Thailand Live Monday 10 Aug 2015

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ASEAN CULTURAL CENTRE
We're all in this together
Phatarawadee Phataranawik
The Nation


A visitor tries on traditional Vietnamese costume at one of the virtual displays in the new Asean Cultural Centre in Bangkok. Nation/Anant Chantarasoot

Tradition fused with high tech, the new Asean Cultural Centre brings all the marvels of Southeast Asia to Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- The Asean Economic Community is almost upon us, and what better way for Thais to get the hang of the new arrangement than having a little fun dressing in an elegant Vietnamese ao dai - well, the women at least. The guys can join in for some virtual merit-making at Myanmar's gilded Shwedagon Pagoda or a taste of the Indonesian dish tumpeng.

And everyone can enjoy a Cambodian apsara dance and learn how they cultivate rice at the beautiful Banaue terraces in the Philippines, a World Heritage site.

Exploring the fascinating art and culture of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations could take a lifetime, but an hour or two spent at the new Asean Cultural Centre in Bangkok amount to a well-spent sampler of wonderful places, traditional food, charming languages and other valued treasures.

Touted as "the first living cultural centre" in Southeast Asia, the Bt15-million repository officially opened on Friday, a day before the annual Asean Community Day. It's at the Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Centre near the Democracy Monument, and operates under the auspices of the Culture Ministry's Office of Contemporary Art and Culture.

Spread over 600 metres are interactive digital exhibitions and artefacts that constitute an education in Southeast Asian history, art and livelihoods.

"This centre will become a cultural platform for Asean-member countries where people can acknowledge and enjoy the similarities and diversity of our cultural identities," Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn said at a ceremony on Friday. "I hope it will achieve its objective of promoting one Asean community through greater awareness and common values."

Asean Secretary General Le Luong Minh and the culture ministers and other representatives of all 10 countries were on hand for the ceremony, bringing souvenirs of their homelands for the centre.

In one room is the Asean Cultural Collection, including an elaborate headdress long worn by Robam Tep Apsara, lead dancer of the Royal Ballet of Cambodia, which in 2008 was listed by Unesco as "intangible cultural heritage". From the Philippines comes the hegelung, a two-stringed lute from the Tboli community of Mindanao.

Indonesia has set up a miniature tongkonan house, boat-shaped with an oversized saddleback roof, as found among the Torajan people of South Sulawesi, and the rice-barn known as an alang, a symbol of family prosperity.

Elsewhere are displayed 10 of Thailand's national treasures from the National Museum. The oldest are two Sukhothai-era samples of Sangkhalok porcelain, 700 years old. From the Rattanakosin Period are a golden standing bejewelled crowned Buddha, a nilapat mask, a copper niello-enamelled pedestal tray and a mother-of-pearl-inlay tulum tray.

For all the great age of the exhibits, the centre leans heavily on high technology to spark interest and imagination - digital formats and eye-catching animations - but tradition is deemed sacrosanct and everything has been set up in consultation with experts from the 10 countries.

"History and culture can be sensitive, so we are very pleased to have received the help and advice of Dr Sunet Chutinotranon, the Chulalongkorn University expert on Southeast Asian studies," Thai Culture Ministry Permanent Secretary Apinan Poshyananda explained.

It's a largely virtual world, nonetheless, including the chance to "try on" the national costumes of our neighbouring countries, stand next to their landmarks and learn about their food.

The first of six designated zones is called "The Melting Pot of Asean Culture", where a curved wall digitally displays each nation's story, complete with an animated elder telling his grandson (in English and Thai) how all this came to pass.

A huge dome fashioned from the Asean logo is the "We are Asean" zone. The regional bloc's flag sits above as visitors learn about the group's founding in 1967 and the significant events, religious beliefs and artistic traditions of each member-country, all the information projected on the curved wall.

A virtual window leads to the "Asean Streets" zone, where suddenly you're strolling down Singapore's shop-filled Orchard Road or standing in front of Wat Phra Kaew. The space is full of artefacts, photographs and works of art and literature - and Augmented Reality Interactive Technology.

"Asean National Costumes" deploys the Kinect Interactive Technique to dress visitors in any or all of the 10 traditional outfits and have their picture taken as a keepsake.

And Augmented Reality Technology comes to the fore in the "Asean Dishes", much fun and very educational. You pick a plate bearing the country's flag and watch the dish prepared in front of you - Indonesian tumpeng, ambuyat from Brunei and Burmese lahpet, made with fermented tea.

