Thailand Live Friday 16 Oct 2015

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Five people dead after floods in Benevento, Italy

BENEVENTO: -- At least five people have died after storms in central Italy caused major flooding and landslides.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863314-five-people-dead-after-floods-in-benevento-italy/

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Scottish prosecutors: 2 Libyans are Lockerbie bomb suspects
By JILL LAWLESS

LONDON (AP) — A quarter-century after one of the worst terror attacks in British history, prosecutors say they have identified two new Libyan suspects in the bombing of a Pan Am jet over Lockerbie, Scotland, and want U.S. and Scottish investigators to interview them in Tripoli.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863315-scottish-prosecutors-2-libyans-are-lockerbie-bomb-suspects/

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Obama extends US military mission in Afghanistan into 2017
By JULIE PACE

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama on Thursday abandoned his pledge to end America's longest war, announcing plans to keep at least 5,500 U.S. troops in Afghanistan when he leaves office in 2017 and hand the conflict off to his successor.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863316-obama-extends-us-military-mission-in-afghanistan-into-2017/

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Canadian envoy who hid Americans during hostage crisis dies
By ROB GILLIES

TORONTO (AP) — Ken Taylor, Canada's ambassador to Iran who sheltered Americans at his residence during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis has died. He was 81.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863317-canadian-envoy-who-hid-americans-during-hostage-crisis-dies/

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Teenager becomes a focus in Israel-Palestinian conflict
By KARIN LAUB and JOSEF FEDERMAN

JERUSALEM (AP) — The fate of a Palestinian boy seized center stage Thursday in the battle of narratives accompanying the recent burst of deadly Israeli-Palestinian violence.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863318-teenager-becomes-a-focus-in-israel-palestinian-conflict/

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JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel PM Netanyahu says he is 'perfectly open' to meeting with Palestinian leader Abbas.

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Israelis and Palestinians on guard amid unabated violence
ARON HELLER, Associated Press
TIA GOLDENBERG, Associated Press

JERUSALEM (AP) — A wave of stabbing attacks has spread fear in Jerusalem and much of Israel, shattering the brittle sense of security Israelis had managed to restore a decade after Palestinian suicide bombings terrified the nation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863319-israelis-and-palestinians-on-guard-amid-unabated-violence/

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Israel's Netanyahu urges talks to calm Jerusalem violence

JERUSALEM: -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas to hold talks to calm the recent surge of violence.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863320-israels-netanyahu-urges-talks-to-calm-jerusalem-violence/

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TAT to produce new tourism content advertising 77 provinces

BANGKOK, 16 October 2015 (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will produce new online tourism content for 77 provinces, in a bid to boost domestic tourism across the nation.

TAT Governor Yuthasak Suphasorn has instructed the Office of Information Technology to create platforms for visitors to the TAT’s website to access comprehensive information about local attractions in each province.

The move is in line with the government’s policy to stimulate grassroots economies. The TAT Governor said information on popular activities and hot spots at each destination will be included on the new website, which will be launched in November.

The TAT’s main website is also undergoing maintenance and expected to be fully functional within the same month. Around 40% of the TAT’s tourism campaigns are being advertised on new media, with the remaining 60% through tourism fairs, print and broadcast media.


-- NNT 2015-10-16

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Volkswagen to recall 8.5 million diesel vehicles in Europe



WOLFSBURG: -- Volkswagen says it will recall around 8.5 million diesel cars in the European Union which have manipulated engines, beginning in January.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863340-volkswagen-to-recall-85-million-diesel-vehicles-in-europe/

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Iran says political and military solution needed to end Syria war

Iran says there has to be both a political and military solution to the crisis in Syria

DAMASCUS: -- A delegation of lawmakers from the Islamic Republic has been meeting President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863342-iran-says-political-and-military-solution-needed-to-end-syria-war/

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Thai minister conferred Singapore’s top military award



SINGAPORE: -- President Tony Tan Keng Yam conferred Thailand's Minister of Labour and former permanent secretary for defence, Gen Sirichai Distakul, Singapore's highest military award on Thursday, Channel News Asia reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863344-thai-minister-conferred-singapores-top-military-award/

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SET up 2.86 points at opening /Bangkok Post

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Princess Sirindhorn releases elephants and wild animals to the forest

LOPBURI, 16 October 2015 (NNT) - Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn yesterday released six domesticated elephants and a number of wild animals to Sap Langka (ซับลังกา) wildlife sanctuary in Lamsonthi District, Lopburi Province.

The six cow elephants and other wild animals had been presented to the Princess by the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, on the occasion of the Princess’s 60th birthday April 2, this year.

The foundation has joined hands with public and private sector organizations, in implementing a project to return domesticated elephants to natural environment with an aim to increase the number of Thai elephant population and prevent extinction. The release of the animals by the Princess also coincided with the first-cycle anniversary that the foundation has been granted its name by Her Majesty the Queen.

The six elephants released on the day were raised in Surin Province and have their ages ranging from two to 37 years. They have been trained to adapt to forest habitat and be able to forage for food. Aside from the elephants, Her Royal Highness also released 11 other kinds of wild animals such as hog deer, silver pheasant and white-handed gibbon, numbering altogether 461.

Thereafter, Her Royal Highness proceeded to the Sap Langka Forest Information Center where she anointed the foundation stone of the Wildlife and Nature Learning Center Building to be built by the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation as a site for research and study into the natural habitat of Southeast Asia and patterns of reintroduction of wild animals to the forest.


