Thailand Live Wednesday 12 Aug 2015

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Kerry congratulates Her Majesty on 83rd birthday anniversary
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- US Secretary of State John Kerry has sent a message to honour Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of her 83rd birthday anniversary.

"I extend my warmest congratulations to you on the occasion of your 83rd birthday," Kerry said in the birthday message.

"On this special day, I honor your deep compassion for the Thai people and unflagging commitment to the development of your beautiful country. Your work has improved the livelihoods of numerous Thai people and inspired others in Thailand and beyond."

In the message, Kerry said he was confident that the ties between Thailand and the US, which continue for 182 years, would continue to grow stronger in years ahead.

"I wish you and the Royal Family continued health and happiness on this joyous occasion," Kerry said in the message.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Kerry-congratulates-Her-Majesty-on-83rd-birthday-a-30266427.html


-- The Nation 2015-08-12

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Police chief fires Texas officer who killed unarmed teen
By EMILY SCHMALL

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — A police officer who killed an unarmed college football player during a suspected burglary at a Texas car dealership was fired Tuesday for making mistakes that the city's police chief said caused a deadly confrontation that put him and other officers in danger.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847758-police-chief-fires-texas-officer-who-killed-unarmed-teen/

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Transport minister orders cut in interprovincial bus service fares



BANGKOK: -- The Ministry of Transport has decided to lower fares of interprovincial buses operated by the Transport Co and its concessionaries by 2-3 satang per one kilometer, effective from August 20.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847760-thai-transport-minister-orders-cut-in-interprovincial-bus-service-fares/

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23 Thai youths competing at WorldSkills 2015 in Sao Paulo, Brazil

BANGKOK, 12 August 2015 (NNT) – 23 Thai youths are showing off their skills at the WorldSkills 2015 competition in Sao Paulo, Brazil where they are expected to win in several categories.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847761-23-thai-youths-competing-at-worldskills-2015-in-sao-paulo-brazil/

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Core suspects in Ufun case arrested



BANGKOK, 12 August 2015 (NNT) - The Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) has announced the arrests of two siblings in connection with the Ponzi scheme operated by Ufun Store.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847763-core-suspects-in-ufun-case-arrested/

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NRC: PM Prayut will join “NRC Blueprint for Change" on Aug 13

BANGKOK, 12 August 2015 (NNT) - The Prime Minister is scheduled to join the main event of the National Reform Council in which an official summary of the reform efforts will be presented.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847765-nrc-pm-prayut-will-join-nrc-blueprint-for-change-on-aug-13/

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Suharto family ordered to pay back $324m in embezzled funds



JAKARTA: -- Indonesia's Supreme Court has ordered the family of former president Suharto to pay back to the state Rp 4.4 trillion ($324 million) in funds misappropriated during the late strongman’s lengthy reign, reported The Jakarta Globe.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847768-indonesias-suharto-family-ordered-to-pay-back-us324m-in-embezzled-funds/

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UPDATE:

Bush: US may need more troops in Iraq to beat Islamic State
By THOMAS BEAUMONT

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (AP) — Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush said Tuesday the U.S. may need to send more ground troops into Iraq to defeat Islamic State militants, but he stopped short of saying how many as he outlined his strategy for combating a threat that's "spreading like a pandemic."

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847579-jeb-bush-links-clinton-to-rise-of-islamic-state/#entry9725948

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Vietnam plans to extend visa validity for US tourists from 3 months to 1 year

VIETNAM: -- Thanh Nien News says the government of Vietnam is working on a plan to extend the validity of tourist visa for US citizens from three months to one year in a bid to attract more arrivals, citing a report by Vietnam News Agency.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847771-vietnam-plans-to-extend-visa-validity-for-us-tourists-from-3-months-to-1-year/

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Phuket residents stack sandbags in fear of more floods


Marine Police were on hand today to help Phuket residents prepare in case more rain, and floods, arrive. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: -- Residents at Nai Yang are stacking sandbags around their homes amid fears that floodwaters that have yet to subside from torrential downpours over the weekend will rise even further with more rain forecast for Phuket in the coming days.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847773-phuket-residents-stack-sandbags-in-fear-of-more-floods/

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All Thais invited to join candle lighting ceremony at Sanam Luang tonight

BANGKOK, 12 August 2015 (NNT) - The Office of the Permanent Secretary is inviting Thais across the nation to participate in the candle lighting ceremony to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s birthday anniversary today.

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha is expected to preside over the candle lighting ceremony, which will begin tonight at 19.19 hrs at Sanam Luang. People are able to join in the event at Sanam Luang or at their province's city hall.

Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office M.L. Panadda Diskul said a series of events will take place throughout today in honor of Her Majesty’s birthday celebration.