Reminiscent of a modern urban park with trees and artificial grass, the Asean Park E-Library is stocked with e-books on Asean history and culture, ready for browsing. There are more than 200 titles, mostly in English, such as "Celebrating the Source: Water Festivals of Southeast Asia", "Do's and Don'ts of Cultural Practice in Asean" and "The Cultural Traditional Media of Asean". Projected on the wall are descriptions of the region's World Heritage sites, like Wat Chaiwattanaram in Ayutthaya, Vietnam's Ha Long Bay and the Borobhudur Temple in Indonesia. Learn more by visiting www.elibrary-acc.com.

The Knowledge Lab is a separate glassed-in section where designers, culture experts and anyone else who's interested can share ideas for future activities. Also on view will be temporary exhibitions.

"I hope the opening of the Asean culture centre will underscore the motto of Asean - 'One vision, one identity, one community'," General Tanasak remarked.

ONE COMMUNITY

The Asean Cultural Centre is on the third floor of the Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Centre on Ratchadamnoen Klang Road.

It's open from 10am to 5pm daily except Mondays and public holidays. Admission is free.

Find out more at (02) 422 8943 or [email protected] or www.elibrary-acc.com

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/life/Were-all-in-this-together-30266207.html

-- The Nation 2015-08-10

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New Season, New Football Gambling arrests made in Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- With the new English Premier League Football Season starting over the weekend, the illegal football gambling operations are also starting up again, however District Officials say they are right behind them and vow to shut-down all football gambling operations in Pattaya over the next few weeks.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847127-new-season-new-football-gambling-arrests-made-in-pattaya/

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Bangkok Foundation and Pattaya Police round-up illegal foreign beggars



PATTAYA: -- Pattaya Police, in conjunction with the Mirror Foundation from Bangkok, conducted an operation on Sunday to remove Cambodian street beggars from the streets of Pattaya.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847128-bangkok-foundation-and-pattaya-police-round-up-illegal-foreign-beggars/

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SURVEY:

Will political upheaval return to Thailand?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847045-survey-will-political-upheaval-return-to-thailand/

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SPECIAL REPORT
NRC members divided on charter provisions
Marisa Ishikawa,
Wasamon Audjarint,
Kasamakorn Chanwanpen
The Nation

Many also opposed to giving the government another two years to complete reforms

BANGKOK: -- The provision for a non-MP prime minister, the mixed proportional election system, and selection of Senate members remained major concerns in the eyes of some reformers who regard them as the weakest points in the new constitution, which are capable of creating more political trouble in the future when they come into force.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847129-nrc-members-divided-on-thai-charter-provisions/

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Hard choices to be made about 'sin tax'
Pratch Rujivanarom
The Nation


Thailand Development and Research Institute president Somkiat Tangkitvanich, left, Thai Public Broadcasting Service managing director Somchai Suwanban, middle, and Thai Health Promotion Foundation deputy manager Krisada Ruangareerat

BANGKOK: -- ACADEMICS yesterday suggested that instead of cancelling the "sin tax" funding to agencies, a limit should be placed on agencies' budgeting and spending methods to ensure transparency.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847130-hard-choices-to-be-made-about-sin-tax/

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
NRC 'blueprint' is ready
Wiraj Sripong
The Nation

Now it's up to the government to implement it: Alongkorn

BANGKOK: -- The National Reform Council (NRC)'s "blueprint for change", based on the principles of laying the groundwork for a strong democratic society and an attractive economy, will be submitted to the Cabinet on Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847131-thai-interview-nrc-blueprint-is-ready/

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
GPO head pleads for help to adjust to new state procurement law
Chularat Saengpassa
The Nation


Dr.Nopporn

Says its privileges provide Thais with vital access to lifesaving drugs and must stay for at least five years

BANGKOK: -- THE GOVERNMENT Pharmaceutical Organisation which sees itself as a fundamental pillar for the health sector insists that its privileges in distributing medicine and supplies to state hospitals should continue for at least five more years.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847132-thailands-gpo-head-pleads-for-help-to-adjust-to-new-state-procurement-law/

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EDITORIAL
Army reshuffle gives Prayut another headache
The Nation

