Thailand Live Thursday 29 Oct 2015

[webfact]

Ministry of Energy asks the public to reduce fuel consumption

BANGKOK, 29 October 2015 (NNT)-The Ministry of Energy is urging the public to help to reduce fuel consumption, following a 10 to 21 percent increase in usage, due to declining fuel prices.

The Permanent Secretary for Energy, Areepong Bhoocha-oom revealed that fuel consumption has been increasing continuously in the automotive sector. Consumption in September of 2015 for gasohol 95 stood at 9.12 million liters per day, indicating an increase of 21.48 percent compared to the same period last year.

Gasohol 91 consumption was measured at 10.81 million liters per day, an increase of 8.28 percent compared to the same period last year. Consumption of E20 has also increased by 8.84 percent, while consumption of diesel fuel increased 2.12 percent. The greater fuel consumption is a result of declining fuel prices in Thailand, adjusted in accordance with global oil prices.

Fuel prices have decreased some 10 to 12 baht since the last quarter of 2014. Authorities have expressed concern over the rise in fuel consumption, as the country might have to increase oil imports, which could impact the economy in the long run.

The Ministry of Energy is asking the public to decrease fuel consumption and is urging the public to use bio fuel such as E20 and E85 if possible.


-- NNT 2015-10-29

[webfact]

Arrest warrants for 66 over Phuket riots
The Nation



PHUKET: -- Arrest warrants have been issued for 66 persons allegedly involved in the October 10 riot at Phuket's Thalang Police Station, deputy national police chief Pol General Chalermkiat Srivorakhan said yesterday, adding that probes into the protest that resulted in violence and into the deaths of two youngsters, which triggered the riot, were ongoing.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866338-arrest-warrants-for-66-over-phuket-riots/

[webfact]

Bangkok 'Tessakit' Threatens to Attitude-Adjust 'Smart Ass' Citizen
By Sasiwan Mokkhasen
Staff Reporter


Screens from a cellphone video of an encounter between a citizen and a municipal enforcer at Bangkok's Saphan Lek Market. Image: Fortyfive Bikershop / Facebook

BANGKOK — A video posted online today and currently making its way around the net seems to capture a brief encounter between a private citizen and public servant during the demolition of Saphan Lek Market.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866405-bangkok-tessakit-threatens-to-attitude-adjust-smart-ass-citizen/

[webfact]

LESE MAJESTE CASE
Gang extorted in name of royals
THE NATION


High-ranking police officials hold a press conference yesterday to detail lese majeste charges against fortune-teller Suriyan Sujaritpolwong, known as Mor Yong, his secretary Jirawong Wattanathewasilp and the late Pol Major Prakrom Warunprapha.

Police display assets seized from Mor Yong Gang; say trio demanded bribes and sponsorships; more persons involved

BANGKOK: -- IN ONE of the biggest crackdowns on a "lese-majeste gang" this year, police are investigating a famous fortune-teller and his alleged accomplices over suspicions they demanded sponsorships and bribes, which they claimed to be for the Royal Family.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866406-thai-gang-extorted-in-name-of-royals/

[webfact]

EXCUSIVE INTERVIEW
'We don't choose sides, we choose principles'
THE NATION


New US Ambassador to Thailand Glyn Davies gives an exclusive interview to Veenarat Laohapakakul from Nation TV at his residence yesterday.

BANGKOK: -- THE LONGER it takes to hold a general election, the more difficult it will be for Thailand to achieve the objective of returning to the democratic path, new US ambassador to Thailand Glyn Davies yesterday said in an exclusive interview with Nation Group.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866407-interview-with-us-ambassador-to-thailand-we-dont-choose-sides-we-choose-principles/

[webfact]

SURVEY
Thailand faces big risk from malware
ASINA PORNWASIN
THE NATION

Asia-Pacific region most targeted for cybercrime, Microsoft says

BANGKOK: -- THAILAND is among the top 25 malware-infected nations globally, according to the Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit. There are more than 5 million IP (Internet protocol) addresses connected to millions of malware-infected devices observed in Asia and Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866408-thailand-faces-big-risk-from-malware/

[webfact]

NEW CHARTER
New electoral system 'may not reflect the majority'
KASAMAKORN CHANWANPEN
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE NEW electoral system proposed by the Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) - of counting the votes of losing candidates to determine party-list MPs - could weaken politics, a member of the Pheu Thai Party said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866409-new-thai-charter-new-electoral-system-may-not-reflect-the-majority/

