Thailand Live Saturday 24 Oct 2015

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France in mourning after pensioners killed in horror bus crash



BORDEAUX: -- At least 43 people, most of them pensioners on a hiking trip, have been killed after the bus they were travelling in collided with a truck.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865250-france-in-mourning-after-pensioners-killed-in-horror-bus-crash/

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Palestinian groups call for mass protests against Israel



JERUSALEM: -- Both Hamas and Fatah have called for mass rallies against Israel in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865252-palestinian-groups-call-for-mass-protests-against-israel/

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Zara's Ortega rivals Bill Gates for Forbes top spot



He briefly overtook Bill Gates to become the richest man in the world, according to Forbes

SPAIN: -- Amancio Ortega, the Spanish clothes billionaire who founded the retailer Zara, was said to be worth $79.8 billion (71.8 billion euros).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865253-zaras-ortega-rivals-bill-gates-for-forbes-top-spot/

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ENTERTAINMENT
A dream holiday for foreign beauties
THE NATION



Contestants in the Miss Grand International pageant have spent the past week soaking up Thai sights and culture

BANGKOK: -- WITH THIS YEAR'S Miss Grand International to be crowned in Bangkok tomorrow, the 78 contestants have been touring parts of the country - probably seeing more of it than most of us have - much to the delight of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865254-miss-grand-international-pageant-bangkok-a-dream-holiday-for-foreign-beauties/

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Business activity grows in eurozone but low prices disappoint



PARIS: -- Stronger business activity in France and Germany boosted figures for the eurozone in October – but there was no sign of healthy price increases.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865255-business-activity-grows-in-eurozone-but-low-prices-disappoint/

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China cuts interest rates for sixth time in a year



BEIJING: -- China’s central bank has cut interest rates and lowered the amount of cash banks must hold as reserves, as well as freeing up deposit rates.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865256-china-cuts-interest-rates-for-sixth-time-in-a-year/

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Bush slashing spending, shifting staff amid campaign woes
By JULIE PACE

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) — Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush is drastically slashing campaign spending, including an across-the-board pay cut for staff, and focusing more narrowly on early states, as the one-time front-runner seeks to salvage his bid for the GOP nomination.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865257-bush-slashing-spending-shifting-staff-amid-campaign-woes/

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UPDATE:

Hurricane Patricia: UK issues travel advice for British citizens in Mexico

LONDON, England - Hurricane Patricia is increasing in strength and now a Category 5 hurricane. If you are in the affected area or are concerned about someone who is, you should follow local advice or call the British Embassy in Mexico City on (0052) 55 1670 3200. British Nationals in Mexico are advised to view the British Embassy’s Facebook and Twitter pages for regular updates on Hurricane Patricia.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865078-mexicos-pacific-coast-braces-for-monster-hurricane-patricia/page-2?p=9997855#entry9997855

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Germany tightens asylum rules from today to cope with record migrant influx



BERLIN: -- Germany is tightening asylum rules from Saturday – a week earlier than planned – to try to better manage the unprecedented influx of migrants and refugees.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865274-germany-tightens-asylum-rules-from-today-to-cope-with-record-migrant-influx/

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UPDATE:

What went wrong? France probes horror bus crash that left dozens dead



BORDEAUX: -- A long and difficult investigation lies ahead after France’s deadliest road crash in more than 30 years.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865250-france-in-mourning-after-pensioners-killed-in-horror-bus-crash/?p=9997933#entry9997933

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Bryde's whales attract tourists to Phetchaburi

PHETCHABURI, 24 Ocrober 2015 (NNT) - The Chao Samran Municipality in Phetchaburi and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have cooperated in organizing the 2nd Whale Watching and Crab Eating Festival at the Chao Samran beach.

Chao Samran Mayor Boonyod Makhlai said a pod of Bryde's whales came near the beach to find food during this period every year. Large and baby Bryde's whales were recently spotted in the pod by local fishermen, the mayor said.

The fishermen who take tourists out to the sea to watch the whales have been trained by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. Each trip usually takes many hours.

The municipality and the TAT expect that the festival will help educate the public about Bryde's whales and promote Chao Samran as another important tourist site in Phetchaburi province.


