Thailand Live Thursday 15 Oct 2015

[webfact]

BIKE FOR DAD
Worldwide cycling events to celebrate King's birthday
Jitraporn Senwong
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- THAIS in 67 countries are expected to participate in the "Bike for Dad" cycling event in December to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the King.

His Majesty, who turns 88 on December 5, is the world's longest-reigning monarch.

HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn came up with the plan to organise cycling events at home and around the world to honour His Majesty.

In August, the Crown Prince spearheaded the hugely successful "Bike for Mom" to celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen. The event was entered in the Guinness World of World Records as the largest-ever bicycle parade.

"The Crown Prince will lead the procession of cyclists from the Royal Plaza on December 11," a source said yesterday. The details of the event were ironed out at a "Bike for Dad" meeting attended by PM's Office Minister ML Panadda Diskul, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan and representatives from various agencies, the source said.

"Those wishing to join the 'Bike for Dad' outing can register at www.bikefordad2015.com from November 2-10," he said.

The experiences gained from the "Bike for Mom" will be useful in organising more cycling-related events for His Majesty.

The proposed route will loop through Ratchaprarop Road, the Pratunam intersection, the Ratcharaprasong intersection, Pathumwan Road, Silom Road, Yaowarat Road, Wong Wian Yai Road, Arun Amarain Road, the Siriraj intersection, Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue before arriving back at the Royal Plaza.

"The route will be about 29 kilometres long," the source said.

Similar cycling events will be held in other provinces. The parades will start at City Hall in each province and cover around 29 kilometres.

Prawit said the "Bike for Dad" event would provide Thais with an opportunity to express their loyalty to His Majesty.

The source said similar "Bike for Dad" events would be held by Thais in 67 countries, starting at the Royal Thai Embassy and proceeding to a famous landmark in those countries.

"Videos of the activities will be sent to Thailand for broadcasting," the source said.

The Foreign Ministry declined to comment on the planned events, saying Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will provide details on Wednesday. Besides cycling, the country will also host other festivities in honour of His Majesty, including outdoor Khon performances.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Worldwide-cycling-events-to-celebrate-Kings-birthd-30270917.html


-- The Nation 2015-10-15

[webfact]

PHUKET
Police lodge complaints against rioters
Jessada Jantarak,
Salinee Prab
The Nation



PHUKET: -- AS MANY as 17 policemen who were injured during a Phuket riot last weekend have come forward to lodge complaints against suspected rioters.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863017-police-lodge-complaints-against-rioters/

[webfact]

RICE-PLEDGING SCHEME
PM insulated from order on Yingluck damages
THE NATION



Wissanu say only endorsement from Finance minister needed to seek compensation over rice scheme

BANGKOK: -- PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha did not need to ink an administrative order to have ex-PM Yingluck Shinawatra pay compensation for losses over the rice pledging scheme as only an endorsement of the Finance Minister was needed, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863018-pm-insulated-from-order-on-yingluck-damages/

[webfact]

NEW CONSTITUTION
Charter drafters review the aptness of Article 7
KASAMAKORN CHANWANPEN
THE NATION

Commission set up sub-panel to study issues on reconciliation

BANGKOK: -- THE CONSTITUTION Drafting Commission is looking to revise the content of the new charter including the controversial Article 7 that provides for a royally appointed prime minister.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863019-thai-charter-drafters-review-the-aptness-of-article-7/

[webfact]

ENVIRONMENT
Court to rule on Apico gas plant today
Pratch Rujivanarom
The Nation



Khon Kaen folk claim gas burning making them sick

KHON KAEN: -- KHON KAEN Administrative Court will today rule on whether or not to suspend the second round of gas burning at the Apico gas field in Kranuan district. The petition claimed that residents of Tambon Dunsad have been suffering from toxic gas since the second round of burning began last Friday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863020-thai-court-to-rule-on-apico-gas-plant/

[webfact]

Doubts over effect of govt stimulus
BUSINESS REPORTERS
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- PROPERTY firms expect to reap windfalls from the government's new measures for the real-estate sector, while economists have cast doubt over the overall effectiveness of the programme in boosting the economy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863022-doubts-over-effect-of-thai-govt-stimulus/

[webfact]

