Thailand Live Tuesday 10 Nov 2015

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Safety, conveniences to be provided for disabled cyclists in BIKE FOR DAD event

BANGKOK, 10 November 2015 (NNT) – Social Development and Human Security Minister Adul Saengsingkeow said a great number of disabled persons across the country have registered for BIKE FOR DAD activity on occasion of His Majesty the King's 88th birthday anniversary.

He has instructed all provincial offices of the ministry to take care of target groups of people, especially the disabled nationwide. The authorities will provide conveniences, safety measures and the most appropriate routes for the handicapped cyclists.

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities will also organize a safety training course for 400 disabled cyclists in Bangkok.

A cycling rehearsal for the disabled will take place in Lumpini Park on 15th November 2015 as the BIKE FOR DAD activity is scheduled for 11th December 2015.


-- NNT 2015-11-10

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LESE MAJESTE
'Mor Yong' dies in custody
Piyanut Tumnukasetchai,
Jittraporn Senwong,
Jessada Jantarak
The Nation


Mor Yong

Fortune-teller in lese-majeste case had health problems, died of blood infection: Justice minister

BANGKOK: -- HIGH-PROFILE fortune-teller Suriyan Sujaritpolwong, better known as Mor Yong, has become the second suspect in a high-profile lese-majeste case to die in custody.

Suriyan, 53, was pronounced dead at the Correctional Hospital on Saturday night.

"He died of respiratory and blood-circulation failures, which were the result of a blood infection," the Corrections Department said yesterday.

Suriyan's family has said it does not suspect foul play, the department said. After collecting his body on Sunday, the family organised funeral rites for him.

Justice Minister General Paiboon Koomchaya said authorities concerned would need to clarify what had happened to clear any lingering doubt about Suriyan's death.

"He had some health problems before he was put under detention. He also came under huge stress and pressure after his case made headlines," the justice minister said.

Suriyan, his secretary Jirawong Wattanathewasilp and Pol Major Prakrom Warunprapha, who had worked at the Technology Crime Suppression Division, were arrested last month on suspicion that they falsely cited the Royal family to demand sponsorships and bribes.

Prakrom committed suicide on October 23 while locked up at a detention centre inside a military camp in Dusit district, Bangkok.

Before his arrest, Suriyan had served as an adviser to a subcommittee responsible for public relations for the "Bike for Mom" cycling event on August 16, as well as the "Bike for Dad" event scheduled for December 11. He also took part in many charity events. Police said all three suspects had confessed.

Vitaya Suriyawong, director general of the Corrections Department, said X-ray results on October 22 showed Suriyan had a fatty liver problem. He said doctors had explained that some virulent viruses could strike hard particularly at people who had a weak immunity, and could quickly cause death.

Vitaya said nurses at the detention centre had prescribed basic medicines for Suriyan since November 5 because he had a high fever, a cough and restlessness.

"On the night of November 7, an on-duty official checked on him at about 9pm by calling his name from outside the cell but he did not respond. He appeared to have short breath. He then was rushed out of the cell to the Correctional Hospital in Chatuchak district. He arrived there at 10.20pm," Vitaya said. Emergency room staff gave him advanced CPR for an hour but to no avail.

Suriyan had been one of the country's top astrologers. His Facebook page said he was born Suriyan Ariyawongsopon in Trang province but changed his name in 2008 after the family name was bestowed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

He wrote that when he was young, he was hit by a car and knocked unconscious. During those several days when he was unconscious, he claimed he had many visions that helped him become an astrologer when he grew up. He became famous as an astrologer after he graduated from university. His clientele included celebrities and famous figures from both Thailand and overseas.

Suriyan's secretary, Jirawong, is now the only suspect in the case still in custody.

Meanwhile the Justice Minister said he had not received any report on Jirawong's health. "I also can't say whether he will be transferred to the Bangkok Remand Prison."

Sukkho Tarmseree, who is close to Prakrom, is also in detention but faces a charge of unauthorised possession of weapons. He faces a Criminal Court trial.

The Bangkok Military Court yesterday afternoon approved arrest warrants for Jirawong and Colonel Kachachart Boondee on charges that they offended the monarchy based on a complaint filed by Maj-General Wijarn Jodtaeng, a legal chief of the National Council for Peace and Order on Saturday.

Jirawong and Kachachart, along with Suriyan, allegedly claimed they sought sponsorships for the Royal family when meeting representatives of two big companies earlier this year, according to the latest complaint.

The court will no longer take legal action against Suriyan because he is dead.