-- NNT 2015-10-24

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High turnout at Book Expo Thailand 2015

BANGKOK, 24 October 2015 (NNT) – The Book Expo Thailand 2015 has seen a high turnout of viewers so far.

The 20th Book Expo Thailand, which this year is promoting a drawing theme, was organized by the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand and is taking place between October 21 - November 1, 2015, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. A large number of people have showed up so far to buy books.

More than 421 Thai publishers took care of more than 900 booths at the Book Expo. The books which have had most attention at the fair include SouthEast Asian Writers Award winning books, fiction series, travel books and cartoon books.

Also on display at the fair are books on seven legendary Kings of Siam, plus an exhibition on Thai cartoons, poetry, a book commemorating the 100th birthday of Nilawan Pintong, and many others.


-- NNT 2015-10-24

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Export Garment Fair kicks off in Bangkok

BANGKOK, 23 October 2015 (NNT) – The Thai Garment Manufacturers Association is holding an export garment fair in Bangkok to offer consumers quality products at affordable prices.

The opening ceremony was chaired by Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion Chantira Jimreivat.

In her speech, Mrs. Chantira expressed her appreciation of the role of the garment industry in the country’s economy and admired operators for their efforts to adjust to such challenges as the minimum wage increase and the fierce competition with other countries.

Mrs. Chantira reiterated that the government had worked out marketing strategies to encourage operators, particularly small and medium enterprises, to create their own brands and expand their customer base to new countries.

The fair is aimed at giving Thai people the opportunity to buy quality but inexpensive garments. The event is taking place from 23 October until 1 November at the exhibition hall, the Department of International Trade Promotion.


-- NNT 2015-10-24

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DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) - Security officials say bomb attacks at Shiite shrine in Bangladesh capital kill 1, injure 100

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Ninety-five per cent of households in Laos to have electricity by 2020



VIENTIANE: -- By 2020, 95 per cent of households in Laos will have access to electricity, according to Khammany Inthirath, the Minister of Energy and Mines, Lao News Agency reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865301-ninety-five-per-cent-of-households-in-laos-to-have-electricity-by-2020/

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3,000 stranded by haze in Langkawi



KUALA LUMPUR: -- Close to 3,000 people, mostly tourists, were stranded here as the haze grounded almost all flights to and from Langkawi International Airport for the past two days, according to The Star Online.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865302-3000-stranded-by-haze-in-langkawi/

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Princess Maha Chakri opens an event in remembrance of the Princess Mother

BANGKOK, 24 October 2015 (NNT) - Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn yesterday inaugurated an event entitled “Missing Somdet Ya”, at Siam Paragon Shopping Center.

The event is jointly organized by Mae Fa Luang Foundation under the Royal Patronage and the private sector, to display the lifelong noble attributes and many meritorious deeds that Her late Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra the Princess Mother had done to ensure the well-being of Thai people, especially those in remote areas.

Although the Princess Mother has passed away for 20 years, Thai people still cherish the memory of their “Somdet Ya”, her loving kindness and efforts to ward off the suffering of the rural poor. The exhibition is divided into six zones such as the Slow Life zone which displays the Princess Mother’s sufficiency in her lifestyle. Living a simple life is the most outstanding trait of the Princess. The “Care” zone features the Princess Mother’s endeavors to develop the quality of life of people through the promotion of education, occupations and public health. The D.I.Y zone gives training on making such items as fabric bags, bookmarks and sells products from the Mae Fa Luang Foundation to raise funds for its activities.

The “Missing Somdet Ya” event has been held for the 19th year and this one will continue until October 25.


-- NNT 2015-10-24

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Robinson to open stores in SEZs

KWANCHAI RUNGFAPAISARN
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- ROBINSON Department Store, a unit of Central Retail Corporation (CRC), plans to open stores in special economic zones (SEZs) in line with the government's policy to promote cross-border trade in those areas.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865304-robinson-to-open-stores-in-sezs/

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Thailand hopes to reach loan terms for 800-km joint venture rail project with China this month



BANGKOK: -- The Ministry of Transport will meet the Chinese government for the eighth time next week in Beijing to finalise the planned 800-kilometre long joint venture Thai-Chinese rail project.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865306-thailand-hopes-to-reach-loan-terms-for-800-km-joint-venture-rail-project-with-china-this-month/

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Rains help to improve haze situation in South today



BANGKOK: -- Southern sky this morning became clearer today with rains in many areas help to improve the air quality down significantly from over 200 milligrammes per cubic metre of dust particles yesterday to less than 100 mcg.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865307-rains-help-to-improve-haze-situation-in-south-today/

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UPDATE:

Phuket rioters responsible for death of 73-year-old Krabi man says family
Eakkapop Thongtub


Nathaya Boon-in, 35, files her complaint at Tha Chatchai Police Station yesterday (Oct 23).

