Thailand Live Saturday 15 Aug 2015

[Lite Beer]

NLA spares 248 ex-MPs from impeachment

BANGKOK, 14 August 2015 (NNT) – The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) has resolved not to impeach 248 former MPs over their attempt to change the origin of senators under the 2007 Constitution.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....om-impeachment/

[Lite Beer]

Soldiers ‘Politely’ Stalk Pheu Thai Politician

By Khaosod Eng.

Former Pheu Thai MP Wattana Muengsuk speaks to reporters in July about his petition to get a year-old travel ban lifted. Photo: Matichon TV

BANGKOK — A pair of soldiers shadowing a former politician who filed a lawsuit against the military government were only doing so to have a polite conversation with him, a government spokesman explained yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....hai-politician/

[Lite Beer]

BMTA faces lawsuit alleging NGV bid collusion
Kesinee Taengkhiao
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- An NGV operator is suing Pol General Aek Angsananont, in his capacity as chairman of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) board, and another eight defendants for allegedly rigging bids for the purchase and maintenance of 489 NGV-fuelled buses.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....-bid-collusion/

[Lite Beer]

Deal over new chiefs?
THE NATION

Jakthip Chaijinda

BANGKOK: -- PRAWIT NAMES NEW POLICE CHIEF AMID RUMOURS THAT PM'S YOUNGER BROTHER PREECHA WILL BECOME NEXT ARMY CHIEF

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848481-deal-over-new-chiefs/

[Lite Beer]

Prayut not barred from 'crisis' panel
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- CDC SAYS KEY AIM OF REFORM COMMISSION IS TO AVOID POLITICAL DEADLOCK AS IN THE PAST

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848483-prayut-not-barred-from-crisis-panel/

[Lite Beer]

'We should deepen ties with China'
Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Former ambassador to Beijing urges Thailand to take advantage of China's strategy to reach out to Asean

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848484-we-should-deepen-ties-with-china/

[Lite Beer]

Somyot keen to complete Thaksin rank revocation during his term in office
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- NATIONAL police chief Pol General Somyot Poompan-muang now says he wants the process of revocation of Thaksin's police rank completed during his tenure.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848485-somyot-keen-to-complete-thaksin-rank-revocation-during-his-term-in-office/

[Lite Beer]

Thais in Abu Dhabi go biking for Queen
The Nation

LED BY the Thai ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, a huge number of Thais yesterday rode their bicycles around the world-famous Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen's birthday.

HM Queen Sirikit turned 83 on Wednesday.

Warawudh Chuwiruch, the Thai ambassador based in Abu Dhabi, had chaired the committee organising the "Bike for Mom" event in the UAE capital.

Yas Marina Circuit is a prominent place that hosts major world events, including the Formula One race.

The Bike for Mom event in Abu Dhabi attracted a number of Thai officials and Thai expatriates there.

Meanwhile, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) yesterday announced that it was now fully ready to host the Bike for Mom event and accommodate the 40,000 registered participants. The parade of cyclists will begin tomorrow.

"We have ensured that the physical infrastructure necessary for the event such as traffic signs, directions, lighting, decorative plants and flood-prevention mechanisms are functioning well," Bangkok city clerk Sanya Chenimit said.

He added that police, the military and the BMA would cooperate to ensure safety during the event.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Thais-in-Abu-Dhabi-go-biking-for-Queen-30266634.html

-- The Nation 2015-08-15

[Lite Beer]

NRC anti-graft panel offers 3-punch strategy
MARISA ISHIKAWA
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE ANTI-CORRUPTION reform panel under the National Reform Council (NRC) disclosed three strategies in the "NRC Blueprint for Change" event on Thursday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848486-nrc-anti-graft-panel-offers-3-punch-strategy/

[Lite Beer]

Jobs overseas cheaper if sought via ministry
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- AS of the end of June, the number of Thais working overseas stood at 148,240, according the Labour Ministry, and the top five countries are Taiwan with 59,021, Malaysia 38,824, Singapore 36,000, Israel 25,824, and South Korea with 22,825.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848487-jobs-overseas-cheaper-if-sought-via-ministry/

