Thailand Live Tuesday 29 Sep 2015

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DECEMBER 5
'Bike for Dad' to celebrate King's 88th birthday
Tanatpong Kongsai
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will lead the "United Thailand, Bike for Dad" ride in Bangkok to celebrate His Majesty the King's 88th birthday.

The ride will take off at 3pm on December 11, following His Majesty's birthday on December 5, which is also National Father's Day.

Besides the bike rally, the programme features three other great activities, according to the "I like bicycle" fanpage on Facebook.

The bicycle route passes by historic landmarks and scenic areas along Rajdamnoen Avenue, Yaowarat's Chinatown, Chulalongkorn University, the Ratchaprasong intersection and over Pinklao Bridge to the Thon Buri side of the capital.

The other events are an outdoor performance of Khon-masked dances from the Ramayana epic; a jazz concert and an exhibition to honour the King's works and encourage people to follow in his footsteps.

For details, visit www.bikefordad2015.com or call the 1122 hotline.

On August 16, the Crown Prince headed the "Bike for Mom" outing in Bangkok to honour Her Majesty the Queen's 83rd birthday, which is on August 12.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Bike-for-Dad-to-celebrate-Kings-88th-birthday-30269750.html


-- The Nation 2015-09-29

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HM the King’s condition returns to normal

BANGKOK: -- His Majesty the King’s health condition has improved with his pulse rate, blood pressure, breathing, body temperature and oxygen level in blood returning to normal, according to the announcement of the Bureau of the Royal Household.

Examination of blood sample shows no sign of bacterial infection and chest X-ray also shows no sign of inflammation of the lungs.

Doctors at Siriraj hospital who have been treating HM the King have stopped intravenous medication and feeding but continue to administer physical therapy, said the Bureau of the Royal Household.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/hm-the-kings-condition-returns-to-normal

-- Thai PBS 2015-09-28

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CONCERT
A rebel with a tour
THE NATION



Madonna makes her long-awaited debut concert in Bangkok

BANGKOK HAS NEVER made it to the itinerary of Madonna's world tours over the last 30 years but that's about to change as the queen of pop is finally coming to Thailand early next year for a show at Impact Arena.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/859098-madonna-makes-her-long-awaited-debut-concert-in-bangkok/

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UPDATE:

ERAWAN BOMB BLAST
Political motives 'partly behind bombing'
The Nation, Agencies



While sticking to smuggler-revenge theory, police now also include local motivation

BANGKOK: -- POLICE INVESTIGATORS are convinced political motives were also behind last month's Erawan Shrine bombing, besides possible retaliation by human smugglers at the government for cracking down on them, the National Police chief said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/858992-police-link-bomb-attack-to-uighurs-deep-south-and-thai-politics/page-2#entry9907251

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UPDATE:

UNGA
US wants to expand ties with Thailand, seeks strategic talks
SUPALAK GANJANAKHUNDEE
THE NATION
NEW YORK


Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai stops for a selfie with a group of |pro-government demonstration near the UN headquarters in New York. Officials said Don met the protesters by chance while walking from the UN to the Thai mission nearby after a road was blocked

NEW YORK: -- THE United States has sought to expand its cooperation with Thailand and is exploring the idea of holding a fifth strategic dialogue soon, Foreign Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/859028-us-wants-to-bolster-ties-with-thailand-foreign-ministry/#entry9907257

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NEW CHARTER
Meechai has not set any conditions, says Wissanu
THE NATION

Wissanu

BANGKOK: -- DEPUTY Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said yesterday that former Senate Speaker Meechai Ruchupan had not set any conditions in order to head the new Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/859100-meechai-has-not-set-any-conditions-says-wissanu/

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UPDATE:

UNGA
Ban expresses concern over democracy to PM
SUPALAK GANJANAKHUNDEE
THE NATION
NEW YORK



Prayut assures implementation of road map will strengthen nation

BANGKOK: -- UNITED NATIONS secretary- general Ban Ki-moon has told Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha that he remains concerned over the shrinking democratic space in Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/858982-thai-pm-informs-uns-ban-ki-moon-of-reform-roadmap/page-2#entry9907267