Deputy police spokesman Maj-General Piyaphan Pingmuang said there was no record that Kachachart, an officer in the Third Army, had fled abroad. Unconfirmed reports claimed that he already fled to Myanmar with millions of cash. Inquiries were being made into whether Kachachart was linked to irregularities at Rajabhakti Park.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Mor-Yong-dies-in-custody-30272608.html

-- The Nation 2015-11-10

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Niwatthamrong defends Ms Yingluck over rice pledging scheme

BANGKOK: -- Former deputy prime minister and commerce minister Niwatthamrong Bunsongpaisarn defended former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra over the rice pledging scheme before the fact-finding panel today (Monday).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869475-niwatthamrong-defends-ms-yingluck-over-rice-pledging-scheme/

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UPDATE:

RICE PLEDGING SCHEME

Yingluck committed no wrongdoing : ex-minister

PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- FORMER COMMERCE minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan has testified before a government committee that former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra did not commit wrongdoing in the rice-pledging scheme despite an estimated "loss" of Bt600 billion in taxpayers' money as alleged by the government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869475-niwatthamrong-defends-ms-yingluck-over-rice-pledging-scheme/page-2?p=10060375#entry10060375

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Phra Buddha Issara petitions CDC to reform clergy related laws

BANGKOK, 10 November 2015 (NNT) – Venerable Phra Buddha Issara has petitioned the Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) to reform clergy related laws and to stipulate the establishment of a citizen's ethics council in the new constitution.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869552-phra-buddha-issara-petitions-cdc-to-reform-clergy-related-laws/

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BRIBERY
Juthamas and daughter go to court to fight bribery case
THE NATION


Juthamas Siriwan, 68, and her daughter Jittisopha Siriwan, 41, attend a criminal trial in which they are accused of taking Bt60 million in bribes from a US businessman to secure the right to organise the Bangkok International Film Festival from 2002 to 2007

BANGKOK: -- FORMER Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Juthamas Siriwan and daughter showed up at the Criminal Court yesterday to fight corruption and related charges over an alleged Bt60-million bribe paid to them by an American couple for the right to hold the Bangkok International Film Festival from 2002 to 2007.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869553-juthamas-and-daughter-go-to-court-to-fight-bribery-case/

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NEW CONSTITUTION
Party-list system of little value: Suthep
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- VETERAN politician Suthep Thaugsuban yesterday took a dim view of the party-list system, saying most of its MPs were useless because they were not directly answerable to any electorate.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869554-party-list-system-of-little-value-suthep/

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NEW CHARTER
CDC plans to slap immoral politicians with a lifetime ban
THE NATION

BANGKOK: - THE Constitution Drafting Commission is planning to issue a lifetime ban on politicians and state officials found to have violated the principles of morality and ethics, CDC chairman Meechai Ruchupan said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869555-cdc-plans-to-slap-immoral-thai-politicians-with-a-lifetime-ban/

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CRIME
Two families bond over stolen child
Jitima Janphrom
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- TWO FAMILIES at the centre of a baby-snatching case have agreed to forge ties for the best interests of the stolen girl.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869556-two-families-bond-over-stolen-thai-child/

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ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION
PM to focus on trade pacts at Apec meet
PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha will next week travel to the Philippines to lead the Thai delegation at the 23rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit (Apec) to push for the progression of free-trade agreements among Apec countries.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869557-pm-prayut-to-focus-on-trade-pacts-at-apec-meet/

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UPDATE:

Laotian charged over gory murder
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- POLICE have charged a Lao man for allegedly murdering and dismembering a Myanmar woman whose body parts were recovered at several Bangkok klong locations on Sunday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869401-butcher-held-over-murder-dismemberment-of-woman-in-bangkok/page-2?p=10060403#entry10060403

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Trafficking victims wait for justice
Chularat Saengpassa
The Nation


Friends of Women Foundation

Seminar hears of Thai women living in hell abroad, dismal results in their fights for justice

BANGKOK: -- IT HAS BEEN nearly 10 years but 51-year-old Boongrong (last name withheld) and friends - rescued from prostitution in Italy - are still waiting for an end to the judicial process, to get compensation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869558-trafficking-victims-wait-for-justice/

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YANGON, Myanmar (AP) - Suu Kyi party says it has won 44 of 45 lower house seats for Yangon in Myanmar elections.

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Thais grab bag of medals at Maths, Science Olympics
The Nation

BANGKOK: - ALL 48 Thais competing in the International Mathematics and Science Olympics for Primary Schools in Bangkok collected a medal.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869559-thais-grab-bag-of-medals-at-maths-science-olympics/

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Public Gathering Act 'can only do so much to contain an angry mob'
JAKRAWAN SALAYTOO
THE NATION


File Photo

BANGKOK: -- SPECIFIC measures related to the Public Gathering Act announced by the Royal Thai Police and the PM's Office Minister in recent weeks will affect organisers of public gatherings and people who join rallies.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869560-public-gathering-act-can-only-do-so-much-to-contain-an-angry-mob/

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UPDATE:

EC gains some power, loses some power under proposals
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The Election Commission would have more power to close polling stations but would lose the power to disqualify election candidates under proposals made by the Constitution Drafting Commission.