[webfact]

ILLEGAL WORKERS
Guard of honour for Cambodian migrants
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A total of 108 undocumented Cambodian workers were rounded up in Sa Kaew province early yesterday morning and delivered to the border, where they were personally welcomed back to Cambodia by Bon Sokvibol, the Cambodian Consulate-General.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866410-illegal-workers-guard-of-honour-for-cambodian-migrants/

[webfact]

ICT minister hopeful country will be Asean digital hub within three years
USANEE MONGKOLPORN
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- THAILAND SHOULD be-come a regional digital hub within three years, says Information and Communi-cations Technology Minister Uttama Savayana.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866412-ict-minister-hopeful-thailand-will-be-asean-digital-hub-within-three-years/

[webfact]

Somkid to lead trade delegation of 50 firms to Iran in December
PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- DEPUTY Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak will lead a delegation including 50 Thai companies to Iran in December with the aim of promoting trade and investment between the two countries after the cancellation of international sanctions on Iran.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866413-thai-dpm-somkid-to-lead-trade-delegation-of-50-firms-to-iran-in-december/

[webfact]

UPDATE:

Ten hurt as famous bridge collapses
Damnoen Tuamjok,
Patinya Srisupamat
The Nation



MAE HONG SON: -- TEN people were injured yesterday, three of them seriously, when the "country's longest bamboo bridge" partially collapsed in Mae Hong Son's Muang district.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866273-bamboo-bridge-collapse-injures-a-dozen-in-mae-hong-son/#entry10014283

[webfact]

Beauty to keep her prizes despite lies
Wuth Jintakham
The Nation
Samut Prakan



BANGKOK: -- THE MISS UNCENSORED News Thailand panel said yesterday that it would not rescind the prizes given to winner Kanita "Mint" Pasang over allegations of faking her educational background.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866414-thai-beauty-to-keep-her-prizes-despite-lies/

[webfact]

UPDATE:

Hua Hin beach oil clean-up begins
Pratch Rujivanarom,
Apichat Hongsakul
The Nation



Navy command warns of more oil heading ashore

HUA HIN: -- A "BIG CLEAN-UP" operation with 500 officials and members of the public was launched yesterday morning after the beach in Prachuap Khiri Khan's Hua Hin district was hit by an oil slick.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866312-lawsuit-threatened-over-hua-hin-oil-spill/#entry10015497

[webfact]

Prawut has 'not resigned'
The Nation


Prawut

BANGKOK: -- NATIONAL police chief Pol General Chakthip Chaijinda yesterday denied suggestions that Pol Lt-General Prawut Thavorn-siri has resigned from the police and insisted that Prawut's removal from the post of police spokesman had nothing to do with the recent lese majeste case.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866415-thai-police-prawut-has-not-resigned/

[webfact]

PM spells out action plan at '5 Rivers' meet
WASAMON AUDJARINT,
NATTAPAT PROMKAEW
THE NATION


Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha chairs a meeting of the five core agencies at Parliament yesterday. The agencies include the National Council for Peace and Order, the Cabinet, the National Legislative Assembly, the National Reform Steering Assembly

BANGKOK: -- PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday instructed the members of the "Five Rivers", who were meeting for the first time in their current format, to come up with a road map to facilitate reforms and to divide the work into phases.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866416-pm-prayut-spells-out-action-plan-at-5-rivers-meet/

[webfact]

Yingluck's lawyer warns PM his client is not a bully
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- YINGLUCK Shinawatra is a direct stakeholder in the rice-pledging scheme and has never intimidated or threatened anyone, the former prime minister's lawyer insisted yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866336-yinglucks-lawyer-warns-pm-shes-no-bully/

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE
Caution needed in fine-tuning the electoral system
ATTAYUTH BOOTSRIPOOM

BANGKOK: -- THE ELECTORAL and vote-count system has always been a major issue every time a new constitution is drafted. It is because this is an important way for elected politicians to get a mandate to rule. Constitution drafters often rely on the electoral and vote-count system to screen out undesirable people from gaining political power.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866417-thai-politics-caution-needed-in-fine-tuning-the-electoral-system/

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
The thin line between peace and civil war
The Nation

Battle-torn countries across the world offer sobering lessons for divided Thailand