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

BMTA faces lawsuit alleging collusion over NGV bus bid
Kesinee Taengkhiao
The Nation

AN NGV operator is suing Pol General Aek Angsananont, in his capacity as chairman of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) board, and another eight defendants for allegedly rigging bids for the purchase and maintenance of 489 NGV-fuelled buses.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848450-bmta-faces-lawsuit-alleging-ngv-bid-collusion/#entry9736095

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Former MPs spared impeachment
KASAMAKORN CHANWANPEN
THE NATION

Votes cast by the 220 members of the National Legislative Assembly on whether or not to impeach 248 former MPs are counted yesterday.

BANGKOK: -- ALMOST 250 ex-House of Representatives members survived impeachment by the National Legislative Assembly yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848448-nla-spares-248-ex-mps-from-impeachment/#entry9736100

[Lite Beer]

'People's Council' would be better to regulate the media, experts say
ASINA PORNWASIN
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- A PROFESSIONAL body to regulate the media under the name "National Mass Media Council" is not the way to oversee the media according to concepts of the draft law on the protection of media rights and freedom, promoting ethical conduct, and standards of the profession, panellists said at a public seminar on Thursday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848489-peoples-council-would-be-better-to-regulate-the-media-experts-say/

[Lite Beer]

Sansern 'to become govt spokesman'
THE NATION August 15, 2015 1:00 am

Sansern Kaewkamnerd

BANGKOK: -- MAJOR Sansern Kaewkamnerd, who recently resigned from this post as deputy government spokesman, is tipped to be promoted to government spokesman, a source at Government House said yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848490-sansern-to-become-govt-spokesman/

[Lite Beer]

NLA to boost nation's image
WATCHIRANONT THONGTEP
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE NATIONAL Legislative Assembly is considering attempts to improve the country's image through "quality tourism" strategies and further engaging international agencies to show that Thailand is transitioning to a democratic government.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848491-nla-to-boost-nations-image/

[Lite Beer]

Land appraisals likely to be ready for new property tax
ERICH PARPART
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- AN APPRAISAL of Thailand's 32 million land plots by the Treasury Department is expected to be completed in time for it to be used as the basis to calculate the proposed property tax on land and buildings.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848492-land-appraisals-likely-to-be-ready-for-new-property-tax/

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL
Tarit's 'victim of the system' defence duly ignored
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The convicted former DSI chief, a political chameleon, perhaps embodies the bureaucracy's deepest flaw

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848493-tarits-victim-of-the-system-defence-duly-ignored/

[Lite Beer]

Pattaya Police arrest suspect in Pineapple Plantation Murder case from Rayong

PATTAYA: -- A 35 year old man is in Police Custody, accused of killing and then burning the body of a 32 year old female Beer Bar Owner at a Pineapple Plantation in Rayong.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848494-pattaya-police-arrest-suspect-in-pineapple-plantation-murder-case-from-rayong/

[Lite Beer]

Unusual theft of money from Monk at East Pattaya Temple

PATTAYA: -- On Friday the Deputy Chief Abbot of a Temple in East Pattaya revealed to the local press that 18,000 Baht was stolen from him in an unusual manner which the Monk believes involves him being drugged.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848495-unusual-theft-of-money-from-monk-at-east-pattaya-temple/

[Lite Beer]

Devalued yuan to benefit Thai tourism in long run, TCTA believes

BANGKOK, 14 August 2015 (NNT) - Vichit Prakorbkosol, honorary president of the Thai-Chinese Tourism Association (TCTA) said that China’s devaluation of its currency has not yet showed negative impacts on tourism in Thailand.

He explained that the Baht had been weakened even before the yuan was devalued a few days ago. He was optimistic that the devaluation would benefit Thai tourism in the long run.

He said the weaker yuan was aimed at revving up China’s slowing economy and sagging exports. After a period, it should result in a better Chinese economy and bring back purchasing power to Chinese people. By that time, he said the Chinese would be travelling for leisure and shopping again.

