Thailand Live Tuesday 18 Aug 2015

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Reluctant Kentucky clerk gets time for gay marriage appeal
By ADAM BEAM

MOREHEAD, Ky. (AP) — A federal judge on Monday gave a Kentucky county clerk room to continue denying marriage licenses to gays and lesbians while she takes her religious objections case to an appellate court.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849220-reluctant-kentucky-clerk-gets-time-for-gay-marriage-appeal/

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UPDATE:

Bangkok bomb: Attack aimed to kill foreigners - Thai minister

LONDON: -- Thailand's defence minister has said those who planted a bomb at a Bangkok shrine deliberately targeted foreigners to harm tourism and the economy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849193-tourists-among-19-killed-by-bomb-at-bangkoks-erawan-shrine/#entry9746945

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Pistorius prosecutors file appeal at Supreme Court
GERALD IMRAY, Associated Press

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Prosecutors pushing for a murder conviction against Oscar Pistorius filed papers at South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal on Monday, four days before the Olympic runner is expected to be released from prison and moved to house arrest.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849228-pistorius-prosecutors-file-appeal-at-supreme-court/

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UPDATE:

Tourists among 22 killed in apparent attack on Bangkok shrine
By Eliott C. McLaughlin and Kocha Olarn, CNN

Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) A huge bomb explosion that appeared to target a popular Hindu shrine in central Bangkok killed at least 22 people Monday and wounded about 120 more, authorities said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849193-tourists-among-19-killed-by-bomb-at-bangkoks-erawan-shrine/page-2?p=9747175#entry9747175

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Prayut calls urgent war room meeting
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha Tuesday called an urgent war room meeting with Cabinet members and security agencies at Government House.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849193-tourists-among-19-killed-by-bomb-at-bangkoks-erawan-shrine/page-3?p=9747245#entry9747245

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Arab-like man seen leaving bag at Erawan shrine before explosion
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A police source said police are now hunting for a suspect with an Arab look who was seen leaving a bag at the Erawan shrine shortly before the blast occurred.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849239-arab-like-man-seen-leaving-bag-at-erawan-shrine-before-bomb-explosion/

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UPDATE:

Army chief says surveillance cameras capture bomb suspect clearly



BANGKOK: -- Army commander-in-chief Gen Udomdej Seetabutr said security officials have obtained video footages at the bomb explosion scene which clearly showed a suspect carrying a bag into the scene before it went off.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849239-arab-like-man-seen-leaving-bag-at-erawan-shrine-before-bomb-explosion/#entry9747276

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UPDATE:

SINGAPORE
Some Singaporeans injured in explosion : Singapore PM

BANGKOK: -- Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong urged Singaporeans in Bangkok to contact the embassy to register details and whereabouts following the fatal bomb blast at Erawan Shrine in the capital last night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849193-tourists-among-19-killed-by-bomb-at-bangkoks-erawan-shrine/page-3?p=9747287#entry9747287

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UPDATE:

BANGKOK BOMB
UN chief shocked and expressed condolences

BANGKOK: -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said he was shocked to learn of the fatal explosion in Bangkok on Monday that killed many people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849193-tourists-among-19-killed-by-bomb-at-bangkoks-erawan-shrine/page-3?p=9747311#entry9747311

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BTS, MRT services operate as normalcy
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The BTS skytrain and MRT subway have announced that their services continue as normal Tuesday.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/BTS-MRT-services-operate-as-normalcy-30266821.html


-- The Nation 2015-08-18

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Two roads remain closed Tuesday
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Police announced late Monday night that two roads near the Ratchaprasong Intersection will remain closed until noon Tuesday.

They said the Ratchdamri road will remain closed from the Pratunam intersection to Sarasin intersection and the Rama I road will be closed from the Pleonchit intersection to Chalermpao intersection.

Police need to close the roads to for inspecting and collecting the evidences.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Two-roads-remain-closed-Tuesday-30266823.html

-- The Nation 2015-08-18

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Visa fee waived for families of foreigners affected by the blasts

BANGKOK: -- Thai Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday that it would waive visa fee for families and relatives of the foreigners who were infected by the Erawan bomb blast in Bangkok last night.

The waiving is aimed to facilitate their travel to Thailand, the ministry said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Visa-fee-waived-for-families-of-foreigners-affecte-30266826.html


-- The Nation 2015-08-18

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Death toll reaches 20

BANGKOK: -- The huge bomb explosion at Erawan Shrine in Bangkok last night has claimed a total of 20 lives, said deputy director of Police Hospital Dr Vitoon Nitivarangkul said Tuesday.