Full story: [/bhttp://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869552-phra-buddha-issara-petitions-cdc-to-reform-clergy-related-laws/#entry10060419

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NRSA to discuss its charter reform ideas today
Khanittha Thepkhajorn
Wasamon Audjarint
Jakrawan Salaytoo
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) will ask the Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) to include eight development reform agendas in the charter draft.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869561-nrsa-to-discuss-its-charter-reform-ideas-10th-nov/

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BURNING ISSUE
As drought looms, now is the time for new ideas to confront it
CHULARAT SAENGPASSA

BANGKOK: -- THE COUNTRY'S dry season officially kicked off at the beginning of this month, underlining the fact that water shortages will soon become a very hot public issue.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869562-thai-politics-as-drought-looms-now-is-the-time-for-new-ideas-to-confront-it/

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Drafters' novel ideas creating doubts among experts, public
KASAMAKORN CHANWANPEN
THE NATION

REQUIREMENT THAT WINNERS MUST GET MORE VOTES THAN 'NO' BALLOTS IS LATEST EXAMPLE

BANGKOK: -- THE charter drafters have come up with novel ideas for their constitution which are causing concern among political observers, including a requirement that the election winner must get more votes than "no" votes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869563-drafters-novel-ideas-creating-doubts-among-experts-thai-public/

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Fire at East Pattaya Auction House



PATTAYA: -- A fire took hold at an East Pattaya Auction House late on Sunday Night which is thought to have caused an estimated 500,000 Baht’s worth of damage.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869564-fire-at-east-pattaya-auction-house/

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Phuket officials scramble to contain wastewater beach spill
Tanyaluk Sakoot


Black untreated wastewater spilled across the sand at Kata Beach last Thursday. Photo: Chatpon Jareonwech

PHUKET: -- Public works officials put in a 12-hour shift last Thursday (Nov 5) to quickly repair a wastewater-treatment plant that was allowing black, untreated wastewater to flow onto Kata Beach.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869565-phuket-officials-scramble-to-contain-wastewater-beach-spill/

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High Season Police Parade on Pattaya Beach Road



PATTAYA: -- Over 800 Police and Police Volunteers attended a High Season Parade on Pattaya Beach on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869566-high-season-police-parade-on-pattaya-beach-road/

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NCPO: Secretariat working to eliminate sinister influence groups

BANGKOK, 9 November 2015 (NNT) – The NCPO Secretariat meeting has stressed its role to communicate with the public on legal matters and the elimination of influence groups in local communities, an army deputy spokesperson says.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869567-ncpo-secretariat-working-to-eliminate-sinister-influence-groups/

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Four agencies have until March to buck up
ERICH PARPART
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha is personally monitoring the reform of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) after warning seven loss-making agencies he will issue a "red card" to those that fail to follow their business-rehabilitation plan before the March deadline.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869568-four-thai-agencies-have-until-march-to-buck-up/

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Holland and Obama step up pressure on climate change ahead of COP21
By Alasdair Sandford



WASHINGTON: -- World leaders have been adding their voices to those of scientists on climate change, following the latest warning that levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reached a record high last year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869569-holland-and-obama-step-up-pressure-on-climate-change-ahead-of-cop21/

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Facebook given 48 hours to quit tracking Internet users in Belgium



BRUSSELS: -- Facebook has been given 48 hours by a Belgian court to stop tracking Internet users who don’t have profiles with the social media company, or face fines of up to 250,000 euros a day.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869570-facebook-given-48-hours-to-quit-tracking-internet-users-in-belgium/

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Austrian artist Ernst Fuchs has died aged 85



VIENNA: -- Austrian artist Ernst Fuchs has died aged 85.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869571-austrian-artist-ernst-fuchs-has-died-aged-85/

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Gunman kills five including US staff at police training centre in Jordan



JORDAN: -- A gunman has killed five people at a police training facility in Jordan before being shot dead by security forces.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869572-gunman-kills-five-including-us-staff-at-police-training-centre-in-jordan/

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UNESCO cultural agency rejects Kosovo



PARIS: -- Cultural agency UNESCO has narowly voted against granting membership to Kosovo.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869573-unesco-cultural-agency-rejects-kosovo/

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Egypt: tourist repatriations stepped up from Sharm el-Sheikh
By Alasdair Sandford



PARIS: -- Russia is said to have repatriated 25,000 tourists from the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh in two days, amid heightened security following the passenger plane crash nine days ago.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/869574-egypt-tourist-repatriations-stepped-up-from-sharm-el-sheikh/