PM Paetongtarn Faces Legal Battle Over Advisor Appointments

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BMA: Bike for Mom event in Bangkok huge success

BANGKOK, 17 August 2015, (NNT) - Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) City Clerk Sanya Chinimitr has reported that the Bike for Mom event held yesterday in the capital was a huge success even though there were reportedly a few accidents during the race.

According to Mr. Sanya, a massive crowd attended the event, both participating in the race and giving moral support to the cyclists, led by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn along the routes.

The City Clerk disclosed however that several event-goers who were exposed to the day's soaring temperature over an extended period of time had heat stroke. Thanks to the BMA's preparedness, the medics stationed at various resting spots were able to offer first aid treatments to the patients.

A few accidents occurred during the race, with some of the cyclists sustaining minor injuries. All of them received the medical treatment immediately.

He also said that participants in the historical event had united to express the love of their mother--the mother of the land-- Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, and the monarchy. Mr. Sanya said the event would not have turned out as successful as it did without cooperation from all sides.


-- NNT 2015-08-17

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Indonesia to sink 70 illegal foreign ships on Tuesday



JAKARTA: -- A total of 70 foreign ships caught in Indonesian waters without the necessary permits will be destroyed on various locations across the country on Tuesday, a day after the nation celebrates 70 years of independence, The Jakarta Globe reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848951-indonesia-to-sink-70-illegal-foreign-ships/

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SET down 1.23 points at opening /Bangkok Post

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Bug-killing book pages clean murky drinking water
By Jonathan Webb

(BBC) A book with pages that can be torn out to filter drinking water has proved effective in its first field trials.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848954-bug-killing-book-pages-clean-murky-drinking-water/

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Tropical storm 'Goni' strengthens, to enter Philippines by Wednesday



MANILA: -- Manila Bulletin reported that a tropical cyclone with international name “Goni” has further strengthened, citing the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Serves Administration (Pagasa).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848984-tropical-storm-goni-strengthens-to-enter-philippines-by-wednesday/

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Chuwong's family now goes to Khunying Porntip



BANGKOK: -- The family of the construction billionaire Chuwong Sae Tang is now resorting to Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan, director of the Central Institute of Forensic Science, for help to examine forensic autopsy to divulge the actual cause of his death.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848985-chuwongs-family-now-goes-to-khunying-porntip/

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US to withdraw Patriot missile system from Turkey

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — The United States is withdrawing its Patriot missile system deployed near Turkey's border with Syria when its mandate expires in October.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848986-us-to-withdraw-patriot-missile-system-from-turkey/

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Trawler arrested in Krabi for illegal fishing

KRABI, 17 August 2015, (NNT) - Thailand Maritime Enforcement Coordination Center Area 3 arrested a trawler fishing illegally in the protected waters of Krabi province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848991-trawler-arrested-in-krabi-for-illegal-fishing/

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Min of Commerce invites public sector to yuan meeting

BANGKOK, 17 August 2015, (NNT) - The Ministry of Commerce will invite Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), Thai National Shippers' Council (TNSC) and National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) to tomorrow's meeting on ways to handle the devaluation of China's yuan.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848992-thai-commerce-min-invites-public-sector-to-yuan-meeting/

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MOPH warns against eating wild mushrooms

BANGKOK, 17 August 2015 (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health is urging people to be mindful of the type of wild mushroom they are eating during the rainy season, given the number of fatal mushroom poisonings that occur every year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848998-thai-public-health-min-warns-against-eating-wild-mushrooms/

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Australian Guy Praise Thai People for Kindness after Getting His Wallet Back



KOH SAMUI: -- On August 9 Mr. Barry Gordon Holmes, an Australia tourist, traveled from Koh Tao to Samui Airport to retrieve his lost wallet containing credit cards and 100,000 in cash

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849003-koh-samui-aussie-praises-thai-people-for-kindness-after-getting-his-wallet-back/

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'French Fries' crowned Miss Thailand World
By Coconuts Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- Twenty-two-year-old “French Fries” from Chiang Mai was crowned the new Miss Thailand World and won a THB1 million cash prize along with a new house and brand-new Nissan on Saturday night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849007-french-fries-crowned-miss-thailand-world/

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Phony 'Cambodian Masseuse' Snatches Russian Gold in Pattaya
By Khaosod English


A Pattaya police officer poses with the purloined gold necklace and handbag belonging to a fake masseuse who lured a Russian this morning with false promise of a roadside massage.