-- NNT 2015-10-16

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Clinton says she won't 'be silenced' on gun violence
By WILL WEISSERT and KEN THOMAS

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Hillary Rodham Clinton said Thursday she will "not be silenced" about gun violence, renewing her debate-night tangle with rival Bernie Sanders on what could be a bellwether issue for Democratic primary voters.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863367-clinton-says-she-wont-be-silenced-on-gun-violence/

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New car tax to be effective next January



BANGKOK: -- The new automobile tax that based excise tax collection on carbon dioxide emission from the vehicle will be implemented in January next year as planned.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863370-new-car-tax-to-be-effective-in-thailand-next-january/

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Oil prices to be reduced by 40 satang tomorrow



BANGKOK: -- PTT Plc and Bangchak Petroleum today announced pump price decrease of all oils by 40 satang, effective tomorrow, except E85 by 20 satang.
The new prices of oils for PTT and Bangchak will be effective at 5 am Saturday.

The new pump prices are as follow:

Benzene 95 – 33.36 baht, Gasohol 95 – 26.40 baht, Gasohol 91 – 25.98 baht, E 20 – 24.04 baht, E 85 – 20.14, and Diesel 23.39 baht.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/oil-prices-to-be-reduced-by-40-satang-tomorrow


-- Thai PBS 2015-10-16

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Riot fails to dent Phuket tourism, Veg Fest to inject B5bn boost
Saroj Kueprasertkij


The Thalang riot has had limited impact on Phuket's tourism industry, say experts. Photo:Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: -- The head of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket office, Anoma Vongyai, believes that the riot in Thalang last Saturday (Oct 10) has had no impact on Phuket’s tourism industry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863377-riot-fails-to-dent-phuket-tourism-veg-fest-to-inject-b5bn-boost/

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Commerce happy with retail price slash by manufacturers



BANGKOK: -- The Commerce Ministry is happy now that manufacturers have agreed to reduce retail prices of 244 items of goods following decreasing oil prices.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863379-thai-commerce-min-happy-with-retail-price-slash-by-manufacturers/

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Private sector says stimulus package will bear fruit next year



BANGKOK: -- The private sector says the government's economic stimulus packages rolled out recently is a right decision although it may not see immediate result.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863382-thai-private-sector-says-stimulus-package-will-bear-fruit-next-year/

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Former PM shows support to PM Prayut



BANGKOK, 16 October 2015 (NNT)-Former Prime Minister General Chawalit Yongchaiyuth has said he hopes the new constitution will resolve conflict and return power to people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863386-former-pm-chawalit-shows-support-to-pm-prayut/

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Polish expat found hanged in garden of rented Phuket home
Eakkapop Thongtub


The man was found hanged behind the rented home in Cherng Talay.

PHUKET: -- A Polish expat was found hanged behind his rented home in Cherng Talay yesterday afternoon (Oct 15). Police are treating the death as suicide.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863387-polish-expat-found-hanged-in-garden-of-rented-phuket-home/

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Yala residents urged to help maintain peace in the province



YALA, 16 October 2015 (NNT)- Yala Governor Doldej Pattanarat is urging residents to help the authorities keep peace in the province by reporting to them of any suspicious individuals or vehicles.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863392-yala-residents-urged-to-help-maintain-peace-in-the-province/

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Justice Dept. expands cybercrime reach into southeast Asia
ERIC TUCKER, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department is broadening its overseas efforts against cybercrime, for the first time stationing a legal adviser in Malaysia to help ensure that Southeast Asian countries have the laws and tools to fight hackers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863398-us-justice-dept-expands-cybercrime-reach-into-southeast-asia/

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PM Office says Thailand is more stable after NCPO rule

BANGKOK, 16 October 2015 (NNT) - The Office of the Prime Minister claimed that national stability has improved following the administration of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863399-pm-office-says-thailand-is-more-stable-after-ncpo-rule/

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Chinese tourist drowns while on Phuket honeymoon
Darawan Naknakhon

PHUKET: -- Police were called to Chalong Pier at noon, where the body of 29-year-old Chinese national Zhang Jie had arrived by speedboat.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863410-chinese-tourist-drowns-while-on-phuket-honeymoon/

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Petrol tram trials in Phuket Town
Saroj Kueprasertkij


The free tram service which started yesterday (Oct 15) was full on every round was enjoyed by everyone who used it.

PHUKET: -- Locals and tourist in Phuket Town yesterday (Oct 15) received a treat from Phuket Provincial Office, the start of a free tram service which will run around the town centre throughout the Vegetarian Festival. It is possible that the service will continue after the festival should it be popular.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863412-petrol-tram-trials-in-phuket-town/

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Big Jiew says fire at pray room causing 30 million baht in damage



BANGKOK: -- Former premier Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said today that the fire at his home's pray room on Wednesday night caused damages estimated at about 30 million baht.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863414-former-pm-chawalit-says-fire-at-pray-room-causing-30-million-baht-in-damage/

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Phuket Vegetarian Festival spirits take to the streets
The Phuket News


Phuket Vegetarian Festival Ma Song spirit mediums are joined by devotees as they course through the streets of Phuket Town. Photo: PR Dept

PHUKET: -- The Vegetarian Festival gained momentum on the second day of this year’s festivities yesterday (Oct 15), with devotees and mediums from the Bangku and Sapam Shrines winding their way through the streets in one of many festival processions to come.

Full story: http://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-vegetarian-festival-spirits-take-to-the-streets-54568.php

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Thai wife held over murder of Japanese man in Ang Thong

ANG THONG:-- Police investigating the death of an 83 year old Japanese man have arrested his 48 year old Thai wife in connection with his murder.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/863419-thai-wife-held-over-murder-of-japanese-man-in-ang-thong/