249 youngsters arrested for motorcyle street racing
Piyanut Tumnukasetchai
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- DESPITE STRICT warnings to parents and youngsters, illegal road-racing still has not stopped in 13 provinces, the director-general of the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863023-249-youngsters-arrested-for-motorcyle-street-racing-in-thailand/

[webfact]

ThaiHealth CEO ready to face investigation
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Krissada Raungarreerat, chief executive officer of the embattled Thai Health Promotion Foundation, said on Facebook yesterday that he was ready to face the consequences of any probe, even dismissal.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863024-thaihealth-ceo-ready-to-face-investigation/

[webfact]

Relief for graduating Abac students
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- More than 3,000 students of Assumption University, known as Abac, appear likely to graduate despite the serious dispute in its administration.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863025-relief-for-graduating-abac-students/

[webfact]

Prosecutors get DSI report to indict ex-Klongchan chief
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The Department of Special Investigation yesterday recommended to public prosecutors to seek the indictment of Supachai Srisupa-aksorn, the 57-year-old former chairman of Klongchan Credit Union, and 11 others on charges of embezzling Bt6 billion and defrauding the members of the cooperative.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863026-prosecutors-get-dsi-report-to-indict-ex-klongchan-chief/

[webfact]

Rubber farmers seek help from government
Jeerapong Prasertpolkrung
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- RUBBER farmers are planning to hold major protests, especially in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, today to urge Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha to implement their four demands in the wake of dropping rubber prices, the coordinator of the Alliance for the Revival of Rubber Farmers said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863027-rubber-farmers-seek-help-from-thai-government/

[webfact]

NLA pulls out all stops to get unity among reform agencies
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Changes are being planned to get reform agencies to effectively work together to drive national reform and achieve concrete results as soon as possible, National Legislative Assembly (NLA)'s special affairs committee spokesman Jetn Sirathranont said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863028-nla-pulls-out-all-stops-to-get-unity-among-reform-agencies/

[webfact]

Legal action against Yingluck legitimate, says Sansern
Wasamon Audjarint
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Government Spokesman Maj-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd yesterday stressed the legitimacy of legal action being taken against former premier Yingluck Shinawatra in relation to the rice-pledging scheme, despite her pleas for the government to reconsider the move.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863029-legal-action-against-yingluck-legitimate-says-sansern/

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE
Meechai indicates broad principles rather than fine detail
ATTAYUTH BOOTSRIPOOM

BANGKOK: -- THE CHAIRMAN of the Constitution Drafting Commission deserves praise for his apparent desire to make the new constitution concise and comprehensive, in line with the principles of master law drafting.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863030-thai-politics-meechai-indicates-broad-principles-rather-than-fine-detail/

[webfact]

Court orders seizure of ex-Treasury chief's assets
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- THE CIVIL Court has ordered the seizure of Bt49 million worth of savings from Nibhat Bhukkanasut, former director-general of the Treasury Department, because of his unusual wealth.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863031-thai-court-orders-seizure-of-ex-treasury-chiefs-assets/

[webfact]

Prayut demands progress in efforts to rehabilitate Oct 14 victims, kin
JAKRAWAN SALAYTOO,
KASAMAKORN CHANWANPEN,
CHAYADA KHIANNOK
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- PRIME Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed officials to speed up rehabilitation for the victims of the uprising of October 14, 1973.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863032-prayut-demands-progress-in-efforts-to-rehabilitate-oct-14-victims-kin/

[webfact]

Police Charge Employees in Zipline Tourist Death
By Teeranai Charuvastra
Staff Reporter


Two employees from the Flying Squirrels zipline attraction in Chiang Mai reported to police today to face charges.

CHIANG MAI — Two staff members of a tourist attraction in Chiang Mai province have been charged with fatal negligence after a Chinese tourist died on a zipline ride operated by the company on Sunday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863033-chiang-mai-police-charge-employees-in-zipline-tourist-death/

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
Banned for disclosing an uncomfortable truth
The Nation

The Culture Ministry's decision to keep "Arbat" out of cinemas ignores the reality that fiction seeks to depict

BANGKOK: -- The Thai feature film "Arbat" has proved so controversial even before its release that the Culture Ministry has banned it, a decision that, given the country's regression to military rule, was guaranteed to garner headlines around the world.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863034-thai-editorial-banned-for-disclosing-an-uncomfortable-truth/