CHONBURI — A woman claiming to be a Cambodian masseur reportedly robbed a Russian tourist in the resort town of Pattaya this morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849011-phony-cambodian-masseuse-snatches-russian-gold-in-pattaya/

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DSD to raise the standards of vocational skills to match global recognition

BANGKOK, 17 August 2015 (NNT)-The Department of Skill Development (DSD) will be working in collaboration with educational institutions to raise the standards of vocational skills for Thai students, bringing them on a par with international standards.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849014-dsd-to-raise-the-standards-of-vocational-skills-to-match-global-recognition/

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Rainfall declines in many parts of Thailand

BANGKOK, 17 August 2015 (NNT)-Rainfall levels have declined in many areas of Thailand except the North of the country where more precipitation is forcast.

The Meteorological Department, advises that a low pressure system, which is currently moving across Myanmar and Vietnam, will bring more rain to the Northern provinces this week.

A weakening south westerly wind in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea has also contributed to the lower amount of rainfall in the rest of the nation.

Meanwhile, those planning to travel to Taiwan late this week are advised to consult a weather forecast as a tropical storm ‘Goni’ is expected to make landfall in Taiwan from August 21st – 23rd.


-- NNT 2015-08-17

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MRTA to propose land expropriation to build Yellow and Pink Lines



BANGKOK: -- Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has proposed the Transport Ministry to seek approval from the cabinet to issue an executive decree to expropriate lands for the construction of its Yellow Line and Pink Line.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849015-mrta-to-propose-land-expropriation-to-build-yellow-and-pink-lines/

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Australian Embassy to hold Phuket outreach visit
The Phuket News


The Consular section of the Australian Embassy in Bangkok will visit Phuket on September 11. Photo: Diana Parkhouse

PHUKET: -- The Consular Services section of the Australian Embassy in Bangkok will conduct a Consular outreach visit to Phuket on Friday, September 11.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849027-australian-embassy-to-hold-phuket-outreach-visit/

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Tech-savvy thief uses Google Maps to rob homes
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: Google

KHON KAEN: -- The majority of people use Google Maps as a tool to help direct a lost taxi driver or find a place among a labyrinth of sois.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849028-tech-savvy-thief-in-khon-kaen-uses-google-maps-to-rob-homes/

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CDC promises 'modern' constitution

BANGKOK, 17 August 2015 (NNT) - The Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) said the new charter has been modernized, and that the panel considered all comments from every sector when it was being drafted.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849030-cdc-promises-modern-thai-constitution/

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Pak Moon Dam gates lifted to replenish the Moon River

UBON RATCHATHANI: -- The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has begun to release more water from the Pak Moon Dam into the Moon River to restore the ecosystem.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849031-pak-moon-dam-gates-lifted-to-replenish-the-moon-river/

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CDC spokesman allays fear of Crisis Committee



BANGKOK: -- The Constitution Drafting Committee spokesman has tried to allay public concern about the National Strategic Reform and Reconciliation Committee or Crisis Committee assuring that there is nothing to be worried about.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/848907-wissanu-defends-crisis-panels-powers/#entry9744077

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Buddhist man killed in drive-by shooting in Pattani

Pattani - A Buddhist, who was hired as a security officer under a government project, was fatally injured in a drive-by shooting in Pattani's Nong Chik district Monday morning, police said.

Police said Samrerng Thongtrachu, 37, was shot at by a pillion rider while he was riding his motorcycle to work. Samrerng was hired under a special econmic-stimulant government project to watch over a road in Tambon Lipa Sango.

