Thailand Live Saturday 24 Oct 2015

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PM invites Thais to honor HM the King by joining in Bike for Dad event

BANGKOK, 24 October 2015 (NNT) – Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has encouraged the Thai people to partake in the upcoming Bike for Dad activity in December as a show of love and loyalty to His Majesty the King.

Prime Minister Prayut issued a statement to all Thai citizens during his weekly TV program “Returning Happiness to the People”, inviting them to join the royal initiative of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to organize the Bike for Dad cycling event on December 11th this year. The activity is aimed at demonstrating the Thai people’s unity and loyalty to His Majesty the King as well as celebrating the 88th birthday anniversary of the revered monarch this December 5th.

Prior to the event, the Prime Minister advised interested participants to stay physically fit, make sure their bikes and other equipment are in good condition and practice carefully.

People who wish to be part of this historic event will be able to register or find more information on the website www.bikefordad2015.com from November 2nd to 15th or call hotline 1122.


-- NNT 2015-10-24

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Thailand Back to the Booze Ban Future
By Teeranai Charuvastra
Staff Reporter


Police raided a bar in Chonburi province Thursday, saying they wanted to ensure no illegal activities were taking place.

BANGKOK — There was little noticeably different Friday in Bangkok after a ban on alcohol sales in the “vicinity” of schools and other vaguely defined areas was reauthorized.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865219-thailand-back-to-the-booze-ban-future/

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SOUTH
Face masks distributed in haze-hit areas
THE NATION



Smog situation in the south sees slight improvement, agencies told to take action

BANGKOK: -- FACE masks were distributed yesterday in haze-hit southern Thailand even as the situation saw a slight improvement compared with Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865220-face-masks-distributed-in-haze-hit-southern-thailand/

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Tighten govt online security: PM
ASINA PORNWASIN,
JEERAPONG PRASERTPOLKRUNG
THE NATION

MOVE FOLLOWS WARNING BY ANONYMOUS HACKER GROUP; ICT MINISTRY AND MILITARY ASSESSING THE THREAT; CAT DENIES PROPOSING SINGLE GATEWAY

BANGKOK: -- PRIME Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed relevant state agencies to tighten security in the government computer system and websites after a group of international hackers issued a threat on Thursday, Information and Communication Technology Minister Uttama Savanayana said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865221-tighten-govt-online-security-pm-prayut/

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POLITICS
Don't join campaign to wear red, Yingluck tells supporters
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- FORMER prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra has asked her supporters not to join a campaign that is calling on them to wear red on November 1 - to show moral support for her.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865223-dont-join-campaign-to-wear-red-yingluck-tells-supporters/

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Special wardens chosen to ensure lese majeste suspects' well-being
THE NATION


Some of the vehicles confiscated from the condominium units of celebrity fortune-teller Suriyan Sujaritpolwong and Police Major Prakrom Warunprapa, who have been charged with lese majeste.

POLICE CONFISCATE ASSETS, CHECKING TO SEE IF THEY CAN BE LINKED TO CASE

BANGKOK: -- A GROUP of special wardens, made up of military officers and guards from the Corrections Department, has been appointed to take care of three suspects detained over in a high-profile lese majeste case.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865225-special-wardens-chosen-to-ensure-lese-majeste-suspects-well-being/

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Mae Hong Son community forest wins big
VISARUT SANKHAM
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- A COMMUNITY forest in Mae Hong Son province has won the top award at a national contest that seeks to encourage locals to conserve forestland.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865226-mae-hong-son-community-forest-wins-big/

Full story:

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Govt denies existence of mafia blacklist
JEERAPONG PRASERTPOLKRUNG,
ANAN WICHITPRACHA,
PONGSATHAT RUJIPHUTTANYAPHAT
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE authorities do not have a blacklist of mafia-style influential figures, but a nationwide operation to locate military-grade weapons will be launched, Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan has said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865227-thai-govt-denies-existence-of-mafia-blacklist/

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Patient's daughter 'will keep fighting'
SALINEE PRAP
THE NATION