PM'S "BLOOD TIES" WILL FACE BROAD SCRUTINY

BANGKOK: -- In a few weeks, another important issue will compete with the constitutional "reform" as headline news. The upcoming military reshuffle has added significance thanks to the national situation and blood ties between Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and one candidate for the top Army post. Politically, it will be vociferous and tense, perhaps paving the way for another round of scary rumours.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847133-army-reshuffle-gives-prayut-another-headache/

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Liquor and cigarette companies suspected of attack on 'sin tax' revenue
Chularat Saengpassa
The Nation


Supreda

BANGKOK: -- THE Health Promotion Foundation has voiced suspicion that some liquor and cigarette firms are behind efforts to ban the use of an earmarked tax.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847134-liquor-and-cigarette-companies-suspected-of-attack-on-sin-tax-revenue/

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'Reformers should give explanations'
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Reformers should write statements in support of their votes on the draft charter, a political observer has suggested.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847135-thai-politics-reformers-should-give-explanations/

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Criminal Court to open new divisions today
Kesinee Taengkhieo
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court's new divisions on human trafficking, corruption and misbehaviour by state officials, and narcotics will open today, while a memorandum of understanding on human trafficking will be signed.

Supreme Court president Direk Ingkaninan will preside over the opening ceremony this morning.

Pattarasak Wannasang, secretarygeneral of the Office of Judiciary of Thailand, will also speak at the event.

During the ceremony, the MoU on developing a criminal justice system for human trafficking cases will be signed by representatives of the Criminal Court, the Office of the Attorney General, the Royal Thai Police, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS).

The MoU aims to improve the efficiency of prosecutions in human traf

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Criminal-Court-to-open-new-divisions-today-30266255.html


-- The Nation 2015-08-10

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UPDATE:

Hundreds of 'street-racers' arrested on way to 'charity event'
Khanathit Srihirandej
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A TOTAL OF 361 "street-racers" were rounded up yesterday morning and their 258 motorcycles seized on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road in Chatuchak district while they were participating in a "charity and tourism trip" to Nakhon Nayok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/846939-motorists-advised-to-beware-of-illegal-street-racers/page-2?p=9717609#entry9717609

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Airlines owe British flyers millions in delayed flight compensation

LONDON, England - Delayed airline passengers could be missing out on millions of pounds worth of compensation, a consumer investigation has claimed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847139-airlines-owe-british-flyers-millions-in-delayed-flight-compensation/

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Chinese Liquor Suppliers Accused Of Putting Viagra In Booze
Food safety is a chronic problem in China
REUTERS

BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese police are investigating if two distillers in the southwestern region of Guangxi added impotence treatment drug Viagra to their liquor in the latest food-safety scare in China.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847141-chinese-liquor-suppliers-accused-of-putting-viagra-in-booze/

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Israel cracks down on Jewish extremists with new arrests
By DANIEL ESTRIN

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel intensified its crackdown on Jewish extremists Sunday, imprisoning two high-profile ultranationalist Israelis for six months without charge and arresting additional suspects in West Bank settlement outposts, security authorities said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847143-trump-defends-record-on-women-as-presidential-rivals-pile-on/

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Minutes of silence, march mark Brown anniversary in Ferguson
By JIM SALTER and JIM SUHR

FERGUSON, Mo. (AP) — One year after the shooting that cast greater scrutiny on how police interact with black communities, the father of slain 18-year-old Michael Brown led a march in Ferguson, Missouri, on Sunday after a crowd of hundreds observed 4½ minutes of silence.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847144-minutes-of-silence-march-mark-brown-anniversary-in-ferguson/

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Trump defends record on women as presidential rivals pile on
By JILL COLVIN

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump doesn't appear to be going away anytime soon, so his rivals are scrambling to figure out how best to handle the blowback from every new bout of bluster drowning out their campaigns.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847143-trump-defends-record-on-women-as-presidential-rivals-pile-on/

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Social Security at 80: Modest changes could save program
By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER

WASHINGTON (AP) — As Social Security approaches its 80th birthday Friday, the federal government's largest benefit program stands at a pivotal point in its history.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847145-us-social-security-at-80-modest-changes-could-save-program/

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Pro Football Hall of Famer Frank Gifford dies at 84
By BARRY WILNER

NEW YORK (AP) — From the football field to the broadcast booth, Frank Gifford was a star. And a winner.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847146-pro-football-hall-of-famer-frank-gifford-dies-at-84/