Sixteen of the victims are at the Police Hospital while three others from the Chulalongkorn Hospital and one from the Klang Hospital were brought to Police Hospital for autopsy.

Reports said more than hundred of people were wounded from the blast.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Death-toll-reaches-20-30266825.html

-- The Nation 2015-08-18

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SET down 38.20 points at opening /Bangkok Post

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CDC bars reporters from attending Aug 19-20 session

BANGKOK, 18 August 2015 (NNT) – The Constitution Drafting Committee has decided not to allow reporters to attend the upcoming sessions in which groups proposing changes to the draft charter will be presenting their cases.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849241-cdc-bars-reporters-from-attending-aug-19-20-session/

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Thaksin condemns bomb attack in Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra last night expressed deep regret over the deaths of several people in the deadly bomb explosion at Ratchaprasong.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849243-thaksin-condemns-bomb-attack-in-bangkok/

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Phuket's B20mn Palai Pier on target for completion by 2016
Tanyaluk Sakoot


The B20-million Palai Pier in Chalong is on target to open for use by February 2016. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

PHUKET: -- Construction of the “Palai Pier” in Chalong is 30 per cent complete and on target to open for use by local fishermen by February next year, The Phuket News has learned.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849245-phukets-b20mn-palai-pier-on-target-for-completion-by-2016/

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Phuket to splash out B60mn on bicycle lanes
Suthicha Sirirat


Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong has announced that B60 million baht will be spent on developing bicycle lanes in Phuket. Photo: Suthicha Sirirat

PHUKET: -- Hot on the heels of the world record-setting “Bike for Mom” event held on the weekend, Phuket Governor Nisit Jansonwong has announced that B60 million will be spent on developing bike lanes at three key locations in Phuket.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849246-phuket-to-splash-out-b60mn-on-bicycle-lanes/

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Government to implement zoning regulations around educational institutes

BANGKOK, 18 August 2015, (NNT) - The government is in the process of developing an outline of the zoning regulation that bans restaurants from offering alcohol in areas around educational institutes. The code is expected to produce results within six months.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849247-booze-ban-thai-govt-to-implement-zoning-regulations-around-educational-institutes/

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Prayut submits Cabinet reshuffle list for royal endorsement
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said Tuesday he had submitted Cabinet reshuffle list for royal endorsement on Monday.

Meanwhile, Cabinet on Tuesday approved the appointment of Maj Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd as the Government spokesman.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Prayut-submits-Cabinet-reshuffle-list-for-royal-en-30266830.html


-- The Nation 2015-08-18

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US: Up to 305 Clinton emails might have classified data
STEPHEN BRAUN, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department review of Hillary Rodham Clinton's emails so far has found as many as 305 messages that could contain classified information and require further scrutiny by federal agencies, the department said Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849248-us-up-to-305-clinton-emails-might-have-classified-data/

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List of injured foreign tourists at hospitals
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Police have released the following list of foreign tourists who are receiving treatment at hospitals:

Foreigners treated at Police Hospital:

1) Ms.Wayan

2) Mrs.Ong Chee Kee

3) Ms.Mayla

4) Ms.Liu Chen

5) Mr.Chu Sun Yu

6) Ms.Lee Chunwa

7) Mr.Chiu Pet Ya

8) Wang Yi Ming

9) Ms.Liaa Shiivln

10) Fang Wei

11) Mr.Michelle

12) Tan Rui Hun

13) Ms.Chang Shzh Tzen

14) Ms.Liaa Shiivln

15) Ma Zi Shu

16) Mr.Zhu Qin Cheng

17) Mr.Donovan

18) Mr.Hang Ying

19) Wang Diann

Foreigners treated at the Phra Mongkut Hospital:

1) Mr.Wang Yiming (child)

2) Mr.Wang Dian

3) Ms.Yang Xiting

Injured tourist at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration General Hospital:

1.Mr. Truong Mai Van

Foreigners treated Chulalongkorn Hospital

1) Mr.Donovan Chan

2) Ms.Zhang Ying Chen

3) Ms.Michelle Heng

4) Ms.Sales Namu

5) Ms.Chang Hsin (Girl)

6) Mr.Ko Chwg Ming

7) Mrs.Liu Chen

8) Ms.Zhang Yi Hang (Girl)

9) Mr.Chang Ning

10) unidentified Chinese man

11)unidentified Chinese man

Injured foreigners at Hua Chiew Hospital:

1) Ms.Hung Yueh Ling (31)

2) Ms.Ong Chiew Lee (59)