[webfact]

THAI TALK
Challenge for charter drafters: Global norms versus Thai traditions
Suthichai Yoon
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- It's not an easy task. But it has to be done. How? The new charter will have to meet international norms while suiting Thai social conditions, traditions and ways of life. And the draft must also be approved by the majority of Thais.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863035-challenge-for-charter-drafters-global-norms-versus-thai-traditions/

[webfact]

Theft of money and valuables from Central Pattaya Fruit Shop owner



PATTAYA: -- On Wednesday Morning a 39 year old Fruit Shop owner was tricked into leaving her shop which led to the theft of cash and valuables.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863036-theft-of-money-and-valuables-from-central-pattaya-fruit-shop-owner/

[webfact]

Food Hygiene Checks during Pattaya Vegetarian Festival



PATTAYA: -- The Pattaya Public Health Department are currently conducting food hygiene checks around the City and are running a 10 day campaign during the Pattaya Vegetarian Festival which is ongoing until 22nd October.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863037-food-hygiene-checks-during-pattaya-vegetarian-festival/

[webfact]

Swiss National Xavier Andre Justo Appeals to Thai Court for Suspended Sentence
By Achara Ashayagachat

BANGKOK – Xavier Andre Justo the Petro-Saudi blackmailer has asked Thailand’s Appeals Court to order the suspension of his three-year prison term handed down by the Criminal Court in August for the attempted extortion of his former employer, Petro-Saudi. Justo’s lawyer Worasit Piriyawiboon filed the appeal on Wednesday the Bangkok Post Reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863038-swiss-national-xavier-andre-justo-appeals-to-thai-court-for-suspended-sentence/

[webfact]

Man bludgeoned to death in residential Wichit
Eakkapop Thongtub


Apparently the neighbours heard a loud argument last night that came to an abrupt end, and thought nothing of it until the man's body was found this morning. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: -- Police are attempting to identify the body of a man who was bludgeoned to death in a grievous attack in front of abandoned shophouse near Wat Thepnimit, in Wichit, early this morning (Oct 14).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863039-man-bludgeoned-to-death-in-residential-wichit/

[webfact]

Bangla club denounces security guard violence
The Phuket News


Management at the White Room club, which has been ordered closed for seven days, said they deplored the violence shown by the security guards.

PHUKET: -- The management of the nightclub on Bangla Rd, Patong, where security guards were captured on video severely beating several Australian tourists has issued a statement deploring the incident.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863040-bangla-club-denounces-security-guard-violence/

[webfact]

Clinton's strong debate is general election warning for GOP
By JULIE PACE

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hillary Rodham Clinton's polished performance in the first Democratic debate did more than send a message to her primary rivals. It was a warning to the chaotic Republican field about her likely strength in a general election.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863041-clintons-strong-debate-is-general-election-warning-for-gop/

[webfact]

Syria and allies Iran and Russia prepare for Aleppo offensive

DAMASCUS: -- Russian jets and Iranian soldiers are said to be getting ready to support a major Syrian army ground offensive in the northwest of the country targeting rebels in Aleppo.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863042-syria-and-allies-iran-and-russia-prepare-for-aleppo-offensive/

[webfact]

Israeli troops and Palestinian protesters clash in Bethlehem

BETHLEHEM: -- Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Palestinian protesters clashed in the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Wednesday (October 14).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863043-israeli-troops-and-palestinian-protesters-clash-in-bethlehem/

[webfact]

Turkish explosions may be linked to ISIL and PKK, says Davutoglu

ANKARA: -- Turkey’s Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has told reporters that an investigation into Saturday’s (October 10) bombings was being intensified.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863044-turkish-explosions-may-be-linked-to-isil-and-pkk-says-davutoglu/

[webfact]

Russia refutes Dutch probe into MH17 crash

MOSCOW: -- Russia has issued a scathing response to the Dutch Safety Board’s report into the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863045-russia-refutes-dutch-probe-into-mh17-crash/

[webfact]

Ukraine slams Russia as 'state sponsor of terrorism'

Kyiv believes Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down by pro-Russian separatists armed with a surface-to-air missile launcher, something that Moscow has repeatedly denied.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863046-ukraine-slams-russia-as-state-sponsor-of-terrorism/