTAYA:--A Colombian man is facing deportation after being caught using a counterfeit passport with a fake name.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/846586-colombian-arrested-with-fake-passport/

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Scaffolding collapse causes damage, no injuries

PATTAYA:--A scaffolding collapse at an under-construction hotel in North Pattaya caused property damage of more than 100,000 baht, but no injuries.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/846588-scaffolding-collapse-causes-damage-no-injuries/

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Severe weather, flash flood warning issued in Phuket
Eakkapop Thongtub


Residents are asked to take caution during this time.

PHUKET: -- The Thai Meteorological Department and The National Disaster Warning Centre have issued a severe weather warning at 11am today (August 7) for the South of Thailand, including Phuket and the Andaman region.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/846599-severe-weather-flash-flood-warning-issued-in-phuket/

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Bueng Kan tightens Thailand-Laos pier safety as Mekong River rises

BUENGKAN, 7 August 2015 (NNT) – Marine Department officials in the northeastern province of Bueng Kan have tightened safety inspections of the Thailand-Laos pier, amid rising water levels in the Mekong River.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/846600-bueng-kan-tightens-thailand-laos-pier-safety-as-mekong-river-rises/

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THAI to sell 30 properties
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thai Airways International is selling properties overseas and in Thailand, as part of its rehabilitation plan.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/846601-thai-to-sell-30-properties-overseas-and-in-thailand/

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UPDATE:

AVIATION
THAI's cost-cutting plan calls for sale of 30 properties
The Nation


THAI President Charamporn Jotikasthira

BANGKOK: -- Thai Airways International is selling properties overseas and in Thailand, as part of its rehabilitation plan that sets to turn around the loss-making airline.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/846601-thai-to-sell-30-properties-overseas-and-in-thailand/#entry9709128

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North Korea to set clocks back 30 minutes from the south

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea says it will establish its own time zone next week by pulling back its current standard time by 30 minutes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/846605-north-korea-to-set-clocks-back-30-minutes-from-the-south/

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French officials question Malaysia claims on Flight 370
By EILEEN NG

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia's assertion that more debris potentially linked to missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 had washed up on an Indian Ocean island prompted puzzlement from French officials, adding to criticisms that the international response to one of the most famous aviation mysteries of all time is suffering from an exasperating lack of cohesion.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/846606-french-officials-question-malaysia-claims-on-flight-370/

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Huge migrant camp in Calais takes on air of permanence
By ELAINE GANLEY

CALAIS, France (AP) — The kitchen is a rustic grill under a tarp in a fetid-smelling camp teaming with migrants — but for Zubair Nazari it means survival. The teen, who ended up in this port city after a perilous escape from the Taliban, sticks with a group of fellow Afghans who do their best to recreate the tastes of home — a stew of eggs, onions and tomatoes — amid a stretch of squalor known as "the jungle."

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/846607-huge-migrant-camp-in-calais-takes-on-air-of-permanence/