PHUKET: -- THE DAUGHTER of an elderly patient whose death could have been prevented if the rioters in Phuket's Thalang district had not blocked his ambulance from getting to a hospital on October 10 insisted yesterday that she would pursue the case until the end.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865228-phuket-riots-patients-daughter-will-keep-fighting/

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Thailand, Japan to launch eco-friendly dumpsite
VISARUT SANKHAM
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- A DUMPSITE in Nakhon Ratchasima province is set to embrace a Japanese technique to reduce waste pollution, in a collaboration with Japan, the head of the Pollution Control Department (PCD) has announced.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865229-thailand-japan-to-launch-eco-friendly-dumpsite/

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Princess awards Krabi hero
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A local fisherman whose heroic rescue of two foreign birdwatchers stuck in mud went viral on the Net has been recognised by HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha's royal initiative "Khon Dee Thee Rao Yokyong".

The ceremony was held yesterday in the southern province, with Krabi public prosecutor Chaiwat Suwanyod presenting Chat Ubonjinda, 44, with a jacket, hat and bell. The princess' project highlights people who assist others.

On October 16, Chat was fishing in Krabi River when he spotted a Norwegian couple stuck in thigh-high mud and saved them by letting them step on him to get out. Once they were safe, he got in his boat and left. Someone shot a video of the rescue and posted it online, resulting in a search to find the hero.

Chat has received widespread praise.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Princess-awards-Krabi-hero-30271497.html


-- The Nation 2015-10-24

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It's not to late for Thailand to join TTP, says PM
The Nation


Prayut Chan-o-cha

BANGKOK: -- Thailand still has until 2017 before reaching a decision on whether to become a member of the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Friday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865230-its-not-to-late-for-thailand-to-join-ttp-says-pm-prayut/

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LIKE IT SHARE IT
Man's act of 'humanity' lauded on social media
ASINA PORNWASIN



BANGKOK: -- Last Friday, a four-minute video clip showing a man helping a couple of tourists climb out of the mudflats by stepping on his back was posted on Facebook by Theerasak Saksritawee, with the caption "Impressions at Krabi this morning: 'Krabi people's generosity'."

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865231-mans-act-of-humanity-lauded-on-social-media/

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Abhisit invites city governor to discuss 'dodgy' CCTV cameras
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- DEMOCRAT Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva plans to meet with Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra in response to criticism that security cameras purchased by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration are of poor quality and many are out of order.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865232-abhisit-invites-bangkok-governor-to-discuss-dodgy-cctv-cameras/

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CDC to use professional pollsters

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- CONSTITUTION Drafting Commission subcommittees will hire professional pollsters to conduct surveys on charter content due to time constraints.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865233-cdc-to-use-professional-pollsters/

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23 Year Old Irishman Kieran Barry Arrested in Chiang Mai for Selling Marijuana
By Phillip Venne

CHIANG MAI –Crime Suppression Division Commander Lt.Gen Akkaradet Pimolsri has reported that 23-year-old Irishman Kieran Barry was arrested on Monday night in Chiang Mai as he attempted to sell 1Kg of marijuana to officers from the Crime Suppression Division.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865234-23-year-old-irishman-arrested-in-chiang-mai-for-selling-marijuana-to-police/

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German National Thomas Leiner Arrested in Chiang Mai for Drug Trafficking
By Cheewin Sattha

CHIANG MAI – German National Thomas Leiner, 53, has been arrested and accused of selling illegal drugs, police seized methamphetamine pills at his house in Mae Rim district on Friday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865235-german-national-arrested-in-chiang-mai-for-drug-trafficking/

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Phuket Police on high alert, Navy personnel deployed over rumoured riot repeat
Saroj Kueprasertkij


Riot police are on alert at Thalang Police Station to stave off any potential reprisal attacks. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: -- More than 200 officers and security personnel from the Royal Thai Navy, Phuket Police and defense volunteers are on 24-hour alert at Thalang Police Station to stave off any potential attacks by local residents.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865236-phuket-police-on-high-alert-navy-personnel-deployed-over-rumoured-riot-repeat/

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Phuket yachting community grieves loss of ‘vibrant’ David Cummins
Chris Husted


David Cummins, pictured here taking children for a sail, was known for his fun, vibrant and caring persona.