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Growth should outstrip BOT forecast, says Apisak
ERICH PARPART
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- FINANCE MINISTER Apisak Tantivorawong yesterday expressed optimism that the economy would outpace the Bank of Thailand's expectations thanks to strong tailwinds from the government's mega investment in infrastructure and the reforms that aim to lay a firm foundation for the future.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/859101-growth-should-outstrip-bot-forecast-says-thai-minister-apisak/

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Two companies seek listing despite poor sentiment

The Nation

The Stock Exchange of Thailand will welcome two new listed companies, despite the shaky market sentiment.

BANGKOK: -- JWD InfoLogistics, an integrated logistics service provider, will today (29) make a debut on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/859103-two-companies-seek-listing-despite-poor-sentiment/

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UPDATE:

Police conduct simulation of Chuwong's crash
Angsuma Sridokkham
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- CRIME Suppression Division investigators and forensic police yesterday conducted a crash simulation in response to suspicions over the death of construction tycoon Chuwong Saetang in a road accident in June.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/858880-simulation-of-accident-that-killed-chuwong/#entry9907278

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Thai officials join Asean crime conference
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THAI Interior Ministry and Royal Thai Police officials |yesterday joined the tenth Asean conference on transnational crime (AMMTC) in Malaysia.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/859104-thai-officials-join-asean-crime-conference/

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UPDATE:

Slaying of monk was personal: police
The Nation

PHATTHALUNG: -- Police produced a sketch yesterday of a gunman they say shot dead Phra Suchat Rakmai, 66, while he collected alms on September 16. Provincial police chief Pol Lt-General Damras Viriyakul said Phra Suchat was formerly a technical college director.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/858879-murdered-thai-monks-body-burnt-lost/?p=9907283#entry9907283

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BMA to move residents close to Klong Lat Phrao
The Nation

Project means some people will be relocated, BMA says

BANGKOK: Officials will meet with residents in eight districts to explain the flood-prevention project planned for Klong Lat Phrao Dam and guidelines for relocating people whose homes intrude on the canal.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/859105-bangkok-administration-to-move-residents-close-to-klong-lat-phrao/

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UPDATE:

Inter-court panel to decide on Chaturon cases
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE Military Court yesterday referred the decision on whether it or the Criminal Court should have jurisdiction over the trials of former education minister Chaturon Chaisang to a committee formed by both courts to make the ruling.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/858946-chaturon-appears-at-military-court-over-jurisdiction-objection/#entry9907298

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BURNING ISSUE
Handled well, village funds could be the answer to our economic woes
CHULARAT SAENGPASSA

BANGKOK: -- IN THE FACE of economic gloom, the current government is pinning its hopes on the so-called revolving village fund scheme. But can a system that looks so much like a populist measure cure economic woes?

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/859106-thai-politics-handled-well-village-funds-could-be-the-answer-to-our-economic-woes/

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EDITORIAL
Thailand's new UN role a daunting challenge
The Nation

Rather than a form of recognition for the junta, chairmanship of the Group of 77 is a test of the country's skill at coordinating development

BANGKOK: -- Nothing should be read into Thailand being given chairmanship of the United Nations' Group of 77 in terms of earning international "recognition" for the military-installed government under General Prayut Chan-o-cha. Nor can Prayut claim any particular credit for gaining the leadership of one of largest intergovernmental groupings of developing countries at the United Nations.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/859107-thailands-new-un-role-a-daunting-challenge/

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World’s tallest man confined to sickbed in Isaan, unable to walk
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: Somsak Saejung

BANGKOK: -- A 26-year-old man from Surin, who is most likely the tallest man in the world, is now too weak to walk or even stand up, and he’s pleading for help.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/859108-worlds-tallest-man-confined-to-sickbed-in-isaan-unable-to-walk/

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Russian man found dead in swimming pool
Phuket Gazette