-- NNT 2015-08-14

[Lite Beer]

PM asks Thais to stop using plastic bags every 15th day of the month

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha has urged members of the public to stop using plastic bags every 15th day of the month starting this Saturday in order to protect the environment.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848496-pm-asks-thais-to-stop-using-plastic-bags-every-15th-day-of-the-month/

[Lite Beer]

Sports minister urged to investigate president of Thai Football Association

BANGKOK: -- Former manager of the Thai national soccer team has asked Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanawarangkul to investigate the management of the Thai Football Association under the incumbent president Mr Worawi Magudee.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848498-sports-minister-urged-to-investigate-president-of-thai-football-association/

[Lite Beer]

Army out in force in Samui last night to ensure no alcohol being sold within 300 meters of the university

KOH SAMUI: -- Last night, 13th August, the Army were out in force in Koh Samui upholding the new law that states shops and convenience stores within a 300 meter radius of any university do not sell alcohol.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848499-army-out-in-force-in-samui-last-night-to-ensure-no-alcohol-being-sold-within-300-meters/

[Lite Beer]

Kerry calls for democracy as US flag is raised in Cuba
BRADLEY KLAPPER, Associated Press
MICHAEL WEISSENSTEIN, Associated Press

HAVANA (AP) — Jubilant crowds waved American flags and chanted "Long live the United States!" as the Stars and Stripes rose over the newly reopened U.S. Embassy in Cuba on Friday after a half-century of often-hostile relations. Secretary of State John Kerry celebrated the day but also made an extraordinary, nationally broadcast call for democratic change on the island.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848503-kerry-calls-for-democracy-as-us-flag-is-raised-in-cuba/

[Lite Beer]

Islamic State leader raped American hostage, US finds
KEN DILANIAN, AP Intelligence Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — American hostage Kayla Mueller was repeatedly forced to have sex with Abu Bakr Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State group, U.S. intelligence officials told her family in June.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848506-islamic-state-leader-abused-american-hostage-us-finds/

[Lite Beer]

Far-right opponents' barn burns down in Germany

BERLIN (AP) — A barn belonging to a couple in a northern German village who have been outspoken opponents of local neo-Nazis has burned down in what police say appears to be a case of arson.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848509-far-right-opponents-barn-burns-down-in-germany/

[Lite Beer]

N. Korea threatens strikes over S.Korea propaganda broadcasts
By FOSTER KLUG

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea on Saturday threatened to attack South Korean loudspeakers that are broadcasting anti-Pyongyang propaganda messages across their shared border, the world's most heavily armed.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848510-n-korea-threatens-strikes-over-skorea-propaganda-broadcasts/

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

PM urges public participation in waste management campaign

BANGKOK, 15 August 2015 (NNT) – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has urged the public to reduce use of plastic bags and Styrofoam as the government declared waste management a national agenda.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848496-pm-asks-thais-to-stop-using-plastic-bags-every-15th-day-of-the-month/#entry9736343

[Lite Beer]

40 injured as overloaded tour bus 'slips' over road's edge in failed ascend of Patong Hill
Eakkapop Thongtub

Photo: Khru Nui

PHUKET: Slippery oil was initially blamed for a tour bus slipping backward off the edge of the steep road at the base of Patong Hill, but police have since cited that the bus was too 'overloaded' to ascend the hill.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848557-four-injured-as-overloaded-tour-bus-slips-over-roads-edge-in-failed-ascend-of-patong-hill/

[Lite Beer]

'Safe and healthy food' fair to be staged in Phuket Town next weekend

PHUKET: August 22 and 23 have been designated for an upcoming safe and healthy food fair to be held at Lime Light Avenue in Phuket Town.


The fair will feature a Nam Phrik menu preparation demonstration. Photo: Takeaway

PHUKET: -- The Phuket Public Health Office (PPHO), in collaboration with the Phuket Agricultural Office, announced details of the event at meeting yesterday (August 14) at the PPHO in Phuket Town.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848552-safe-and-healthy-food-fair-to-be-staged-in-phuket-town-next-weekend/