Alms-giving ceremonies were held nationwide earlier in the morning. On the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty’s birthday and Mother’s Day, many Thais have pledged to perform good deeds for the royal family under a campaign called ‘Panithan’.

M.L. Panadda added that every sector has prepared for the cycling campaign ‘Bike for Mom,’ which was initiated by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn.

The Permanent Secretary is also urging those joining the cycling event to have compassion towards others for the safety of everyone on this special occasion.


-- NNT 2015-08-12

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47 buyers in 5th govt rice auction

BANGKOK, 12 August 2015, (NNT) - The Ministry of Commerce's fifth rice bidding this year put 600,000 tons of rice on auction and attracted 47 private firms.

Department of Foreign Trade Director-General Duangporn Rodphaya revealed that a total of 58 eligible firms attended this bidding round, but only 47 bidders expressed interest in this batch of rice. Participating companies altogether bid 6.2 billion baht for 426,977 tons of rice, or 64% of the total on auction. The department also indicated that the most sought-after grains are 5% white rice and Jasmine rice bran.

The government was able to sell 4.4 million tons of rice for 48.59 billion baht at its five auctions this year. At the moment, there are 13.9 million tons of rice remain in government warehouses. Ms. Duangporn added that 1.29 million tons are considered rotten.

Meanwhile, the National Rice Policy Committee has resolved to sell more stockpiled rice to the industrial sector. In response, the Department will invite interested organizations to inspect rice stocks. Ms. Duangporn revealed that the department will meet on the matter this week and submit a proposal to the National Rice Policy Committee.


-- NNT 2015-08-12

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Govt confident more tourists will arrive in Thailand this year

BANGKOK, 12 August 2015 (NNT)- The Thai government is confident the number of foreign tourists visiting Thailand will soar to 28.8 million by the end of this year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847777-govt-confident-more-tourists-will-arrive-in-thailand-this-year/

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Heavy rain forecast for most parts of Thailand

BANGKOK, 12 August 2015 (NNT)-The Meteorological Department has said the North and North East of Thailand will continue to experience rainfall during this period.

According to the Department, the low monsoon trough and the south westerly wind still prevail in the North and the upper part of the Northeast of the country as well as in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.

Given the current weather conditions, people living in the East Coast and the South have also been warned of heavy rain and flash floods, especially those in Trat, Ranong, Pang Nga, Phuket and Krabi provinces.

Fishermen should proceed with caution when leaving the shore as waves could reach the maximum height of 3 meters.


-- NNT 2015-08-12

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Chaos at Don Mueang airport as Nok Air's computer crash strands passengers for hours



BANGKOK: -- Don Muang international airport turned chaotic early this morning when hundreds of passengers could not check in for their morning flights of Nok Air after its computer crashed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847815-chaos-at-don-mueang-airport-as-nok-airs-computer-crash-strands-passengers-for-hours/

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Severe weather, flooding in Phuket
Eakkapop Thongtub


Severe weather, flooding in Phuket

PHUKET: -- The weather has taken a turn for the worse as severe flooding has caused chaos on Phuket's roads.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847817-severe-weather-flooding-in-phuket/

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UPDATE:

Police voices concern over safety of people knowing about Chuwong's fishy share transfers



BANGKOK: -- As mystery surrounding the death of construction billionaire Chuwong saeTang and his share transfer to two mistresses worth over 300 million baht before his death in a van crash is inching closer to light, the Royal Thai Police spokseman today voiced concern over the safety of people who knew of the fishy share transfer, calling for them to turn themselves to the police.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847713-let-police-protect-you-somyot-advises-people-linked-to-chuwongs-share-transfers/#entry9726765

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China currency falls for 2nd day after surprise devaluation
JOE McDONALD, AP Business Writers
CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER, AP Business Writers

BEIJING (AP) — China's currency fell further Wednesday following a surprise change in its exchange rate mechanism that rattled global markets and threatens to fan trade tensions with the United States and Europe.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847820-china-currency-falls-for-2nd-day-after-surprise-devaluation/

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"China - Thailand Friendship Concert 2015” to be held next Friday

BANGKOK, 12 August 2015 (NNT) - The Government Public Relations Department (PRD) will host the "China - Thailand Friendship Concert 2015” on August 15 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the PRD Hall in Bangkok.

The concert comes under the “Thai-Chinese bond” concept to reflect their fruitful bilateral relations for over four decades through cultural performances and music by many famous artists from both countries. The concert is also part of the MOU on IT and Broadcasting Cooperation between Thailand’s PRD and State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of The People's Republic of China (SAPPRFT).

The concert will be recorded and broadcasted on Radio Thailand and NBT World-- the English language channels of the PRD-- and on China’s Guangxi television simultaneously. People can listen to the concert on Radio Thailand FM 92.5 MHz. from 4 p.m. onward.