PHUKET: -- The family of the 73-year-old Krabi man who had suffered a heart attack and died in an ambulance while being transported to Bangkok Hospital Phuket during the Thalang riots yesterday (Oct 23) filed a complaint at Tha Chatchai Police Station accusing the rioters of contributing to the man’s death.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865228-phuket-riots-patients-daughter-will-keep-fighting/#entry9998497

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Phuket serial thief caught trying to sell stolen items
Eakkapop Thongtub


Surachet Banda, 37, with two of his victims.

PHUKET: -- A man from Bangkok was arrested for multiple thefts on Thursday (Oct 22) when he was apprehended whilst trying to sell one of the stolen items. The man told police he stole the items because he needed money to return home.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865319-phuket-serial-thief-caught-trying-to-sell-stolen-items/

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30,000 baht reward for arrest of Cambodian murder suspect



BANGKOK: -- Bangkok Metropolitan Police Bureau has offered 30,000 baht reward for any person who gives useful information that could lead to the arrest of the fugitive Cambodian migrant worker for alleged murder of an event show girl in Bangkok Wednesday night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865321-30000-baht-reward-for-arrest-of-cambodian-murder-suspect/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Loan shark gang members arrested for violent debt collection

PATHUM THANI:-- Two illegal loan sharks were arrested and more were being hunted after they fired several gun shots at a house whose owner failed to repay the debt.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865337-loan-shark-gang-members-arrested-for-violent-debt-collection/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Cambo-Aussie Refugee deal has hidden bonuses: policy analyst

While the modest stream of refugees from Nauru to Cambodia expected under the controversial deal with Australia has all but dried up, the aid money has continued to flow.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865273-aussie-refugee-deal-has-hidden-bonuses-policy-analyst/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Australian fugitive G Eglitis arrested in Cambodia after 7 years on the run with his NZ stooge

Police in Siem Reap yesterday arrested a 68-year-old man they say is wanted for a kidnapping abroad – an incident seemingly corroborated by Australian media reports, which cite an attacker with the same name and age allegedly abducting a businessman in Queensland.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865268-australian-fugitive-g-eglitis-arrested-in-cambodia-after-7-years-on-the-run-with-his-nz-stooge/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Between Cambodian mum and British dad, Custody battle chaos at airport

A long-running custody battle between a Cambodian mother and UK-based father over their daughter resulted in a chaotic scene at the Phnom Penh airport yesterday morning when a scuffle broke out in the airport’s busy arrivals terminal.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865271-between-cambodian-mum-and-british-dad-custody-battle-chaos-at-airport/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Myanmar anti-drug crusaders uncover $500K ledger of payoffs

ESTHER HTUSAN, Associated Press

HPAKANT, Myanmar (AP) — Residents of this town in northern Myanmar's opium country became their own drug investigators out of frustration with authorities' failure to keep heroin and methamphetamine addiction from consuming their villages.

Now they say they have an explanation for officials' poor performance, thanks to a woman charged with drug-dealing who kept careful track of her expenses.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865338-myanmar-anti-drug-crusaders-uncover-500k-ledger-of-payoffs/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

2 Foreigners arrested for smuggling people from Thailand to US

NEWARK, New Jersey (AP) — Two Indian nationals conspired with an undercover federal agent to smuggle people from Thailand to New Jersey, prosecutors said Thursday.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865340-2-foreigners-arrested-for-smuggling-people-from-thailand-to-us/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Prayuth vows to push forward Thailand-UN cooperation

BANGKOK, 24 October 2015 (NNT) – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed intention to foster cooperation between Thailand and the United Nations and to promote the philosophy of sufficiency economy.

Read more: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/865341-prayuth-vows-to-push-forward-thailand-un-cooperation/