BANGKOK: -- Civil wars and internal armed conflicts rage on in many countries across the globe, and as ever it is innocent bystanders who bear the brunt of the violence. Each day sees more ordinary men, women and children fall victim, killed, maimed or fleeing their homeland to escape the fighting.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866418-thai-editorial-the-thin-line-between-peace-and-civil-war/

[webfact]

UPDATE:

Pattaya Deckchair Operators banned from Wongamat Beach by Police



PATTAYA: -- Following a viral Facebook video depicting the eviction of a Russian Family from a Beach in Pattaya by a female Deckchair Operator, all operators on Wongamat Beach in North Pattaya have been banned from trading with effect from 6pm on Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866330-pattaya-beach-vendor-fined-for-chasing-away-family-of-foreign-tourists/#entry10015518

[webfact]

PM warns he may stay longer in office if opposing political groups refuse to stop fighting



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha called on members of the “five rivers” to help overcome decades-long internal political conflict as he half-jokingly said that he might have to stay longer in power if there is no peace in the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866419-prayut-warns-he-may-stay-longer-in-office-if-opposing-political-groups-refuse-to-stop-fighting/

[webfact]

UPDATE:

More oil slicks spotted off Hua Hin beach



HUA HIN: -- Patches of oil slicks have been located about one kilometer from the shoreline of Hua Hin and officials expect that they will be swept on the beaches soon, said the first region’s naval fleet.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866312-lawsuit-threatened-over-hua-hin-oil-spill/#entry10015525

[webfact]

New median land prices see land in Bangkok going up 15% on average



BANGKOK: -- Median land prices in Bangkok to be announced by the Treasury Department next year will see an average rise of 15 percent for the land in Bangkok with the exception of land along the new elevated and underground rail routes which is going up by 75 percent.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866421-new-median-land-prices-see-land-in-bangkok-going-up-15-on-average/

[webfact]

Deputy Police Chief seeks to enhance service quality of law enforcement personnel

BANGKOK: -- The Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police has attended a meeting to follow up on the progress of Phang Nga Police Division's program of enhancing the service quality of its law-enforcement personnel.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866423-deputy-thai-police-chief-seeks-to-enhance-service-quality-of-law-enforcement-personnel/

[webfact]

Thai banks receive Bitcoin threat
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Four Thai banks have received an e-mail from an anonymous group, demanding the payment in Bitcoins or face cyber attacks, according to a source from the IT industry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866424-thai-banks-receive-bitcoin-threat/

[webfact]

ATHENS, Greece (AP) - Coast guard rescues 242 people after boat capsizes near Lesbos, unclear how many were onboard.

WASHINGTON (AP) - US House Republicans nominate Rep. Paul Ryan to be next speaker, hoping to end party disarray.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Fed keeps its key short-term rate at record low after slowdown in US job growth.

BRUSSELS (AP) - EU nations agree on stricter emissions testing for diesel cars in wake of Volkswagen scandal.

CHICAGO (AP) - Former US House Speaker Dennis Hastert pleads guilty in $3.5 million hush-money case.

[webfact]

How Thailand could really boost its economy
Nyshka Chandran

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's history of military coups has made policymakers too focused on political stability rather than foreign investment, according to a panel of experts.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866425-how-thailand-could-really-boost-its-economy/

[webfact]

Security to be beefed up at Ratchaprasong Square
KWANCHAI RUNGFAPAISARN
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- THE RATCHAPRASONG Square Trade Association (RSTA) yesterday announced a stepping up of security measures in Bangkok's major shopping district with the full integration of security systems enhanced by all its property-company members, which operate 13 major buildings in the area.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866427-security-to-be-beefed-up-at-ratchaprasong-square/

[webfact]

Rosetta mission finds oxygen on comet 67P



The rubber duck-shaped comet named 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko is yielding more and more surprises

BRUSSELS: -- Scientists have now found oxygen in its hazy halo, a discovery that could change our understanding of how the solar system formed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866430-rosetta-mission-finds-oxygen-on-comet-67p/

[webfact]

Peace prospect: Colombia-FARC ceasefire could be called on January 1



BOGOTA: -- A ceasefire between Colombia and rebels from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – or FARC – could be called on January 1, 2016.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866431-peace-prospect-colombia-farc-ceasefire-could-be-called-on-january-1/

[webfact]

Czech Republic: far-right demonstrations attract thousands



PRAGUE: -- Anti-migrant and anti-Islam demonstrations across the Czech Republic have attracted up to 5,000 people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/866432-czech-republic-far-right-demonstrations-attract-thousands/