PHUKET: -- The yachting community in Phuket’s Ao Yon area is still coming to grips with the sudden, unexpected death of long-term British expat David Cummins.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865237-phuket-yachting-community-grieves-loss-of-vibrant-david-cummins/

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Phuket police ready to file charges over deadly Patong bungy jump
Saroj Kueprasertkij


Kathu District Chief Sayan Chanachaiyawong (right) is shown the equipment being used when 25-year-old Kuwaiti tourist Abdullah Adel Kadhbahman fell to his death.

PHUKET: -- Six months after a fatal bungy jump killed 25-year-old Kuwaiti tourist Abdullah Adel Kadhbahman, police say they expect to bring formal charges of negligence causing death against the operator of the now-closed facility and one of his staffers to court within the coming week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865238-phuket-police-ready-to-file-charges-over-deadly-patong-bungy-jump/

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In Thailand, come for the fun. Snap a selfie, though, and go to jail.
GlobalPost

BANGKOK: -- Jet-setting Instagrammers beware. There’s a nation where authorities have recently warned that flashing a bottle of beer in your selfies could be punishable by a year in prison.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865240-in-thailand-come-for-the-fun-snap-a-selfie-though-and-go-to-jail/

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'New' Rice Scheme Reveals Thailand Junta's Dearth of Ideas
By Rob Edens

Thailand's ruling junta is reverting to familiar political tactics

LONDON: -- It says much for the current junta’s ability to govern Thailand that they have chosen to exploit the very same idea, or one very near to it, which last year led them to depose their sworn enemy—former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865242-new-rice-scheme-reveals-thai-govts-dearth-of-ideas/

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Baby rescued alive hours after migrant boat sinks in Aegean Sea



A baby, believed to be just 18 months old, has been rescued, alive, from the Aegean Sea.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865243-baby-rescued-alive-hours-after-migrant-boat-sinks-in-aegean-sea/

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Quartet: calls for calm between Israelis and Palestinians



VIENNA: -- International Middle East peace mediators have repeated their calls for calm to be restored between Israelis and Palestinians.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865244-quartet-calls-for-calm-between-israelis-and-palestinians/

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Roads turn into rivers as Greek downpours hit Hydra



HYDRA: -- The mayor of Hydra has asked for the Greek island to be declared in a state of emergency after heavy rains caused widespread flooding.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865245-roads-turn-into-rivers-as-greek-downpours-hit-hydra/

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Ukraine: Darth Vader runs for mayor



ODESSA: -- Darth Vader is among the candidates vying for the post of Mayor in the Ukrainian port city of Odessa.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865246-ukraine-darth-vader-runs-for-mayor/

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Dozens killed in Nigeria bomb blasts



LAGOS: -- At least 37 people have been killed and 107 wounded in two bomb attacks in north-eastern Nigeria.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865247-dozens-killed-in-nigeria-bomb-blasts/

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'Colossal' hurricane barrels towards Mexico's Pacific coast



Mexico is bracing itself for one of the most powerful hurricanes in history.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865078-mexicos-pacific-coast-braces-for-monster-hurricane-patricia/#entry9997565

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France backs Greek efforts to renegotiate bailout



PARIS: -- French President François Hollande rounded off a two-day visit to Athens by backing Greece’s request to begin bailout negotiations with its international lenders by the end of 2015.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865248-france-backs-greek-efforts-to-renegotiate-bailout/

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Zoe Konstantopoulou: “The greek debt is illegal and should not be paid”
By Efi Koutsokosta



ATHENS: -- On 6 February 2015, after SYRIZA’s victory in the January 2015 election, she was elected as the youngest Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament with 235 votes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865249-zoe-konstantopoulou-the-greek-debt-is-illegal-and-should-not-be-paid/