3) Ms.Qin Yi (19)

4) Mr.Hermawan Inradjaja (61)

5) Ms.Htuang Jing Jie (22)

6) Mr.Ong Li Meng Wesley (53)

7) Ms.Rosy Fengwei (45)

8) Ms.Tan Kim Siok (52)

9) Mr.Tan Rui Hun (29)

10) Ms.Yi Jia Tong (12)

11) Ms.Ong Chiew Huay

Injured foreigners at Ramathibodi Hospital:

1) Mr.Ng Su Teck (Chinese, 35)

2) Mr.Nebh Hock Guan (Chinese, 53)

3) Ms.Neah Ling (Chinese, 32)

4) Ms.Peng Li (Chinese, 20)

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/List-of-injured-foreign-tourists-at-hospitals-30266831.html

-- The Nation 2015-08-18

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Baht hits 6-year low after deadly Bangkok bombing

WELLINGTON (BLOOMBERG) - Thailand's baht drove further losses among Asian emerging-market currencies after a deadly bombing in Bangkok and a selloff in commodities. Oil maintained declines at a six-year low, while stocks in the region climbed for the first time in three days.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849249-baht-hits-6-year-low-after-deadly-bangkok-bombing/

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Security tightened in Chiang Rai following bomb attack in Bangkok

CHIANG RAI, 18 August 2015 (NNT)-Soldiers and police officers have set up checkpoints in various areas in Chiang rai province following the bomb attack at Ratchaprasong intersection in Bangkok last night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849250-security-tightened-in-chiang-rai-following-bomb-attack-in-bangkok/

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UPDATE:

Bangkok bomb: Thailand says identity of shrine attackers 'much clearer'
Defence minister says police have suspects for bombing that killed 22, after army chief says attack did not bear hallmarks of southern separatists
Oliver Holmes and agencies in Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- Thailand is close to determining who detonated a bomb at a popular shrine in Bangkok that killed 22 people and injured 123, the country’s defence minister has said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849239-arab-like-man-seen-leaving-bag-at-erawan-shrine-before-bomb-explosion/page-3#entry9747750

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Prime Minister expresses condolences to bomb victims

BANGKOK, 18 August 2015 (NNT) – The Prime Minister has expressed his condolences to the victims of the bomb incident at Ratchaprasong Intersection, stressing that authorities are conducting an investigation to determine the culprits behind this tragic incident.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849272-pm-prayut-expresses-condolences-to-bangkok-bomb-victims/

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AFP offer to help probe Bangkok bombing

SYDNEY: -- Australian Federal Police have offered Thai authorities their expertise to investigate the Bangkok bombing.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849273-australian-federal-police-offer-to-help-probe-bangkok-bombing/

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Blast hits Bangkok amid tense politics, deep divisions
Analysis: Deadly attack in Bangkok signals a break in the uneasy calm of military junta’s tight grip on Thail
by Tom Kutsch

BANGKOK: -- A explosion at a religious shrine that killed at least 18 in a bustling Bangkok tourist district Monday shattered an uneasy calm that had settled over much of the country since a military takeover last year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849277-blast-hits-bangkok-amid-tense-politics-deep-divisions/

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Thai PM vows to quickly find bombers in blast that killed 18
By ANUSONADISAI NATTASUDA and JOCELYN GECKER

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's prime minister on Tuesday promised that authorities would quickly track down those responsible for the central Bangkok bombing that killed at least 18 people and injured more than 100, which he described as the country's worst attack ever.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/849282-pm-prayut-vows-to-quickly-find-bombers-in-bangkok-blast-that-killed-at-least-20/

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Foreign ambassador to briefed over bomb attack at MFA at 2 pm

BANGKOK, 18 August 2015 (NNT)-The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) will provide foreign ambassadors with clarification over the bomb attack, which rocked Bangkok last night.

Foreign Minister General Thanasak Patimapakorn expressed condolences over last night’s attack, saying it had never occurred in Thailand before.

The MFA has already provided foreign embassies with documents regarding the attack. The Foreign Minister is also urging the media to report the incident to the public correctly.

According to him, the situation is now under control as the National Council for Peace and Order did not declare the state of emergency. General Thanasak is also asking people to report to the authorities if they come across anything unusual.

In related news, Permanent Secretary to the MFA Norachit Singhaseni has invited foreign ambassadors to visit the MFA at 14.30 hrs

The MFA is expected to release a statement regarding the situation and answer questions they may have over security issues. The MFA has also waived visa entry fee for families of the victims coming to Thailand.


-- NNT 2015-08-18