He was shot twice at his head and he died at the Nong Chik Hospital.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Buddhist-man-killed-in-drive-by-shooting-in-Pattan-30266736.html


-- The Nation 2015-08-17

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Phuket wants more tsunami warning towers
Suthicha Sirirat


Officials inspect one of the island's 19 tsunami warning towers.

PHUKET: -- Phuket has requested an additional budget which will be used to purchase three more tsunami emergency towers and new tsunami evacuation route signs.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849037-phuket-wants-more-tsunami-warning-towers/

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Yingluck criticises draft charter



BANGKOK: -- Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra has criticised the draft constitution which is to be voted by the Constitution Drafting Committee on September 7, saying the constitution must be tied to the people and must serve the people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849039-yingluck-criticises-draft-charter/

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New banknote unveiled
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Bank of Thailand Governor Prasarn Trairatvorakul unveils today the new Bt1,000 banknote.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849041-new-thai-banknote-unveiled/

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Escalator malfunction scares shoppers at Gateway Ekamai
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Another escalator managed to scare people when one of its steps broke at Gateway Ekamai Saturday. The broken escalator forced shoppers to run up the stairs to avoid getting their legs chopped off. (It was maybe not as dramatic as that but it would make us run for our lives).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849042-escalator-malfunction-scares-shoppers-at-gateway-ekamai/

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Special police team to take over Chuwong’s death and unusual share transfer probe



BANGKOK: -- Royal Thai Police commissioner Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmuong today ordered the forming a new police team to handle investigation of the suspicious death and unusual share transfer of construction billionaire Chuwong Sae Tang in what he said was to ensure justice for his family.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849046-special-police-team-to-take-over-chuwongs-death-and-unusual-share-transfer-probe/

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Low-cost housing units open for bookings‏



BANGKOK: -- The National Housing Authority will launch the sale of over 13,000 low-cost housing units in Bangkok and upcountry provinces for advance booking by low income-earners during August 28-September 6.

Government deputy spokesman Maj-Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd disclosed Monday that the Ban Youngyuen housing programme which covers 244 projects scattering in Bangkok and the other provinces was initiated by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha to provide low-cost but standard housing units to the low income-earners.

Each unit costs between 300,000-500,000 baht and advance booking costs only 1,000 baht and transfer fees are free.

Maj-Gen Sansern said that said that several of the housing units put on sale were old units which could not be sold but were refurbished to make them more liveable and of higher quality.

Advance bookings can be done at the NHA’s 80 branch offices across the country. Interested individuals should bring with them ID cards and household certificates, pay slips or copies of their bank accounts to register their bookings. Or they can ask for more information by calling 1615 hotline or 02-351-7777.

Besides Bangkok, the housing units are available for bookings in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Sukhothai, Phitsanuloke, Samut Prakan, Phichit, Kamphang Phet, Prachuab Khiri Khan, Nakhon Sawan, Ubon Ratchathani, Nong Khai, Nonthaburi, Petchaburi, Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, Saraburi, Chon Buri, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Buri Ram, Si Sa Ket, Chaiyaphum, Muk Dahan, Phatthalung, Chumporn and Puhuket.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/low-cost-housing-units-open-for-bookings%e2%80%8f


-- Thai PBS 2015-08-17

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NESDB again cuts GDP growth this year to 2.7%-3.2%

BANGKOK, 17 August 2015 (NNT) - The National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) again has cut its GDP growth forecast for this year to 2.7% to 3.2% from an earlier prediction of 3% to 4%, following the ongoing fall in export to 4.9% in negative zone in the first half of 2015, Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, secretary general of the NESDB revealed on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849050-thai-nesdb-again-cuts-gdp-growth-this-year-to-27-32/

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Compassion Proves Weak Link for Man Chained to Moto
By Khaosod English


A rescue worker cuts a chain taken from Pichai Angpasi's moto and used to tie his neck to it this morning by a couple he'd stopped to help on a road in Prachinburi province.

PRACHINBURI — Pichai Angpasi was just being a good Samaritan when he saw a man and woman walking their motorcycle along the side of the road early this morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849053-compassion-proves-weak-link-for-thai-man-chained-to-motorcycle/