Officers believe that Mr Ten died two hours before his body was discovered. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- A Russian man was found dead by his swimming pool this morning after his friend discovered him unconscious in the water.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/859109-russian-man-found-dead-in-swimming-pool-in-phuket/

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Phuket police play down ‘blank cheque’ traffic tickets
Tanyaluk Sakoot


Phuket police say they will fine all drivers - foreign, Thai, rich or poor - for breaking traffic laws. Photo: Tanyaluck Sakoot

PHUKET: -- Provincial Police Commander Patchara Boonyasit has played down a social media firestorm over a Thai man being issued a traffic ticket with the amounts left blank, to be filled in later at the Phuket City Police Station.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/859110-phuket-police-play-down-blank-cheque-traffic-tickets/

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UNITED NATIONS (AP) - After Obama meeting, Putin doesn't rule out joining air attacks on Islamic state.

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SQUAW VALLEY, Calif. (AP) - MTV extreme sports star Erik Roner dies after hitting tree during skydiving performance

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Thailand's Military Needs to Boost its Amphibious Capability
By Grant Newsham

The country needs a more robust capability. Here’s how it can achieve it

BANGKOK: -- As Indo-Pacific nations build up their naval power, submarines, cruise missiles, aircraft carriers, jets, and frigates get the most attention. However, an underreported but significant regional trend over the last five years is widespread interest in amphibious capabilities.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/859111-thailands-military-needs-to-boost-its-amphibious-capability/

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VW: former boss faces criminal probe



WOLFSBURG: -- The former boss of under-fire motor manufacturer Volkswagen is facing a criminal investigation by the German authorities.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/859113-vw-former-boss-faces-criminal-probe/

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US is ready to work with Russia and Iran on Syria but says Assad can’t stay in power



NEW YORK: -- President Barack Obama says that the United States is willing to work with Russia and Iran to try to end the Syrian conflict.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/859114-us-is-ready-to-work-with-russia-and-iran-on-syria-but-says-assad-cant-stay-in-power/

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Migrants face growing numbers of challenges



PARIS: -- “Anti-migration sentiment in Europe is unnecessarily endangering the lives of migrants,” William Lacy Swing, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has warned the United Nations General Assembly.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/859115-migrants-face-growing-numbers-of-challenges/

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Is there life on Mars? NASA announces liquid water discovered



PARIS: -- Under certain circumstances, liquid water has been found on Mars. This was the out of this world announcement from NASA following years of exploration on the Red Planet.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/859117-is-there-life-on-mars-nasa-announces-liquid-water-discovered/

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Migrants set to follow new route through Europe as winter approaches



PARIS: -- Winter is fast approaching, with temperatures dropping – further complicating the plight of migrants and refugees en route for western Europe.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/859118-migrants-set-to-follow-new-route-through-europe-as-winter-approaches/

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Europe’s carmakers ‘tricking’ drivers on fuel efficiency, new report claims



BRUSSELS: -- Europe’s carmakers are taking their customers for ride by tricking them into believing their vehicles are more fuel-efficient than they actually are.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/859119-europes-carmakers-tricking-drivers-on-fuel-efficiency-new-report-claims/

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Republican front-runner Trump proposes tax cuts for all
By JILL COLVIN and NICHOLAS RICCARDI

NEW YORK (AP) — After weeks of vowing to raise taxes on "hedge fund guys" and high-income earners, Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump unveiled a tax plan Monday that would cut rates across the board and reduce the amount paid by wealthiest Americans and corporations into the U.S. Treasury.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/859120-republican-front-runner-trump-proposes-tax-cuts-for-all/

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Key Afghan city falls to Taliban in major government setback
By RAHIM FAIEZ and LYNNE O'DONNELL

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The Taliban captured the strategic northern Afghan city of Kunduz on Monday in a multi-pronged attack involving hundreds of fighters, the first time the insurgents have seized a major urban area since the 2001 U.S.-led invasion.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/859122-key-afghan-city-falls-to-taliban-in-major-government-setback/