-- NNT 2015-08-12

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PM gives alms on Mother’s Day

BANGKOK, 12 July 2015 (NNT) - Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-Ocha this morning offered alms to monks who travel on boats; meanwhile, tens of thousands of Thais donning blue make their way to the royal palace to sign well wishing messages for Her Majesty the Queen.

At the Parliament House, the Prime Minister and his wife, along with the Cabinet, this morning offered alms to the monks on the 83 birthday anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. The ceremony included a commemorative parade organized by the Ministry of Culture and a procession of 84 monks on boats.

A merit making ceremony has also been held for the public at Phadung Krung Kasem Canal opposite the Parliament House, where Mother’s Day gifts are sold.


-- NNT 2015-08-12

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TMB to shut down system on Aug 15
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- TMB Bank is closing its internet-based services nationwide from 3am to 6am on Saturday, August 15 to upgrade systems and increase transactions security.

Customers will be unable to perfrom any transactions during the period.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/TMB-to-shut-down-system-on-Aug-15-30266431.html


-- The Nation 2015-08-12

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UNCHR strongly criticises Thai military court



NEW YORK: -- The office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights yesterday issued a statement strongly criticising the Thai military court in sentencing two convicts guity of lese majeste charge.

As The Washington Post reported, its statement, released in Geneva, comes just four days after Thai military courts in separate cases gave prison sentences of 30 and 28 years, respectively, to a man and a woman for posting messages on Facebook found to have violated the lese majeste law .

Spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said the U.N. agency is urging the Thai government to amend the law, which it described as “vague and broad,” to meet international human rights standards, declaring that it should not be used to smother debate on public issues.

Both of the accused in last Friday’s cases were originally given substantial sentences that were halved because they pleaded guilty. The sentences were the longest in memory handed down for the non-violent crime under what is widely known as Article 112 of the Criminal Code.

The U.N. statement also mentioned a case in May where a businessman was given a sentence of 25 years — halved from 50 — for comments he posted on the Internet.

The U.N. human rights agency charged that the handling of lese majeste cases does not allow the right to a fair trial.

“The public has been barred from entry and in many instances there is no possibility of appeal,” it said. “International law requires that trials of civilians by military courts should be exceptional, and military trials must afford all due process guarantees provided for under international human rights law,” the statemnent said.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/unchr-strongly-criticises-thai-military-court


-- Thai PBS 2015-08-12

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Julian Assange: Wikileaks founder may walk free from London hide-out

LONDON: -- FUGITIVE Wikileaks founder Julian Assange could walk free from his diplomatic bolt-hole hide-out in London as early as next week with sexual assault allegations made against him set to expire.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847826-julian-assange-wikileaks-founder-may-walk-free-from-london-hide-out/

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JOBS
148.240 Thais work overseas
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- At the end of June, a number of 148,240 Thai workers have been working overseas, according to the Labour Ministry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847828-148240-thais-work-overseas/

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U.S. officials observe human trafficking eradication efforts in Samut Sakhon

SAMUT SAKHON, 12 August 2015, (NNT) - U.S. officials yesterday observed Thai authorities' efforts to eradicate human trafficking issues in Samut Sakhon Province. The information collected during the event would be contributed to the Trafficking in Persons Report next year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847830-us-officials-observe-human-trafficking-eradication-efforts-in-samut-sakhon/

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Thai economy unaffected by weakening yuan

BANGKOK, 12 August 2015 (NNT) – The Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Thailand (BOT) have confirmed that China’ decision to weaken its currency, Yuan, won’t affect the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847849-thai-economy-unaffected-by-weakening-yuan/

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PM says Thaksin's police rank case is now over



BANGKOK: -- Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s police lieutenant colonel rank issue was over after it was ruled Tuesday by a special panel that he could be stripped of his police rank, said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha on Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847853-pm-says-thaksins-police-rank-case-is-now-over/

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PM thanks rain-making teams for easing drought



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha has expressed his heart-felt thanks to the artificial rain-making staffs for their tireless efforts to ease drought problem since March, said Maj-Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd, deputy government spokesman on Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847859-pm-prayut-thanks-rain-making-teams-for-easing-drought/

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Cabinet rejects transport ministry's proposed termination of free bus-train ride scheme



BANGKOK: -- The cabinet yesterday rejected a proposal of the transport ministry's proposal to end the free bus and train ride scheme and to introduce fare discount scheme instead.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847860-thai-cabinet-rejects-transport-ministrys-proposed-termination-of-free-bus-train-ride-scheme/

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Two policemen killed and seven injured in car accident in Pattani

PATTANI: -- Two police officers were killed and seven others injured when a van in which they were travelling crashed into an army Humvee jeep parked on the roadside in Kok Pho district of Pattani Tuesday night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/847861-two-policemen-killed-and-seven-injured-in-car-accident-in-pattani/