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Police: Man who killed 8 had a dispute with woman victim
By JUAN A. LOZANO

HOUSTON (AP) — A family of six children and two parents were handcuffed and fatally shot in the head at a Houston home by a man with a violent criminal history who had previously been in a relationship with the mother and had a dispute with her, authorities said Sunday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847148-six-children-and-two-adults-found-shot-dead-in-texas-home/

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Australia suggests Vegemite sales limit amid 'alcohol abuse'

(BBC) Australia's government says some communities should consider limiting the sale of the popular Vegemite spread because it is being used to make alcohol.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847149-australia-suggests-vegemite-sales-limit-amid-alcohol-abuse/

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Catholics wrestle with teachings as gay employees dismissed
MARYCLAIRE DALE, Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Pope Francis refined his vision for the church last week when he said long-spurned divorced and remarried Catholics should be welcomed with "open doors." And he has famously parsed centuries of thought on homosexuality into a five-word quip: "Who am I to judge?"

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847150-us-catholics-wrestle-with-teachings-as-gay-employees-dismissed/

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Migrants 'threaten EU standards' says Philip Hammond

LONDON: -- Europe will not be able to preserve its living standards if it has to absorb millions of migrants from Africa, the foreign secretary has said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847151-migrants-threaten-eu-standards-uk-fm-hammond/

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As it turns 50, Singapore celebrates success amid challenges
ANNABELLE LIANG, Associated Press

SINGAPORE (AP) — Singapore threw a big party Sunday for its 50th anniversary of independence and unrivaled economic success in a region struggling with poverty and political instability, even as the city-state began feeling the pinch of a midlife crisis.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847152-as-it-turns-50-singapore-celebrates-success-amid-challenges/

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Charter drafters adopt Cabinet's ideas on National Strategic Reform and Reconciliation Commission
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- As recommended by the Cabinet, the Constitution Drafting Committee may include the prime minister, plus the Parliament President as members of the National Strategic Reform and Reconciliation Commission to prevent criticism that the NSRRC's powers overlap with existing branches of government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847154-charter-drafters-adopt-cabinets-ideas-on-national-strategic-reform-and-reconciliation-commission/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Nearly 1 million affected by Myanmar floods; 99 dead

MIN KYI THEIN, Associated Press

NYAUNG KON VILLAGE, Myanmar (AP) — The number of people affected by flooding across Myanmar was approaching 1 million on Sunday, with waters in the low-lying southwestern delta inundating homes and forcing villagers into temporary shelters, the government said. The death toll was on the verge of topping 100.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847155-nearly-1-million-affected-by-myanmar-floods;-99-dead/

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Transport Ministry suggests BMTA cancel orders of remaining NGV buses

BANGKOK, 10 August 2015, (NNT) - The Ministry of Transport has strongly suggested that the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) consider cancelling its planned purchase of the 2nd batch of 2,694 buses running on natural gas (NGV).

The ministry's Permanent Secretary Soithip Traisut made the suggestion during a meeting with the BMTA, the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning and the Department of Land Transport. The ministry made the recommendation after it had forwarded to the BMA last week the feasibility study of the viability of electric buses for public transportation. According to the study, natural gas is not suitable for public transportation purposes in the long run due to price and availability.

Yesterday's meeting concluded that BMTA should either purchase electric buses or maintain the existing 2,860 buses scheduled for decommission until further notice.

The meeting however agreed with the BMTA's plan to sell a batch of its 628 older buses, asking the agency to provide the ministry with the details of the plan to sell those buses as soon as possible.


-- NNT 2015-08-10

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Man, 24, gunned down amid crowded festivity at Chalong Chinese temple
Darawan Naknakhon


Man, 24, gunned down amid crowded festivity at Chalong Chinese temple

PHUKET: -- A 24 year old Thai man named only as 'Joy' is in critical condition after being shot in his upper torso at a crowded Chinese temple last night in Phuket's southern municipality of Chalong.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847160-man-24-gunned-down-amid-crowded-festivity-at-chalong-chinese-temple/

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Bangladesh police kill 6 alleged tiger poachers in gunfight
JULHAS ALAM, Associated Press

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — Police on Sunday killed six suspected tiger poachers in the world's largest mangrove forest in southwestern Bangladesh, home to critically endangered Royal Bengal tigers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847166-bangladesh-police-kill-6-alleged-tiger-poachers-in-gunfight/